A year and a half after the drastic schedule changes the SABC implemented in July 2014 after its 2014 FIFA World Cup coverage, the broadcaster is once again moving shows and making scheduling changes across the three TV channels in an attempt to hold on to existing audiences and to boost viewership. As part of the changes, "Live Amp" on Fridays is being moved to 19:30, with a new show, "Urban Music Xperience", starting on Fridays at 21:00.
'Urban Music Xperience" is a music entertainment show that showcases the latest music videos and features updates on entertainment news as well studio interviews with artists. It is hosted by Luthando "LootLove" Shosha and Adil More.
I love the fact that unlike its counter part, "Live Amp", the show gets to showcase both local and international music videos. I really am a fan of South African music, but it is great to get a regular update on what is new and hot in the international sphere as well. I also love that they get to play full videos and do not cut them off halfway through, a habit that most music shows seem to be fond of. I absolutely enjoy the studio interviews and LootLove does a great job as host to the studio guests. Her vast experience working in music shows before comes to play, however, it is frustrating to watch how her work on the show is very similar to that she did on "Live Amp". It would have been awesome if the show allowed her portray a different side of herself than that which we are used to. But I guess we just have to wait for her to present a non-music show for that to happen. On the debut episode, the presenter dawned a Gothic kind of look with dark make up and a 'Minnie Mouse' hairstyle. We hope that is not a look she is going for on a permanent basis as we prefer her more clean, sleek and classic looks.
Adil More on the other hand seems to be struggling in his new role. Even though the radio DJ has hosted a TV music show some years ago, it seems that he completely lost his television mojo. He projected his voice like he was on radio the whole time and I swear that a person listening from the other room might have thought I have my 'wyless' on and not the TV. Presenters usually promote their other shows or gigs at the end of the airing show and yet Adil was quick to let us know about his Metro FM slot right along with his greeting. It gave us the feeling that he was way out of his comfort zone and would rather get back in his cushy chair behind the mic at Metro instead. It should be interesting to see how he progresses in the coming weeks.
The "Urban Music Xperience" studio set is quite dark and we didn't even get to see much of it as the cinematographer seemed to work with a lot of close ups. The picture quality is HD and indeed depicts an urban feel for the show, however, it would be great if the set was brighter in terms of lighting and allowed us to take in the beauty of the hosts, studio guests as well as the work of the production designer.
"Urban Music Xperience" airs every Fridays at 9pm on SABC 1
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