Though only 4000 people will get to see US R&B crooner John Legend at his one-night only Women's Month gig tonight, he is whetting local appetites with the promise of a multi-city South African tour.
The 33-year-old jetted in yesterday morning, just avoiding the thousands of fans who had packed into OR Tambo International Airport to welcome London Olympics swimming medallists Chad le Clos and Cameron van der Burgh.
Not that the singer would have noticed. He complained of jet lag and his arrival press conference was kept to 15 minutes.
But he walked into the Melrose Arch Hotel, Johannesburg, having changed, to take a few questions.
No questions on the mooted collaboration with local house band Mi Casa were allowed. The Times was told later by Metro FM's TBO Touch that Legend was yet to hear the song but that the tune was still on the cards.
"I really enjoy coming back here because I've received so much love from the fans here," said Legend. "Every time I'm here, you all treat me like I'm home."
Legend has visited South Africa at least five times.
M-Net announced last week that Legend had been persuaded to make an appearance and perform during the Idols SA Friday pre-recording of the top-nine show. Judge Unathi Msengana, who will open for the Green Light singer, elaborated on why it had to happen.
"We knew how awesome it would be for the kids [Idols hopefuls] to see someone they idolise and see him on the same stage that they perform on weekly. we moved earth, mountains and valleys just to make sure that it happens."
The recording of the show, which is usually from 8pm on Fridays at the Mosaiek Teatro, in Fairland, was moved to 4pm so that Legend could still prepare for his 7.30pm concert at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Legend said he knew how popular Idolswas locally.
He said he felt that his experience with being a mentor on US reality singing show Duets had given him a better under-standing of why these shows continued to be such favourites with viewers.
The man who received an honorary doctorate from Howard University, in the US, said Kanye West was the executive producer of his forthcoming album, Love in the Future, which is slated for a December release.
"Once we've released the new album, we'll tour all over the world, so of course we'll come back to South Africa, and then we'll do Cape Town and Durban.
"It's a matter of scheduling, but I look forward to coming back to South Africa."
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