PICTURES: Behind the scenes at Taylor Swift tribute show
Photographer Michel Bega goes backstage at the Johannesburg Theatre for Taylor: A Tribute To The Eras Of Taylor Swift.
Performer Josette performs in Taylor: A Tribute To The Eras Of Taylor Swift, 17 April 2025, at the Johannesburg Theatre, in Braamfontein. The show is a tribute to Taylor Swift, featuring authentic costumesa and over 30 Swift songs. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Taylor: A Tribute To The Eras Of Taylor Swift has finished its run at the Joburg Theatre and moves on to Durban and Cape Town, before the show heads to Canada.
Here we bring you an exclusive view with the performers behind the scenes at the Joburg Theatre.
Performer Josette prepares for her role in Taylor: A Tribute To The Eras Of Taylor Swift backstage at the Johannesburg Theatre, in Braamfontein. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Josette shows off some of the bracelettes she has received as gifts from fans. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Josette adjusts her necklace in her changing room backstage at the Joburg Theatre. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Josette adjusts parts of her costume. The show is a tribute to Taylor Swift, featuring authentic costumes and over 30 Swift songs. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Singers Aya Mpama, left, and Xae Memela prepare in their changing rooms backstage. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Singer Aya Mpama applies make-up. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Singer Xae Memela adjusts her hair. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Dancers Alycia Keane, left, and Jessica Driver stretch in the hallway backstage at the Joburg Theatre. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Musicians, from left, Jonathan Peyper, Travis Johnston, Mfundo 'Scales' Mbuli and Clint Falconer pose for a photograph and share a light-hearted moment before the performance. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Shoes worn by dancers in Taylor: A Tribute To The Eras Of Taylor Swift. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Josette makes final adjustments to her costume just off stage as she prepares for the show. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Performer Josette shares a moment with dancer Jessica Driver. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Dancer Jessica Driver stretches before the show. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Performers wish each other luck before the opening of the show. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Performers are seen backstage. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
A decorated microphone used by Josette in the Taylor: A Tribute To The Eras Of Taylor Swift show. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Performer Josette is seen waiting in the lift before emerging from under the stage. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Taylor: A Tribute To The Eras Of Taylor Swift. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Josette performs at a piano in Taylor: A Tribute To The Eras Of Taylor Swift. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Fans are seen in the front-row of Taylor: A Tribute To The Eras Of Taylor Swift. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
PICTURES: Behind the scenes at Michael Jackson tribute
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Currently based in New York City, Charles enrolled for a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Trombone Performance at the University of Cape Town (UCT) which she finished in 2012 and then completed a Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree in Jazz Trombone Performance cum laude also at UCT the following year. In 2022, she received the opportunity to study for her jazz master's in music at The Juilliard School and graduated magna Cum Laude last year. Charles has worked with many greats, including the late Hugh Masekela and Grammy Award-winning musicians Ulysses Owens Jr and Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers alum Geoffrey Keezer. She spent a significant portion of her 20s travelling and forming connections worldwide, working with musicians in Europe and the US. 'I did receive a lot of welcoming [aboard]. I do believe in going where you are appreciated. I think that's very important as an artist to be surrounded by a supportive community. 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'I didn't think I'd be acknowledged in this manner, but I have to give a big thank you to Alan Webster who is the director of the national youth jazz festival, he has witnessed my growth over the last 20 years as a trombonist-he really advocated for me to win the award,' said the musician. She wants to use the award to champion other musicians who are women. ALSO READ: Lamiez Holworthy cancels work commitments due to illness Missing home She has performed on various stages, including the Arcevia Jazz Feast in Italy and Sweden's Stockholm Jazz Festival. Like most South African expats, Charles says she misses food from home the most. 'Nothing like South African home-cooked food, I definitely miss the food. I do miss Ubuntu, one thing that South Africans have is: we are so kind,' said Charles, speaking from the US. She says in New York, everyone is focused on what they want to do. 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