New Whitney Houston Concert Film Marks 30 Years Since Icon’s Historic South Africa Visit

Two new Whitney Houston projects are coming soon — both marking the 30^th anniversary of three concerts the Grammy Award winner performed in South Africa in 1994.  Arriving first: the limited worldwide theatrical release of Whitney Houston – The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban) set for Oct. 23 and 27. Coming Nov. 8: an accompanying live album, The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban), featuring the previously unreleased track “Love Is.”

Trafalgar Releasing and Sony Music Entertainment, in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation and Primary Wave Music, are helming the release of the fully remastered concert film. It will appear in nearly 900 cinemas in more than 25 countries on Oct. 23 and 27. Legacy Recordings, Sony Music Entertainment’s catalog division, is issuing the live album.

In a release announcing the news, Trafalgar Releasing CEO Marc Allenby stated, “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Sony Music and bring Whitney Houston’s legendary never-before-seen concert to audiences worldwide. The message of hope and unity from the Durban, South Africa performance is still as relevant today as it was 30 years ago, and fans are going to be blown away by how powerful this is on the big screen.” 

Watch the trailer:

The projects stem from a trio of Houston performances in South Africa in November 1994, which made her one of the first major U.S. stars to perform in the post-apartheid nation following Nelson Mandela’s history-making election to president. The three shows took place in Durban at Kings Park Stadium (Nov. 8), in Johannesburg at Ellis Park Stadium (also known as Emirates Airline Park) (Nov. 12) and in Cape Town at Green Point Stadium (Nov. 19), drawing a combined 200,000-plus attendees. At the time, a portion of the proceeds from the three shows benefited various local South African children’s charities through Houston’s foundation.

“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,” commented Pat Houston, the film’s executive producer and executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston. “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. We’re 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 30 years ago.”

Whitney Houston — The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban), a production of Cream Cheese films and distributed by Sony Music Vision, was directed and produced by Marty Callner. “Whitney was a dream to work with; I really loved her,” said Callner. “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.”

In addition to the previously unreleased “Love Is,” the live album also features memorable hits by the six-time Grammy winner 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.” Rounding out the selections are classics such as “Amazing Grace” and “Home.” The album is  available for preorder on both CD and vinyl here.

Emmy Award winner Rickey Minor, Houston’s musical director for 25 years, noted, “Performing in Durban with Whitney was an amazing experience. It was my first time in South Africa, and I don’t think that I was truly prepared for how this trip would change me forever. The energy was electric, and the audience was incredible as we celebrated the end of apartheid. Whitney shared her love and shined her light.” 

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