The Dawn of a New Day to premiere at the Durban International Film Festival 2011

Date: 20 June 2011

20 June 2011: The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) supported documentary film The Dawn of a New Day, directed and produced by Ryley Grunenwald will premiere at the 32^nd Durban International Film Festival on Sunday 24^th of July 2011 at the Suncoast Casino Cinema. The festival has been scheduled to take place from 21^st to 22^nd of July in Durban.

The Dawn of a New Day deals with access to health care issues through the eyes of 3 West Africans in need of specialized surgery. A successful South African plastic surgeon leaves his private practice to provide life-changing medical services to the poorest, however this comes with the risk of losing the woman he has always loved.

The film will have two additional screenings after the premiere:

Premiere: Sunday 24^th July: 6.00pm

Nu Metro CineCentre, Cinema A,

Suncoast Casino, 1 Battery Beach Rd, DBN

2^nd Screening: Wednesday 27 July 2:00PM

Luthuli Museum, 3233 Nokukhanga St, Groutville, KwaDukuza

3^rd Screening: Saturday 30 July 3:00PM

Royal Hotel, 1st Floor,

267 Anton Lembede St (Smith St)

The Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre For Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) with support by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, HIVOS, City Of Durban, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, and a range of other valued partners.

Top Artists Headline Standard Bank Joy of Jazz

8 June 2011, Johannesburg  


- There will be a global mélange of sound at The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz when top international artists join the legendary Wynton Marsalis at the country’s premier jazz-travaganza!

Running from August 25 to 27, the 2011 line-up features artists from America, Brazil, Croatia and Belgium who will share billing with performers from South Africa and the African Diaspora.

America’s Dee Dee Bridgewater, McCoy Tyner, Gerald Veasley, Jeff Lorber, Alexander O’Neal and Frank McComb will be joined by Brazil’s Tania Maria, Croatia’s HGM Jazz Messengers and Belgium’s Brussels Jazz Orchestra who perform with our own Tutu Puoane.

South African jazz greats Hugh Masekela and Sibongile Khumalo are part of a strong South African line-up including Mango Groove, Simphiwe Dana, the African Jazz Pioneers, Tu Nokwe, Kwela Tebza, Victor Ntoni, McCoy Mrubatha, Ringo, Julius Schultz and pianist Bokani Dyer, the 2011 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for Jazz.

They join performers from the African continent including Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi, Angola’s Bonga and Nigeria’s Olufemi.

Over the course a career that has spanned four decades, Grammy and Tony Award-winning jazz diva Dee Dee Bridgewater has paid homage to monumental figures of the music world, recording albums dedicated to Ella Fitzgerald (the double Grammy Award-winning Dear Ella, 1997), Horace Silver (Love and Peace: A Tribute to Horace Silver, 1995) and Kurt Weill (This Is New, 2002). Bridgewater takes great pride in producing each of her CDs herself and all of them have received Grammy nominations.

Arguably modern jazz has been shaped by the music of McCoy Tyner. His blues-based piano style, replete with sophisticated chords and an explosively percussive left hand has transcended conventional styles to become one of the most identifiable sounds in improvised music. His harmonic contributions and dramatic rhythmic devices form the vocabulary of a majority of jazz pianists. Tyner has released nearly 80 albums under his name, earned four Grammys and was awarded Jazz Master from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2002.

Jeff Lorber is a Grammy Award-nominated keyboardist, composer and record producer. After leading his own group, The Jeff Lorber Fusion, he went on to pioneer the smooth jazz genre in his solo career.

Already announced for the festival is jazz great Wynton Marsalis who will perform at Emperor’s Palace on Thursday, August 25. The legendary trumpeter – winner of nine Grammy Awards® and the first jazz musician to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music – is arguably the biggest jazz artist to come to South Africa. On the same opening night bill is the Gauteng Jazz Orchestra featuring The African Soul Sisters Nokukhanya Dlamini, Nombulelo Maqetuka and Wanda Baloyi.

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz continues in Newtown on August 26 and 27 on seven stages including brand new venue The Conga Stage, to be specially built between Bassline and Newtown’s Turbine Hall. The Dinaledi Stage and the Mbira Stage will once again be erected on Mary Fitzgerald Square, creating three purpose-built venues to showcase this year’s line-up. Other venues include The Bassline, Sophiatown, Shikisha and Nikki’s Oasis.

Event producer Peter Tladi of T-Musicman says: “Securing Wynton Marsalis is a real coup for the festival and firmly reconfirms Gauteng’s status on the international jazz map. We are delighted with the range and calibre of artists this year and we predict the 2011 festival will be a sell-out like last year.”

Commented Mandie van der Spuy, Head of Art & Jazz Sponsorships at Standard Bank: “We have created a memorable jazz weekend each year, and 2011 will be no different – the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has become a prominent social highlight for the city of Johannesburg and we have seen attendances significantly grow in size. The stature of the Joy of Jazz is built on the long-standing philosophy we share with T-Music Man, the Department of Arts and Culture and our city partners to create the rich blend of African and international jazz in the heart of Johannesburg, that brings jazz lovers together in a celebration of jazz and its heritage.”

For more information on the line-up and venues go to www.joyofjazz.co.za, and www.standardbankarts.com. See also http://www.facebook.com/standardbankjoyofjazz; http://standardbank.mobi/jazz; twitter.com/joyofjazz; www.facebook.com/standardbankjoyofjazz and youtube.com/standardbankgroup

Tickets are on sale at Computicket with a 15% discount for all Standard Bank customers (terms and conditions apply).

The 2011 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is produced by T-Musicman and brought to you by Standard Bank in association with the Department of Arts & Culture with co-sponsors The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, South African Tourism, Gauteng Tourism, National Arts Council, City of Joburg, MNS Attorneys and Emperor’s Palace.

Get into the spirit at the Fine Brandy Festival

Savour the best that South African brandy has to offer at the Fine Brandy Festival, on at the Sandton Convention Centre from 25 to 27 May 2011.

The most stylish event on the drinks calendar is back in town, and newly revamped, this year’s Fine Brandy Festival is not-to-be-missed. Brandy emerged as the sexy new drink on the block and this magnificent South African product has been hailed as the worlds finest – and well-deserving a festival dedicated to the celebration of this double-distilled grape spirit.

Now in its 4^th year, this flagship event for the South African brandy industry will showcase brandy as never before with its hot new looks, innovative lifestyle attractions and social vibe.

‘We are truly pushing the envelope this year”, says Christelle Reade-Jahn, director of the South African Brandy Foundation. “The festival is bigger and more luxurious than ever – embracing the need to spoil oneself with the special things in life.”

“Due to the phenomenal growth in festival attendance, we have moved to a larger venue to accommodate visitors, new exhibitors and festival activities. The flexibility and spaciousness of the Sandton Convention Centre also opens up exciting possibilities in terms of imaginative stand design, trend-focused experiences, lifestyle activities and top-notch entertainment.” 

From world-acclaimed champion brandies, new product launches and chill-out lounges to can-can girls, DJ Black Coffee and brandy-enhancing food, the festival line-up promises to be a crowd pleaser. 

All the more reason to explore your senses with this liquid treasure and to rub shoulders with the who’s who of the city’s social set, like-minded brandy enthusiasts, major distillers, multi-award winning brandy masters, single-estate brandy makers and top-flight mixologists. 

That the South African brandies on show is of exceptional quality is a given. Governed by legislated production, style and quality guidelines, local brandies are internationally recognised as the finest in the world. Over the past 12 years the annual Wine & Spirit Competition in London has awarded the Worldwide Best Brandy trophy to 9 different Cape brandies, made by large distilleries and small wine cellars alike. This year’s Walk of Fame at the festival honours these achievements, putting the pioneers in the limelight.

One of the exciting new products up for tasting at the show for the first time is the recently released Ladismith eight-year-old wood-matured 100% potstill brandy. Distilled in the charming Klein Karoo town by Ladismith Cellars, this newcomer has just won a Gold Award at the World Spirits Awards held in Austria as well as a coveted Gold from Bruxelles du Concours.

Also new to the festival is a series of entertaining and informative Masterclass® talks featuring a line-up of illustrious international experts and local gurus.

“Yet, you don’t have to be a connoisseur to enjoy the brandy festival. Novices can whet their appetite for brandy by sipping, nosing and exploring their way through matured Cape pot still treasures, vintage and blended brandies of remarkable quality,” adds Michael Fridjhon, festival director.

From muddling, mixing and floating to twists and swirls, guests can discover the myriad possibilities lingering in a cocktail glass at the new Round Bar, where modern-day master bartenders embrace brandy’s unique qualities to conjure up classic and contemporary cocktails.

Innovative mocktails – alcohol-free drinks echoing the flavours of brandy – will treat designated drivers and other non-imbibing visitors.   And yes, the legendary cooper from the heart of the winelands is back with his barrel-making mastery and well-loved signature tune.

Adding to the multi-faceted sensual experience, the Brandy Aroma Wheel titillates the nose with the subtle and complex flavours in fine brandies, ranging from violets to vanilla, cedar wood to citrus, chocolate to cigar box, and mint to mocha. 

The SA Brandy Foundation is a member of ARA. The Fine Brandy Festival supports moderate and responsible enjoyment of brandy. Corporate Cab services; Cabs for Women and Breathalysers are available at the show.   

CIARA STOLE A DANCE IN ZIMBABWE

Date: 02 June 2011

Article: Madoda Ntuli

The ZAR Fest Artist couldn’t stand each other on the same press conference yesterday, according to the Kenny “King of Sushi” Kunene because they represent different brands, the Press Conference too longer than it was scheduled with artist coming one by one to talk to the media who attended the event last night. I have counselled the two shows from Durban and Capetown due to low of the Tickets sales, it was a business decision that I have taken and we are going to have only Joburg {The Dome} to host our International Artists Kenny said.After an hour of waiting, Ciara’s bodyguards indicated to Kenny that she was ready to address us. I’m very disappointed that I won’t be performing for my fans in Durban and Capetown but etleast I ‘m will perform for Joburg as much as I did in Zimbabwe, it was something I have always dreamed about and it was so special for me, when I perform at the Dome fans must expect electrifying and energetic dance and good music of Ciara. She also mentioned that she stole some of good dance in Zimbabwe, at the gas station when stopped there, greeted her fans and then teaches her some Zimbabwean dance moves.

spends some time with Lil' Kim too, and it won't take long for the pint-size queen of hardcore hip-hop to suck you into her self-proclaimed "ghetto-fabulous" world. That's because as she perches her 4-foot-11-inch frame on a black leather couch in the back room of a New York City recording studio, she has the uncanny ability to make her high-maintenance, high octane, high-drama existence sound good, real good, like nirvana or something.

Listening to her describe her much-publicized life, you get the feeling that if you had twice your guts and half of her ambition, maybe you would have already been there with her, as she puts it, getting "paid just for lying in the shade taking pictures with a glass of lemonade."

In her world, she doesn't hold back and doesn't look back. She takes no prisoners, and has no regrets. She acts on her impulses, pursues her desires, says what she feels, and does what makes her feel good.

Kenny he is not only a Sushi king but also a fashionista, with their new Bling-Bling Black T-shirts Branded ZAR that was important I Australia but it was not clear whether the range will be available for public but mentioned that whoever it need must come to the Club. Other artists that will Perform along side Ciara are Lil Kim, Phat Joe, DJ Scratch and Timbaland who also brought his family along.

Nataniel in Concert at the Joburg Promusica Theatre for 3 shows only

Date: 17 May 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli

Since his solo debut Nataniël has released 14 albums, published 11 books, completed numerous concert tours and staged more than 55 original stage productions. Recently he wowed audiences nationwide with his acclaimed productions, OF HEARTBREAK AND HOPE, IMAGINE A KING and COMBAT, his most successful stage production to date. 

His concert at the Joburg Promusica Theatre will not only include highlights from these productions, but also feature new and original songs, new arrangements of well - known favourites, belters and torch songs, comedy, stories and sketches in both English and Afrikaans, lots of fantasy and as usual, a brand new collection of outfits.  Nataniël shares the stage with pianist Charl du Plessis. He has been the official pianist for Nataniël House of Music since 2000 and has performed in more than 1000 live concerts with Nataniël

Charl du Plessis has been the exclusive resident pianist for Nataniël House of Music for 6 years. He is a established pianist in South Africa and a lecturer in jazz piano at the University of Pretoria. He has performed in Switzerland, the USA and UK in both the classical and jazz genres.

Costumes are designed by Floris Louw.  Performances are 10th and 11th June @ 8:00pm and on the 12th June @ 3:00pm Ticket are R150:00 and booking is at Computicket. Go to www.promusica.co.za for more information.

• Nataniël has just released his first live DVD, Cathedral. Copies will be on sale at the venue.

• Items from Nataniël’s KAALKOP lifestyle range will also be available at the performance.

For more info plus pictures, visit Nataniël at www.nataniel.co.za

Doritos SAMA VIP Treat

Date: 17 May 2011

Article:

SAMAs here we come, say Doritos VIP winners

Congratulations to the five winners in the Doritos Late Night VIP competition, who will be rocking the yellow carpet at the SAMAs on 20 and 21 May 2011.

The lucky South Africans who will be getting the VIP treatment at the 17th annual MTN South African Music Awards at Montecasino, accompanied by three of their friends plus a sizzling celebrity, are: Dylan Vlaskamp (who will be attending the event with comedian Chris Forrest), Bianca van Vuuren (avant-pop musician Jax Panik), Siphokazi Naki (V-Entertainment presenter Lalla Hirayama), Sifiso Nhlengethwa (SABC1 Live presenter Mini Dlamini), and Thuthu Gaelesiwe (SAMA Award winning hip-hop act Teargas).

All the winners are from Gauteng except Naki, who hails from the Eastern Cape and will be flown up to Jozi for the glittering affair together with her chosen three friends.

The five winners and their buddies will be basking in the full VIP treatment during SAMAs weekend at Monte – enjoying two nights’ luxury accommodation at the Sun Square Hotel in Montecasino, as well as scoring VIP passes to the Friday and Saturday night award ceremonies and to selected official after-parties, living it up and hobnobbing with the who’s who of the music biz.

To join the Doritos family and keep up to speed with future competitions, visit their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/DoritosSouthAfrica), the Doritos mobisite (www.DoritosVIP.mobi), the MXit mobile application or the website www.doritos-sa.co.za.

Joburg Promusica Theatre and Ziveze Music Project present i'm Born with it

Date: 17 May 2011

Article: Madoda Ntulli

Celebrate raw talent and heaps of heart 

Prepare yourself for a musical show that embraces music; an ‘edutainment’ experience that reflects the real stories of the artists on stage, and what music means to them. It also covers the origins of the various categories of music presented, from gospel to hip-hop, Afro-pop to Kwaito.

Ziveze Music Project is the brainchild of actor Sandile Matsheni, the president of Soweto Rhythm Production. It started with a fund-raising initiative That was intended to be a stepping stone for upcoming musicians. Believing that talent without direction is like a car without a key, Sandile’s aim was to equip talented young musicians with training and skills. The project only really took off, however, when the vibrant young actor/singer/choreographer/writer Tebogo Dey Gasetlole arrived on the scene and, inspired by these ideals, threw his boundless enthusiasm, vigour and energies into the mix.

With the support of other Soweto Rhythm Production members, the project grew in leaps and bounds. With invaluable assistance from The National Art Council (NAC), that funded the auditions and workshops; The Department of Art and Culture, that funded the rehearsals; and Advocate Steve Kekane, was always close at hand to provide assistance, the dream became a living, breathing reality!

Ziveze – which translates to “showcase your talent” – seeks to help young musicians find a higher purpose in making music than merely “being famous”, and wants to show the healing, uplifting side to fully utilising the raw talent they possess within.

This exciting new company has put together a show, aimed at family audiences from the ages of 10 and up, that is fun, vibrant, entertaining, educational, touching and revitalising.

Sandile Christopher Matsheni After graduating from Mzini Dramatic Art in Soweto in 2001, Sandile made his theatrical debut in Trouble in my House, directed by Sibusiso Mhlongo. He continued his career under the direction of Duma Mnembe in Calamity, Enough is Enough, and They Must Be Sick; the latter two garnering him Best Actor awards at the National Stop Crime Drama Festival in South Africa. This was followed by a lead role in the Handspring Puppet Company’s production Tall Horse, directed by Marthinus Basson, which toured Germany and the USA. He then toured South Africa, Scotland, Ireland, Sweden and the US, with Michael Lessac’s Truth in Translation Company in 2007, and enjoyed a stint on TV’s Rhythm City the following year. A lead role in Yael Farber’s Molora had him touring Japan, the Netherlands, England, Ireland, Greece and the US. Sandile currently runs Soweto Rhythm Production; an NPO organisation based in Soweto which caters to the needs of young South African artists, and spawned the Ziveze Music Project.

Lynet Tebogo Gasetlole (known as Dey) A born poet and storyteller, Dey hails from the East Rand, and studied drama and dance, in addition to qualifying as a facilitator, at Sibikwa Art Centre in Benoni. She has performed in plays such as House of Zombies, Nativity, Where I Come From, Ma-Lindi: The Sex Strike, and Animal Farm. She’s also had considerable experience in industrial theatre, and has danced and choreographed pieces for Dance Umbrella, as well as community Groups such as Inthutuko Art Production and Emmaus Community Centre.

Dey has written and directed pieces such as Ukuhlupheka ku Ngiyenzile, What Has a Beginning Must Have an End, Love is a Journey, and now, I Am Born With It. She is presently engaged with the running of Soweto Rhythm Production with Sandile Matsheni, and also works as drama, dance, music and poetry facilitator at Emmaus Community centre in Duduza.

Ziveze Music Project would like to thank the following for helping to make a dream come true:

Promusica Theatre, The Department of Arts and Culture and the NAC, for facilitating this event. Pick ’n Pay Meadowlands, for helping with food for the rehearsals, Jabulani Mall, for giving us a platform to promote the show at the mall.

VENUE:                   Joburg Promusica Theatre, The Basement

DATES & TIMES:   Friday 3, 10 and 17 June @ 7:00pm      

                                 Saturday 4 and 11 June @ 4pm

                                 Sunday 19 June @ 4pm

TICKETS:                   R60:00