Khanyi probes deeper and wider in the new Season of Katch it with Khanyi
Jul11

Khanyi probes deeper and wider in the new Season of Katch it with Khanyi

 Katch it With Khanyi continues into its second season on Friday, 18 July 2014 at 6PM on eKasi+, Channel 105 only on OpenView HD. The talk show is fittingly presented by South Africa’s most controversial personality, Khanyi Mbau, and this season she probes some of SA’s most intriguing personalities.   Celebrities and politicians often claim that tabloids embellish information to create drama. The show presents a platform for South African personalities to set the record straight and give viewers insight into their lives. The series takes on the tone of a hilariously bubbly chat with celebrity friends as Khanyi digs deep into their lives. The first episode will feature Nelson Mandela’s grandson, businessman Ndaba Mandela. Ndaba is the quintessential Mandela; tall, good-looking and ambitious. At 30, he already resembles his grandfather’s respectable demeanour. Alongside him, Khanyi will be chatting to the prominent and ambitious media man Kojo Bafoe, editor for Destiny Man. Khanyi finally manages to pin down kwaito’s prodigal son, former member of TKZee Tokollo Tshabalala who has had a life of fortunes and an equal share of misfortunes. From that to chatting to SA’s It Girl, Nomzamo Mbatha about her meteoric rise to fame, her new projects and setting the record straight about her rumoured engagement to Idol’s Khaya Mthethwa. Pallance Dlala is also in studio to talk about his new role as S’bu on Rhythm City, as well as Maps Maponyane, model turned actor. He is currently shooting a big screen film alongside the sultry Nomzamo Mbatha. “The talk show genre requires a strong, intuitive and colourful host. Engaging and probing people of different social standings is a mammoth task that our host, Khanyi, has come to master. A second season means the show has not only worked, but it is a must watch in local programming,” enthused Monde Twala, Group Head,e.tv Channels Division. Host Khanyi Mbau guests Ndaba Mandela (left) and Kojo Bafoe . New Location Not only is eKasi+ bringing you a fresh new season, the show’s location moves from its former Vilakazi Street studio to the iconic Orlando stadium. “The venue has a rich heritage and boasts magnificent paranomic views of Soweto. It is not every day that a non-sport specific show is shot at a stadium, and hopefully guests will enjoy and relax in this space,” said Keshni Rajoo, Manager: Production and Programming at etv. This season, Khanyi will also engage with her famous guests on their opinions of topical issues in Mzansi. From blissfully bitchy moments to compassionate insight, this talk show series aims to highlight the highs and lows of the celebrity world from the stars themselves. In season 1 Khanyi engaged with the likes of Kelly Khumalo, Lulo Café to Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF)...

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Jozi’s Favourite Hang-out & Snack-out Spots
Jul11

Jozi’s Favourite Hang-out & Snack-out Spots

By Mariam Mahomed Sometimes the hustle and bustle of our great city gets a bit too much and we need a little time out. We need to breathe, enjoy the smell of freshly roasted coffee, indulge in a culinary journey, soak in the atmosphere and just be delighted by the city and its people.  Luckily for us, Joburg has a number of places where we can do just that. Here’s a list of Joburger’s Top 5: Father Coffee From the most divine, roasted coffee to the minimalist, but warm, interior Braamfontein’s Father Coffee comes to the top of the mind when thinking about a good cup of unwinding in Johannesburg. The simple black and white design of their cups makes the perfect Instagram moment ensuring that your social media  needs are fulfilled as well. Sha’p A side walk ‘shisanyama’ stand located in the ever popular Maboneng precinct , Sha’p is the answer to every South African’s prayer for some lekker braai meat without all of the effort. Sha’p offers a selection of traditional sides along with  a relaxed outdoor setting where you can enjoy your braai the same way you would in your own backyard. Hard Rock Cafe I once overheard someone say that Hard Rock is the place you go to for the American experience without the expense. The interior boasts sophisticated technology with fascinating LED screens and lighting incorporated into the design. The collection of the most epic Rock n Roll memorabilia adds to the Hard Rock experience and makes their burgers and sides taste that much better. 4th Avenue Roasters Parkhurst’s 4th Avenue is without a doubt one of Jozi’s treasures with the boutique stores, the laid back atmosphere and the strong , awakening aroma of freshly roasted coffee from the tiny , ‘legendary pink’ bistro. 4th Avenue Roaster’s gives you exactly what you need to recharge and take on the rest of the day in this prime neighbourhood and if it’s too hot for a cuppa then their decadent iced coffees is a must. Andiccio 24 Andiccio 24 gives you the freedom of eating what you want at any time you want to eat it. Just by ticking a few boxes, you get a freshly made pizza that has exactly what you asked for , even at 2 am in the morning. That’s democratic eating, I’d say. If all of this freedom of choice isn’t enough their black velvet cupcakes are to die for.   What are your go to spots in Jozi? Images: fathercoffee.co.za , joburgstyle.co.za ,  jhblive.com, 4thavenuecoffee.co.za ,...

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Crime, love, corruption, freedom: It’s all centre stage in riveting new Mzansi Magic homegrown drama series
Jul09

Crime, love, corruption, freedom: It’s all centre stage in riveting new Mzansi Magic homegrown drama series

The mix of crime and love and corruption and freedom that has come in the wake of the birth of democracy in South Africa takes the spotlight in a brand new, homegrown drama series on Mzansi Magic. Saints and Sinners, a 13-part drama kicks off in August. It is a gripping family drama centered on the lives of two very different families, living in the south of Johannesburg. The show is being produced by Penguin Pictures and stars a superb line-up of acting talent, including, Nthati Moshesh, Tumisho Masha, Nomphilo Gwala, S’dumo Mtshali, Tshepo Maseko, Warren Masemola, Sibulele Gcilitshana, Yonda Thomas and Siyabonga Radebe. Inspired by a quote by Nelson Mandela (“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”) Saints and Sinners focuses on the new struggle faced by South Africans – an inner quest that revolves around economic freedom, issues of identity, the fall of traditional family structures, and lack of cohesion within the nucleus and community at large. The two families at the heart of Saints and Sinners represent this struggle in such a compelling way that the series is likely to become essential viewing alongside other homegrown Mzansi Magic dramas like Rockville. “We are excited about the debut of Saints and Sinners which follows on the huge success of Rockville. Our dramas tell poignant, resonant stories that allow the viewers to self-reflect as much as they are entertained. We aim to tell stories that are rooted in character driven narratives with a meaningful edge, speaking to the state of our country from an individual perspective. Saints and Sinners will showcase how we are connected as people through the choices we make, which affect others” says, Nkateko Mabaso, Director of Local Interests Channels at Mnet. One of these families is the upwardly mobile Khumalos. Headed by matriarch Mamohato and her two attractive daughters, Phindi and Boni, the Khumalo family lives in the upmarket suburb of Bassonia. The other family is that of hard-working Lulama and Thabang Moloiswa who live in a modest home in Diepkloof with their adored son, 12-year-old Tshepiso. The Khumalo and Moloiswa families present two contrasting South African ideals. Driven by a fear of poverty, the Khumalos’ aspirations appear to be entirely materialistic, and they are not averse to bending the law to achieve their ends. Meanwhile, the Moloiswas’ driving force is to alleviate poverty in their community, and to share their knowledge and expertise to create a better South Africa for all. But their altruism  will be sorely put to the test during the course of the...

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South Africa’s rock heavyweights added to the TribeOne Dinokeng Festival line-up
Jul09

South Africa’s rock heavyweights added to the TribeOne Dinokeng Festival line-up

The TRIBEONE DINOKENG music festival has announced more of South Africa’s biggest rock heavyweights confirmed for the Thunder Valley Main Stage, performing throughout the weekend of the 26, 27th and 28th September at what is set to become Africa’s biggest music festival. The Thunder Valley Main Stage is one of the TribeOne Dinokeng main stages and musically has a focus on Rock, Pop, Alternative and related music genres. The producers are currently planning a mind-blowing line up of rock, pop, alternative, metal, and other music-genre-related acts to fill all three days on this stage and will be announcing new acts on a weekly basis.  The first line up of local rock acts have been confirmed and include some of the biggest rock heavyweight acts including Fokofpolisiekar, Gangs of Ballet, Zebra & Giraffe, Black Cat Bones, Van Coke Kartel, Shadowclub, Taxi Violence, Wrestlerish and Al Bairre. The festival, which has already confirmed massive urban superstars such as Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Nicki Minaj, J Cole, Kid Ink, D’banj, Wizkid, Fally Ipupa, Sarkodie, Khuli Chana, Keko, AKA, Redsan, Alikiba and Xtatic to name a few, and will also be catering for rock lovers with the Thunder Valley Main Stage – a stage for the best in local and international rock music acts.  The stage runs all weekend, starting early afternoon on the Friday until after midnight and again from early morning until just after midnight on the Saturday and Sunday and are set to be jam packed with the best in local and international acts.  The Sunday lineup will end slightly earlier to allow festival to depart should they wish to and for fans that wish to stay on and depart the Monday, they can migrate to the Dance Village which runs non-stop 24 hours a day from the Friday right through to the Sunday. More acts will be announced over the days ahead, so keep watching this space for more info. Fokofpolisiekar is Francois van Coke (lead vocals), Hunter Kennedy (guitar), Johnny de Ridder (lead guitar), Wynand Myburgh (bass) and Jaco Snakehead Venter (drums). The band has become known for their explosive live performances and raw on-stage energy. Controversial and ever questioning in their lyrics as well as their lifestyle, the band has generated much controversy in the South African media. Five times SAMA nominated, MTV MAMA award winning band, Gangs of Ballet is a Durban band comprising of four musicians and friends – three of which have undertaken studying Music at University level. Their sound cannot be pinned down to one specific genre but rather experiments with an eclectic mix of alternative, melodic, anthemic, and electronic and dance. Gangs...

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Africa in the Spotlight
Jul02

Africa in the Spotlight

By Mariam Mahomed Africans are blessed with  a number of things. A striking landscape, great heritage and a number of beautiful cultures. It is no wonder then that we are so proud to be from this amazing land.Our pride is only increasing now as the rest of the world notices our splendour. African inspiration is now at the forefront of trends in arts and design. From Burberry’s use of blankets in the Fall 2014 collection to the use of various afro-chic inspired prints and textures by numerous fashion houses, such as Etro, Givenchy, Mary Katrantzou and Suno, Africa seems to be the go to place for inspiration across international catwalks. Aside from the clothing, African design elements come across clearly in the accessories and jewellery pieces used and created by fashion’s most prestigious brands. Italian luxury brand, Fendi’s bold and beautiful leather and fur cuffs from their Fall 2014 show reminds us of a great African warrior and seems to be the favourite jewellery piece amongst fashion lovers across the world. Another favourite accessory from the Fall 2014 shows is the handbags from Burberry featuring colours and prints that brings about warm thoughts of African landscapes and artworks. And if conquering the world of fashion is not enough the most stunning décor and interior looks of the season boasts African design elements. Global interior and architecture web-magazine , Decoist, realises that ‘it is time to put the vivacious African continent and its captivating prints, artifacts and designs under the spotlight’ and showcases a number of exquisite African inspired interiors. Sir Richard Branson’s luxury safari retreat Mahali Mzuri showcases the perfect mix between African inspiration and contemporary architecture. The modern, exclusive and absolutely breath-taking camp-styled lodges serves as a global architectural inspiration and is an epic salute to African design. We can definitely expect an increase of African inspiration in architecture, interiors and fashion design across the world. As more magazines, blogs and other media platforms showcase this trend , African design will be available on a number of websites and retail outlets and seen in cities around the world in the next few years. Yes, the world is saying ‘Look at Africa!’ and to that we say, ‘It’s about time!’ Pictures from Style.com and...

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Book review: Africa is open for Business  by Victor Kgomoeswana
Jun30

Book review: Africa is open for Business by Victor Kgomoeswana

I love it when a book with a subject matter I’m not well versed in, is an easy yet informative read. This was the case with “Africa is open for business” the insightful read by Victor Kgomoeswana, a business specialist who does a lot of work with multinationals, interpreting the African landscape for foreign investment. It is a collection of 50 essays from Victor’s learnings over the years of doing work as a business show host for radio stations such 702, Kaya FM; doing interviews with news powerhouses like CNBC & CNN. As well as information gained from his Business developer position at PPC a local cement company which has expanded to several countries across the continent. The book breaks down the elephantine task of understanding the Pan African business market, & breaks it down into into bite-sized chunks. It is a must-read for both leisure readers with a keen interest in the direction the continent is taking in terms of development. As well business information seekers who wish to equip themselves with knowledge such as entrepreneurs and corporation directors who want to expand their operations throughout the continent and take advantage of the boom. In the book, Victor touches on and elaborates on every story you’ve heard about doing business in Africa. Controversial topics such as the ‘2nd colonization’ by the wave of Chinese forging relationships with African countries in exchange for minerals.  To Nigeria’s reputation reincarnation – from being known as Africa’s fraud capital to its new status as the continent’s biggest economy and everything in between. The anecdotal style the book is written in made it a pleasure to read, which is unlike my usual experience with business writing. It still packs stats and facts as any business book but thanks to his intimate knowledge & his passion for the subject matter Victor has made this book a gem definitely work...

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