South Africa Blog

New website www.adamandeve.co.za showcases South African fashion designers. A forward-thinking South African company has launched a first of its kind in SA website to encourage established and up-and-coming fashion designers to showcase clothing and accessories in their unique online, virtual shop.

Showcasing popular Designers such as Ape Town, Kluk CGDT, Levis, Rosenwerth, Puma amongst many others, the site is sure to delight any ardent online shopper. This online shopping centre makes top end fashion easily accessible to local and international clients.

Visit the site at: www.adamandeve.co.za

Hundreds braved the stormy, cold weather in Cape Town on Saturday to take the 4-5 hour car trip to catch a glimpse of snow. Some even managed to gather enough snow together to make snowmen …. Snow men in Africa!

Related Links:
Ceres Accommodation
Ceres Attractions
Breede River Valley

Music fans will be treated to the cream of South African Kwaito and Hip-Hop in September at a sensational concert with a higher purpose. Top local stars Mafikizola, Mandoza, Pitch Black Afro, Gang of Instrumentals and Tuks Senganga are set to offer their fans a night to remember at the Johannesburg Stadium on September 1, 2007, when they join forces for 4 One Nation – a spectacular musical event aimed at raising funds for various HIV/Aids projects.

Hosted by 5 FM’s dynamic Elana Afrika, the 4 One Nation concert is the first of several concerts to be held countrywide over the next two years. The organizers say the rationale behind the 4 One Nation concert series is to unite all South Africans towards a common purpose and to unify, educate and inspire audiences.

The artists have been hand-picked from amongst South Africa’s favourite music stars and were selected to showcase the range of styles that make up the Kwaito and Hip-Hop genre. The prominent musicians are delighted that their music will be associated with this meaningful project and promise audiences an unforgettable night of music and celebration.

What? 4 One Nation
When? 1 September 2007
Where? Johannesburg Stadium
4 One Nation concert bookings are available through Computicket.
For further information contact Lirschia Venter on 073-412-8845 or 012-991-6710.

Related Sites:
Johannesburg Accommodation
Johannesburg Events
Joburg Official Site

The Connections Zulu Choir returned from Australia last week after introducing the country to the unique sounds of South African music on a three-week tour of Australia. The choir, from Kwa Nyuswa, is made up of 20 teenagers and young adults. The tour was organised by The Oaktree Foundation, an Australian aid group run entirely by volunteers under the age of 26.

While in Australia, the choir travelled over 1,500km to perform at 20 mostly sold out concerts to around 10,000 people. As well as receiving great feedback from excited audiences, media outlets around Australia were very keen to interview the choir. Through their media appearances, the choir reached around three million people, performing live on Australia’s highest-rating breakfast television program, Sunrise and appearing in major metropolitan and regional newspapers.

They were also in hot demand by Aussie bands while they were in the country. One of the highlights of the tour was a collaboration with Evermore, one of the country’s highest-selling bands. The choir also appeared at Evermore’s Melbourne concert to sing two songs to over4,000 screaming audience members. The choir also impressed Bliss n Eso, one of Australia’s biggest hip hop groups, when they recorded tracks together for Bliss n Eso’s forthcoming album. Both Evermore and Bliss n Esso visited South Africa this week with The Oaktree Foundation and MTV, and again they worked with Connections Choir whilst in Kwa Nyuswa.

The choir met a group of young Australian musicians in early 2005 when the Aussies were on a study tour with The Oaktree Foundation, and they have shared an amazing friendship and partnership since then. They wrote and recorded a CD in 2005, and then in 2006 the Australian musicians returned to South African again and recorded a second CD with the choir. This CD was called Simunye Sound (or ‘we are one’ sound in Zulu) – and it is a mix of Australian and South African sounds and influences, including the Zulu choir, a jazz singer, a punk singer, an electric guitarist, a bass player, a percussionist, a keyboardist and a guitarist. The group of Aussie musicians joined forces with The Oaktree Foundation at bring the choir to Australia. The choir performed both by themselves and as Simunye Sound with their Australian musician friends.

Nhlanhla Jila, the leader of the Connections Zulu Choir, said the tour was an amazing experience for all the choir members. “We feel so lucky that we were given this amazing opportunity to travel to Australia and share our music with the people there. This trip was the biggest thing any of us have ever done,” he said. “We met so many wonderful people in Australia and are looking forward to keeping in touch with our new friends across the ocean. And of course we’re hoping to go back to Australia soon to do it all again!”

Olivia Brian, one of the Australian musicians the choir toured with, said it was an experience that she was proud to be a part of. “The choir touched so many people in Australia with their music and their inspirational story while they were here,” she said. “The tour was a huge success and I know many people in Australia are keen to have the choir return”.

 “The choir also did a great job at promoting South African music and culture, and giving Australians a taste of South African life – I’m sure that there will be many Australians looking forward to visiting the country after seeing the choir perform!” 

Connections Choir are hopeful that this will not be their first international music tour. “We feel this is very much the beginning. None of us had ever been overseas before this trip to Australia – and it was the best thing we’ve ever experienced. We hope to continue our friendship and partnership with our Australian musician friends. We want to record more CDs with them, write more music and tour again. We’re also hoping to expand our reach within South Africa – there is a lot of exciting things to come!” said Mr Jila.

For interviews, photo opportunities and media enquiries please contact:
NhlaNhla Jila, Choir Leader, on 07823110998
Olivia Brian, Oaktree Foundation volunteer, +61 410 531 436

In an exciting and visionary move, South Africa’s most musically unique Festival is about to enter a dynamic new era for 2007 and beyond. Now in its 9th year, the popular Awesome Africa Music Festival will culminate in a massive weekend bash at Midmar Dam, where the festival will be held in an outdoor camping atmosphere on the banks of Midmar Dam on 29th & 30th September 2007.

This multi-stage event will bring together all genres of music Jazz, Rock, Hip-Hop, Kwaito, Maskanda, World Music, Indigenous, Traditional, Gospel, Folk and many other interesting sounds all under one sky. A free community concert will be held on the banks of Henley Dam on the 15th September with local DJ’s, Kwaito stars and community groups performing.

Another exciting event will be the first township festival that attracts international musicians and tourists, the Awesome Africa KwaMashu event will be held at eKhaya Multi-Arts Centre on the 28th Sept, with two stages and a host of local musicians and international legends.

Artists already confirmed include Kwaito Legend Zola 7, Jazzy Soulful Star Lira, South African Legend Vusi Mahlasela,  American Steeldrum expert Andy Narell, Kora Master N’Faly from Guinea, Brazilian Sweethearts Napalma, Reggae Jivers RootsRiders from Netherlands, Instrumental Maestro Abaji from Lebanon/France, South African rockers Wonderboom, Gospel Diva Deborah Fraser and many many more. 

Awesome Africa will be releasing more names over the next few weeks, with the first names released being such headline attractions; this event is guaranteed to be an experience of a lifetime.

Tickets can be purchased from Ticket Connection on 0861 121 333, camping is separate and can be booked through KZN Wildlife for only R50 on 033-3302067. Ticket prices are R200 for a weekend pass and R110 for Sunday only. Tickets will be more expensive if purchased at the door so pre buying your ticket is advisable. For the full festival programme, music education workshops and artists details contact 031-3051744 or 084-AWESOME (2937663) for more details.

Related Pages:
South Africa Events & Festivals
KwaZulu Natal Events & Festivals
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

The Kick Butt Comedy Show! on 28 July 2007 at the Tiramisu Bistro in Alberton North: Enjoy an evening of warm cuisine, mixed with unlimited laughter and never ending punch lines, the perfect antidote to a cold winter evening, as The Tiramisu Bistro christens her new function room. The menu is dazzling with three courses of Tiramisu’s highly recommended menu followed with five courses of stand up from The Comedy Shop’s finest talent. The kick butt comedians on this star studded line up include, Al Prodgers, the legendary Mel Miller and the unstoppable punch lines brought to us by Kedibone Mulaudzi.

Mel Miller has been performing on South African stages for over 40 years, his diverse humor and no topics untouched attitude, wrap together to bring audiences a laugh per minute performance of unstoppable joy! The veteran performer is known in the stand up market as “The Godfather of South African Comedy” and his title is evidently deserved when seen strutting punch line after punch line from any stage. When asked about his involvement in the kick butt comedy show, Miller said “Just when you thought I was dead…..”

Kedibone Mulaudzi, who recently appeared on the DVD, “Yes I’ll respect you in the morning”, with Al Prodgers has a never ending biography of impressive shows, he was invited to perform for the Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s 50th Wedding anniversary and after the show the Arch bishop went to Kedibone and said “You good, no actually you very good!” he went on to host the Comedy Nine Nine festival, Arts Alive and the Wits He, he festival’s. Kedibone is undoubtedly an integral part of the future of local performance. His response to being invited to the kick butt comedy show was “Will there be Power Play?”

Al Prodgers, has just returned from Canada, where he represented South Africa in the Yuk Yaks comedy festival. Al is not new to performing abroad he was pat of the “Stand Up South Africa” show in London, is regularly seen on stages in Abu Dhabi and left Dubai in raucous laughter. Al Prodgers is regular headline act on local stages and was the perfect choice to open for Steven Wrights visit to Cape Town, never the less Al seems eager to be listed as part of the team in Alberton`s own “Kick butt comedy show!”

Tiramisu Bistro nestled in the heart of Alberton, have been offering fine dining and valued events in Alberton for years and they are often referred to as “The best kept secret in Alberton” The team have given their function hall an extreme make over, complete with thatch roof and higher seating capacity. “It seemed obvious to launch our pride and Joy, with a Kick butt comedy show” Said Ingrid Botha the events organizer.

On the 28th July 2007 at 19H00 you can be part of this humorous and fresh event, starting with Tiramisu’s Butternut Soup elegantly preparing for a full course buffet and then a show of two of our top local performers, followed by The legendary Tiramisu desserts, after which a second performance by our superstar comedians.

The ticket price for this seven course event is just R170, 00. Seating in this exclusive venue is limited and reserved only, book your tickets now by calling 084 502 1311. A fully licensed cash bar will be available.

The Kick Butt Comedy Show!
Date: 28 July 2006.
Time: 19H00.
Venue: Tiramisu Bistro – 78 Charl Cilliers Street – Alberton North.
Bookings: The Fairy Godmother – 084 502 1311.

Related Sites:
The Comedy Shop
Jo-burg Accommodation
Johannesburg Events & Festivals

Happy 89th Birthday Madiba! South Africa loves You and celebrates with You!

Get ready for a good night of drink in hand laughter with David Newton and the Comedy Guild performing at the Theatre @ The Pavilion on Wednesday 8 August 2007. The show is produced by Brent Niemandt and the line up includes Brent Palmer, Marty Kintu, Milo C and headliner David Newton (star of ‘Defending the Laid Man’). With Cape Town’s finest talent and host Brendan Murray, this is a show not to be missed!

For additional information please visit David Newton & The Comedy Guild to perform at The Pavilion. The show starts at 20:00 with show tickets costing R50.00 per person.

For bookings or for more information contact the Theatre @ The Pavilion on +27 21 419 7661 or send an email to lindsay@thepavilion.co.za

Related Links:
Visit the BMW Pavilion Web Site
Find Accommodation in Cape Town
Cape Town Festivals & Events

English folk-rock legends Magna Carta have been confirmed as the featured act for this year’s White Mountain Folk Festival, which runs over the Heritage Day long weekend from 21 to 24 September 2007.  Returning to South Africa for the first time in 30 years, this world-renowned group will join a number of top local artists to bring festival-goers three days of unforgettable acoustic music in one of the most idyllic spots in the Central Drakensberg region of KwaZulu-Natal.

Formed in 1969, Magna Carta is probably best-known for classic releases like Seasons and Lord of the Ages.  They have performed in over 60 countries, sold more than 8 million albums and played alongside the likes of Cat Stevens, America, the Beach Boys, David Bowie and Dire Straits among many others.

Having just completed their 37th album, Backroads, Magna Carta continues to tour extensively under the current line-up of founding member Chris Simpson (vocals and guitar), Linda Taylor (vocals, guitar and woodwind) and Dutch-born Matt Barnhoorn (electric mandolin and violin), who also guests with English folk band Fairport Convention.  Old and new fans alike can expect to be mesmerised by these virtuosos and the spiritual and soulful quality of their songs – a quality that has seen Magna Carta endure for over 35 years, making them one of the longest running acoustic acts in the world today.

Also confirmed for the 2007 White Mountain Folk Festival are talented South African artists Dan Patlansky, who’ll be playing an unplugged set, Farryl Purkiss, Southern Gypsey Queen, Rory Eliot and The Reason, Sitter, Roly Struckmeyer and Baz Corden.  The full programme is still being finalised and will be announced shortly.

Now in its second year, the festival is held at White Mountain Lodge in the foothills of the Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve, just 200km from Durban and 430km from Johannesburg on tarred roads.  Aside from the great music on offer, there’ll also be fun outdoor activities like abseiling, fishing, boating and hiking, as well as arts and crafts, a beer market featuring several local breweries, assorted food stalls, entertainment for the kids, and all the necessary amenities to make the festival as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Tickets are available at Computicket (R300) and the festival gate (R350).  The price includes camping facilities for the entire long weekend.  Children under 12 pay R50.

In addition to the general festival camping area, there’s also a caravan park where both campers and caravanners can enjoy their own electricity points, separate ablution blocks and full use of the lodge’s facilities for a nominal extra fee.  For more information contact Pedro at 082 892 6176 or see the Web Site (link below).

Related Sites:
White Mountain Folk Festival
KwaZulu Natal Events & Festivals
Durban Accommodation

The 27th Annual Freshpak Rooibos Festival challenges Contestants once again at Clanwilliam: The time has come for swimmers, cyclists, runners and their families to test their fortitude at the 21st annual Freshpak Rooibos Fitness Festival, taking place in Clanwilliam (Western Cape) on Saturday 29 September 2007. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Cederberg mountains and the Clanwilliam dam, the Freshpak Rooibos Fitness Festival 2007 promises an entertaining family day filled with good food and drinks, stamina-testing events and the spirit of sporting camaraderie.

The assortment of sporting events available means that everyone from the super-fit to the less competitive can partake in the fun. Participants can choose their challenge from amongst a 3 km long swim, a biathlon (5 km running, 20 km cycling), a duathlon (5 km running, 20 km cycling, 5 km running) and a triathlon (800 m swim, 20 km cycling, 5 km running), which are all open to individual participants or teams. Younger members of the family are invited to flex their muscles and participate in the popular Iron Kids event, which involves both running and swimming.

Contestants stand the chance of winning cash prizes, as well as one of the many spot prizes available. For more information on the 2007 Freshpak Rooibos Fitness Festival, contact TNT Sports Promotions (021) 848 9407 or enter online at EntryTime.com

Related Links:
Enter Online at www.entrytime.com
Book: Clanwilliam Accommodation
Events: Western Cape Events & Festivals

If you are planning to visit the Dolphin Coast in KwaZulu Natal anytime soon, I recently came across the delightful Lynberrys Guest House which is located just 350m from the beach in Shakas Rock. Graded as a 4 Star Guest House by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, you will soon see why when you step inside …

The rooms are beautifully decorated and equipped with everything you could want after a “hard day” at the beach! Air conditioner, LCD TV with DSTV, hospitality tray and toiletries - and they have included the Disney channel for holiday makers traveling with kids in their family suite which we thought was a lovely touch. (and great to keep our little one amused whilst we recovered from all the relaxing!).

The service is extra-special and the breakfast was superb! We only stayed for the one night unfortunately but will certainly go back to Lynberrys next time we go to Shakas Rock, hopefully for a longer stay. They are close to golf courses, the beach of course, fishing and for shopping the Lifestyle Centre is very close. Overall our imptression of Lynberrys was extremely good and we found the rates very reasonable considering the quality of the accommodations and service experienced. 

For additional info see:
Shakas Rock Info (on www.SA-Venues.com)
The Dolphin Coast Attractions & Info
Dolphin Coast Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Events & Festivals

Free Range Films have previously been commissioned by SABC 2 to produce a documentary series called “Mantswe a Bonono” which was aired in 2005. This year we have been commissioned for the second series of “Mantswe” and currently in our research phase of the production.

“Mantswe a Bonono” focuses on show casing South African writers of various backgrounds, works, genres and languages. The language criteria which we are exploring are works written in Sotho / Setswana / Sepede / Xivenda / Xitsonga / Afrikaans. We are especially also researching individuals who are located in provinces such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West Province, Free State, etc. If they’ve relocated to main cities we’d also be keen to meet with them

We’ve been receiving lots of feedback on poets, novel, writers and screen- writers. It would be great to hear from people who write for radio, people who write letter, unpublished writers, tv commercial writers, journal writers, etc. If there is a team who works together on their various projects we’d also love to hear from them.

When did you start writing
What do you write about
Why do you write, ie what inspires you
What languages do you write in
What are the titles of your works
Are you published or unpublished
Where were you born
Where do you live
How old are you
Will you be in the country between July and August

Write to Elise Fernandez at Free Range films at elise@freerangefilms.co.za