by Danny Mdluli -

TRACE Fest Has Officially Unlocked The Festive Season

  • TRACE Fest Unlocked by Vodacom shut down Soweto
  • With a lip-smacking line featuring Blxckie, 25K and Da Kruk we can safetly say we are good hands this summer.
  • Soweto Shut Down as TRACE Fest Unlocked by Vodacom Electrifies the Night

Johannesburg, December 3, 2023 – Kicking off the festive season in style, TRACE Fest Unlocked by Vodacom turned Soweto into a pulsating hub of excitement last night. With a tantalizing lineup featuring Blxckie, 25K, and Da Kruk, attendees were assured of a summer celebration like no other.

The highly awaited festival unfolded at Disoufeng Pub, drawing not just locals from Soweto but also crowds from the east and north regions of Johannesburg. Since its inaugural edition in 2018, TRACE Fest Unlocked by Vodacom has consistently delivered electrifying experiences, solidifying its reputation as the go-to party starter for years to come.

The event showcased a diverse array of top-tier talent spanning various genres, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The festival, a magnet for music lovers and entertainment enthusiasts, proved once again that South Africans know how to revel in style. As the night unfolded, here are some highlights from the festivities:

TRACE URBAN ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF TRACE FEST AS THEY ALSO EXPAND ACCESS TO DSTV SUBSCRIBERS

TRACE Fest Unlocked by Vodacom has yet again left an indelible mark, capping off the night with a testament to the vibrancy and energy that defines South African celebrations. Stay tuned for more updates and relive the magic of last night’s festivities.

TRACE AWARDS GOES INTERSTELLAR AS HOT NEW ARTISTS JOIN THE LINEUP

TRACE Fest Unlocked by Vodacom has yet again left an indelible mark, capping off the night with a testament to the vibrancy and energy that defines South African celebrations. Stay tuned for more updates and relive the magic of last night’s festivities.

valerie_gilles_alexia

Freezing in Paris!! Happy Trace Fest in SA!!!

disoufeng:


Disoufeng Pub reacted with several fire emojis after Lamiezes electrifying set

zulumkhathini

Thank you for having me, it was epic!

AFRO-MUSIC SCENE ON FIRE AS AFRICAN & DIASPORA ARTISTS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD AT TRACE AWARDS

by Danny Mdluli -

Equalizer 3: The Final Chapter opens in South Africa on September 01 across all cinemas

Equalizer 3: The Final Chapter opens in all cinemas across the country on September 01, inviting audiences to an exhilarating cinematic experience.”

Since giving up his life as a government assassin, Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) has struggled to reconcile the horrific things he’s done in the past and finds a strange solace in serving justice on behalf of the oppressed. Finding himself surprisingly at home in Southern Italy, he discovers his new friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he has to do: become his friends’ protector by taking on the mafia.

The trouble for McCall, says Denzel Washington, is that he’s become a little too enamoured by that idea – to his peril. “He has gotten addicted to this so-called ‘justice’ and crossed the line into unnecessary violence,” adds Washington. “He pays a price. And he has to deal with himself, and rely on others, and break out of his patterns, or he will die. Through that, hopefully, he finds peace.”

“What I wanted to explore was a man on the verge,” Fuqua continues. “McCall is on the verge of a question – what else does he have to live for? His wife is gone; Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo) is gone. It seems like he does the right thing, but he’s constantly punished. And so I think he’s on the verge, and he has to think about what he’s going to do with his life.”

A film by Antoine Fuqua, Equalizer 3: The Final Chapter features Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, and David Denman. Directed by Antoine Fuqua. 

Experience the captivating and exhilarating story at a cinema near you. Don’t miss out!Ends. 

by Danny Mdluli -

Newtown Junction Fete De La Musique

Simmy, Musa Mashiane, and many great acts set the stages ablaze at the Fête de la Musique 2023.

Fête de la Musique, one of Johannesburg’s most anticipated music festivals, announced its exciting lineup of headlining acts for the 2023 edition. The festivities took place on Saturday the 24th of June at Newtown Junction, in Johannesburg, this year’s festival promised and delivered an unforgettable celebration of local music and culture for everyone. The French Institute of South Africa brought this festival back for its 12th year with the support of Total Energies Marketing South Africa, Newtown Junction, and SAMRO.

The 2023 headlining acts for Fête de la Musique Newtown Junction Johannesburg left everyone wanting more with superior performances that took place throughout the day and a show-stopper closing performance by Simmy. Simmy was an exciting addition to the lineup. Her music blends elements of electronic dance music, neo-soul and experimental pop. Simmy’s heartfelt lyrics and smooth melodies have earned her widespread acclaim, describing her music as “nostalgic in a sense that is relevant, energizing with societal undertones “

Musa Mashiane who also performed at the festival brought a unique sound experience of Afro-soul, traditional African, soulful R&B, jazz, blues, and a strong texture of Afro-melodies. He pulls his inspiration from international singers like Victor Ntoni, Oumou Sangare, Stevie Wonder, and Bobby McFerrin, but delivers it with a truly original African signature. 

The Newtown Junction line-up comprised of the following acts : 

Newtown Junction – Piazza

  • Simmy 
  • LUUKHANYO 
  • The Charles Géne Suite
  • Sfiso Atomza 

Newtown Junction – Ampd Studio Stage

  • Musa Mashiane 
  • uKhoiKhoi 
  • The Cooligans

Newtown Junction – Railway Line Stage 

  • ThuliThulz
  • SHAKES 
  • MazwiDaDj
  • SweeterBrown

In partnership with Bassline Live, Newtown Junction, Victoria Yards, and the Alliance Française in Johannesburg, the festival hopes to continue to increase accessibility with a wide range of locations and musical acts to choose from in the future.

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by Danny Mdluli -

Lite’n Up: Castle Lite and #BadNewsBingo Brighten Up the Streets of Mzansi

Johannesburg, South Africa – 04 April, 2023 –What started out as just another Tuesday afternoon rush hour, was transformed into Lite Hour compliments of Castle Lite and their #BadNewsBingo campaign. 

In an effort to #LitenUp the streets of Mzansi and bring levity to South Africa’s commute home, Castle Lite served up some fun relief with their take on a lite’r news delivery in support of their latest campaign that aims to Lite’n the heavy news we face on the daily.  

The activation took place across 12 locations across the country with Castle Lite’s news agents delivering over 3 000 newspapers each wrapped with a Lite’r take on the heavy news stories. Delightfully packaged, these stories were delivered in a uniquely bright and South African manner, successfully reaching over 30 000 commuters and driving the “Liten Up” message. This progressive and always relevant brand once again managed to pull out all the stops by partnering with 3 of SA’s biggest newspaper titles to amplify their message and spreading the LITE news on the streets.

“As Castle Lite, our mission is simple; we want to make the world a little lite’r for South African’s. We have so much heavy we face on a daily basis, the news is just one source of that. The #BadNewsBingo campaign aims to take this heavy and find ways to find the lite, we are aiming to lite’n up Mzansi one heavy headline at a time by looking on the lite’r side,” explained Castle Lite Marketing Manager, Michelle Hewitt.

The Bad News Bingo campaign, is all about keeping things LITE, turning every bit of Bad News into an opportunity for Mzansi to win. The lite news activation really got people taking and engaging, with commuters sharing their experiences on socials throughout the afternoon. 

The brand is committed to always spreading positivity through its campaigns with this one is no exception. The message is simple; it’s not all heavy if we can keep it Lite. 

Visit www.castlelite.co.za to find out more about #BadNewsBingo and how you can sign up to play, and stand a chance to win when things get heavy. T’s & C’s apply.

 

Please follow us and tag us on: 

Instagram: @castlelitesa

Twitter: @castlelitesa

Facebook: @castlelitesa

#BadnewsBingo #Litenup

by Danny Mdluli -

Kelly Rowland Returns to South Africa with Brutal Fruit Spritzer

Brutal Fruit Spritzer’s #YOUBelong campaign is an open invitation to all South Africa’s superwomen to embrace our power, get comfortable with our value, and recognise that we fit – anywhere and everywhere; anytime and every time; with anyone and everyone. 

The #YouBelong campaign featuring Kelly Rowland alongside other powerful South African ladies has enjoyed tremendous success and has positively resonated with South African women since its’ inception. We are excited to announce that we will be ending the year with further celebrations as Kelly Rowland returns to South Africa between the 9th and 10th of December 2022.

Kelly Rowland is no stranger to Mzansi after visiting us during the shooting of the #YOUBelong TVC with Brutal Fruit Spritzer and she is looking forward to connecting with more South African women. Brutal Fruit Spritzer will be creating spaces and experiences that create an opportunity to rub shoulders and share minds with Kelly in person and savour in the inspirational presence of the iconic celebrity. Starting with a consumer activation at a pop-up location to be announced and wrapping up with a once in a lifetime Brutal Fruit Spritzer style soiree, in an unexpected secret location.

Kelly shared her excitement about her return and association to the YOU Belong campaign “I am looking forward to returning to South Africa, one of my favorite places in the world. And of course to continue my partnership with Brutal Fruit and the amazing women I have met”. 

Ramona Kayembe Head of Brand for Brutal Fruit Africa is thrilled to be welcoming Kelly Rowland back to continue the amazing journey on the #YOUBelong campaign. “Kelly Rowland is an authentic and inspiring woman that is sure of what she brings to the table and still has a warmth and humility that resonates with the brand values.” Kayembe also stated that Brutal Fruit Spritzer and Kelly are excited to be celebrating the beautiful ladies of South Africa.

There are only two ways to be part of the Brutal Fruit Spritzer experience with Kelly Rowland;

1.               Purchase 2 x 6-packs of Brutal Fruit Spritzer and enter via QR code at participating Shoprite Liquor and Checkers Liquor stores

2.               Enter on brutalfruit.co.za/competition

Watch this space for more details, Please follow us and tag us on:

Instagram: @brutalfruitza

Twitter: @brutalfruitsa

Facebook: @ brutalfruitsa

#YouBelong : YOU Campaign June: Putting the YOUin You Belong

by Danny Mdluli -

LET THE KULTURE KONNECT

Johannesburg, South Africa – Thursday, 29 September 2022 – LET THE KULTRE KONNECT

Universal Music host another special edition of their Kulture Konnect this Wednesday. The platform is a presentation of their finest artists through fireside chats, visuals and performances from the varies artists. This edition of the event, we saw a few of their artists perform on their Live Space. 

We got the opportunity to see a couple of the new upcoming acts such as Maline Aura who in partnership with Mayonie Productions will be dropping her first project self-titled Maline in the summer to come. She showcased her vocal ability with a special Afro House performance. 



We also had a chance to see the boys from Durban who are about to show you that gqom has not left the picture yet. LaSoulmates who recently released their project Book of Mates, which is available across all DSPs. The gqom boys are back with another banger titled, “Nkumbulo”. Which they performed alongside Mr Manuva.

What would Amapiano be without a hit from MalumNator. The Liyoshona hitmaker exclusively performed his new his alongside Russel Zuma. The single which drops this coming Friday, once to hit the clubs and streets running. Teased on social media before, this is sure to be a classic. We were graced with a set from Slade, who has just released his EP titled My Turn, the set saw the crowd lose their minds on the dance floor. Slade will ensure to get keep the vibe alive through the summer. 

The La Vida Loca hitmaker Roiii, prepares for the release of his first offering titled, Good City Bad Roads. We got the chance to hear the influences of the project as he had a catch up with Ms Cosmo on stage. The EP do the be dropped Friday, 30 September 2022 has many hits which will see his move quickly up the hip hop ladder. 



What would the music industry be without the legendary Mdu Masilela? The crowd could not hold it together as we saw the hit record maker bless us with a performance of some of his classics which still has South Africans dancing today. He also caught us up on his journey as a South Africa Legend and gave advice to the next generation of artists.