The Inaugural South African Music Marathon, launched last year as a new platform that’ll afford musicians from underprivileged backgrounds the opportunity to showcase their talents. The programme saw young musicians being exposed to networking opportunities to bridge the creative divide in impoverished areas.

The event strictly targets young musicians in disadvantaged areas across the country. The idea behind this massive undertaking is to provide a platform to unrecognized musicians who are less fortunate to undergo any form of formal career development in the Music Industry.

Gud Fellaz, an acapella group from Tshwane were the winners of last year’s event, and have since enjoyed the much needed exposure in the music industry, from recording jingles for Gauteng youth radio station, YFM. This time around it came in the form of making in to the top 21 contestants on eTV’s South Africa’s Got Talent. The group wowed the judges with their harmonies and arrangements of their performance.

When asked about their journey Gud Fellaz said: “without the South African Music Marathon, we wouldn’t have been able to realize our greatest potential, and we’re looking to make our families proud and make the most of our talents. We hope that many talented young people will see the value of being proactive and not giving up on their dreams.” Follow their journey on SA’s Got Talent on eTV every Sunday at 6PM.

The South African Music Marathon program director Mr Sello Ramosepele said: “I knew that SA Music Marathon will offer youngsters opportunities such as these, I’m thrilled to have played a part in mentoring and piloting a project such as this one.”

South African Music Marathon is currently planning for the 2016 event and will be bigger, better and will continuously be looking to empower young talented people who don’t have such platforms to showcase their creative prowess.

The 20th of October 2015 marked the launch of triple platinum selling trio Mi Casa’s new Album titled Home Sweet Home. J ‘Something, Dr. Duda and Mo-T have catapulted into international acts who have spread their wings as musicians and entrepreneurs under their new record label, 34 MUSIC.

In the same year, Mi Casa has managed to take over the house music scene with a global tour that saw them grace stages in Europe, North America and overall Pan African dominance.

Home Sweet Home is a double disc album packed with 25 hit tracks produced by the musically talented Dr. Duda, with J’ something adding melodic, catchy, soulful vocals and Mo-T’s infectious jazzy trumpet sounds. Home Sweet Home features an array of superstars such as Cassper Nyovest, Big Nuz & DJ Tira, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Euphonik, and the Kenyan super group Sauti Soul.

The #MiCasaGoneGlobal Tour gave them an opportunity to collaborate with internationally renowned Producers such as Tortured Soul (USA), Zepherine Saint & Nathan Adams (UK), Rancido (Holland) and Bodhi Sattva (Belgium). Home Sweet Home also features young talented Producers such as “Moby Dixon, Da Capo, Cue bur & DJ Guru, DJ McShera & Ten 83) to remix some of Mi Casa’s all-time hits.

The lead single #Chocolat has been received positively across the world and has built a huge anticipation for this new album which will officially be released on the 23rd of October 2015, in all good music stores and iTunes.

Mo-T said “Home Sweet Home is different from our previous albums and it has more musical elements. Our first album had no collaborations because we wanted to present ourselves as Mi Casa with our individual talents. We moved to the second album, which featured artists such Black Coffee, Mishka and Jimmy Nevis , where we had hit tracks like “Jika” and “Your Body”. We’re celebrating five years in the industry and we’re excited that we’re still together and getting stronger every year.”

The album is available for pre-order on iTunes, on the link below:

https://itunes.apple.com/za/album/home-sweet-home/id1040092440

Zuluboy, a hip hop artist and TV presenter joins the station as the new presenter for the “Namba Namba” and “Chillaz” programmes.  ‘Intombi Yesbhono,” as popularly known to the Ukhozi FM listeners, Biyela rejoins the station after leaving to pursue other career opportunities.  She will be driving these shows; “Cothoza Mfana”, “Uyadela Umakhasane” – both isicathamiya programmes and the maskandi and mbhaqanga music show, “Sibhukuda Kwesimanzonzo.”

Majozi and Biyela take over from Zanda Mthembu and Khetha Gwala, who are both in the Music Department at the station and will focus on the music at the station.

Zuluboy is not new to radio. His history with radio and UKhozi FM was a few years ago as a contributor on the Ukhozi FM drive show with Linda Sibiya; he was also part of the panelists on Woza Nabangani recently, for a hip hop battle feature.  He was also an On Air Presenter at a digital radio station.  He has also shown multi skills in presenting, as a host of the music variety show on SABC 1, “Fan Base.”

“Being the biggest radio station is not just a bragging right; it means constantly working on the product.  Improve on our content offering and pairing it with the best talent we can find.  While there is a lot of great talent in the country, it is important that we consider all aspects, which are primarily growing and maintaining our audiences, nurturing talent and be as relevant as possible to the UKhozi FM audience.  We are excited of the two new Presenters and are confident that they will deliver as expected.”

The new Presenters start on air on the 22nd of October 2015 on the mentioned slots.

Three-time GRAMMY Award nominated international R&B, soul and pop singer, actress and television personality Tamar Braxton joins fellow R&B sensations Maxwell and Raphael Saadiq on the line-up for the BET Experience Africa. The three R&B superstars will perform during the gala concert alongside two of Africa’s top artists, multi-instrumentalist Flavour and Bongo Flava star Diamond Platnumz at the BET Experience Africa, a spectacular global celebration of urban culture, music and lifestyle from entertainment channel BET (DStv channel 129).

The inaugural BET Experience Africa takes place at the Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg on Saturday 12 December 2015.

A veteran performer who began singing backup vocals for her older sister, Toni, at the age of 12, Tamar Braxton was also a founding member of R&B group The Braxtons with Toni and their siblings Traci, Towanda and Trina. Fanning the flames of her musical vision was a backstage encounter with Whitney Houston when she was singing background vocals for her sister Toni. “Whitney said to me, ‘Your voice is amazing! You’re going to be a star,’” recalls Braxton.

From a backing singer to a leading recording artist, actress, talk show host and reality television personality, Tamar Braxton became a star.  She recently competed the twenty-first season of Dancing with the Stars and last month released the latest solo single “Catfish” along with the album Calling all Lovers. A further single, “Angels & Demons”, has just been released and this month The Braxtons, including Toni, Tamar, Traci, Trina and Townada, are releasing new material entitled Braxton Family Christmas.

Nigerian singer, actor and dancer Flavour N’abania or simply Flavour began his career as a drummer for a local church before going on to become one of Africa’s most sought after artists. After playing the drums professionally, Flavour moved on to play the keyboard and guitar.  This talented musician has received a host of Nigerian and African entertainment nominations and awards, including winning two African Muzik Magazine Awards, an MTV Africa Music Award (MAMA) in 2014 and – as part of The Headies – a Hip Hop World Award.

Nasibu Abdul Jumma better known as Diamond Platnumz (or simply Diamond), has been putting Tanzanian hip hop well and truly on the global music map for the last five years thanks to his energetic live performances and hit tracks such as “Number One”, “Kipofu” and “Bum Bum”.  The multi-award winning artist won the 2015 MTV MAMA Award for Best Live Act, and has been the recipient of 16 Tanzanian Music Awards.  Diamond was nominated as Best International Act: Africa at the 2014 BET Awards, and most recently won Best African Act at the 2015 MTV EMAs.

BET Experience Africa provides the perfect kick off to the summer season, taking over the Ticketpro Dome for a non-stop, jam-packed entertainment fest, bringing together lovers of urban culture and music. Wowing visitors all day long, the BET Experience Africa will showcase great food, fashion, music, comedy, dance, sport and much, much more.

Inspiring, immersive and hugely entertaining, BET Experience Africa will feature stunning live performances on a central Sound Stage, while stand-up routines from comedy stars will keep the audience laughing. Watch top celebrities battle each other for sporting supremacy at the fun-packed Celebrity Basketball Game. Fashionistas will revel in the Fashion & Beauty catwalk, while checking out the hottest trends on the Sneaker scene.  For inspiration, attend one of BET’s informative and instructive Genius Talks, curated by experts and opinion formers in various fields.

After a day of enthralling action and entertainment, it’s time to head to the BET Experience Concert featuring Maxwell, Raphael Saadiq, Tamar Braxton, Flavour, Diamond Platnumz and many other African artists.  Further artists will be announced shortly.

Book now to celebrate the many rich and varied faces of the urban lifestyle experience all under one roof. Tickets for the BET Experience Africa are on sale now at www.ticketpro.co.za.  Ticket prices (which include access to the sound stage and other lifestyle activities, plus the concert in the evening) range from R750 on the mezzanine level to R1150 (floor standing), R1250 (floor bleachers) and Golden Circle at R1500.

MTV Base (DStv channel 322) is gearing up to compile its annual countdown of “SA’s Hottest MC’s” – the definitive list of SA’s most authoritative MCs from the last 12 months.

After last year’s game-changing countdown ignited a social media firestorm, trending worldwide for 2 days, MTV Base is anticipating huge interest in the 2015 list as the year’s biggest MCs are analysed and rated by a panel of industry experts.

Commented Tim Horwood, Head of MTV Base, “We hope that ‘SA’s Hottest MCs 2015’ will stimulate the same kind of intense debate and passion among music fans, industry insiders and artists about the state of SA’s hip hop industry and act as a further catalyst to the nation’s hugely influential hip hop artists.”

Controversially won by K.O. in 2014, “SA’s Hottest MC’s 2015” will be chosen by a group of 7 tastemakers and industry heavyweights participating in an intense roundtable discussion.  Panellists, who will judge artists on a range of criteria including sales, style, impact, lyrics, buzz and other intangible factors, will be revealed at a later date.  Sizwe Dhlomo will host.

In a parallel initiative designed to highlight SA’s thriving hip hop scene, MTV Base has created a series of “cyphers” with South African hip hop talent that will air on the channel every week in the run up to reveal of “SA’s Hottest MCs 2015”.  Each cypher gives the opportunity for a range of MCs to showcase their lyrical skills. The first cypher, featuring Reason, Kwesta, Solo and Gigi Lamayne, will air on MTV Base on Spanking New at 7:00 CAT and 15:55 CAT on Thursday22 October.
“SA’s Hottest MCs 2015” and premieres on MTV Base on 26 & 27 November at 16:30 CAT.  A full 1 hour special will air on Saturday 28 November at 11:00 CAT as part of the “Hottest MCs Takeover Weekend” on MTV Base.

To join the conversation about MTV Base’s “SA’sHottest MCs 2015” please go to www.mtvbase, like us on Facebook, or send your own predictions for the Top 10 to @MTVbaseAfrica using the hashtag #BaseHottestMC.

MTV (DStv channel 130) today announced a new award category to be unveiled during the 2015 MTV EMAs: the MTV Video Visionary Award. The category will honour the greatest pioneers in the history of the music video art form, the inaugural recipients of which will be international rock heroes Duran Duran.

Duran Duran’s unique sound and strong visual sense have not only influenced a generation of musicians and creatives, but continue to resonate the world over. One of the greatest pioneers of the music video, their distinctive style has had an undeniable impact on music history, with hits stemming from the very beginnings of MTV to the present day.

“It is no coincidence that our rise was paralleled by the growth and ultimate world domination of MTV.   The birth of music videos as a way to simultaneously bring our music to a global audience revolutionized the business.  We took this new short form of film making and tried to make it our own. We have had some incredible experiences over the years making our videos. We have worked with some of the most talented directors in the world – without whom we would not be honored here today. We are really proud to be the recipients of this new award.  Thank you MTV.” – Duran Duran

Host Ed Sheeran and co-host Ruby Rose will be taking charge of this year’s MTV EMAs, which will broadcast live across the globe on Sunday 25 October at 22:00 CAT from the Mediolanum Forum in Milan. Voting for all award categories is open on mtvema.com until 24 October at 23:59 CAT.

The talent list is heating up for what is set to be an explosive edition of the MTV EMAs, with Pharrell Williams, Ed Sheeran & Rudimental, Ellie Goulding, Jason Derulo, twenty one pilots, Tori Kelly, James Bay, Jess Glynne, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Andrea Bocelli previously announced as performers.

Smirnoff is the official South African sponsor of the 2015 MTV EMAs.

OFM, the sound of central South Africa, walked away with three awards at the prestigious Best of Bloemfontein reader’s choice awards held on 21 October in Bloemfontein.

The Breakfast Special, presented weekdays from 06:00 to 09:00, won the local radio show category, while Andre Kunz, who presents the show, won the local radio presenter category.

In the local radio show category OFM’s afternoon drive show came in second with OFM presenter Success Lekabe as runner-up in the local radio personality category.

The awards are held annually by Bloemfontein Courant. The competition was launched in 2013 and gives the thousands of readers of Bloemfontein Courant the opportunity to vote for their favourite establishments in the city. In the debut year of the competition, 18 000 votes were received in 100 categories. This year, 122 000 votes were received in 100 categories, making OFM’s triple win even more impressive.

The third and most impressive Best of Bloemfontein reader’s choice award win was a landslide victory in the best local radio station category. OFM won the award with 92% of votes cast.

Says OFM General Manager, Nick Efstathiou:

“The Best of Bloemfontein reader’s choice awards recognises great products and excellent service provided by businesses in the City of Roses. OFM is honored to have won in three of the categories in this prestigious competition.  We will continue to provide a relevant radio product that engages, entertains and informs a loyal listenership across central South Africa. I am very happy with the three wins and especially the landslide win. The OFM on air team deserve the recognition for the hard work they out into their shows”

Following the runaway success of the MTN Joyous Celebration 19 ‘Back to the Cross’ Tour incorporating a six city tour of sold out shows, preparations for the Joyous 20 Live Recoding are heating up. Still reeling from and overwhelmed by the gratitude and love showed to them by their supporters with Joyous 19 – the ensemble plans to take their fans to another high/level.

The magnitude of the 20 year celebration is not taken lightly and Joyous fans attending this milestone event are in for a treat as the ensemble pulls out all stops to present their biggest production ever.

As is the tradition of Joyous, the fans will be treated an amazing production which includes new talent.These new powerful additions to the crew were selected from thousands of hopefuls at auditions held in the Joyous 19 tour cities.They will grace the Joyous stage for the first time at the Joyous 20 recording, sharing it with the other newcomers who joined the production mid tour.

Totalling 8, the talented musos include Bongi Mthombeni, Thato Rapapane, Sipho Mabena and Andile Thabethe who all hail from Gauteng Province. Kwazulu Natal also has two spots claimed by Nozipho Phiri and Londiwe Masondo. Mpumalanga and the Western Cape are represented by one musician from each Province.

“We are very excited about our new talented and well deserving pool who are currently hard at work rehearsing with the entire cast and we can’t wait for our fans and supporters to get to know them. We also want to sincerely thank everyone who came through to the auditions and tried their best” says Lindelani Mkhize.

MTN Joyous Celebration will be recording their Joyous 20 LIVE CD & DVD on Saturday the 19th of December 2015 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The historical show will mark the first ever outdoor live recording for Joyous Celebration.“Do not miss out on this spectacular experience.” Says Mthunzi Namba .

Tickets are sold at Computicket from R280.00

South Africans interested in improving their overall health will have a new trusted source through The Good Life Network, a health and development pop-up channel which will air on channel 199 from 1 December 2015 to 31 March 2016.

First of its kind in South Africa, the channel is spearheaded by Soul City and Ochre Media in partnership with the National Department of Health. The Good Life Network is focused on producing and broadcasting content that contribute towards positive individual and societal health outcomes. Viewers can look forward to shows that cover nutrition, health and fitness, human rights, youth sexuality, HIV and TB, as well as consumer and gender rights.

Joe Maila, spokesperson of the National Department of Health, explains the department’s support of the initiative. The heartbeat of NHI is primary health care, the strength of which lies in prevention of disease and promotion of health as well as community participation: “The Department of Health has a long history of partnership with Soul City and have supported the  production of Soul City’s award-winning dramas that have influenced social norms in Southern Africa and have addressed critical health issues in South Africa.”

The National Department of  Health (NDOH) is concerned by the growing epidemic of Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) and wants to promote lifestyle changes and wellness strategies as key preventative options.

“Our association with mass media initiatives like The Good Life Network offer a powerful platform for health communications and our strides towards a vision for A Healthy Life for All’. Soul City Institute for Health and Development Communication (SCIHD), a leading social  behaviour change communication NGO sees The Good Life Network as a powerful first for  South Africa, one that will highlight the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach. The Good Life Network is not only a TV channel. It is a call to action for all South Africans to make small  changes in their lives to live a healthier live. We will be inviting South Africans to pledge to live a Good Life,” comments Lebo Ramafoko, CEO of Soul City.

The Good Life Network programming is diverse and original, including offerings such as Health Busters (breaking down myths), Food Police (helping you design healthier meals), SuperDoc (critical women’s health issues), Village Shrink (your journey to better mental health), Cook for life (cooking up delicious and healthy African meals), Get Up Stand Up (celebrating those making a difference), Fit Life (inspired fitness outside the gym), Health Bulletins (citizen journalism combined with headline stories), Straight Up (youth sexuality) and Icheke (check your health), which will promote routine health screening.

“In keeping with the successful edutainment model, The Good Life Network will service a consumer appetite for entertaining health related content and services, which ultimately empower individuals and communities to take greater control over their own health and  development,” says Krisen Pather, Head of Edutainment for Ochre Media.

The Good Life Network will be available to DStv customers on the DStv Access, DStv Family, DStv Compact, DStv Extra and DStv Premium packages on DStv channel 199 for four months starting 1 December 2015 to 31 March 2016.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (‘the Authority’) hereby notifies all stakeholders, particularly communities with an interest in applying for community sound broadcasting service licences that the Authority has issued a notice of a moratorium in respect of such applications as well as applications for radio frequency spectrum licences for the purposes of providing a community sound broadcasting service.

In the government gazette published on 22 September 2015, the Authority stated that the imposition of the moratorium was necessitated by the following:

1. Scarcity of analogue radio frequencies

2. The current review of licensing processes and procedure regulations wherein the Authority intends to process registrations for community sound broadcasting services in two (2) intervals per year

3. The Authority’s intention to develop a new regulatory framework for community broadcasting during the 2016/17 financial year

It should be noted that the moratorium does not apply to pending registrations currently before the Authority and applications already approved but not issued with community sound broadcasting licences.

The Authority will issue a formal notice and communicate its decision to lift the moratorium once all processes have been completed and it is ready for licensing.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (“ICASA”) has given notice to all interested stakeholders that they will hold public hearings in respect of an application from Walking On Water Television (WoWtv) for the authorisation of nineteen (19) video channels and eight (8) radio channels lodged in terms of regulation 3 of the Subscription Broadcasting Services Regulations 2006.

The Authority has received three (3) submissions on this application and scheduled public hearing in that regard.

DATE           :  30 October 2015

VENUE        :  Pinmill Farm, 164 Katherine Street

In just two weeks Johannesburg will become the THE CITY OF LAUGHS when the largest contingent of comedians ever assembled in the city gear up to take a stand at the upcoming Johannesburg International Comedy Festival.  This exciting new concept will feature 12 International and 30 South African comedians who will transform the city into a comedy paradise. From 6-8 November the hilarious talent will entertain in 12 shows across 3 days, bringing the finest talent from across the globe to the city.

The festival is a multi venue, multi show comedy showcase with performances at the Alexander Theatre, Orbit Jazz Café, Thirteen the Bannister Hotel in Braamfontein as well as The Market Theatre and Bassline in the Newtown precinct.

Built around key concept shows, this colorful line-up guarantees sidesplitting comedy for everyone’s taste.  This is no laughing matter!

• League of Nations (Alexander Theatre) – Comedy without borders, hosted by Loyiso Gola, featuring Orlando Baxter (USA), Francesco de Carlo (Italy), Yacine Belhousse (France) Nick Cody (Australia and Alex Smith (UK).

• Stand Up Africa (Alexander Theatre) – Comedy with Africa’s finest comedians.  Hosted by Ndumiso Lindi (SA), featuring Salvado (Uganda), Carl Joshua Ncube (Zimbabwe), Daliso Chaponda (Malawi) and Eric Omondi (Kenya).

• Fire In The Hole (Bannister Hotel Basement) – Comedy with no limits or boundaries, hard-core comedy that is risky, edgy and politically incorrect.  Hosted by John Vlismas (SA), featuring Trevor Gumbi (SA), Jason Goliath (SA), Dusty Rich (SA), Deep Fried Man (SA), Martin Mor (Ireland) and Ava Vidal (UK).

• The Late Nite Show (Orbit Jazz Café) – Comedy inspired by the late night talk show format of host, live band and interactive engagement.  Hosted by Kagiso Lediga (SA), featuring Salvado (Uganda), Tats Nkonzo (SA), Orando Baxter (USA), Stuart Taylor (SA), Carvin Goldstone (SA), Maureen Langan (USA) and Martin Mor (Northern Ireland).

• Live From The 13th Floor (Thirteen) – Comedy that celebrates trailblazing female talent.   Hosted by Maureen Langan (USA), featuring Nina Hastie (SA), Tracey-Lee Oliver (SA), Lihle Lindzy (SA) and Celeste Ntuli (SA).

• Vernac Attack (Bassline Theatre) – Comedy in any of South Africa’s indigenous languages, a previously underground category that is now taking the country by storm.   Hosted by Mashabela and featuring Smowkey Nyembe, Isaac Gampu, Salesman, Siya B and Pule Skhotane

• Jokenation (Market Theatre) – Comedy with tomorrow’s stars.   Hosted by Loyiso Madinga and supported by Donovan Goliath, featuring the 8 South African Jokenation finalists as chosen by the public and a panel of international judges.  The winner on the night gets the opportunity to be flown to Switzerland to take part in the Jokenation International Gala at the Montreux Comedy Festival. This year’s finalists are; Robby Collins, Sifiso Nene, Prins, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Glen Biderman Pam, Deep Fried Man, Stig and Lazola Gola. Visit www. Jokenation.com for more info.

The Johannesburg International Comedy Festival will be a true representation of the globalization of the stand up comedy art form.

Tickets to the Johannesburg International Comedy Festival can be purchased on www.webtickets.co.za, www.jicf.co.za or the Festival Facebook page with prices ranging from R150 to R250.

Media24 is launching a brand-new Afrikaans entertainment lifestyle channel, VIA, on DStv channel 147 on Monday, 9 November 2015 at 4pm. It’s the first channel that has an exclusive focus on Afrikaans lifestyle entertainment. VIA will be available to DStv Family, Compact, Extra and Premium customers in South Africa and Namibia.

This 24-hour lifestyle channel is another innovation by Media24 to create exceptional content and products for Afrikaans audiences across diverse Media24 platforms.

‘’We are extremely excited to launch VIA and we’re proud that we can treat our Afrikaans audiences to a brand-new Afrikaans channel,’’ says Esmaré Weideman, Chief Executive Officer of Media24. “Viewers can expect fresh, new local content that they can relate to. I think we are going to see a host of new TV stars!’’

Weideman says a TV channel is a natural step in Media24’s evolution as one of Africa’s leading media companies. ‘’We are particularly strong when it comes to digital, social and print media and we are delighted to include TV as another platform where we can serve our audiences working closely with our magazines, newspapers and digital platforms.”

VIA will launch with 22 new programmes on food and diets, relationships and style. The channel focuses on Afrikaans women and their families. Every weekday, five to six lifestyle and reality shows will be broadcast in a three-hour fresh content block. The shows will première between 4pm and 7pm, repeated across the week as well as on weekends.

VIA’s content strategy is to “delight and entertain DStv customers with shows that resonate with their lives”, says VIA Head of Content, Pat van Heerden. “We offer a glimpse of the lifestyles of others, we see the remarkable characters in our midst and we celebrate the quirkiness in the ordinary.”

VIA collaborates with stalwart Media24 magazines such as Huisgenoot, SARIE, Landbouweekblad, TVplus, Kuier, Tuis, Idees, Weg and their digital platforms to introduce content and drive engagement around shows. ‘’Media24’s newspaper titles such as Die Burger, Beeld, Volksblad and Rapport as well as the digital news platform Newerk24 will also play a key role,’’ says Izelle Venter, Editor-in-Chief of Media24 Lifestyle’s Editorial Solutions division.

Charlene Beukes, General Manager of Media24 Lifestyle, adds: ‘’I am convinced the channel will become a household name for our current and new audiences. At the same time we know advertisers want to talk to our audiences across various platforms – VIA is the next link in our media chain.”

Channel Head Cheryl Uys-Allie said the brand new VIA programmes were created by some of the country’s best producers. “In a remarkably short time our teams have delivered fresh local content that will capture the imagination. We salute their commitment,” she said.

VIA provides another opportunity for Media24 to curate and package excellent content from our diverse platforms for Afrikaans audiences, she added.

VIA launch shows include some of the following highlights:

Die eet oorlog – Three diets. Three brave women. And a 30-day battle against the bulge. With the help of our team of experts, our contestants will try to shed the kilos in order to fit into their new swimsuits.

Inspirasiekos met SARIE – The talented SARIE food editor, Herman Lensing, is on the lookout for South Africa’s best ingredients. He meets the passionate personalities behind the produce – and whips up a feast!

Zavion – Zavion goes for gold: whether it’s as an event’s planner or as an athlete. The cameras try to keep up as he juggles the weddings and decathlons filling his diary.

Jy het ’n Wenresep! – Three aspiring chefs fight it out so that iconic HUISGENOOT food editor, Carmen Niehaus, can crown one of their dishes as a Wenresep to be featured in South Africa’s widest read magazine.

My droom-trourok – Brides-to-be meet the famous Diaan Daniels to try on top-designer wedding gowns. In every bride-to-be’s mind she has a perfect wedding dress, but sometimes it’s not always her taste that wins the day.

’n Halfuur met Hanlie – A rare encounter with RAPPORT’s leading interviewer, Hanlie Retief, who will introduce us to fascinating people who interest, astound and inspire her.

Kom ons braai – South Africa’s favourite pastime is now a social experiment. Three couples who are strangers invite one another for a braai. Watch what happens around the fire.

The VIA team is led by Channel Head Cheryl Uys-Allie, Content Head Pat van Heerden and Editor-in-Chief of Media24’s Editorial Solutions team, Izelle Venter.

For more information visit www.viatv.co.za.

SOUL MUSIC’S ANNUAL CELEBRATION TO AIR ON BET (CHANNEL 129), FRIDAY 30 NOVEMBER AT 21:00 CAT #SOULTRAINAWARDS 

BET (DStv channel 129) has revealed that the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015 will be hosted by the incomparable singer-songwriter Erykah Badu as she leads an upbeat celebration of soul music’s R&B legends alongside the new wave of talented soul artists.
Taking place on 6 November at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS will air on BET (Channel 129) on Monday 30 November 2015 at 19:00 CAT.

Musical luminaries being honoured at the show include Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, who will receive the Legend Award, andJill Scott who will accept the first-ever Lady of Soul Award. These icons are being recognized for their longstanding presence in the industry and influence on the world of music past and present.

R&B legend and record producer Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds has won 11 Grammy Awards and written and produced twenty-six number one R&B hits. His new album, Return of the Tender Lover, will be released on 4 December.  A torchbearer of R&B music, Jill Scott is a 3x Grammy Award-winner who has also established herself as a critically acclaimed actress as well as a New York Times bestselling poet.

The SOUL TRAIN AWARDS will feature an exciting line-up of unforgettable performances and viewers can expect special appearances by some of the brightest stars in entertainment, while showcasing the evolution of soul music and dance from the 70s to today.

For more information on the Soul Train Awards 2015, please visit BET.com/SoulTrain or www.betafrica.tv, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BETinAfrica or join the conversation about the channel on Twitter and Instagram @BET_Africa using the hashtag #SoulTrainAwards.

Catch the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS on BET (DStv Channel 129) on Monday 30 November 2015 at 21:00 CAT.

This holiday season, Heart FM, Game and the non-profit organisation Newkidz on The Block will be writing a story of joy for underprivileged children of the Western Cape. In the lead up to Christmas the organisations will be collecting toys as part of the Game Toy Story campaign for children in need.

This year marks the 4^th year Heart FM is involved with the campaign of which the aim is to collect approximately 6 000 toys  and distribute them to children at hospitals, orphanages, safe houses and other child protection institutions.   The majority of these facilities are government funded and struggle to make ends meet. The toys distributed are often a first for many of these children and play a crucial part in their development.

The recipients of the toys are vetted by Newkidz on the Block which helps in establishing loving homes for orphans, vulnerable and destitute children. Founder of Newkidz Hilda De Beer says there is nothing better than seeing what a difference a toy makes to a child. “To see the eyes of a child light up when they receive a new toy is a special moment. To see the whole face of a child, who doesn’t own anything new light up when they receive a new toy is priceless.”

You can make a difference by purchasing or placing a new toy in the Toy Story drop boxes in all *participating Game stores from 12 October 2015. Game Marketing and Customer Director Mark Tuner says the company is delighted to be part of the campaign for the 4^th consecutive year. “The Toy Story campaign reminds us that we all have an all-important duty to play in ensuring the well-being of disadvantaged children.”

For the 2^rd year running Heart FM DJ Tyrone Paulsen will be the Brand Ambassador for the campaign. Heart FM will create awareness  around campaign by broadcasting live from a number of GAME stores to drive listeners and store visitors to help make the wishes of children in need come true.

The Heart Top 40 with Paul Playdon will take place from 10:00 to 14:00 at the following stores:

• Canal Walk – 31^st October 2015
• N1 City – 21 November 2015
• Bayside – 28 November 2015
• Tygervalley – 5 December 2015
•  Kenilworth – 12 December 2015

A Cavalcade will make its way to the Red Cross Children’s hospital on the 17^th of December 2015 which culminates in a Christmas party with Heart FM DJ’s and various fun activities for the children who find themselves in hospital during the holiday season.

If you would like to contribute to this worthy cause, Toy Story drop boxes can be found at the following stores:

• GAME Bayside Mall          Corner of West Coast Rd & Blaauwberg Rd, Tableview
• GAME Canal Walk Century Boulevard, Century City
• GAME Cape Gate    Corner Okavango Rd & de Bron Rd, Brackenfell
• GAME Grand Central        Cnr. Plein & Darling Str, Cape Town
• GAME Kenilworth   Kenilworth Centre, Doncaster Road, Kenilworth
• GAME Mitchell’s Plain      Promenade Centre, Cnr AZ Berman Dr & Morgenster Rd, Mitchell’s Plain
• GAME N1 City Mall          Louwtjie Rothman Street, Goodwood
• GAME Paarl           21 Fabriek street, Paarl
• GAME Parow          Parow Shopping Centre, Cnr. Voortrekker Rd & De La Rey St, Parow
• GAME Somerset Mall       Corner Highway & R44, Somerset West
• GAME Stellenbosch         Eikestad Mall 43 Andringa Street Stellenbosch
• GAME Tygervalley  Tygervalley Centre, Bill Bezuidenhout Avenue, Tyger Valley
• GAME Vredenburg Weskus Mall, 110 Saldanha Road, Witteklip, Vredenburg
• GAME Worcester    13 Mountain Mill Drive, Worcester
• GAME Zevenwacht Zevenwacht Mall Cnr Polkadraai & Van Riebeeck St, Kuils River

****The name “Toy Story” is the intellectual property of Disney Pixar, and is used under licence.

AKA, the “Prince of South African rap”, and rising Afro-Soul sensation Nathi are to perform at the BET Experience Africa.  AKA and Nathi join GRAMMY Award nominated international R&B superstars Maxwell, Tamar Braxton and Raphael Saadiq, and African giants Flavour (Nigeria) and Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) at the spectacular global celebration of urban culture, music and lifestyle from entertainment channel BET (DStv channel 129).

The inaugural BET Experience Africa takes place at the Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg on Saturday 12 December 2015.

BET Experience Africa provides the perfect kick off to the summer season, taking over the Ticketpro Dome for a non-stop, jam-packed entertainment fest, bringing together lovers of urban culture and music. Wowing visitors all day long, the BET Experience Africa will showcase great food, fashion, music, comedy, dance, sport and much, much more.

AKA will perform alongside Maxwell, Tamar Braxton, Raphael Saadiq, Flavour and Diamond Platnumz at the BET Experience Africa Concert in the main Arena, while Nathi is the first of many artists who will appear on the outdoor Festival Stage.

AKAis recognized as one of the most talented and influential rappers in South Africa and on the African continent.  As well as sharing stages with Kanye West, Snoop Lion, Rick Ross and Big Sean, AKA has received a host of awards and accolades.  This year alone he was nominated for the Best International Act (Africa) at the BET Awards, and the Best African Act at the 2015 MTV EMAs before going on to win Best Collaboration at the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA).  He is currently nominated for Best International Act (Africa) at the M.O.B.O. awards.

2015 has also been an extraordinary year for Nathi, the Afro-Soul singer from the Eastern Cape whose debut album Buyel’ekhaya recently went double platinum, selling more than 100,000 copies in just a few months. Filled with heartfelt soul, formidable vocals and haunting acoustic guitar, Nathi’s track Nomvula, has become one of the biggest songs of 2015.

Inspiring, immersive and hugely entertaining, BET Experience Africa will feature stunning live performances on a central Sound Stage, while stand-up routines from comedy stars will keep the audience laughing. Watch top celebrities battle each other for sporting supremacy at the fun-packed Celebrity Basketball Game, while fashionistas will be able to check out the hottest trends.  For inspiration, attend one of BET’s informative and instructive Genius Talks, curated by experts and opinion formers in a range of different fields.

Book now to celebrate the many rich and varied facets of the urban lifestyle experience all under one roof. Tickets for the BET Experience Africa are on sale now at www.ticketpro.co.za.  Ticket prices (which include access to the sound stage and other lifestyle activities, plus the concert in the evening) range from R750 on the mezzanine level to R1150 (floor standing), R1250 (floor bleachers) and Golden Circle at R1500.

Kenny Setzin who has been serving on the North West FM (Pty) Ltd board of directors has been appointed as chair of the board. He was instrumental in leading a consortium that was awarded the license for North West FM- the only commercial radio station in the north West province.

The seasoned and top media executive, who hails from Mahikeng, will play a significant role in enabling the North West FM to enhance its position as the ultimate urban contemporary and only commercial station in the North West province.

“We, at the operations level of the station, welcome and stand to benefit immensely from the appointment of Mr Setzin as chairperson of the board. His wealth of strategic experience in the media, specifically the broadcast sector, will further boost our ambition to be counted among the top urban commercial stations that are synonymous with excellence all round,” says David Mabusela, North West FM’s station manager.

Setzin is also chairperson of JWT SA (Pty) Ltd, a global advertising agency and has previously held positions of chair at Jacaranda FM (Pty) Ltd, Mediamark (Pty) Ltd and KFM (Pty) Ltd. He has served on the boards of Urban Brew (Pty) Ltd, Nokia Siemens Network (Pty) Ltd, Kaya FM (Pty) Ltd and Siemens Southern Africa Limited. Additionally, Setzin was an executive director for eleven years at New Africa Investments Limited (Nail) where he was responsible for media assets including radio, outdoor advertising, television production and print publishing. Setzin has lectured for six years at north West University, Mahikeng Campus and serves on several company boards including chairing the board of Letsamaiso (PTY) Ltd, the rea Vaya Rapid Transit System in the City of Johannesburg.

Setzin is the founder and Executive chair of DHI (Pty) Ltd, a BEE investment company with a diverse portfolio of media related assets, management consulting services, media, financial services and mining. He studied in the USA at the Universities of Missouri and Miami where he obtained his BA and MBA degrees respectively

Sony Pictures Television Networks’ Sony Channel (DStv Channel 127) has commissioned its first local South African television series, factual format Gogglebox.

Gogglebox South Africa is based on the award-winning UK show and observes some of the country’s most opinionated and avid TV viewers as they comment freely on the best and worst television shows of the past week from the comfort of their own sofas. It captured the imagination of households around the globe when it first launched and now Gogglebox is coming to the Sony Channel (DStv Channel 127) early 2016.

On its debut in the UK Gogglebox, which went on to win a number of awards including a BAFTA, soon became a word-of-mouth hit that had the Twittersphere buzzing and has resulted in numerous spin-offs in countries around the world.

The selected Gogglebox households are the experts when it comes to what’s on the box; they are entertaining, outspoken, emotional and irreverent and not only do they love to watch telly, they love to talk about it too.

Lyle Stewart, Senior Vice President for Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMA) for Sony Pictures Television Networks says: “ Gogglebox is a great show and we are confident that it will resonate with South African viewers. We feel that the timing is right for a local production to really cater for South African audiences and add to our already strong programming mix on the Sony Channel.”

The 10-part local version has been commissioned by the Sony Channel will be produced by partners Eject Media and Picture Tree.

Producer Gary King comments: “We are excited to see what South Africans really think of the television programmes they watch and those who appear on the box – be they celebrities or politicians.”

Executive Producer Stephan Le Roux says: “This is a brilliant format and we are excited to work on this. We feel that this is the show South African viewers have been waiting for!”

Gogglebox will air SONY CHANNEL on DStv (Channel 127).

Children across KwaZulu-Natal are helping bring joy to our province’s less fortunate children by getting involved with one of KZN’s biggest CSI initiatives: East Coast Radio’s Toy Story with Game.

From the Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School and Wartburg Kirchdorf School in the Midlands to Glenwood High School and Happy Faces Educare in Glenwood, Durban to Kamalinee Primary School in Isipingo and Atholton Primary School in Umhlanga, pupils are actively involved in collecting new toys for thousands of little ones who are in government hospitals, crèches, orphanages and children’s homes. Children have also been making their way to East Coast Radio’s offices in Umhlanga to donate their new toys and to meet their favourite presenters.

With a Toy Story Schools Trophy up for grabs, the race to collect the most number of new toys is well underway! Last year, Deccan Road Primary in Raisethorpe, in Pietermaritzburg celebrated a hatrick win, earning the trophy for the third year in a row!

If your school would like to get involved, please email Toystory@ecr.co.za to request a Toy Story collection box, and arrangements will be made to deliver the box to your school. We will also collect the new toys once the box is full. Schools have until 4 December 2015 to collect new toys.

Details on how to make cash donations to East Coast Radio’s Toy Story with Game area available on www.ecr.co.za Every cent is used to buy food parcels for child-headed households in KZN to help make sure the children have sufficient food over the long end-of-year school holidays. Each food parcel costs R350 and can feed a family of four people for six weeks.

East Coast Radio’s Toy Story with Game wraps up on 15 December 2015.

RSG’s award winning on-air arts festival kicks off on 15 November with a Gershwin concert and the debut of the Hertzog prize winner, Adam Small’s brand new drama “Maria, Moeder van God”.

This year’s arts festival starts earlier than previous years, on a Sunday, and is also one day longer.

The opening act on Sunday, 15 November is led by Charl du Plessis, Corlea Botha, Musanete and the Boogie Woogie Big Band that will perform timeless hits such as Summertime, Rhapsody in Blue, I Got Rhythm and I Love You Porgy in “Rapsodie op Gershwin”.

“Maria, Moeder van God” which is made possible by the Cordis Trust’s involvement, is a contemporary tale of suffering, which is a fullfilment of Small’s long time goal, to write a drama about Mary, the mother of Jesus.  The cast includes Deon Lotz, Leandé Valentyn (Mary), Chris Majiedt (Joseph), Ivan Abrahams, Marlo Minnaar, De Klerk Oelofse, André Samuels and Hannah Borthwick.  The producer is RSG’s own Johan Rademan.

RSG tasked a very ambitious project to adapt the contentious short story writer, Koos Prinsloo’s “Die Jonkmanskas” as a radio drama.  Andre Kotze transformed this unique story about conflict – between generations, genders, ethnic groups and especially the struggle within one person.  Well known writer, Riana Scheepers, was amazed!  She is a specialist in Pirnsloo’s work, and said “what you achieved, is to take a very difficult story and make it accessable for a newer generation listeners and readers”.  Wessel Pretorius plays the main character and other actors include Martelize Kolver, Leon Kruger, Esther von Waltsleben, Geon Nel, Piet Beyers and Roeline Daneel. The producer is Joanie Combrink.

The lovable characters, “Poen en Toekie”, especially left their planet Wopper, to come and visit their earthling friends, Bennie and Sarie and to also participate at the school’s arts festival.  “Poen en Toekie kom kunstefees toe” was commissioned and will be the opening of the evening arts festival program, each weeknight at 19:00 from Monday, 16 November to Friday, 20 November.

In “Korreltjie kantel”, Luna Paige, Nick Turner, Medicine Boy, Hatchetman and Ottoman Slap, performs the late Ingrid Jonker’s poems in a commissioned music program.  This year also commemorates half a century since Jonker’s death.  Hear how her poems such as Offerande, Fragment, O die Halfmaan and Gistraand is infused with exciting and unexpected music during the RSG Arts Festival.

Hennie Aucamp’s “Wolf-wolf hoe laat is dit?” has been adapted for radio by the award winning drama producer, Margot Luyt.  A Group of South Africa’s theatre veterans was gathered for this moving performance about man’s struggle against time.  The cast is Louis van Niekerk, Wilna Snyman, Lida Botha, Trix Pienaar, Kitty Albertyn, June Seymour, Neels Coetzee, Marga van Rooy, Juanita Swanepoel and Deidre Wolhuter.  Kitty Albertyn will be remembered for her role as Hybie in the radio soapie, “Die Du Plooys van Soetmelksvlei” and is at the age of 92, the oldest participant at this year’s RSG Arts Festival.  Luyt described this historical recording of “Wolf-wolf hoe laat is dit?” as the day of the legends!

Marius Weyers also celebrated his 70th birthday earlier this year.  He can now be heard on radio for the first time in Franz Kafka’s “’n Verslag aan ‘n akademie”.  The original story was translated by Arnold Blumer and Evette Weyers and adapted for radio by Eben Cruywagen.  Marlo Minnaar and Petrus du Preez are the other actors in this performance.  “’n Verslag aan ‘n akademie” is about a chimpanzee that is cought in the Gold Coast and taken to Hamburg on a ship.  After drinking a bottle of brandy, he realizes he can speak.  He then travels throughout Europe and start performing in front of audinces until he has to report to an Academy about how he has overcome his animal nature.  Weyers performed the English solo act in Los Angeles in 1986.

Ockie Vermeulen (organ) and Wessel van Wyk (piano) plays unique adaptations amongst others, from Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Karl Jenkens in “35 Pedale”.  The pipe organ has proven itself as one of the most versatile key board instruments, whilst the piano is the favourite instrument amongst classical music lovers.  On request of the RSG Arts Festival, listeners will be able to enjoy this special collaboration of music instruments.

Benjamin Willem has composed music for more than 18 movies and about 40 international documentaries, including National Geographic and Discovery.  He has also been awarded with a silver medal during the New York Best of the World Film & Television Festival.  RSG commissioned that he creates a few sound landscapes with Basiami Segola with the theme of evolution.  “Metamorfose” is a wordless journey and sound experiment that will debut during the RSG Arts Festival.

Four of South Africa’s leading, but divergent songwriters and musicians will share the same stage in “Wydsbeen”, a new project by Les Javan. Javan, Riku Lätti, Churchill Naudé and Rian Malan will create a mixture of rural and urban stories in rhythm in a colourful concert that was created especially for the RSG Arts Festival.

The actor, Christo Davids is presenting a commissioned radio drama titled “Tussen die bokse”, that will draw a few tears from listeners.  A couple has to pack up their house after many years.  Inbetween all the photo’s and memories, they discover something that shatters both their lives.  The cast consists of Fatima Abdool, Duncan Johnson, Donovan Pietersen and Martin Jansen with Helena Hugo as the producer.

“Banket met Nataniël” is a unique festivity where Nataniël shares the best of his stories with recipes, hosting tips, etiquette, history about food and then combines it with his music.  Listen, laugh and learn with Nataniël.  An unforgetable experience that shouldn’t be missed and that will surpass last year’s “Nataniël vertel”.

A total of eleven young actors, of which most is still at school, debuts in a commissioned youth drama that was written by the popular radio writer, Anton Treurnich.  A train full of high school kids, on their way to the annual inter-school competition – be certain of a night filled with tradition, pranks, passion, love, sadness and danger.  “Ons vang gees” is a journey that will touch everyone and that will never be forgotten. Patricia Baadjies, Luka Geldenhuys, Du Toit Albertze, Dealan Fredericks, Carla Smith, Jeani Heyns, Lise-Marie van Wyk, Liam Walsh, Luke White, Margo Kotzé and Nienke Geldenhuys can be heard.

Elias P. Nel will be telling stories each week morning during the RSG Arts Festival with his show “Oom Goltros vertel” with music by Joey Erasmus. Uncle Goltros from Verneukpan will have listeners in stiches with his wit and enigmatic imagination.

The experimental silence project which involves that artists are invited to fill five minutes of silence with their most creative offering is also back.

Philip de Vos is well known for his appertising limericks and jolly verses.  In “Boetie dit is tyd vir bid as ‘n seekoeikoei op jou skoot kom sit”, De Vos’s verses are tangled into a modern day fairytale. This is truly comical entertainment for the whole family, compiled by producer Juanita Swanepoel with Wessel Pretorius and Cintaine Schutte.

The elocution artist, Paul Eilers revisited Chris Barnard’s popular column Chriskras.  In the production “Chriskras”, singer Steffie le Roux and her band Barnard bring the words to life.  A celebration of life, broadcasted live.

Elma Potgieter and Schalk Jacobsz got involved with the work where Uys Krige connected Afrikaans with the work of the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca.  In “Reis sonder einde” lamentations are infused with the flamenco rhythm of guitar masters Paco de Lucía and Ricardo Modrego’s Dos Guitarras Flamencas.

Hendrik J. Botha, an anesthetist and poet from Pretoria, was described as a real discovery for the Afrikaans poetic art by Henning Snyman.  In “Atropos”, which is also the title of his debut volume of poetry, one can hear verses about his youth, mortality and loss of hearing.  Botha’s volume of poetry is exclusively launched during RSG’s Arts Festival.

Ilse Salzwedel will engage with a group of poets again, and include reader Elize Cawood where classical Afrikaans poetry get a new flavour in a comical manner.  Poetry is great fun and “Die woordketting” will have listeners crave for more.

There is also a festival artist, Diane Victor for visual art this year.  Through her, listeners will experience various dance styles.  Listeners will also be encouraged to create their own landscape with paint or pencil.  André P. Brink’s “Lobola vir die lewe” which has been described as one of the ten most influential Afrikaans books, can also be heard as a radio drama.

Christelle Webb-Joubert and Johan van Lill will present the day part of the RSG Arts Festival from 09:00 to 12:00 and Renske Jacobs will present the evening section from 19:00 to 22:00 during the period from 15 to 20 November 2015.

The public has opportunity to attend the free live broadcasts of the concerts (“Rapsodie op Gershwin” and “Chriskras”) that will be done in the M1 studio at SABC Auckland Park.

Besides the Cordis Trust, the Dagbreek Trust has also sponsored various of the arts festival productions.

RSG’s first Arts Festival was awarded with a Fleur du Cap-theatre prize for innovation, and recently with a BASA (Business Arts South Africa) prize for innovation.

The RSG Arts Festival starts on Sunday, 15 November at 15:00 and concludes on Friday, 20 November at 22:00.  The festival is hosted on-air (100-104FM) and can also be heard on DSTV channel 9013 or through live streaming on rsg.co.za  It is completely free of charge.