THE MINNIE AND JOHNSON SHOW. With Emile Minnie and Godfrey Johnson. At Beefcakes, Somerset Road, until September 18 at 8pm. ASTRID STARK reviews
WHEN Godfrey Johnson and Emile Minnie get together on stage for the first time, they bring with them a wealth of talent, good humour, enthusiasm and experience.
Their show is a potpourri of light-hearted English and Afrikaans cabaret numbers, to which they have added a dash of more sober songs.
Together the duo takes us on a journey through music from the 1980s, which they have personalised with their unconventional sense of humour and, at times, bawdy lyrics. Bonnie Tyler, Bronski Beat and Eurythmics all get a bit of a nip and tuck.
Both also perform a few original numbers. Their instruments are a keyboard, a saxophone, and a glass and pen, which Johnson uses as a percussion instrument.
Their act involves lashings of gentle, self-deprecating humour and it is obvious that they have a lot of respect for each others’ craft and skill.
Minnie recently released his fifth Afrikaans album, Supernova. In 2009, his Nagmusiek CD was nominated for a South African Music Award for Best Alternative Afrikaans Album.
His voice is soothing and unpretentious, and he is a skilled saxophonist and keyboard player.
Eva, a song written by Minnie, is a tribute to all women that had us in tears. The lyrics are at times unexpectedly moving: ‘Haar hart is sag/soos ’n blom se lag.” (Roughly translated: “Her heart is soft as a flower’s laugh.”)
Johnson has established a name for himself with his more serious work, such as The Shadow of Brel, his interpretation of the work of the musical genius of Jacques Brel. In 2010, he was nominated for a Fleur du Cap for this performance.
Johnson is also known for his collaborations with Pieter-Dirk Uys in his various cabarets and also for his musical direction for F.A.K Songs and Other Struggle Anthems. During the first half of the evening, he performs Brel’s Carousel with great affection and zeal. He is also skilled at interpreting the lighter side of life.
Johnson has an offbeat sense of humour and great comic timing. Unafraid of embracing his inner clown, he uses his “rubber face” to the music – to great effect.
Johnson is also adept at playing the keyboard, his fingers effortlessly flying over the keys.
His interpretation of Cell Block Tango from the musical Chicago is brilliantly performed and crammed with witty local references.
And Minnie and Johnson’s rendition of Girls Just Want to Have Fun, combining both their voices, is a joy to behold.
They have a quick costume change halfway through the performance, when they slip into Springbok shirts and crazy wigs, in keeping with the quirkiness of the show.
The Minnie and Johnson Show will make for a good night out with friends.
The food is also good and plentiful, which makes a trip out to Beefcakes well worth the visit.
l Shows run on Sunday and September 18. Tickets are R40. To book, phone 021 425 9019.