An Athlone musician hopes to bring life back into the Athlone CBD by playing music and entertaining shoppers every Saturday.
Neville Adams, known for singing old-school music on the corner of Lawrence and Klipfontein roads on Saturday mornings, wants to bring people back to the heart of Athlone where they can shop and enjoy a meal.
He chooses to belt out old-school music because he feels more shoppers enjoy it.
Mr Adams and a DJ perform from 9.30am to 1.30pm.
Growing up in Athlone with a father who was musically inclined, Mr Adams developed a passion for music at a young age.
His first performance was during a school play at Methodist Primary School.
Since then, he has been performing songs at various events.
“I want to refresh the Athlone CBD. I can see how much people enjoy it; it takes them back. They walk along and sing and dance compared to the people who just come, do their shopping and rush off,” he said.
Asked why he felt it was important to revive the Athlone CBD, Mr Adams said: “We need to get it back to the way it was and create a homely atmosphere again. It will benefit the shoppers and businesses in the area.
“If we are not there, the people ask us where we were. They enjoy the entertainment. We bring life back into the CBD,” he said.
Mr Adams said shoppers had thronged Lawrence Road when he had been a boy. Crime had changed that.
“I want to create a good atmosphere especially with the festive season approaching us.
“My hope is that people will eventually sit down and enjoy a meal while listening to us,” he said.
He to have an open mic and encourage people to come along and entertain the shoppers.
