Abbott and Crabb
If you live in South Africa, and you haven’t heard of ABBOTT & CRABB…we wonder where you’ve been hiding?
Who would have thought that something as far removed from Africa as Italian, French and German opera could be interpreted and elevated to world-class standards by a group of unassuming, but hugely gifted men passionate about performance? “We all share a great love for the theatre,” Agos confirms, adding “commercial opera in a South African context is literally non-existent, but I think all of that is about to change”.
Comprising Given Mabena (25) Lucky Sibande (27) and Agos Moahi (36), Afro Tenors have been performing for audiences throughout Southern Africa and as far afield as Hong Kong, Rome and New York for the past six years.
Having first met up whilst two thirds of what is today Afro Tenors were studying at Tshwane University of Technology, the three friends have recently recorded their first CD. “We have been working towards this moment for a long time,” Agos says. Rather than simply replicate some of their most memorable arias, the three decided to dive into African classics - the likes of “Pata, Pata”, “Meadowlands” and “Malaika”- breathing classical and very powerful operatic life into songs that are solidly part of South Africa’s history.
“It’s important to us that we are successful in our own country before we travel back overseas and share this album with the rest of the world,” Agos reveals. “There are so many places and people that have no idea of who we are and, more critically, little knowledge of our style of music. If we are able to make people happy with our album and also encourage them to love opera as an art, then we’ll all be more than happy.”
For many, listening to Afro Tenors will be a first-time introduction into the operatic world; for others listening to the album will present a refreshing arrangement of classic songs delivered by three of South Africa’s finest vocalists. With each group member boasting extensive CVs that include leading roles in the likes of La Bohème and the operatic rendition of Cry The Beloved Country, Lost In The Stars, these young men have crossed language, culture and perception barriers to arrive more qualified than many of their international peers.
A Pommie and an Oke from Springs who have managed to survive and prosper through 28 years on the SA entertainment scene.
Dave (Abbott) and Henry (Crabb)’s unique blend of comedy and music has had audiences laughing and singing from Cape Town to Lusaka, Johannesburg to Swakopmund, Durban to….well just about anywhere there are people (and in some places - where there aren’t any).
Most people get a bit of a shock to find that they can actually PLAY their instruments …and rather well at that, as well as sing with music ranging from Bluegrass (Dave’s an adept fiddle player and Henry’s handy on the banjo) to rock (they both play guitar); Dave is an extremely fine guitar player who has featured on many other artists albums while Henry’s an expert at….well just being plain silly!!!!
They have released several CD’s and have made many TV appearances
Adults and Children of all ages are entertained by these two who can make you laugh with no swearing, no blue jokes, just good clean fun.
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