AVAF back in South Africa - euphoric reaction of the crowd!
In March 2003, Andreas Vollenweider & Friends performed for the first time ever two concerts in South Africa. This “coming home” of the music of Andreas was widely acclaimed, but far too little to come up to the actual demand for his live performances in South Africa.
The amazing history of his music during the years of struggle under the Apartheid regime, through the years of change lead to a great amount of appreciation amongst the black communities of the townships. And it's wonderful to notice that his following is still massive and has even developed with the more recent releases.
On 8. and 9. October 2004, AVAF has performed two shows at the renowned MACUFE festival in Bloemfontein, right in the heart of South Africa. MACUFE became one of the most important festivals on the African continent.
Being one of the few non-African acts, AVAF had two gigs in the Sand du Plessis theatre and an outdoor show in the Rose Garden Park. Up to 40'000 visitors attend this festival every year coming to Bloemfontein from all over the continent. Both shows were sold out and the atmosphere was of such heartfelt and overwhelming nature that it is hard to describe. The crowd seemed very familiar with the music and albums of all the 25 years, sometimes even collectively singing entire harp phrases.
In August 2005, further live performances are in the making. For the next tour of AVAF in South Africa, there will finally be major shows in Johannesburg, Capetwon and Durban, meeting the needs of so many fans who did not have the chance to see AVAF play live.
An African happening! Up to 40'000 dancing and singing people: a cheerful experience that takes some beating...!
Colorful cheerfulness!
Families, generations, at the Rose Garden Park in Bloemfontein, South Africa
Music is life - life is music: that is the essential Africa! Music as survival strategy, that is South Africa!
A snapshot using the mobile phone for the freinds at home - just like anywhere else in the planet. The range is huge in South Africa: from the archaic to the full package of todays world of high tech
The audience was familiar with all the songs and even sang entire harp phrases, note for note!
Andi Pupato, cooking grooves from Switzerland in Africa!
Walter Keiser, the music's beating heart under the African sun!
Daniel Kueffer, the snake charmer...
First day at the "Sand du Plessis theatre"
The two "chefs" serving the main course
Tango in Africa
Première of the song "Pilgrim" from the new album VOX
Dispute or discussion?
