Hansa Festival of Legends rocks Orlando Stadium as Usher and top local talent take to the stage

Johannesburg, 11 March 2012 – Multiple Grammy award-winning artist Usher rocked a capacity crowd at the Hansa Festival of Legends this weekend.

After a build-up of several hours which featured top, as well as budding local talent, the crowd of 30 000 was hungry for the international superstar to take the stage at Orlando Stadium in Soweto and he did not disappoint. In a show which featured pyrotechnics and several wardrobe changes, the American proved why he is one of the greatest entertainers and best-selling artists of all time with renditions of You Make Me Wanna, Yeah! and Let It Burn.  The massive rig and cutting-edge sound technology provided the platform for his famously fleet-footed dance moves, which received roars of appreciation from the crowd. “Soweto, I’m gonna take ya’ll back with me,” Usher told the crowd.

Earlier, the crowd braved the midday heat and a thunderstorm to listen to emerging talent, Hansa’s Legends in the Making. The six winning acts, drawn from across South Africa and chosen after a four month long talent search, got the crowd jiving. Pretoria boys Ma’pakshop’s high energy hip-hop was followed by Mo Klaasik “going monkey “, bringing his Mafikeng brand of smooth hip hop to Soweto. Hailing from Johannesburg, the fresh, eclectic sounds of Mo and the Dark Knights, combined with the sexy moves of four back-up vocalists in red dresses wowed the crowd as they crooned “unchain my heart”. Port Elizabeth band Shoelace’ soulful lyrics were evident in their track ‘People of the South’ while Abdus represented for KwaZulu-Natal with his Zulu rap about life.  Wrapping up the Hansa Legends in the Making was Cape Town’s Busi M, bringing her haunting dulcet tones to the stage – truly a songbird to watch.

Hansa Pilsener General Manager Mosidi Seretlo said she was excited about the future prospects of the Legends in the Making, following their awesome performance. “It’s been a journey and a half for them and getting them on stage before the eyes of South Africans has been the ultimate reward.” Seretlo said the acts had “grown in confidence” and had graduated “from stars in the making to stars”.

Emcee’s Mo Flava and Zeal from Club 808 and METRO FM respectively introduced the cream of SA’s musical talents, Gang of Instrumentals, Liquideep, L-Tido, Zakes Bantwini and Teargas with Oskido, Vigilante, Capital and DJ Tira on the decks, who warmed up the crowd before the main act.

“This campaign has been a year in the making and the Hansa team was proud to see it all come together,” Seretlo said after the concert. “Every one of the performers displayed their truly special ingredient to the thousands of fans who gathered for the Festival , and we’re so excited to watch them becoming our country’s future legends.”

Post supplied by Corporate Image

Everyone has a Dream!

The XtraOrdinary Women 'Everyone has a Dream' Cocktail Evening at The Cape Royale Hotel & Spa was held on the 28th February on the Villa Deck on the 9th Floor of this beautiful hotel.

We're welcomed with cocktails around the pool deck and savoured the view of Cape Town. Prizes were drawn from lucky numbers that included spa treatments, personal development training and many more. Afterwards we listened to speeches from successful women that were both inspirational and heart felt. It was a privilege to hear about their private lives to help other entrepreneurs achieve their goals. Personally as a business owner, these are the lessons what I have taken to implement into my own life.

Entrepreneurs have the passion to move people forward. In recent years the commercial world in many respects has lost its lustre. Nevertheless, everyone still wants success. With successes come failures and it is how you get up from the failures that counts. If your spirit is also big and you want to be your own boss and ultimately gain money, position and power then being an entrepreneur is your ticket to freedom. Do everything from the ground up. Go to people and sell your company. Everything must come from inside as you you have the power to follow your dream and live your dream.

Carry out your passions as these cannot lie dormant. Feel the beauty, rhythm and learn to love oneself. Be proud and not modest that you are the CEO - whether it is the Cleaning Executive Officer or the Chief Executive Officer. Know how to get one's hands dirty. Be able to accomplish anything you are able to dream of. Believe in yourself. Enjoy the journey. Invest time in it even if you start small but just try it. And lastly show gratuity which is very important in gaining success.

"Never sacrifice yourself for someone that has a problem with it" Melissa Podesta

Following the speeches, Le Moulin Rouge did two teaser performances of their up and coming show to be held at Artscape on the 14 - 17 March and Spier on the 22 - 24 March. All the performers are volunteers to bring this magical show together. These artists and performers are extremely talented so let's give them our support and have a wonderful night out. Bring on the fun!

The goodie bag was filled with Wild Olive Olive Oil Soap and Lavender drops; Jeannies Almond Cranberry Biscotti's and Decadent Choc Brownies; Cherubs Eco friendly Cotton Buds; Lindt Chocolate; Desert Voucher at Bread Cafe-Boulangerie-Deli; Destiny and Cosmopolitan Magazines.

Visit XtraOrdinary Women for another of these fabulous functions.

Danscape 2011

Jazzart Dance Theatre presented their annual celebration of dance Danscape 2011 at Artscape. 

It is a collaboration of various dance organisations to create a platform known as Danscape. Although largely a student based initiative, these young dancers have great things to come.

There were ten different dance dance routines. The first was iKapa Outreach Project with a dance entitled "I am here". Both white and black dancers showing the diversity of our country. Followed with a beautiful choreographed Indian dance inspired piece with a male lead that was incredibly fluid and polished. The Sibonelo Dance Project had a bamboo dance with striking red costumes all timed to perfection. Girls in brightly coloured outfits did a modern dance with weird movements and as a novice watcher of dance did not quite understand. Another all girl group in black and white started with classical ballet movements and then reflected their individuality to house music. The La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre & Wilvan School of Dance had a complicated dance routine showing the drama and temperament of spanish dancing.

My favourite performance of the evening was a quirky, fun, alien style ensemble that was so inspiring. These young dancers, some as young as 14 years or so as far as I could tell, star struck the audience with their creative dance moves and colourful costumes that were out of this world. I absolutely loved it!

The expression of dance, regardless of body shape, ethnicity, age or gender was the over-riding thread. It is something that can be implemented in a community to show that dance is for all, to get youngsters off the street and for them to express themselves in an open and constructive way.

After interval, was the arty interpretation of how Tik affects communities. It starts with a lady shrouded by smoke and above her looms a noose. The dancing is disjointed as a tik person would be, confused and not in control of ones body. All interwoven in a story that tells of the various forms of addiction and loss of a loved one.

The fluid dancing of the african inspired movement from the Kwa Mashu School of Dance was fabulous and speaks of the young people in this country and how they share stories with each other and the growing realization that they have something in common to share. 

Lastly, the 'Couch' by Jazzart Dance Theatre showcased themselves with a breathtaking, quick, agile performance that had brilliant moves of various energies, shapes and form that disperse in the flow of the dance.

Like any live production, one really needs to be there to see it all come together. Words alone can't describe the body movements and expressions that make for this truly wonderful spectacle of dance.

It's on until Sunday at Artscape so these still a chance to see this year's performance. If you can't make it, put it in your calendar for next year and see something that you haven't seen before.

That 80's Show at Roxy Revue Bar - GrandWest

The media night at Roxy Revue Bar for That 80's Show was a full house. Catch this pop and dance show until the 30th July.

The cast was electric in neon, leg warmers, bangles and stone washed jeans. Quite a 'flash dance' ensemble that certainly knows how to take their passion to make it happen. As a personal plea please don't, don't, don't forget about 80's music and go to GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World to see a brilliant show that is a blast from the past.

The show started out with the classic 'We built this city on Rock 'n Roll'.  It was from start to finish 80's mania with songs such as Paul Simon's 'You can call me Al'. U2's 'Where the streets have no name', Cindy Lauper's 'Girls just want to have fun' as well as more serious renditions such as Lionel Richie's 'Hello - is it me you're looking for... I want to tell you so much 'I Love You'. These and other classics lines were brought back to life by the talented band and performers. 
'Now, we are going to have a party, starting tonight'. I had the time of my life, singing along to songs I haven't heard for ages with the likes of Stevie Wonder (Ebony and Ivory), The Police (Roxanne), Queen (I want to break free), Wham (Club Tropicana), Madonna (Material Girl) and other chart topping tunes.
 
For me the best song of the night was Foreigner's 'I want to know what love is' and powerfully performed. The closing song was Tina Turner's 'Simply the best' which was sung along by the whole audience for a standing ovation.  This show was simply the best, better than all the rest that I've seen at the Roxy Revue Bar thus far. For a fun filled, laugh-a-minute night out, this one is for you.

Doors open at 20h00 and the show starts at 20h30. Tickets are available from Computicket at R67.00 each.

Pussycat Doll Tribute Show at Roxy Revue Bar GrandWest

The Tribute Show to the Pussycat Dolls - Doll Domination is at the Roxy Revue Bar GrandWest until the 28th May.

It is a Burlesque style show with a female cast consisting of Candice Michelle as the main singer and 4 dancers (Michele La Trobe, Nicoll Pitt, Clellind Fivaz and Simone Mann), choreographed by Darren Greeff.  

The opening of the show is a touch raunchy with the song 'Loosen up my buttons'. The next dance routine is a Rumba style 'Strictly come Dancing' and they do it like pros. The costumes are edgy, sexy and grungy, so it's not just lingerie, showing the best of these performers who have both guts and talent.

The Pussycat Dolls have been criticised for their overly sexy dance moves and covers of original tracks with Nicole Scherzinger singing all the songs but there is no denying that these girls have got what it takes to become famous.

The tribute to their 2005 Debut Album with songs such as Donna Summer's 'Hotstuff' and 'Don't Yah' ... wish your girlfriend was hot like me... got the audience singing and dancing along. The dance routines are physically demanding but they do it with effortless ease.

The Pussycat Dolls have done the sound track to songs in Charlies Angels, Sharks Tale and Slumdog Million. The breathtaking tribute to 'Ji Ho' with an Indian dance routine shows that these girls can dance a range of styles. For me it was the highlight of the show. Followed by a bowler hat routine in black and white, and lastly cute pink outfits that these 'dolls' don with style. 

If you think you can dance, think again because by just looking at these girls, they can. They have the flexibility and subtleness that's easy to watch and enjoy. So, get your girlfriends together and have a fun night out.

See this event on Events List.

Yolanda Y'awa 'CrossOva'

Yolanda Y'awa first solo cd album launch 'Crossova' was a huge success.  Held at the piazza at the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Centre it was the perfect setting for a stunning concert.  We were treated at Voila to Peroni drinks and snacks from Cafe Cru. Luckily for us the restaurants that surround the piazza had front row seats.

The concert started with township dancers doing a gig and three gorgeous muses dressed to the nines. This set the scene for an energetic and modern / eclectic performance .  The outfits were amazing and gorgeous. So much thought was put into the design that it was a fashion show in itself. The colourful, exciting, vibrant  fabrics brought out the personalities of the performers.  There is obviously design talent. Yolanda then appeared on the stage in an outfit with a pussy cat bow in a mix of green and red, with striped legging and red shoes. She is enigmatic and talented with a larger than life personality. 

The Gugulethu tenors accompanied her with sounds of joy and a song of happiness. They way these guys can sing is so beautiful. Their operatic voices filled the piazza that if your closed your eyes your could be in Rome.

So they say; when in Rome, or in this case Africa, do as the African's do. Yolanda got the crowds on their feet doing a type of 'diski' dance. I'm not sure what it is called but it makes everyone from mama to child to move one's body.

Yolanda 's songs are inspired by heart-felt lyrics. She has gone through her trials and tribulations but remains a pillar of strength, inspired to excel as a creative and is a light for her loves and joys. Her songs 'Be Free', 'Forgiveness', 'Rejoice' reveal a message of hope.

Her album has a distinct African feel, with memories of Brenda Fassie, a big personality and beautiful strong voice. She is not shy to say that she is a child of Africa and for that I applaud her. She is accompanied by a band that is equally talented and plays a range of sounds to bring out the best in this creative performer.

The evening couldn't get better, having won the raffle for a custom-made shirt from Vogel & Aitken - extraordinary shirts for extraordinary men. We were also given a goodie bag to take home with Wild Olive soap and a signed copy of her album which I played in the CD player of my car on the way home.

Leaving with song words from the song 'Brand New Day'

Every time I wake up to a bright new day
I put on my make up
Baby ain't I lovely...
I open up my window to a brand new day
With lots of possibilities
In each and every way...

The 2011 International Ice Hockey World Championships (division III)

The 2011 International Ice Hockey World Championships (division III) which will be held at The Ice Station, GrandWest from 11 to 17 April. This is the second time in the last ten years that South Africa has hosted this event so we are very proud that The South Africa Ice Hockey Association (SAIHA) are well prepared be do so again.

Six countries; Greece, Luxembourg, Turkey, Israel, Mongolia and South Africa will compete in a round robin tournament. The sponsorship of The City of Cape and Provincial Government have made this event possible in conjunction with GrandWest.

This tournament is not just about winning, its also about the team being role models to international tourists and to encourage locals to take on sports such as Ice Hockey. The dream is for youngsters all over Cape Town, in what ever means possible, to drive down Vanguard Drive to GrandWest and enjoy the excitement of indoor sport. To take part in physical exercise rather than sitting playing computer games have benefits to mind, body and soul. Our players are here to show visitors a good time by introducing them to our beautiful mountains, beaches and winelands.

Provincial government as custodians of tax payers money are putting their contribution to good use. This is not just a once-off and they will continue in partnership to grow the sport. Hopefully in the future there will be live coverage of the event and Ice Hockey too will get their fair share of air time that other sports such as cricket and rugby receive.

The team is ready and in top physical form. Most of the players have overseas experience with only two rookies on the team. The selection process was intense, taking place over 8 weeks, ultimately choosing the very best players in the country.

For game statistics after each game, go to the IIHF website.  But if you don't want to miss the action and excitement, come to GrandWest and see the game. Only R20 for kids and R30 for adults. Tickets are available from Computicket.

More details are available on Events List.

The Players & Coaches