Earlier this year I had the privilege of filming with director Eldon van Aswegen and a very talented crew covering a live performance of Trenton and the Free Radical’s – Mr Mandela.
The beauty of this performance is that they were performing with the Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and SA Youth Choir in an empty Cape Town City Hall.
After many takes and a huge array of angles we finished the detailed shot list, Eldon then took the footage to his edit suite to begin the mammoth task of combining and syncing the various angles to create the finished product that you see above.
There’s something very special about combining modern and classical instruments and It shows itself quite clearly in this version of the popular track.
This song pays homage to a great man and legend.
It is music and dancing that make me at peace with the world.
– Nelson Mandela
Director Eldon van Aswegen with Lead Singer Trenton
Composing the Jib shot
14 takes later – That’s a wrap.
Cape Town based Trenton and Free Radical release a special version of their 2010 track Mr Mandela to celebrate Mandela Day 2013.
In honour of Madiba’s love for the youth of South Africa, the band has long since wanted to involve the Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and also hoped to work with the South Africa Youth Choir to add a unique sound to this tribute track. This dream has now come true and after 6 months of planning the work.
CREDITS
Directed and Edited by Eldon Van Aswegen
Cameras
Eldon Van Aswegen
Jamie O’Brian
Adriaan Lowe
Troy Davies
Jerome Mosetic
Recorded at Cape Town City Hall and Artscape
Performed By
Trenton Birch – Vocals
Marco Wielander – Guitar
Clement Carr – Keyboard & Synths
Reuben Everett Crowie – Drums
Bongiwe Mpanza – Vocals
Thabo Mobo — Bass
Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra under the baton of Brandon Phillips. Arranged by Mike Campbell.
Intro arrangement by Clem Carr and Reuben Everett Crowie
South African Youth Choir
Bongani Sotshononda – Marimba Band
Edgar Vumazonke – Marimba
Mandla Msaba – Marimba
Audio recorded by Izan Greyling
F.O.H Engineer Liam Cooksen
Audio mixed and mastered by Peter Pearlson
Lighting director Nick Ludford
Lighting assistant Pablo
Special Thanks to:
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
South African Youth Choir
Directorate of Tourism, Events and Marketing, City of Cape Town
Artscape
Markham
SAE Institute
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund UK
Mike Campbell
Brandon Phillips
Zayd Minty
Laurika Steenkamp
Van-Lee Johnson
Marlene le Roux
Brett Jefferson Stott
Thanks to the Production Team
Shameema Williams
Tlhonepho Thobejane
Babalwa Tom
Diane Lilin (PinkSkull Photography)
Martin Geldenhuys
Ose Iria
Mrs Williams
Adrian Gemini
Adin Van Ryneveld
Herman Pienaar
Behind the scenes Images ©retroyspective2013