Life Of A Street Kid

Mandisi at the 65th Berlinale International Film Festival on February 7, 2015 in Berlin, Germany.
(Feb. 6, 2015 - Source: Getty Images Europe via Zimbio)

I cannot wait for the 11^th of March to watch Mandisi do his thing at the Untitled Basement in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Knowing him from back in the days when we sang together, what I know for sure is that he’s going to leave us yearning for more.

A perfectionist from when he was in his teens, I’ve always viewed him as quite a G when it came to melodies. Now that he has blossomed into an award-winning artist, it’s hard to describe my enthusiasm over his success. Even though I had expected this a long time ago from Mandisi, I guess everything is “in God’s time”, right!?! And for those that may not know who this gentleman is; please allow me to introduce to you…. MANDISI DYANTYIS.

Image sourced via Creative Feel

Mandisi is a South African trumpeter and vocalist who has recently released his debut album entitled Somandla, nominated for the SAMA award for best Jazz Album of 2019. He was recently nominated for a the Mzantsi Jazz Awards and The Afrima [African Music Awards in the "Best Jazz Artist" category. I thought I was going to see him at these awards ☹

Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, Mandisi began playing the trumpet at the age of 8. He studied Classical music throughout his schooling career (Pearson High School) and emerged from the University of Cape Town with a BMus Honors Degree in Jazz Studies in 2005 where he played in the UCT Big Band for most of his studies. He is a versatile musician who composes, arranges and produces Jazz, Western Classical and African Indigenous Music.

Image cred: Lindo Mbhele

He has played with some of SA’s best musicians over the years, including Jimmy Dludlu, The Abdullah Ibrahim Big Band, Robbie Jansen, Max Vidima, Moreira Chonguica just to name a few.

Mandisi's debut album, titled SOMANDLA (SAMA 2019 Best Jazz Album Winner), is a body of work premised on the sacred act of prayer, peppered with issues of current societal interest and most noteworthy, the “old school” romantic sentiment delivered in the persuasive elegance of his mother tongue, isiXhosa. This debut offering is a befitting exhibition of Dyantyis’ versatility as a prolific songwriter/composer, trumpeter, and outstanding vocal artist.

Mandisi is known to delivery unforgettable performances and this night (Wednesday, 11 March) will be no different. Show starts at 8pm and ends at 11:30pm (CAT).

Image cred: Lindo Mbhele

Tickets are unreserved and available from R200 for the General Advance. Check out Quicket to get your NOW otherwise tickets at the door are not guaranteed. If they are available on the night, they will sell at R260pp.

Hey guys…I’m baaaaack. I hope all of you have settled in nicely into 2020. I know it’s been a while since I’ve shared some news with you, but I hope to keep you updated regularly about what POPPING out on the Streets, okay!?

This post may be well in advance but you can thank me later for saving you either a buck (or two) with Early Bird tickets to this year’s Huawei Joburg Day with 947; or letting you know NOW about this so that you and your chomis or fam may start planning for what promises to be an amazing day!

Firstly, legendary band Bongo Maffin is set to headline the event on the 16^th of May at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia. Other artists that will be performing on the day include new age sensation, Ami Faku, Prime Circle, Black Motion, DJ Kent and many more.

Following hugely successful Huawei Joburg Day in the Park events since 2017, the 2020 fourth annual Huawei Joburg Day in the Park promises to boast a contingent of ten local artists at a family-friendly sound explosion. The festival will feature an array of musical genres from the upcoming afro-pop soul musician Ami Faku to the rock electro sounds of Jesse Clegg, while BET best international new act winner Sho Madjozi will share the stage alongside acclaimed Kwaito music group Bongo Maffin
on the stage at the festival. Can’t wait for THIS! I’m sure it’s going to be phenomenal!!!

Every year, thousands of music fans join Huawei and 947 in a beautiful Joburg park to have an epic party. The event has gotten bigger and better and Huawei is certain that the up and coming Huawei Joburg Day in the Park is going to be massive, and they promise to deliver an experience never to be forgotten.

As Joburg’s most anticipated family event, Huawei Joburg Day in the Park serves as a celebration of more than two decades of music evolution which transcends time. Stay connected to the awesome side of Joburg through music, fun and friendly 947
personalities and enjoy a day in the park with your friends and family.

Tickets to the Huawei Joburg Day in the Park are available at TicketPro priced from
R250 – R1200. Check below the breakdown:

Ticket prices
Early Bird – R250.00
Family package (2x adults; 2x kids) - R900.00
General Access – R350.00
Kids (ages 3-12) - R150.00 under 3 enter free of charge
Package of 4 – R1200.00

For more information on the Huawei Joburg Day in the Park, please visit Huawei Joburg Day in the Park with 947

#HuaweiJoburgDay
#ConnectedbyHuaweiFreeBuds3

The President of Castle Lite’s Republic of Extra Cold, Pearl Thusi, has finally revealed to her citizens exactly what they can look forward to come 28December 2019 when the Republic descends upon Cape Town’s Atlantic Ocean and the iconic, V&A Waterfront.

“I’m so happy to finally share with our loyal citizens, what they are in for at this year’s Republic of Extra Cold as we take over the Atlantic Ocean and the V&A Waterfront, bringing Castle Lite’s sub-zero chill to Cape Town summer,” said Pearl Thusi.

The Republic will travel in style as it journeys into the Atlantic aboard luxury yachts, jet skis and of course, helicopters. This will be the entrée to what is set to be a day of extraordinary experiences.

“Once in the Atlantic, the Republic will witness a spectacular musical performance right in the middle of the ocean by a special guest star. This surprise hit-maker’s performance will be staged on a floating ice stage that will surely have the waters beneath approaching sub-zero temperatures,” Pearl also revealed.

The President also revealed today that she and her team at the Republic have created a custom-made Cold Room to make sure that no citizen is left in the heat. This area of the experience will give everyone an extra cold chill vibe like only Castle Lite can, with the all-new Castle Lite 250ml which stays extra cold till the last drop.

All of this while the Republic’s star-studded line up keeps the citizens entertained all through the experience. The Republic’s Minister of Beats, Ayanda MVP announced last month that not only will she herself be performing, she will be joined on the stage by 2019 Minister of Drip, Boity Thulo as well as Youngsta CPT and DJ Lyle holding it down for the Hip-Hop heads. Serving up the coldest summer House, Gqom and Amapiano hits will be renowned hit-maker, DJ Zinhle and radio superstar, DJ Loyd. Citizens whose summer anthem is a mashup of Dance and Electro music will also feel right at home as Das Kapital, Pascal & Pearce, and Gremlin SA take things to subzero temperatures on stage.

The experience will culminate in a spectacular laser show which will illuminate the Cape Town sky line and mark another successful year in the Republic of Extra Cold. And just to make things a little more epic, Castle Lite has some fun surprises in store for citizens.

Citizens can look forward to the once-in-a-lifetime experience of going on a helicopter ride and experience the exhilarating heli-flip. And as if that’s not enough, Africa’s biggest premium beer brand has promised to give every citizen who bought a ticket free beer for a year!

“The Republic of Extra Cold is literally going to be the most epic experience of summer 2019. And just to make sure that this year’s Republic is a memorable occasion, anyone in Cape Town can also win beer for a year by spotting the Republic of Extra Cold’s Atlantic convoy, taking a picture of it and sharing on social media using the #RepublicOfExtraCold hashtag,” Pearl said.

The Republic of Extra Cold will officially open its doors for registration at 15:00 on the 28^th of December. Citizens are advised to arrive timeously for passport collection and use the designated parking at The Lookout located next to the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

For more information check out www.castlelite.co.za or follow the official social media pages:

Facebook: Castle Lite

Twitter: @CastleLiteSA

Instagram: @CastleLiteSA

#RepublicOfExtraCold