Mbongeni Ngema Drops EP That Hits Hard on South Africa’s Struggles
Prepare to have your mind blown and your emotions stirred as the legendary Mbongeni Ngema gears up to release his highly anticipated EP, “Thina Bant’ Abamnyama,” on June 16, 2023. Coinciding with the country’s Youth Day celebrations, Ngema’s EP is poised to make waves and set tongues wagging with its powerful messages and captivating sounds. This musical masterpiece, produced by the maestro himself, is more than just a collection of tracks. It is a battle cry from the depths of the African soul, representing the struggles faced by the Black people of South Africa. Ngema, renowned for giving voice to the voiceless, fearlessly challenges the present government, highlighting their inaction in addressing the plight of the destitute masses. He sheds light on their plight, emphasizing that they are only remembered during election campaigns when politicians distribute food parcels. Meanwhile, these impoverished communities endure harsh living conditions, surviving in dilapidated shacks without electricity, relying on candles and paraffin stoves that often lead to tragic fires during the bitter winter months. Ngema calls out the selective attention of politicians, who only visit such areas for photo ops during campaign periods. “Thina Bant’ Abamnyama” is guaranteed to stir controversy among certain political leaders, making it a hot topic of discussion. The song resonates deeply with the despondent and frustrated citizens of South Africa, directly addressing their grievances with the government and condemning the reprehensible state of affairs in the country. With its powerful lyrics and infectious beats, “Thina Bant’ Abamnyama” is poised to become a nationwide anthem, inspiring a collective spirit of resilience and sparking a dance revolution across the nation. However, Ngema’s EP doesn’t stop at addressing societal issues. It caters to diverse musical tastes, offering something for everyone. The remaining tracks, “Africa,” “Sekunzimanyana,” and “God Bless the Music,” traverse different themes, such as reclaiming stolen land, lost love, and celebrating the gift of music. Ngema’s versatility as a songwriter and his ability to captivate audiences have earned him a revered place in the South African music scene. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Ngema’s name has become synonymous with artistic excellence. Who could forget the timeless hits like “Stimela SaseZola,” “Woza My Fohloza,” and “Freedom is Coming Tomorrow”? Ngema has left an indelible mark on the industry, and his Broadway hit musical, “Sarafina!,” further cemented his status. The iconic production was later adapted into a film featuring luminaries such as Miriam Makeba, Whoopi Goldberg, Dr. John Kani, and Leleti Khumalo. Reflecting on the inspiration behind “Thina Bant’ Abamnyama,” Ngema shared, “I was sitting with some friends, discussing the current state of our country. Hearing their frustrations about leadership, load shedding, and other issues, I felt compelled to create this song. It’s disheartening to realize that, even in this day and age, I’m still writing about the struggles faced by Black people. South Africans are frustrated and feel betrayed by their own leaders.” Coincidentally, “Thina Bant’Abamnyama” coincides with the recent screening of “Sarafina!” at the Cannes Festival, marking a historic moment for South African cinema. June 16, the release date of Ngema’s EP, holds immense significance as it is intertwined with the legacy of “Sarafina!” and commemorates the struggles of the nation. The parallels between the film and the EP are impossible to ignore, underscoring the continued relevance of Ngema’s powerful storytelling. To celebrate this monumental release, Mbongeni Ngema will unveil “Thina Bant’ Abamnyama” during his upcoming musical extravaganza, “BLACK,” at the prestigious Theatre of Marcellus in Emperors Palace from September 14 to 17, 2023. The EP will be available on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and more, starting from the release day, June 16, 2023. Get ready to be moved, inspired, and ignited by the genius of Mbongeni Ngema as he takes South Africa on an unforgettable musical journey through “Thina Bant’ Abamnyama.” Brace yourself for an EP that will leave an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural landscape, uniting voices and beckoning the world to dance to the rhythm of change.
US Sensation MAJOR. to Serenade Audiences at Upcoming RustyRocks with His All-Time Hits
RustyRocks, a leading events, marketing, and promotions company in South Africa, has been organizing spectacular events and partnering with major brands for over a decade. In the past, RustyRocks has hosted renowned artists such as Zonke Dikana, Nomfundo Moh, and numerous local award-winning stars, creating unforgettable memories for music enthusiasts. The upcoming RustyRocks event, in partnership with Metro FM, MTVbase, Trace, Mzansi Magic, Standard Bank, Tanguarrey, ENO, Jargemaster, and Schweppes, raises the bar by featuring award-winning US R&B sensation MAJOR. The two-time Grammy Award winner, Soul Train Music Awards recipient, and eight-time NAACP Image Award nominee plans to captivate the audience with his all-time hits, including “Why I Love You,” “Honest,” “A Mother’s Love,” and many more. “I cannot wait to touch down in South Africa and feel the love from all those who have supported my music through the years. I look forward to connecting with my audience and having them sing along to their all-time favourites,” says MAJOR. “RustyRocks is thrilled to bring MAJOR. to South Africa. Many of our patrons adore his music, and he boasts an impressive fan base here. We have a history of organizing and delivering remarkable shows, and this one promises to be no exception. Ultimately, our goal is to provide our patrons from South Africa and neighboring countries with unforgettable entertainment experiences,” states Teboho Twala from RustyRocks. Editor’s Notes About RustyRocks RustyRocks specializes in organizing live events such as the annual All4Women RustyRocks Music Concert, RustyRocks NYE, and RustyRocks Beach Party, all held at the esteemed Sun City Resort. In celebration of Youth Month, RustyRocks has partnered with Metro FM to present the Youth Festival at Sun Park, Sun City Resort, which includes the Sneaker Fest. About MAJOR. Known as MAJOR., Major Johnson Finley is a contemporary R&B singer and songwriter whose work combines classic soul with a pop touch. Born in Denton, Texas, Finley was raised in Houston and graduated from the city’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, following in the footsteps of notable alumni such as Robert Glasper and Beyoncé. He later attended and graduated from Berklee College of Music. Finley’s career accelerated after signing with Harmony Samuels’ B.O.E. Music Group. In 2016, he released his debut album, I Am MAJOR., which included the single “Why I Love You.” The song gained the admiration of Stevie Wonder and Patti LaBelle, with the latter performing it in concert. “Why I Love You” reached number five on Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart. In 2017, Finley continued his success with another number five Adult R&B Songs placement for “Honest.” A remix of “Why I Love You” featuring Shaggy and Rock City, as well as his third charting single “Spend Christmas with You,” further solidified the artist’s growing reputation.
Imacsoul, the Underrated New-Age Maskandi Artist and Songwriter, Unleashes a Fresh Single: “Ngithwele.” Stream or Download Now!
Imacsoul, the new-age maskandi sensation and singer-songwriter, has graced our ears once again with his latest hit single “Ngithwele”. In this heart-wrenching song, Imacsoul reminds us of the burdens we all carry in life. With the unique blend of maskandi guitar and afro-pop beats, Imacsoul powerfully chants his prayers to the heavens, pleading for some divine intervention that can help him carry his load. “I was inspired to write this song when I saw all the tragedies and hardships people were going through on social media. Being from a rural area, I understand how people like us dream of making it big in the city. But this song is not just my cry to the heavens, it’s a message for all those who carry a heavy load. Every line in this song is a testament to all the artists who use their music to heal and preach.” Imacsoul, who has previously released a few singles and an EP titled “Ukhehlegume”, is currently working on a full album. According to him, “Ngithwele” is just a teaser of what’s to come, and he hopes to continue growing as a songwriter and artist. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to your favourite music platform and download or stream “Ngithwele” by Imacsoul. It’s an anthem for anyone who wants to sing out to the heavens!
Get Ready for the Sensational Glenn Jones to Captivate Audiences at Sun City!
Prepare to be wowed as the legendary Glenn Jones takes the stage in South Africa for his highly anticipated All For You South Africa Tour! Don’t miss out on the electrifying performances he has in store for you at Sun City in the North West on June 16th and 18th, 2023. The June 16th show is already sold out, so act fast and get your tickets for the 18th before they disappear! Glenn Jones is an American Grammy Award nominee and Multi-Award-Winning Soul and R&B Superstar with a record-breaking 10 million copies sold worldwide. You might have already heard his smokin’ hit songs like “All for You”, “We Only Just Begun”, “All I Need to Know”, “Family Time” and “Here I Go Again” which topped Billboard R&B charts in the USA. And now, finally, Glenn Jones is coming to South Africa to put on a show you’ll never forget! His newest single “All for You” is sweeping the nation and currently one of the most-played Soul and R&B songs on South Africa’s radio stations as well as The Soul Sessions Culture. Glenn Jones couldn’t be more thrilled to be here and share his goodness with his beloved South African fans. “I have always wished to do a tour of South Africa and when the opportunity arose, I couldn’t say no. I look forward to having a good time with my South African fans. I promise to do it all for you my people from Mzansi. I also look forward to exploring this beautiful country and her rich culture.” he says. This ground-breaking event was made possible by Remoakantse Holdings, the leader in hosting entertainment events in South Africa. “We are so excited to have Glenn Jones in one of our events, he is every promoter’s dream. When we approached him we didn’t think that it would be that easy to get him on our shores. The stars were just aligned because he also wanted to visit our beautiful country and us approaching him was also his dream coming true. We hope that his fans are excited as we are. The first show has been sold out and that is exciting as this proves that bringing Glenn Jones to South Africa was a wise business decision.” said Thabiso Mogashwa, the director of Remoakantse Holdings. Don’t miss the chance to experience Glenn Jones, live and in the flesh for the first time ever in South Africa! Get your tickets now from Ticketpro for just R450 to R1150.
Kingdom Vision Films presents Die Hustle – A Must-See Film Showcasing the Triumph of Hustle and Sacrifice.
Kingdom Vision Films presents Die Hustle Die Hustle, an incredible and locally written film, produced and directed by the talented Ricardo “Ricwa” Klassen, is a must-see depiction of life in a coloured community. This engaging film exemplifies the struggles faced by many people in South Africa, particularly unemployment. By showcasing two boys’ journeys to change their lives, KV Films aims to shed light on the harsh realities of life for “Kasi” people. Join us for the exciting premiere of Die Hustle, set to take place on July 1, 2023, at the prestigious 7 Walton Road, Aeroton, Johannesburg. Don’t miss the chance to meet and greet the cast and crew before and after the screening. We asked the writer, Ricwa Klassen, what inspired him to write this remarkable film, and he shared, “Our people lack representation in the media and are often misinterpreted. Die Hustle is our way of rectifying that. It’s imperative that our story is truthfully told instead of being misrepresented. This is the time to reveal our reality and showcase our authentic selves.” Jerome Slim Duplooy, who plays Slim in the movie, explains, “Die Hustle is an inspiring and uplifting film that motivates the youth. It’s a story that empowers and brings hope to the communities they come from.” The aim of Die Hustle is to challenge the negative stereotypes that surround certain groups and prove that God and love can help us conquer any obstacles. The team’s ultimate objective is to screen the film in all nine provinces of the country and provide opportunities for uplifting change in small communities.
Get ready for a dramatic new addition to your primetime TV lineup this May! Introducing “Isitha, The Enemy,” a thrilling telenovela that will keep drama enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
Immerse yourself in thrilling drama when you watch the new telenovela, Isitha, The Enemy. Catch all the drama and suspense when it airs in May and get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with intense emotions.
“Exclusive Interview with Connie Chiume’s Talented Kids, Nongelo and Thando Chiume on their New Podcast(The celebrity’s kids podcast)”
N ongelo and Thando, siblings who grew up in Soweto and later moved to the east rand, have always been passionate about the arts. They created a podcast, “The celebrity’s kid podcast,” to share their unique perspective and address the stereotypes around being a celebrity child. On the show, they interview celebrity kids to learn about their lives off the limelight and the daily challenges they face. The podcast also seeks to show that celebrity kids are people too who deserve to be given equal opportunities. In regards to the current state and future of the media in South Africa, we are in trouble, our industry has personally disappointed me, says Thando. Especially as someone who went as far as studying Performing Arts in Varsity. This state however is the very reason why I established Thespians Masterclass in order to try and contribute to fixing the industry instead of just bickering about it. One production at a time, one child at a time. And also doors definitely need to open.. Despite being a serious topic, Nongelo and Thando’s conversations remain engaging and relatable. To stay up to date with the show, follow Nongelo and Thando on their social media platforms, and don’t forget to subscribe to their YouTube channel, “The celebrity’s kid podcast.” Thando is a multi-talented force to be reckoned with – from her acting chops to her incredible script writing skills, and not to mention her successful Acting school and EP, ‘Ifilm’, which she’s currently working on. Her podcast partner, Nongelo, is a celebrity publicist and booking agent, and his experience certainly doesn’t stop there – he’s actively involved on numerous boards, councils, and committees within the arts industry! Unfortunately, there’s a slight misconception looming over Thando, with some people believing she’s a spoiled, rich kid who can land any job she wants with ease. However, don’t be fooled – Thando and Nongelo work tremendously hard to be where they are today, and their undeniable Artistic talent only adds to their well-deserved success! With this exciting new podcast, expect some truly captivating conversations that will open your mind and give you food for thought. As strong advocates for the community, Thando and Nongelo are constantly striving to give back in any way they can. In fact, the podcast will even feature talented musicians and actors, providing a platform for up-and-comers to showcase their unique skills and receive recognition for their craft. Get ready, this podcast is not one to be missed! You can find Thando on instagram, she is: @Dynastyfuturebetty, on twitter: @DynastyFT_Betty and on Tiktok: @Dynastyfuturebettyrq; and on google and his social media platforms which are as follows: @nongelochiume on instagram, Nongelo chiume on facebook and @nongelo_chiume on twitter.
Discover the Latest Hits: KB’s Music Reviews Uncovered
Inkabi Zezwe(Big Zulu & Sjava) -Umbayimbayi The duo are homeboys from Kwazulu Natal in Bergville and they have come up with very interesting “Umbayimbayi” single. The composition fuses african sounds and poetic rhyming lines. Big Zulu and Sjava are both well respected in the South African music landscape and this song has elements of maskandi and the zulu ululating hyms. On this nice tune, Sjava and Big Zulu promise a blissful life to the winsome lady. Izinkabi Zezwe released the creative track accompanied by a music video for their fans to enjoy on the Easter holidays. Inkabi Zezwe – UmbayimbayiStar Rating**********10/10 Costa Titch 28 year old was born in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga province was Amapiano Rap star and songwriter with multi-talented abilities. Costa moved to Johannesburg to pursue his music career in the city of gold. In 2020 the late rapper released his debut album Made in Africa that featured the likes of Boity, AKA and Ricky Rick. It was a commercial success and he went on to earn three nominations in the 2020 SA Hip Hop Awards. He won the best collaboration for his Nkalakatha remix. In that same year he earned seven joint most nominations to the 2020 All Africa Music awards. The world renowned Senegalese born Akon signed Costa Titch to his Konvict Muzik record label and teamed up on the Remix of a splendid “Big Flexa” hit track. It has catchy groove with a dance rhythmic Amapiano drum fused african pop sound. The world noticed this young talent that has unfortunately collapsed on stage at the 2023 Ultra Music Festival in Johannesburg and as a result died. He left his music fans with a very eye-catching and very nicely choreographed music video for Big Flexa hit, enjoy it. Costa Titch – Big FlexaStar Rating**********10/10
KZN’s very own about to take over the comedic space!
Having lived all her life in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Wazi M Kunene is a comedian who is taking the industry by storm having already been nominated for the Savanna Comics Choice Award. The Pietermaritzburg native never shied away to tell us the sort of individual she is when she’s with family and friends as she explained to say, “Sweet question and I love being known for being hilarious, that’s what my close friends and sisters have always experienced me as too. I’m a very curious person, very fascinated by human beings and psychology. I love nature, animals and I’m a present plant mom. Don’t tell the streets though, I’m known as a tough thug out there!” Wanting to find out more about the talented comedian and her background growing up in Pietermaritzburg, Wazi continued to say, “I won’t say my childhood because that was interrupted terribly and I had to be an adult real quick, however so much healing is happening now and I am now just entering my childhood. I already did my adulting Bafwethu, good luck!” She continued to enlighten us how her community raised her to be the person she is today, she continued to say, “We didn’t have a lot in my neighbourhood and that taught me to create or seek out and find what I needed and wanted.” Wanting to also know more about the comedian’s upbringing and how her community made her who she is today, she went on to say, “We didn’t have a lot in my neighbourhood and that taught me to create or seek out and find what I needed and wanted.” As entertainers, there is a passion that is instilled within and artist through other artist’s work or through the moments that one artist he/she has gone through that literally sparked the love and passion for the space they are currently in and there is no exception to Wazi’s story as to how she fell in love with the stage being a stand-up comedian as she stated, “Ooh man, I’ve always known I’d do comedy eventually. I didn’t begin my performance career with stand up but right from the beginning, comedy was always part of whatever I was doing. Be it writing skits with a friend, infusing comedy in my writing of children’s books and storytelling. Then watching standup comedian for fours then after I was like, that’s enough school, it’s time to take the mic.” “The hardest parts have been getting stage time in the beginning. Launching my standup career as other people already knew me for poetry and writing and I guess, making a living. It’s definitely getting better and I’m really proud of my progress,” as she further explained how she was able to overcome the obstacles that have been in the way of her living her dream as a stand-up comedian. When it comes to the people who have guided and supported Wazi through her journey in the comedic space, she gladly told us that there are quite a few comedians that have helped adjust along the way without them realising it as she understands how passionate her fellow colleagues are at the craft. She continued to say, “Getting up and doing this every day is so beautiful and encouraging to watch. There is so much variety and skill and talent in South African comedy!” “Bafwethu, my career is just beginning really, so young and I feel blessed to have accomplished all that I have. For now, highlights of my career is launching my debut standup show: Dawn. Touring my show around the country, people coming out to see me. Wow!” as she told us the highlights of her career so far have been. She added by saying, “And just recently being nominated for two Savanna Comics Choice Awards. Bafwethu, Yeses!” Like any other entertainment space, one seems to grow with vast amount of experience and there is no exception to the growth Wazi has gained over the period of time she’s been in the comedic space as she stated, “The practice of comedy, I’ve said this of friendship too, it has seized the remnant of my breath from the fists of the savage night and lead it back to my lungs. The art of standup has introduced and reunited me with myself in a very deeply spiritual way. I am connected and part of God’s plan. I feel valuable and there’s a lot of growth there, knowing you matter here, that you are valuable!” When it came to us wanting to know what the future of comedy in South Africa is going to look like, the Savanna Comics Choice Award nominee explained to us by saying, “Ooh, comedy is bigger than what we can even imagine right now. Laughter is a very powerful lullaby that eases the aches of being human, for both comedian and audience. And then it awakens us with a deep realisation that we need each other to repair and go on. I know comedy seems under threat with triggers words “cancel” but that’s only because comedy will shake the world for the better. Trust the process.” Like any other performer on stage, Wazi surely has a memorable day or night she enjoyed performing in front of a crowd and did she not hesitate to let us know what it made that moment all-so special for her as she gladly stated, “Theatre, theatre, theatre! More than a specific show or venue, a theatre setting for me is a favourite. Everybody in there is intentionally there, for comedy, no matter how raw. Everybody in there honours comedy.” When it comes to Wazi’s top 3 comedians to grace the stage period and was also short and precise with it, she went on to say, “For different reasons, right now Tats Nkonzo, Celeste Ntuli, Robby Collins.” When it comes to the amazing and talented stand-up comedian in Wazi M Kunene being given her flower through the work, she has put in through her creative work,
Jonas Brothers Are Kicking Off the ‘TODAY’ Summer Concert Series
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