Wanted: SA bands, singers
2005-09-29 13:18
Cape Town - International entertainment agent Chris Ferguson has come to South Africa to search for bands and solo entertainers to work overseas.
Ferguson's UK Company, Progressive Entertainment Network, has formed a partnership with Martin Drake and James Stewart of 21st Century Music Consultancy in Cape Town and hopes to expose South African talent to the rest of the world.
"I first came to South Africa in the 70's working as a drummer," says Chris.
The contract was only for three months but he stayed for seven years because he fell in love with the country.
"I have already booked great bands like The Rockets, Afro D Ziac from Cape Town and Dr Victor from Johannesburg into venues and hotels in Israel and the Middle-East and now I want as many bands and artists that I can find to send all over the world."
Apart from the hotel work, Ferguson has eight cruise ships that he needs to find entertainers for, and contracts will start in March 2006. The Entertainment Directors of the cruise companies will be visiting South Africa in late October or early November to conduct auditions.
Given the varied audiences of international hotels and cruise ships, the genre of music they are looking for would be mainstream pop. The more varied the better.
The cruise ships would expect the bands to be able to play everything from 60's pop, to current day hits as well as old fashioned dance music - waltzes, foxtrots and Latin music. There are also opportunities for solo singers who play an instrument - preferably keyboards or guitar. Cabaret artists and MC's who can sing are also in demand.
Martin Drake and James Stewart believe that the opportunities being brought to the table by Ferguson will be of great benefit to South African musicians, affording them the ability to earn excellent money in foreign currency and then import these funds back into South Africa.
Auditions will be held in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Think you've got what it takes, or require more information, contact Chris Ferguson on (021) 461-1970 or 083 5860 187 or email chris.fergie@gmail.com