COMING HOME inspires Gauteng audiences this Festive Season - WIN TICKETS!

Acclaimed South African composer Isak Roux headlines the inspiring play, Coming Home, which seeks to evoke themes found in the Biblical parable of The Prodigal Son.
Held over Reconciliation days, which is the 15th and 16th December, the work also aligns with the theme of this important and uniquely South African historical event.

Not only does Coming Home blend the voices of three solo singers, a large mixed choir and a jazz and string orchestra, but more importantly, it draws on the uniquely African musical genre of Isicathamiya. Roux - who has worked abroad extensively - was inspired to compose a work that will aim to bring the traditional Spiritual back to its ancestral home, Africa.

Musically, the audience will be treated to a mixture of classical, jazz and gospel styles, combined with a touch of township styles such as penny whistle, marabi and kwela. The narrative sections will see influences of praise song, IsiZulu oral poetry as well as a little kwaito coming through.

Roux explained that Coming Home will for the most part be interpreted in various indigenous languages of South Africa. "The work functions on different levels, and the parable itself appeals to people globally, regardless of one's religious affiliations. Also, it is a celebration of Africa and its Homecoming in light of the African Renaissance - it is a triumphant vision of our past, present and future," said Roux.

The play will be narrated by accomplished local actor, Sello Maake ka Ncube, with award winning soprano Sibongile Mngoma, and tenor Tim Moloi featuring prominently as soloists. The South African Chamber Choir will feature in the performance and the work will be conducted by Kutlwano Masote.

Coming Home is approximately 80 minutes, and will encompass two sections of 40 minutes each.
Taking place at the Joburg Promusica Theatre in Florida Park, on Tuesday 15 December at 20h00 and on Wednesday 16 December at 15h00, this is the ideal opportunity to celebrate the homecoming and reconciliation of our nation.

These concerts are supported by Classic FM and sponsored by The National Arts Council of South Africa. Tickets are available at Computicket and at the Joburg Promusica Theatre (011 674 1357/8/9) for R100.00

We have a treat for 5 of our lucky readers to go and watch the show on the opening night on Tuesday,15 December 2009. All you have to do is send an email with your name, surname and contact details to khetha@yeahbo.net .

Invictus premiere a soaring success

As I write this, I'm feeling the remnants of the wonderful evening I've just had. It's one of those experiences to cherish forever. The premiere of Invictus, that took place at Emperors Palace tonight, was all that you can imagine and more. I actually watched the movie at a press screening yesterday and was instantly sold because of its moving nature. But after participating in a roundtable interview session with both lead man Morgan Freeman (portraying our former president Madiba in Invictus) and one of the producers Lori McCreary, ignited more excitement and interest to attend the premiere.

When I arrived at the venue with my friend Stevel Marc, you could already feel the air of exhilaration lingering around. When we walked the yellow carpet, the fans expecting to see the movie stars were gleefully cheering on some of the celebrities that were also in attendance. This was surely a sign of things to come.

The pre-cocktail part of the event was filled with great people in the entertainment industry, politicians, business people, and an assortment of individuals in other spheres of our economy; all donned in their best black-tie threads. I spotted familiar faces, including Romy Titus and Timothy Maurice (are they a couple?); a fellow movie reviewer and somewhat of a role model to me, Peter Feldman with his wife; current Springboks player Brian Habana and new wife; and rugby player Joost Van De Westuizen and wife Amor Vittone, who I saw proudly walking the yellow carpet beyond the scandal involving Joost that broke early this year. I even got a brief chance to chat with mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela when I asked to take a picture of her and her guests; I must say that was one of the highlights of the night for me.

The fun continued, with PJ Powers entertaining the guests with her energetic performance. Before long, guests were requested to take their places in different cinemas in the complex that was fully booked just for this glorious occasion. Little did I know that my friend Stevel had hooked up with Ray Ray (the guy who is the face of the MTN Ayoba ad campaign - they work together on MTN rigs that happen when MTN does their activations) and upgraded our access to VIP, resulting in us watching the movie with big guns, including mama Winnie, Brian Habana, SABC's Leo Manne and other important people. At the cinema, I spotted many more familiar faces, like Santi Botha (former Marketing Director for MTN - not sure what portfolio she holds there now). Me , Stevel and Ray Ray were seated just behind Elana Afrika and her boyfriend, who she introduced to us and with whom we had some engaging conversations.

The moment for the invited guests to see the movie had arrived. Just minutes before that, in walked Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary to the theatre to give their speeches. In the process, they introduced a recorded video of co-star Matt Damon (who plays former Springboks captain Francois Pienaar in the film) and director Clint Eastwood apologising for not being here for this amazing experience (they mentioned they were already shooting another film together).

Before the film, real footage featuring the milestone events portrayed in the film was shown. It was interesting to observe how the crowd reacted to the film, especially since I had seen the movie and particularly anticipated the reactions from specific, different scenes. After the movie we hung out just outside the cinema where desserts and coffee were served. This is where things got even more exciting and interesting as people shared their views about the film. Stevel introduced me to actor Daniel Hadebe (he appears in the movie as part of Madiba's security detail) who had a lot to say about the movie. He actually critisized the film, saying he loves Clint Eastwood, but he felt there was something missing in Invictus for him. Could it be that he was too close to it, since he was on the set for the shooting of the film? Well, I guess everybody has and is free to express their views. Generally, the views on the movie were favourable, Sthandiwe Kgoroge (husband Tony Kgoroge played a huge role leaing the security detail to Madiba) loved it. I was also introduced and chatted with model and businessman Amos Vuma who shared the same sentiments of favour and positivity.

I feel Clint Eastwood was able to capture so well and concisely the spirit of the country at the time of the Rugby World Cup. Undoubtedly, Morgan Freeman was brilliant as Tata Madiba. Although you could pick up he was American, he was still able to play the character with such flair and precision. Matt Damon was the same, actually giving us the best South African (Afrikaans this time) accent any American actor has ever done (well, maybe on th same par with John Malkovich on Disgrace). Tony Kgoroge was just as amazing, showing his rare and unique talent that captures you.

It was a beautiful occasion, well-planned and groundbreaking. It's one of the experiences I will cherish for the rest of my life. Many thanks to the Nu Metro team for putting this together and the sponsors MTN for making this possible. Invictus opens countrywide this coming Friday, 11 December 2009. Go out there and check it out, if not to relive that moment, to educate yourself about our history and how our hero Madiba worked tirelessly to unite our nation.

The Business Centre officially opens its doors

I was invited to the launch of the Business Centre in Fourways last week, but unfortunately couldn't make it. Farah Fortune, Director of African Star Communications, the company handling the PR and communications exercises for the project, sent the below to share what transpired:

Any enterprise at one time or another, be it start-ups, small companies or temporary services to name a few, requires affordable office space with the option of a flexible lease to suit .

The Business Centre provides clientele office space with the added day-to-day costings of running an office, all inclusive and more affordable.

An example of cost cutting comes as a receptionist service, where a personalized telephone number is allocated to the tenant company, and the calls are politely answered with said company’s name at the front desk of the business centre reception, forwarding your call or texting your message to you, making sure you never miss an opportunity!

Lease periods are flexible and available options are 3, 6 or 12 months leases to suit the business.

The Business Centre, Fourways, its third addition to the company; with branches already in Rivonia and Bryanston; opened it’s doors in June 2009 but officially launched to the property, law and media market on 26th November 2009.

Guests were treated to a showcase of musical excellence by violinist Jenna White and singer Cyan Nina Galvoa, delicious canapés provided by Kitchen Bar, hand massages from Life Day Spa and delectable giveaways, sponsored by VodaWorld, Terenzo Hair Salon, The Business Centre, African Star Communications and Speed Queen, in the ambient elegance, beauty and convenience of The Business Centre itself!
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The host for the evening was the delightful M-net Idols Presenter, Liezel Van Der Westhuizen. Liezel introduced the evening's proceedings with charm and style as guests rubbed shoulders with some of South Africa’s commerce power houses and business individuals.

Tumi hosts listening session for Whole Worlds

Tumi, mostly known with his band The Volume, has a new album out. Sony Music invited us to the listening session that was held at The Planetarium at Wits University on Wednesday afternoon.

Always the creative soul, the selection of the venue had lots to do with his album, aptly titled Whole Worlds. At the reception area, there were flyers with sketches and pictures of different planets stuck on the walls alongside the material from the venue, making for a smooth assimilation into the space. After having drinks and Astrios, we were led to the inside of The Planetarium.

Lance from Sony Music introduced Tumi to the media and other guests that were in attendance. As the lights went out, the excitement permeated in the air, in anticipation of this truly unique experience, at least in South Africa. Tumi took to the mic and described inspirations for each of the 4 songs he played us (helped on the decks by DJ Bionic). He relayed to us neatly-worded descriptions of how the songs came about and each and every person involved with the tracks. I instantly fell in love with each of the songs he played, especially one that features mama Sibongile Khumalo.

It was a breath-taking experience, knitting together the visuals of the planets on the roof and the powerful sounds that came from the speakers, As we left The Planetarium, we were gifted with a copy of the full album with some more Astrios as well as a remarkable booklet with amazing photography and beautifully coined words that accompanied the CD.

I played the whole CD on my way back from the listening session and with each listen, I fell more and more in love with Whole Worlds. It's an amazing piece of work that Tumi should be utterly proud of. It's hip hop music elevated into another level, only a way Tumi would make it. Whole Worlds is available at music stores nationwide now, go out and cop it.

MTVBase Nights to close 2009 with a BANG

It seems MTVBase is going all out for their last monthly MTVBase Nights event for December, set to take place in two cities this time around. Here is what my wifey, Melanie, says on the release she sent me:

MTV base nights and Absolut Rocks bring you "Who Gon’ Run this town tonight" on 4 December in Jozi and Durban with major album launches in both cities.

Since its inception in July, MTV base nights has become the most anticipated night out on the monthly social calendar. With the crowds the party pulls every month, artists and bands have started using the first Friday’s event, as the launch pad for new releases, like Jozi’s “Wildlife” in November.

December is no different. Only bigger and better. Two cities – Johannesburg and Durban; 4 official album launches and it’s all brought to you by MTV base nights and Absolut Rock.

On 4 December MTV base nights and Absolut Rock will be taking over Moloko and Louis XVI in Rosebank, with two mega album launches for TEARGAS, supported by L-Tido, live on one stage. Your favourite DJs Dimplez, Biz, Soul Sista, DJ LeoLarge, Hudson and Brooklyn’s best kept secret, international big gun DJ G Brown, will make sure you blaze up the dance floor ‘til sunrise –. MTV base hottie, Sizwe Dhlomo will be hosting the Jhb event.

It’s all happening at Plush in Durban on 4 December. The popular venue explodes with not one, but two album launches for JR and L Volvo. Flippin’ it all night long on the decks are the city’s hottest DJs – DJ Mel, P-Kuttah and C-Live. Durban peeps are still talking about the last MTV base night, so don’t miss out again.

"Who Gon’ Run this town tonight" is proudly brought to you by ABSOLUT Vodka Rock Edition.

Doors open at 21h00. Tickets available at the door. R100 gets you in, R150 gets you VIP. Dress code is smart casual. No sneakers and no under 21’s.

For more information log onto www.mtvbase.com or join the MTV Base Nights event page on Facebook.