UB40 WITH ALI, ASTRO & MICKEY ANNOUNCE SA TOUR

Big Concerts has confirmed that UB40’s three founding members will be making a triumphant return to South Africa in November 2016 with their ‘Red Red Wine Tour’ having wowed audiences across the world proving they are still a worldwide tour de force.

 Presented by Heart FM, Algoa FM, East Coast Radio, Jacaranda FM and Channel 24. Another Big Concerts Experience. Tickets go on sale Tuesday 31^st May at 9am from Big Concerts

Britain’s biggest reggae band of all time will be performing classic hits and gems from their many critically acclaimed albums, including ‘Red, Red Wine’, ‘Kingston Town’ and ‘Can’t help falling in Love’

Since reforming in 2013, the trio of Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue have remained at the top of their game, with highlights including their ongoing World tour, a sellout UK arena tour headlining London’s o2 arena, a huge sell out USA tour and critical acclaim for their new material in 2014’s ‘Silhouette’ album.

Having embarked on their current world tour the three-piece’s step up to even larger venues is a testament to the longevity of their songs, as well as UB40’s status as Britain’s most successful Reggae band of all time, a true music pioneer since 1979.

Tour Information:

Cape Town

Saturday 5^th November

Grand Arena, GrandWest

Ticket Price:  R510 – R745

Tickets go on sale Tuesday 31st May from www.bigconcerts.co.za

Port Elizabeth

Tuesday 8^th November

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Outer Fields

Ticket Price:  R480

Tickets go on sale Tuesday 31st May from www.bigconcerts.co.za

Durban

Thursday 10th November

Durban Botanic Garden

Ticket Price:  R480

Tickets go on sale Tuesday 31st May from www.bigconcerts.co.za

Johannesburg

Saturday 12^th November

Ticketpro Dome

Ticket Price: R450 – R790

Tickets go on sale Tuesday 31^st May from www.bigconcerts.co.za

MOTHER OF ALL PARTIES’ LINE-UP SET TO SHUT DURBAN DOWN

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Now in its 11^th year, the MOTHER OF ALL PARTIES, the annual closing party for the SA Music Conference is stepping it up a notch this year.Having confirmed the multi-platinum-selling sensation Chris Brown last week, local promoters today announced the complete local line-up in addition to THREE international acts.

The super talented American artist TINASHE will join the line-up for the upcoming concert, taking place in Durban next month. TINASHE having started her career at the tender age of 3, this American born with Zimbabwean roots is no stranger to the entertainment industry. TINASHE is a well-rounded multi talented performer: she sings, she models, she acts, she produces and she dances. Also confirmed is the sultry Grammy award winning rapper and super talented US actress EVE.

A stellar list of handpicked local talent includes some of SA’s finest performers. The local line-up: BET nominated rapper CASSPER NYOVEST together with ‘Leader of the New School’ RIKY RICKY, the talented ZAKWE, super producer ANATII, award winners EMTEE and FIFI COOPER. DJ favorites the KOTW will also share the stage with Mabala Noise’s own CHYNAMAN, DU BOIZ, JAY SPITTER, DJ BONGZ, MS JONES and L’VOVO.

Tinashe

THE DJU STAGE will feature the legendary DJ’s Oskido, DJ Fresh Vinny Da Vinci, Greg Maloka and Christos Katsaitis.To add that old school flavor, the Detroit hip hop outfit SLUM VILLAGE have also been confirmed. With the mixed house and hip hop star-studded line-up performing on 3 different stages, you are guaranteed an experience like no other, THE MOTHER OF ALL PARTIES IS HERE to shut down the city.
 

 Brought to South Africa by Mabala Noise Entertainment, DJU and BACK TO THE OLDSKOOL in association with Channel O and the City of Durban, the Mother of All Parties will take place on the 2^nd July at the Growthpoint Kings Park stadium expecting to attract over 15 000 concert revelers.

CONCERT INFORMATION

Date: Saturday, 2 July 2016

Venue: Growth point Kings Park Stadium

Ticket prices:

Golden Circle:  R750

General Access: R450

VIP Lounge packages: R1800.00

VIP Package includes a fully staffed facility including dedicated waitresses, hostesses, bar staff and senior management in addition to the following:

On field VIP parking

•   VIP ticket with access to VIP lounge area

•   Private Chute entrance

•   VIP luxury lounge anddécor

•   Private bespoke Cash bar facilities

•   Light Snacks and Platters 

•   Private toilet and bathroom facilities

UZALO's NAY MAPS LAUNCHES HIS CLOTHING RANGE

Famously known from the SABC 1's telenovela  Uzalo as "Mxolisi Xulu" Naymaps Maphalala proves to us that he is a man of many talents, following the launch of his new clothing range  for both males and female this passed weekend.

Naymaps has proven that indeed patience is the mother of success, as he mentioned that owning a clothing brand was his biggest dream since back than.
''without support from family and cast colleagues this wouldn't have been possible'' says Naymaps.

Naymaps also amazed event goers by showcasing his other talents of singing and playing a piano.
Amongst attendees were TZozo, Uzalo crew and Ethekwini's Parks Recreation and Culture manager   Mr Thembinkosi Ngcobo.

For more info or to place an order , follow  @Naymaps on , Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Below are pictures taken at the launch. Photo Credit : Sandile Zikhali

Mr Thembinkosi  Ngcobo & Naymaps Maphalala

DURBAN YOUTH HIP HOP FESTIVAL BACK WITH A TWIST

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government earlier today announced their continued support for the Youth Hip Hop Festival with their new official partner Brand South Africa.

Now in its third year, the annual Hip Hop Youth Festival, taking place on the 10-11 June 2016, has expanded to include a youth talent development programme which seeks to discover and nurture young musicians looking to break in to the highly competitive South African hip hop industry. Richie R Concepts, Established Productions and KgoloDaGuru who are committed to finding new talent across the KwaZulu Natal Province will spearhead this mammoth task.

The artist development programme was launched in April at the BAT Centre in Durban. Auditions were held to unearth fresh South Africa talent in the Kwazulu Natal province. The search is on for young hiphop Vocalists, Rappers, MCs and DJ’s, with the intent of discovering South Africa’s next hip hop sensation.

This youth development programme culminates into a two-day festival, which takes place on Friday 10^th June and Saturday 11^th June. On the first day of the festival, top industry players will host a series of workshops focused on empowering young musicians in the province.  The second day of the festival a collective of these young musicians will get to perform alongside some of South Africa’s top artists at the all-day youth concert.

South Africa is home to an eclectic arts and culture sector, and hip hop forms a critical component of the arts industry in the country. This can be seen in, amongst others, the first local musician to sell out one of the biggest concert venues in the South Africa. The National Development Plan points out that the creative and cultural industries can substantially contribute to small business development, job creation, as well as urban development and renewal, which in turn improves South Africa’s competitiveness. This is why the Youth Hip Hop Festival has broadened its objectives to include the artist development programme.

Representatives from the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Government and Durban Tourism today stated, ‘The discovery of new skills is a key priority of the KwaZulu Natal Province. At times youth’s passion for music and softer skills are discouraged in our communities. The value of the arts to social development and economic growth is often understated.  The Youth Hip Hop Festival will discover, nurture and empower talented and tenacious young people keen to pursue a career in the arts. We are proud to be involved again this year’.

Twenty-four artists emerging from the artist development programme will share the stage with South Africa’s top hiphop artists at the main event. The line-up for the festival includes over twenty headlining local artist and DJ’s along with an International act. Also in celebration on the South African Music Awards also taking place in the city, the Best Hip Hop SAMA21 winner will also perform at this years festival at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, alongside the long list of hip hop greats.

Following the main event, ten artists groomed through the development programme will be selected to represent South Africa at an American Music Festival in October 2016. The journey of these young emerging artists can be followed on the TV series MY CONNECT – ROAD TO THE CMJ, to be aired on a national broadcaster after the festival.

 With the hope of attracting over 25 000 youth, organisers of the 3^rd Youth Hip Hop Festival will work hand in hand with The KwaZulu Natal Provincial Government, Brand South Africa and media partners Gagasi FM and Channel O.

Part of the line-up includes Riky Rick, Major League, Junior De Rocka and WTF. The long list of other confirmed artists to be announced on Gagasi FM and social media each day over the next week, so stay tuned.

The full line-up  will be released next Wednesday.

DURBAN YOUTH HIP HOP FESTIVAL INFORMATION

Date: Saturday, 11 June 2016
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium , Peoples Park East

Ticket prices:
General Access:R350
Golden Circle:  R650
VIP:                   R950.00

ACTOR, THATO MOLAMU LANDS HIS OWN SHOW ON EAST COAST RADIO

One of South Africa’s much-loved actors has landed his own show on East Coast Radio. TV star, Thato Molamu, will own the 10am to 2pm slot. Fans of the Greed and Desire and uMlilo star will be able to tune into Thato’s first show on 29 May 2016.

 “Ah man, I’m so excited!” says the 31-year old actor. “As a young boy I used to dream of being on radio. I love the vibe at East Coast Radio! It speaks to my interests as an individual. I’m a “giving back” kind of person, and East Coast Radio “gives back” all the time so there’s an affinity here. I just want to say thank you to the station for giving me this opportunity, for believing in me and making me part of the family!”

“Great radio presenters are simply people who have the ability to connect through one-on-one conversation and are exceptional storytellers. Thato is both of these,” says East Coast Radio’s Programming Manager, Zane Derbyshire. “He is well-known to television audiences and the plan is to make him equally well known as a radio star.”

The former Generations star and father of two says he is counting down the days until he is live on-air.'' A lot of people identify me with the characters I play and never really get to know the real Thato. Now that I have my own show, I will be able to share who I am with listeners and share my thoughts with the world. People expect fun, good music, good chats and just a great time between 10am and 2pm, Sundays will never be the same!"

TV star, Thato Molamu

Thato can’t stop raving about the unique, enviable lifestyle we enjoy here in KwaZulu-Natal. “KZN has a vibe that many provinces in South Africa don’t have.  It has good weather and great culture. I think the weather compliments the people of KZN. There’s warmth all around. “

 Packing an easy-going personality and a great sense of humour, Thato says he thrives when he is in a creative space. However, while he loves his work, family is a priority. “I am where I am today because of my family support. Family is what keeps me together.” He credits his mum for instilling in him the values with which he lives his life. “She is my role-model. My mum is very strong, family-orientated and loves people. She is a very positive thinker and I know that I am the man today because of my mother.”

Thato says he is looking forward to sharing snippets of his life with fans and hopefully motivate them along the way. “To anyone out there who’s ever dreamt of being a star, who’s dreamt of being an actuary, who’s dreamt of going to the moon, you need to believe. If you believe it, it can happen but you need to work hard. Discipline in your career will make sure you flourish and become the best thing in life.”

Catch Thato Molamu every Sunday on East Coast Radio from 10am to 2pm, beginning 29 May 2016.

MUSIC FOR THE SOUL WITH KYLE DEUTSCH

 By: Mhlengi Mafu

Taking it back to the music with the Back to the Beach hit maker Kyle Deutsch.

Music has always been a part of the of this musicians life as he started singing in a school choir in Junior School. He then started learning to play guitar in High School and playing in a church band that led to him writing his own songs where he says he is inspired by life experiences to write his music. 

By profession Kyle is a Chiropractor who is able to find a balance between his music and career. He has been played professional football but his health business and love for music took over as he says “Music is never a guaranteed success so I will encourage people to learn something that can definitely secure them an income there is ways of making music a business but music for me is an art form rather than a business “says Deutsch as he is a great example that talent and education can work hand in hand when put together. 

Deutsch is planning on releasing his first album later on this year as he is pushing his latest single “All night” which is doing very well throughout the country and it has been well received by people. The song has also been no 1 on Five FM which means a lot for him and his music. 

It’s only been a year since he has put out his music but it’s been received multi culturally where he says he is grateful to the people that have supported him throughout the whole journey. He has also entered South African Idols where he says the competition gave him a platform to put out his music.

 He still gets nervous when he gets on stage but he says it’s all about having fun. The song Back to the Beach which Shekhinah has been nominated for Record of the Year at the South African Music Awards shortly known as SAMA’s and people can start voting by dialling *120*72221#. 

The song became a massive hit and it still is as it is played in almost every radio station in the country and its in every chart on television it is no doubt that it has done very well. Kyle Deutsch is the name that is here to stay with his talent, his music will be timeless.