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Step into the rhythm of South African radio royalty as we prepare to honor the illustrious Wilson B Nkosi, a titan of the airwaves for over three decades. Picture it: the stage is set, the lights aglow, and the air crackling with anticipation. On the 29th of June 2024, Emperors Palace in Johannesburg will transform into a palace of music, a testament to the indelible mark Nkosi has left on the hearts of listeners nationwide.
Hailing from the quaint town of Piet Retief, and steeped in the vibrant culture of Swaziland, Wilson B Nkosi has been a constant companion to generations, his voice weaving through the fabric of South African entertainment with effortless grace. Now, as we gather to pay homage to his unparalleled career, we do so with hearts brimming with admiration and gratitude.
This gala isn’t just a celebration; it’s a symphony of gratitude, a crescendo of appreciation for a man whose passion for music knows no bounds. Recently honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Cultural & Creative Industries Awards, Nkosi’s legacy is etched in the annals of South African music history. And what better way to honor his legacy than with an evening of splendor and melody?
Prepare to be swept away on a wave of elegance and enchantment as T&S Platinum Concerts curates an experience like no other. From delectable delicacies to scintillating conversation, every moment promises to be infused with the magic of Nkosi’s legacy. But the true stars of the evening? The music, of course.
Imagine the stage ablaze with talent, as luminaries of the music industry converge to pay homage to one of their own. Sjava, Mafikizolo, Lwah Ndlukulu – names that need no introduction, voices that stir the soul and move the spirit. And alongside these titans, a cadre of DJs whose beats will set the night on fire, each spin a testament to the enduring power of rhythm and melody.
These include Msizi Shembe, Sentle Lehoko, Collen Zondo, DJ Muntu, Morda and Tbose, who are all renowned for their exceptional skills and ability to get the crowd on their feet. With such a diverse and talented lineup, this gala promises to be an unforgettable experience for all music lovers. From soulful ballads to upbeat dance tracks, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
As the melodies rise and fall, and the night unfurls in all its splendor, we invite you to join us on this journey of celebration and reflection. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply someone who appreciates the magic of music, this gala promises an experience like no other.
So, don your finest attire, dust off your dancing shoes, and prepare to lose yourself in the rhythm of the night. Tickets are available now, but they won’t last long. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of history as we raise our voices in tribute to one of South Africa’s most beloved sons. This is more than an event; it’s a celebration of life, love, and the enduring power of music.
Ballantine’s True Music celebrates 10 years of Boiler Room in May. The partnership has played a pivotal role in the popularisation of South African-birthed genre’s of Amapiano, Bacardi, and Gqom on stages around the globe. Through its revered broadcasts, the platform has showcased many local artists who have gone on to make waves and impact abroad.
Leading up to the Boiler Room 10-year Anniversary in May, Ballantine’s True Music will head to Pretoria on 20 April for an Amapiano and Bacardi immersion. The festivities will start at Braai Maestro in Pretoria West from 18:30 where inventive duo, Mellow & Sleazy, and “Tiya Mfana” hitmaker, DJ Tshegu, will churn out their Bacardi-tinged Amapiano tunes.
At 22:00 Ballantine’s True Music will take over Hawayu Lifestyle in Centurion where Bacardi flagbearer, Enny Man da Guitar, and Private School Amapiano stalwart, Kelvin Momo, will hit the decks.
The Durban leg of Ballantine’s True Music takes place on 27 April with the purveyors of Gqom, Durban’s Finest—DJ Tira and Sox. The pioneering duo will set the dancefloor ablaze at Exit Shisayama and Carwash alongside GoldMax, one-half of the iconic Distruction Boyz.
Ballantine’s True Music, with Boiler Room as the platform, has continuously championed local sounds and aided in their international expansion. From the early days of Boiler Room in 2014, artists like House DJ Lamiez Holworthy made it a point to include some Amapiano songs during her set, at a time when it was not fashionable in the mainstream.
This boots-on-the-ground grassroots approach mirrors how the platform has also treated the pulsating sound of Gqom. During Boiler Room 2019 in Durban, DJ Lag’s “Amanikiniki” had attendees in a trance-like frenzy and went on to be a globe-trotting viral hit.
Thirashan Naidoo, Ballantine’s Marketing Manager at Pernod Ricard says Ballantine’s mission has always been to showcase, promote, celebrate and bring wide-spanning communities together through music, culture and entertainment.
“Our True Music events in Pretoria and Durban will again showcase local talent and sounds, and with our decade-long Boiler Room partnership, we have managed to stay true to our cause and take those sounds global for the rest of the world to take notice,” says Naidoo.
The Boiler Room 10th Anniversary takes place in Johannesburg on 11 May, and artists on the line-up include Amapiano royalty Scorpion Kings, “Mnike” hitmaker Tyler ICU and DBN Gogo. Sign up HERE for tickets.
More information on the True Music events can be found on the individual venue’s social media platforms and @ballantinesSA. #staytrue
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – April 5, 2024 – Against the picturesque backdrop of Durban’s sun-kissed Indian Ocean, amidst the rhythmic dance of white-horse waves, esteemed lecturers from KwaZulu-Natal’s fashion design colleges congregated at an exquisite rooftop venue for an exclusive unveiling – the theme for the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Dubbed ‘Ride the Wave,’ this year’s theme was unveiled through a captivatingly crafted video broadcast, presented to a select group of top KZN fashion design lecturers. These educators play a pivotal role as their students gear up to vie for the prestigious 2024 HDJ Young Designer Award competition.
The poetic journey commenced with verses echoing the anticipation building up to the iconic July 6th event, akin to a wave swelling like the arched neck of a spirited horse with a flowing mane. Renowned South African fashion luminary, Kathrin Kidger, then graced the stage, offering further inspiration.
“In envisioning this year’s theme, picture the imagery painted by its lines. It transports us to a realm where the forces of nature converge, where the pulse of the waves mirrors the dynamic energy of racing steeds,” Kidger expressed.
However, she cautioned against merely skimming the surface, urging a deeper exploration that celebrates the untamed spirit of the ocean intertwined with the majestic grace of the horse. Kidger implored KwaZulu-Natal’s fashion mentors to instill in their students the essence of authentic storytelling, creativity, and elegance, steering clear of clichés.
“Embrace textures and fabrics that mimic the undulating swell of waves, or evoke the fluidity of water in motion. Let fabrics cascade like waterfalls, while drawing inspiration from the ocean’s vibrant palette,” she urged.
Kidger’s integral role within the Hollywoodbets Durban July team was underscored by Gold Circle Events and Marketing Executive, Stephen Marshall, who hailed her as the epitome of homegrown talent, showcasing the rich tapestry of South African culture through her designs.
Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between fashion and the Durban July experience, Marshall emphasized the event’s multifaceted platforms, offering exposure and opportunities for burgeoning designers to catapult their careers.
Speaking on behalf of the Hollywood Foundation, PRO Vuyi Ngobese announced substantial support for students, totaling R18 million in full-cost bursaries for 2024. Ngobese unveiled the foundation’s prizes for the top three spots in the 2024 HDJ Young Designer Award, featuring significant bursaries and supplements from esteemed partners.
As the theme unfolds, anticipation mounts as to the ingenuity and creativity that will grace the stage at “Africa’s Greatest Horseracing and Social Event” on July 6th. With the ocean’s allure beckoning and the spirit of the horse galloping, the stage is set for a mesmerizing fusion of fashion and spectacle.
JOHANNESBURG – TUESDAY APRIL 2, 2024 – To celebrate a decade of its True Music platform, Ballantine’s, the world’s second biggest-selling Scotch whisky, announces True Music 10 – a year-long programme of 10 in-person and broadcast music events. In partnership with long-standing partner Boiler Room, the celebrations will give music fans around the world direct access to some of the most exciting artists across 10 diverse music communities who are shaping global music culture today.
Boiler Room and Ballantine’s will return to Johannesburg home to one of the partnership’s first ever shows, where they will be throwing their biggest party to date. Taking place on 11th May, the multi-stage, multi-genre event will showcase some of the world’s most innovative artists including Louie Vega and Kenny Dope’s iconic garage duo; Masters At Work, DBN Gogo, and Toccororo as well as a number of True Music alumni including Coco Em and Scorpion Kings. Guests can sign up for the True Music 10 Johannesburg show now via https://truemusic.boilerroom.tv/, with further shows across the globe to be revealed throughout 2024.
Before heading to South Africa, Boiler Room and Ballantine’s will kick off True Music 10 with an intimate pop-up at a secret location in Soho, London on 4th April. The series of True Music 10 pop-ups will continue to Colombia and South Africa, rolling out in select cities, and showcasing some of the most forward-facing True Music artists from each country. Music fans around the world will also be able to tune in and catch the South Africa pop-up shows, broadcast from Durban and Pretoria for free via https://truemusic.boilerroom.tv/.
Tom Elton, Head of Culture and Partnerships at Ballantine’s commented: “The evolution of True Music over the past decade has been remarkable. For 10 strong years, the platform has been committed to representing, supporting, and promoting inclusive music culture by celebrating pioneering local artists and communities from around the world on a global stage. We believe in the power of staying true to yourself and doing things your own way, and over the years we are proud to have worked with some of the most exciting ‘Stay True’ artists, who are propelling music culture forward and making music for passion. Here’s to the next ten. “
Since 2014, Ballantine’s and Boiler Room, have brought together artists and communities from around the world, representing local music culture on a global stage and turning passions into professions. Over the past decade, the duo has hosted inclusive in-person and live-streamed music events from some of the world’s most vibrant music scenes championing, supporting, and representing over 800 pioneering headliners and emerging artists, from over 30 countries across six continents. As part of the celebrations, Ballantine’s will invite fans from around the world the opportunity to browse the True Music archive, where users will be able to stream previous True Music Studios and win tickets to events, exclusive merchandise and redeem Ballantine’s cocktails with partner venues. Access to the digital experience will be via QR codes found in stores, venues and across posters.
Ballantine’s will also continue its ongoing True Music Fund, contributing a further 10 grants over the next year, to support emerging local music-focused organisations and collectives who are driving modern music culture, with further details to be announced in late 2024.
Invites to the True Music 10 pop-up events are extremely limited and will be available for only 30 hours ahead of the show. To be the first to hear when invites are available for any True Music 10 events, follow @boilerroomTV and @ballantines on socials and sign up HERE.
Johannesburg, 12 March 2024 – The most groundbreaking achievements in filmmaking and acting were celebrated this weekend at the 2024 Academy Awards. E!’s Live From E!: The Oscars, hosted by Laverne Cox, presented the most glamorous red carpet show of the 2024 award season.
If you missed the live broadcast, The 2024 Live From E!: The Oscars will air tonight on Monday 11 March at 17:00 and 23:00 (CAT) on E! (DStv 124).
Laverne Cox was joined by panelists Zanna Roberts Rassi, Zuri Hall, comedian Heather McMahan and designer Christian Siriano to offer commentary as the stars arrived, while movie expert Keltie Knight and E!’s Tiffany Smith gave fans a one-of-a-kind look at the red carpet from the rooftop at Ripley’s on Hollywood Boulevard.
This past year’s blockbuster films and their featured stars will be front and center during Live From E!: Oscars red carpet at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with special moments for fans everywhere.
The most nominated movie of the night was Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which was up for 13 awards, including nods for its stars Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt and Robert Downey Jr, and won 7 awards, including Best Picture. Meanwhile, Barbie, the highest-grossing film of 2023, earned eight nominations, with Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera each being recognized for their stellar performances, and won 1 award (Best Song).
Acting icons that attended the awards included Jennifer Lawrence, Matthew McConaughey, Lupita Nyong’o, Michelle Yeoh, Dwayne Johnson, Zendaya and Nicolas Cage.
E! is available on DStv Channel 124.
Live From E! is produced by Den of Thieves with executive producers Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager and Barb Bialkowski.
In the vibrant tapestry of South African culture, Saturday brunches have emerged as a cherished tradition, their popularity surging over the past half-decade. At the heart of this cultural phenomenon lies the unmistakable influence of Brutal Fruit Spritzer, a trendsetter and pioneer in the realm of leisurely weekend gatherings.
Prepare for an exhilarating encore, as the resounding success of last year’s Brutal Fruit Spritzer Saturday Brunches heralds their triumphant return. Save the dates: April 13th at the breathtaking Cabo Beach Club in Cape Town, and April 27th at the picturesque Idle Wilds Country Estate, promising an unforgettable conclusion to this sensational series.
Last year’s brunches ignited a fervor, quickly cementing themselves as essential fixtures in countless calendars—a cherished opportunity to converge, revel, and draw inspiration. This year, we’re amplifying the magic, extending our invitation to a wider audience and cultivating an atmosphere of inclusivity, camaraderie, and familial warmth.
With a stellar lineup boasting performances by Simmy, Langa Mavuso, Daliwonga, and Dlala Thukzin, complemented by delectable brunch offerings and bespoke Brutal Fruit spritzer cocktails, these events promise an unparalleled sensory experience.
Prepare to elevate the ambiance with a curated selection of experiential activities, igniting passions and amplifying the energy. Fashion takes center stage once more as attendees showcase their unique styles, with electrifying performances by DBN Gogo, Manana, and Courtnae Paul adding to the spectacle.
Embrace the spirit of summer and seize the opportunity to create lasting memories. Stay tuned for exciting updates and surprises as we prepare to elevate this season to new heights of splendor.
In the evolving landscape of South African culture, Saturday brunch has transcended mere sustenance to become a cherished ritual—an intentional expression of style, choice of company, and conversation. It’s more than a meal; it’s a celebration of femininity, sophistication, and friendship. Let’s delve deeper into this cultural phenomenon, unpacking the nuances that have propelled #SpritzerSaturday #YouBelong #BrutalFruitSpritzer into the realm of legend. From filling restaurants to inspiring gastronomic innovations, from home-hosted grazing menus to cherished moments of connection among best friends—let’s explore the essence of this cherished tradition together.