A stone throw away from John Legend!

August 15,2012

I have learnt that you can never put a price tag on exposure! What I have learnt in the last few days, I could never share effectively or even put a price tag on the value of that knowledge. Thanks to Star FM, Techtools, South African Airways and Mutupo, neo-soul maestro,Prayersoul, along with 2 lucky winners and I made our way to the John Legend concert in Johannesburg, South Africa. This experience was very holistic as I am speaking from a perspective of an event planner, artist and fan! So let's talk about the venue. I remember arriving at the Sandton Convention Centre about 2 hours before the show hoping to find queues, and traffic jams and the works, but alas it was extremely calm and as we entered there was absolutely no one! So a bit confused we asked the guards where the show was only to be told its on the 5th floor! This venue has 11 000 secure parking bays (which explains the lack of drama outside), 22000 square metres of convention and exhibition space, the Pavillion can seat 4500 patrons, the Ballroom can seat 2000 banquet guests, and 13 other meeting rooms that can accommodate 350. This 12 storey structure is designed to provide special event space over 5 main levels. Forgive me for the details... But I was in "venue heaven"! I will cut the few drinks bit and go straight to the show which started fairly on time with only 2 curtain raisers, Unathi and Micasa who gave amazing performances for not more than 45 mins each and soon after, John Legend was introduced. Here's an aerial view: I'm sitting smack in the middle of the venue, with 2 large screens on either side, amazing acoustics in the room and to top it all off, I'm sitting next to Kunle Ayo, Nigerian guitarist and his wife! Somebody pinch me! Suddenly 2 beautiful ladies start singing "heaven only knows, heaven only kno-ooows!" The sound changed! The lighting changed! The mood changed! The Legend was here and he casually walked on stage with that smirk of a smile, dressed in a black suit and black tee! He should have just had the inscription "born to do this" on his forehead! I couldn't help but move to the front to see if it was really him! The view from 5 meters away was even better. He looked "clean", yes he was smartly dressed, but he looked clean, walked with such presence and exuded passion for his music. And by the time he sang "Green light" with the green lights all over the stage I was sold! It was evident that John Legend invests a substantial amount of time in his work. The backing vocalists had such precision and coordination both vocally and physically, the arrangement of the music was on point, and it was clear that everything was rehearsed over and over and over! He controls his band and sounds good with or without it. That concert would have been just as good with him alone on the piano. This concert was flawless in my eyes. And now the challenge lies in bringing this perfection and excellence back home. Tjo!