AS SHE stood on stage in London she couldn’t quite believe what she was seeing. In front of her were 70 of the world’s best musicians as well as superstar Alicia Keys and all their eyes were on her, waiting for her to give the signal so they could swing into action for the music video that would have Bridgerton fans swooning.
Pretoria conductor Ofentse Pitse took a deep breath, raised her arms into the air and pointed her baton and suddenly the magic began – violins started playing followed by cellos and harps and Alicia’s voice reverberated through the studio.
It was an experience Ofentse will never forget and she’s thrilled by the reaction to the video, which was recently released to promote Shonda Rhimes’ Bridgerton spin-off series, Queen Charlotte.
With every Bridgerton series music is released that ties in with the hit show. This time it’s Alicia’s If I Ain’t Got You and it’s receiving rave reviews.
The new series focuses on Britain’s first black queen, so it was fitting that all 74 of the musicians in the video are women of colour and they’re led by South Africa’s first black female conductor.
Before the video, few of her countrymen had ever heard of Ofentse (30), but now everyone wants to know more about the woman who led the global orchestra with such poise.
As she chats to us at the YOU offices in Randburg, she admits she never expected to be the focus of so much attention. Then she gives a wry chuckle.
“But I guess I’m going to have to rise to this occasion.”
OFENTSE was one of five women in the running for the job of conducting the orchestra Alicia would perform with. She had two Zoom interview calls with the Grammy-winner and from the start she felt there was a connection.
Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 8 June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 8 June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
OUR BRAVE LITTLE FIGHTER
Like her late sister, little Elana was born with a rare lung condition and can't breathe without a ventilator, but her parents are walking this familiar path with courage and hope
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
With his new film, The Fall Guy, Ryan Gosling put stunt doubles centre stage but how hard is it for a complete amateur to master the trade? Journalist Simon Usborne decided to find out
INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE
Irish writer Cecelia Ahern chats to YOU about writing her novels in longhand, her love of Lego and looking forward to her first wine-tasting in South Africa
THE KIDS ARE NOT OKAY
Something happened around 2010 that's had a huge impact on Gen Z, says a new book. It was the start of the phone-based childhood, and it's resulted in a rewiring of kids' brains - and a surge in depression and anxiety
HE'S ON THE BALL
Despite having no lower legs, -Grayton's prowess on the rugby field has made him a social media star
THIS ISN'T JUSTICE
A woman was shot dead by her fiancé, who said he thought she was an intruder. Now her family believe he got off lightly
THE BOSS IN CHARGE OF YOUR CROSS
As chief electoral officer of the IEC, Sy Mamabolo has his hands full these days!
HEARTBREAK AND HOPE
Relatives and loved ones share their stories as rescue efforts continue for the people still trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building in George
BLOOMING!
Shes adored by fans and loathed by haters, but like the character she plays in her new movie, Anne Hathaway says shes putting her own Joy first
SUSSEXES' AFRICAN ADVENTURE
Meghan and Harry took Nigeria by storm – but relations with the royal family remain icy
