The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) officially announced that the SAFTAs (South African Film and Television Awards), will be hosted on the 27^th and 28^th of March 2020 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng. Having had a stint at Sun City in the North-West Provinces the SAFTAs are back in the city of gold. The NFVF, as the custodians of the SAFTAs mandated by the Department of Sports Arts and Culture, is proud to present the 14^th instalment of these awards that recognises and honours South African talent, under the #LoveSATalent banner.

Over a two-day extravaganza, the industry will gather to once again witness the celebration and reward of the golden horn, as decided by a panel of over 200 judges. In a process that is run independent of any interference from the NFVF, the industry is called upon to make submissions in different categories and judging panels bear the heavy task of reviewing, debating and ultimately choosing the worthy nominees and ultimate winners.

This mammoth undertaking of running the industry awards would not be possible each year without the support of broadcast partners, commercial entities, as well as strategic partners who come on board to ensure that the industry gets the recognition they have worked hard for and the celebration they deserve. Some of the partners on board for SAFTAs 14 include but are not limited to Brand SA, SABC, M-Net, Mercedes Benz, Mall of Africa and Total.

From the most dramatic cinematography and characters we love to hate and gripping storylines, the SAFTAs 14, will bring all the drama and intrigue as the country’s production teams vie for the behind the scenes awards at the Craft Awards on Friday, 27 March 2019, and the main awards show on Saturday, 28 March 2019. Rolled out in their honour, the red carpet is sure to dazzle as the stars come out to play. Audiences will not be left behind as they too would have had their chance to participate in deciding the outcome of two Public vote categories: Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela and Best TV Presenter

The 14^th SAFTA’s ceremony will broadcast LIVE on Saturday, 28 March 2019 on SABC 2 at 19:00 from Sandton Convention Centre.

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In medieval times, a jester was employed by a nobleman or monarch to entertain him and his guests.  The heavyweights of South African comedy are by no means jesters, but they certainly do entertain…

Shining their comical armour and sharpening their witty swords for the night, the stellar line-up of comedy giants includes Joey Rasdien (MC), Khanyisa Bunu, Krijay Govender, Mark Banks, Mpho Popps, Muthu Murugan, Ndumiso Lindi, Rob van Vuuren, Tracey-Lee Oliver, Trevor Gumbi and Tumi Morake.

Leading the pack, Joey Rasdien takes the role of MC for this royal affair.  Instantly recognisable, his endearing stage persona is intellectually absurd, physically hysterical and thought-provoking.

Teacher-turned-comedienne/actress, Khanyisa Bunu is a fan favourite.  She was the first woman to win the audience choice award at the Comics’ Choice Awards and has also made her mark on SA TV with roles in Scandal! and Ses’Top La.

The dynamic Krijay Govender is one of the funniest woman in South Africa.  A stand-up comic, award-winning actress, playwright and director, she is a rare mix of brains, beauty and creativity.

With over 25 years in the industry, Mark Banks is one of the most respected comedians in the country.  He is widely recognised for his political satire and commonplace poke at the rich and famous, nothing and no-one is sacred to Mark’s blatant humour.

Mpho Popps has a reputation for enthralling audiences.  With a unique style all of his own, his tempting stage personality, hilarious social commentary and high-energy impersonations has had thousands of South Africans in stitches.

Known as the ‘King of Indian Comedy’, Muthu Murugan has been wowing audiences for many years.  Sharp-tongued and witty, Muthu will bring some Durban flavour to Johannesburg.

Ndumiso Lindi has come a long way from Zwelitsha, a small township in the Eastern Cape.  He is a brilliant young comic who is genuinely funny and his humour will appeal to fans across the demographic.

A household name in South Africa, Rob van Vuuren became a comedian by mistake while he was trying to be an actor.  A natural funnyman, he has established himself as one of the most prolific players in the entertainment scene – as an actor, writer, director, dancer and producer and has earned himself a very loyal following.

Tracey-Lee Oliver is a powerhouse singer, comedian and actress.  While she is no stranger to the stage, her move to musical comedy has taken her to another level.

While outspoken and sometimes controversial, Trevor Gumbi is a firm favourite in the comedy scene.  His underlying charm offsets his assertive energy on stage, as he brings to the stage some politically uncomfortable issues and delivers them with hilarity.

Tumi Morake’s impressive resume includes radio host, presenter, TV show host, brand ambassador, actress and ‘Queen of Comedy’ – her unique ability to deliver all the laughs and right punches has become synonymous with what fans have come to expect from this clever, witty and hilarious comedian.

Don’t miss the Kings & Queens of Comedy, 21 July 2017 at the Pavilion at the Sandton Convention Centre.  The show is rated PG16 and starts at 20h00.  Tickets from R185 and are available through Computicket.

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Undoubtedly two of Bollywood’s biggest music powerhouses, Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam will be making history this December when they return for a stellar performance in South Africa.

They’ve both performed to sold-out audiences around the country, but this will be the first time on African soil that these two megastars will be sharing a stage. They will be live in concert on the 3^rd December at the Durban ICC and on the 4^th December at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Performing their greatest hits and paying tribute to the music legends of India and Pakistan, they will be accompanied by musicians from India and Pakistan as well as an international dance troupe.

Sonu Nigam + Atif Aslam Live in Concert forms part of the Blu Blood Bollywood Experience – a three day cultural extravaganza taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre that will celebrate everything Bollywood under one roof.

“The Blu Blood Bollywood Experience is an annual event that South African and African Indian communities look forward to.  It is a lifestyle and entertainment spectacular.  It enlists local and international entertainers, celebrities and the likes to culminate the year in a Bollywood extravaganza from the Mela (shopping festival), fashion shows, SA’s comedy greats, the best in Indian cuisine and the finale being the biggest names in the Bollywood industry,” comments Blu Blood CEO, Shaaista Khan Osman.

“Sandton is going to be ‘Bollyfied’ this December, this is one memorable event certainly not to be missed!” adds Blu Blood MD, Osman Osman. 

Tickets for Sonu Nigam + Atif Aslam Live in Concert range from R250 to R5000 and are available through Computicket and Shoprite Checkers outlets. Special ticket/accommodation and VIP packages are available, contact 082 767 7860.

Another great production brought to you by Blu Blood in association with Hello Paisa, Star Plus, Serendipity Travel, Hair & Beauty on Mackeurton, IBV, Dabur Miswak, The Raj, Choprop Holdings SA, Xclusive Décor, Tsogo Sun, Rising Sun and Laudium Sun.

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With a royal flush of South Africa’s best Indian comedy giants, Kings & Queens of Comedy And All’ is guaranteed to be a show of hysterical proportions, taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday, 3^d December 2016.

Comedy lovers can look forward to a stellar, royal line-up with some of South Africa’s brightest and funniest stand-up Indian comedians as they take laughter and hilarity to the next level.

The royal court includes Riaad Moosa, host for the evening’s festivities, Muthu Murugan, Pravesh Mungaldave, Simmi Areff, Farhan Esat, Sans Moonsammy, Yaseen Barnes and Afzal Khan with the belles of the ball Leeanda Reddy and Keru Kisten taking their place as the Queens of the stage.

Kings and Queens of Comedy And All’ forms part of the Blu Blood Bollywood Experience which is a three day cultural extravaganza and celebrates everything Bollywood under one roof.  Dance along with street performers; be swept away by the explosion of colour and energy.  From the best musical talents to top class comedy; the finest local and international fashion to the tastes and smells of the East, there will be so much on offer.

Kings & Queens of Comedy And All’ will run at Exhibition 2 of the Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday, 3^rd December.  Tickets available through Computicke and doors open at 19h00. The show starts at 20h00.

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