Just the 2 of Us unites award-winning Canadian chanteuse Jo毛lle Rabu and Nigerian-born rising star Buwa in a concert that crosses musical eras and styles. Born decades apart in different corners of the globe, they join forces to celebrate 60 years of music.
On Nov. 28, Rabu and Buwa will bring new energy into classics by Piaf, Garland, Elton John and Prince, supported by an ensemble. Presented by the Sid Williams Theatre Society鈥檚 Blue Circle Series, this concert is a tribute to the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect hearts.
At its core, Just the 2 of Us showcases music that bridges generations and genres. Buwa emphasizes the eclectic mix of styles.
鈥淸the show is] nothing short of electrifying鈥it鈥檚] two powerhouses coming together sharing music that we both love鈥� that convey love, joy, positivity, vulnerability,鈥� describes Buwa.
For both artists, the songs reflect their personal journeys and experiences.
鈥淪inging is just a part of our life鈥ur music is always about the world around us, what we鈥檝e been through 鈥� the joys, the ups and downs,鈥� said Rabu.
Rabu鈥檚 journey into music was a twist of fate. Though she had a musical childhood, including teen years in choirs and theatre at Courtenay Junior and G. P. Vanier, she hadn鈥檛 planned on making it a career.
Rabu recalls a pivotal moment when her brother bragged to somebody mounting a show about songstress Edith Piaf. 鈥淗e said, 鈥極h, my sister sounds just like Piaf.鈥� So the director gave the girl without a resum茅 a chance to sing. Next thing I knew, I was in full-time music and theatre in Vancouver. It was a hit play and kept running鈥hat was 40 years ago!鈥�
Buwa鈥檚 journey, by contrast, was a determined pursuit of opportunity. A Nigerian performer who landed in Nanaimo in 2016, he explains, 鈥淚 moved because I wanted a better life and opportunities for myself and for my family.鈥�
For him, the joy of performing is innate, a deep-rooted passion he cannot ignore.
鈥淭here was never one thing that inspired me to be a performer. There鈥檚 an indescribable level of joy and contentment I feel when I get a chance to perform. I do not take it for granted as it is a privilege I hold dear to my heart.鈥�
Through his music, Buwa seeks to reshape perceptions of Africa, celebrating its richness and diversity while sharing personal stories that resonate with audiences.
The connection between Rabu and Buwa blossomed through their musical director (Rabu鈥檚 son) Nico Rhodes, who introduced them four years ago at a Port Theatre concert series that Rabu helped stage. She recalls their instant bond.
鈥淗earing Buwa sing for the first time, I was absolutely gobsmacked by his phenomenal voice and the honesty in his presence,鈥� said Rabu.
Their friendship flourished despite their differences in age, culture, and musical style.
鈥淎s much as I鈥檝e got a young soul in me, he鈥檚 got an old soul in him,鈥� says Rabu. 鈥淪o it seems to marry well on stage with music.鈥�
Buwa was likewise impressed with Rabu. 鈥淐an I just start with the fact that Jo毛lle is incredible and such a gift! It's an honor to get to share the stage with her鈥�. Good music recognizes good music regardless of time and style.鈥�
Having decided on a partnership, selecting songs for the concert proved to be both a challenge and a joy.
鈥淲e realized we had about three shows worth of songs,鈥� explains Rabu. But as they sifted through potential tracks, they discovered that many love songs felt awkward due to their different life stages. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not like we鈥檙e the same age. His path in love is totally different from mine...I鈥檝e lost a lot of love; he鈥檚 creating new love.鈥�
Ultimately, they chose more humorous selections, incorporating influences from their African and French backgrounds, as well as Latin music. The result is a vibrant mix of duets, mashups and solos that connects with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Central to the collaboration is their talented backup band, featuring Rhodes on piano and vocals, Alexandra Lee on cello and Brad Shipley on guitar, mandolin and vocals. Each member鈥檚 unique musical background adds depth to the performance, enriching the show and allowing the duo to shine.
Join Rabu and Buwa for an unforgettable evening that celebrates how music can unite us all. For tickets for Just the 2 of Us, purchase online, by phone or in person at the box office. For additional information, please visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com.
