Archive for May 2024

Home Archive for May 2024

Imajin & Fusion Africa proudly announced at a media soiree on 16 May that the iconic Yvonne Chaka Chaka will be honoured at the 2024 Legends and Legacy Ball Africa Music Awards. The prestigious event is set to take place on 8 June 2024 at 6 PM at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Expressing her gratitude upon receiving the news, Yvonne Chaka Chaka said, “Thank you to Arnold (Kojo Asante) and his capable team, I am so grateful that this day has come. I love Africa; Africa is my home. My aim is to ensure that those who come after me also achieve great heights. There are great artists that will also be performing at the awards.”

Her Musical Director, Rollins Mange, who has been with Yvonne for 27 years, added, “Imajin and Fusion are doing a fantastic job in honouring music legends. Yvonne Chaka Chaka truly deserves this. We promise a beautiful evening on the night of the awards.” He highlighted Yvonne’s commitment to giving younger artists opportunities to learn and grow within the musical landscape.

The Legends and Legacy Ball Africa Awards will include performances from Andy Dosty, King Promise, Camido, Mafikizolo, Ntokozo Mbambo, DJ Zinhle, DBN Gogo, Corlea Botha, and Princess MacDonald, who was a finalist in Idols SA Season 19 and expressed her admiration for Yvonne Chaka Chaka at the media launch. The event promises to be a memorable evening filled with excitement, music, and recognition of Africa's finest talents.

This year marks the launch of Imajin and Fusion's South African offices, broadening the reach of the awards to South Africa. The 2024 Legends and Legacy Ball Africa Music Awards will be a fitting tribute to Chaka Chaka's remarkable career and influence in the music industry. The event will bring together top African artists, industry leaders, and fans to celebrate the rich musical heritage of the continent and honour those who have made significant contributions to the 30 years of democracy.

Chaka Chaka's selection as an honouree is a testament to her enduring legacy and impact on African music, and her fans can look forward to seeing her celebrated in style at the awards ceremony.

Special messages of support for Yvonne Chaka Chaka were delivered by King Promise, Camido, and Princess MacDonald, as well as her Musical Director, Rollins Mange, and SAFTA winner Zola Hashatsi.

Lebogang Letsoalo, Country Manager for Imajin & Fusion South Africa, stated, “Today we celebrate the profound significance of the Legends and Legacy Ball Africa Awards. We pay tribute to all legends who have made crucial contributions to the advancement of music in South Africa and globally. Honouring the remarkable achievements of our musical legends while they are still with us is truly special.”

Kojo Asante, Chairman of Imajin and Fusion Group, gave a special word of thanks to all sponsors: Highly Spiritual, Adonko Bitters, Cederberg Wines, Adansi Travels, and RwandAir. He also acknowledged the United Nations in South Africa for their support in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. In closing, he expressed: “It is a pleasure and an honour to celebrate Yvonne Chaka Chaka, a true musical hero, at this year's awards. Yvonne, we will give you real honour on 8 June.”

The Legends and Legacy Ball has been an annual event of Imajin Advertising Company, now known as Imajin & Fusion Global, since its launch in Ghana in 2011. The debut event honoured Ghanaian music legend, Daddy Lumba, followed by Amache Dede in 2012, A.B Crentsil in 2013, and Kojo Antwi in 2015 which has now extended to South Africa.

Tickets: Available at Plankton

“We are heartened and energised by the milestone of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz turning 25 years. We have been blessed to consistently showcase the best in class jazz and lifestyle from South Africa and the world. It underscores the festival not only as a premier jazz event on the African continent, but as a destination event that also drives economic and cultural development in the city and the region. This is an important contribution we wish to grow and deepen into the future.” - Mantwa Chinoamadi, Producer of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.

The 2024 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (SBJOJ) is set to celebrate its 25 year milestone this year with a bold line-up of performances fit for Africa’s premier jazz festival. The 2024 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz will take place on 27 and 28 September 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg.

This year, the SBJOJ will host over 50 world class musicians, from more than 10 countries. Artists will perform across five stages in two days. The festival will showcase jazz music accents from the African continent, Europe, East Asia, and the Americas to weave a truly global vision of jazz as a world unifying musical idiom.

The curators have crafted a quarter century instalment with a not-to-be-missed musical performances and lifestyle experiences for the 2024 SBJOJ. The musical offering will showcase performances by rising stars along with jazz giants who previously headlined the festival.

“The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has been the harmonious heartbeat of our corporate narrative for several years, and its 25th-year celebration promises to be a memorable occasion. This platform reflects our devotion to creativity, inclusivity, growth and diversity as Africa's largest bank with a longstanding tradition in the arts. Standard Bank Joy of Jazz not only celebrates the rich tapestry of jazz, but it has also served as a catalyst for cultural exchanges that promote camaraderie through the universal language of music.” - Bonga Sebesho, Group Head of Sponsorships at Standard Bank

The Grammy Award winning Chris Botti will perform alongside trumpet giants such as UK based producer and hornsman, MATTHEW HALSALL, Mzansi’s own immaculate FEYA FAKU; The current jazz category Standard Bank Young Artist (SBYA)awardee, trumpeter DARREN ENGLISH featuring virtuoso pianist, and KENNY BANKS Jr (USA). The unmissable showing by Cuban elder statesmen of jazz piano with a career spanning over 50 years, CHUCHO VALDES ROYAL QUARTET. The SBYA alumni and song stylist whose career straddles jazz and classical music, SIBONGILE MNGOMA, along with the amazing bassist and composer, VICTOR MASONDO are poised to bring magic to the stage.

MATTHEW HALSALL

On the CONGA STAGE, there will be a rare ‘Japan meets South Africa’ collaboration - pianist KEIKO MATSUI will perform with a guest appearance by NOKUKHANYA DLAMINI. The rising visionary composer and pianist, SIBUSISO MASHILOANEwill present his latest project, “IZIBONGO”, while the infectious and prodigiously gifted composer and vocalist, MANDISI DYANTYIS returns to SBJOJ stage to serenade fans with his blend of roots and jazz song. The joyous steelband from Trinidad and Tobago, SIPARIA DELTONES will present the music collaborated and recorded with the late great, Hugh Masekela. The jazz vocalist with a career that lives up to the global reach of South African jazz idiom, TUTU PUOANE (SA-Belgium) too will join the celebration of the SBJOJ quarter century milestone. In a much anticipated presentation of West African flavour of griots, the marvellous contender for Mali’s new queen of song, FATOUMATA DIAWARA returns to the stage where she first performed as backline to the great Oumou Sangare.

MANDISI DYANTYIS

DIPHALA STAGE will showcase an epoch marking collaboration between the inimitable vocalist, LIZZ WRIGHT (USA) who returns to the SBJOJ to perform with guest artist BRENDA MTAMBO (SA). The incredibly gifted vocalist and composer, SPHA MDLALOSE (SA), MIMI MTSHALI (SA), and Portuguese trumpeter, with Angola and Cape Verdean parents, JESSICA PINA will blow her unique blend of influences from her African roots with various urban flavours. Drum heads can look forward to the South Korean born SVEN ROZIER GROUP featuring Dutch trumpeter, ELLISTER VAN DER MOLEN, while youthful keyboard wizard, MPUMI DHLAMINI will present “TRIBUTE OF NOTE”; and KAREN DEVROOP (SA) completes the ensemble.

JESSICA PINA

The rootsy sounds on MBIRA STAGE will feature a TRIBUTE TO OLIVER MTUKUDZI showcasing SAMANTHA MTUKUDZI (ZIM), MADUVHA MADIMA (SA), Princess of Africa YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA (SA) and MBEU (ZIM). Then, on a magical journey of personal and creative revival, JOE NINA REFRAMED collaborates with THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE BAND (SA) – promising interesting surprises. The ever loved songstress, MALEH (LESOTHO/SA) is back by popular demand.

JOE NINA

The iconic singer songwriter that Hugh Masekela once lauded as the “voice of our generation,” THANDISWA MAZWAI (SA) returns to SBJOJ with her new project, Sankofa with the Senegalese band that originally recorded the music. More South African musical caffeination will be served by MICASA, VUSI NOVA, and MAFIKIZOLO (SA), while the keeper of the youthful revolutionary spirit of South African protest hymns, IPHUPHO L’KA BIKO (SA) will put his stamp on proceedings. To keep things burning in a poetic sense - the prophetic voice of BONGIZIWE MABANDLA (SA) and legend IHASHI ELIMHLOPHE will set the stage on fire.

THANDISWA MAZWAI

The stage with an exciting acquisitive experimental edge on the margin of jazz and electronic music, the LOUNGE STAGE will feature GROOVE STREET presented by LULO CAFÉ (SA), the Artivist will present Black Love hosted by JUST THEMBA SA and the amazing ever evolving music movement, WHAT IS WRONG WITH GROOVING DJ KENZHERO, NOTHEMBA MADUMO & THA MUZIK (SA).

DJ KENZHERO

Full Ticket Prices Are:

1x DAY PASS is = R1050

2xDAY PASS is = R1950

Festival Dates: 27 and 28 September 2024

Venue: Sandton International Convention Centre.

Tickets are available at ticketmaster

The anticipation mounts as the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs) proudly unveils the distinguished jury for its third annual event. With an impressive array of professionals, marketers, and academics, the 2024 YOBAs promises to be an extraordinary celebration of Africa's vibrant youth entrepreneurship.

This year marked a significant milestone as the selection process for the judging panel was carefully structured. Drawing from a pool of exceptionally talented individuals who met rigorous criteria. This year, the Top 16 YOBAs received over 3 300 nominations, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and support for youth-owned brands across the nation.

“We are very grateful to the industry professionals who have graciously lent their expertise to our judging panel. Their commitment highlights the importance of nurturing and empowering our youth through initiatives like the YOBAs,” expressed Pat Mahlangu, Founder and CEO of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.

Leading the panel with grace and insight is the esteemed Chairperson, Mosa Ntwampe who is a Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at Sakhumnotho. Mosa will be accompanied by the dynamic Deputy Chairperson, Yasira Cajee, Digital Director at Wits Plus. Their guidance will steer the deliberations of 31 exceptional leaders in marketing, communications, academia, and entrepreneurship, each bringing a wealth of experience and specialization to the table.

Among the renowned members of this year's jury are:

Boitumelo Mohube - Founder of Mohube Media - South Africa
Bulelani Balabala - Creative Director at IAF Brands - South Africa
Cameron Belling - Head of Marketing at Bluff Meat Supply - South Africa
David Tshabalala - Co-Founder at Suketchi - South Africa
Devashni Ganess - Brand Manager at Unilever, Knorr Soups - South Africa
Dr. Beate Stiehler-Mulder - Associate Member at the Henley Africa Centre for Emerging Market Consumer Studies - South Africa
Dr. Marcia Lebambo - Senior Lecturer and Section Head at Tshwane University of Technology - South Africa
Isabel Masikachinjika - President at the Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) - Malawi
Jonathan James - Broadcaster - Nigeria
Katlego Ditlhokwe - Founder & Brand Strategy Consultant
at The Hyphen - South Africa
Keagile Makgoba - Head of Communications at Tech Industry – South Africa
Khanyi Tshume - Head of Strategy at TLC Worldwide, Middle East & Africa - South Africa
Kovini Moodley - Founder of Boss Babes of South Africa - South Africa
Lerato Selialia - Strategy and Property Professional - South Africa
Masego Mosiane - Managing Director at Veuw Packaging - South Africa
Michelle Govender - Social Media Manager at Spotify - South Africa
Motshidisi Mokoena - Head of Reputation & Regulatory Affairs at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa - South Africa
Naledi Toona - South African ambassador for the global NPO Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) - South Africa
Nokuthula Magwaza - Founder & Managing Director at Bloom Marketing Agency - South Africa
Phelane Phomane - Lesotho
Ponatshego Makhuza - Shopper Marketing Lead at Unilever - South Africa
Salamina Mosese - Producer and Managing Director at Sorele Media - South Africa
Sheldon Tatchell - Founder of Legends Barber - South Africa
Thabang Modiba - Marketing Specialist at Mondelez - South Africa
Thabani Khumalo - Brand Manager at Tiger Brands, Premium & Value Brands (Beverages) - South Africa
Thabelo Raphala - Seasoned Business Leader, Accountant, Auditor, at Strategist - South Africa
Thembi Sehloho – Chief Marketing Officer at South African Tourism - South Africa
Tosin Adefeko - Chief Executive Officer at AT3 Resources - Nigeria
Tshepang Makofane - Senior Strategist at TBWA\ South Africa - South Africa
Vuyokazi Mhlophe - Marketing Manager at Showmax - South Africa
Wendy Silinyana - Director and Franchisee of Africa's MiniBoss Business School - South Africa

"The calibre of our esteemed judges for the Top 16 YOBAs 2024 panel is truly exceptional. Their collective wisdom and expertise will ensure a fair and rigorous evaluation process, honouring the remarkable achievements of our youth entrepreneurs,” remarked Chairperson Mosa Ntwampe.

The YOBAs ceremony will take place on the evening of 22 June 2024, at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre. Where the visionary young leaders driving Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape will be celebrated and recognized.

For more information on the YOBAs, please visit www.top16yoba.africa.

You can always count on Nomzamo Mbatha to keep you on the edge of your seat. Three years after her first international breakout role in Eddie Murphy’s Coming 2 America, she takes the lead in the sci-fi thriller Assassin, sharing the screen with the legendary Bruce Willis in his final role.

Her diverse roles include the long-running hit drama Isibaya, the award-winning film Tell Me Sweet Something and South Africa’s most Googled TV show last year, Shaka iLembe, as Queen Nandi, where she also served as the executive producer.

With Assassin premiering on Showmax this Monday, 13 May 2024, Xabiso Ngqabe sat down with the Durban-born SAFTA and Africa Movie Academy Award nominee to find out more.

What drew you to the role of Alexa in Assassin?

I loved the idea of delving into the thriller and sci-fi genres because I haven’t had the chance to explore them before. When I got the opportunity to sit down with the director after completing all the auditions, we realized that with sci-fi, thriller, and action, there’s a lot of emotion and heart involved. I really wanted to portray a complex character, who also experiences surprise in the end. But more than anything, I wanted to challenge myself in a different genre, to add sci-fi thrillers to the list of films and projects I’ve accomplished.

Tell us more about the role you’re playing.

Alexa is courageous. She’s a woman who has been mourning because her lover has died, and she hasn’t been able to find the right answers. She is not afraid to go to the very end to get the answers that she needs.

As the story unfolds, we witness her pursuit of truth and justice, while exploring the depths of her love for him and their shared experiences. As a character, she grapples with risking her life and the daunting prospect of uncovering the truth. Despite initial hesitations, she ultimately finds herself compelled to face the truth head-on and see the mission through to the end.

Your character goes through a lot. How did you bring that emotional weight to the character?

For me, it was the idea of grief, but not grieving for someone who has left the earth, but rather for someone who still has a chance to come back to me. Also, my character is trying to balance between the grief and worrying about whether I have lost him forever. But there's also the complexity of hope - the hope that he will get better, that he will come back to me, that I will find the answers and hold the people who have put him in this state accountable. Little do we know that she's the one who gets the biggest surprise in the end.

What was your preparation like for this role?

I had notes upon notes - every kind of note imaginable. It took me months of wanting to do my very best. Obviously, I’m very nervous because I get to be alongside Bruce Willis, someone who's had a career where he has done a great deal of action films and Hollywood blockbusters. I was very nervous, but once I started production, the nerves vanished. I wasn’t nervous at all.

This was Bruce Willis’ last role. How was it to work with him and what lessons did you take from him?

I enjoyed working with him so much. He still has that amazing smirk - the Bruce Willis smirk. The biggest lesson I've learned from him is the beauty of humility. The fact that you can be the biggest star in the world but still greet everyone on set, just taking a moment to make people feel seen. It was beautiful to witness. It stuck with me that you lose nothing by being a global superstar but still have humility as your core.

You were the only South African in Coming 2 America and again, you’re the only South African in Assassin. What does it mean for you to get a lead credit in a Hollywood film?

It’s really inspiring and affirming in the sense that you are on the right path and the universe is saying yes to your dreams. I’m someone who doesn’t sweat the small steps and the small wins. I always feel that things are moving forward and everything is a building block. That’s a beautiful thing about being South African and being celebrated for achievements, not only in Hollywood but also even on the South African stage. It’s that warm feeling, support, and love.

How important is it to see Black women diving into sci-fi roles like your role in Assassin?

The more of us there are, the better, because then we break the mould of old Hollywood that says Black people can't be in sci-fi or that Black people don’t fit well into those kinds of roles. It was very important to be a representation of something that breaks the mould, and I think we continue to be in the conversation to be considered for those kinds of roles.

What are some of the prominent themes in the film?

The themes of strong and courageous women, identity, love, and scientific exploration are prominent in the film because we incorporate human drones. What does that even look like to be a human drone? It implies transforming into something otherworldly and being able to tap into different realms and times.

You’ve played so many powerful female characters throughout your career. Who are the women in your own life who shaped the storyteller that you are today?

I’d say it’s a mixture of people I’ve grown up watching, who I felt have really been a fantastic mirror of what we can be portrayed in cinema and television.

Looking at the matriarchs in my family, I think of my grandmother, who has taught me everything I know about running my own race, humility and treating people well.

I’ve always leaned into the female narrative, whether it's my peers, friends, family, or people in the industry. I look at those who were able to transform their careers from one narrative to another, like Oprah Winfrey, and how they find different avenues to transform their brand and tap into various opportunities as businesswomen, creatives, and voices of reason in the industry. I also look at women like Angelina Jolie who have inspired my work with the UN and have also influenced my work as an actress and filmmaker.

What are you currently watching on Showmax right now?

It’s always great to come back home because my friend Nondu always recommends some good shows. Right now, I’m obsessed with and loving Youngins. It’s hilarious and awesome. I’m also enjoying catching up on all the drama in The Mommy Club and The Real Housewives of Durban. And I love my HBO shows that I watch on Showmax. I’m currently enjoying House of the Dragon and can’t wait for the new season. Keep bringing us those international shows!

Watch Nomzamo Mbatha in Assassin, streaming on Showmax from Monday.

Watch the trailer for Assassin:

https://youtu.be/8ZZV7ytLIZs

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Yvonne Chaka Chaka Unveiled as Honouree of the 2024 Legends and Legacy Ball Africa Music Awards

2024 Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz Set to Celebrate 25 Years as Africa’s Premier Jazz Festival

MEET THE TOP 16 YOUTH-OWNED BRANDS AWARDS ESTEEMED JURY FOR 2024

Nomzamo Mbatha talks about starring opposite Bruce Willis in his final film - Assassin