By Novell Zwangendaba – SOUTH AFRICA – South African President Jacob Zuma says he has learnt with sadness of the passing of music icon Busi Mhlongo. Mama Mhlongo last night succumbed to her brave battle with cancer. Born in 1947, like many South African artists of her time, she travelled overseas in order to pursue her love for music. Better known as the “Queen of Maskanda” her musical style drew on her rural KwaZulu-Natal roots. It incorporated South African styles such as mbaqanga, maskanda, marabi and traditional Zulu fused with contemporary elements. She transformed the Maskanda guitar music of migrant... Continue Reading
Shout-Africa Entertainment – The South African State Theatre in Pretoria will present a musical take on one of the country’s most famous and controversial historical figures – Shaka Zulu – from 26 June to 18 July. Produced by Packed House Productions in association with Absa, the musical is being staged as a special cultural offering to entice tourists in Tshwane during the FIFA World Cup™ and is being touted as a lavish, dramatic family spectacular. The play was written by Samson Khumalo, Sean Else and Deon Opperman and is directed by Opperman and Khumalo. The original music is by Johan... Continue Reading
Shout-Africa Entertainment News Georgemack Productions combine with foundation Brisbane sound crew Rhythm Collision to takeover The Valley entertainment precinct and present for one night only the BIGGEST international session of burning conscious reggae vibes and blazing dancehall seen this year in their 2nd annual reggae dancehall explosion Reggae Danechall Vibes 2010 – an event for all people – two areas, one running reggae and one running dancehall at the same time then at the end of each set the areas exchange – so if people want they can enjoy reggae all night or dancehall all night or both Download the... Continue Reading
By Janine Erasmus –JOHANNESBURG – Soweto came to a standstill on 10 June, the eve of the greatest sporting event Africa has ever hosted. The 2010 Fifa World Cup Kickoff Concert, held at Soweto’s Orlando stadium, showcased not only the talents of African and international musicians, but also the pervading spirit of unity, goodwill and excitement. In a stadium packed to capacity, 30 000 football supporters, in true Rainbow Nation style, braved the winter chill to show their support for the country and the long-awaited event. The stadium was awash with flags, most of them South African, and the green... Continue Reading
Shout-Africa News – ALEXANDRIA, Va – Father and son, Dave and Evan Fuller of Spokane, Washington will bicycle coast to coast – from Anacortes, Washington to Portland, Maine – to raise support for the work of hospice care across Africa. The Fullers are beginning their 3,500 mile ride on June 14 in support of the non-profit organization, FHSSA. FHSSA (which began as the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa) builds partnerships to enhance compassionate care in Africa and is celebrating a decade of impact. Their goal is to ride an average of 100 miles each day and complete their journey... Continue Reading
