SHE has travelled the world leaving audiences and celebrity judges alike stunned by her vocal talent belting out Whitney Houston hits. Now Belinda Davids will perform in Durban from December 27 to 29 in The Greatest Love of All.
Davids has performed alongside the likes of Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole and Monica. She also featured on Britain’s Got Talent, Fox TV’s Showtime at the Apollo and BBC1 TV’s Even Better Than the Real Thing.
The Greatest Love of All has already toured the world, including the USA, UK, Europe, the Middle East, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. The show returns to South Africa for the first time in three years.
Davids, who was born and raised in Port Elizabeth and now resides in Cape Town, said she always knew she wanted to sing.
“When I started performing with my first band at the age of 14 is when my professional career started. I think what inspired me to continue is the effect I had on people when I sang.”
The 46-year-old said she had three sisters and two brothers.
“I grew up in church so music was there all the time. My brother and I played the guitar. I remember my grandmother playing all sorts of music. She loved classical music. It's so interesting because now I perform with world-famous orchestras and they play all the classical pieces I grew up with.”
She said growing up she mainly listened to gospel, but also to every other genre from classical and pop to R&B.
Davids said her career with The Greatest Love of All show started with a friend’s encouragement.
“We have been doing the show since 2012, so it has been 10 years now. A friend told me to audition. He believed I could get the part. I auditioned in Cape Town and the rest is history.”
Recalling one of her fondest memories on this journey, Davids said: “I think performing at the Apollo was a full circle moment for me. To be able to stand and perform on the same stage where The Greatest Love Of All was performed by Whitney, and it was also the first song I performed when I was about six or seven years old, that moment will live with me forever.
“I think the defining moment that turned me from local artist to international was when I performed with Keisha Cole. I have performed with many major names but that tour was what set the transition."
In a press statement the show organiser, Showtime Australia, said: “With the accompaniment of a live band and backing vocalists, plus ultramodern sound, lighting, vision, and theatrical effects, this is a beautifully crafted tribute to one of the world’s most revered singers. The two-hour production will fill you with joy, nostalgia and wonderment as it takes you on a heartfelt journey through Houston’s greatest hits.”
* Tickets are available at TicketPro.
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