Category: TRACE ACQUIRES OKUHLE MEDIA

As the fifth edition of the Joburg Film Festival, presented by Multichoice, nears its close, the official awards ceremony was held last night at The Theatre on The Square in Sandton, Johannesburg. The international jury named the Egyptian feature film “Feathers,” directed by Omar El Zohairy, as ‘Best Film’ of the festival.  This absurdist tale about a patriarch transformed into a chicken has a lot to say about Egyptian culture and the role of women.

The evocative black and white Ethiopian documentary ‘Faya Dayi’, directed, written, starring and produced by Jessica Beshir took home the ‘Best African Film’ award. The film is a spiritual journey into the highlands of Harar that is immersed in the rituals of khat

‘Best Documentary’ was awarded to the explosive film “Nous, étudiants (We, Students”) from the Central African Republic from debut director Rafiki Fariala.  In it, the filmmaker turns the camera on himself and his friends, capturing their everyday life as students of Bangui University. At once clear-eyed and poetic, they share their thoughts about their future in the Central African Republic. 

This year’s prestigious jury comprised an international range of esteemed and respected filmmakers and industry experts including South Africa’s multi-award winning producer Carolyn Carew, Berlin based Lesotho film maker Lemohang Jeremiah  Mosese, published author, columnist and poet Njoko Muhoho, Sundance alumni and filmmaker Mohamed Siam, and French / Egyptian director and producer Jihan El-Tahri.
 

       “The jury process for JFF 2023 was an amazing meeting of minds of a highly experienced and diverse African team of filmmakers. During the deliberations, the diversity of knowledge and skills in storytelling came into play. The respect for fellow filmmakers’ craft was evidenced in the discipline and attention in which we screened and watched the films. The hours were long but as intense and pleasurable.  The result was unanimous agreement on the three category  winners of the JFF 2023.  Given the opportunity, I and fellow jurors would do this again” commented juror Njoki Muhoho.

As part of the Awards Night, event partner the Multichoice Group also awarded a number of filmmakers for their excellence. The awards presented are as follows:

The Emerging Storyteller Award:  Siphosethu Tshapu, (Milton Empire

The Global Storyteller Award: Phathutshedzo Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon (Tshedza Pictures)

The Fearless Storyteller Award: Chris Q Radebe, (Match Pictures)

The Anasi Award – Connie Chiume

Rising African Star Award – Star Kganki Mphahlele (Pula Bakgaga Media)
 

        “Our partnership with The Joburg Film Festival is one that speaks to our ethos of being Africa’s most loved storyteller” affirmed Multichoice Group Executive Corporate Affairs Collen Dlamini and added “We thank the Joburg Film Festival for partnering with us once again as we celebrate the amazing storytellers that have inspired us. Congratulations to all those who were nominated and all the winners, you have shown us all what it means to embrace the art of storytelling,” 

The Awards night also saw the announcement of the 2023 winner of the Young Voices film competition, the initiative of The Joburg Film Fest Youth and Audience Development Programme.  This year the programme embarked on a province-wide skills transfer initiative that reached over 300 young people via a series of workshops in Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, West Rand, Sedibeng, and Johannesburg. The workshops specifically targeted youth living in townships and involved industry professionals sharing their extensive experience and knowledge on the amazing craft of cinematic storytelling with enthusiastic audiences.

Aspiring filmmakers from across South Africa, between the ages of 18 and 25 were also invited to submit a video with the theme ‘Our Stories, Our Gold, as part of the Young Voices film competition.  Amongst all the entries, The Young Voices Award went to Tshwane local George Temba for his short film “Young Shepherd.”

With one day left in the Joburg Film Festival, there are still plenty of excellent local and international films and documentaries being screened at Ster-Kinekor Sandton, Ster  Kinekor Maponya, Cinema Nouveau Rosebank, Nelson Mandela’s Theatre of the Square and The Bioscope at 44 Stanley. 

The festival’s official closing will see the screening of the South African comedic film  “The Umbrella Men” directed by John Barker who will be in attendance at Theatre of the Square at Nelson Mandela Square at 16:30 pm.

Visit www.joburgfilmfestival.co.za for details and bookings.

For regular updates, check out the JFF social media handles. Facebook JoburgFilmFestival

Twitter JoburgFilmFest

Instagram joburg_film_festival

These are the JFF hashtags: #JoburgFilmFestival #JFF2023 #OurStoriesOurGold

Concert organizer Sonic Cities today  confirmed the award winning artist Jacob Banks will be coming to SA next month.

Set to perform for the first time in the country on Friday 3rd of March 2023 in Johannesburg, the UK based, Nigerian-born singer and songwriter will headline this intimate show at 1 Fox, Newtown.

Like all trailblazers, Jacob Banks has defied any and all music boundaries since his debut onto the scene over ten years ago. His ear-catching signature sound remains equally steeped in the swing of R&B,  the grit of rock n roll and pop, the gusto of hip-hop and a splash of reggae and gospel. Jacob Banks crafts his songs around his rich baritone voice for his multi-layered productions.

Renowned for his hit ‘Chainsmoking’ which has racked up over 25m views on Youtube and more than 51m streams on Spotify, and his critically acclaimed 2022 album ‘Lies about The War’ Jacob Banks performs to sold out shows across the world. 

Limited tickets available from Howler.

More on Jacob Banks here.Listen to Jacob Banks here.

Watch Jacob Banks here.

Artist Pics here.

JACOB BANKS LIVE INFO (Doors open at  6pm)

Date:             Friday, 3rd March

Venue:          1 Fox, Newtown

PRICE:          R250 – 350 (VIP available on request)  
 

In partnership with the family of the late South African artist, producer and entertainment entrepreneur Tumi ‘DJ Dimplez’ Mooi, leading multi-layered concept and eventing experts Rusco Experiential today announced the return of the popular lifestyle event POP BOTTLES. The first installment will kick off in the first quarter of 2023.

Taking it back to it’s genesis, the authentic Sunday gathering, aimed at young adults celebrating success and positive living is back. 

The first of the 2023 series will take place in Johannesburg during the first quarter of the year, date to be announced.  

Set to re-align the urban market to a state of a blissful euphoria, Pop Bottles 2.0 best known for it’s hip hop and house playlists will now also include trending music genres Amapiano and Afrobeats.

Limited tickets go on sale at the end of February when the line-up will be announced..

CELEBRATING POPULAR SA CULTURE THROUGH MUSIC, FASHION AND SPORT

 PHASE TWO TICKETS ON SALE NOW

 Following the successful Cape Town edition, the highly anticipated Cotton Fest returns to Johannesburg next month, and today confirmed this years’ line-up.

Taking place in the inner city on Saturday, the 4th of February, the festival will once again merge both established and young emerging local talents performing live across three energy packed stages.

Founded to showcase the diversities in various popular music genres with the aim of fusing the gaps within the different local movements, the event platform also celebrates fashion and sport. 

The almost sold out urban music and fashion explosion will this year feature over 160 of South Africa’s finest young musical talent including:

• A REECE
• ABIDOZA
• AMAROTO
• ANATII
• ANELE ZONDO
• ASVNTE
• AUDIOMARC
• AUTHENTIC
• BEAST
• BELO SALO
• BENNY CHILL
• BIG ZULU
• BLAQ DIAMOND
• BLEACHRS
• BLXCKIE
• BOIBIZZA
• BRAVO LE ROUX
• BUZZI LEE
• CANDII
• CASEKLOWZED
• CASSPER NYOVEST
• CHAMPURU MAKHENZO
• COSTA TITCH
• CYE
• DA CAPO
• DBN GOGO
• DEE KOALA
• DISTRUCTION BOYZ
• DJ BANQUES
• DJ HARVEY
• DJ KAYMOWORLD
• DJ KYOTIC
• DJ MAPHORISA
• DJ MEECH
• DJ PH
• DJ SLIQE
• DJ YUNGSERUNO
• DON DELICIOUS
• DOOWAP
• DR PEPPA
• EDDIESOUL
• ELAINE
• EMTEE
• ESPIQUET
• FELO LE TEE
• FIF_LAAA
• FLOW JONES Jr
• FLVME
• FRANK CASINO
• FRESH TY
• GABA CANNAL
• GGOLDIE
• GOODGUYSTYLES
• HENNYBELIT
• HERCCUTTHELIGHTS
• HOLY ALPHA
• HOPEMASTA
• HORRIDTHEMESSIAH
• HYPE
• JÄGERMEISTER BRASS CARTEL
• JAY JODY
• JAY KATANA
• K KEED
• K.O
• K1LLBRADY
• KASH CPT
• KAYGEE THE VIBE
• KEVI KEV
• KIDDO SA
• KINDLYNXSH
• KING DEETOY
• KING KY
• KING OUMAR
• KMAT
• LASH T
• LE SOUL
• LEBZA THE VILLIAN
• LEEZY LINDOKUHLE
• LEGENDARY CRISP
• LEODALEO
• LESEDITHEDJ
• LIL NOSEBLEED
• LOKI
• LOOKATUPS
• LORD SCRIPT
• LUCASRAPS
• LULA ODIBA
• LUUDADEEJAY
• LVEE
• MAGLERA DOE BOY
• MAJOR STEEZ
• MAS MUSIQ
• MASHBEATZ
• MASHUDU
• MAWHOO
• MDU AKA TRP + SEMI TEE + MALEMON
• MELLOW & SLEAZY
• MONEYBADOO
• MOOZLIE
• MÖRDO
• MS COSMO
• MUSA KEYS
• MUSTBEDUBZ
• NADIA NAKAI
• NASTY C
• NOTBENJAMIN
• NVCHO
• OKMALUMKOOLKAT
• OSCAR MBO
• PATRICKXXLEE
• PHANTOM STEEZE
• PRIDDY UGLY
• PSL (FOCALISTIC, CH’CCO, MJ, PABI COOPER)
• RARRI
• REA DA SOUL
• ROBOT BOII
• ROII
• SAM DEEP
• SANDISO + INFINIX
• SCUMIE
• SHANE EAGLE
• SHISHILIZA
• SHOULDBEYUANG
• SINO MSOLO
• SIZWE ALAKINE
• SJAVA
• SKOLLEYWOOD
• SLADE
• SOA MATTRIX
• SONA
• SOUL JAM
• SOULPHOBIC
• SHISHILIZA
• STILO MAGOLIDE
• STINO LE THWENNY
• STOMPIE
• STOPPER
• TAURA MONTANA
• TBO
• TDK MACCASSETE
• TEDDY GOODFELLA
• THATO SAUL
• TOSS
• TOUCHLINE
• TRUSTED SLK
• TSHEGO
• TWO SHORT
• TYLER ICU
• TYSON SYBATELI
• UNCLE VINNY
• UNCLE WAFFLES
• UNCLEPARTYTIME
• UNCOOL MC
• VENOM
• WILLY CARDIAC
• YOUNG STUNNA
• YOUNGSTACPT
• YUMBS
• YUNGKIDREEZY
• ZADOK
• 031 CHOPPA
• 25K
• 2SHOES
• 2WOSHORT
• 808SALLIE

 DISCLAIMER: Cotton Fest line-up is subject to change prior to show

As always the entertainment-filled festival will include various other lifestyle elements to keep the crowd entertained including:

The Tuckshop – Retail Fashion Store
Unconventional Sports Area – Live Skateboard Competition 
University Cafeteria – Food Court 
 Customisation Station
Half-court Basketball Court
Live Art Installation

The 2023 edition of Cotton Fest is powered by Puma, Jagermeister, Stimorol, Vuse, Oros, Red Bull,  Adoozy, Spotify, Klipdrift, Count Pushkin, 4th Street Wine, Hunters, NBA Africa and exclusive broadcasting partners YFM and Trace Urban.

Limited PHASE 2 tickets are available via Webtickets and Pick ‘n Pay outlets nationwide.

The festival will this year also see an expansion of its footprint, with a new space inside the festival space known as The Lot, via a partnership between Cotton Fest and JHC Housing.

COTTON FEST INFORMATION

DATE:             4th February 2022

VENUE:          The Station (Carr Street & Nelson Mandela Bridge, Newtown, JHB)

PRICE:           R300 

HOTEL:          R825 (City Lodge – Room only)

For more information please follow our social media handles:

INSTAGRAM @CottonFestJHB 

TWITTER @CottonFestJHB 

FACEBOOK @CottonFest 

CHANNEL GIVES AUDIENCE EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO HIGH-END MUSIC CONTENT FEATURING JAZZ, SOUL, BLUES, HIP-HOP, RNB, AFROBEATS AND DANCE
 

 With exclusive access to high-end music, great concerts, documentaries and never-seen archived interviews, the global music streaming platform QWEST TV will officially be DStv channel 330.
 
Music lovers will now be able to access QWEST TV via the DStv bouquet (channel 330) as well as on the Showmax platform. The Channel will be included in all the DStv packages in 44 countries across the continent.
 
Available exclusively to DStv customers, the channels offering includes:

• Exclusive concerts from legendary artists as well as Rising Stars from across the globe
• Premium music documentaries
• Archived artist footage
• Unreleased interviews with music icons including Erykah Badu, Questlove, Salif Keita, Gregory Porter, Marcus Miller, Seun Kuti, Kamasi Washington and Fatoumata Diawara

 
Founded in 2017 by musical genius, the legendary Quincy Jones, alongside TV and music producer and programmer Reza Ackbaraly,  Qwest TV plans to bring genre-agnostic musical content to the African continent.
 
“We are elated to be part of Multichoice family and to launch Qwest TV to the African market. We are expanding our mission to offer high end music to everyone. Africa is a land of traditions and music, and we’re very happy to build such a great partnership on this gorgeous continent !“ says CEO Reza Ackbaraly.
 
“I’m so proud to announce that Qwest TV is now available on Multichoice, Africa’s leading entertainment network. This means that my friends in South Africa, and forty-three more African territories, will have access to great, genre-defying music, 24/7. From African legends proudly proclaiming their heritage to jazz, classical, electronic and amazing deep-dive music documentaries, Africa is the source of music’s heartbeat and the cradle of modern music. I’m looking forward to celebrating diverse sounds with y’all!” explains Quincy Jones, Qwest TV co-founder and music producer.
 
With the core focus of expanding the content offering for viewers with quality entertainment, Georginah Machiridza, Executive Head for General Entertainment Channels at MultiChoice Group harps on the importance of such partnerships.
 
“What is key to us is that, whilst our audiences are driven by an appetite for homegrown content, we also complement it with the best in international content. To this end, we work with a selection of partners to ensure a comprehensive one stop shop for our customers. Our partnership with QWEST TV is one we are thrilled about, and we cannot wait for our DStv customers to experience it,” says Machiridza.
 
QWEST TV  will air on DStv channel 330 from 20 January 2023, for more information visit dstv.com.
 

— ENDS —  

 
FOR EDITORS NOTES
 
About Qwest TV
Qwest TV is a celebration of unique talents, traditions, and rhythms. With more than a thousand music-related experiences on offer, the premium video hub strives to be the world’s home for jazz, soul, funk, classical, and music from around the world. Qwest TV’s services include three premium linear television channels (in 7 languages with worldwide rights), Ad-supported Video On Demand (in 7 languages with worldwide rights) and a Subscription Video on Demand Platform (available globally, in 3 languages), and a Pay-TV for Africa on DStv (channel 330).
 
About MultiChoice Group
MultiChoice Group (MCG), which listed in the Main Board of the JSE on 27 February 2019, is one of the fastest-growing video entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services to 21.8m households across 50 countries on the African continent. Its track record of more than 35 years is reflective of a commitment to provide audiences with only the best local, sport and international content.
 
MCG’s strong partnerships with distributors, installers and telecommunication companies, along with its well-established payment solutions, competitive pricing and choice of viewership packages continue to secure its place in the global market, while also providing solutions unique to the African market.
 
Its direct-to-home (DTH), digital terrestrial television (DTT) and over-the-top (OTT) solutions enable the business to stay relevant and aligned to changing consumer habits while capturing new markets.
 
Content is at the very core of the business. MCG aims to deliver quality content anywhere, anytime and on any device through a comprehensive video entertainment offering at different price points. As pioneers in African video entertainment, MCG plays an important role in making information and entertainment easily accessible to Africans.
 
MCG aims to secure content rights in a manner that is cost-effective and reflective of the diversity of its audiences. Its substantial portfolio includes award-winning local content (a key differentiator in its service offering), a leading sports offering (including production capabilities) and access to international content, which is all shared on the group’s platforms: DStv, GOtv, Showmax, M-Net and SuperSport.
 
MCG has superior technology capability through the security solutions that Irdeto, its technology company, brings to the group. These solutions enable MultiChoice to protect its investment, create new offerings and combat cybercrime. With more than 50 years’ expertise in software security, Irdeto’s software security solutions and cyber services protect over 6bn devices and applications for some of the world’s best brands.

About NATIVE YARD

Building and maintaining healthy thriving brands and exhibitions is our primary focus at Native Yard, a 360 through the line media and activation agency.

Native also offer in depth management, marketing and communications strategic capabilities that are tailored to meet your specific business needs; and provide solutions that are quantifiable in terms of sales, market share, brand value and every other concrete measure. They also help our clients follow up with their prospects . Currently owns 50% of DISCOP (www.discop.com) markets and 100% of Joburg Film Festival (www.joburgfilmfestival.co.za).

 Dakar, Senegal – The Government of Senegal has accepted and undertaken to host the 8^th edition of All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA at a joint world media conference – host country unveiling held at the Hotel King Fahd Royal Palace, in Dakar, Senegal on Friday November 4, 2022.
 
The awards ceremony will now be held from January 12 to 15, 2023, in Dakar, Senegal; shifting the previous date up by four weeks as jointly announced by The International Committee of AFRIMA, The African union commission and The Republic of Senegal.

This also means that the voting deadline for the nominees will now be shifted to Friday, 13 January 2023. This will be the first time the main awards ceremony will be held in a francophone country after past editions.
 
Had in attendance at the conference were the representatives of Senegalese Minister of Culture and communication; and Minister of Tourism and Air travels, Special Adviser to the President of Senegal, Dr. Massamba Gaye alongside local and international media professionals; AFRIMA delegates; African Union Commission officials; African music stakeholders; 8^th AFRIMA nominees and African artistes, Iba One from Mali, DJ Neptune (Nigeria), DJ Moh Green (French-Algerian), Pape Diouf; Jeba; Sidy diop; Adiouza; Zbest family; Akhlou Brick Paradise; Jeba; Demba Guisse; Pa Gaye Mbaye; Kane diallo; Jamman from Senegal among others.
 
The Head Culture Division, Social Affairs Division, African Union Commission (AUC), Angela Martins, said that the African Union is excited to have the awards hold in a francophone region, “The AUC has been a strong partner and collaborator of the prestigious awards since its first edition in 2014. AFRIMA has grown to become the only continental platform that aims to promote and disseminate musical works and immeasurable talent of African Musicians from both young and old generations.
 
“This prestigious platform gives expression and supports the implementation of the AU policy instruments in the creative economy including the AU Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries.
 
“Allow me to join the international Committee of All Africa Music Awards in expressing gratitude and appreciation to the Government of Senegal for accepting to host AFRIMA 8th Edition on 12th to 15th January, 2023 and for making history by being the 3rd AU Member State to host the Awards. The hosting of AFRIMA by the Republic of Senegal will happen at a time when Senegal will still be the Chairperson of the African Union and it is an opportune occasion to close its chairmanship by promoting our rich arts, culture and heritage.
 
“As you are aware, Senegal is known for its huge investment in the arts, culture and heritage. The hosting of the AFRIMA gathering is thus a step in the right direction to bring back the beautiful city of Dakar to the map as one of the capital cities of music in Africa and around the world.”
 
In his acceptance speech, Senegal’s Minister of Tourism and Air Transport, HE Mr. Alioune Sarr, represented by Phillipe Ba said, “Personally and on behalf of Senegalese government, welcome to Sénégal, the home of the champions of football. Now Sénégal is also positioning herself to become the champions of music because we are hosting the 8th AFRIMA. We are happy knowing that Sénégal becomes the third country and the first Francophone country to host this great event.”
 
I can tell you that our ministry (Tourism) and the Senegalese government will partner and collaborate with you (AFRIMA) for a great success of AFRIMA in Senegal because our President, H.E. Macky Sall is not only the president of the African Union but also wishes to position himself as the President of all African Lovers of Culture which AFRIMA exudes.” He concluded.
On his part, Senegal’s Minister of Culture and Communication, Aliou Sow, represented by Ousmane Barro Dione, the Director General de La Compaignie Nationale de Theatre, Daniel Sorano, said, “I feel honoured to be representing the Minister of Culture, alongside my colleague at this event in preparation for the 8th edition of AFRIMA Awards in Sénégal from the 12th to 15th January 2023. We are honoured to welcome this huge event to this country’ for the benefit of the young people in Senegal and the image of the country.’

“The 8^th AFRIMA in Senegal is officially tagged the Teranga edition which encompasses the good hospitality, warmth, generosity and sharing that is the core to Senegalese life. In addition to celebrating Africa in a magical way and promoting the values of Senegalese people globally through the AFRIMA platform, the youths, who are the central focus of the 8th edition will be exposed to opportunities in the creative economy and new music business models, monetization in music, intellectual property rights and licensing as well as collaborations with other global African music superstars that will be participating in 8th AFRIMA in Dakar,’’ explained AFRIMA’s President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada.
 
The AFRIMA’s country Director in Senegal, Matar Diop said, ‘I am excited that the International Committee of AFRIMA and the African Union listened to our plea and pitch to bring AFRIMA to Senegal for the benefits of the tourism and music industry in Senegal that will have impact on our youths. I thank the President and the government of Republic of Senegal for supporting this project that will change the creative industry and the tourism landscape of Senegal for good. We look forward in welcoming Africa and the world to Dakar, Senegal on January 12 to 15, 2023 with Nanga Def Africa!

As the whole world gears towards the 8th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, African music lovers are encouraged to keep voting intensively for their desired winners, using the voting portal live at www.afrima.org and take part in the events on social media platforms:

IG/TikTok – @afrima.official
Facebook – Afrimawards 
Twitter – @afrimaofficial
LinkedIn – AFRIMA).

The event is scheduled to commence on Thursday January 12, 2023, with a courtesy visit to the President of the Host Country, while a host city tour, school visit and gift presentation (as part of AFRIMA’s CSR), as well as welcome soiree will be held on the same day.

The 4-day event continues on Friday, 13th January 2023, with the African Music Business Summit and the AFRIMA Urban Music Fest; while the main rehearsals and nominees exclusive party will be held on Saturday January 14, 2023. The event will climax on Sunday, 15th January 2023, with the live awards ceremony broadcast by 104 TV Stations to over 84 countries around the world.
 

 
In partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA is the pinnacle of African music globally.