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     

More hot vibes lined up for Bushfire

Date: 16 May 2011

Several more top music acts have been confirmed for the Bushfire Festival from 27 to 29 May 2011, including Caiphus Semenya and Tidal Waves .

This independent arts, music and poetry festival, taking place at the House on Fire performance venue on Malandela’s Farm in Swaziland’s ‘Valley of Heaven’, is planning a feast of entertainment to ensure the weekend is one long party.

Visitors can check out South African outfits Goldfish, Black Coffee, Gazelle, Hot Water and Tonik; Swazi acts Spirits Indigenous, Nomzamo and Bholoja; as well as Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe), Habib Koité (Mali), The Yale Concert Band (USA), French Mime Artist Laurent Decol and Jamaican-Canadian dub poet D’Bi.Young.

Other acts taking part include South African jazz arranger, composer, bandleader and vocalist Semenya, and roots-reggae outfit Tidal Waves, fresh from a triumphant US tour and acclaimed performance at the SXSW festival in Texas.

Also on the bill are internationally acclaimed Mozambican artist António Marcos, South African VJ/DJ Târâ (aka Monique Pascall), Botswanan Afro-jazz sensation Shanti Lo, sensational Swazi hip-hop duo Siyinqaba, Canadian-born Swazi/South African rhythmic word wizard Croc E Moses, and French mime artist Laurent Decol.

Top Swazi DJs will light up the decks, including DJs Stitch (hip-hop), Mixmash (old-school), Mbo (electro/European), Rekorder (deep house), Tenderness (hip-hop), DD Cool (dance, old-school, kwaito, pasadda), Didang (hip-hop/old-school/Afro-pop), and Wicked and Crooks (deep house).

Another treat for festival-goers will be the enormous puppets from The Giant Match, which makes its Bushfire debut after thrilling audiences at last year’s National Arts Festival and during World Cup-related festivities. Based on the original collaboration between South African artists and Les Grandes Personnes, these giant puppets and a troupe of musicians will deliver a larger-than-life performance in the Bushfire arena.

Bushfire has become renowned for not only promoting local artistic talent as well as cultural diversity, but creatively advocating for social change. Aids orphan support NGO Young Heroes receives 100% of festival profits – more than R500 000 to date – and Bushfire has gained an international reputation as one of the continent’s most socially responsible events.

“Our ‘Call to Action’ philosophy means that we are not merely a passive arts fest offering escapist entertainment,” says festival director Jiggs Thorne. “We are mindful of the challenges facing the country, and as such we encourage artists to use their creative voices to promote development and transformation.”

The event also focuses on the economic empowerment of Swazis, particularly in the arts, culture, tourism and hospitality industries. This year’s festival – with the theme “Mixing the Point”, to celebrate diversity and inspire new collaborations and cultural meeting points – will again feature a fair trade and design marketplace, in collaboration with Swaziland Fair Trade. Handcraft workshops will be presented, and Swazi products will be showcased to visitors as well as to international designers, distributors and retail buyers.

Six Swazi groups will perform on the “100% Seriously Swazi” stage, with others performing informally throughout the festival grounds.  Other ongoing projects are the Bushfire Schools Festival and outreach project, which gives young people access to quality, sustainable arts activities, and the Arts & Culture Round Table, held in partnership with the Arterial Network, to discuss the development of the arts.

How to book Pre-booking for Bushfire is essential at www.computicket.com. Both VIP and standard tickets are available, as are one-day tickets. Children enjoy discounted rates, with free admission for under-fives.

Tickets are also available internationally at www.swazi.travel. The website includes information on where to stay during the festival, from backpackers and campsites to chalets and hotels. Visit www.bushfire.co.sz for more information and updates.

DANCE OF DESIRE OPENIG LAST NIGHT WAS NOT TO BE MISSED

DATE:05 MAY 2011

ARTICLE:MADODA NTULI

PICTURE: SULLPIED

IF YOU LOVED RIVERDANCE

LORD OF THE DANCE AND SPIRIT OF THE DANCE, YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

For the time in south Africa, Joburg Theatre is was proud to present the exclusive visit of DANCE OF DESIRE on the Mandela stage last night with the grand opening,  the show  runs until May 22^nd 2011.

Complete with entirely original music and choreography, DANCE OF DESIRE is undoubtedly unique in its imaginative design. This ground breaking Irish production challenges the boundaries of other Irish productions and has uniquely elevated the world of Irish dance productions which was actually produced in Ireland and has received critical acclaim not just abroad but also at home in Ireland where creative distinction is reserved for only those who excel amongst their peers within the Irish Music and dance traditions.

The show has a cast of 15 performers and comprises world and Irish champion dancers and a selection of Ireland’s finest musical and vocal virtuosos. It has already played to sell out audience from Beijing to Berlin, Chicago to the Czech Republic and Kuala Lumpur to Paris and just finished a nine-month residency in Jupiter’s Casino, gold Coast Australia.

The accumulative skills and talents of the costume, set and lighting designers has insured too that the power and passion of the shows story-line devised by Sean Quinlan is conveyed to the audience in realistic and all encapsulating manner. While the choreography describe as “outstanding and extremely innovative” speaks for itself in terms of heights it reaches and the boundaries that it crosses.

DANCE OF DESIRE has birthed and lives in post-Riverdance world. What is important is that it is not a sonic mirror of the now world famous Bill Whelan musical score, but brings a fresh spirit to bear on the story. In doing so, DANCE OF DESIRE is opening further doors for an upbeat joy to the lives of so many through his professionalism and musical inventiveness.

DANCE OF DESIRE is the national dance company in Ireland where Riverdance was born.” We supply them with dancers and many more of the Riverdance current dancers came from us ‘’ says micheal Carr, executive producer, we are the parent company who trains the dancers.

The Tickets for the show priced from R171 and are on sale right now on www.joburgtheatre.com

Spreading the message with her heavenly voice.

Date: 05 May 2011

Article: Mashabela Seshoka

Picture: Mashabela Seshoka

All she could think about was a quiet place where there were no more sorrows and hardships.

Now, ever since her first album Jubilee, Jabulile Malinga (30) sings about one thing-worshipping God.

She launched her new album at Grace Bible Church recently. At the launch Malinga sang her new material and encouraged her fans to repent.

“In heaven there is peace and no stress. There are so many challenges that the devil brings like HIV/Aids, Alcohol, Drugs Abuse and Financial Problem” said Malinga.

Jubilee is a 13 tracks album including Ngizohamba Naye, Konyana ya Modimo and many more.

Malinga was born and bred in Soweto, Dobsonville Extension. Her love and passion for gospel music saw herself working with top Mzansi Artists like Benjamin Dube, S’fiso and many more.

She started out as a solo artist with production company World of Life Music.

Now she managed by Thato Mampe who took her to studio to produce her album Jubilee. It will hit the shelves anytime from now on.

Best African Contemporary Gospel Album for Benjamin Dube

Date: 05 May 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli

Multi-award winning gospel singer and pastor, Benjamin Dube is expected in Accra, today. The veteran muso will headline the country’s ‘Biggest show at SAMA AWARDS 2011, was nominated for Best African Contemporary Gospel Album′, a popular   Annual MTN South African Music Awards Nominees party has traditionally been known as the most exclusive party in the music industry and this year was no exception.  The top releasing artists of 2010 were all present to witness their names being announced to be part of the African continents largest musical award show.   RiSA is excited about the new developments.  “MTN SAMA17 is set to turn Montecasino into Music City for one weekend and yet again deliver as SA music’s biggest night. We are thrilled by the lineup of top recording artists nominated for The 17^th Annual MTN South African Music Awards and hosting this year’s nominees as we head into SAMA weekend.”  

The headline sponsor MTN stated “As a proud supporter of South African music, MTN is committed to recognising and promoting local musicians with both raw and established talent. We further want to ensure the continued development, growth, and sustainability of South Africa’s vibrant home-grown music industry across all genres.

We are proud of all South African musicians especially those who have been nominated in the MTN SAMAs. We wish them all the best for the big event,” says, Natasha Basson, Acting General Manager for Brand and Communications at MTN South Africa.

Hunt for the Golden Eggs on Sunday 24 April and Win some fantastic price!

Date: 21 April 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli
Picture: Mariola Biela

For the first in South Africa, the latest international stage sensation, The SOPRONOS, A OPENS ON THEMandela stage at the Joburg Theatre this last night.Audience was treated to some of the best-loved and instantly recognizable music of all time performed in the SOPRANOS own inimitable and evocative style, from hushed intimate tones to full throttle rock, the spine-tingling vocals unify with breath-taking harmonies.

A must for all ages, THE SOPRANOS, performed their renditions of hits ranging from The Marriage of Figaro to Rogers & Hammerstein’s Gonna Wash That man, From Puccini’s Nessun Dorma to James Bond’s Goldfinger, Barbra Streisand’s Evergreen to Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water, Bizet’s Carmen to Andrew Lioyd Webber’s with One look and all other genres in between.

 The full symphony sound accompanying the Sopranos was created by New Zealand’s Wellington Sinfonia and the show features seven-piece on stage band starring the sassy all girl string quartet, the Glamrocks.

JOUBURG THEATRE HAS ARRANGED SPECIAL HOLIDAY PERFOMANCE OVER THE EASTER PERIOD:

Wednesday 20 April-08pm

Thursday 21 April -8pm

Saturday 23 April-8pm

Sunday 24 April-8pm

Wednesday 27 April 5pm

Thursday  28 April-8pm

Friday 29 April -8pm

Saturday 30 April-5pm & pm

Sunday 30 April-5pm & 8pm

Golden eggs will be places on selected seats in the Auditorium on Sunday 24 April and Patrons can will some fantastic prizes-these include

SOPRANOS runs from wednesday 20 April and the limited season must close on Sunday May 1st 2011

THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA DRAMA DEPARTMENT PRESENTS

20 April 2011

HAIR & COMB


Directed by Napo MasheaneHAIR & COMB is set against an urban city backdrop is a uniquely contemporary South African play.A hair salon for most people severs as a melting pot for many social and personal topics. HAIR & COMB allow us to tap into the lives of different characters in and out of the Hair Salon. And we as the audience witness each characters journey, their fears, pain, and struggles as we share in their dreams.

We learn about survival in the hair business, we see the value of friendship and the breakdown of communities. We are exposed to the realities of a new South Africa and its emerging issues: the new money, xenophobia, sexuality, race, gender, beauty, image, relationships, friendships, love and HAIR. ‘Hair’ in this play, in a metaphorical sense, is used for what lies behind the look,
the obsession and generally accepted notion of beauty and its madness.
HAIR AND COMB tells the rich cultural textures of South Africa and its people, as it wittingly weds opinions and perspectives in public spaces.

Acclaimed director, poet, actress and producer Napo Masheane made her mark as a multi-skilled theatre artist on both international and national stages. A founding member of Feela Sista! Spoken Word Collective, she is also the director of her own company Village Gossip Productions. ). Some of Napo’s previous directing projects include My Bum Is Genetic Deal with it (2007), Fat black women sing (2008), and Mollo -the woman in me (2010). This production is the first multicultural cast to journey with Napo. Do not miss this vibrant, fun, thought-provoking play!

WEAR YOUR HAIR – IT DOESN’T DEFINE YOU!
DATES: 3- 7 May 2011
VENUE: The Masker Theatre (UP Main Campus)
TIME: 19h00
PRICE: Students R25; Block Bookings R30; Adults R35.
BOOKINGS: Yvonne 012-4202558 or at the door.
For further information please contact Teboho Motloung (0768485973
hlomelangtm@gmail.com) OR Thuli Mabaso (0783712625
productions.village@gmail.com)

DANCE OF DESIRE

Date: 19 April 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli

"IF YOU LOVED RIVERDANCELORD OF THE DANCE
ANDSPIRIT OF THE DANCEYOU WON’T WANT TO MISS"

For the first time in South Africa, Joburg Theatre is proud to present the exclusive visit of DANCE OF DESIRE on the Mandela stage from May 3rd until May 22nd 2011.
Complete with entirely original music and choreography DANCE of DESIRE is undoubtedly unique in its imaginative design.  This ground breaking Irish production challenges the boundaries of other Irish dance productions and has uniquely elevated the world of Irish dance to a new level.  DANCE of DESIRE is also one of a select few Irish resident and touring dance productions which was actually produced in Ireland and has received critical acclaim not just abroad but also at home in Ireland where creative distinction is reserved for only those who excel amongst their peers within the Irish music and dance traditions. 

The show has a cast of 25 performers and comprises world and Irish champion dancers and a selection of Ireland’s finest musical and vocal virtuosos. It has already played to sell out audiences from Beijing to Berlin, Chicago to the Czech Republic, Kuala Lumpur to Paris and just finished a nine-month residency in Jupiter’s Casino, Gold Coast Australia.  The accumulative skills and talents of the costume, set and lighting designers has insured too that the power and passion of the shows story-line devised by Sean Quinlan is conveyed to the audience in a realistic and all encapsulating manner.

While the choreography described as “outstanding and extremely innovative” speaks for itself in terms of the heights it reaches and the boundaries that it crosses.      
DANCE OF DESIRE has birthed and lives in a post-Riverdance world. What is important is that it is not a sonic mirror of the now world famous Bill Whelan musical score, but brings a fresh spirit to bear on the story. In doing so, DANCE OF DESIRE is opening further doors for the continuation of the new professionalism of Irish dance… DANCE OF DESIRE brings an upbeat joy to the lives of so many through his professionalism and musical inventiveness. 

DANCE OF DESIRE is the national dance company in Ireland where Riverdance was born.  “We supply them with their dancers and many of the Riverdance current dancers came from us,” says Michael Carr, Executive Producer.  We are the parent company who trains the dancers.”

Tickets are priced from R171 and are on sale now exclusively by visiting http://www.joburgtheatre.com/ and purchasing your print-at-home ticket on the internet, or by calling the theatre’s new direct ticketing line on 0861 670 670.
Tickets for Joburg Theatre’s shows no longer add the traditional ticketing agency booking fee, so the price you see advertised is the price you pay.  Subsequently, the theatre’s tickets are no longer available at Computicket.

Kasi concert rescheduled due to bad weather

Date: 19 April 2011
Article: Madoda ntuli

The recent Kasi Funfair at Dorothy Nyembe Park ushered a new era of family entertainment into the heart of Soweto, and local residents showed their approval by turning up in great numbers.

“Attendances were most heartening,” says organiser Nomsa Sibeko, who had also ensured that the funfair had a strong element of local social upliftment. She adds: “The support that we saw will ensure that this family event becomes an annual one.” Concert rained out – but not to worry! Unfortunately, bad weather halted the scheduled concert – which was supposed to end off the funfair season. Fans who had looked forward to attending, need not worry, however, as the entire show has been rescheduled for the same venue, on Sunday May 1st.

The line-up is the same as was previously advertised, with one of the headline acts being DJ Euphonik, one of South Africa's most successful young dance DJs, who has a legendary reputation as a crowd-pleaser, both in clubs and on the air.  Revellers can also enjoy Khuli Chana, who will be bringing his own flavour of ‘vernacular rap’, or Motswako. Borrowing elements from various musical backgrounds, Motswako uses street-talk to convey important messages to the youth, and it does so in various South African languages. Fans will also get the chance to “Shake Your Bum Bum” with the wildly popular Black Coffee, featuring Zakes Bantwini, who will perform this and other hits. Add to the mix Proffesa, Pro Kid, DJ Zinhle, DJ KG, DJ Tokzen, DJ Toyoter – and others, in a concert that’s destined to be remembered for years to come.
The concert starts at 4pm and runs till late.
Be there!

PLEASE NOTE:

Guests are reminded that no food or drinks may be brought into the venue. Bars will be available for the purchasing of beer or cooldrinks, and numerous hot food vendors will keep hunger from the door!
***

Please note that tickets will not be sold at the gate.
Tickets bought for the original date may be used at the gate for this rescheduled concert.
Bookings can now be made at Computicket outlets (Checkers Hyper and Shoprite), 083 915 8000, or online at http://www.computicket.com/

VENUE: Dorothy Nyembe Park,
Corner Matla and Mnisi Roads,
Dobsonville,
Soweto
DATE & TIME: May 1st at 4pm
TICKETS: Regular tickets, R100 or Golden Circle tickets, R150

Evita Bezuidenhout and Ouma Ossewania

Date: 19 April 2011

Pieter-Dirk Uys presents Evita Bezuidenhout (born Evangelie Poggenpoel) and
her mother Ouma Ossewania Kakebenia Poggenpoel in a rousing tribute to our
recent history.

It is 50 years since the apartheid Republic of South Africa was born. Today Tannie Evita tries to find the truth among all the spin, shock and awe, while her ma is furious that she wasted her life believing the lie that apartheid was a gift from God.
She is now over 100 and it's too late to sleep with the garden boy! Or is it too much to except him to kiss that boer?
DIE POGGENPOELS PRAAT - is mainly in Afrikaans but also hilariously in some
English

Musical fireworks in JPO's mid-year season

 Date 19  April 2011

What better way to enjoy the cooler autumn months than with a hearty broth of fine music, courtesy of the JPO’s second season of symphony concerts?
The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s next concert season kicks off on 4 May 2011 and wraps up on 9 June 2011. The series of concerts will once again showcase the timeless beauty of classical music to Joburg and Pretoria audiences.

The concerts begin at Parktown’s Linder Auditorium on 4 and 5 May with what will undoubtedly be a treat for avid music lovers: Singaporean-born Indian conductor George Mathew, inspirational founder of Music for Life International and Ubuntu-Shruti, will make a guest appearance with the JPO. As a torch-bearer for transformative action through the arts, Mathew is passionate about using symphonic music to focus on global humanitarian issues and crises.
Under his baton, the JPO and Montenegrian violinist Roman Simovic, currently concertmaster of the London Symphony Orchestra, will perform Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, Op.61, D major. The programme also includes Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro, Op.47 and Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony, Op.25.
Mathew, Simovic and the JPO will repeat this concert at Unisa’s ZK Matthews Hall on Sunday, 8 May at 3pm.

The bar remains high for the remainder of the season, with Polish conductor Michal Dworzynski coming on board for the following two weeks. Described as a “firecracker” and “energiser” of a conductor, he will be leading the orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.3, Op.29, D major (Polish) and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Op.35, on 11 and 12 May.
Dworzynski will remain in town the following week for the concerts on 18 and 19 May at the Linder Auditorium, with a repeat at Unisa on 22 May at 3pm. The featured soloist is Dmitry Kouzev, a talented and versatile cellist from Russia who returns to South Africa to perform Schumann’s Cello Concerto, Op.129, A minor with the JPO. The remainder of the programme includes another Schumann work, the Symphony No.2, Op.61, C major as well as Kodály’s Dances of Galanta.
The remaining three weeks of the season will be presided over by the JPO’s principal guest conductor, Bernhard Gueller.

On 25 and 26 May, two of the JPO’s very own horn heavyweights, Shannon Armer and Peter Griffiths, in concert with the orchestra, will treat audiences to a rendition of Haydn’s Double Horn Concerto and Saint-Saëns’ Morceau de concert, Horn and Orchestra, Op.94. The JPO will also perform Fauré’s Pelleas et Melisande, Op.80: Suite and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.1, Op.13, G minor (Winter Daydreams: Réverie d’hiver).

Currently completing her Masters degree in music at the Juilliard School of Music in New York, 23-year-old South African violinist Avigail Bushakevitz is unquestionably an exciting talent who has a bright future ahead of her on the international stage. She will be performing Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto, No.2, Op.63, G minor with the JPO on 1 and 2 June, as well as on 5 June in Pretoria. The orchestra will also play De Falla’s Three Cornered Hat, Suite 1 and Mozart’s Symphony No.39, K.543, E-flat minor.
This concert is preceded by a performance by the JPO Academy Orchestra – an incubator initiative that is grooming the next generation of musicians to enter the ranks of the JPO – conducted by Sonja Bass. They will perform Finlandia by Sibelius.

The JPO’s final symphony concerts in its 2011 second season will be on 8 and 9 June. Gueller wields the baton for the Bach Suite (Overture) No.1, BWV 1066, C major and a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No.5, C-sharp major as part of the JPO’s ongoing commemoration of the centenary of the Austrian composer’s death.

The Wednesday and Thursday night concerts at the Linder Auditorium start at 8pm, with the periodic Unisa Sunday-afternoon concerts starting at 3pm. Tickets are available at Computicket from 15 April or at the door. For more information, call 011 789 2733, e-mail info@jpo.co.za or visit http://www.jpo.co.za/.

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South African Fashion week took place last night at Shine Studios

Date: 09 April
Article; Madoda Ntuli

Black  Coffee was SA Fashion week grand  opener, the show promised more to come with  great anticipation, the fashion crawlers of the industry had come in numbers to experience South Africa's great fashion talents on the night, the show was also graced by few celebrities, the likes of Penny Lebyane, Fashinista Simphiwe Majola, Iko Mash and selimathunzi presenter Siza Beda.

Vodacome and Jamson as well as Orbit Sugar free Chewing gum sponsored this year's fashion show with Jamson hosting after party until the wee of the night, the show will continue until sunday afternoon at the same venue at Shine Studios

Jameson Global Party, setting global party standards

Date: 18 March 2011
Article: Senzo Mlondo
Picture: Supplied

DJ Fresh on the Decks of Joburgs Hottest Party!
Goodluck just before their set, well received with the crowds!
Jeannie D enjoys the evening at Jameson Global

Gorgeous MC for South Africa, celebrity Bonang Matheba

Leading whiskey brand Jameson last night hosted what can only be described as the chicest and most technically complex party that Joburg has seen to date, at Taboo in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The Jameson Global Party saw 18 ‘simultaneous’ parties take place across the globe with live streaming between the flagship events hosted in Joburg, SA; Dublin Ireland and Sofia, Bulgaria. Parties began in Australasia and took place across time zones ending  in West America, making it a 24 hour Jameson celebration.  

The event was broadcast to over 100 000 party goers around the world, via live link to the international venues.  Guests were treated as Groove Armada was streamed live from Dublin via big screens in the prestigious Joburg Venue.  

“The event saw Joburg celebrities and music lovers alike, come out in style for the occasion” notes Ulrico Grech-Cumbo from Soul Candi Live, the official promoter of the event. “The event was a great achievement for Soul Candi Live, and we are grateful for being given the opportunity to produce the entire event.  The live link  is definitely a feature we want to look at for other parties in future. It’s great to see South Africa setting a global standard”.

Jameson is traditionally understood as a smooth, exclusive whiskey that isn’t scared to party. Party goers definitely experienced an evening of top class South African entertainment and were lucky enough to be part of the Global phenomenon.  

The party hosted its own prime local line-up featuring Ricardo da Costa, DJ Fresh, Goodluck, DJ Kent  ft Relo and Harael Salkow.  The beautiful Radio presenter and Celebrity Bonang Matheba  MC’d the evenings  event. 

Post-event footage is available on Jamesonwhiskey.com and Facebook.com/jamesonwhiskey.

For more information http://globalparty.jamesonwhiskey.com/

‘African Adventure’ a New, Vibrant, Exciting Family Musical

Date: 18 March 2011

Article: Senzo Mlondo

Picture: Supplied

Paisley Productions, in association with South African National Parks, is proud to present the fresh, inspirational and humorous family musical ‘African Adventure’ at The Fringe at Joburg  Theatre from 14th April for a limited season until 5th May 2011.

This exciting, ground breaking stage production incorporates fresh young talent, muppets inspired by the smash hit international musical “Avenue Q” and a Nickelodeon-inspired stage design.

The show is set in the African bushveld where the wildlife faces the ever present threat of poaching. Join Lynette the Posh Giraffe, Malcolm the Funky Monkey and Olivia the Ostrich ‘diva’ as they face the terrifying quest to help their Rhino friends Ricky and Rachael.

Tracey Christelis, an upcoming writer with a fresh approach to family theatre, has captured the heart of our African culture in this new and original script. Jesse Christelis and Zak Hendrikz have teamed up to direct this new proudly South African Musical and with their out-of-the-box approach to theatre are certain to deliver an enchanting African theatre experience.  Enhanced by the inspirational music of Lonehill Estate’s bass guitarist, Mark van den Berg and you have a show that beats and pulses with a vibrant African rhythm, incorporating all music genres from ragtime to world music along the way.

African Adventure will be showcasing some of the country’s most talented up and coming performers from Tshwane University of Technology who are destined to be SA’s theatre stars of the future. Based on the musical ‘Avenue Q’, the cast of 7 human and 9 puppet characters will interact as though human.  The puppets are animated and voiced by the actor who will be present and unconcealed onstage at all times.  The aim is for both the audience and puppeteer to focus on the character being portrayed.

African Adventure Family Musical will whisk you and your family away on the adventure of a lifetime.  There is no better way to entertain the family this Easter Holiday, head down to the Joburg Theatre and let adventure grab you by the tail.

10% of ticket sales go to South African National Parks’ Counter Rhino Poaching and Public Education Divisions.

‘African Adventure’ runs from 12th April until 5th of May 2011 at the Fringe at Joburg Theatre, and performances are;