She’s been paying homage to her musical idol for five years and she’s about to put on yet another spectacular show in the Mother City.
Belinda Davids is a name that truly resonates with both local and international R&b music fans. Her passion for music started at the young age of six, singing her first gospel solo at her family’s church concert, and she then went on to fall irrevocably in love with the classic ballads of her idol – Whitney Houston. Growing up in Port Elizabeth’s Gelvandale, Belinda began greeting visitors in song from her grandmother’s porch and now she graces large audiences all over the world with her phenomenal vocal talent.
This sassy, confident performer believes in the legacy that Houston’s music has left behind, and is enthusiastic about paying tribute to her. The Greatest Love of All – The Whitney Houston Tribute Show will premiere in Cape town on the 21 June 2017, at the renowned Artscape Theatre. This is one musical extravaganza you don’t want to miss out on!
With all the excitement and hectic scheduling ahead of the show, we managed to have a quick word with the star.
Why are you so passionate about paying homage to the late musical legend? Who was Whitney Houston to you?
‘Whitney is and always will be my idol. There is no one in the world that will sing and or deliver like she did. People will always be judgmental and it’s in our nature to look at other people and remember bad things about them or their careers. I do this tribute to remind them of how great she was. I am so passionate about showing people that she was not perfect. She was a young girl with a gift, that I don’t think she fully comprehended, and she was under so much pressure. I know of her tragedies, but I listen to her music and I am reminded of so much happiness in my life. She taught me how to sing and that’s what I will cherish.’
Which is your favourite Whitney song to perform?
‘Didn’t We Almost Have It All.’
Who are some of your favourite contemporary artists?
‘I have recently started loving Kendrick Lamar because when he speaks he makes a statement. He stands up for something. He fights for something and no matter what it is, it inspires me to do the same.’
You are truly blessed with some awesome pipes. When can we expect a solo album from you?
‘When I have time and when everything slows down. I really want to release something of my own in the future and it is going to be epic. So watch this space!’
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
‘Read and run. I love cooking. I am a bit of a foodie so I like to explore restaurants.’
As a talented vocalist and entertainer you do quite a lot of travelling. What are some of your favourite destinations to visit?
‘I travel all the time and sometimes so much that they all start to look the same, and then their are some gems you find, like currently my favourite is Lithuania. The people there are so chilled. They enjoy life and the city has beautiful architecture. I really enjoyed it. But this is also why I moved to Cape Town. Europe is considered to be similar to Cape Town. Which for me is the best city in the world – for obvious reasons!’
Describe yourself in three words.
‘Misunderstood, loving and strong.’
Name five things you absolutely cannot live without.
‘Wine, body lotion, deodorant, a toothbrush and my children.’
Complete the sentence: If I three magic wishes, I would ask for…
‘Healing powers (I could fix what’s happening in the world) and my parents (I really need someone I can trust to babysit them when needed).’
What motto do you live by?
‘Be the best YOU can be!’