Popular local band of yesteryear, Dukes Combo
Image: Supplied
The rich sounds and lively atmosphere of the Indian community's dance music scene from the 1960s to the 1990s will be captured in a documentary film to be shot in Durban next month.
A dance floor at Sastri College will transform into a movie set on May 3. Four iconic local bands — Platinum Heat, Crescendos, The Dukes, and the Melvin Peters Quintet will pay tribute to the vibrant music orchestrated by dance bands of yore.
Shan Moodley, an award-winning television show and movie producer, who was responsible for programmes such as Prime Time, Police File, Pop Shop and No Jacket Required, is at the helm of the project, which is yet to be titled.
"The evening of May 3 will focus on celebrating the spirit of community and the power of music to uplift and unite. Many Indian dance bands set the agenda for Saturday nights when people would meet, mingle and show off in social dances like the tango, foxtrot, samba and rumba.
"After a week of hard work, Saturday evening was the time to unwind with ballroom and Latin dancing. On Fridays and Saturdays, out came the dancing outfits, special hairdos and the dancing shoes, drawn to the compelling foot tapping music, the magnetism of the dance floor and the conviviality of friends," said Moodley.
He said thousands of patrons, mainly Indians, flocked to clubs to dance the night away, forgetting for a few hours, the isolation and drudgery of the Group Areas and Separate Development Acts.
Moodley added that the documentary seeks to capture for posterity, the music, and more importantly, to explore what gave rise to the phenomenal subculture that drew thousands over Friday, Saturday nights and Sunday supper clubs throughout the greater Durban area.
"Also what different events, movies, music and politics of the day that influenced the trend from within and from outside the country,” said Moodley.
In preparation for the documentary, organisers of the upcoming music tribute aim to recreate the atmospheric vibe of that period, drawing on the unforgettable sounds of bands such as Dukes Combo, Dynachords, Sam Latin Kings, Raiders, Crescendos, Calypsos, Kreme, Flame, and many others.
The event promises to be a nostalgic experience for those who remember the joy of dancing, while offering a unique opportunity for a new generation to discover the contagious energy of yesteryear’s dance music.
To reserve a seat, and maybe feature in the movie, call 065 152 8642 or 082 969 5611.
