https://bizconnect.standardbank.co.za/grow/growth-strategies/ready-set-plan-your-2017-business-growth-development-before-you-get-off-the-start-blocks.aspx
Vanessa Perumal has been contributing to the Standard Bank's BizConnect portal for a while now. View some of her contributions to this platform where she shares her insights, tips and business advise for Entrepreneurs in general but to SMME's in particular.
Vanessa Perumal is an award winning Social Entrepreneur, Connector, Lobbyist, Disruptor, Innovator, Visionary, Media and Marketing strategist and thought leader. She is a mom of two teenagers who loves cooking and is on a mission to share original African Narratives. A global citizen, Vanessa is passionate about travelling and exploring new cultures and experiences. She is a savvy #PublictyConnector and on a journey to use digital to disrupt and transform.
Renowned trumpeter, music producer and arranger Bruce Cassidy returns to South Africa with the one-of-a-kind Anti-Gravity Machine concert. Cassidy’s amalgam of Western and African music, performed with 15-piece string, woodwind, brass, and jazz rhythm group will bring jazz alive for one night only, on Saturday, 19 November 2016, at The Bassline in Newtown.
Musical director of Blood Sweat and Tears, Cassidy describes the Anti-Gravity Machine concert as an uplifting experience of heartfelt performances. With musicians of the highest caliber and a repertoire of original composed work, popular jazz and South African music, the concert promises a musical journey that echoes his influences, inspirations and world travels.
Cassidy spent a number of years in South Africa and much of the music was curated here, the pieces he is arranging for the performance reflect his love of the country and appreciation of his time here.
“I consider that in my own small way I am an ambassador for African music and the parts of the culture that have touched me. No one who spends any time in Africa can fail to be affected by its people’s elemental earthiness, generosity and passion,” says Cassidy, who lived in South Africa for 23 years and worked with South African jazz greats like Barney Rachabane, Pops Mohamed and Sibongile Khumalo.
The group is a diverse mix of virtuoso musicians, happy in disposition, and passionate about their performance. Cassidy is arranging the music to suit their style ensuring their musical pleasure is passed forward to the audiences.
Potjie Kos with Debbie Don-Pierrot the CEO of the South Afrian Furniture Initiative (SAFI)
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Using leftovers to create delicious, quick and easy meals
No recipes or specific ingredients needed, use whatever is available.
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Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored
Watch Taynita Harilal who is joined by Irisha Luhanga as they prepare a scrumptious Lamb Roast. Irisha is the Director of Redefine Human Capital
Join Taynita as she prepares Coconut Milk Prawns with Garlic Bread
Eggs 3 Ways with Siviwe Notshe
Sharing Positive African Narratives
An Inspiring Person all round
Watch our latest posting from Bunnies in the Burbs - Saturday Snack with Taynita
Bunnies in the Burbs - A Special episode on this Heritage Day with Grand Ma .....
Excitement is building for the Moretele Park Tribute Concert 2016 taking place on Saturday 3 September 2016, in the City of Tshwane. The build-up to the concert is in full swing with the last lunchtime concert happening this weekend and a music business workshop in Pretoria on 27 August.
Over the last two weeks visitors to Newtown Junction Mall have been treated to a taste of Moretele at the lunchtime concerts. On Saturday 20 August the last lunchtime concert takes place from 12h00 to 14h00 and is sure to whet the appetite for the main event.
On 27 August Drakensberg Promotions will host a music business workshop at the Es’kia Mphahlele Library Hall in Pretoria from 09h00 until 14h00. The workshop is aimed at musicians, practitioners and those with a business interest in the sector. It promises industry expertise and insights. To register for the workshop please contact Hlengiwe Chonco on 079 79 24787 or 011 482 4973 or email Drakensberg1@TelkomSA.net.
Now in its 19th year the Tribute Concert celebrates South African music talent with 100% local content. This year the Moretele Park Tribute Concert will honour legendary jazz musician Babsy Mlangeni and SAMA and Grammy award winner Wouter Kellerman.
As singer, guitarist, composer and entrepreneur Mlangeni has over four decades of experience in the music industry. His first single “Sala Emma” a soothing Sotho ballad shot him to success in 1968. He has overcome great odds in his music career, including his blindess, economic hardship and the barriers of entry thrown up by the Apartheid system. He has won numerous awards and accolades over the course of his career. Not only has he inspired many South African musicians, his unrelenting pursuit of his dream has also encouraged many with diabilities to embrace and pursue their own talents.
Grammy award winning flutist Kellerman’s unique cross-over world music has found a wide audience both in South Africa and abroad. He has toured extensively and his albums have been released in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, North America, and Australia. Kellerman thrives on experimenting with the shades, textures and colours that his flute is capable of painting and creatively blending them with other instrumentation and vocal sounds.
The Moretele Park Festival features a stellar line-up of artists from a diverse range of genres including five awards winner of the 2016 SAMA’s Nathi, jazz greats, Hugh Masikela, Jonas Gwangwa, Don Laka and Tshepo Tshola, as well as globally acclaimed songstress Letta Mbuli.
SAMA winners Mafikizolo and Zonke will further entertain revelers at the Moretele Park Tribute Concert.
Tickets can be booked at Computicket and Shoprite Checkers and are priced at R250.
The Tribute Concert is supported by among others The Department of Arts and Culture, City of Tshwane, White Star, Gauteng Tourism and Gauteng Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture
For media queries, media accreditation, interview requests and to access high resolution pictures contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632 or contact Anne on 079 995 5661
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Drakensberg Promotions
The power of digital elevates African culture, cuisine and conversations.
Launching on Women’s Day to celebrate Women’s month
Finally a platform using the power of technology to share authentic African stories from the sanctuary of an African Kitchen in the Northern suburbs of Johannesburg.
Bunnies in the ‘Burbs is disrupting the narrative of the African girl living in helpless deprivation and also advances how social media can offer a platform where leaders in diverse sectors can take the opportunity to engage and positively mentor and inspire a new generation of thought leaders who can influence how African stories are shared.
Bunnies in the Burbs, a digital cooking show takes the popular reality cooking format - but is more intimate and inspiring in that viewers will get to witness a young African millennial sharing good food and wisdom with her role models and peers. Already in season one shot on location in their family kitchen, the show features inspiring Africans trail blazers like the First black African woman to summit Mt. Everest Deshun Deysel, Social Entrepreneur and Executive Director of Redefine Human Capital Irisha Luhanga, the host of the World Show on Kaya FM 95.9 Nicky B, Capasso CEO Nothando Migogo , founder of Jazzy Masala Dance Academy Versha Magan to name but a few, whose stories inspire and show us how African tradition is passed on through cooking.
Have a look at our page and videos, like the page and share widely: Bunnies in the Burbs on JT Comms TV
The power of digital elevates African culture, cuisine and conversations.
Launching on Women’s Day to celebrate Women’s month
Finally a platform using the power of technology to share authentic African stories from the sanctuary of an African Kitchen in the Northern suburbs of Johannesburg.
Bunnies in the ‘Burbs is disrupting the narrative of the African girl living in helpless deprivation and also advances how social media can offer a platform where leaders in diverse sectors can take the opportunity to engage and positively mentor and inspire a new generation of thought leaders who can influence how African stories are shared.
Bunnies in the Burbs, a digital cooking show takes the popular reality cooking format - but is more intimate and inspiring in that viewers will get to witness a young African millennial sharing good food and wisdom with her role models and peers. Already in season one shot on location in their family kitchen, the show features inspiring Africans trail blazers like the First black African woman to summit Mt. Everest Deshun Deysel, Social Entrepreneur and Executive Director of Redefine Human Capital Irisha Luhanga, the host of the World Show on Kaya FM 95.9 Nicky B, Capasso CEO Nothando Migogo , founder of Jazzy Masala Dance Academy Versha Magan to name but a few, whose stories inspire and show us how African tradition is passed on through cooking.
Have a look at our page and videos, like the page and share widely: Bunnies in the Burbs on JT Comms TV
JT Comms Featured on Kicking Doors with Sbu Leope on CNBC Africa - Episode 33
Meet two women trail blazers ruling the communications space
Joining Kicking Doors are two beautiful women - Managing Director, JT Communication Solutions, Vanessa Perumal who started out her career as a Journalist. She had bigger dreams for herself and made the decision to venture out and start up her own company.
Vanessa started her career as a journalist who then branched off into publicity and media strategy. It would be apt to label Vanessa a “Publicity Guru”. Always outspoken, she’s in search of creating a future that sees social cohesion support development, end poverty and bring world peace. She is determined to change the #AfricanNarrative, because a thriving music economy does pay the bills, allows for creative genius and offers the world balance, unity, harmony and peace.
Vanessa is a lover of music and business on a mission to untap creative economies and actively shift markets to create wealth and build on platforms that influence #EntrepreneurConnect and #ECAfrica
Marang Setshwaelo South African publicist and TV producer, who is the Co-Founder of Dreamcatcher Multimedia - this is an organisation that not only prides itself on black female leadership but also turning production dreams into a reality audiences can enjoy.
These two dynamic Women who have worked together and continue to do so in collaborative projects and activations.
Twitter: @VanessaPerumal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
Blog http://jtcommsafricanstories.wordpress.com/wp-admin/
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=23832378&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic
First Thursdays have come to Newtown with both the Newtown Junction and Work Shop New Town participating in this exciting cultural movement starting on 3 March 2016 from 5pm-10pm.
First Thursdays is a free walkable cultural experience where art galleries, performance venues, retailers and restaurants stay open longer, offering visitors an array of different cultural experiences. Started in Cape Town, the First Thursdays movement has become popular in both Durban and Johannesburg where visitors have not only embraced the opportunity to experience something new, but enjoy the chance to soak up the city’s vibes.
Focused around the Newtown Junction hub, the following venues will be taking part:
Newtown Junction
Market Theatre
Market Photo Workshop
The Potato Sheds
Work Shop New Town
Bassline
Newtown Junction will be hosting a live music event at the amphitheatre, opposite the News Café, featuring performances by vocalist Sv la Kam, Afro Soul singer Babalwa Soul, Nkosazana Kgadi and MC’d by Mavestar.
Ster Kinekor will be also promoting their half price movie special that will run throughout March. With plenty to see, hear and experience and an array of restaurants enough to suit all tastes, Newtown Junction is the only place to be in March 2016.
Social media platforms
Twitter: @NTJunction
Facebook Newtown Junction
Instagram @newtownjunction
Website www.newtownjuctionmall.co.za
For media queries, interview requests and access to High Res photos please contact (011) 788 7632 or media@jtcomms.co.za
Note to Editor
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Newtown Junction
****************** Enjoy Newtown Junction at night with the inaugural First Thursdays *****************
Watch Visionaries Lounge featuring Vanessa Perumal interviewed by Ayanda Allie Paine
A visionary who promotes all things African who founded the network called Africans for Africa. Vanessa always wants to empower entrepreneurs to succeed and grow their networks.
Her passion is derived from her mantra of "Strength in Unity" - Partnerships is key ...
Watch the episode on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjQuRDGpJ7I
Vanessa Perumal is the first black woman to head the Public Affairs & Communications division at Southern Africa Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO). Vanessa has always been an activist that has fought for the arts and culture in this country. She is the winner of the 2014 Imbokodo Award for Women in Media promoting the Arts, The Cherri Blair 2014 Mentee on the Entrepreneurship Programme, Goldmansachs- Gibs Entrepreneur Graduate. She is the founder of JT Communications Solutions.
Watch Visionaries’ Lounge on SABC2 Tuesdays, at 20:30 with repeats on Thursdays at 11:30.
Visionaries’ Lounge profiles self-made South Africans with noteworthy achievements. The achievers use their life stories to unpack the process of character development, self-belief, the importance of values and personal philosophies in building a successful life determined by their desires and dreams. The series features guests across the racial lines and from different disciplines including Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Pastor Musa Sono and Mirriam Zwane. The talk show is hosted by TV and radio personality Ayanda Allie-Paine.
Catch Visionaries’ Lounge Tuesdays at 20:30 on SABC 2 You Belong! Watch the full episode here, directly after the normal TV broadcast, at21:00. Join us then!
Vanessa Perumal Chats to Masechaba Ndlovu on Power FM - Power Life Exclusive. Talking all things entrepreneurship, motivation, empowerment of both women and youth and ensuring that knowledge is always accessible and shared. Vanessa also talks passionately of creating those positive African narratives to share with the world at large...
Power Life Exclusive with Vanessa Perumal
Mobile giant MTN has failed to pay music copyright royalties to songwriters since 2013. The company, which owes just under R1 million for 2014, has also failed to declare music sales data and earnings for 2015 to songwriters.
CAPASSO, the royalty collecting society which represents songwriters and their publishers for music digital sales, states that attempts to license and collect the outstanding royalties and reports from MTN and its subsidiary Content Connect Africa (CCA), which is responsible for delivering some of the music available on MTN music platforms such as CallerTunez, have been met with nothing but constant rate disputes and an unwillingness to enter into licence agreements.
Business Affairs manager at CAPASSO, Mr Wiseman Ngubo, states: “Following more than a year of negotiations with both MTN and CCA, it is remarkable that both these parties are now disputing the licence fee rate, even though MTN previously paid royalties at the same rate in 2013. The rate has not increased”.
This is despite other industry players, including competitor mobile companies and other suppliers of music to MTN such as Madlozi, a company affiliated to Kalawa Jazmee, agreeing and duly paying music royalties at the same agreed rates.
CAPASSO represents numerous songwriters either directly, such as Tarryn Lamb, Nompumelelo Mzobe and Doctor Malinga, or through their publishers such Ghetto Ruff, Soulistic Music Pty Ltd (Universal Music Publishing), CashTime Life (Gallo Music Publishers), and Thoho Records.
MTN’s attitude to songwriter royalties is not new. Failed negotiations and rate disputes have been the order of the day for over five years; this while the mobile giant continues to sell hit singles such as Black Coffee’s We Dance Again and K.O.’s Caracara.
According to CAPASSO CEO Nothando Migogo “As CD sales steadily decline, digital music sales are an increasingly relied-upon revenue stream for songwriters and composers. Songwriters are excited to see their songs on sale by MTN as caller ring-back tones or downloads, but are shocked when CAPASSO tells them that it hasn’t received royalties or, in some cases even reports, for these sales”.
“The unfortunate thing is that songwriters, who are also artists, don’t realise that even if they receive payment for their role as the artist or singer on a song, they are still owed another royalty for their role as a songwriter. It is this songwriter royalty that CAPASSO collects.
“It is even worse for songwriters who don’t perform on the actual song. They don’t even benefit from the first type of royalty which may (or may not) have been paid by MTN”. Migogo adds that numerous “hidden” songwriters or featured artists on other artists’ big hit singles have been at CAPASSO’s doors demanding reasons for the missing royalties.
With the call by mobiles giants including MTN for more regulation of OTT services such as Whatsapp and Skype, due to the bad impact these services have had on the mobile companies’ profits, MTN’s disregard of its own governance and corporate citizenship obligations is even more glaring and ironic.
*CAPASSO (Composers Authors and Publishers Association) is a not for profit royalty collection company operating from Johannesburg. - www.capasso.co.za - 011 447 8870 - nothandom@capasso.co.za
For interview requests and media queries please contact Dee’s on media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of CAPASSO (Composers Authors and Publishers Association) - www.capasso.co.za
Commonwealth Businesswoman of the year finalist Vanessa Perumal has turned her small business into a significant brand.
This world class nominee has established a globally recognized business that has its main operations at The African Media Resource Centre of Excellence in Johannesburg. The centre is the result of the evolution of an idea of a business that goes beyond the ordinary. As the founder of JT Communications Solutions which began 11 years ago from humble beginnings, through her vision Perumal is scaling business operations and embracing the opportunity technology enables.
Perumal, a disruptor has always done things differently. With her philosophy rooted she infuses traditional communications and marketing trends with contemporary tools. This is the ethos central to the JT Comms brand and is the catalyst behind the company`s rapid growth into diverse business markets.
The Commonwealth Business Woman of the Year nominee has taken advantage of the technology era as a level playing field between East and West, thereby advancing aligned traditional businesses to become trailblazers in the 21st century. Her many accolades, including the Mbokodo Award for Women in Arts and Media, can attest to this.
Farzana Varachia of Xanopia Women’s Business Group, a regional partner for CBW for Africa described Perumal’s nomination as recognition not only to her and JT Comms but to Xanopia and the rest of the continent.
"To be recognized in 53 countries is a great deal and an excellent marketing platform for any company," says Varachia.
The media centre has state of the art equipment that allows for the creation of quality content tailored for its African market in a global village which has an audio studio, an edit suite and meeting rooms in which creative ideas are sprung out from the team and later turned into global concepts.
Up scaling her business operation puts Perumal in a dynamic position to grow JT Comms and offer solutions in the design, marketing, branding and eventing sectors to enable diverse turnkey business solutions.
JT Comms prides itself in employing a diverse resource of skills that include a network of freelance journalists, researchers, writers’, event and market specialists, video editors, script editors and strategists amongst others who have a passion for content generation. The business has stimulated the increase in supplies of digital marketing collateral that enables Africans to own the means of the production of quality content.
"African women need to power trade into the global economy. The Commonwealth provides the largest market which accounts for 20% of world trade and rising and of which they are a key part which they can tap to do this where the costs are 19% less" says Arif Zaman, Executive Director, Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBW), an accredited organisation focused on women’s economic empowerment recognised by 53 governments across five continents.
Perumal has taken advantage of the deficit in digital markets and has positioned the media centre such that it uses technology to embrace digital opportunities. This is creating new and bigger networks in which participants get to benefit financially from the opportunities that are created by them. Perumal is also taking advantage of these networks by bringing them together through her creation, the Entrepreneur Connect Africa network, which gives Africa back to Africans. This allows for greater cash flow and participating entrepreneurs who will then be able to share the work that has been created.
“The main responsibility in digital is that those on the cutting edge of change need to manifest that change. We strive to accelerate the lack of intentional architects who can build content which is inclusive and benefits the continent and not just South Africa. This positions JT Comms and the Africa for Africans network as digital disruptors in otherwise traditional and often disempowering marketplace. I am making cash flow for creative businesses a reality.”
“My methodology has enabled me to help to activate businesses so that sacred economies can become a reality, creating fair trade jobs and increasing the amount of BEE suppliers so as to address the shortfalls of the status quo. This is real economic empowerment, not what we currently have - a lack of African ownership and dependency on old models in which we can avoid the awarding of government funding to friends and family. I want to build successful futures for African children.”
For media queries, interview requests, access to high res pictures etc please contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBW)
Note to Editor
The Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBW) is an accredited organisation focused on women’s economic empowerment recognised by 53 governments across five continents.
ENDS
Musician and entrepreneur Jessica Mbangeni has delivered on her promise to be a force to be reckoned with.
After her award-winning debut album 'iGoli', the South African ethnic Afro-jazz artist and performer returns with her second offering titled 'Busisiwe: Tribute to African Heroines'. Coinciding with her much anticipated first Live DVD; the album released on 26 October and produced by renowned guitarist, Lawrence Matshiza features contributions by outstanding artists such as Standard Bank Young Artist Award recipient Nduduzo Makhathini on piano and keys, drummer Rob Watson, percussionist Gari Gong and bassist Lucas Senyato.
The proudly African title track ''Busisiwe: Tribute to African Heroines' is Mbangeni's celebration of Busi Mhlongo's influence in shaping South African music and pays homage to the women, known and unknown, who fought the struggle against apartheid. Jessica Mbangeni also gives musical voice to the millions of women who continue to bear the brunt of intimate and social injustice.
'Ekugqibeleni - Mama' pays tribute to Jessica's grandmother who raised her and was rejected by her husband and in-laws after the kidnapping and murder of Mbangeni's younger sister.
“Sharing these experiences heals the pain of my wounded family,” Mbangeni adds.
“I sing about the beauty of Africans. The world is beginning to celebrate us because we have rediscovered and are now proud to share the beauty of our diverse cultures” here, Jessica refers to songs like ‘Qula Kwedini’, a traditional isiXhosa song that is sung for returning male initiates. “Although it is directed at men, this song is also and expression of women’s thoughts and aspirations as to how these young men will be of benefit to society,” she relates.
Mbangeni's debut live DVD ‘Jessica Mbangeni Sings: iGoli and Ntyilo Ntyilo Unplugged - Live at The Lyric Theatre’ showcases her performance skills, which she gained through her informal training by, among others, the late bassist and composer Victor Ntoni. Here, influences of Maskandi guitar and Shona music come to the fore while McCoy Mrubata, Bheki Khoza and Mncedisi Kupa add their shine to Mbangeni's performance. Old and new fans will get to witness Jessica’s presentation of the songs that saw her garner a top 10 position at the South African Music Awards, 7 nominations and 2 South African Traditional Music Awards for Best Female and Best isiXhosa album. Jessica has also been nominated for a Wawela Award alongside house music trio Mi Casa and has performed at the CMJ Festival in New York City. IGoli was also nominated for Best Newcomer and Best Jazz album at the Eastern Cape Music Awards.
Jessica Mbangeni's inspired and unique African artistry, her entrepreneurial flair with which she has independently and successfully taken her music to the market continue to break boundaries, showing that truly, she and her music are definitely here to stay.
For interview requests contact Dee’s on media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Jessica Mbangeni
In 1980, Dr Jonas Gwangwa brought the theatrical protest musical Amandla to the world. Now for the first time, it is coming home and promises a cutting-edge theatrical production that will enthrall audiences, inspire youngsters and showcase the country’s finest artistic talent.
The Amandla Cultural Ensemble was originally developed and produced by Gwangwa in Angola. Created to lobby support for liberation movements in exile, Amandla galvanized international solidarity movements and communicated the injustices of the Apartheid system to the global community. Solidarity movements responded to the call through multiple projects that saw donations of food, clothing, medication, transportation, educational and skills development opportunities for exiled South Africans.
From 1980 to 1990 Amandla travelled the world, performing in numerous countries including Angola, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ghana, India, Japan, Luxembourg, Libya, Malaysia, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Newfoundland, Nigeria, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Tanzania, United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In 1990, the Amandla Cultural Ensemble settled and finally dismantled in Zimbabwe as apartheid came to an end and liberation organisations were unbanned in South Africa.
In the spirit of the original production and with the knowledge that progress relies on an understanding of our past, Gwangwa, now head of Barungwa Productions is looking to inspire the next generation of South Africans. With support from the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and the South African State Theatre, Barungwa Productions will be bringing the Amandla Cultural Ensemble – The Production back to the stage in December 2015 with a glittering cocktail inaugural performance at the State Theatre on the 3rd, and for- the- public performances, the 4th and 5th. The 2016 program is in development and is set to enthrall.
Envisaged as a premium nation-building tool, this reinvigoration of the production of Amandla narratively traces the history of the struggle within the global context.
With Gwangwa at the helm, his wealth of knowledge and experience, the production aims to develop, elevate and empower the South African arts and culture industry.
Barungwa Productions invites stakeholders who have an interest in, have information about or have archived content to come forward and share their stories. Amandla is our shared past, and our common goal, and as such belongs to the people. With world-class staging and the best of South African talent, it will stand proudly among the great musicals.
Auditions recently took place with great success and the cast is currently preparing to begin rehearsals.
“As a nation- building tool, the Amandla Cultural Ensemble has proven to be a pre-eminent communication vehicle that can transcend language and cultural barriers. Amandla is able to educate current and future generations about their history, and how the dedication and aspirations of ordinary South Africans made such a big difference to their own lives, and in the world, and why they too should take up that mantle,” says Gwangwa.
For more information contact Barungwa Productions:
info@amandlatheproduction.co.za
Ntsako Mkhabela (Production Manager) – 076 238 6702
For interview requests, access to high res pictures and all other media queries, please contact JT Comms at info@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Barungwa Productions
Notes to Editor:
About Barungwa Productions
Barungwa Productions is headed by artist and activist, Dr Jonas Gwangwa. Dr Gwangwa and his peers were pioneers of South African music on the world stage, and with this invaluable knowledge he seeks to inspire and produce a calibre of artists akin to those of his ilk that will be recognised as cultural icons with a strong African Identity. The kind of artists with both incomparable talent and skill, capable of producing quality work our country can be proud of, work that can traverse the globe and command a myriad audiences, and esteemed patrons alike, representing South Africa.
Barungwa Productions seeks to achieve this mandate through a variety of events, workshops and interactions elevating and empowering the African arts and culture industry.
Renowned South African storyteller, Gcina Mhlophe will celebrate her birthday, reveal and share information about a lifelong project very close to her heart: the establishment of an Oral History Museum - Memory House, to honour the ordinary people who make our lives better - a pioneering first for South Africa and launch the Hope Song CD!
You are invited to celebrate Gcina’s birthday and the re-birth of our oral history on Saturday, October 24 from 12h30 to 15h00 at Newtown Junction mall. Open to the public - entrance is free - come and experience the song, music and sound that is unique to Gcina Mhlophe and support the 1000 Signature Campaign for the Memory House.
Born in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, Mhlophe matriculated at Mfundisweni High School, Transkei and went on to study journalism at Rhodes University. Multi-talented, she’s established herself as a multilingual actor and activist, poet, a playwright, composer and director. Over the years she has received an immense array of prizes and as an ardent campaigner for literacy, has been recognised with honorary doctorates from the Universities of London, KwaZulu Natal, Pretoria and Fort Hare. Her guest appearance at the 2006 FIFA World Cup South African handover ceremony (Germany) and at the 2010 Arctic Winter Games (Canada) brought South Africa’s rich cultural heritage to the world’s notice. Mhlophe has written Have You Seen Zandile?, Love Child and Umcelo Nezindaba Zase-Afrika.
Touch the past, feel the future. “My own people have named me Gcinamasiko, which means the keeper of heritage; I wear this name like a blanket and honour it with my being” says Mhlophe. The establishing of The Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust (GAHT) founded in 2012, was a true testimony of her commitment to preserving oral history and educating all South Africans towards an understanding of the value and role of oral tradition in a modern South Africa society. Now the Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust is poised to launch its heritage project, The Dr Gcina Mhlophe Memory House, in Durban next year.
This being the first-of-its-kind, an oral history museum and “home of storytelling’’ to be established in South Africa, the Dr Gcina Mhlophe Memory House will be a space where visitors from all walks of life can listen to stories and histories of ordinary people, record their own stories, view heritage films, documentaries and other material in an environment conducive to honouring African Oral Tradition.
The Newtown Junction celebrations line-up will feature Gcina Mhlophe with Bheki Khoza, (musical director and lead guitar), Melvin Peters on Piano, Saxophonist Jerry Kunene, Paki Peleole on Drums, Bass guitarist Mandla Zikhalala and percussionists, Mabi Thobejane and Mpho Molikeng who’ll also perform music from the Hope Song CD.
‘’Hosting Dr. Gcina Mhlophe at Newtown Junction mall is an honour and a part of our vision to actively support arts, culture and heritage. We are grateful to be associated with her.’’, says Michael Clampett, asset manager at Attacq Limited.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust and Newtown Junction
For media queries, interview requests and access to high resolution pictures please contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632.
Notes to Editor:
Gcinamasiko Heritage Trust
The Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust·(GAHT) is founded on the success of its founding member, actress and story-teller, Gcina Mhlophe. The (GAHT) is committed to enhancing the culture of reading, providing writing and story-creation opportunities and promoting African writers and the heritage of story-telling within the education institutions (especially those who have poor access to resources) and in the public arena of South Africa through its Edutainment programme.
Atterbury
Over the past 21 years, Atterbury has become a leading name in property investment and development, and continues to be the driving force behind several landmark South African property developments. To date, it has developed more than 1.5 million squares metres of commercial, retail and residential properties. Newtown Junction is the first significant economic injection in the Johannesburg CBD in 40 years and demonstrates Atterbury’s commitment to urban regeneration through its transformation of the historic Newtown precinct into a vibrant mixed‐use shopping and leisure destination with prime office space.
