Wonderful memories of my childhood have resurfaced as a result of the upcoming: “The Greatest Love Of All: The Whitney Houston Show” which is set to make its début at Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace Casino for a three-week run of spectacular shows this June and July.
I could not help but to sit back, relax and smile as I took a trip down memory lane. In primary school, we used to have lots of school concerts and song and dance related activities. During tea and lunch breaks and even after school sometimes, myself and a group of girls would play. Our idea of play then, was singing and dancing competitions. As you may have guessed, we didn’t have iPads and mobile devices then. Fortunately so, how else would I have had such a beautiful memory of my childhood in this instance.
“The Greatest Love of All” was probably the most favorite song to sing then. I remember singing with so much of conviction. The lyrics of the song still resonate with me so much and I can almost feel the passion now, that I felt so many years ago, when singing that song. I think Whitney had a magical voice – this has got to be one of the most uplifting songs of all time…in my own opinion. It is such motivation to love yourself and to find self love – something that some of us take years to discover, if we ever do.
Then…as the years passed on by, this no longer primary school lass, felt a deeper connection to the other love songs by Whitney Houston. It was all very innocent. The sense of imagination and the fantasies created in my mind by those songs at the time made me think of love. I fell in love with the idea of being in love.
I probably associated the songs to a crush I had on someone then. I do recall having a poster on my wall at one stage…of Kevin Costner. I was very young at the time to be admiring someone his age at the time, but I did. I even recall my grandmother asking me to remove the poster of the wall! So when I watched the Bodyguard movie, I fell in love with the songs from the soundtrack even more…as I am almost certain, many girls and women felt the same then.
It’s amazing that after all these years, I still remember the lyrics to all of these songs.
Another song that comes to mind, is “All the Man that I need” – I remember being so madly in love with this song too, wishing in my heart that some day, those lyrics would have some truth in my own life. That wish has certainly come true for me. It took a while…but it happened.
I also very vividly remember that during music class, there was a girl in my class who sang this song so beautifully – yes…she could really sing. Her voice was remarkable. I think if we had idols way back then, she would certainly have won.
What are your memories of Whitney Houston songs? Which are your favorite songs? I’d love to know in the comments below, at the end of this post.
In high school, I used to listen to every Whitney Houston album there was at the time. I’d listen “Where do broken hearts go” when I experienced a heartache, amongst a few other songs.
“Miracle” – oh my gosh, even if I listen to this song now, it gives me goosebumps. A song doesn’t always have to have any relevance and this is one of those songs – my heart is not in pain but I find this song so incredibly beautiful. Perhaps its cos I never gave up on love…”there’s a miracle in store…” – I have my miracle now.
“Could I have this kiss forever” – this duet with Enrique Iglesias…I almost typed “oh-so-glesias” lol. I was a huge fan of Enrique Iglesias – yes his music too…until I met my husband. I’m still a fan, just not as huge as the one I was then. Listening to this song just made me feel so in love, it’s such a feel good song, it makes me feel all kinds of sexy and happy. Even as I listen to it now, it’s as beautiful as I thought it was a few years ago.
Then there was “I have nothing” – what an intense feeling this created within! I remember singing this song to myself over and over again. You know that feeling when you’re young and in love and feel like there will never be another love in your life ever again…and that you’ll have nothing if that ended? Yep…that was me back then….truly, madly, deeply in love. Closing my eyes and singing my heart out…it makes me realize that there are not so many songs these days that I feel such an affinity toward.
In my mid twenties, I chose “I wanna dance with somebody” for Karaoke on a Monday night in a very popular bar in our Mother City. Let me tell you…when I speak about ‘singing” – I am referring to me just knowing the lyrics. I have no hidden singing talent…just let me put that out there. But….I was standing on the top of the speaker that night and maybe we can blame it on the alcohol – I managed to get lots of cheers and the audience was cheering me right to the very end of the song…did I mention it was a gay bar? It was also the very first time I got hit on by a woman!
I love the fact that I can write about songs from my past and be totally detached. The songs are still beautiful and by no reason should failed relationships make one hate a song.
I could go on writing a very long post, sharing with you what each song of Whitney Houston means to me or the memories it triggers…I think it would have been easier to make a note of the very few songs of hers’ that I didn’t like so much.
Instead, what I want to share with you are the details of the tribute show of this amazing and legendary artist:
The Greatest Love Of All: The Whitney Houston Show
Fresh from receiving a well-deserved standing ovation at New York’s most respected Apollo Theatre – after a mesmerising performance of “I Will Always Love You” on the US hit TV show, Showtime at The Apollo – South African singing sensation Belinda Davids will be jetting home to perform for local audiences in Johannesburg later this year.
Davids’ performance at the Apollo Theatre late last year, which captivated US radio and TV personality Steve Harvey on stage, has been viewed over 10 million times on Facebook to date – cementing Davids as a true global musical icon.
After winning BBC TV’s Even Better Than The Real Thing musical contest in 2017, the lead singer of The Greatest Love Of All: The Whitney Houston Show returns to Johannesburg to once again honour and celebrate the world’s most loved pop diva – live in concert.
Launching just over five years ago and leaving hype in its wake ever since, The Greatest Love Of All: The Whitney Houston Show has already achieved great international successes, opening with a sold-out six week season in Johannesburg 2013 and going on to perform to audiences across the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Dubai and North America.
Prompted into auditioning last-minute by a friend, the Port Elizabeth-born Davids, who now resides in Cape Town, was one of almost 15 000 singers who tried-out for the demanding role, but Director John Van Grinsven knew immediately that she was the star he was looking for:
“Belinda’s voice is astounding on its own, but when you hear her sing Whitney songs in full voice, and with such personal affection, it’s an ethereal experience,” say Van Grinsven.
The upcoming season at Emperor’s Palace Casino will be the second Johannesburg visit for the show, after the first took place at the Civic Theatre in in 2013, resulting in a virtual sell-out musical experience. Fans can look forward to updates to the musical production, including new choreography and costumes this time around.
Davids’ staggering voice will be serenading all of Whitney’s greatest ballads and pop hits, including I Will Always Love You, I’m Every Woman, One Moment in Time, Run to You, Saving All My Love, Queen of the Night, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and many more.
“I want people to come and remember Whitney when she was at the top of her game and when she was fabulous”, says Davids, who will be accompanied on stage by a full live band and dancers including professional dancer and acrobat Nathan Adriaanse, as well as Johannesburg-born dancer, Golda Rabe.
Tickets for this spectacular show can also be purchased via Computicket at either www.computicket.com or via Checkers and Shoprite retail stores, countrywide, and range between R160 and R250 each.
GIVEAWAY
I have x5 Double tickets to giveaway for the opening night: Thursday, 21st June
All you have to do, is comment below, letting me know which is your favorite Whitney Houston song…yes, it’s as easy as that! 5 Lucky fans will stand the chance to win these tickets.
T’s and C’s
1. South African residents only
2. Prize is not exchangeable for cash nor transferable
3. Competition ends at midnight on the 8th of June 2018
Her music. Just listening to it brings back soo many memories
I will always love you . When i hear that song i get goosebumps.
December 1992… Her album was the BOM 😍 I can’t choose just one song coz Soooo many of her songs have walked with me in my life journey. I have a folder on all my devices that hold music with a folder of my collection of her music. Fingers crossed .
I know just what you mean! Good luck Colleen 😊
I will always love you …. YES! This song is so beautiful.. Anyone who can hit those notes are amazingly talented! I sing this song whenever it comes on the radio but I can’t sing at all so windows always end up breaking… I love Whitney Houston always have always will . All her songs remind me of something growing up. Would love to win tickets to see Belinda David’s renditions of her greatest hits.
Lol, windows breaking! You’re so funny! Good luck 😊
Wow this would be a awesome opportunity as Whitney Houston is one of my favourites. The Queen of RMB 😍😍😍😍
I’M Every Woman
My favorite Whitney Houston song is I Didn’t Know My Own Strength
I will always love you & Count on me
Good luck Saritha😊
I love all of her songs.. one of my music folders is a collection of all her albums 😉 a different song for my different moods. I cannot choose one.
I know just what you mean! 😊
the greatest love of all is my favourite “… If I fail, if I succeed
At least I’ll live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can’t take away my dignity…” love these words soo meaningful if i win i would like to give these tickets to my mom coz she deserves it more she taught me to live by those words it will be the best gift ever for her
Please note that these tickets are for the opening night at Emperor’s Palace in Gauteng. Good luck!
thats ok if i win it my mom will be there
She sounds incredible! I am really looking forward to the show.
Me too! Although Whitney Houston and every other original artist is incomparable, I was wowed when I listened to some of Belinda David’s performances 🙌🏼