U – The Space presents Thabang Tabane

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THABANG Tabane is the heir to the father and founder of the Malombo music, Dr. Philip Tabane, who has gained international reputation for being the leader of legendary Malombo for over four decades.

He learned to play drums by watching his uncle Mabi Thobejane, the co-founder of Malombo in the 60s. No wonder then that at an early age, Thabang became the sideman in his dad’s band. He has toured places such as Russia, Sweden, Togo, London, and the United States with Malombo and Thandiswa Mazwayi.

And you can catch him live at U- The Space, 146 Minnaar Street, Bosman (Central), City of Tshwane (Old Fire Station) at 6 pm on Saturday, July 2. Tickets R60. Continue reading

Explore the work of Walter Battiss at the Wits Arts Museum

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Walter Battiss – Mantis Man, c1970.

For over 35 years, well-known art collector and philanthropist, Jack Ginsberg, has assembled an extraordinary collection of more than 700 artworks, books and ephemera by esteemed South African artist Walter Battiss.

This collection will be shown at Wits Art Museum for the first time in an exhibition, curated by Warren Siebrits. It opens on Tuesday, July 5 and ends on October 9. Continue reading

AfriQueer to shine a light on gender-based hatred at NAF

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The cast of Drama for Life’s Afriqueer.

As the world reels from the Orlando shootings and the African LGBTI community continues to face violent repression, the Drama for Life production AfriQueer promises to strike a timely and resonant note at this year’s National Arts Festival.

This powerful site-specific work will have two performances daily – at 4pm and 8pm – at the scenic Botanical Gardens in Grahamstown, from June 30 to July 3. Continue reading

Hexagon to host previews of National Arts Festival shows

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Sugar stars Nkanyiso Mazibuko and Nompilo Jili. Photo: Supplied

THE Hexagon Studio Theatre in the Hexagon Theatre complex at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg campus is holding a preview of two productions – #SirensRock and Sugar Sugar – which are heading to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.

The shows can be seen at 6 pm and 7 pm on Friday, July 1. Tickets R40 per show available at the door only. Continue reading

Artscape Showcase Season at the National Arts Festival 2016

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Thembi Mitshali in OoMaSisulu. Photo: Artscape

Artscape Theatre will be showcasing six productions at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.

In association with the National Arts Festival, four productions will be presented and staged on the National Lottery Fringe, and two will receive support on the Main Stage at the Festival from June 30 to July 10. Continue reading

Africa celebrates as Black Coffee and Falz win big at the 2016 BET Awards

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DJ Black Coffee.

Legendary South African artist Black Coffee has become the first South African artist to win best international act: Africa at the BET Awards, while Nigerian newcomer, Falz, has accelerated his career with a well-deserved win in the viewer’s choice: best new act category.

To watch Black Coffee and Falz receive their awards, tune into the BET Awards premiere on BET (DStv channel 129) on Tuesday, June 28 at 7pm CAT. Continue reading