We are all searching for hope in these uncertain and turbulent times where the Covid-19 pandemic takes its toll on so many different levels. Christien de Klerk of Embrace The Brand Media, had a brainwave just after the lockdown to approach her artists to record an indigenous song which will not only transcends hope, but also encourage people to unite. This idea was shared with producer Sean Butler and he suggested the iconic hit My African Dream, which made Vicky Sampson a household name in 1996.

Upcoming as well as established artists pool their talents together in this new rendition of My African Dream. The talented artists include Jack Stone, Matt Stern, Johan Anker, Chris Theron, Mondrey, Hannah, Chante and the duo GnT Band.

The singers are from all over the country, from Cape Town to Kimberley and Pretoria, and fortunately most of them have their own studios at home where they did the recordings. They send their individual recordings to the producers, with Francois Steyn and Tertius Jacobs who did the final mix.

The singers also recorded separate music videos with a special app which was uploaded on their mobile phones. Johann Latsky, edited the music video’s creatively in one music video. Each singer contributes an insert on the music video.

The singers are overly excited about the project.  “It is an honour to be part of this final product. Music is a universal language and it is wonderful that we can utilise it to convey a positive message of hope in these difficult times,” says rocker Jack Stone. 

My African Dream is one of the most recognisable songs, says Chante. “The song symbolises going back to your roots and personifies hope and unity. It reminds us of the fact that we must live our dreams and that the sun will shine again. We are all together in this difficult time.”

Johan Anker says My African Dream makes him proud to live on the continent and even more to be a South African. “I always feel a little patriotic when I listen to the song. We want to give people hope and comfort with My African Dream and convey the message that we are so much stronger when we are united.”

The duo GnT Band agrees that My African Dream conveys a message of peace and hope. “The song brings positivity in a current negative climate and environment. We hope every South African will hear this message and move forward with a constructive attitude.”

Newcomer Mondrey says dreams bring inspiration and ambition in your life. “This song personally means that although today looks dark and gloomy, tomorrow is a new day with new challenges.”

Matt Stern says My African Dream underlines the need to unite as a nation and to reach out to one another. “It was a privilege to compile a song and a video during lockdown with other artists. Although there was little contact, we share the same vision and passion.”

Chris Theron says My African Dream speaks thought-provokingly, not only through its angelic melodies but also through its deeper message of transforming and uniting our country. “I hope people will listen to this piece, not just for leisure, but also for the hope it shines to the world. In a time like this, we all need a little hope”

Hannah agrees My African Dream is an incredibly special song. “The song symbolises the dream we always cherished for South Africa and still do. I do hope when people listen to our rendition, it will inspire them to pursue this dream.”

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In May 2020, 21 artists from across the globe came together online to stand in solidarity with the entire entertainment and live events communities and recorded a unique take on Katy Perry’s hit song ROAR, culminating in the release of an inspiring video today, #ReInventYourROAR.

No matter where in the world we find ourselves, and in whatever circumstances, everyone has been affected by COVID-19. We are all trying to re-assess, re-adjust and re-invent ourselves in these uncertain times.

It was on one of these days in early May when an idea came to David Bloch, Executive Show Producer, Creative Director and Stage Director for high-end events in South Africa and abroad. David felt that now more than ever, it was important for the entertainment and live events industries to show love, support, understanding and compassion to each other.

What was planted in his mind as an idea has now blossomed into this epic music video, recorded by individual artists in 15 cities from 11 different countries, all artists that David has had the pleasure of working with over the past 21 years.

#ReInventYourROAR is about resilience and the power of the human mind, body and spirit to overcome ANYTHING! The message is – no matter what… these industries WILL soldier on!

Bloch believes this video can definitely mean so much to so many, depending on what one is feeling on any given day. It can be inspiring, reaffirming, empowering, joyful and almost defiant if you will, of the situation in which we all find ourselves. It really depends on the mood of the listener.

Ultimately he wants this song to be one of belief; a genuine, impassioned and unquestionable belief that these industries will recover. A belief so strong that their Roar will never be silenced.

Alongside incredible international appearances, #ReInventYourROAR, features the remarkable talents of South Africans living both here and abroad, namely; Lelo Ramasimong and Graeme Watkins from Johannesburg, South Africa, Chad Saaiman from Cape Town, South Africa, Fem Belling from Melbourne, Australia, Sifiso Mazibuko all the way from London, Richard Stirton from Liverpool, Melanie Scholtz from Berlin, Germany, Lyle Anthony from Los Angeles in the States, with Naz Holland and Shaun V from the United Arab Emirates.

International artists include The Clarisse Sisters from Mauritius, Shanay Shah from Mumbai, India, Appassionante from Rome, Italy, Cristina Ramos from Gran Canaria, Spain, Tal Vaknin from Jerusalem, Israel and Christina Bianco, from New York, USA.

The song was re-arranged by Bryan Schimmel with the track produced and mixed by Bluberry Entertainment. Backing Vocals were provided by Tima Reece and Kurt Herman, and the music video was edited by Even Flow Media with footage provided from all artists.

“The time has come, to # #ReInventYourROAR

To our entire entertainment and live events families, we say STAY STRONG!

To our audiences, fans, supporters, families, friends and colleagues from all over the world, we say;

We WILL return to our stages

We WILL put on our make-up

We WILL dress in fabulous outfits

We WILL be supported by the most incredible technical crews

We WILL hear YOUR applause again

You WILL hear OUR voices again

but until then… you WILL continue to hear us ROAR!”

The post #ReInventYourRoar – We Will Return to Our Stages appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Young South African artists have joined together, in their individual homes and via technology during #LockDown to record The Ultimate South African Song Medley, as a “THANK YOU” to all the healthcare professionals and other essential workers who are putting their lives at risk on a daily basis in order for the rest of us to #BeSafe and to be able to #StayHome.

The Ultimate South African Song Medley integrates 28 of the most instantly recognizable classic South African songs from music icons across diverse genres from the last 50 years, woven into a seamless tapestry by Music Arranger, Maestro Extraordinaire, Bryan Schimmel, and performed by 50 students and alumni from Stageworx Performing Arts School in Johannesburg.

Music from Brenda Fassie to Kurt Darren, Mandoza to PJ Powers, Yvonne Chaka Chaka to The Parlotones, Miriam Makheba to Four Jacks and a Jill, Sonja Herholdt to Mafikozolo to name but a few – are all included to showcase the rich musical culture of South Africa.

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Earlier this year, the Right2Unite Movement announced that the Right2Unite Festival will be held on 21 March 2020 at the Cradle Boutique Hotel in Kromdraai, Johannesburg.

Through dialogue and engagement, Right2Uinite aim to make a difference by uniting people into one front, fighting for change that serves the greater good. They believe that we are all more powerful and effective as a cohesive unit, instead of working cluster, with isolated pods and self- or group interests.

The Festival will be bursting with experiential activities soaked in diversity.  It promises a united utopian interactive experience, guaranteed to ignite your senses with multiple activities, such as:

• The Art of Life – Experience it, become living art as you admire your favorite local artists.
• Food for the Soul – Taste diversity through flavor-packed cuisines…made to share… or not.
• Fashion on Site – Watch our colorful nation come to life on fabric and experience our local talents.
• Dance in Culture – Doesn’t matter how you move your feet as long as we move ours’s together.
• Music Melting Pot – Live performances by select artists for the most beautiful of melodies.

In order to make your experience great, the organizers have laid down a few standard rules for this event, customized to make this a proper opportunity for your Right to Unite.  With a lot of appreciation to our friends and publicity wonder-women at The Publicity Workshop, we have summarized these T’s and C’s for your quick reference:

• No Standard, No VIP, No Inner Circle, Just one ticket for All, as we are all VIP.
• Strictly over 18 only.
• No weapons, drugs or anything that could potentially cause harm to your fellow people.
• Blankets are allowed but no food, drinks, chairs, umbrellas or gazebos.
• The pool facilities are open to all festival goers, bring along your swimming gear and towels.
• Wear sunblock, it’s the smart thing to do
• Ample parking facilities available.
• Don’t drink and drive…There will be designated pick-up and drop-off areas.
• This is a cashless and cardless event, all payments to vendors will be done via Howler.
• Don’t forget to load your Howler cards online before the event to avoid any annoying queue’s.
• Get there early to get a good spot.
• No Refunds.

The Cradle Boutique Hotel offers a fully immersive experience designed to allow you to take in the view, listen to the music, dine in the local cuisine, move your feet and enjoy a once in a lifetime event.

There is ample shaded seating areas, along with an easily accessible pool fully decked with a bar and local DJs to entertain you.

 Right 2 Unite Festival

Saturday 21 March from 11:00 to 19:00 (gates open at 10:00)

Cradle Boutique Hotel in the Cradle of Humankind, Kromdraai (30min from Joburg & Pretoria)

Tickets are R195.00 per person

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The Oasis Experience returns on Saturday 6 July with an epic line-up as Tresor, Majozi, Locnville, TiMO ODV, The Kiffness, Easy Freak, Kyle Watson and Jethro Tait take the stage at the beautiful Pretoria National Botanical Garden.

To compliment the natural beauty of the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, the Oasis Experience has been created to offer an exclusive outdoor festival experience unlike any other. Accompanying the breath-taking backdrop of the National Botanical Gardens, will be the magical sounds of symphony & excitement taking you on a journey into the Oasis for an explosive live show for the whole family.

Tickets sales have launched and are selling fast with Phase 1 tickets already sold out, so get yours now before they completely sell out!

Oasis Experience Live In The Garden – All the Event Info:

Saturday, 6 July 2019

Pretoria National Botanical Garden, 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria, Pretoria.

Ticket Prices
General Access
Phase 3 – R175
Phase 4 – R200
Final Phase – R250

VIP Access
Phase 2 – R400
Final Phase – R450

Table Bookings
R3000
Includes: VIP Entry for 4 x Guests, Express VIP Queuing, 1 x Standard Bottle (750ml) & mixers, Private Table Area with seating & VIP toilets.

Prohibited Items
No Illegal Substances,
No glass or bottles,
No Cooler Boxes,
No Gazebos,
No Food or Beverages,
No Weapons.

This Event is catered for ALL AGES, ID on request.

Sold Out Offers were omitted from this article

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August is generally referred to as Women’s Month, because we annually celebrate National Women’s Day on 9 August, to commemorate the actions of women in 1956 who contributed to South Africa’s drive for freedom and equality.

Sun Arena at Time Square in Pretoria is pleased to announce that they are doing their part for the 2019 celebrations, with the Women’s Celebration Concert in support of the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa (HPCA Care & Support).

HPCA Care & Support’s purpose is to promote and improve the quality of life for persons, and their families, with life-threating illnesses. They offer palliative care to patients by means of early identification, proper assessments and treatment of pain and other problems on a physical, psychosocial and spiritual level.

The Women’s Celebration Concert will be held at Sun Arena on Sunday 11 August 2019 at 14:00 with powerful women gracing the stage.

The master of ceremonies is the well-known radio personality, business owner and blogger Elana Afrika-Brendenkamp, with female vocalist’s PJ Powers, Riana Nel, Demi Lee Moore and Charlize Berg.

The powerful PJ Powers, also known as Thandeka, has been a voice for South Africans since the 1980’s. She has performed for world leaders like Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth and others, and with long list of acclaimed accolades she promises to stun her audience once again.

Riana Nel, Namibian singer-songwriter, has stolen the hearts of South Africans with her phenomenal voice and lyrics. Her live performances are always exciting, filled with emotion, and a showcase of her exceptional talent.

Winner of the recent reality TV show Die Kontrak, and winner of five Ghoema Music Awards, Demi Lee Moore, will leave anybody wanting more with her beautiful voice and incredible vocal range.

Charlize Berg is a South African singer, songwriter and aspiring actress. During her first years in the music industry, she became a prominent figure in mainstream SA Music industry.

The concert will also include special performances by The Muses, a sensational pop string quartet that plays contemporary music with classical instruments and 1st Project, an eye-candy industrial percussion act.

Tickets for the Women’s Celebration Concert is available at Computicket. Proceeds of the concert will go to HPCA Care & Support and guests will be able to make further donations at the concert.

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There is no better way to welcome spring, than with a family outing that has something for everyone to enjoy!

South-Africa’s biggest food and entertainment festival, Proe’Toria, is back and this year promises to be even better than the previous 3… Not only can festivalgoers look forward to enjoying the best food, nibbles, crafts, gin, craft beer and wine in one place, but they can also expect to be entertained by some of the best artists and food experts on stage.

Pretoria National Botanical Gardens will be transformed into one of the most enjoyable outdoor festivals that Gauteng has ever experienced on 31 August 2019.

Wineries and exhibitors from all over the country will take part of this event, including Dors Water, The Java House, The Pizza Wagon, Foodboyz, Mainstream Brewing Company, Lekker Spookasem and more.

In addition to delectable food and drinks, the public can also look forward to performances by artists like Dewald Wasserfall, Roan Ash, Demi Lee Moore, Corlea, Touch of Class, Joe Foster, Georgetown, Jemma, Deevah and Karlien van Jaarsveld.

By being part of this special occasion, guests attending Proe’Toria, will also be doing their bit for a special cause. A portion of the funds raised during this event, will be donated especially to our four-legged, furry friends, where an Animal Shelter will the official beneficiary, so that they too can be assisted in the wonderful work they are doing.

Proe’Toria

Hosted in association with EPH Events

Pretoria National Botanical Gardens

31 August 2019

Gates will open at 09:00 and the day’s programme is set to close at 20:00.

Tickets:

Early-Bird specials are available and valid until 30 June 2019.

Our Youth under 18 years – R80 on the Early Bird Offer, and R100 Otherwise.

Adults – R120 on the Early Bird Offer, and R150 otherwise.

Tickets at the gate on the day, will be sold at R180 per adult, and R120 for Guests younger than 18

Tickets are available from https://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/proe-toria-taste-toria.

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Hot 91.9 FM presents Prime Fest 2019, to introduce a feel for Summer!

Joburg’s summer social calendar just got hotter with the announcement of the return of the annual Prime Fest music and lifestyle festival.  The annual family-friendly festival, hosted by Prime Circle and Hot 91.9 FM, returns for its second year on the 5th of October, 2019 at Casalinga in Muldersdrift and will feature a powerhouse line-up of some of South Africa’s brightest and top music acts.

The royal flush of SA music giants confirmed to share the stage alongside Prime Circle includes The Parlotones, Just Jinjer, Jack Parow, Freshlyground, Mango Groove, Wonderboom and Shut Up It’s Sunday, with several more acts to be announced.

The festival was launched in 2018 following Prime Circle’s album release of If You Don’t You Never Will.  The band decided that it was time to make their dream of starting their own music festival a reality and with the help from some friends, they managed to pull off a festival of epic proportions.

Apart from the star-studded music line-up, the festival combines an outdoor experience with a wide range of food and craft stalls, kids play area and many more activities for the entire family.

Proudly brought to you by Hot 91.9 FM, Prime Circle and Real Concerts.

Prime Fest 2019

Casalinga, Rocky Ridge Road, Muldersdrift

Saturday, 5 October 2019 – The fun starts at 11:00, with the gates to open an hour prior.

Ticket Info:

R975.00: VIP Access

R475.00: Covered Area

R250.00: General Access

Early Bird (valid until 19 July):

R1100.00: VIP Access

R520.00: Covered Area

R300.00: General Access

20 July to 5 October:

R1250.00: VIP Access

R580.00: Covered Area

R365.00: General Access

R100.00: Children (3 to 12 years)

Kiddies under 3, Ag, let them come for Free.

VIP Access includes a reserved table at Casalinga restaurant with a 3-course plated meal, wine on arrival and a bottle of water per table, concert ticket, fenced lawned area directly outside the restaurant for your enjoyment of the festival, bar facilities and rest rooms.  The covered area includes access to a covered area with cash bar and bathroom facilities.

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The Penny Appeal way of doing charity is simple; They take small change and make a Big difference with it.  In a first for the organisation, they have announced their first South African comedy tour, Penny For A Laugh, to highlight and raise funds for some of their local projects.

Hosted by Riaad Moosa, the tour will feature an all-star line-up with Annalakshmi, Chris Forrest, Conrad Koch & Chester Missing, Farhan Esat, Mo Vawda, Ndumiso Lindi, Neil Green (Durban show only), Sifiso Nene (Cape Town show only), Simmi Areff and Tumi Morake.

Penny Appeal is a relief and development organisation providing aid to communities in need, while advocating and addressing the needs of marginalized groups.  Penny For A Laugh, progressed by Blu Blood, has been inspired with the intention of raising funds for Penny Appeal’s local projects and creating awareness about the various thematic areas of focus under which they work.

Proceeds will go towards various projects including Penny Appeal’s ‘Children of the World’ campaign. The campaign is focused on orphaned and vulnerable children, as well as marginalized communities across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Penny Appeal provides support to such groups by sponsoring orphans, building orphan homes, providing access to clean water, and ensuring that communities have an opportunity to transform themselves out of poverty. Proceeds from the tour will enable the OrphanKind Programme, which serves orphans and vulnerable children around the world and provide essential services including their mobile medical bus for South Africa.

Penny for a Laugh

Durban ICC – 12 July 2019

Cape Town ICC – 19 July 2019

Johannesburg, Vodacom World – 20 July 2019

Tickets from R200, available from Computicket.

For more information on Penny Appeal and how to donate to their cause, visit www.pennyappeal.org.za.

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Desember is ’n maand van vrygewigheid, samesyn en bederf. Families kom saam en almal ontspan na die rowwe jaar wat verby is. Vir kinderhuiskinders, wat na ’n liefdevolle normale gesin van hulle eie verlang, bly die lewe egter altyd ’n uitdaging…

Jy en jou geliefdes kan hierdie feesseisoen help om vir die 210 inwoners van Jakaranda Kinderhuis in Pretoria ’n beter 2019 te verseker én nog boonop pret hê ook, veral as Jan Tuisbly se karretjie julle voorland is en jy ’n aksieplan nodig het om jou kroos te vermaak.

Vanaf 1 tot 31 Desember 2018 kan Gautengse gesinne, vir die negende agtereenvolgende jaar, ’n toweragtige skouspel van die mooiste Kersfeesliggies en Suid-Afrikaanse musiek kom ervaar, ten bate van dié geliefde Kinderhuis wat baie afhanklik is van borgskappe en fondsinsamelingsprojekte, soos die Jakaranda Kinderhuis Liggiefees, vir sy voortbestaan.

Feesgangers by die Jakaranda Kinderhuis Liggiefees kan daarna uitsien om op uitgesoekte aande vermaak te word deur musikante soos Dewald Wasserfall, EON, Saarkie, Joshua na die Reën, Tussen Sterre, Heuning, 2nd Life, Ampie, Martin Bester en vele meer.

Buiten vir die musiek, sal daar ook elke aand die geleentheid wees om miljoene Kersfeesliggies te bewonder en ook om verskeie kos- en kersmarkstalletjies te ondersteun. Kinders kan ook gereed maak vir opwindende treinritte, en ’n draai of twee op die mallemeule of perdjies.

Die Jakaranda Kinderhuis Liggiefees, wat met trots ondersteun word deur Pretoria FM, Coastal Hire, dW Audio & Backline, Ehlers Prokureurs, Status Hiring, ESD Waste Management, Unlimited Events Group en LaserX, kan daagliks vanaf 18h00 tot 22h00 besoek word en op konsertdae sal hekke reeds om 17:00 open. Kaartjies sal by die hek beskikbaar wees teen R30 per persoon.

Oudergewoonte, sal die fees plaasvind op die Kinderhuisgronde; Talitha Kumistraat 1, East Lynne, Pretoria; en kan die publiek vertonings deur die volgende kunstenaars op die datums hieronder bywoon:

Kies die dag wat jy wil gaan, Of kom sommer vir almal:

1 Desember:

Eunice Kemp, 2nd Life, Layla Skye, Heuning, Joe Foster, Xander Joubert

2 Desember:

Monique Steyn, Anton Botha, Sharoney, Saarkie, Gevoel van Veiligheid, Michelle Marx

7 Desember:

Con Grazia, Alida, Jennifer Zamudio, Martin Bester, Irene-Louise van Wyk, Devon Jay Scott

8 Desember:

Erin Beck, Zanzi Africa, Geraldine Scholtz, Layla Skye, Zita, Hanco

9 Desember:

Joshua na die Reën, EON, 2nd Life, Ampie, Kirsten Schlebush, Kosie Beukes

12 Desember:

Jakkie Louw, Marulaboom, Heidi, CH2, Bianca Goosen, Hanna Boss

14 Desember:

Eunice Kemp, Henry van Dyk, Elme Churr, Riaan Grobler, Ricky Faber, Die Ventertjies plus ’n Laser X-vertoning!

15 Desember:

Lieflinge, Harlind, Sharoney, Klikkerland, Irene-Louise van Wyk, RNK plus ’n Laser X-vertoning!

21 Desember:

Mariska, Talana, Stephan Visagie, Dewald Wasserfall, Eunice Kemp, Rudi Claase

24 Desember:

Karlien Husselman, Venetia Rose, Biance Goosen, Tussen Sterre, Eunice Kemp

Voel jy om betrokke te Raak?

Indien jy of jou besigheid ’n amptelike borg wil word of ’n skenking wil maak vir die Jakaranda Kinderhuis Liggiefees, kontak gerus vir Gary van Veenhuyzen direk by marketing@jacarandachildren.co.za of 073 844 9994 vir meer inligting. Jou bydrae sal baie waardeer word.

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