Trace will turn 20 on 27 April 2023. The Success Story of Afro-urban Cultures is in its prime, with 29 television channels, 50 FM and digital radio stations, an audiovisual production studio, digital platforms, 280 employees, and 13 subsidiaries worldwide. Trace is popular both at home and internationally, reaching 350 million viewers and listeners in 190 countries.
Olivier Laouchez, a Martinican entrepreneur committed to equal chances, was the spark that ignited this beautiful journey. His primary driving force was to offer a solution for the underexposure of French-speaking hip hop & afro artists on audiovisual media. In 20 years, together with his team, he has established Trace as a global authority on Afro-urban cultures and the success of young people.
TRACE’S HISTORY IN FOUR KEY DATES
April 2003 : The first Trace channel (Trace TV), which was initially broadcast on Canal+ offers in France, the Caribbean, and French-speaking Africa, was launched after four difficult years of trying to find the necessary financing and distribution agreements.
March 2006 : The group’s initial diversification towards FM radio.Trace FM was first launched in Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Guyana, and subsequently in Kenya, the DRC, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast. Additionally, three DAB+ Trace radios are available from 2018 in Paris, Marseille, and Nice.
November 2007 : Launch of the Trace Urban channel in English on Multichoice’s (DStv) satellite networks, the continent’s top pay-TV provider in English and Portuguese-speaking Africa. With this step, Trace’s TV format will be approved for use in foreign markets. To promote the global explosion of Afro-urban cultures, 27 localised Trace channels will debut after this.
May 2021 : Transforming Trace into a company with a purpose. The group rallies under its mission statement, “to entertain and make its audiences successful.” Along with its historical media initiatives, Trace is introducing the Trace Academia platform to help the hundreds of millions of young people who cannot pursue higher education, particularly in Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean, but also in Europe, find educational and employment opportunities. The first entirely free online video platform, Trace Academia, offers entrepreneurship, trades, and soft skill training as well as access to job prospects.
What’s next ? Digital services and content are two priority objectives
Trace is supported by two pillars: content and digital services, to adapt to changing applications and audience demands.
The group recently acquired a studio in Cape Town, South Africa, which produces audiovisual programmes for Trace as well as for its partners, like Canal+, Netflix, France Télévisions, Showmax, SABC, E-TV, TV5, etc., in order to expand its know-how and its production capacities for premium content. To make the voices, stories, and messages of Trace audiences known and shared, Trace platforms will increasingly integrate editorial, social, fiction, and expression programmes through Trace Studios.
On the digital front, Trace will introduce Trace+ in June 2023. This new global audio and video streaming platform was created in collaboration with the French agency WIZ. Afro-descendant diasporas, followers of Afro-urban cultures and music, and Afro-urban producers will all be interacting on the same platform through Trace+, engaging in editorial and educational experiences that are similar to and bring them together.
Trace+ will provide all users with access to the current Trace content, including TV channels, radios, VOD, e-learning, news, and events. It will also gradually roll out new services, including e-commerce, money transfers, mobile money, gaming, and dating, as demanded by its users.
The widely acclaimed competition reality series, The Coolest OG’s, is set to reach millions of viewers across Africa as the thrilling South African Season 2 arrives on Netflix on April 26th. Building on the massive success of its first season and its international format acquisition by Banijay, Season 2 promises an exhilarating blend of competition and excitement that will captivate audiences.
Season 2 of The Coolest OG’s, hosted by the hilarious social media sensation; comedian and actor, TaFire, features a new cast of senior citizens aged 60-80 competing in a series of fun and unexpected challenges with the help of the Gen Z crowd.
From modeling, songwriting, and music videos to gaming, cooking and acting, these vibrant older contestants will showcase their skills and zest for life. A panel of young and influential celebrity judges, including Tresor, Candice Modiselle, Ms Cosmo, Macc Gee, Mpumi ‘Msakazi’ Mlambo, Neo Nontso, Benny Afroe, Primo, Touchline, Liopelo Maphathe and the late Chef Lentswe Bhengu, must determine which of the contestants still have what it takes to be the Coolest OG, with a cash prize up for grabs.
The Coolest OG’s is produced by Rebelintown Productions, who have a successful track record of creating engaging content that transcends borders.
Jimmy Muteba, the Founder of Rebelintown Productions, said, “We’re thrilled to bring The Coolest OG’s to Netflix, reaffirming our commitment to delivering entertaining formats and embracing digital platforms. As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings, we’re excited about the future and our upcoming projects, including a groundbreaking digital platform, Moodswing, that will revolutionize global communication.”
Don’t miss the exciting new season of The Coolest OG’s, coming to Netflix on April 26th, and be a part of this thrilling and entertaining journey that proves age is just a number when it comes to coolness.
THE COOLEST OG’S SEASON 2 ARRIVES ON NETFLIX The widely acclaimed competition reality series, The Coolest OG’s, is set to reach millions of viewers across Africa as the thrilling South African Season 2 arrives on Netflix on April 26th. Building on the massive success of its first season and its international format acquisition by Banijay, Season 2 promises an exhilarating blend of competition and excitement that will captivate audiences.
Season 2 of The Coolest OG’s, hosted by the hilarious social media sensation; comedian and actor, TaFire, features a new cast of senior citizens aged 60-80 competing in a series of fun and unexpected challenges with the help of the Gen Z crowd.
From modeling, songwriting, and music videos to gaming, cooking and acting, these vibrant older contestants will showcase their skills and zest for life. A panel of young and influential celebrity judges, including Tresor, Candice Modiselle, Ms Cosmo, Macc Gee, Mpumi ‘Msakazi’ Mlambo, Neo Nontso, Benny Afroe, Primo, Touchline, Liopelo Maphathe and the late Chef Lentswe Bhengu, must determine which of the contestants still have what it takes to be the Coolest OG, with a cash prize up for grabs.
The Coolest OG’s is produced by Rebelintown Productions, who have a successful track record of creating engaging content that transcends borders.
Jimmy Muteba, the Founder of Rebelintown Productions, said, “We’re thrilled to bring The Coolest OG’s to Netflix, reaffirming our commitment to delivering entertaining formats and embracing digital platforms. As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings, we’re excited about the future and our upcoming projects, including a groundbreaking digital platform, Moodswing, that will revolutionize global communication.”
Don’t miss the exciting new season of The Coolest OG’s, coming to Netflix on April 26th, and be a part of this thrilling and entertaining journey that proves age is just a number when it comes to coolness.
Thirty year old Pretoria local Tylo Ribeiro was crowned the new Mister Supranational South Africa 2023 at the grand finale event held on Saturday, 22nd April at the prestigious The Venue, Melrose Arch.
The finale event was a glamourous black tie affair which saw a throng of celebrities, media and other VIP guests, dressed by some of South Africa’s finest designers dazzling on the red carpet which was hosted by former Mrs South Africa 2022, Jo-Judnick Wilson.
Out of the ten hopeful lads contending for the title, it was data scientist Tylo Ribeiro who emerged tops after wowing a star-studded judging panel. This included former Miss Supranational 2021 Chanique Rabe (Namibia), former Mister Supranational South Africa 2019, Rushil Jina, former Miss South Africa, Bokang Motjane-Tshabalala, radio and television personality, Kamo Moth, author and motivational speaker, Devon Brough, celebrity media photographer, Oupa Bopape and South Africa’s very own queen, reigning Miss Supranational 2022, Lalela Mswane.
Ribeiro also walked away with the title of Mankind Fitness Award winner, while finalists Anton Siebert, Mpendulo Nkosi and Nkuleleko Mbatha (also first runner up) received the special Man of Change awards for their From the Ground Up projects, proudly sponsored by Resa Khan – For the Love of Beauty. Jerobiam Julies was also announced as Mr Public Choice.
First runner up Nkuleleko Mbatha, Mister Supranational 2023 Tylo Ribeiro and Miss Supranational 2022, Lalela Mswane
Under new license ownership by Centre Stage Productions, this edition of Mister Supranational South Africa is the third time South Africa has awarded the title after winners Rushil Jina (Mister Supranational SA 2019) and Akshar Birbal (Mister Supranational SA 2021).
Hosted by the dashing TV presenter and model Tino Chinyani, the finale event was a spectacular production packed with scenes that showcased the Top 10 finalists dressed in the latest fashion by South African designers Lindani Styling, New Romantics Couture, Black Tie, and a sizzling swimwear scene with the young, muscled lads dressed by local brand Bulge & Bum.
Singing sensation Tamara Dey kept the audience moving delivering showstopper performances of hit song Colours, accompanied by the Top 10 finalists, and her newly released single, Disco Therapy. A surprise live mix performance by South African DJ Senior Oat added to the jam-packed grand finale event.
Once the Top 5 were announced, it became apparent that there was more to the young men than just good looks and chiseled pecs as they comfortably faced a round of interview questions from the judging panel, placing emphasis on their personal values and commitment to their From the Ground Up projects, a CSI-driven initiative that Mister Supranational South Africa will champion during his reign. To the question of what he valued most in life, Ribeiro confidently answered, “Kindness”, adding that kindness and care was something the world needed more of.
National Director for the Mister Supranational South Africa organization, Wayne Stafford, also took to the stage to thank partners and sponsors for their support, sharing his experience of what the journey has been like since taking ownership of the South African license and what his expectations are for the new title holder. “Congratulations to Tylo on winning the title, I know he will do a sterling job fulfilling his role as Mister Supranational South Africa and represent our country with excellence. I am incredibly proud of the achievements of all of the finalists, and I wish them well in all their future endeavours,” commented Stafford.
Ribeiro will compete on the international stage among 40 other countries at the Mister Supranational global contest set to be held in Poland, on 15th July 2023 this year.
UNCLE WAFFLES TRENDS ALL WEEKEND POST HER STELLAR PERFORMANCES AS THE FIRST AMAPIANO DJ TO PLAY ON COACHELLA MAIN STAGE
Following her Certified Gold 2023 Project “Asylum” announcement after just one week of being released, Uncle Waffles continues her upwards trajectory. This past weekend saw her kick off her USA Tour by re-introducing the Amapiano genre to Coachella, as the first Amapiano DJ to perform on one of the main stages at the esteemed international music festival.
Offficial videos of her set started trending on Twitter early Saturday morning in South Africa, as she put on her first stellar performance on Friday evening in the US, complete with all the choreography and high energy we know her to deliver on.
Despite experiencing some technical difficulties during her 9pm prime-time slot, she mastered on and delivered on the same authentic Uncle Waffles experience we all know and love her for.
The Coachella audience received her with open arms at the Sonora stage, right before headliner Bad Bunny hit the main stage to close the night off.
On Saturday she was introduced as the surprise act on the Do-Labs stage to an unsuspecting audience. Yet again the crowd loves her high energy performance securing her a spot in the history books.
She closed off the weekend with her killer set at the Coachella afterparty at Zenyara.
Uncles Waffles will return to Coachella this coming weekend for their fourth performance at the festival.
Acclaimed entertainment company G Twenty One Live together with Vertex Events today announced that the multi-Grammy-nominated international artist Tamia will be touring the country with a three-city tour later this year.
No stranger to South Africa, the much adored super talented live performer will return to the country for the fourth time over the past decade.
The Canadian born R&B singer / songwriter has released multiple albums, collaborated with several prominent international musical icons and is well known for her philanthropic work within the music industry over the span of her career.
Kicking off her South African tour on Tuesday 4th July at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in the Mother City Cape Town, she moves onto KZN on Saturday 7th July performing at the Durban ICC and concludes the tour on Saturday 8th July at the Sunbet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria.
Limited tickets for the seated concert are available at Ticketpro and range from R390 to R1490.
The Tamia South African tour will be powered by media partners Kaya FM and Kfm 94.5.
Leading event organiser G21 Entertainment together with Vertex Events today announced South African show dates for the legendary super group Boyz II Men happening later this year. The tour will kick off in Cape Town on Tuesday, the 31st October 2023 at the Grand Arena, GrandWest followed by Pretoria at the SunBet Arena, Time Square on Thursday, 2nd November in Pretoria concluding in North West at the Superbowl in Sun City on Saturday, the 4th November 2023.
Following discussions with the group’s management earlier this week G21 Entertainment frontman Glen Netshipise stated “We are elated to finally kick off the tour in South Africa later this year. Boyz II Men promised their fans a killer live show shortly before the pandemic, and now keeping true to that promise, now that it’s safe to do so. With three shows planned around the country, we look forward to delivering yet another quality production with this multiple award winning music outfit .”
Limited tickets for the seated concert are available at Ticketpro and range from R690 to R1790.
Also previously purchased tickets in 2020/2021 for the cancelled show will automatically be valid for the new dates. Ticket holders will need to get in touch with Ticketpro to get their old tickets exchanged.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
BOYZ II MEN SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR
Cape Town Grand Arena, GrandWest Tuesday, 31st October 2023
Pretoria SUNBET ARENA, Time Square Thursday, 2nd November 2023
North West Superbowl, Sun City Saturday, 4th November 2023
The Boyz II Men South African tour will be powered by media partners Kaya FM and Kfm 94.5.
