'I am anxious to come home and give something back to all the fans,' says the American singer and songwriter, who will be in Johannesburg in November.

RANDB GIANT Lionel Richie has booked a night at Joburg's Coca-Cola Dome. The king crooner will perform a single concert in the city in November, although he will also perform in the coastal cities of Durban and Cape Town.

Richie has sold well over a million albums in South Africa. He will perform at the Dome on Friday, 28 November, after a concert at Durban's Absa Stadium on 25 November.

Born as Lionel Brockman Richie Junior on 20 June 1949, the American crooner catapulted to stardom in the late 1960s, shortly after joining the legendary rhythm and blues outfit, The Commodores.

In a career that has spanned more than four decades, Richie has bagged an impressive catalogue of accolades, including five Grammys, an Oscar for Song of the Year, a Golden Globe, and a range of American Music and People's Choice Awards.

He has also released several top albums and number one hit singles, as well as 22 top 10 singles, including hits such All Night Long, Dancin' on the Ceiling, Hello, Say You, Say Me, Easy, Three Times A Lady and Still.

Renowned for his song writing, record producing and acting, he has sold nearly 100 million albums and singles worldwide.

Excited
According to the events management company, Big Concerts, Richie is excited about his trip to South Africa, and has reflected that in his latest studio album, Coming Home, which he describes as a metaphor for the much-anticipated tour.

"Africa holds a special place for me and I am anxious to come home and give something back to all the fans who have supported me and my music over the years," Richie said through his publicist.

The Lionel Richie Live in South Africa tour is organised by Big Concerts, and is held in partnership with the Primedia radio stations 94.7 Highveld Stereo and 94.5 KFM, as well as Durban's East Coast Radio.

"The legendary Lionel Richie ... is guaranteed to have fans dancing on the ceiling," reads a statement from Big Concerts. "This is one performance not to be missed."

Originally called The Mystics, the group - which included Richie, William King, Thomas McClary, Milan Williams, Ronald LaPread and Walter Orange - became The Commodores in 1969, and was signed to Motown, the record company, in 1972.

Within a few years, the band was Motown's best-selling male group. Then, in 1981, Richie quit to pursue a solo career. He released Endless Love, a chart-topping single, with Diana Ross.

"So much of my career has been about saying things the way people say them, not using melodies that only I can sing but those that the people can sing," Richie noted, adding that people liked the titles of his songs and "the entire thought before [I] even go into the story".

He is in the studio at present, cooking up a brand-new album, which is due to be released soon.

Lionel Richie will perform in three concerts in South Africa; the Johannesburg concert is on Friday, 28 November at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northriding. The concert is seating only.

Ticket prices for the Joburg concert range from R275 to R900 each and are available at Computicket outlets, on 083 915 8000, or on the Computicket website.

For more information, call organisers Big Concerts on 021 422 3500, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit the Big Concerts website.

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