Following the overwhelming reaction to the release of the single ‘Never Forget’, the Music Video for the single is now released and teases visuals from the upcoming documentary, “A Cape Town Song: The Story of The Luxurama.”
Thirty years after it closed its doors to the public, the iconic Luxurama theatre in Wynberg, Cape Town will echo with the sound of music for the very last time. ‘Never Forget’ – performed by two of South Africa’s most talented artists, Jimmy Nevis and Craig Lucas, will be the final curtain call.
Since December 1963, the “Lux” has hosted celebrated talents, and attracted global stars performing to mixed audiences. The storied venue became a symbol of self-expression and defiance against Apartheid’s segregation laws.
And though the theatre has fallen into ruin since it closed for performers in 2009, the memories it created are being kept alive through music and film.
For the final performance inside these walls, the Lux will reverberate with the unmistakable voices of musicians Jimmy Nevis and Craig Lucas, while filming the video for ‘Never Forget’, a song dedicated to the memory of the theatre and all those who graced its hallowed stage.
Produced by local film company Mad Little Badger and directed by Raoul Dyssell, the music video for ‘Never Forget’ is part of a documentary project called “A Cape Town Song: The Story of the Luxurama”.
Liesel and Nicki Priem, the co-owners of Mad Little Badger, approached Nevis to be the project’s musical director. They’re aiming to raise enough money to complete the documentary.
“I knew the first time I heard the song, even earlier versions, that it was going to be something special,” Nicki says. “So having the opportunity to film the music video in The Lux, just four days before renovations got underway, was so fitting it’s almost indescribable. It was perfect. I’ve produced many bigger commercials and music videos in terms of scale and budget, but this will undoubtedly be the one that sits with me forever. It’s a great precursor to the film and perfectly encapsulates where we’re going with this project.”
On set at the dilapidated Lux, the artists’ voices fill the dark and cavernous space, where once the music of Taliep Pietersen, Zayn Adams, and Winston Mankunku Ngozi did the same. International acts Peaches & Herb, Connie Francis, Percy Sledge and Engelbert Humperdinck performed here too in its heyday.
Now, amid the darkness, dust, and nostalgia, Nevis and Lucas, lend their voices to the Lux to pay tribute to the past on this crumbling stage.
‘Never Forget’, written and produced by Nevis, was released a day after Mandela Day this month, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by yesterday’s legends in the struggle for human rights and creative freedom.
“The Lux project is about capturing the past and protecting our future – honouring our heritage whilst preserving the legacy of our musicians, our culture and our stories,” Nevis says. “Making music in tribute to this documentary is my way of honouring those who have paved the way. I hope we create a buzz that educates younger generations about who we are and where we come from.”
Nevis invited Lucas to collaborate on ‘Never Forget’, bringing his larger-than-life voice to what will no doubt be an iconic song. “Jimmy texted me a few weeks ago, and I couldn’t say no. I loved the idea. He has been my musical inspiration since the start of my career. I wasn’t going to turn down the opportunity to work with him, and to do it on a project as meaningful as The Lux, is something special. Shooting the music video in the old, dilapidated theatre was incredibly moving.”
The documentary will feature interviews with some of The Lux’s most famous bands like The Rockets, Pacific Express and The Flames, and will reflect on the lives of those who have passed on.
“The pieces of the puzzle are coming together so nicely. It’s wonderful to be in this trajectory and learn about our rich culture and heritage,” Liesel says. “The blurred lines are becoming so clear now. We feel honoured to film in the Luxurama one last time and the final time for anyone. Nothing else will ever be filmed in the Luxurama. This is both sad and joyous. So proud to have the final footprint ever to grace the property of the old Luxurama.”
In conjunction with the release of ‘Never Forget,’ the producers have launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the completion of the documentary. They invite supporters to visit acapetownsong.com to contribute and help preserve the history of the Luxurama Theatre for future generations.
This initiative not only celebrates the cultural significance of the Luxurama but also highlights the resilience of community, music, and storytelling in the face of challenges and triumphs throughout history.
