Saadiq, appearing for the first time ever in Africa, will perform during the gala concert at the BET Experience Africa, a spectacular global celebration of urban culture, music and lifestyle, from entertainment channel BET, channel 129 on DStv.
The inaugural BET Experience Africa takes place at the Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg, on Saturday, 12 December.
Saadiq is a multi-talented musician with eleven Grammy nominations to his name, plus a BET Award nomination and Soul Train Award. Over the past two decades, Saadiq, who also plays bass, mellotron, keys, guitar, percussion and drums, has worked behind the scenes as a producer, collaborator and sideman for acts like John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dog, Whitney Houston and Elton John – to name just a few. Fans of classic 80s and 90s R&B/soul will remember Saadiq as a founding member and lead vocalist of Tony! Toni! Toné!, known for hits like Feels Good and It Never Rains in Southern California.
Since Saadiq’s early days, he has always carried a torch for old school R&B. In addition to releasing solo albums like Ray Ray and Instant Village (nominated for five Grammys), Saadiq has released an additional four albums since 1995, the most recent being Stone Rollin’.
BET Experience Africa provides the perfect kick off to the summer season, taking over the Ticketpro Dome for a non-stop, jam-packed entertainment fest, bringing together lovers of urban culture and music. Wowing visitors all day long, the BET Experience Africa will showcase food, fashion, music, comedy, dance, sport and much, much more.
Inspiring, immersive and hugely entertaining, BET Experience Africa will feature stunning live performance on a central Sound Stage, while stand-up routines from comedy stars will keep the audience laughing. Watch top celebrities battle each other for sporting supremacy the fun-packed Celebrity Basketball Game. Fashionistas will revel in the Fashion & Beauty catwalk, while checking out the hottest trends on the Sneaker scene. For inspiration, attend one of BET’s informative and instructive Genius Talks, curated by experts and opinion formers in various fields.
After a day of enthralling action and entertainment, it’s time to head to the BET Experience Concert, featuring Maxwell, Raphael Saadiq and other international and African artists.
*Image courtesy of BET