by Thinus Ferreira
The SABC has cancelled its long-running music show LIVE Amp on SABC1 with the 25th final season that will start on Friday 9 July.
The once-trendsetting show, produced by Urban Brew Studios, saw ratings fall over years with SABC1 that decided to end the programme that launched in 2007 as simply LIVE and that started Bonang Matheba's career who initially co-hosted with Andile Ncube.
Later presenters included Minnie Dlamini, Sizwe Dhlomo, Pearl Thusi, Loot Love, DJ Warras and Lerato Kganyago, with LIVE AMP that is currently presented by DJ Speedsta and DJ Lamiez.
SABC is branding the final LIVE AMP season as "The last dance" with the final season that will include guest appearances, as well as "reminiscent elements" looking back at some of the most influential moments from the show.
Viewers will also be given the chance to be "content contributors" and to share some of their most memorable moments.
"The show has grown to become
synonymous with youth Friday night rituals from more than a decade," says Sane Zondi, SABC programme manager.
"With season
25 being earmarked as the final season of this flagship title, the series
content plan has been devised to be reflective and to be celebratory of iconic moments
and success achieved by the show from a talent development, socio-cultural
contribution, creative innovation, and all-round leading music TV show brand in
Mzansi."
"The best, most memorable and unique content moments will be
reinterpreted for the audiences combined with newly curated music
performances."
