Bryan Adams meets Jock of the Bushveld

Canadian rock singer Bryan Adams joined hundreds of dapper moviegoers at the Johannesburg premiere of the South African-produced 3D movie Jock of the Bushveld this week.

Adams, who spoke the part of Jock and contributed two songs to the movie's soundtrack, received a bigger ovation at Montecasino, Fourways, than singer Johnny Clegg.

Clegg wrote songs with his former band, Savuka, for the original film in 1986, and did so again for the new animated version of the film, which is adapted from the novel by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick.

The movie is the true story of "Fitz", who travelled with his dog, Jock, a Staffordshire bull terrier, during the 1880s while working as a storeman, a prospector's assistant, journalist and ox-wagon transport rider in the Bushveld region of the Transvaal.

Most of the storyline revolves around animals and the tale unfolds from their perspective.

Retired archbishop Desmond Tutu, whose voice is used for the character of the old man, Tata, who gives Jock words of wisdom in the early scenes of the film, was not at the premiere.

The film opens on July 29.