Centrestage - Entertainment Port Elizabeth

Melvyn Matthews is one of those extraordinary performers who electrifies any stage on which he appears. He is possessed of a legendary voice – recognized by many in the industry as one of the finest in South Africa - and he has an innate ability to get any audience partying or gasping in awe at his vocal prowess!

Melvyn’s confidence as a performer is spectacular to behold – he engages any and every audience, whether he is performing to 20 people or 2000 people, challenging them to get up, let their hair down, enjoy and participate in proceedings.

When Melvyn opens a function, he sets a tone of excitement and anticipation – if he closes the function, he is a natural show-stopper!

As reggae legend Bob Marley in PE Production company Centrestage’s Lively Up Yourself and in The Magnificent 7 whilst fronting the Centrestage All-Star Band, there is no-one to touch Melvyn – the exhilaration and sheer unpredictability of his showmanship can be breath-taking at times, while he encourages audience members to dance and follow his every instruction at his whim!

Melvyn uses his powerful vocal style to bring his own interpretations to the music of his superstar influencers, especially when he covers the music of his personal icons Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, other Motown ensemble heroes such as The Temptations and the Four Tops and the Sound of Philadelphia soul exponents of the 1970’s .

His explosive vocal range means he also does not shy away from tackling big female songs too by the likes of Whitney Houston and Gladys Knight.

Melvyn has made several television appearances, including a television special in which he sang with Stevie Wonder himself! Melvyn has toured with Percy Sledge and his version of "When A Man Loves a Woman" stands up to that of his icon!

Melvyn's original composition 'Weekend Special' is one of SA's best selling songs, which put Brenda Fassie on the map. Melvyn relates stories about his role in
helping to discover South Africa’s tragic darling.

Many have recorded his songs, including Sibongile Khumalo, who recorded Melvyn's 'Life is Going On'.

Melvyn was nominated four 5 OK TV awards and has fronted many top SA bands, including Rebeka Malope's Pure Magic. Melvyn was the original lead singer for Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels.

Melvyn has played the role of mentor and teacher to many young performers, passing on his performance savvy to many musicians who have taken leaves out of his book regarding how to thoroughly entertain any audience!

Stimela's drummer Isiaac Mutshali, who also played drums on Paul Simon's Graceland album, summed Melvyn up best when he said "Melvyn makes good singers look amateur!"

While predominantly based in the Eastern Cape, Melvyn spends as much time in Johannesburg and Durban as he does at home, recording with top name friends in the industry to put the finishing touches on his latest album or performing in various clubs around the country, where he has garners a loyal following whenever he appears.

Melvyn has released two albums over the last three years, consisting of original compositions both old and new.