REVIEW: An ode to Motown, a life changing performance 

by | Feb 25, 2026

An ode to Motown is for the lovers of classic nostalgic music and is a must-see performance.  

On February 22, I attended An Ode to Motown, a production staged in celebration of Black History Month, at Joburg Theatre. What unfolded was more than a tribute concert; it was a vibrant, high-energy homage to one of the most influential musical movements to emerge from 20th-century America. 

Motown, founded in Detroit in 1959, became the heartbeat of Black American music, introducing the world to artists who would shape pop, soul and R&B for generations. The show paid tribute to this rich history, revisiting classics that still resonate across continents.  

There was not an empty seat in sight.  

From the opening notes, the audience was transported into a world of polished harmonies, synchronised choreography and timeless storytelling.  

The singing was exceptional, powerful yet controlled, capturing the emotional depth that defines Motown. The performers, Liesl Penniken, Lerato Mvelase, Tamara Dey, Hlengiwe Pearl, and  Anele Precious Mthethwa, moved effortlessly through beloved hits.  

An ode to Motown show image. Photo: Supplied/B Sharp entertainment

Hits such as “Mr. Postman,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and “I’m Coming Out,” each song greeted with cheers and nostalgic excitement. The inclusion of “Cruisin”, “Call Tyrone,” and “Water Runs Dry,” along with two soulful renditions of songs by Erykah Badu, broadened the tribute to include neo-soul influences that echo Motown’s legacy. 

Quotations from songs by Smokey Robinson added a poetic thread, reminding us of the lyrical genius that defined the era. 

Visually, the production was stunning. The performers dazzled in gorgeous, extravagant gowns that shimmered beneath the stage lights. The intricate choreography was both elegant and dynamic, matching the vibrancy of the live band. The theatre itself seemed to pulse with the vibrations of an enthusiastic crowd, their energy feeding the performers on stage. 

Yet the show also raises an interesting question: what relevance does Motown’s history hold for South Africa? In some ways, staging this tribute here is like hosting a concert in the United States commemorating the artists of Sophiatown. It is a celebration of a distinctly American Black cultural movement, performed for lovers of classic American music and for those who admire the monumental Black artists who emerged from that era. At the same time, it highlights the global reach of Black music and its power to connect polarizing histories. 

Ultimately, An Ode to Motown was a joyful, nostalgic, and beautifully executed celebration. One that proves Motown’s rhythm still moves audiences, no matter where they are in the world. 

Vuvu rating 9.5/ 10 

FEATURED IMAGE: An ode to Motown, performance on February 22 at the Joburg theatre. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto

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