Erasure, Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, have announced details of their eighteenth studio album, The Neon, and share the album’s luminous opener, Hey Now (Think I Got a Feeling).

The 10-track album is out on Mute, by Gallo Record Company for SA), on 21 August 2020, and available as pre-order exclusives on limited edition neon orange vinyl, limited edition neon green cassette and CD in a fold out orange foil blocked sleeve with fold out lyric and photography booklet, as well as on black vinyl, to download and stream.

The Neon is a place that lives in the imagination, that we – you and me – put in the real world. It could be a night club, a shop, a city, a cafe, a country, a bedroom, a restaurant, any place at all. It’s a place of possibility in warm, glowing light and this is music that takes you there.

Written and produced by Erasure, the album’s initial sessions saw Vince and Andy reunite to work on the follow up to 2017’s World Be Gone with a fresh optimism and energy, in part born from their own recent personal projects.

The album’s vocals were recorded in Atlanta, Georgia, with Vince joining Andy at the studio sessions, and the mixing was done by the band in London earlier this year. Photographs were shot at that time in the unique environs of Gods Own Junkyard, a gallery housing a huge collection of vintage neon.

The Neon offers us warmth and a brilliant brightness in our times. It connects us to our pasts and our futures as it glistens with hope. It creates beautiful places where our imaginations can roam, bringing us together, twinkling and beaming. The Neon puts you and me in a celebratory world, now and forever, illuminated and alive.

Tracks on The Neon include;

1. Hey Now (Think I Got a Feeling)
2. Nerves of Steel
3. Fallen Angel
4. No Point in Tripping
5. Shot A Satellite
6. Tower of Love
7. Diamond Lies
8. New Horizons
9. Careful What I Try to Do
10. Kid You’re Not Alone

Pre-order: Pre-orders via the band’s shop will include priority access to future tour dates.

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South African, singer, songwriter, Josh Middleton has released his latest single Caught Up prior to the release of his upcoming album A Mild Case of Insomnia.

Caught Up is an up-tempo acoustic pop track giving the listener the festival feels.

Josh wrote and produced Caught Up alongside producer Crighton Goodwill of Good Noise Productions, who has worked with the likes of Jason Derulo and Coke Studios, making use of multiple live instruments to present an authentic sound. The song is laced with foot-tapping bass and consists of an impossibly catchy hook that a true high-energy pop chorus should hold including a vocal edge. The song takes you on a journey through musical lifts and falls for the listener to truly connect emotionally with the relatable lyrics which will give you a peek into the mind and heart of this soulful artist.

Caught Up is new, fresh and consists of everything South Africa is craving to hear, in a very electronic-intensive era. This is only a taste of what’s to come.

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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!”

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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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National Geographic Wild’s Big Cat Month dedicated to nature’s fiercest felines – big cats – is back, showcasing these creatures of magnificent strength, ferocity and beauty that are rapidly facing extinction.

Now in its tenth year, Big Cat Month 2020 roars onto screens with premiere’s every Sunday in February at 18:00 CAT. Featuring surprising behaviors and courageous stories of big cats around the world, National Geographic Wild shines a spotlight on these majestic creatures to remind people of their challenges, and highlight their importance on the planet.

With visually stunning and powerful stories from around the world, get closer than ever before to lions, tigers, cheetahs, panthers and more as you share in their triumphs, defeats, and epic struggles to survive.

Wild Cats of India, Big Cat Kingdom – Sunday 2 February at 18:00

India’s big cats remain the soul of the Indian terrain – acting as charismatic ambassadors for the protection of their ecosystems. In Episode 1, watch the snow leopard guard his kill from an unrelenting red fox and follow the lives of the last surviving Asiatic lions of Gir.

Wild Cats of India, Masters of Disguise – Sunday 2 February at 18:45

Join wildlife cameraman, Sandesh Kadur, as he journeys across the Indian subcontinent on a quest to unravel the mysteries of the lesser known felines – India’s Incredible Small Cats!

The Real Black Panther – Sunday 9 February at 18:00

There’s a new challenger in the Kabini Forest of India, one unlike all leopards that came before him. This is the story of Saya, the real black panther, and his rise to power.

India’s Wild Leopards – Sunday 16 February at 18:00

Follow wildlife cameraman Sandesh Kadur into some of India’s most challenging & isolated regions on his mission to discover the secretive lives of India’s Secret Leopards.

Lion Brothers: Cubs to Kings – Sunday 23 February at 18:00

With his brother’s help, Mtima faces the trials of life and learns the true meaning power and leadership to become the King he’s always dreamed he’d be.

More than a television event, Big Cat Month is an extension of the Big Cats Initiative, a long-term commitment by the National Geographic Society to halt the decline of big cats in the wild. This global programme actively supports on-the-ground research and conservation projects to protect the planet’s top felines. For more information on the Big Cats Initiative and how you can get involved, visit NatGeoBigCats.org.

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Schultz and Lika Berning won the Huisgenoot Tempo Awards for Best Actor and Best Actress in 2017 respectively, for their roles in the first season, as Colonel Piet van Bijl and Captain Lena Evans.

Loosely based on the real life South African super detective Piet Byleveld, who passed away in 2017, Piet van Bijl is a brilliant detective who specialises in serial killers – and a workaholic who will do anything for those closest to him.

In Season 2, which is set five years later, Byl’s relationship with Advocate Nicky van As, is on the rocks, while Captain Lena Evans is now married and mother to a young son. The team’s offices have had a makeover and in the lab, Dr. Fritz Barnard has a new assistant, Dr. Shani van Rooi, which is played by Trudy van Rooy.  Ellie Bonthuys, played by Avanti winner Barbara-Marié Immelman, once a journalist only looking for sensationalism, is now the police unit’s spokesperson.

The series also stars Vita award winner Tertius Meintjes as general Neels van As, Marvin-Lee Beukes as captain Juan Stuurman, and Rolanda Marais as Byl’s ex-wife, Carien.

The nail-biting crime series is being produced by Marche Media and features guest appearances from the likes of SAFTA winners Denise Newman, Deon Lotz, Marius Weyers, and Jody Abrahams, who stars in the first episode as Captain Willem Ruiters, called in to help Byl and his team investigating the deaths of six members of the Sons of Samson, a Cape Flats gang.

Die Byl, Season 2, will stream on Showmax, as from 15 July 2019.  Showmax is available free of charge to all DSTV Premium customers, as well as on https://www.showmax.com/eng/welcome/za

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The musical is produced by SA promoter, Showtime Management in conjunction with Selladoor Worldwide, Carlos Candal, Gavin Kalin Productions and Limelight Productions. Showtime Management previously staged We Will Rock You in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban in 2005 and 2006 to rave reviews and nightly standing ovations. Following sold out seasons in South Africa, the show then enjoyed a highly successful tour to New Zealand and Korea in 2007.

Telling the story of a group of bohemians in a dystopian future and featuring 24 of Queen’s greatest hits, We Will Rock You will be directed and choreographed by Olivier Award nominee Nick Winston. The production will feature set design by Tom Rogers, costume design by Hayley Grindle, lighting by Tim Mitchell and sound by Ben Harrison. We Will Rock You has a combined South African and international creative team. Full casting and further dates and venues to be announced in due course.

Galileo, Scaramoche and Killer Queen are a few of the leading characters who will take audiences on a journey into the future. South Africa, are you ready to rock in 2020? Book now for We Will Rock You by booking through Computicket.

We Will Rock You

Cape Town:  Artscape Theatre Centre

Saturday, 05 September 2020 to 04 October 2020.

Joburg:  Montecasino’s Teatro

Saturday, 10 October to Sunday, 22 November 2020

Show Times:

Weekdays: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 20h00

Weekends: Saturdays 15h00, 20h00; Sundays 14h00, 18h00

Ticket Prices:

Midweek (Wednesday, Thursdays and Sundays 18h00): R200, R250, R320, R400

Weekend (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 14h00):  R250, R320, R420, R500

Group Bookings:

20% Discount on groups of 20 and more –Wednesdays, Thursday

and Sunday 6pm performances only valid for the top two prices.

Contact Jill Somers on 079 218 1658, sales@showtime.co.za

Special Discounts on Terrific Tuesdays

Only valid for Tuesday performances: R100, R150, R250, R350

Not valid with any other discount offer

Pensioner’s Discounts

Wednesdays & Sundays 18h00 @ R250.00 per ticket (subject to availability) on the top two ticket prices.

Tickets may only be purchased from a Computicket outlet or at the Box Office subject to presentation of a valid ID.

Only one ticket per valid ID.

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The gritty crime-drama film tells the story of an aging, womanising, professional boxer from the Eastern Cape and his career-criminal brother who take one last shot at success and get more than they’ve bargained for. The opportunity to be part of Knuckle City arose when producer Layla Swart approached the NEF to close the gap left open by one of their investors to ensure that the movie was fully funded.

Swart and Qubeka are co-owners of Yellowbone Entertainment production house. The film was selected to participate in the Cinéfondation’s Atelier at Cannes, the biggest film festival in the world. In addition, the film was nominated to represent South Africa at the 2019 Academy Awards (Oscars) in the Foreign Language category. It went on to screen at festivals around the world and won many awards.

Knuckle City stars Bongile Mantsai, Siv Ngesi, Faniswa Yisa, Awethu Hleli, Nomhle Nkonyeni, Zolisa Xaluva, Owen Sejake and Angela Sithole. The film was produced by Yellowbone Entertainment for Mzansi Magic Movies. It was funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the National Empowerment (NEF), the Department of Arts and Culture, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) with the support of the Buffalo City Municipality and the Eastern Cape Provincial Government.

Knuckle City is distributed in South Africa by Indigenous Film Distribution (IFD).

Knuckle City opens in cinema in South Africa on 28 February 2020.

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M-Net’s first English language drama series in more than a decade, Deon Meyer’s thrilling crime story, Trackers, rocketed to the top of M-Net’s ratings for the year and received rave reviews from critics and viewers alike. Following the success of this magnificent production, M-Net 101 will boost its broadcast schedule with a host of exhilarating local series in 2020.

Coming up next on the slate of proudly South African stories is a 13-part family drama, Still Breathing, currently being filmed in and around Johannesburg. From 27 February, Still Breathing will be screened in the popular M-Net 101 Thursday night slot at 20:00, just after the new season of The Bachelor SA, which starts on 13 February at 19:00.

While Trackers pumped adrenaline with high-octane car chases, flying bullets and blood-curdling crime investigation, Still Breathing sets out to push a totally different set of buttons: the ones of the heart. Love, friendship, complicated relationships, betrayal and long-kept secrets form the emotional crux of a tale about a circle of former friends who have drifted apart with the passage of time but are drawn together again when tragedy strikes. In short, it’s all about love, death – and the mess in-between.

The main themes echo those of international hits such as Brothers and Sisters; This is Us, and Parenthood, but it is spun around the challenges faced by authentic, modern-day South Africans.

What makes Still Breathing extra special, is that it showcases passionate local families in more ways than one – both on and off-screen! In the director’s chair is multiple SAFTA award winner Johnny Barbuzano. The script is the creation of Johnny’s wife, Tiffany Barbuzano, who also co-produces the series with her hubby, and is part of the cast.

In the series, Tiffany plays mom to their real-life offspring, up-and-coming stars Jamie and Jess Barbuzano!

The impressive cast also includes formidable leading ladies: Fleur de Cap winner Kate Liquorish, SAFTA winner Lorcia Kumalo and Naledi winner Shannon Esra. These three actresses feature in the Still Breathing marketing teaser, now aired on M-Net. And if you spotted some other familiar faces, Ty Keogh will indeed set the screen on fire as one of the male leads. One of his co-stars from the Showmax original The Girl from St Agnes, Jane de Wet, also nabbed a part.

Still Breathing is produced by BBZ Films for M-Net.

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