Thirty years ago Whitney Houston blew audiences away with her 1994 concert in South Africa, staged after President Nelson Mandela’s landmark election. Now that historic moment is coming to theaters this fall.
The estate of the late singer, the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation and Primary Wave Music announced today that Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africa will hit theaters worldwide on Oct. 23 and 27. According to the press release, the limited release will feature never-before-seen concert footage from Durban, South Africa that has been remastered in 4K.
Houston, who died in 2012, performed in Durban, South Africa, making her the first major Western musician to visit the newly unified, post-apartheid nation. The three shows (Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town) took place between November 8 and November 19.
The three performances included a combined 200,000 plus attendees according to the press release. The concerts symbolized freedom, hope, and unity as the nation previously suffered decades of racial segregation. Houston’s vivacious performance left viewers moved to tears of joy.
“I directed her several times, but the Durban show was pure magic and the best performance I have ever witnessed. So thrilled the world finally gets to experience that special, special night,” Marty Callner, 74, said.
Pat Houston, executive producer and executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston stated “I know that Whitney would have been filled with joy to know that this concert film will be released around the world to her fans.”
“She loved South Africa; she loved the people, and she loved Nelson Mandela. This concert is one of the most consequential concerts of her career. On this momentous 30th Anniversary, we are thrilled that we can release this film not only to her fans, but to the people of South Africa and its new generation. More importantly, Whitney would be happy to know that her foundation continues to support one of the organizations she helped to provide financial support to thirty years ago.”
Tickets for screenings are on sale now here.
In addition to the concert film, a new live album, The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban), will be released on Nov. 8 via Legacy Recordings.
According to a press release, the LP will feature a selection of Houston’s greatest hits, including “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “How Will I Know,” “I Have Nothing,” “Greatest Love of All” and “I Will Always Love You,” in addition to classics like “Amazing Grace” and “Home.” Also featured on the record will be the previously unreleased track, “Love Is.”