#MADIBA celebrated at the Education AFRICA 2nd International
Marimba & Steelpan Festival
The 2013 Marimba and Steelpan Festival now in its second year promises to continue celebrate the legacy of Madiba in a mass gathering to honour the father of our nation when hundreds of Marimba and Steelpan enthusiasts gather en mass for the annual international festival.
Following on from the successful inaugural International Marimba and Steelpan Festival in 2012 where over 1200 participants from all corners of Southern Africa as well as Germany and Seattle in the USA took part, the Education Africa 2nd International Marimba and Steelpan Festival is set to take South Africa by storm on the 3rd and 4th August 2013 at St. Benedict’s College in Bedfordview.
EDUCATION AFRICA in partnership with St. Benedict’s College in Bedfordview, the host of this prestigious event, is proud to announce the Patrons of this Festival: The High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago: H.E. Mr. Harry Partap and Andy Narell. The steelpan is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago and together with the marimba is a popular instrument amongst our youth in South Africa. Andy Narell, arguably one of the greatest solo steelpannist in the world, is not only one of our patrons but also one of our erudite adjudicators together with Alex Jacobowitz, classical marimba player extraordinaire and Pops Mohamed a living legend of South African music: – his impact is felt in various spheres of the country's output, from the traditional, through contemporary music, to the experimental.
“We are expecting over 1400 marimba and steelpan players from all nine provinces as well as Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. This is fast becoming the Gauteng musical event of the year! Having Pops Mohamed
This Festival is for absolutely everyone. Children from as young as 8 to adults in their prime compete in the competitions. Lovers of music will be entertained at the various marimba and steelpan competitions being held throughout the two fun-filled days. Small national photographic and art competitions in ALL age categories are also features of this family-orientated Festival as well as composers composition competitions.
Come and experience a truly International Music Festival with something for all ages. Besides the competitions at the Festival you will be entertained by a number of our national musical treasures as well as a number of international stars.
There will also be on offer a variety of workshops from djembe drumming, percussion and drumming workshops, steelpan and marimba workshops, Orff workshops, African dance workshops, lecture demonstrations as well as a number of short concerts.
All workshops and performances are open to the public, and included in the ticket price. There will be something for the entire family. There will also be a flea market and many food stalls. So you can shop till you drop while you are being entertained!
This international event, is a Proudly South African. This Festival attracts young and old, and includes physically and mentally challenged performers from not only the privileged communities of our country and abroad but also from rural areas and township schools.
For a mere R100 (pre-booked) or R120 (bought at the gate) Festival Pass you can come and be entertained for 2 days at the event. All entertainment, once you enter the gates is included in the Festival Pass.
· Watch marimba and steel bands perform
· Learn to play the marimba or steelpan
· Learn to dance a number of African traditional dances
· Attend concerts by the cream of South Africa’s crop.
· World premiere of Christo Jankowitz piece: Carnival Faces to be performed by Magda De Vries at the Festival
· Orff workshops geared for teachers, parents and children
· Djembe drumming workshops for all ages and all levels
· Lecture demonstrations on African Instruments
· Lecture demonstrations on the pre-school arts and culture programme: Adventures of Little Brown Monkey using the marimba as the instrument of tuition
For pre-booked tickets click on http://www.internationalmarimbafestival.org/register-spectator.asp and register as a spectator and take advantage of the pre-booked price of R100 for the Festival pass.
Alternatively buy your ticket at the gate for R120 for a week-end Festival pass or R70 per day.
The mass Marimba and Steelpan gathering takes place on 4 August at 12h30. Participants will be learning in 40 minutes a short tribute composition to Nelson Mandela written by Joan Lithgow
BREAKING NEWS
On Tuesday the 28th June EDUCATION AFRICA took the Aqua Vista marimba band from Aqua Vista School in East London to perform at various venues in New York. The Aqua Vista Marimba band won this trip at last year’s International Marimba and Steelpan Festival. In New York they played alongside the legendary diva, Roberta Flack! None of the children had ever travelled in an aeroplane let alone gone outside South Africa! This band has made a name for itself at various Festivals and eisteddfods in South Africa and is truly deserving of this amazing recognition of talent and dedication.
For more information please contact:
Joan Lithgow : 082 266 4229 (office hours only) or joan@educationafrica.org
Bongi: 011 685 7300 (office hours) or bongi@educationafrica.org
Website: www.internationalmarimbafestival.org
DATES: 3 and 4 AUGUST 2013
TIMES: SATURDAY: 9am – 8pm
SUNDAY: 8am – 5pm
VENUE: ST. BENEDICT’S COLLEGE: HARCUS ROAD BEDFORDVIEW
COSTS: R100 (PRE-BOOKED) FOR FESTIVAL PASS
R120 BOOKED AT GATE FOR FESTIVAL PASS
R70 FOR 1 DAY PASS
For media interviews, access to high-res pictures and any media enquiries, please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or call (011) 788 7632.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions of Behalf of Education Africa - www.internationalmarimbafestival.org
It was second time lucky on Saturday for jazz pianist Bokani Dyer, who won a SAMRO Overseas Scholarship during the final round of the competition.
Capetonian Dyer (27), the recipient of the 2011 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz, had first entered the SAMRO competition for keyboard players four years ago but had to be content with the runner-up prize in the Jazz/Popular Music category in 2009.
He has clearly honed and perfected his skills on the keys since, and beat out stiff competition from fellow finalist and Capetonian Nicholas Williams (27) during a hard-fought contest at the SABC’s M1 studio in Auckland Park on Saturday, 31 August 2013.
Dyer, the son of South African jazz luminary Steve Dyer, clinched a lucrative R170 000 scholarship to fund his postgraduate music studies at an international educational institution. Williams walked off with R40 000 plus a R5 000 cheque for the best performance of a prescribed work and the SAMRO/Fisher Award of R6 500.
In the Western Art Music section, Bloemfontein-born pianist Jan Hugo (22), who is currently based in Italy, blew the judges away with his virtuoso performance of four piano works and was declared the winner of the R170 000 scholarship in that category.
However, he faced a stiff challenge from the mesmerising musician Megan-Geoffrey Prins (also 22). The youngster from Riversdale in the Cape claimed the runner-up prize of R40 000 and cleaned up the subsidiary prizes, claiming the SAMRO/Flink Study Award of R28 000, the R6 500 SAMRO/Fisher Award and the R5 000 prize for the best performance of a prescribed work.
The musical duel in the two categories played out in front of an appreciative audience, who were constantly kept guessing about who the winners would be thanks to the high calibre of performance. The four finalists put on a captivating display of all-round excellence on the keys, while being put through their paces with a selection of works of their own choosing as well as prescribed compositions.
The four had made it to the finals of this prestigious annual competition after first being evaluated based on original recordings they had submitted to SAMRO, and then competing against 10 of their fellow pianists in the intermediate round, held at the same venue two days previously.
The evening’s entertainment opened with the Western Art Music category, with Hugo performing Mozart’sSonata No. 14 in C minor, KV. 457: I Molto Allegro, Rachmaninoff’s Etude Tableau Op. 39, No. 3 in F-sharp minor, Bartók’s Klänge der Nacht and Die Jagd from Im Freien, as well as the prescribed work, klavierstuk 2by the late South African composer and 1972 SAMRO scholarship winner Roelof Temmingh.
Prins followed with a performance of Haydn’s Sonata in E-flat major, Hob. 52: I. Allegro (Moderato), Chopin’s Étude No. 5 in E minor, Op. 25, Hamelin’s Étude No. 9 in F minor: La Danza from Twelve Études, and the Temmingh prescribed work.
Then it was the turn of the Jazz/Popular Music finalists, and Dyer kicked off with renditions of Bheki Mseleku’s Cycle, Thelonious Monk’s Trinkle, Tinkle, Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer’s Skylark and the prescribed piece, Carlo Mombelli’s Quick Study No. 2.
Williams opted to perform Charles Lloyd’s Forest Flower, H Schiller’s Grassy Park, Herbie Hancock’s Dolphin Dance and the Mombelli composition. Both candidates were accompanied by Victor Masondo on double bass and Rob Watson on drums.
Other prizes handed out on the night to promising candidates who had made it through to the intermediate round but not the finals, were the Jazz/Popular Music merit award of R10 000 that went to Durban’s Sibusiso Mashiloane (29) and the Western Art Music merit award of R10 000 that was given to Daniel Strahilevitz (24), who is originally from Johannesburg but it currently based in Israel. The SAMRO/De Waal study award of R7 000 was secured by jazz candidate Lifa Arosi (24), who hails from Johannesburg.
The SAMRO Overseas Scholarships have been awarded every year to deserving candidates since 1962. Presented by the SAMRO Foundation, which promotes music education and development in the country, these coveted awards have launched and elevated many a young musician’s career over the years.
They rotate on a four-yearly basis among different music disciplines: the 2013 awards rewarded keyboard players, while the 2014 scholarships will focus on composers, the 2015 competition on singers and the 2016 awards on instrumentalists.
For more information, email the SAMRO Foundation on samrofoundation@samro.org.za, visit www.samrofoundation.org.za, or follow @SAMROFoundation on Twitter or Facebook.
Note to editors:
The SAMRO Foundation
The SAMRO Foundation is a non-profit organisation that is the social investment and music education arm of SAMRO, the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), headed by Executive General Manager André le Roux.
The SAMRO Foundation aims to promote the national arts through sponsorships of various kinds, and to encourage excellence in the arts through education, facilitate economic participation in the creative economy, influence cultural and arts policy by means of research and advocacy, and promote living cultural heritage.
The Foundation houses the largest archive of original South African art music, as well as some 80 000 contemporary light music scores.
For interview requests, high resolution photos and media queries please contact Vanessa or Dees on media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of SAMRO Foundation.
First Wawela Music Awards give thumbs-up to composers
Original music was the big winner at the inaugural Wawela Music Awards on Friday night, at which the shining lights of South African songwriting were celebrated.
On Friday, 28 June 2013, a constellation of the country’s music stars gathered at the Sandton Convention Centre to pay tribute to an elite group of music composers and authors whose work has made a significant impact locally and abroad.
Presented by Gareth Cliff and Azania Mosaka, the event aptly illustrated the power wielded by creators of original, homegrown music as guests were entertained by the eclectic sounds of The Soil, Phuzekhemisi and Koos Kombuis, with one of the highlights of the evening being an electrifying duet between Dorothy Masuku and Nhlanhla Nciza from Mafikizolo.
The isiZulu word “Wawela” means “to go beyond”, and this SAMRO initiative was launched to give credit to local music creators who have achieved excellence in their craft across various platforms, including composing for film, radio and television.
The awards ceremony – the first of its kind in the country dedicated to honouring composers – saw the industry uniting to applaud the leading lights, trailblazers and unsung heroes of the South African music scene.
The Standard Awards were open to SAMRO members, who were required to submit entries accompanied by motivations. The major winner on the night was Kgomotso Mashigo, also known as jazzy-pop songstress Black Porcelain, who walked off with two awards: for Best Creative Album and Best Female Artist and Composer.
The sublime Lira was crowned Songwriter of the Year, while Tumi and the Volume were named South African Best Duo or Group. The multi-talented self-taught musician Daniel Baron took home the trophy for Best Male Artist and Composer.
Other winners were celebrated composer Philip Miller, whose score for the film Leaving Father was voted Best Soundtrack in a Feature Film or Theatric Documentary, and former Via Afrika vocalist René Veldsman, whose music for the Shoprite advert was judged Best Song or Composition in a Radio Commercial.
Composer and sound designer Gregory Reveret took home the Wawela Music Award for Best Song or Composition in a Television Production, for Loxion Kulca Roots, while Jeramy James Barnard bagged top honours for best song or composition in a television commercial for his work on the Bells advert.
The judging panel, comprising respected names drawn from the industry, also handed out a number of Special Awards on the night. Among these were Inaugural Recognition Awards that honoured the immense contribution made by South Africans whose groundbreaking work has enriched the reputation of the local music industry.
The five awards went to Los Angeles-based film and television score composer and production music library pioneer Alan Lazar, who made his name in South Africa as a member of Mango Groove; world-renowned writer, composer and producer Mbongeni Ngema, whose Sarafina! musical took Broadway by storm; keyboard player, composer, producer, and studio and record label owner Sizwe Zako, who has taken local gospel music to dizzying heights; Golden Globe-nominated film music composer Trevor Jones, who went from District Six to the bright lights of Hollywood thanks to his twin passions for cinema and music; and Lebo M, the celebrated singer, songwriter, composer and musician whose music for The Lion King scooped a Grammy.
Jones also scooped the Breaking Through the Borders Award. JB Arthur, a South African Music Award- and Emmy Award-winning composer, musical arranger and producer, was rewarded for his international success with the Statistical Award for Broadcast and Live performances.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to the evergreen Dorothy Masuku, a pioneering force in Southern African music who continues to perform, enchant and inspire. And Johnny Clegg, one of the country’s most beloved musical sons who has sown the seeds of South African music around the world while producing work of a consistently high calibre, received the Prolific Catalogue of Works Award.
THE 2013 WAWELA MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS
Best soundtrack in a feature film or theatric documentary:
Philip Miller for Leaving Father
Best song or composition in a television production:
Gregory Reveret for Loxion Kulca Roots
Best song or composition in a television commercial:
Jeramy James Barnard for the Bells commercial
Best song or composition in a radio commercial:
Rene Veldsman for the Shoprite commercial
Best creative album of the year:
Black Porcelain for Invincible Summer
Songwriter of the year:
LIRA
Best South African duo/group:
Tumi and the Volume
Best female artist & composer/co-composer:
Black Porcelain
Best male artist & composer/co-composer:
Daniel Baron
Statistical Award
JB Arthur
Wawela Inaugural Recognition Awards
- Alan Lazar
- Mbongeni Ngema
- Lebo M
- Trevor Jones
- Sizwe Zako
Breaking Through the Borders Award
Trevor Jones
Prolific Catalogue of Works Award
Johnny Clegg
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dorothy Masuku
Note to editors:
The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) is proud to be hosting the inaugural WAWELA Music Awards, the only awards ceremony in South Africa that rewards music creators for their outstanding international achievements. For further information on SAMRO, please visit www.samro.org.za
For more information on the WAWELA Music Awards:
Twitter: @WawelaMusic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WawelaMusicAwards
Tel: 011 712 8505
For media interviews, access to high-res pictures and any media enquiries, please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or call (011) 788 7632.
Africans for Africa Network set to change African narrative
Johannesburg South Africa: The just-launched Africans for Africa Network aims to change the prevailing narrative of Africa, from one driven by Western media to one that reflects the inherent strengths and empowerment of the continent, across a variety of different, African-centred platforms.
The Africans for Africa Network is the brainchild of Vanessa Perumal, a Johannesburg-based champion of citizen and media activism and founder of the JT Comms African Media Resource Centre of Excellence. Perumal is working in partnership with international relations strategist, Beth Arendse and youth and economic development expert, Nomsa Mazwai along with a number of other global African networks, including Mali’s renowned FestivalauDesert.
With this innovative movement being spearheaded through the JT Comms African Media Resource Centre of Excellence, the aim of Africans for Africa Network is to engage in a series of dialogues, set up exchanges between artists on the continent, create new markets for Africa’s cultural content and products and take ownership of the space in which Africa’s voice is expressed through music and culture in international arenas. The intervention of thought leaders in the cultural industries will play a key role in the movement.
“I am amazed by the groundswell of support this initiative has generated across Africa - from global A List musicians, to journalists and social entrepreneurs across the cultural industries,” comments Perumal. “This is indicative of the will of ordinary Africans to set the agenda for change on the continent and drive the production of authentic content which frames Africa in a positive light.
“Africa already has a framework of treaties and agreements that facilitate this type of dialogue across the continent,” adds Arendse. “What we sometimes lack is coordination in civil society to generate the substance the activation of these vehicles depends on. I believe the Africans for Africa Network will be instrumental in providing content and programming for such instruments as the African Charter for Cultural Renaissance and a myriad of bilateral activations in Africa.”
A partnership with Mali’s famed Festival of the Desert, now exiled due to instability in the region, was the catalyst to realise the need for a pan African network which can facilitate the types of dialogues which need to be held among Africans to drive common agendas for growth, change and development.
This partnership has anchored the inauguration of the Africans for Africa Network, with Perumal, Arendse and Mazwai meeting with the Festival of the Desert’s executive team in Paris in July for a strategic planning session. Arising out of this, a number of Africans for Africa Network’s first programmes will include exchanges with artists from the Sahel region in North Africa, with South African musicians and artists.
Africans for Africa Network’s youth coordinator, social entrepreneur and SAMA award-winning performer, Nomsa Mazwai believes that the initiative will provide a vehicle for both youth and economic development in the cultural industries.
“We must recognise that the strength of the world’s economy is shifting to the south, with emerging economies like Brazil and India joining the economies of China to drive global economic agendas. The future markets for the cultural industries are in Africa, and we need to position ourselves as Africans to take ownership of this space and empower ourselves economically in it.”
Manny Ansar, Director of the Festival of the Desert agrees.
“Our Festival, although quite small, is in the top three festivals in Africa. This shows how powerful creative platforms are in shaping both the human rights and citizen activism agendas in Africa. Converting these platforms to sustainable markets for Africa’s creative voices which cross Africa and the world is the key challenge we must address as a matter of urgency. The Africans for Africa Network provides this impetus.”
Formally announcing the Africans for Africa Network’s agenda this week, Perumal outlined a programme which includes using cultural dialogue as a way of changing the African narrative through partnerships with continental projects on global stages.
Africans for Africa Network will focus on an annual pan African Dialogue, the first of which is targeted to take place in Timbuktu in Mali alongside the projected return of the Festival of the Desert to its home in Mali in 2014. The Dialogue will feature thought leaders from Africa and the developing world, representing economic, social, media and youth tracks within the context of the cultural industries. Africans For Africa Network will also host a Global Concert for Peace, featuring A-List African and international artists, performing for an international audience.
Ongoing exchanges, topic specific dialogues and the creation of platforms for African artists within and outside the continent will take place throughout the year. This wil be effected through a network of partnerships with various groups and organisations.
Phase one of the Africans for Africa Network’s programme is to be anchored by Mali’s Festival of the Desert’s global call to action to anchor the banned and exiled Festival through varying interventions. These include securing performance spaces in existing festivals, assisting with profiling the efforts of the global call to action and supporting the Timbuktu return home concert which is expected to take place in January 2014.
The first of the Africans for Africa Network’s pan African exchanges will be hosted by the Emthonjeni Arts Residency programme, based in Hamburg in the Eastern Cape. A group of musicians from the Sahel region in North Africa will spend a week at the Emthonjeni facility with local South African musicians (3 – 16 December 2013). The collaboration will include workshops, co-productions, performances, empowerment of young artists and an inaugural dialogue for young Africans, which will be podcast to several regions of the continent.
“Africans for Africa Network is a bold initiative but one that is long overdue,” concludes Perumal. “However, we are positive that it can play a role in radically changing the African narrative.”
Should you wish to support the Africans for Africa network and be part of a movement for changing the African narrative and for media interviews with the organisers and more information please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632 or Festival au Desert admin@festival-au-desert.org
Issued on behalf of the Festival au Desert - www.festival-au-desert.org and JT Communication Solutions African Media Resource Centre of Excellence - www.jtcomms.co.za
One of South Africa’s freshest acts, Luanga Choba’s distinctive sound and rich, earthy melodies set her apart and transport her audiences on a unique musical journey. Discover this gem for yourself at The Bassline Jazz Club, Newtown on Saturday 14 September 2013. Starting at 7pm the event will see the premier of Luanga’s brand new music video; Leave me and a live band performance of her other songs.
Luanga entered the music scene in 2012 and in under a year she has established her own label Xhimvani Records and penned and released her 14 track album Luanga Who? launched earlier this year. Dubbing her music "Gonzo Soul", drawn from Bill Cardoso's “Gonzo journalism” description of Hunter S Thompson's unconventional, subjective kind of reportage.
“I was inspired to name my genre because my producers could not tell me what my genre was. They could tell me what it isn't or what it's close to but not what it is. When challenged on what my music was, I did a little research into it and decided that Gonzo Soul fitted best. I couldn't tell you what soul is, but I know soul when I hear soul and I hear it in my music.”
Luanga’s musical journey is an unusual one – passion driven and full of interesting turns. From a very early age her musical soul was insistent on being heard. Luanga recalls her musical explorations, a nonsense song sampled to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and later a girl group called Charisma which stole the audience’s hearts and progressed to the semi-finals of the Shell Road to Fame on Luanga’s own composition Men Are Nothing but Trouble. A year later she won the composition category with the same song.
However she chose to follow a career in medicine, leaving her music behind. She graduated with a medical degree from the University of Cape Town in 1999 and went on to practice medicine in the United Kingdom. Yet something nagged at her. “I felt like I was always looking for someone or something,” says Luanga.
Despite uncertainty in the industry and the difficulties associated with forging a career in music, Luanga could no longer ignore her passion and the songs that were welling up in her.
“You don’t really have a choice, but to give into your passion, otherwise you will find yourself always asking questions,” she says.
Deeply connected to her African roots Luanga’s songwriting process is organic and she allows the music to flow through her to shape into song – a pure reflection of self. Her cell phone has become her best friend, on hand to record a song whenever it pops into her head. Fear of commercialising this process and losing her authenticity drove her decision to establish her own record label.
"Luanga Choba's music is fresh and daring in its originality. She is definitely not a follower!" says SAfm’s Richard Nwamba.
Luanga performs in various languages, including her mother tongue Setswana which is relatively poorly represented in the industry. She goes to great lengths to use Setswana idioms and proverbs drawing her research from Setswana radio stations, she has found that her appreciation for the language has surged.
Luanga has recently signed agreements with online distributor and supplier Africori (www.africori.com) making her music digitally available for downloading, as well as digital streaming service Simfy (www.simfyafrica.com) a monthly subscription of R60 gives listeners access to a multitude of music and allowing them to legally download their favourite Luanga Choba tracks. Luanga Who? is now available on Kalahari.net.
Tickets are available at the door and cost R100 or R180 which includes a copy of Luanga Who?
For Interview requests and access to high resolution pictures contact JT Communication Solutions on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Luanga Choba
Medical graduate’s music is a tonic for the ears
Having ditched medicine to follow her musical dream, singer-songwriter Luanga Choba is now releasing her debut album in the genre she dubs “gonzo soul”.
This go-getting singing doctor will be launching her first CD, Luanga Who?, at 6pm on Tuesday, 11 June 2013 at the House of Baobab in the Maboneng Precinct, in downtown Johannesburg.
Luanga – the stage name of University of Cape Town medical graduate Sibongile Mhlongo –penned all 14 tracks on the album, released under her own label, Xhimvwani Records and Publishing. She says she coined the term “gonzo soul” for her world-music inflected sound after failing to find a “box” for her particular genre.
“I’m not musically educated and don’t understand genre – and I think I speak for most composers when I say genre is a prison. It’s a stifling of creativity. So after a good bit of research, the word ‘gonzo’ felt just right.” Of course, the term originated as a description for the writing of maverick journalist Hunter S Thompson, who used subjective first-person narratives, emotions and experiences in his writing and shunned conventional objective reportage.
South African born and bred, but with Zambian ancestry, the songbird explains that “luanga” means “this charm it is yours” in Zambia’s Chikunda language. “Charm as in a traditional doctor’s charm to bring you wellbeing or healing, or ward off evil spirits,” she explains.
She hopes that combining her natural talent for music with her medical background will allow her to explore the healing magic of music and touch the lives of many.
Half of the songs on the album were written in her mother tongue, Setswana, which she believes is very poorly represented in the South African music landscape. The remainder are English songs with smatterings of vernacular, and one track is in Nguni. They range from “break-up” songs to stirring odes to mother earth.
The road towards fulfilling her musical dream has been a long and winding one for Luanga Choba, who showed early musical promise but opted to make a detour into practising medicine – the so-called “back-up plan” that many aspiring artists are urged to have – before finally acknowledging where her heart lay.
Born in the small Kimberley village of Sobantu, Luanga always maintained a passion for music and the art of expression through song. Her first venture into music was when she was voted runner-up for her songwriting in the hugely popular Shell Road to Fame talent show in the early 1990s.
After a few years of performing solo, she went on to manage, choreograph and write songs for the girl group Charisma, which progressed to the semi-finals of the Shell Road to Fame thanks to Luanga’s catchy composition Men Are Nothing but Trouble – and it was this song that led her to win the competition herself the following year.
In spite of these early fruitful forays into the music business, Luanga decided to pursue a career in another vocation: medicine. Her musical aspirations were put on hold while she studied and graduated with a medical degree from the University of Cape Town in 1999. She practised medicine in the United Kingdom for a few years, but the soul of her beloved South Africa and her burning desire to write songs and sing from the heart maintained a hold on Luanga.
It was for this reason that in late 2012, Luanga finally stepped away from her profession to redirect her focus exclusively on creating her album and performing full time. “Medicine is a rewarding privilege to practise, but it was never my first love,” explains Luanga. “It was always music that flowed through me most naturally.”
Luanga counts local legends like the late Anneline Malebo, Brenda Fassie and Busi Mhlongo as powerful sources of musical inspiration. While deeply connected to her roots as an African woman, Luanga’s music also reflects elements of earthy international artists like Tracy Chapman and India.Arie.
With her distinctive sound and songs reflective of her free spirit, energy and eclectic musical sensibility, Luanga Choba promises to be one of the freshest acts to hit South African entertainment landscape this year. “Music is like breathing to me and my purest reflection of self,” says Luanga. “I look forward to sharing the melodies, memories and manifestation of who I am as an authentic yet cosmopolitan African woman once this album is released.”
For RSVP, Interview requests and access to high resolution pictures contact
JT Communication Solutions on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Luanga Choba
JOHANNESBURG - The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), Reverend Abe Sibiya, announced today that the organisation's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Nicholas Motsatse, will be stepping down from his role at the end of June this year. He will be replaced by the current Deputy CEO, Mr. Sipho Dlamini.
In announcing the changes Sibiya stated that Motsatse had informed him of his intention to step down during the latter part of last year. He said: "It is with a mixture of sadness and loss, yet again, a sense of appreciation for one of our great leaders who has decided over a considerable period of time to explore much of what life has to offer while there is sunshine. I therefore wish to announce to you that Mr Motsatse, our CEO and a Chairperson’s dream, has after much thought and discussion with his family reached the decision to bid SAMRO farewell." Sibiya also stated that Motsatse's decision was personal and had nothing to do with the changes in Chairmanship or any other matter related to SAMRO.
Commenting on his decision to step down, Motsatse said that he had given the matter a great deal of thought and it was not a decision taken lightly. 'I have had the privilege of working with a very competent and supportive Board and I could not ask for any better. My time at SAMRO will always be the highlight of my career as a manager and a leader. I however believe that the time is right for a new leadership to take this organisation to greater heights," he said.
The incoming CEO, Sipho Dlamini, joined SAMRO at the beginning of 2012 as GM: Marketing. He was promoted to the position of Deputy CEO at the beginning of 2013 to give him an opportunity to work closely with Motsatse. Commenting on his appointment Sibiya states: "Mr Dlamini is his own man, a thinker, an executive full of promise, articulate, precise and very well versed in this industry." He elaborated: "If we are to manage change well, then we all must believe in the wisdom of preparation and succession. SAMRO is a complicated organisation and so are its processes, relationships locally and internationally. It begs and calls for a man or woman who can fill the great shoes of previous SAMRO CEO’s with distinction as is the expected tradition."
"I am deeply honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead team SAMRO at this important juncture in its development. Having just passed the half a century mark as an organisation, I am fully aware of the challenges but also the opportunities lying ahead of SAMRO. It is therefore with a sense of excitement and anticipation that I accept this very important responsibility," said Dlamini.
The rapidly changing business environment, especially for the copyright and music industries, will mean that the new pair of Sibiya and Dlamini will be critical in steering the organisation through some major developments. Fortunately, the track records of both these gentlemen in the music industry and the global business environment will stand them in good stead.
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) is a leading regional copyright administration business, dealing primarily with the administration of music composers’ and authors’ Performing Rights.
SAMRO was established in 1961 under the stewardship of Dr Gideon Roos Senior, to protect the intellectual property of composers and authors and to ensure that their creative output is adequately accredited and compensated both locally and internationally.
Today, SAMRO has grown into an internationally recognised collecting administration business representing more than 12 000 music creators. It has built up a solid reputation as the primary representative of music Performing Rights in Southern Africa, and is well respected among its global peers as a leading music rights society.
SAMRO Contact Details:
Switchboard: +27 11 712 8000
Fax: +27 (0) 86 682 0270
0800 247 247 (toll-free from Telkom landlines and for 8ta subscribers)
Email: 24-7@samro.org.za
Online:
Facebook: SAMROSouthAfrica
Twitter: @SAMROMusic
Website: www.samro.org.za
Issued by: JT Communication Solutions On Behalf of The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO)
For media enquiries contact Vanessa on (011)7887632 / 0832681446 or vanessa@jtcomms.co.za
Press release 11 April 2013
Bands square off for a shot at taking Europe by storm
Twelve of South Africa’s hottest music acts will vie for the chance to perform at Spain’s premier festivals during the Vis-à-Vis battle of the bands competition, taking place in Joburg from 11 to 13 April 2013.
This groundbreaking Spain-South Africa music development initiative is the brainchild of Spanish institution Casa África, in co-operation with the Spanish Embassy in South Africa and the SAMRO Foundation.
After the dozen finalists strut their funky stuff over three nights in Joburg, two musicians or bands will be chosen to take part in an international concert tour during July and August 2013.
The lucky winners will perform at some of the hottest world music festivals that make Spain a leading tourist destination for open-air concerts during the European summer. The Johannesburg Vis-à-Vis contest is therefore a golden opportunity for two outstanding local acts with global appeal to step up, show their musical mettle, raise their international profile and make a splash on the lucrative overseas live music circuit.
After a nationwide call for submissions for the Johannesburg Vis-à-Vis contest, the selection process has been completed and the final line-up for the three free gigs is as follows:
• Thursday, 11 April 2013 at Rumours Lounge in Weltevreden Park: Concord, D-Skwad, Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness and Bongeziwe Mabandla
• Friday, 12 April 2013 at Rumours Lounge: Black Light Panda, Young Nations, L8 Antique and Motèl Mari
• Saturday, 13 April 2013 at King Kong in Troyeville: TouchWood, Shabalala Rhythm, Zuko and The Brother Moves On
The local leg of the Vis-à-Vis initiative marks the latest meeting of minds between Spanish music festival producers and African musicians. Casa África has already given music acts from Senegal, Ethiopia and Cape Verde the opportunity to dazzle in the international spotlight.
For the Joburg contest, emerging and established bands and artists were asked to upload samples of their music via the website, after which the 88 entries were whittled down to 12 bands who will perform live in front of audiences and the Spanish festival representatives this week.
The producers are responsible for some of Spain’s leading summer music festivals – many of which already have a proud tradition of showcasing world-music acts from Africa and South Africa – such as Festival Etnosur (Alcalá La Real, Jaén, Andalusia), Festival La Mar de Músicas (Cartagena), Festival Pirineos Sur (Sállent de Gallego, Huesca), Festival Internacional Canarias Jazz & Mas Heineken (Canary Islands), Festival Mumes (Tenerife, Canary Islands), Festival África Vive (Madrid) and Imagina Funk Festival (Sierra Mágina, Torres, Jaen).
Entry to the Joburg gigs is free, but get there early to secure your spot. The battle of the bands starts at 8pm every night; refreshments are on sale at the venues. Rumours Lounge is situated at Shop 20, Palm Court, in Cornelius Street, Weltevreden Park, while King Kong can be found at 6 Verwey Street in Troyeville.
For more information, email info@johannesburgvisavis.com or Squire emergingsounds@mweb.co.za, or visit www.johannesburgvisavis.com.
- Ends -
Listings info:
Event: Johannesburg Vis a Vis - Band Contest and Business Meeting
Locations: Rumours Lounge and King Kong
Dates: Thursday 11 and Friday 12 April (Rumours) and Friday 13 (King Kong)
Times: 8pm to 11.30pm
Price: Free
More Info: www.johannesburgvisavis.com
Media Contact
Ignacio Priego, British Council, Ignacio.priego@britishcouncil.org, +27 (0) 72 952 4396
Media enquiries: For interview requests, access to press conference, photos and media queries please contact Vanessa or Dees on media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of SAMRO Foundation - www.samrofoundation.org.za
Call for Entries - SAMRO Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition
25 years of music excellence celebrated
The prestigious SAMRO Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition is inviting entries from music students at junior level. Now in its third year, the project builds on the strong foundation laid by the SA Society of Music Teachers (SASMT) 25 years ago when fledgling musicians competed for the first time on a national basis.
A special incentive created four years ago for developmental groups from disadvantaged communities, enables these candidates to compete on equal terms with participants from other communities.
To share in celebrating the silver jubilee, alumni, adjudicators, participants, teachers as well as parents and accompanists of the competition since 1989 are also kindly requested to establish contact by registering and sharing highlights of their memories on the site: www.samrohubertvanderspuy.wordpress.com
The closing date for this year’s competition is Friday, 19 April 2013. Auditions in all the main centres will commence at the beginning of June. About 60 candidates will eventually be selected to compete over four rounds at the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium in Parow, Cape Town, from 16 to 20 September. Medals, prize-money totalling more than R80 000 and other attractive prizes are at stake.
Candidates will compete in four categories: Piano, Strings, Woodwind & Brass Instruments, and Other Instruments (percussion, recorder, classical guitar and harp), with a sub-category for developmental groups. The only condition is that candidates must still be 13 (14 for developmental groups) at the time of the competition.
Entry forms are available at http://samrohubertvanderspuy.wordpress.com/
According to Hilda Boonzaaier, president of the SASMT: Tygerberg, the competition has a broad appeal amongst applicants from diverse communities and instrumentalists across the music spectrum.
"In addition to offering participants the chance to distinguish themselves within the ambit of their own sections, the structure also facilitates interaction and contact between students, teachers and parents from divergent communities, from all parts of South Africa."
André le Roux, Managing Director of the SAMRO Foundation, said that the exceptional performances he witnessed at the past two competitions were awesome and inspiring. “One can hardly imagine having such a platform of excellence existing at primary school level. We have also seen many candidates, the likes of Jacques-Pierre Malan, Avigail Bushakevitz and Vicente Espi, who excelled in this competition being highly successful in our SAMRO Overseas Scholarships competition and even winning the coveted main scholarship. SAMRO Foundation feels privileged to be part of this trajectory of excellence in music.”
He added that SAMRO committed, through the SAMRO Foundation, to support projects of excellence, at many levels. The projects include the Gauteng and Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festivals for high school students, the SAMRO Music Bursaries at tertiary level and finally, the pinnacle of its flagship projects, the SAMRO Overseas Scholarships competitions.
Enquiries can be directed to Kathleen du Plessis (between 10:00 and 18:00) at 021 939 9105, or in writing to clay.kathleen@gmail.com, or Hilda Boonzaaier (20:00 – 21:00) at 021 945 3861.
Notes:
The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) came on board as the main sponsor in 2011 when the original sponsor, Sanlam, withdrew.
The competition honours Prof. Hubert van der Spuy, founder of the competition in 1989, for his enormous contribution to music development in South Africa, inter alia at the universities of Durban-Westville and Western Cape, the SASMT and as Professor Emeritus of Music at Unisa.
The original competition was launched by the SASMT’s Tygerberg Branch in 1989. It provides a platform for promising young musicians to participate at national level, to gain valuable experience, to learn from each other and to be identified as promising musicians at an early stage. It has already put a number of young musicians on the road to successful music careers and even international acclaim.
The organisers hope to assemble some of these acclaimed musicians to perform at a concert in celebration of the competitions 25th anniversary during the competition week. Further information regarding this concert will be made available closer to the event.
Media Enquiries
SAMRO Foundation
Administrator
Naseema Yusuf
011 712 8417
Or
For interview requests, high resolution photos and media queries please contact Vanessa or Dee’s on media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of SAMRO Foundation.
Red Igloo’s online library makes music sourcing a breeze
Red Igloo Music has rolled out a new cloud-based music distribution system that is poised to revolutionise the local production music landscape.
The Johannesburg-based music distributor specialises in production music – commonly known as “library” music – which is widely used by broadcasters, advertising agencies, corporates and other content-producing entities requiring music with rights that have already been cleared in advance.
CEO Fred Woods was extremely upbeat as he pointed out some of the features of this major new online production music resource, the scale of which has never before been seen in South Africa: “Offering around 140 catalogues and more than 250 000 tracks, this new development further cements Red Igloo’s position as the leading supplier of production music on the African continent,” he said.
“Our site now offers local clients the ability to instantly search, audition and download tracks in the format of their choice, and all tracks are comprehensively encoded with metadata to simplify the usage tracking and cue sheet process.”
Woods continued: “Every track that we supply is covered by existing blanket licence agreements that are in place between the broadcasters, NORM [the National Organisation for the Reproduction Rights in Music in Southern Africa] and SAMRO [the Southern African Music Rights Organisation]. This means that obtaining clearance for the use of the music is also extremely painless, as it is already pre-cleared and licensed.
“We’re offering the highest quality music, covering every conceivable genre, and for the first time it’s all available from a single source.”
The new cloud-based system will make it far simpler and more convenient for professional production entities to search for the “mood” music that meets their requirements – a process that can be time-consuming, expensive and even tedious. This is about to change thanks to the sheer scale of Red Igloo’s new online facility, the diversity of its music offering and its ease of access, for which there is no charge.
Said Woods: “Our search engine is quick, efficient and extremely user friendly. Users can identify tracks that they like, create a playlist of their own if they wish, send this playlist to other people involved (including the client), and then have the music immediately ready to go once they're in final mix.”
He added that the variety of music on offer covers genres ranging from sound design elements and the classics to the latest dance trends from around the globe. Labels represented include massive catalogues such as Warner Chappell and AX’s, as well as niche brands such as Altitude and Hypekit.
The Red Igloo search facility can be found at www.redigloomusic.com.
For more information, visit www.redigloomusic.com. For interviews and media queries please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Red Igloo Music
SA music comes up trumps at Music Exchange 2013
South African music is entering an exciting era of opportunity and progress as new markets open up for homegrown sounds. This was one of the key messages emerging from the 2013 Music Exchange Conference, which saw industry moguls and musicians congregating at the iconic Cape Town City Hall to talk about the serious business of music.
For three days, from 21 to 23 March 2013, the City Hall was abuzz with the sound of music – with a full programme of workshops and panel discussions on making it, marketing it, getting it heard on various platforms and ensuring that it moves with the times.
This independent music conference, now in its third year, attracted hundreds of experts and delegates from across the music spectrum – from composers and publishers to record company executives and media – to share knowledge and ideas, network, perform live showcases and identify opportunities to boost South African music locally, regionally and abroad.
Among the high-profile music creators spotted at the conference were Vicky Sampson, Mynie Grové, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, RJ Benjamin, Chad Saaiman, Jimmy Nevis, Mark Haze, Dub Masta China and Arno Carstens, as well as industry heavyweights such as Universal Music A&R consultant Benjy Mudie, Cape Town Jazz festival founder Rashid Lombard and Rolling Stone SA editor-in-chief Miles Keylock.
The international speakers on the programme included acclaimed house music producer and remixer Charles Webster (UK), music promoter Doug Davenport (USA) and Africori CEO Yoel Kenan (France).
One of the conference’s undisputed highlights was the keynote address by Trevor Jones, moderated by Universal Records managing director Randall Abrahams. Now based in the UK, Jones was born in District Six and is considered one of the top five film score composers in the world, with several Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations as well two ASCAP Awards in the bag.
Jones has made an indelible mark on the global entertainment industry, scoring international blockbusters such as Notting Hill, The Last of the Mohicans, Mississippi Burning and The Mighty and working with the likes of U2, Sting, David Bowie, Sinead O’Connor, Britney Spears, Elvis Costello and Charlotte Church.
Jones became overcome with emotion after being given a standing ovation by delegates, who warmly welcomed him back home.
During his inspirational talk, he spoke about the importance of music education and his desire to give something back to South African music industry: “Key to South Africa’s success is hard work and building a positive perception of our country and us a nation,” he said.
Award-winning local singer, songwriter and guitarist Arno Carstens, who spoke at the conference about the song that made him famous, said it was an honour to be part of Music Exchange and it was encouraging and inspiring to see so many enthusiastic people attend and share their experiences and knowledge.
Joining Carstens on the stellar line-up of artists speaking about the song that made them famous, Vicky Sampson acknowledged songwriter Alan Lazar (formerly of Mango Groove, and now a successful composer based in Los Angeles), who wrote African Dream. “I am grateful that Alan gave me the song and did not pass me up for Mango Groove’s Claire Johnston,” Sampson quipped. She spent every minute of the conference absorbing and learning, as well as reconnecting with her mentor Benjy Mudie and her old friend RJ Benjamin.
Versatile singer, composer and teacher Benjamin, who has been invited to be a vocal coach for the upcoming season of Idols and will be composing SABC2’s new signature tune, continuously urged delegates to make use of social media platforms to reach new audiences. Benjamin stood out as one of the speakers to whom delegates were drawn and his presentations proved to be extremely popular.
After the weekend’s proceedings wrapped up, local music legend Hotstix tweeted: “What a conference; what great speakers and delegates – wow!”
Added a delighted Music Exchange founder and board member, Martin Myers: “We have been completely overwhelmed by the positive feedback we’ve received, and the animated conversations on social media platforms about the success of Music Exchange.
“Recording and performing artists, as well as composers and other industry players, have complimented the conference for being relevant, engaging and thought-provoking. There was a strong focus on the business side of music, which elevated this event above a mere talk shop: they left with useful, practical information that will undoubtedly be of immense value in their various professional ventures.”
Visit www.musicexchange.co.za to find out more about next year’s Music Exchange conference, or follow @musicexchange on Twitter.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Music Exchange - www.musicexchange.co.za
Stage is set for the first SAMRO Wawela Music Awards
SAMRO is raising the curtain on the first annual Wawela Music Awards, putting the best of South Africa’s global breakthrough acts on show.
Wawela is a Zulu word that means “go beyond”, and no phrase could be more fitting for the inaugural Wawela Music Awards, proudly brought to you by SAMRO, which celebrate South African music that has done just that: gone beyond our borders and put our tunes on the international agenda.
There’s no doubt SA music is on a mission. Never before have we had so many of our own composers, songwriters and performers making their mark as loud and proud South African music ambassadors all over the world. SAMRO believes it’s time these musicians are rewarded with as much applause from South Africa as they receive internationally.
The first annual Wawela Music Awards ceremony will take place in Johannesburg on Friday, 28 June 2013. These awards are inspired by South African music creators’ accomplishments on the international stage. They will also pay homage to the legends of local music who have paved the way to this point through their extraordinary lifetime achievements.
So how does it work? The awards are open to SAMRO members only, and only those who have had their works featured outside the borders of South Africa for the period 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011. Composers will be selected across a range of genres, styles and categories. The judging panel will also hand out a number of special awards.
The winners of the inaugural Wawela Music Awards will be those musicians who have truly “gone beyond” – whose music has broken through and made an impact internationally. Certain categories will be judged on statistical performance, based on sales and radio play in international markets, while other awards will be decided on merit by a panel of respected and experienced industry professionals.
Do you fit the bill? Has your music flown the SA flag internationally? SAMRO members who would like to submit their entries for the Wawela Music Awards should visit www.wawelamusicawards.co.za and register. Entry is free, but all entrants must be available to attend the awards, if nominated.
As the excitement ramps up, SAMRO will be releasing more details about the event, the performing acts, nominees and finalists.
The awards are a gesture from SAMRO to thank the country’s creative trailblazers who have flown the South African music flag high abroad and have made us proud of our vibrant, diverse and ever-evolving musical heritage.
Go beyond, with the Wawela Music Awards: Internationally embraced, locally awarded!
Note to editors:
The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) is proud to be hosting the inaugural Wawela Music Awards, the only awards ceremony in South Africa that rewards music creators for their outstanding achievements in the international arena. For further information on SAMRO, please visit www.samro.org.za
Contact SAMRO:
Email: info@wawela.co.za
Twitter : @WawelaMusic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WawelaMusicAwards
Tel: 011 712 - 8505
For media interviews, access to high res pictures and any media enquiries please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or call (011) 788 7632 or 083 954 6133.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions of Behalf of SAMRO www.samro.org.za
An innovative collaboration between several partners has resulted in the development of a prototype car set to make driving more accessible for disabled persons in South Africa. A partnership between the NGO Nicky’s Drive, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the Disabled People Inclusion Institute (DPII) has resulted in the first ever locally engineered prototype car using joy stick engineering.
The prototype will be unveiled at the Disability Drive Expo in Cape Town on 7 March, along with a racing car that is also being developed by the same teams. This racing car will be driven and maintained by disabled persons and is a combined project of Disabled People Inclusion Institute and CPUT.
Nicky Abdinor, a Clinical Physiologist, born without arms and with shortened legs, runs an NGO, Nicky’s Drive which raise funds for car adaptations for people with disabilities in South Africa. She herself drives a specially adapted vehicle which uses joystick steering technology that was developed in the UK. The vehicle she currently uses was donated to her in 2001.
Nicky was the inspiration behind the pioneering project between Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Nicky’s Drive. She has been the “guinea pig,” using her experience and knowledge of driving with joystick steering to guide the design and development of a new vehicle being adapted for research and development purposes right here in South Africa.
The CPUT Design and Engineering Departments, headed by Professor Oscar Philander and world-renowned design and universal access consultant, Professor Mugendi M’Rithaa, are currently completing the prototype/simulator vehicle to be unveiled at the Disability Drive Expo.
The launch of the prototype at the Disability Drive Expo will include a car museum in which adapted vehicles from drivers with various disabilities will be on display. Volkswagen is a partner of the Expo and has partly sponsored a VW Caddy for the Project to be adapted for Nicky Abdinor, which will also be on display along with the adapted prototype simulator vehicle.
The launch will also feature expert contributions by Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga:Vice-chancellor, CPUT, Minister Dr Blade Nzimande: Minister of Higher Education and Training, Deputy Minister: Hendrietta Ipeleng Bongopana-Zulu : Women, Children and People with Disabilities and Prof Sharon Shields and Prof Dayle Savage from Vanderbilt University, USA.
Nicky Abdinor: Founder and Chairperson for Nicky’s Drive will demonstrate the technology following the unveiling of the prototype and simulator for the collaborative car project.
The team maintains that by engineering this technology in South Africa, a world of affordable and accessible driving opportunities will open up for disabled persons in South Africa. In addition, spin off opportunities related to the research and development and eventually production and roll out of the technology will create jobs for disabled persons.
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Note to the Editors:
FACT SHEET: DISABILITY DRIVE EXPO / LAUNCH OF NEW PROTOTYPE SOUTH AFRICAN TECHNOLOGY FOR CARS FOR THE DISABLED
When & where is the Disability Drive Expo?
7 March 2013, at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology Bellville Campus from 08H30 – 13h00
What is being launched?
The CPUT Design and Engineering Departments (headed by Professor Oscar Philander and world-renowned design and universal access consultant, Professor Mugendi M’Rithaa) will unveil the prototype/simulator vehicle using joy stick technology for disabled drivers.
A racing car, to be driven and maintained by disabled persons. It is a combined project of DPII and CPUT.
Who is Disabled people Inclusion Institute (DPII)
Disabled People Inclusion Institute is an organization with a vision of creating a world class synchronous disability sector.
It has a 10 year plan to improve access and participation of people with disabilities in every aspect of community life.
It challenges all levels of government, business and communities to work together to make this vision a reality.
The vision is underpinned by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. DPII appreciates that the vision of inclusive and enabling communities is a shared responsibility of all.
Partners of the Expo and who will be at the Expo
Nicky’s Drive
CPUT
Vanderbilt University, T/N, USA,
Volkswagen SA
USA Embassy of CT
Usebenza at Stellenbosch University
Ori Premium
Who is Nicky’s Drive?
NGO advocating for driving adaptations and adapted vehicles for disabled persons in South Africa.
Partner and inspiration behind the joy stick engineered prototype to be launched by CPUT / DPII.
Media Spokesperson/s:
Neville Kleinhans - Director DPII / Professor Mugendi M’Rithaa – Universal Access Consultant, CPUT
Tel: (021) 511 8048
For the programme of the day, media interviews and enquiries or access to high resolution pictures please contact Dee’s on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Disabled people Inclusion Institute (DPII)
ACDC Film Club Project
The Afrika Culture and Development Club (ACDC) Film Club Project celebrates the power and possibility of film.
The Afrika Culture and Development Club (ACDC) Film Club Project will celebrate its coming of age and the culmination of a successful year long partnership with Association of Danish Film Clubs for Children and Young People (DaBUF) this weekend, Saturday 9 February 2013. With its vision of using the power of film and the arts to develop the youth of South Africa, achieve social cohesion and facilitate real empowerment, the ACDC Film Club’s future could not be brighter.
The vision of Benjy Francis, ACDC Film Club Project was launched in 2012, in partnership with the Association of Danish Film Clubs for Children and Young People (DaBUF). The one year partnership gave the club a platform to launch the project and linear model on which to build their own development model. During the year seven film clubs were launched in Dobsonville, Ivory Park, Alexandra, Westclare, Protea Glen, Evaton and Hillbrow.
For a child to imagine the possibilities available to them and then go on to achieve their full potential, they have to begin with a fertile knowledge of the world. For many of South Africa’s children caught in the cycle of poverty, this is impossible. With its incredible depth of available films, both South African and International, the ACDC Film Club opens the doors of the imagination, they offer, in the flicker of the screen, previously unknown worlds, opportunities and possibilities.
More than this, the screenings themselves, three so far, have become a community point, a place where people can connect and grow. Whether it’s the young man who leaves home early so as not to miss a moment of the screening or the single mother who packs a lunch, spends a day with her child at the film club and then afterwards uses the films as a point of conversation or the film club’s youth leaders who, with every screening, are learning how to grow and develop their clubs, there is something to celebrate.
The ACDC Film Project has already grown beyond the screening of films. Recognising the need for youngsters to have a greater exposure to the full spectrum of the arts, the film project now includes interactive art based activities during the day’s events. The Summer Season saw first of these with an activity based on self image, the results were immediate and tangible
The ACDC’s model advocates a holistic and integrated approach to development. As such it needs many more participants and the support of social, community and business partners in the process. To grow it needs a commitment to action from communities and particularly schools, irrespective of location.
“This is how we get talking about building and educating a nation with dialogue around critical social development and social cohesion issues; like teenage pregnancy in schools, bullying, drugs, sex education or child and gender rights and not hiding them from view and analysis,” says ACDC Film Clubs Programme Director Benjy Francis.
On Saturday 9 February members of the seven established film clubs, the community, educators, media and the social, government and corporate participants will join together to celebrate the conclusion of South African/Danish partnership, affirm the project’s successes and look to the future of the Film Club.
The event will start at 10h00 and will feature a retrospective exhibition of the year long programme, a film illustrating the nature and relationship of film, the arts and development, as well a presentation on the genesis of the ACDC Film Club Project and the practical challenges of leading communities and youth, in particular, into the terrain of social and youth development.
Contact ACDC Office on 011 447 4738 or 072 313 6288 or by emailing on acdcfilmclubs@gmail.com. You can visit ACDC Facebook: ACDC Film Clubs, Twitter: @FilmClubs, or www.afrikaculturalcentre.com
For media interviews and high res pictures please contact Dee’s on (011) 788 7632 or media@jtcomms.co.za .
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of The Afrika Culture and Development Club (ACDC)
For immediate release 20 November 2012
Artists, activists and cultural workers urged to help Mali’s renowned Festival au Desert & support the ‘Caravan of Artists for Peace & National Unity’
Africa’s artists, activists, cultural workers and ordinary citizens are being urged to step in to assist Mali’s renowned Festival au Desert, which has been forced into exile by separatist movements and armed extremists.
The opportunity to play a role – big or small – in ensuring the continuation of the now iconic 12-year-old festival comes when Festival au Desert director Manny Ansar visits Johannesburg from November 24th to November .27th 2012
Ansar is coming to South Africa at the invitation of Al Jazeera. The passionately committed festival director will take part in a talk show aimed at raising awareness around the current tragedies taking place in Mali – with a specific focus on the Festival au Desert and the Mali music that is intrinsically linked to it.
Ansar will be travelling with Tuareg musician Ahmed Ag Keady who is the leader of the band Amanar - one of the undisputed stars of the 2010 Festival au Desert.
As part of a bilateral agreement with the Festival au Desert that was signed in 2009, Johannesburg-based JT Comms African Media Resource Centre of Excellence is taking the lead in rallying support and assistance for the Festival in Southern Africa.
“The Festival au Desert stands for everything that we believe passionately in,” says Vanessa Perumal of JT Comms African Media Resource Centre of Excellence. “The festival believes wholeheartedly in providing a space where Africa’s history and deep-rooted culture can find expression – in a way that ensures it resonance with a contemporary audience. That is very much in line with the underlying vision of our resource centre and so there was no hesitation when Manny approached us for help.”
The JT Comms African Media Resource Centre of Excellence is providing a space for South African-based artists, activists, cultural workers and ordinary citizens to meet with Ansar from November 22nd - to find ways of working together to ensure the continuation of the Festival au Desert. The aim is to establish a collective under the banner Friends of the Festival au Desert.
Described by the Mail & Guardian’s Lloyd Geyde, as “a musical smorgasbord for the world-music fan and one that will be etched into your brain for the rest of your life”, the Tuareg festival has traditionally been held at a site in the Saharan Desert named Essakane, roughly four hours north of Timbuktu.
However separatist movements and armed Islamist groups have over recent years, entrenched themselves in the region. Recently the festival’s site and infrastructure in Timbuktu were destroyed and musicians are being targeted in Northern Mali with some news reports emerging of musicians being chased out of town and their instruments destroyed. Some fundamentalist militia has even banned music in certain towns and villages. Add to this the growing humanitarian crisis caused by refugees fleeing Northern Mali and the region is clearly in a state of turmoil.
“It started with the sacking of the site of the Festival in the Desert at Timbuktu,” says Ansar of the current situation. “More serious was the destruction of the monuments and mausoleums of the city of Timbuktu, the great symbols of our culture and our beliefs.” Ansar points out that this destruction and violence have crushed the promotion of culture and tourism in the region.
Against this background, the Festival au Desert was initially forced to relocate to Timbuktu but is now set to take place in Burkina Faso.
During his visit to South Africa, Ansar will be discussing the interventions in Mali and humanitarian support to preserve music and culture in Mali with a focus on the “Peace Caravan”, which is the form the 2013 edition of the festival, is taking.
The “Festival in Exile” as it will be known in 2013, will take the form of a “Caravan of artists for Peace and National Unity in Mali”, which will travel through Morocco, Mauritania, Mali, Algeria, Niger and then meet in Burkina Faso, where the official festival will take place. The caravan will begin in Bamako on February 7th 2013 and will head to the town of Kobeni in Mauritania. There the first “Concert of Peace” will take place on the 8th and 9th of February. Sister festivals, The Festival on the Niger in Segou and the Festival of Mali in Bamako will host solidarity evenings in their programs for the “Festival in Exile” on the 14th and 16th of February respectively.
A second caravan will also leave from Tamanrasset in Algeria and travel to Niamey in Niger, before making its way to Oursi in Burkina Faso, where the Festival au Desert will be held between the 20th and 22nd of February 2013 The caravan will return to Mali to complete its journey at the Festival International of Selingue from 1st to 3rd of March, 2013.
“We believe there is an opportunity for South Africa’s artists and cultural workers to heed the calls for solidarity and to support efforts around the “Peace Caravan” initiative,” states Perumal.
Individuals, organisations and companies wishing to become part of the Friends of the Festival au Desert initiative should contact JT Communication Solutions.
If you would like to meet with the Festival director or offer assistance please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632/1
Manny Ansar - Executive Director, Festival au Desert - admin@festival-au-desert.org
Issued on behalf of the Festival au Desert www.festival-au-desert.org
By JT Communication Solutions African Media Resource Centre of Excellence- www.jtcomms.co.za
JT Communications Solutions to showcase at Smart Procurement World Conference and Expo as one of ABSA’s invited Black Business SMME clients
JT Communication Solutions have been commended for client service, continuing leadership and excellence in the industry, with a place in the upcoming World Procurement Enterprise Development Expo held at Gallagher Estate 13 and 14 November.
Smart Procurement World in partnership with Supply Chain Network and Absa Enterprise Development hold the prestigious annual Enterprise Development Expo. The expo highlights Black Owned Suppliers that, based on client recommendations, are a cut above the rest for excellence and outstanding service and leaders in their respective industries. It is no surprise then, that renowned South African communications specialist and visionary cultural agency, JC Communication Solutions (JTComms) has been named in the short list of Absa’s preferred suppliers and has been invited to exhibit amongst other top rated black owned SMME’s
JT Comms has been an integral voice for arts and culture in South Africa and the continent at large. The agency’s explosive passion and creativity is driven by Vanessa Perumal, a pioneer in highlighting an inclusive agenda and representavity of SA’s cultural and artistic agenda in a new South Africa, pioneering the voice of numerous undiscovered talents and profiling the achievements of Global, continental and national artists a and businesses in diverse disciplines. Making use of resourceful strategies and an understanding of government business operations and corporate networks JT Comms commits to informed and professional publicity across various media platforms. A household name when it comes to prominent local publicists, Perumal seeks the highest level of professional excellence while maintaining integrity and a clear vision to put South African potential on the map.
The brainchild behind the African Media Resource Centre for Excellence, Perumal has hit the ground running with big plans for the dynamic industry hub. Initially established as a passion project and a platform for locally produced engaging, and culturally relevant content, activity has been accelerated with the centre’s growing support and collaboration on various incentives. In 2011 the centre took on social responsibility projects that provided various media platforms and tools to Youth in Action South Africa. The centre continues to ferociously lead the way, developing local media professionals and content that is groundbreaking and revealing of African cultural capacity. This includes a 2013 activation of awareness for the legendary peace driven project, Festival of the Desert (Festival au Désert), a long standing partner with the media centre.
Vanessa and her team of well seasoned media professionals, represents JT Comms innovative incentives and will undoubtedly be a stand out exhibitor at the Enterprise Development Expo. With a commendable culture of good business ethic, refreshed corporate image, supreme service and responsibility to promote Africa’s proud heritage, JT Comms and the African Media Centre of Excellence have their sights on a productive, prolific and proficient impact on South African development.
Says, Malcolm Ferrell Group Procurement Director for Group Five, “Today’s investment is Enterprise Development in tomorrow’s security of supply. We are encouraged by the visionary leadership of JT Communication Solutions in seizing the opportunity the conference and expo offers”.
For more information on JT Comms please visit www.jtcomms.co.za or to set up a meeting request or a visit to the media centre please contact media@jtcomms.co.za
Issued by Vuyo Sigonya (JT Communication Solutions) – 011 788 7632/1 – 083 428 4189
SA library music distributor scores major international coup
In a major vote of confidence for independent local production music distributors, Red Igloo Music Publishing has acquired the exclusive rights to the CPM (formerly Carlin) catalogue.
Securing this significant international business marks a major milestone for Red Igloo, a leading music publisher, distributor and producer of production music, based in Johannesburg.
This type of music is sometimes referred to as “library” or “mood” music, and has been specifically created to meet the needs of broadcasters, production companies, advertising agencies and so on. It is a cost-effective way for companies involved in producing content to have access to world-class music that already has the rights pre-cleared.
Thanks to owners Fred and Lynn Woods, who have many years of local and international experience in music, television, advertising and post-production, Red Igloo Music has grown into a force to be reckoned with.
In the decade since its inception, the company has acquired the rights to a number of significant international production music catalogues, including the Warner Chappell and Imagen libraries, as well as several other leading independent brands.
CPM (formerly Carlin) was already represented in South Africa by a major company, and has a long history in this country. It now falls under Warner Chappell, and it is testament to the quality and integrity of Red Igloo’s track record that CPM has now entrusted the company with the local administration and distribution of its catalogue.
Fred Woods has been involved in the music business for some 35 years, starting out as a professional musician in bands such as Rio, Cinema, Streetalk and October before going on to make his mark as a successful music producer and composer.
He has also spent many years working abroad, in territories such as Australia, and his exposure to the international music, advertising and television industries has given him unique insight into their potential.
“There were a number of local companies already involved in distributing library music at the time we started Red Igloo, in 2003. I felt that most of them, mainly the major record companies, were not paying enough attention to this sector,” explains Woods. “In the fast-moving and big-profits world of top-20 repertoire, library catalogues were being neglected.”
The rise of file sharing and piracy enabled by the internet revolution was rapidly eroding record company profits, yet production music was largely unaffected by this trend, as profits in this sector are largely derived from broadcast royalties and not sales. With this in mind, he and his wife established Red Igloo Music to fill the gap
by offering clients specialised personal attention, and they set about acquiring the rights to major and less-known music catalogues.
In the 10 years since, Red Igloo has grown to represent about 100 of the finest production music catalogues available, and the company is acknowledged around the world as being a leader in this extremely competitive field.
Woods also identified a gap in the industry for a specialised children’s music library, and launched Cute Music at the annual MIDEM music trade fair in France in 2007. The library has since grown to 20 CDs and is available in more than 50 countries.
“The ways in which music is produced, distributed and consumed are constantly changing and evolving, and I believe what gives us the edge is that we keep a very close eye on developments and trends, always looking for potential future business opportunities,” says Woods, who also serves on the Board of Directors of the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) and is vice-chairman of its retirement annuity fund.
“Production music is our core business. Our experience in the industry, musical background, knowledge of our product and personal service are all factors which work in our favour and help us to understand and meet our clients’ needs.”
For more information, visit www.redigloomusic.com. For interviews and media queries please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Red Igloo Music
Drama for Life LGBTI Festival provokes dialogues around … sex, actually
Artists reflect the society in which they live and this year the DFL Sex Actually Festival (23 August – 1 September) has been shaped by the concern around the intolerance that LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) communities are facing, particularly on the continent. There has been an increase of related incidences over the past few years, as people are finding opportunity to live their true identity, the rest of society hasn’t quite caught up.
In several African countries homosexuality is criminalized, sentences ranging from fines to death. Even though the South African constitution protects the legal rights of all people to freely practice their sexual orientation, LGBTI communities in South Africa are continually confronted with ignorance, intolerance and violence. In South Africa we have the opportunity to fully interrogate these responses, and the DFL Festival creates spaces and events to do just that.
The stigma that LGBTI persons are often facing has a direct influence on their access to appropriate information and health care services. This is why Sex Actually sees the need to bring together activists, health care workers and LGBTI communities to create honest and open dialogue stimulated through the arts.
DFL Sex Actually, in partnership with Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa (OSISA), comes out of the closet and engages with the topic through thought provoking, cutting-edge performances and workshops. In a non-judgemental environment, Sex Actually interrogates our perceptions and behaviors around sex, sexual orientation, gender, relationships and HIV and AIDS.
One of the exciting initiatives to connect LGBTI communities to the conversations at Sex Actually is through the online platform 69 Positions (69positions.webs.com). Sex Actually takes the dialogue from Johannesburg to South Africa and the whole continent.
In collaboration with Wits Transformation Office, Wits Pride and GALA. 69 Positions uses visuals, short clips and blogs to inspire and motivate an active online continental discussion around sexual orientation and gender identity.
69 Positions (69positions.webs.com) goes live on 17 August 2012 and the public are invited to join the conversation.
For more information on the DFL Sex Actually Festival and programme details visit www.dramaforlife.co.za or contact Miriam Behrendt on 011 71 74 733 or email Miriam.Behrendt@wits.ac.za.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Drama for Life
DFL LGBTI programme:
Standing By
By Athena Mazarakis
29 August 19:00, University Corner, 19th floor
30 August 19:00, University Corner, 19th floor
31 August 19:00, University Corner, 19th floor
Standing By is an immersive performance experience choreographed and performed by award-winning choreographer, Athena Mazarakis. Weaving together a series of performed vignettes, within an interactive performance installation, Standing By delves into the loaded issue of gender violence in the South African context with a specific focus on the ‘corrective rape’ of lesbians. Through the use of text, interactive multi-media elements, an evocative gestural language and stop-frame animation, Standing By questions whether we are simply standing by while gender-based violations occur all around us or whether we are on stand-by, ready to respond, to act. It asks whether we are capable of response, whether we are response-able?
In a Second
Directed by Robert Colman
30 August 19.30pm, Wits Nunnery
31 August 18:00, Wits Nunnery
1 September 18:30, Wits Nunnery
In a second tells the story of Zachariah, a man whose life has changed in the last 24, and he cannot remember what happened. As his journey home from work unfolds, through the streets of Alexandra, so does his story. Past Rax’s tavern where it all began the night before, an unusual night for the normally sober Zachariah. Trying to piece his memory together he recalls the other people who were at Rax’s: the Psychologist, Mother Fucker, and Nomsa the handsome young barman, easy to mistake as a beautiful young woman, especially if you’ve had too much to drink.
It all happened in a second – the second before it happened. But what happened?
Isini
By Khanyisa Buti
25 August 13:00, Wits Amphitheatre
27 August 13.15, Wits Amphitheatre
28 August 13:00, Spaceframe
Isini (Gender) is a play that addresses sexual orientation and hate crimes in the rural areas of the democratic South Africa. The subject of sexuality is a very sensitive one in South Africa and this sensitivity is derived from strong culture and religious beliefs existing among its citizenry. Isini is set in fictional village of Enkohlisweni (Deceit) in the former Transkei. Two young men are persecuted by their community because their affair does not conform to accepted cultural and religious beliefs.
A Certain Kind of Man
By Ayanda Kabelo Khala and Themba Interactive
28 August 20.30, Wits Amphitheatre
29 August 13.15, Wits Amphitheatre
30 August 17.30, Wits Amphitheatre
Celibacy and virginity are ideas very far from the image that Sizwe Ndlovu, a young man from Soweto projects. To his friends he is a Men’s Health sex expert, the man about town, a Casanova of note!
Raymond is a gay man pretending to be someone he is not. Straight-looking and about to be wed, he is determined to live the dream his father created in place of what should be his life.
When the lies start to become the truth, the lines between who you are as a man and who you should be are dangerously blurry.
Sizwe and Raymond are perfect strangers but they may need each other more than they ever realized.
Construction
By Jessica Glendinning
23 August 17:00, Wits Amphitheatre
24 August 18:00, Wits Amphitheatre
25 August 15:30, Wits Amphitheatre
Have you ever wondered what makes us male or female? Is it our biology, the clothes we wear or our views on sex? Construction is a comic look at gender, gender roles and gender restrictions in our society. Together we will explore different aspects of gender roles and the ways in which they are enforced, including how they are furnished with gendered clothing and objects.
Influences of a Closet chant
By Albert Silindokuhle
27 August 19:00, Wits Theatre Workshop
28 August 18.30, Wits Theatre Workshop
29 August 20:00, Wits Theatre Workshop
The piece explores the journey of challenges of otherness in sexuality, the complexity of cultural connotations and denotations, societal prescriptions and expectations, and the issue of what constitutes gender and its roles and who defines it for whom. It highlights the metaphysics of sexuality carried in the metaphor of the closet, situating the individual’s choices against the biological and sexual ones.
Drama for Life Playback Theatre
25 August 17:45, Wits Amphitheatre
28 August 17:30, Wits Amphitheatre
30 August 20:30, Wits Amphitheatre
1 September 20:00, Wits Downstairs Theatre
The DFL Playback Theatre Company is an innovative form of storytelling theatre which addresses various social issues according to a community’s needs. Playback Theatre is especially suited to confront South Africa’s challenging social issues, in order to break down barriers and taboos around topics such as HIV and AIDS, gender, race, culture and identity. One of the strongest features of Playback Theatre is that it allows marginalised voices to be heard through storytelling in a space that is modelled on the core values of empathy, listening and community. Such an experience encourages communities to listen and engage on sensitive issues in a caring, nonjudgemental environment, modeling essential life values through the magic of Playback Theatre!
Workshop with Claire Jaynes
25 August 10:00-13:00, Wits School of Arts
1 September 10:00-13:00, Wits School of Arts
This event is an interactive cross-dressing workshop for female identified participants. It explores themes of gender, power, the performance of gender, identities and sexualities.
TEDxSoweto | TED2013 Talent Search, Johannesburg
14 August 2012
For Immediate Release
Your vote is critical to secure South Africans vying for a spot in TED’s Global Talent Search to speak
@TED2013
Johannesburg, South Africa. The TED2013 Talent Search finalists have been announced, including 20 TED@Johannesburg Talent Search speakers from the event held at MIAGI Music Centre in Soweto, Johannesburg.
TED Talent Search events were held between April and June 2012 on six continents and in 14 cities: Amsterdam, Bangalore, Doha, Johannesburg, London, Nairobi, New York, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, Tunis and Vancouver. For each, TED tapped local TEDx organizers to produce the events.
With more than 2,000 applications, speakers chimed in on topics ranging from the linguistics of texting to our relationship with plants to the new-found popularity of kimchi. The Johannesburg leg of the Talent Search produced 20 amazing speakers who are part of the shortlist. Amongst them are Lee Swan, first African woman to reach the magnetic North Pole; Steve Barnett, the silent conductor; tech luminary Toby Shapshak; Melodi Music founder Nimrod Moloto; World Press Photo of the Year winner for 2011 Jodi Bieber; barefoot astronomer Simon Ratcliffe and inventors Gary Flax and Ludwick Marishane.
A minimum of 20 of the 293 finalists will receive invitations to TED2013. TED is opening that selection process to public participation. From now through August 31, people can view, rate and comment on the videos. While TED will ultimately maintain curatorial control, public ratings and feedback will play a key role in determining who takes the stage at TED2013.
TEDxSoweto convenor Kelo Kubu said: “We believe that in these 20 finalists we have achieved our goal of finding remarkable people doing great work, across disciplines, to grab this opportunity to showcase Africa’s ingenuity on a global platform.”
We wish these finalists, who hail from the lengths and breadths of our region, all the best in these last phase of the Talent Search.
To view, rate and comment please go to log on to TalentSearch.TED.com or www.tedxsoweto.co.za
For media queries please contact Vanessa Perumal on 011 788 7632 or media@jtcomms.co.za
NOTES TO EDITOR:
About TED
TED [Technology, Entertainment, Design] is a non-profit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 25 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives. The annual TED Conference invites the world’s leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes. Their talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Al Gore, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The annual TED Conference takes place each spring in Long Beach, California, along with the TEDActive simulcast in Palm Springs; the annual TEDGlobal conference is held each summer in Edinburgh, Scotland.
TED’s media initiatives include TED.com, where new TEDTalks are posted daily, the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as the ability for any TEDTalk to be translated by volunteers worldwide, and TEDBooks, short e-books by speakers that elaborate on a single idea originally presented on TED’s stage. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world are given the opportunity to put their wishes into action; TEDx, which offers individuals or groups a way to host local, self-organized events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to become part of the TED community and, with its help, amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.
Follow TED on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TEDTalks, or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TED
About TEDX
TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
Other TED Worldwide Talent Search Cities
• Doha, Qatar
• London, U.K.
• Johannesburg
• Nairobi, Kenya
• Tunis, Tunisia
• Shanghai, China
• Bangalore, India
• Seoul, South Korea
• Sydney, Australia
• Tokyo, Japan
• Vancouver, Canada
• New York, United States
• São Paulo, Brazil
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of TEDxSoweto
----- MEDIA STATEMENT ENDS -----
For Immediate Release 12 August 2012
Moshito 2012 confirms its place as Africa’s unsurpassed music industry event
Africa’s foremost music industry event, the Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition, taking place from September 5 to 7 at the Sci Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown, Johannesburg, is once again set to radically advance the trade.
The 9th eagerly anticipated instalment is poised to not only broaden the business intelligence of music industry professionals in Southern Africa and the rest of the continent, but is also the only event where delegates, traders and the public are afforded countless opportunities to reinforce their business relationships in order to benefit from the increasingly expanding international music industry.
The continent’s sole annual music market has been bolstered by the key appointment of its new Conference Director, Thobela Dlamini, who has extensive experience in the music industry and who will elevate the event to even greater heights that were attained by previous years’ offerings.
“This year’s Moshito is going to draw from its roots that stretch from 2004 and fulfil its mandate of providing credible business acumen for industry professionals and all those involved. Moshito will also continue to play a pivotal role in creating a social benefit and welfare programme for local and international musicians,” notes Dlamini.
Guests that attend Moshito 2012 can expect to be galvanised by key addresses by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Mhlanganisi Masoga, Jerome Galabert from the Indian Ocean Music Market and Germany’s Volker May, who will be discussing the state of regional music markets.
Other crucial sessions include topics such as the status of the artist in the 21st century (facilitated by George Lusenga from the Association of Independent Recording Companies (AIRCO), Freddy Masamba and Zimbabwe’s Abundance Mutori); the state of live music in South Africa, Africa and abroad (overseen by Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival’s Peter Tladi from T-Musicman and Rashid Lombard from the Cape Town International Jazz Festival) and the recording and music retail industry, that boasts local legend DJ Oskido.
Undoubtedly, one of Moshito’s strongest points is its ability to foster meaningful networks whose effects are felt years after each conference has been concluded, and this year will be no exception. The networking sessions allow stakeholders to brainstorm ideas on how to take the industry into a new space and how to leverage from previously unchartered territory. Music business deals, collaborations and partnerships have been formed at Moshoto’s legendary networking sessions.
"Our global partners continue to give support to the growth of our conference. With Music In Africa hosting its meeting at Moshito, together with a five day workshop which will see journalists from across Africa and Germany engaging on the online platform, we believe MOSHITO is solidifying its position as a relevant event for global thought leaders in music to share ideas on the African continent, while it gives platform for artists to showcase what they can offer to other markets” says Moshito chairperson M "King" Phatudi-Mphahlele
With an enviable programme, Moshito 2012 is going to remain the preeminent music calendar of the year. To secure a place in this not-to-be-missed gathering, bookings can be made at the Moshito offices, located on 10 Henry Nxumalo Street, Newtown, Johannesburg. Further information can be obtained from www.moshito.co.za or by calling Sina on 011-838-9145.
Note to Editor
Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition is supported by
Moshito sponsors and partners:
Costs for Moshito:
3 Day pass for members of Moshito Members - R250 (NORM, CASA, AIRCO, SAMPA, SAMRO, CWUSA & MMFSA)
3 Day Pass = R 400(Closing date 4 September 2012)
3 Day Pass = R600 (at the door)
Daily Pass = R250
Students = 50% Discount
Group Prince (10 People) - 10% discount
For media interviews, media registration to MOSHITO 2011 and all Live Events within Moshito please contact Vanessa / Vuyo / Dees on (011) 788 7632 or media@jtcomms.co.za
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of MOSHITO www.moshito.co.za
Press Release 7 June 2012
Sacred Heart College hands over the baton to South Africa’s first Born-Free graduation class
In a progressive, groundbreaking move for South African children, Sacred Heart College leads the pack in empowering their 2012 matric learners with historical, factual stories as told by struggle veterans, the likes of Wally Serote, Martha Molobi, Mosey Moolla, Dr. Wendy Orr, Markus Moses and Murphy Morobe, and David Webster’s widow Maggie Friedman, among others.
These heroes and heroines of our struggle shared their personal life stories with learners, which was to reflect ordinary South Africans experiences in their struggle for freedom, says principal Heather Blanckensee.
Sacred Heart College hopes that as the future leaders leave the school they will be encouraged by the life changing stories shared by the story-tellers. It was apt that Sacred Heart College, a leading school in educating children of struggle veterans, lead the field in the area of a transformative youth.
As stated by a learner of Sacred Heart College “the esteemed guests gave an interesting perspective on the myriad of outlooks of the struggle of apartheid, it showed me that there were different implications for different races and each and every person had a dramatically different story to tell”.
The Born-Free learners write their final exams in November. This event was a pioneering move for the school, renowned for their innovative curriculum. Their website, www.sacredheart.co.za, will post stories produced by the learners regarding their views on the day’s events. The stories shared by the speakers on the day will also be on the website.
Transformation has come a long way in South Africa in the last eighteen years. As the progression towards entrenching a second generation of democracy dawns, it is important for learners to experience stories as told by past activists and veterans. As they pass on the baton of transformation we hope that the learners are empowered to continue this transformative agenda as they matriculate and enter the adult world where they will play a role in maintaining and guarding our democracy, says Thiru Govender, deputy principal.
The event was a great success and the learners of Sacred Heart College have been inspired by the rich history that the stories of ordinary South Africans carry.
For more information on this initiative contact Naomi Meyer on (011) 487-9000 naomim@sacredheart.co.za.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Sacred Heart College
