The fine art of live performances

Last Friday’s attempted Artiste United finale has prompted Buzz to share some secrets on live performances.

Whereas talent, image, style etc all make up a complete entertainer, it is not complete when the final concert does not live up to expectations.

Every entertainer knows (and should repeat after me) you are just good as your last show. In today’s entertainment industry, creating a clear and unique style for a public appearance is more than just key, it is critical.

The sound signature of the music and vocals is what makes a show memorable. This sound signature is also what sells records.

The question every artiste must keep asking and answering is whether they are unique enough to be fine on stage as in concerts as well as sound beautiful if recorded.

First things first; who exactly is an artiste? My definition of an artiste is one who professes and practises any of the fine arts.

Dancers, comedians, poets, puppeteers, DJs, composers’ arrangers … the list is endless. It is a whole ensemble of creative people committed to their trade.

Last Friday saw a most revered ensemble fall flat faced during a live gig that would have done a lot to boost their various careers.

Every year, the number of new talent entering the entertainment arena increases. The dynamics keep changing and the ever-demanding audience gets choosy by the minute.

It therefore demands a lot of hard work from any entertainer to remain relevant at the very least. See how gospel artistes have stolen the show almost overnight?

The most important credential an artiste can have aside from talent is a clean record of accomplishment. One’s record can be blemished in a second when something goes wrong especially during a live gig.

A flawless professional image will always attract great attention from fans and promoters. This does not mean boring, a small hiccup every so often will get you noticed, just don’t overdo it.

If an artiste is not well dressed (read Amani on the actual bizarre day) who would want them at their gig?

No offence Amani, your little stage costumes dazzle your target market any day, just realise that on the Promulgation day, we needed you to sing and look dignified while still remaining true to your brand.

Artistes must strive to win respect, popularity and acceptance but the best of all is to be able to give an impressive live performance. When this fails, as was the case last Friday, a career is killed.