Natalie Chapman reaches halfway mark of #90Days2015
South African singer/songwriter and LeadSA Hero, Natalie Chapman, has hit the halfway mark of her epic #90Days2015 journey in her attempt to perform 180 shows in 90 consecutive days in 90 different towns to reach thousands of South Africans with her message of hope through music; giving a voice to survivors of violent and sexual crimes.
She has already travelled over 8 000 km of the estimated 18 000 km she will still travel around South Africa. Her message of hope and encouragement to survivors of violent and sexual crimes to speak out about their ordeals has taken her to Limpopo, Gauteng, the North West Province, Western Cape and Eastern Cape thus far. The tour began on Wednesday, 28 April 2015, and continues until Monday, 27 April 2015 (Freedom Day) in Johannesburg. Chapman is still to visit Kwazulu Natal, Free State, Lesotho and Mpumulanga over the next 42 days.
Performing to thousands of South Africans across the demographic, religious and cultural spectrum, she performs at theatres, music venues, prisons, schools, hospitals, night shelters, abuse centres, residences for the elderly, on national television (including Morning Live, Expresso and Hectic Nine) and more as she touches lives along the way.
Her blend of storytelling and incredible original Folk/Country music has impacted survivors and communities on the ground level – one person at a time. Not only does she appeal to survivors to speak out and break the silence, but she also encourages everyday South Africans to get involved and become a part of the solution to an epidemic of violence and abuse that has swept over our country.
At prison visits she tries to encourage inmates to re-access their lives and the choices they have made, and also asks them to speak out about their own stories to try to heal some of their hurt and calm their aggression and anger at society. Her school visits are aimed at the future of our country. Reminding children of their rights to safety and freedom of speech, she reiterates to the youth that abuse and violence is not normal and that they, as a generation, can break the cycle by working hard at school, loving themselves and each other and striving for a safer and community-driven society.
Natalie Chapman completed her first #90Days tour in April 2014 where she performed 90 shows in 90 days. It was no surprise that she was awarded a LEADSA Hero Award for her efforts in May 2014. This year she has doubled her goal to 180 gigs in 90 consecutive days.
#90Days2015 – The tour started on Wednesday, 28 January and runs until Monday, 27 April 2015.
#90Days2015 – She will travel over 18 000 km across South Africa visiting in 90 different towns, performing 180 gigs in 90 consecutive days.
On what is thought to be the first mission of its kind, this feisty and extremely passionate musician has endeavoured to spread her message of hope and awareness to all corners of South Africa plus a visit to Lesotho.
Here is the remaining Schedule (Subject to change):
Community Gigs are not advertised or made public beforehand
18 March 2015, Wed Day #50 Kokstad – Ingeli Forest Lodge
19 March 2015, Thurs Day #51 Uvongo – Stephward Country House
20 March 2015, Fri Day #52 Umtentweni – Umthunzi Hotel
21 March 2015, Sat Day #53 Umzumbe – Rock Music Bistro
22 March 2015, Sun Day #54 Durban – California Dreaming
23 March 2015, Mon Day #55 Isinembe – Rain Farm Lodge
24 March 2015, Tues Day #56 Cresthome – Africa Whispers
25 March 2015, Wed Day #57 Eston – Beaumont Eston Farmers Club
26 March 2015, Thurs Day #58 Hilton – The Knoll Barn
27 March 2015, Friday Day #59 Rosetta – Rosetta Hotel
28 March 2015, Sat Day #60 Midlands – Dunning Country House
29 March 2015, Sun Day #61 Clarens – Friends Pub and Restaurant
30 March 2015, Mon Day #62 Fouriesburg – Wyndford Holiday Farm
31 March 2015, Tues Day #63 Bethlehem – Die Punt
01 April 2015, Wed Day #64 Ficksburg
02 April 2015, Thurs Day #65 Lesotho – Renaissance Coffee and Café
03 April 2015, Fri Day #66 Kimberly
04 April 2015, Sat Day #67 Bloemfontein
05 April 2015, Sun Day #68 Kroonstad
06 April 2015, Mon Day #69 Parys – Stonehenge in Africa
07 April 2015, Tues Day #70 Vereeniging
08 April 2015, Wed Day #71 Bethal
09 April 2015, Thurs Day #72 Witbank
10 April 2015, Fri Day #73 Middelburg
11 April 2015, Sat Day #74 White River – Casterbridge Theatre
12 April 2015, Sun Day #75 Dullstroom – The Coachman
13 April 2015, Mon Day #76 Graskop – Canimambo Restaurant
14 April 2015, Tues Day #77 Pilgrem’s Rest
15 April 2015, Wed Day #78 Marble Hall – Max Mar Lodge
16 April 2015, Thurs Day #79 Bronkhorstspruit – Sinkshack
17 April 2015, Fri Day #80 Cullinan – Cockpit Brewhouse
18 April 2015, Sat Day #81 Centurion – Railways Cafe
19 April 2015, Sun Day #82 Kameelfontein – Otter Lake German Restaurant
20 April 2015, Mon Day #83 Kempton Park
21 April 2015, Tues Day #84 Kia
22 April 2015, Wed Day #85 Edenvale – Kia Dealership
23 April 2015, Thurs Day #86 Soweto
24 April 2015, Fri Day #87 Route 24 Pub – Magaliesburg
25 April 2015, Sat Day #88 Fourways – Kia Dealership
26 April 2015, Sun Day #89 Hartbeespoort – Upper Deck
27 April 2015, Mon Day #90 Freedom Day – Johannesburg – Marks Park
Natalie says, “The last 42 days have been relentless, stressful, challenging, rewarding and life altering. Having performed 90 shows in 90 days last year I thought I would be somewhat prepared, but this year’s tour has taken on a new level of impact and adding prisons, hospitals and shelters to my list of venues has shifted things dramatically. These visits are both heart breaking and incredibly motivational.”
“I believe in the people of South Africa, I just want them to believe in themselves and recognise that our situation regarding abuse and violence is abnormal. I want our children to dream of a better future where our rights to safety are upheld. Together We Can!!! Music is the most incredible tool in bringing my message across and I have finally found a synergy between my passion for music and my passion for Justice. I feel priviledged to be on this crazy journey called #90Days2015!”
Anyone wishing to get involved can contact her on [email protected].