RMB Starlight Classics hits all the right notes!

RMB Starlight Classics is a true South African phenomenon. The talent, the staging, the sound, the food, the company – not to mention the glorious Joburg weather – all come together to create a magical evening under the stars that’s in a class of its own.

(Images by Strike a Pose Studios)

A trio of CN&CO teammates (Carel, Kurt and Colin) attended this year’s event on 2 September at the Country Club Johannesburg in Auckland Park, and what treat it was!

“What I love most about Starlight Classics is experiencing the amazing talent we have in this country,” says Carel. “It was fantastic to listen to the likes of Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse and Jethro Tait, whose music I have heard before. But then to experience for the first time artists like Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, Sunnyboy Dladla and The Soil was a truly amazing surprise!

“It was also great to bump into old and new friends – Michelle Constant, Paolo Cavalieri, Giulietta Talevi, Wimpie van der Merwe, Carolyn Steyn and Bridget van Oerle and many more! As I said on Facebook, this year was the best ever – and that is saying a lot as every year is exceptional.”

Colin also enjoyed the evening immensely.

“There’s an Afrikaans word I love, skouspelagtig, which far more accurately describes RMB Starlight Classics than its English equivalent (spectacular) does,” he says. “The scale and attention to detail are exceptional, not to mention the talent! Apart from the singers, I was also blown away by the dancers, the circus performers, the orchestra, the conductors and the background video screen.

“I also loved Ruan Jooste’s art, which showcases iconic South African brands in a fun, quirky and colourful way.”

But no one enjoyed the evening as much as Kurt did. His highlight? Meeting Lira.

“It was such a lekker evening,” he says. “The music, the production, the people I met – it all came together magically!

“My biggest treat was meeting Lira, who made a surprise appearance on the stage with Sonnyboy and Masabane. it was the first time she had performed since having a stroke last year. I was lucky enough to get a selfie with her after the show, which totally made my day!”

RMB Starlight Classics is just one cog in the wheel of the bank’s commitment to supporting the creative economy.

“RMB Starlight Classics not only celebrates the rich diversity of music but also unlocks the boundless talent within the AfroSymphonic genre,” says RMB’s Carolynne Waterhouse. “Through this musical showcase, RMB nurtures creativity, optimism, and the transformative power of possibility.”

Big thanks and congratulations to the team at RMB for another skouspelagtige event and for keeping the wheels of the creative economy turning.