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I was expecting at least 45 minutes with
Helmut as I was interviewing him for both radio and the print media, but there
was a bit of a mix-up and I had less than 30 minutes to do both. (I spoke a
little faster than usual and cut my questions quite a bit).
Helmut said he had a bit of a problem with his voice, that was probably caused by the airconditioning on the flight and at CC, so I also spoke more than I normally would, so that he did not have to talk too much! I need not have been concerned. Helmut was his usual charming and polished self and I was happy that his answers were quick, witty and typically 'smooth' Helmut. I prefer not to ask any questions that I think may be intrusive, but I did ask two that Helmut preferred not to respond to, so of course I respected that. He became quite serious when I asked him about his work for UNICEF and his trip to Russia and the AIDS orphans. He was visibly touched by the experience and also related again how his trip to Mozambique near to the South African border after the terrible floods, had moved him. We had some fun when I posed a question from one of the fans: "What is the last thing you do before retiring at night". You can imagine the naughty look on his face and then he said: "I throw her out" and burst into laughter. "No, I'm only joking, the last thing I do is turn off the light," he said. Helmut had joined Steve Hofmeyr, one of South Africa's favourite singers, on stage during the filming of Steve's regular television show at CC two days before and I was told he had really enjoyed it and even sang a duet with Steve. We will see this on SA television (KykNet) in June. He also guested on South Africa's favourite soapie, Egoli, (means Place of Gold) that aired that same night, so I didn't get to see it as I was at the concert. He will also soon be seen on TV2's Curious Culture. Before I mention the goodbyes and the three Belgian kisses, I have to mention that Christa Koekemoer who was doing the photography for me, was so overawed by the experience that she barely remembers a word from the interview - I had to send her the CD so that she could hear it! I was happy that I decided to use one of Helmut's devoted fans to be with me in the interview situation and take photographs, rather than using a professional photographer. And Christa took some stunning photos! Being able to interview Helmut after three years and to see him live in concert with his new 'The Crooners' CD, was a great way to celebrate my birthday. (Of course I didn't tell Helmut it was my birthday; it was enough that it was special to me). As always, Helmut was brilliant on stage - I see he has really improved his dancing skills - and his interaction with the audience remains something special. The auditorium was packed and the fans thoroughly enjoyed both the old crooner classics and Helmut's own compositions. I know Helmut does not like interviews - most performers don't and so I try to be sympathetic to that when posing my questions - but it is part of the scene and important for publicity purposes. For this reason, many artistes do not say anything to you once the interview has been concluded. So it was very nice when Helmut said to me: "That was nice, thank you Cathy" before dropping three Belgian kisses on my cheek. Always the gentleman Cathy Retief - South Africa |
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