The Kinsey Report
What a talent!
If she had been given more opportunities, Vivienne would have
become an international sensation.
She sang with a number of Bands including The Duke’s Combo, and
mesmerised heraudiences with her wonderful delivery. She also
performed with some international visitors including Percy Sledge.
She later became an integral part of The Golden City Dixies. She
was a mother figure to many of the younger artists and nurtured
many of them.
Vivienne featured as the support act for Tom Jones, Eartha Kitt, and
The Hues Corporation when they toured South Africa
Vivienne made a few recordings including a wonderful version of
“Hey”.
(I believe that a video exists of Vivienne Kensley performing.
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to obtain it.)
www.thekinseyreport.com
Updated 05 April 2024
Vivienne Kensley
Tribute by Jonathan Stevens
Vivienne Kensley was our "Showbiz Mum" in Durban.
She kept an open house for all artists in showbiz from all over the country. One would be fortunate to meet
performers from all groups there whether it be the cast of the African Musical Maropa, the Dixies or
performers from the Himalaya Hotel. We were all drawn there by Vivienne's warm welcome.
I remember when I returned from the UK and she called me and said, "Come over and sit with us." with that
wonderful Cape lilt.
She was a tremendous talent, would tell you straight when you were out of line and was a wonderful hostess,
entertaining us with her charm, food and drinks. I remember seeing her on the Percy Sledge show at the Shah
Jehan Cinema where she sang," It Must Be Him” and “This is my life". She is sadly missed.
(Thanks to Samantha Davies and Jonathan Stevens for providing some pictures of Vivienne, and to Tertius Louw
for images of one of her records)
