Some know love as… Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It’s a beautiful end-of-summer Sunday morning, I’m off to one of my favourite venues… Nooitgedacht Wine Estate, for what will be one of the most remarkable shows I will ever do. As always, I’m dressed in all black, flat white in one hand and camera in the other. The fact that it’s only 11am and already hotter than the surface of the sun does not bother me at all. Today I get to document life behind the scenes for one of South Africa’s top artists, Demi Lee Moore.
I was welcomed by the familiar slick red floor of the Manor House, known to many brides across South Africa. Happily greeted by the big black Great Dane – I swear that dog is older than the farm. I took each step forward nervously, and awkwardly waved at close friends and family. All I could hear was the “hi’s”, “how are you?”, and my own variation of thoughts of “nkp don’t screw this up, this is their wedding venue.”
I took a deep breath and walked into the house. And, this is the part where I got a) very confused, and b) knew I could relax. As I did my casual hover inside the house, (as one does), I noticed that DLM and her sister were busy, with what DLM would call “ironing” her shirt. Photo evidence will show you that she was just straightening it by using a hairdryer. You really do learn something new everyday! As my nerves faded and my senses started to relax, my focus straightened. I knew I had one shot at this. It was the last show for the summer tour in Cape Town before winter hit, and I wanted to capture the true story of life backstage for a local artist.
The unfortunate reality is that DLM gets labeled as an “overnight success”. That so-called “overnight success” is actually ten years of extreme hard work with no one noticing, an always encouraging mom that said ‘yes, I believe in you.’ and a sister who always shows up to support. Love makes you do the unimaginable when you care and believe in someone. Love makes you comfort someone after failing Idols South Africa SEVEN times. Love makes you not give up and honour those around you.
At every show DLM shares her journey. Her story does not just consist of singing, writing and having a perfect smile in front of a camera. My ultimate fave story out of the few I’ve heard so far is highlighting the grit she has. For ten years she stuck to her guns and finally got a breakthrough! And between me and you, you can see it backstage. You can’t fake being humble and kind under pressure when people are watching.
Today I experienced that Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
I sure as hell had a good laugh. From the funniest backstage stories, sock throwing, to band members telling themselves how good looking they are. You can’t help but have a smile on your face. It’s almost time for the show. The reason why we are here. I’m grateful for the seat I had at the table, the honesty I experienced and the kindness that was extended to me.
Until next time,
Love
nkp