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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Singing sensation Bianca Prince from Belhar has been invited to Los Angeles in the United States where she might get the opportunity to sign a record deal.

On October 14, the teen auditioned for the DMH Talent Agency and scouts of iPOP Los Angeles (International Presentation of Performers) at Camps Bay High School to pursue opportunities abroad in the arts and entertainment industry. Bianca wowed the judges and audience with her rendition of “Rise Up” by Andra Day.

She will be in LA from December 23-31 for a boot camp where they will be joined by celebrities on the last day, and will showcase their talents in front of various agencies. The 15-year-old says her favourite musicians are Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande.

The soprano singer regularly performs at church, weddings, funerals and events, as well as for the klopse at Athlone Stadium, and she also joined the South African Youth Choir to sing for President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Grade 9 learner from Tygerberg High School would love to become a school teacher, while still pursuing her singing.

Bianca will be accompanied by her mom and they need about R100 000 to cover their stay in LA.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the teen can call 076 205 5589 or 064 010 6026.

Image: Facebook

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

At just 16 years old, Bohlale Mphahlele invented an Alerting Earpiece for women who find themselves in danger.

The “Alerting Earpiece” can track the victims of human trafficking, gender based violence and also capture photos of the perpetrators and send the photos to connected devices.

This award-winning young scientist and inventor is from Limpopo, South Africa, she is a former learner at S.J Van der Merwe Technical High School.

“Discovering that South Africa has some of the highest crime rates, including violence against women, sparked the idea to create the device. The alerting earpiece is an invention that aims to eradicate the chances of gender-based violence, human trafficking and other challenges that we face on a day-to-day basis in regards to crime.”

“It helps alert officials when victims face danger. It finds the exact location and tracks the movement of the victim,” said Bohlale Mphahlele.

Image: Instagram

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

DJ Lag’s reputation as a sonic innovator is revealing itself yet again through a new collaboration with South African rap sensation, Blxckie and emerging vocalists Leodaleo and Dezzodigo.

Titled “Kwenzakalan”, the single releases on Black Major x Ice Drop and is nothing short of a mash-up banger of Gqom and Hip Hop that creates a fresh and unique blend of sound served by an all-star roster of Durban natives.

Both DJ Lag and Blxckie describe the sound as a real “fusion” that will ignite the imaginations of music fans – on the airwaves, on their summer car journeys down south and in the pulsating heart of the club.

“The fusion is a dope thing and we are so happy to be doing it,” says Blxckie. “It’s creating a unique sound that is going to be amazing too when performed on a live stage.”

Driven by a deep 808 bass-line and unmatched airy highs crafted by Lag and Dezzodigo, accompanied by Blxckie and long-time collaborator, Leodaleo, delivering effortless flows and a hook that catches you by the throat!

The single is the latest in an extraordinary creative journey undertaken by Lag over the past decade-plus years, since he began pioneering a sound that would come to be known as gqom. Expanding out of his base in Clermont, Durban, Lag has lived up to his international pantsula moniker through a career that’s as global as it is domestic.

Connecting with fellow Durbanite Sihle Sithole – Blxckie – was a natural move for Lag. Since 2019, Blxckie has been deploying his soothing melodic voice over a variety of different beats to create fresh new sounds on his solo releases, and he is part of the Clout Internet Boyz, an emerging movement coming of Durban of artists who are collaborating to establish their own take on the popular Trap sound.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

When friends Lumka Luke-Jafta, Nomvuyo Ntshinka, Vuyelwa Mzizi and Kholeka Pemba became pensioners, they did not want to spend the rest of their days wasting away, so they decided to do something that would enrich their community.

The group then formed a non-profit organisation, Sabe and Hlubi NPO a year ago, that is aimed at assisting the Despatch community and surrounding areas with not only daily meals, but with clothes and upskilling for better employment opportunities.

“We realise that to help someone have a brighter future, you first need to deal with their immediate challenge, which in this case is hunger. So, we prepare one meal a day for people so that they are able to think clearly,” Jafta said.

“Thereafter, we will embark on other services that will equip people with the necessary skills to start their own businesses and find jobs,” she continued.

The organisation has five beneficiaries, including two day care centres, one primary school, one clinic and homeless people on the streets. One of the primary schools has allowed the Sabe and Hlubi team to use a part of their land to plant the vegetables they use to prepare the meals. Vuyelwa Mzizi, the treasurer explains, “We cook for children, the people on the streets and the sick people who stand in long queues at the clinics, most of the time with nothing to eat. The school, Nomathamsanqa has given us a little land to plant food, but we need a much larger space, as well as equipment to farm,” she said.

Like any other project, the organisation is not without its challenges; sometimes the group of pensioners have to face people who abuse different substances in the queues of people waiting to be fed.

“They fight and sometimes it gets really bad. We want to help but they need professional help. That is a service we plan to provide in the near future,” Nomvuyo Ntshinka, the deputy chairperson said.

“There’s so much more we want to do to help, but we need help. And not only financial help, but time, materials, land and services as well,” the secretary, KamvaElihle Ntshinka concluded.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Rising rockstar and trap sensation, SAIINT is set to mesmerize music enthusiasts worldwide with the release of his first full body of work, “Champions League”. This project which he describes as an “experience” rather than an album, will be released on Thursday, 30 November 2023, “the perfect way to start the festive season and it promises to be a sonic journey that transcends boundaries and leaves an indelible mark on the music landscape, and taste for music enthusiasts,” he said.

Alexander Ndebele popularly known as ‘SAIINT’ for previously popular hit singles such as ‘The Linkdin Freestyle’, ‘Changed On Me’ and most recently, ‘Chicken Licken HOT’ which is currently shattering his previous streaming milestones on Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube.

SAIINT has built a reputation for topping and bettering his previous milestones, with over 25 000 Spotify streams for “The Linkdin Freestyle”, over 20 000 Spotify streams for afro pop single “For Keeps” with Mocha, and over 20 000 all-time views on Youtube.

He’s being featured on numerous local and international music blogs, platforms and mediums and most recently being featured on Africa’s biggest HipHop blog Slikour Onlife for “The Linkdin Freestyle’ accompanied by Mike Ludar, the duo have captured the hearts of fans and critics.

“Champions League is a collection of eight tracks that showcase my prowess in crafting diverse and innovative HipHop/Trap soundscapes. From hard hitting beats to super sonically crafted vocals courtesy of super producer, Mike Ludar, each composition reflects commitment to delivering a rich and immersive listening experience. This album is not just a collection of songs; it is an experience,” the Joburg-based artist said.

“The project is executively produced by Mike Ludar, with Reyfreez contributing in production of two songs, songwriters include myself, Hakkie4DaBabies, Mike Ludar, Ipstarsk and Taura Montana,” he concluded.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Thrilling news for fans of “House of Zwide” Thapelo Sebogodi is making his debut in the series, stepping into the role of Kopano, a character with complex layers poised to add fresh intrigue to the show. Audiences can catch his opening appearance on screen Friday, 24 November.

Kopano isn’t your ordinary antagonist, his backstory is a mix of highs and lows, from a challenging upbringing to dealing with bullies at a prestigious school, where an unwarranted expulsion became part of his journey. Now, his focus is on payback, especially directed at Nkosi, portrayed by Wanda Zuma.

In the new storyline, Kopano joins forces with a determined lawyer, Nandipha, played by Keabetswe Motsilanyane. Together, they’re on a mission to settle the score with the Zwide family. Kopano’s financial moves add a new layer of complexity, potentially causing significant trouble, particularly for Nkosi.

The burning question is: Will Kopano and Nandipha succeed in their quest for revenge, or will the Zwides come out on top? To uncover the twists and turns, make sure to catch the drama unfolding every weeknight at 7 pm on e.tv.

Images: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Amanda Sibiya of Branding Africa was recently named the 2023 Santam Rising Star.

Branding Africa is an agency that envisions a prosperous Africa driven by African brands. Its mission is to empower local businesses and entrepreneurs to build robust brands through comprehensive brand development programmes, workshops and strategy consulting services.

‘Winning this award serves as validation and recognition of the agency’s hard work, dedication and expertise, and further strengthens our reputation and credibility within the industry, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations,’ Amanda said.

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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

With a career spanning over seven culture-defining albums, Zakes Bantwini, the polymathic South African musician, record label owner, businessman, and platinum-selling singer, songwriter, and producer, has reached a new pinnacle.

His outstanding contributions to the music industry have solidified him as a contemporary icon and earned him the prestigious South African Music Awards (SAMA) “International Achievement” accolade.
 
The recognition comes on the heels of Zakes Bantwini’s collaboration with Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode on the chart-topping and Grammy-winning track “Bayethe.” This powerful song, meaning ‘Hail’ in isiZulu, is a poignant anthem for the global challenges humanity faces. “Bayethe” has garnered critical acclaim and clinched the Best Global Performance at the 2023 Grammy Awards for its sonically captivating and socially impactful prowess.
 
Zakes Bantwini’s illustrious career is further underscored by a string of prestigious awards, including the SAMA for SAMRO Highest Airplay Composers and Best Collaboration for “Osama,”  the Metro FM Awards Best Male Award, Channel O Awards Video of the Year, and the GQ Musician of the Year Award.
 
In addition to his musical achievements, Zakes Bantwini has expanded his influence with entrepreneurial pursuits, exemplified by the successful launch of the ‘Abantu Concert,’ marking a significant milestone, bringing together music enthusiasts from all walks of life to celebrate the richness of South African musical heritage, at the iconic DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, in October.
 
Reflecting on this significant achievement, Zakes Bantwini shares: “Receiving the ‘International Achievement’ award from the SAMAS is an incredible honour and a testament to the power of music to connect people across borders. ‘Bayethe’ was a labour of love, and to see it connect with people worldwide is truly humbling. I am grateful for the recognition and for the opportunity to contribute to the global conversation through my music.”
 
As Zakes Bantwini stands tall amid his myriad of accomplishments, the “International Achievement Award” recognition from the SAMA committee serves as a well-deserved acknowledgement that positions him as a true contemporary icon in the modern sphere of musical excellence.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

AKA was South Africa’s “Moltitalented” legend, who was able to step out of just making hip hop and take it a notch higher by making feel good music that speaks to people from all walks of life. AKA is known for using classic samples of SA songs that we love, and using them as a backdrop to the influential messages tied to his songs.

The good spirited person energy he possesses, means coming together with him on a track can only produce a fine collaboration. This came so easily to the great Bhova, it was always a hit and never a miss!
This year at the SAMA29 Supamega is nominated 8 times in 7 categories, the most nominated artist who consistently continues to inspire and deliver timeless music. Added to the Megacy Wall of fame are 3 prestigious awards:

• Best Engineered Album (Mass Country)
• Best Collaboration (Lemonade)
• Best Male Artist

It was no surprise to his fans, who have hailed him as the SampleGod, that he would take Best Collaboration award. Since its release, “Lemons (Lemonade)” peaked at number 2 on The Official South African Charts, was certified Gold in October 2022, just under a month of its release and later 5× Platinum status in 2023 by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

“Akha” as some of his fans referred to him as, was no stranger to co-signing new artists and coming together with them on features. These accolades truly paid homage to building a legacy and has been greatly honoured for his collaborative efforts.

Besides being a great artist, he was also a great producer. From Ivy League days, till his passing, his approach to producing has always oozed sincerity. Mass Country is a beautiful refection of that and was unarguably celebrated and most importantly honoured.

Truly a body of work with AKA’s fingerprint on it, these are anthems that will live on for years to come. Winning Best Engineered Album means the world to the team that worked closely with Bhova on the project. What AKA wanted to do, was to create an album the people of South Africa could embrace and cherish, he succeeded and this award solidifies that intention.

Supamega was always good at expressionism, which champions how great of a person and musician he is, a deserving Best Male candidate. Accepted by Lynn Forbes on his behalf, who spoke on how this was a full circle moment for the family. She was moved by South Africans and thanked the country and continent at large.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Nelson Mandela University third-year Architecture students Theo Magwira and Zac Setzkorn won the overall and best presentation prize of the national Ceasarstone student designer competition.

Second- and third-year Architecture and Design students were invited to create a conceptual and functional design for a sports centre in Nantes Park in Athlone, Cape Town.

Theo’s design, The Motion envisioned creating an atmosphere to both express and respect the landscape and human movement, creating a relationship between the land and the being.

It was inspired by the natural fynbos landscape, which can rejuvenate, energise and amplify the environment and the design aimed to create a connection with future generations that will inherit a legacy worth honouring, namely Nantes Park, said Clayton Johnson-Goddard, senior lecturer in Architecture.

Zac’s project Frequency of Nantes was conceptualised from The Springbok radio serial, Die Geheim van Nantes, which was broadcast every day in the summer holidays and would gather different groups of the community around the wireless as they listened to the stories.

In the same way, the design embodied the essence of the community by creating spaces where both the people of Athlone and Cape Town can gather through different activities and embrace the memory of Athlone.

Image: LinkedIn