Sasol Schools Festival soars, more than 36 years later

Sasol invited me, and a few other media members, to the Mpumalanga leg of the long-running Sasol Schools Festival. Taking place at the Witbank Civic Theatre over two days, yesterday and today, the festival featured different aspects of professions in the arts sphere, specifically tailored to create awareness, inspire and motivate school pupils in the province to pursue such careers.

Before going further, let me provide just a bit about the background of this amazing initiative Sasol is involved in. The National Schools Festivals, a project of the Grahamstown Foundation, was originally conceived by Professor Guy Butler and started in Grahamstown over 36 years ago. It has grown from strength to strength and now covers all regions of South Africa, with the exception of Limpopo. The Gauteng and Mpumalanga festivals, together with Freestate/Northern Cape, form part of the Sasol Schools Festival Series. Sasol is the principal sponsor, while NLDTF and the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) and Breadline Africa (BLA) are co-sponsors through the ACT BLA Fringe Grant awarded to the project for 2009.

The Sasol Mpumalanga Schools Festival, previously held in Secunda, is now taking place at the Witbank Civic Theatre, and took place as I have mentioned already, yesterday 15 and today 16 October with approximately 300 delegates that attended. The programme comprised up to four productions and 14 workshops. There were performances of The Suitcase by the legendary James Ngcobo, who we had an absolute pleasure of meeting earlier today; Le Carnival de ma Vie by Matchbox Theatre Collective; and The Sibikwa Players. Award-winning stage, film and television actor, James Ngcobo best known for his roles as editor Joe Dlamini on the SABC3 drama series Hard Copy and Mo on SABC 2 comedy series Stokvel, was set to inspire the learners with his keynote speech.

We went to different venues in the theatre where learners participated in professionally facilitated workshops, lectures, and productions focusing on different genres of the performing arts, as well as the spoken and written word. Participants also got to informally interact with artists and experts in all these areas and learn from their experience. It was such a great way to impart knowledge and skill that we foun ourselves joing the learners with different activities. Some of the highlighs for me personally was seeing the learners do break-dancing, which was energetic, fun and up-beat; as well as an interesting sketch-production workshop where this young boy displayed a sterling potential as a stage actor playing a person who cannot speak but communicating so well with a lady he was partnered with that was aksed to interpret what he was rying to communicate with her.
Th festival seemed to attract even the old who may have benefited from the festival when they were growing, viz. during lunch an old man serenaded us with his guitar and dancing skills, despite his health attempting to damper the spirits whe he started coughing uncontrollably at one point (see picure below).

Forging ahead from many other impediments, the festival, which has been sponsored by Sasol has for over two decades, focuses on holistic person-development and aims to expose learners from a variety of backgrounds, both affluent and previously disadvantaged, to the opportunities available to them through the Arts. Sasol is doing a phenomenal job in cultivating a culture of developing the children from as early as high school. I believe this will help in future entertainers getting into the industry with the right skills, attitude andf direction they need to build their careers and successfully maintain them. I also apppreciate the awareness and inspiration this festival is giving to the children, like one of the kids we chatted to who said he realised from participating in some of the activities that he would actually like to be a comedian.

Although I think it is a bit difficult to measure the success of the festival well into these kid's futures, I also believe there have been many people that started at the very same place and are now acclaimed entertainers in their own right in different disciplines. I'm looking foward to seeing the talent from this festival flourish and make our country proud in many years to come.

Brian Temba showcases his indisputable talent

I hav just returned from La Toscana at Montecasino, where Brian Temba finally launched his critically acclaimed debut album to an inviting crowd. With a largely visible presence of the media, his family, other entertainers and the general public, the Pretoria-born crooner sizzled as he proved that he is giving Something Better, as far as music is concerned in Mzansi.

Arriving just minutes after he started performing, I couldn't help getting in the groove of things. Brian Temba performed most of the songs from Something Better, introducing each song with a short synopsis of what the song was about and what inspired it. Among these were the smash debut hit single Dominoes, Don't Let Me Fall, the title track Something Better and two of my most favourites, Early Morning and Better Then. Speaking of Better Then, he mentioned that although the song is dedicated to his late brother, it's also for everybody who has lost a loved one. I couldn't agree more as the moving lyrics resonate and remind you of the people in your life who have passed on. Sporadically, video clips would be played, documenting his journey through the process of creating Something Better.

Another great moment of the night was when he performed the only duet on Something Better called Where This Is Going, which he originally did with Sharlene Hector, this time belting it out with the beautiful and talented Durban singer Lungi Naidoo. It didn't end there as Brian Temba gave us a rousing rendition of the Kate Bush classic This Woman's Work, and I must mention that Kate would be as proud as she was when Maxwell covered the same song when he did his MTV Unplugged recording in '97. He continued to showcase his vocal prowess as he dabbled in short verses of some of his favourite songs from his favourite singers like Boyz II Men, Anthony Hamliton and Tevin Campbell, to name but a few. To show he hasn't forgotten his roots, he broke into a few gospel numbers he did in his hey days with outfits like Family Factory and Joyous Celebration. Moreover, it was sweet experiencing first-hand the view of relationship Brian Temba has with his business partner and friend Mandisa Makalima, who looked stunning by the way in a strapless knee-length frock.

Another noteworthy experience was the use an amazing 6-piece band, led by super producer Alexis Faku. Each band member did a sterling job in complementing Brian's indisputable voice. Activites for the night included a Montecasino-sponsored prize-giveaway where 3 very ecstatic ladies walked away with 3 dates with Brian; one having lunch at a restaurant of her choice at Montecasino, another taking to the air on an air-balloon, and the last one watching a movie of her choice at Nu Metro Montecasino.

It was a great night, filled with great music, great bunch of people and resulted in great memories. I must mention that Azania Ndoro did a superb job as a compeer for the evening. Something Better is an amazing body of work. Testimony is borne in Brian Temba being nominated twice at the Channel O Music Video Awards taking place in about 2 weeks (check out www.channelo.tv to vote). Speaking of music awards, the album is a beast, therefore I'm terribly scared of whoever will be nominated against Brian Temba at the SAMA's next year. The album is in stores now, go and cop yourself Something Better.

Renault launches their new Megane and Scenic models

Many of you might remember the huge buzz early this year when Renault launched the very first car, their new Sandero line of cars, completely manufactured right here in Mzansi. The launch event in Newtown was a memorable occassion, with Gang Of Instrumentals who were selected to be the face/spokespeople for Sandero giving us some energetic and creative sketch and hot musical performance, amongst other forms of entertainment. But I digress (clearly I had so much fun).

Now, the car manufacturer has just finalised the new Megane and Scenic in their respective lines and launched both the cars at another awesome event at a plush event Summer Place in Sandton. Although I missed out on the formalities where the 2 beautiful and stylish cars were introduced to the guests because of a prior engaement, I caught the bit of the fun later.

As I arrived at the venue, with light drizzles having started already outside, I received a warm greeting at reception and a Canon representive took a picture to promote their new Canon mobile printer. The music that was pumping on the inside only got me eager and excited to find out what was going on, on the other side of the wall. As I was cruising the venue, I saw some familiar faces who had also come to witness and celebrate what Renault has newly blessed us with, 2 stylish and powerful aditions to the Megane and Scenic sub-families.

With the excitement in the air, I stepped outside the graden area to see where they had displayed the cars. However, I couldn't even get a picture as the drizzles had gotten much stronger. It's a pity that later when the weather had cleared, the cars had also already been cleared. Anyway, from a distant, I could see that the Megane would definitely be a car I wouldn't mind driving at all. The party continued with the DJ churning out hit aftr hit to guests marvel. It was great chatting to people like soul singer Malik, TV personality and business woman Thuli Zuli, super music producer Beatmaker and seeing other personalities like Da Les and Sade Gilberati having so much fun on the dance floor. I was a bit disappointed that there were no live performances, but it was still an enjoyable evening.

The beautiful Farah Fortune from African Star Communications, who put the event together, needs to be applauded for the job well done. Apart from being a great host, she is one of the most professional ladies I've met in the business. The new Megane and Scenic are both available on sale at Renault delaers nationwide. I know for a fact that one of my friends has been eyeing the Megane, and after the launch, it's going to be easier to convince him to gor for it. Perhaps even go for it myself.

Michael Jackson fans to get a treat with his new film THIS IT IT.

Fans worldwide will have the opportunity to celebrate the global launch of Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT when Sony Pictures Entertainment hosts over 25 global premieres, with more than 15 of those coordinated simultaneously around the world, on Tuesday, October 27th. Three hours after the red carpet events begin, audiences will be able to see the highly anticipated film for the first time as the studio has added special advance screenings that evening throughout the world.

The South African premiere will take place on Thursday 28 October at 3am at Ster-Kinekor Fourways Mall, Cavendish in Cape Town, Gateway in Durban and Sterland in Pretoria. Tickets will be sold at R200 a ticket (Vitality and Edgars Club concessions will apply)

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT will be available worldwide for a limited two-week engagement beginning, Wednesday October 28. Tickets for all shows, are available for purchase beginning this coming Sunday, September 27. South African moviegoers can purchase tickets for both the release of the film and premiere by visiting www.thisisitmovie.co.za.

“Michael Jackson has an army of fans everywhere around the world. By rolling out this film with simultaneous premieres and special advance screenings on October 27th, we are giving audiences an incredible opportunity to join together in celebration of Michael Jackson’s incredible career,” said Jeff Blake, chairman, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Sony Pictures.

The film’s world gala will be in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Tuesday, October 27. That event, which begins at 6pm PDT, kicks off a series of more than 25 premieres around the globe. More than 15 cities, including New York, Rio De Janeiro, London, Berlin, Johannesburg, and Seoul will host event simultaneously, with red carpet arrivals and activities from the Los Angeles event broadcast by satellite to those cities. Other cities, including Moscow, Tokyo, Sydney, Paris, and many others will host their own, non-simultaneous premiere activities.

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail,

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show, is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain. The film will be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Releasing. For more information about the film please visit www.thisisitmovie.co.za

This is a great way to celebrate the life of the legend. Don't miss out.

MTVbase Nights goes BLK and GOLD

It's happening again !!! Latinova in Rosebank will be hosting the MTV Africa Music Awards nominees party on 2 October in anticipation of the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards to be held in Kenya on 10 October.

Join us at our MTV base night on 2 October at Latinova in Rosebank as we celebrate the upcoming MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain. The MTV base night’s have become one of the most anticipated monthly events on the social calendar. Hosted on the first Friday of every month, MTV base nights is the place to be. Throw on your freshest threads and make sure you’re at the MAMAS MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain base night.

There’ll be a killah performance from Shugasmakx or Smakx, as he is affectionately known, one of the founding members of Skwatta Kamp. Kwela Tebza and Slikour will be performing their hit single ‘Umsindo’. To add to the party vibe, ex YoTV presenter, Psyfo, will be performing a couple of his chart topping hits from his newly released album “The After Party”. Catch his new single “Double Cross”, as it hits the MTV base play list from Wednesday, 23 September.

Mixing it up till sunrise on the decks is DJ’s Dimplez, C-Live, Milkshake and resident DJ Biz. Your host with the most for the night is MTV base VJ Sizwe. Tickets available at the door. Dress code – award winning threads!

Follow the base nights page on FB, and on http://mtvstreetteam.blogspot.com for competitions, reviews and more.

Check out YEAHBO.DOT.NET for the complete list of MAMA nominees and get voting.