LOS ANGELES (AP) — This fall, audiences will have the chance to experience Whitney Houston’s legendary concert held in South Africa shortly after President Nelson Mandela’s groundbreaking election. The performance, recorded in 1994, has been transformed into a meticulously remastered theatrical release titled “The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban).” This announcement was made on Tuesday by Houston’s estate in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment and Trafalgar Releasing.
The limited theatrical screening is set to debut on October 23, showcasing the iconic singer’s never-before-seen performance from Durban. Additionally, a new live album titled “The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban)” will be released on November 8.
“Whitney had an immense love for South Africa, its people, and Nelson Mandela,” stated Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and estate executor, who also serves as an executive producer of the concert film. “This concert stands out as one of the most significant events of her career. On this momentous 30th anniversary, we are excited to share this film not just with her fans but also with the people of South Africa and the younger generation.”
In 1994, Houston performed three concerts across South Africa, including shows in Durban at Kings Park Stadium, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. These performances celebrated a newly unified nation emerging from apartheid following Mandela’s historic victory.
More than 200,000 fans attended the concerts, which promoted themes of freedom, hope, and unity. The proceeds from these events supported various local children’s charities in South Africa through Houston’s foundation.
For the theatrical release, Houston’s performance has been remastered in 4K video quality, complemented by enhanced audio. This concert film will be screened in nearly 900 cinemas across over 25 countries, providing audiences worldwide with a chance to experience this powerful moment in music history.
“It was my first visit to South Africa, and I was unprepared for how life-changing this trip would be,” remarked Rickey Minor, Houston’s musical director for 25 years and a three-time Emmy winner. “The atmosphere was electric, and the audience was phenomenal as we gathered to celebrate the end of apartheid. Whitney poured out her love and radiated her light.”
Earlier that same year, Houston achieved remarkable recognition by winning three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for “The Bodyguard” soundtrack. Furthermore, she secured the awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her monumental hit, I Will Always Love You.
With over 200 million records sold globally throughout her illustrious 25-year career, Houston remains one of the world’s best-selling artists. She garnered six Grammy Awards, 16 Billboard Music Awards, and two Emmys before her untimely passing in 2012.
The upcoming live album will feature many of her greatest hits, including I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me), How Will I Know, I Have Nothing, and Greatest Love of All. It will also include an unreleased track, “Love Is.”
“The message of hope and unity delivered during the Durban concert remains just as significant today as it was three decades ago,” said Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing. “Fans will be profoundly moved by the power of this experience on the big screen.”
