Author: Melanie Ramjee

Leading African media management company Culture Management Group (CMG) announced today “Road to Afrochella,” an experiential popup activation designed to introduce and highlight Afrochella to the Sub-Saharan market to kick off in Johannesburg, South Africa later this month.

As we get closer to ‘Detty December’ in Ghana, the “Road to Afrochella” series will make a stop in the entertainment capital on Sunday, 30th October at the premium Altitude Beach venue. Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg’s vibrant city, this first-of-its-kind Afrochella one day event will be the ultimate destination for luxury and exclusivity.

           “Afrochella has always been more than just a festival in Ghana and because of that, we’re so excited to bring our “Road to Afrochella” series to South Africa! Through this popup event, we have the opportunity to bring our platform to other regions across Africa, help elevate their homegrown talent and design a unique cultural experience that merges the exciting worlds of fashion, art, music and food together.” stated Abdul Karim Abdullah, CEO & Co-Founder of Afrochella

Afrochella is a celebration of Africa’s diverse culture and vibrant work showcased by the continent’s many emerging creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs. This year, Afrochella’s theme is “AfroFuturism,” a term created to reflect on the past, explore the future and create a progressive path for the present African diaspora.

To bring “AfroFuturism” to life, the “Road to Afrochella” series will feature the following on-site activations in South Africa:

THE KILLER MUSICAL LINE UP

The Road to Afrochella event will feature some of the hottest African Afrobeat / Amapiano artists including:

• Daliwonga
• Focalistic
• Stonebwoy
• Young Stunna
• Gyakie
• Nirvana Nokwe
• Venom & Shisilize
• UncleParty Time
• DJ Pizaro
• DJ Loft
• Leddi G and Kojo Manuel (HOSTS)

Other activities include:

FACE PAINTERS AND HENNA STATIONS

Face painting and henna stations will be available during the event for guests to receive beautiful designs on their faces, hands and feet.

COMMUNITY MURAL

To promote the theme of unity, party-goers can take part in a community mural and contribute pieces of art to the painting throughout the event.

Limited tickets are available at Howler from R250 upwards HERE
Alternatively tickets at the door on the day.
VIP tables booking can be made by calling +27 11 516 0569. 
 

For more info about Road to Afrochella or Afrochella 2022, please visit https://afrochella.com/

Alternatively follow @afrochella on social media to stay up to date on the latest news and events.

Facebook
Instagram 

 The 6^th annual Innovator Trust Women In Tech (WIT) Appreciation Experience is almost upon us. Set to take place on Wednesday, 16^th November 2022, the awards aim to honour female tech entrepreneurs from across the country for their outstanding achievements in leading their businesses.

South African Female Tech Entrepreneurs called to #PowerUp at the 6th Women In Tech (WIT) Appreciation Experience.

Amidst the ongoing challenges facing women in South Africa, tech entrepreneurship presents a remarkable opportunity to empower women and girls in our country through the use of technology.

The awards are hosted by the Innovator Trust – a small-business training incubation facilitator established in 2014, whose mission it is to support and nurture the development of sustainable Information and Communications Technology (ICT) SMMEs in South Africa.

Now in its 6th year, the auspicious Women In Tech (WIT) Appreciation Experience was initially conceptualized primarily to recognise female beneficiaries from the Enterprise Development, Supplier Development and Young Entrepreneurs (YEP) programmes facilitated by the Innovator Trust. Since inception, the Innovator Trust has successfully incubated more than 190 black-owned ICT small businesses, some who have been able to grow from start-up phase to medium and large-scale enterprises.

For the last two years, the WIT event was virtual and offered a captivating line-up of keynote addresses and panel discussions featuring renowned women in leadership such as Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; former Public Protector of South Africa, Professor Thuli Madonsela; Chancellor of the Nelson Mandela Bay University, Ms Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, and Vodacom Chief Officer and Executive Director for External Affairs, Takalani Netshitenzhe.

Click here to watch highlights from WIT 2021

This years’ experience will be hosted as a 1-day hybrid event to include those unable to attend in person. Leading women of industry, innovators, government, academia, media, and small business owners are expected to attend the event in recognition of the female beneficiaries being awarded.

“WIT 2022 presents a call to action for women to #PowerUp in support of one another and unite as a collective toward creating the opportunities for economic growth that exist within the realm of tech entrepreneurship, despite the dire economic and social climate of the country,” commented Tashline Jooste, Chief Executive Officer of the Innovator Trust.

In addition to a spectacular awards ceremony, the programme promises an impressive lineup of guest speakers and panel discussions engaging on topics such as women and sustainability, African entrepreneurship and the effects of the energy crises in the SMME sector, challenging the current status quo on the state of women in technology and entrepreneurship.

Complimentary virtual registrations to WIT 2022 are now open until 16th November 2022.

Register here to claim your FREE virtual seat to WIT2022

WOMEN IN TECH APPRECIATION EXPERIENCE – THE FUTURE OF TECH, POWERED BY WOMEN

For more information, visit the Innovator Trust website or follow the updates on the official social media channels below.

Instagram: @innovatortrust
Facebook: @innovatortrust
Twitter: @innovatortrust
YouTube: Innovator Trust
Website: www.innovatortrust.co.za

The highly anticipated Feather Awards is almost upon us and earlier today the colourful list of 2022 nominees were announced following the hoisting of the Pride flag at the home of human rights Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg.

The intimate affair boasted speakers including this year’s Award hosts the Modiselle sisters, Refilwe, Bontle and Candice, Thami Dish as well as the reigning Miss South Africa Ndavi Nokeri alongside Miss SA CEO Stephanie Courtney- Weil. Other speakers included Dr Dulcy Rakumakoe,  Constitutional Hill’s Janine Muthusamy and Dawn Robertson, Zingisa Jemsana – COO of Market Theatre, PFSAQ’s Linah Ngwenya, Fundi Ndaba from FEW and Sign language activist Andiswa Gebashe.

The awards return to the Market Theatre in Johannesburg and set to take place on Thursday, 10th November 2022.

Category nominees which comprised of individuals and organisations from both the private and business sectors are selected by a knowledgeable panel consisting of members of the media and entertainment industry, who are firmly in touch with what’s hot and what’s not on the South African social circuit.

Each nominated individual,  organisation or brand, have in one way or the other either represented, inspired, or celebrated the LGBTIQ+ community with excellence and distinction over the past twelve months. These nominees are selected from industries across lifestyle (entertainment, arts and sports), politics and even business.

The Feathers Awards, now in it’s 14^th year is done in partnership with the Thami Dish Foundation who focus on desensitising the LGBTIQ community to the public at large, via the LGBTIQ+ Dialogues, Workshop and Trainings done in communities across South Africa.

 
              “There is still much work to be done. COVID19 slowed down the process and now it’s time to accelerate the transformation and get back on track. And it’s going to take all of us to do it. From the public sector and the private sector, government and businesses need to put their money where their mouths are” commented Thami Kotlolo, co-founder of the Feather Awards. ‘Inclusivity is not about celebrating the community for a few days in a year. Government and corporates need to support the community, get involved in programmes and initiatives 365 days of the year, not just in June or October when the exercise of ticking boxes needs to happens. We, the queer community, are unfvcken apologetic about being heard, being seen, being recognised and been included. This doesn’t take away from organisations who offer unwavering support for the community. We see you and value your support. To all the nominees best of luck for the upcoming awards next month.

 
Keep locked to our social media for all the updates:
 
Instagram      @FeathersSA
Twitter            @FeathersSA
Facebook      The Feathers Awards SA
 
#UnFvckenApologetic
 
AND THE FEATHER AWARDS 2022 NOMINEES ARE…
 
 Best Styled Individual 

• Nkuley Masemola
• Bradley Ndlovu
• Ponahalo Mojapelo

Hunk of the Year 

• Shahaan Ramkisoon
• Senzo Radebe
• Anton Jeftha

Diva Extraordinaire of the Year

• Yvonne Chaka-Chaka
• Abigail Khubeka
• John Kani

Sports Personality of the Year

• Kgothatso Monjane
• Banyana Banyana
• Andile Dlamini

 
Role model of the Year

• Banyana Banyana
• Kass Naidoo
• FEW

 
Cutest Couple

• Koleka Putuma and Robyn
• Lamiez Holworthy and Khuli Chana
• Boity Thulo and Anton Jefta

Hot Chick of the Year

• Rose-Mary Zimu
• Nkuley Masemola
• Nambitha Ben-Mazwi

Media Award of the Year. 

• YFM
• ENCA
• EXIT

 
Fag hag of the Year 

• Candice Modiselle
• Judy Nokwedi
• Vuyo Mse-Ngcukana

 
Designer of the Year (new category)

• Sello Medupi for Scalo
• Palesa Mokobung
• Donald Nxumalo

Musician

• Musa Keys
• Zakes Bantwini
• Msaki

 
Socialite (Seen at every opening of an envelope or an erection of a stop sign)

• Birth of Stars
• Tumi Powerhouse
• Rami Chuene

 
Drama Queen

• Thato (RHOCT)
• SK Khoza
• Professor Mokgethi

Social Media Personality of the Year  

• Birth of Stars
• Tumi Powerhouse 
• Khanyisa Unflitered

 
Best LGBTIQ Initiative: Private Sector 

• Jagermeister
• Proctor and Gamble
• Meta SA

 
Best LGBTIQ Initiative: Public Sector 

• Department of Social Development
• SAPS Sophiatown
• NYDA

 
Best LGBTIQ Youth Movement 

• Active Wits
• Vogue Nights
• Impulse

 
Best Rainbow Parenting 

• Shumi Dantile 
• Treyvonne Moo (House of Diamonds)
• Buhle and Botshelo

 

This year, the Simon Nkoli Award will be awarded to internationally renowned choreographer and dancer Gregory Magoma.

__________________________________________________
 
EDITOR NOTES
 
ABOUT THE FEATHER AWARDS
 
Founded in 2008 by gay activists Thami Kotlolo and Joe Correira. This LGBTI Awards ceremony creating allies for the LGBTI community; recognizing and commending African queer people doing great things.

One of SA’s biggest culture gatherings, Cotton Fest is coming to Cape Town this summer break. Announced by festival organizers today, the first Cotton Fest Cape Town will take place at the Paarden Eiland Park on Saturday, 10th December 2022.

Created by global music and fashion icon Riky Rick, the festival exploded in popularity back in 2019 featuring over 150 artists. More than just a festival, this youth culture gathering celebrates the new wave of music, fashion and lifestyle. Mainly known for merging both established and upcoming South African talent, Cotton Fest also showcases the diversities in music while fusing the gaps within the different local current movements.

Bringing the same authentic vibe to the mother city, Cotton Fest Cape Town will feature some of South Africa’s finest talent performing over 2 stages. This action packed festival will not only showcase the diversities in the different popular music genres, but will also feature various lifestyle elements existing within the ‘culture,’ including fashion and sport. 

THE CONCERT

The COTTON STAGE will feature headline artists from both Cape Town and Joburg. The second STAGE will feature the New Wave of young hip hop talent alongside some of the biggest names on the Amapiano scene right now.

THE TUCKSHOP
Bringing together proudly South African brands, the merchandise area will showcase the best of what local creatives have to offer with unique pieces, limited branded fashion items and other sought after accessories. Festival goers will have a curated shopping experience as they cop merchandise at the University of Cotton Fest’s tuck shop.

 SPORTS AREA
A Cotton Fest half-court will be set up for basketball fans, along with a skating ramp hosted by Day Marumo and Jagermeister.

CAFETERIA
Food Court bringing you a huge variety of delectable options and several fully stocked bars positioned around the venue.

MORE
There’ll also be photo booths set up for content creation as well as various chill areas to relax, recharge and reboot.

             “With what started out as a great idea between Riky and I many years ago, to a whole culture movement called Cotton Fest. Alongside his family, we are extremely excited to be building on his legacy and extending the festival to my city, which was always part of our plans.” says co-founder Alain Ferrier. “ Cape Town, you’re up next, the University of Cotton Fest will officially open for registration next week.”

Tickets will be on sale at Webtickets and Pick ‘n Pay outlets nationwide from next Tuesday, 18 October 2022 and will range from R200 – R600. More info to follow… 


For more information please follow our social media handles:

Instagram: cottonfestjhb

Facebook: CottonFestJHB

Twitter: CottonFestJHB

www.cottonfest.co.za

Youtube: CottonFest

… ENDS…

Following a two-year hiatus, and as the global film industry recovers, the organisers of the Joburg Film Festival, in partnership with the MultiChoice Group, today announced the return of this leading film festival.
 
Now in its fifth year, the Joburg Film Festival was born out of the desire to create an exciting and independent platform that not only tells Africa’s stories, but curates, showcases, and rewards local and international excellence in film. Set to showcase some of the finest films from countries across the globe, the Joburg Film festival will run from Thursday, 31^st January 2023 to Sunday, 5^th February 2023.
 
The Joburg Film Festival will once again firmly position Joburg as the country’s cultural capital, attracting the best of the best in the industry to the city, further growing cultural tourism in not just Johannesburg but the entire country. As in previous years, the Joburg Film Festival is programmed around four key pillars.  In addition to the screening over 60 films including a range of African premieres, the Joburg Film Festival includes a dynamic range of audience and industry initiatives including:
 

• The Film Programme
• The Industry Programme
• Youth and Audience Development Programme
• The Film Society
• JBX Content Market

 
As part of its vision, The Joburg Film Festival prioritises the growth and development of South African and African filmmakers. To that end, a comprehensive development programme including The Youth and Audience Development Programme that focuses largely on providing  young  filmmakers with opportunities through training, skills transfer, and networking with industry leaders during the programme.
 
The Joburg Film Festival is also excited to announce a new pillar this year, with the launch of The Film Society. Additionally, a complimentary newly developed content and new-media industry market, JBX, a future-proof market that will connect up-and-coming creators and established entertainment brands with investors, distribution channels, and sponsors. JBX will take place alongside the Joburg Film Festival to build momentum. More details on all programmes will be announced at a later stage.
 
          Joburg Film Festival Executive Director Tim Mangwedi has this to say of the 2023 edition of the Joburg Film Festival, “After two years of extremely challenging times for the film industry, the Joburg Film Festival is excited to be back with an in-person event with an expanded programme.  The 2023 edition of the festival will once again attract thousands of visitors to Gauteng, with a focal point of activities at Nelson Mandela Square that will include screenings and industry events. The Joburg Film Festival and JBX Market will once again position Joburg as the film capital of South Africa, with the festival celebrating African stories and the talent of our home-grown filmmakers as we showcase their films alongside those of filmmakers from around the world.”
 
Once again, the Joburg Film Festival is supported by the Multichoice Group. Collen Dlamini, Group Executive for Corporate Affairs relays how elated the organisation is to continue this partnership with the festival, “MultiChoice is a truly African brand and, as such, telling stories is part of who we are as an organisation. We are therefore extremely excited to bring back the Joburg Film Festival, this partnership will serve as a platform where storytellers from all over the world will come together, and give a renewed light for African storytelling”.
 
Limited tickets available for sale from November 2022. Check out our website and socials for the latest updates.
 
For more information on the Joburg Film Festival 2023, check out
Website           www.joburgfilmfestival.co.za
Facebook        JoburgFilmFestival
Twitter             JoburgFilmFest
Instagram        joburg_film_festival
 
The hashtags for the festival are #JoburgFilmFestival #JFF2023

With the past three years we have been through – now is the time to get back to living. This October will see the delayed 10th Anniversary celebrations for one of SA’s legendary music festivals Spring Fiesta come to life.

Over a decade in the making, Spring Fiesta 2022 will return to its home at the well-loved ultimate party destination Wild Waters Complex in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni on Saturday, the 8th of October 2022.

Last month organisers confirmed the return of the festival, due to take place later this year. The team today confirmed that the festival will host a 100% carefully curated local line-up, over their 5 legendary stages.

These includes:

SOUL CANDI LIVE MAIN STAGE 

Black Motion
Maphorisa
AKA
Focalistic
Daliwonga
DJ Kent
Kamp Mphela
Ami Faku
Youngstunna
DJ Tira
Amaroto
Heavy K
Lamiez Holworthy
SPHEctula and DJ Naves – Kings of the Weekend
Dladla Mshunqisi
Lerato Kganyago
Mo Flava
Lulo Cafe
DJ Nel

MC: Anele Zondo and Zane Gulston

STAY TRUE SOUNDS STAGE (hosted by Kid Fonque)

Kid Fonque
Nutty Nys
Chronical Deep
SIO
China and AndyAndile
DJ Buhle
FKA Mash
SGVO
Kat La Kat
Kvrvbo
Hypaphonik
Vinny da Vinci and Christos

BAKONE AFRO TECH STAGE (hosted by Da Capo)

Da Capo
Caiiro
Lemon & Herb
Citizen Deep
Culoe De Song
Morda
Kenza
Malumz on Decks
Vanco
Roger Goode
Kasango
Da Africa Deep

PIANO DREAMLAND AMAPIANO (Presented by Gazza)

Hosted by Thulani Way

Felo Le Tee
Kelvin Momo
Njelic
Mellow and Sleazy
Gazza
Shaun 101
Kaygee The Vibe
Shejay Glam
Mfundo Glam
Readasoul
MFR Souls
Linda Moeketsi
Hectic & Siya

MC: Uncool MC

THIS IS HI(PH)OP STAGE (hosted by PH)

BLXCKIE
PH
Costa Titch
Emtee
Loki
Venom
No Comply
Fae Fae
Kyotic
Hudson
Ryan The DJ
Banques
Jovis
Pedabotic
Lesedi The DJ
Majorsteez

MC: Killamo

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
 
Date               :                       Saturday, 8th October 2022
Venue            :                       Wild Waters Complex, Boksburg
Time              :                       12pm onwards
Tickets          :                       LIMITED tickets now Available at Howler.co.za

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 
 

STANDARD SINGLE TICKET PRICES

GA: R350 / VIP: R650 / VVP: R1000

PACKAGE DEALS

PLATIUM
* 2x VVIP tickets
* 1x Double Sliverbirch Room
* Shuttle service to & from Spring Fiesta (Dedicated drop off time of 12.30pm & pick up time of 00.00am)
* Breakfast Included
PRICE – R3000 (Valued at R3600)

GOLD
* 2 x VIP tickets to Spring Fiesta
* 1 x Double Birchwood Standard Room
* Breakfast included
* Shuttle to & from Spring Fiesta at dedicated drop off point (Drop off – 12.30pm, Pick Up – 00.00am)
PRICE – R2200 (Valued at R2900)

SILVER

* 2 x GA tickets to Spring Fiesta
* 1 x Double Value Stay Room at the Birchwood Hotel 
* Breakfast included
* Shuttle to & from Spring Fiesta at dedicated drop off point (Drop off – 12.30pm, Pick Up – 00.00am)
PRICE – R1800 (Valued at R2400 ) 

10TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL 

4 Tickets for the Price of 3 

Applicable for GA ONLY

Phase 2 (NOW): R1050
Phase 3 (SEPT): R1350

With what promises the celebration festival of the decade, make sure you get your tickets today.