To showcase talent in the Kouga region and inspire many others to follow their dreams, Hankey-based entertainer, Gabriel Plaatjies, plans to host his first live show, alongside local artists, on October 1, at Hankey Primary School.
As previously reported by the Kouga Express, Gabriel and his late father, Clifton Plaatjies, began helping aspiring artistes in the community through the Hankey Performance Art Development, which the two established in 2010 to develop young people’s talent as aspiring artistes.
Last year, he began working towards establishing his own production company, Big Show Productions, to further help artistes in the area who are interested in a career in the arts and entertainment industry.
According to Gabriel who is better known as Gabriel Da Entertainer, there are not many platforms for artistes in Kouga.
He therefore aims at creating a platform of his own, through his production company, which will give artistes the opportunity to showcase their talent and provide them with invaluable experience which will allow them to make an informed decision about whether they would like to pursue a career in the arts industry.
“As a multitalented artiste who raps, acts and performs poetry and stand-up comedy, I want to ensure that I use all my skills to create a platform so that the next generation of artistes have a blueprint of how to create their own lane,” said Gabriel.
“I want to encourage young artistes to not be afraid to express themselves with their art or share commentary on how they perceive the state of society.”
On October 1, Big Show Productions will host its first live comedy special titled Unapologetic Arts.
During the live performance, Gabriel will be performing a stand-up comedy special and performances by various singers and rappers in the Kouga region will be showcased.
The performance line up will include Patensie-based singers, Jenedine Jantjies and Gregory Cornelius, and artistes from Humansdorp, namely rapper Chelton Windvogel, who is better known as Ghetto Prophet and rap and song duo, Remano and Unique Stompies, who are better known as Mr Makez and Liena G.
Gospel rapper, Danwil Jantjies, who is better known as D-Prince from Gqeberha, will also be performing.
“People can expect to be entertained with some of the best singers and rappers from Kouga and for the first time ever, a comedy special from me,” said Gabriel.
Inspired by well-known stand-up comedian, Alfred Adriaan, from Hankey, Gabriel said he hopes to encourage more young people who are interested in the comedy industry to strive for their dreams to perform on a stage and possibly make a living for themselves and their families.
“Stand-up comedy is something the Kouga area needs, and I hope to inspire young comedians to showcase their own shows and inspire their community,” said Gabriel.
To further spread joy and laughter, he plans to host Unapologetic Arts, at various locations throughout the Eastern Cape.
His next show will take place in Patensie with a date and location to be confirmed.
Tickets for the show on October 1 cost R40 and can be purchased by contacting 079 654 6320 on WhatsApp.
