Monday, 18 June 2012

THE VODACOM DURBAN JULY



Welcome to the high-life... a 72-hour party

The Vodacom Durban July gallops into Durban for 72 hours of non-stop entertainment and fun. It’s one of the country’s biggest events which include a jam-packed weekend line-up of horseracing, entertainment and high fashion.

And for a few hundred special guests and competition winners, the Vodacom Durban July is not just one day at the races but rather 72 hours of luxury. Whisked onto planes from across the country, chauffer driven to their hotels in Durban, pampered at a Friday night pre-party before being treated to a day at the races in their own VIP enclosure in the paddocks – with hair and make up being provide, waiters on call, DJs on the decks and trackside viewing.

The special Vodacom Durban July edition of the not-to-be-missed Vodacom Unlimited Experience takes place in the biggest marquee at the Greyville racecourse on Saturday, July 7.

Black Coffee will return with a new take on AfricaRising, which debuted at the Vodacom Unlimited Experience last year, by performing with a virtual orchestra (who appear on high resolution screens surrounding the stage) conducted by Brendan Jury, and an unbeatable line-up of Soulistic vocalists including Bucie, Thiwe, Soulstar, Zano and Zakes Bantwini.

Arno Carstens will also be appearing with the virtual orchestra to perform some of his best loved hits and material from his new album.  Don’t be surprised if the proximity of these two diverse artists results in unexpected collaborations.

VIPS with access to the enclosure will also be entertained by rising Afro House star Culoe De Song and House Afrika’s DJ Strat3gy.

Throughout the day, the space will be used as a lounge with DJs with Channel O Bassment residents DJ Pierre Pressure and DJ Andy X mixing music videos on the big screens.





High profile guests from around the country will be attending including Jo-Ann Strauss and TV personality Claire Mawisa.

Says Mawisa: “The words Vodacom Durban July instantly makes me think of luxury and opulence. The one thing we all have in common is that we all want to live well and enjoy the finer things in life. The Vodacom Durban July always delivers with regards to spectacular fashion, the build-up to the final race and the parties.”

Enzo Scarcella, Managing Executive - Marketing at Vodacom says: “We are delighted to be associated with Africa’s greatest horseracing event. It’s a perfect mix of racing, style and entertainment; and there’s something for everyone at what is a glittering extravaganza and a highlight on this country’s social calendar.”

And while green may not be the colour chosen by the majority of fashionistas on the day, it will be making a significant appearance at this year’s Vodacom Durban July.
A horse – made entirely from old cell phones  - pays tribute to both the equines at the event and to the title sponsor of the prestigious race while also getting across the message that, in order for our earth to survive, we have to recycle.

For more details on the Vodacom Durban July:

http://www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-official-Vodacom-Durban-July/

Tuesday, 12 June 2012

Mango Groove liven up Durban

Despite bad weather prior to Sunday a reasonable crowd braved the chilly wind to see Mango Groove at Durban Botanic Gardens on Sunday. Those that attended were rewarded with an enjoyable afternoon that kicked off with reggae band The Meditators followed by Mango Groove who really got the party going.

Reggae band The Meditators are regular performers at uShaka but it was great to see them in action on the 'big' stage again. They combine a lot of energy with great music and play both their own material as well as excellent covers of Bob Marley's classic songs.

Mango Groove took the stage with the cold wind picking up and the sky getting grey. It didn't take long for them to get a large portion of the crowd on their feet and that's how it stayed for the rest of their set. Both new and old songs were received with equal enthusiasm by the energetic crowd. Mango Groove have got an amazingly clear sound in their live performances so credit to the sound engineers for this.

Overall it was a great afternoon despite the weather. There is no concert at Durban Botanic Gardens in July so watch this space for details of the August event.

Claire Johnston in action at Durban Botanic Gardens



Thursday, 7 June 2012

Don't forget to book your tickets for Mango Groove

The last couple of concerts at Durban Botanic Gardens have been amazing and we are sure that Mango Groove will be no different. Remember to book your tickets online so you not only save money but you can get in to the venue earlier. See you there! Find out more about this event here.

Monday, 4 June 2012

Prime Circle to rock London on Youth Day


As the world focuses on London around the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and in the build up to The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, South African rock outfit, Prime Circle, will represent the Southern Hemisphere by headlining one of the UK’s top festivals on June 16th (Youth Day.)

The five piece rock band will be heading overseas to perform at the one day super event, Homelanz. The band will be one of three international acts that will headline this one day festival which includes Kora from New Zealand and Alex Lloyd from Australia.

Homelanz is an annual festival which showcases Southern Hemisphere culture, entertainment, music and cuisine. And with 13 bands performing on the stage, Prime Circle will represent South Africa in the way they know best – good music with a touch of Southern rock.

Says Ross Learmonth, “Having long had a fan base that targets a young audience, this festival aptly falls on Youth Day in South Africa. This concert has a double meaning for us – on a day that celebrates ‘youth’ and ‘drive’ in South Africa, it allows us to be the voice of so many South Africans abroad.”

With a career that has spanned a decade with hits that appeal to a global audience (having toured Europe in 2011 and early 2012), Prime Circle will carry the flag high at Boston Manor Park in London. And with their heads in ‘Lyric Land’, and their 5th album on the brink of recording, their performance on the day is sure to please the international fans.

This gig forms part of their second European tour this year, ‘Out of Africa’. They will also be performing in Germany and The Netherlands.

Prime Circle are: Ross Learmonth, Marco Gomes, Neil Breytenbach, Dirk Bisschoff and Dale Schnettler.

For further information, please visit: www.primecircle.co.za
Facebook – Prime Circle
Twitter - @primecircle

Sunday, 3 June 2012

Top of the Pops on Twitter

Ever wondered who is hot on Twitter. We have compiled a list of a whole lot of South African bands and here are the top 50.

1 Seether   @SeetherOfficial  71 709
2 HHP   @HipHopPantsula 60 627
3 Liquideep   @LiquideepSA 36 821
4 Locnville   @locnville 35 756
5 The Parlotones   @parlotones 32 592
6 2nd Life   @2ndlifeband 32 317
7 Goldfish   @goldfishlive 25 264
8 Loyiso   @loyisomusic 23 430
9 Danny K   @dannykmusic 19 327
10 Prime Circle   @Prime_Circle 16 027
11 Chris Chameleon   @chrischameleon 14 797
12 Elvis Blue   @elvisblue 14 314
13 Civil Twilight   @civiltwilight 13 506
14 Lloyd Cele   @LloydCele 12 554
15 Toya Delazy                  @ToyaDelazy 11 516
16 Arno Carstens   @ArnoCarstens 11 157
17 Freshlyground   @FRESHLYGROUNDsa 10 460
18 Dave Van Vuuren   @DaveFromFire 10 459
19 Ard Matthews                @ardmatthews             9 186
20 aKING @aKINGband                 9 112
21 Zebra & Giraffe   @zebraandgiraffe      8 351
22 Jax Panik   @jaxpanik                     7 606
23 The Arrows   @thearrowssa             7 303
24 Mark Haze   @MarkHaze12               6 275
25 GOODLUCK   @goodlucklive          5 878
26 Louise Carver   @louisecarver          4 535
27 Jamali   @jamaligroup            4 355
28 Yoav   @yoavmusic                 4 152
29 Pixie Bennett   @pixiebennett          3 950
30 The Dirty Skirts       @TheDirtySkirts     3 736
31 Wrestlerish   @wrestlerish             3 612
32 CrashCarBurn   @CrashCarBurn           3 336
33 Flash Republic      @flashrepublic         3 274
34 Just Jinjer   @justjinjer                 3 257
35 Desmond & The Tutus  @DesmondandTutus       3 218
36 Taxi Violence   @Taxi_Violence_       3 195
37 Ashtray Electric       @AshtrayElectric       2 657
38 Shadowclub   @shadowclub                 2 560
39 Farryl Purkiss   @farrylpurkiss          2 385
40 ChianoSky   @ChianoSky                    2 343
41 The Brothers Streep  @brothersstreep       2 196
42 Lonehill Estate   @lonehillestate       2 194
43 BLK JKS   @BLKJKS                         2 191
44 Jason Hartman   @J_asonHartman          1 889
45 Boo!   @BooBand                         1 872
46 Dance, You’re on Fire @dyof                       1 568
47 Graeme Watkins Project @grawatproject  1 543
48 The Rudimentals   @rudimentals               1 522
49 Jeremy Loops   @JeremyLoops               1 484
50 New Holland   @newhollandband        1 482