Staff Reporter
WORLD-RENOWNED South African rock band The Staccatos are making a turn on Namibian shores for a once-off nostalgic concert tomorrow night. Organisers are feverishly readying the Windhoek High School Hall for the event. Colie van Koller has organised the event under the auspices of the Veterans Broadcasters Association. The aim of the association is to maintain the industry’s standards and to preserve the heritage of broadcasting in Namibia. The Veterans Broadcasters Association also looks for ways to plough back the immense wealth of knowledge and experience accumulated over the years.
The Staccatos, formed by Brian Le Gassick in 1961, quickly made a name for themselves in the South African music scene. In 1963, their victory in a competition earned them a recording contract with EMI and the title of the “Beatles of South Africa,” marking the beginning of a significant musical journey.
The band’s influence extended beyond South Africa, with Cry to Me also entering hit parades in Germany and the UK. Butchers and Bakers, another major hit, was released internationally under the Fontana label. The song was covered by artists in England and America, showcasing the global appeal of The Staccatos’ music.
Video: Colie van Koller prep. hall and progress
