Whitney Houston's Iconic South African Performance Is Coming to Theaters for Its 30th Anniversary

Mar. 15, 2025

Whitney Houston.Photo:Neal Preston/Courtesy of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston

Neal Preston/Courtesy of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston

One ofWhitney Houston’smost memorable concerts is getting the big-screen treatment.

The late singer put on a series of three historic shows in South Africa in 1994, and to mark the 30th anniversary, her concert in Durban will be getting a theatrical release next month.Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africawill hit theaters worldwide on Oct. 23 and 27.

Houston, whodied in 2012at age 48, performed at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Nov. 8, Johannesburg on Nov. 12, and Cape Town on Nov. 19, which, according to a press release, made her “the first major Western recording artist to perform in the newly unified, post-Apartheid nation followingPresident Nelson Mandela’s historic election win.”

At the time, portions of the concerts' proceeds “benefited numerous local South African children’s charities through her foundation,” per the press release.

Whitney Houston.Neal Preston/Courtesy of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston

“I directed her several times, but the Durban show was pure magic and the best performance I have ever witnessed. So thrilled the world finally gets to experience that special, special night," Callner, 74, said.

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Whitney Houston and Nelson Mandela.Dana Lixenberg/ Courtesy of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston

Dana Lixenberg/ Courtesy of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston

“She loved South Africa; she loved the people, and she loved Nelson Mandela,” Pat added. “This concert is one of the most consequential concerts of her career. On this momentous 30th anniversary, we are thrilled that we can release this film not only to her fans, but to the people of South Africa and its new generation. More importantly, Whitney would be happy to know that her foundation continues to support one of the organizations she helped to provide financial support to 30 years ago.”

Tickets for screenings are on sale nowhere.

Whitney Houston performing at the concert for a new South Africa.Neal Preston/Courtesy of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston

In addition to the concert film, a new live album,The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban),will be released on Nov. 8 via Legacy Recordings.

According to a press release, the LP will feature a selection of Houston’s greatest hits, including “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “How Will I Know,” “I Have Nothing,” “Greatest Love of All” and “I Will Always Love You," in addition to classics like “Amazing Grace” and “Home.” Also featured on the record will be the previously unreleased track, “Love Is.”

Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africa Poster.Courtesy of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston

Courtesy of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston

Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africawill be available in nearly 900 cinemas in more than 25 countries on Oct. 23 and 27.

source: people.com