Miss South Africa 2018

2018 Miss SA Finalists

Following a nationwide search that saw the regional judges travelling to all corners of South Africa, the top 12 finalists have been selected. The lucky lady that will be crowned at the end of this month will be the 60^th winner. That’s right, the prestigious competition is celebrating its 60^th year. With the impeccable achievements of being able to win Miss World in 2014 and a Miss Universe in 2017, the Miss South Africa Organization is on a mission to regain the status of "pageant powerhouse" at the international stage. Hoping to follow in those footsteps are 12 dynamic young women who are beautiful and unique in their own right. The geographical representation of the finalists are as follows:

·         KwaZulu/Natal: 2

·         Eastern Cape: 2

·         Western Cape: 2

·         Gauteng: 4

·         Free State: 1

·         Mpumalanga: 1

The finalists are as diverse as the country they want to represent with interesting career aspirations. Amongst this group are aspiring doctors, conveyancer, business owner and a model. As if that was not enough, one of them is neuroscientist pursuing her masters.

 

Time Square

For the last 26 years, South Africa’s most glamourous woman has been crowned at Sun International’s Sun City resort. This year the venue has shifted to the nation’s capital. Miss South Africa 2018 is set to be staged at the brand-new Time Square Sun Arena in Pretoria. The country’s leading media personality and Cell C ambassador, Bonang Matheba will host the live 2-hour event. The reigning Miss South Africa, Ade van Heerdan will pass on Entle to the new winner at the conclusion of the live telecast. Ade, who is a medical doctor by profession, assumed the crown when the then Miss South Africa, Demi Leigh Nel Peters was crowned Miss Universe last November.

Entle - Official Miss SA crown

Making big news this year is that at the end of the pageant, the final two will be awarded titles – Miss Universe South Africa and Miss World South Africa, one of whom will be Miss South Africa 2018. Speaking to Werner Wessels, the pageant’s Creative Director, he expressed enthusiasm towards the new developments: “We are implementing some changes all for the positive. I think we are excited that we will have two representatives being chosen on the evening for the international pageants. This will give us a clear sense of direction when it comes to the international competitions.” To ensure the finalists are suitably prepared for the road ahead, Sun International and Cell C initiated Woman360, which is a woman-themed drive to cater for the overall well-being of a woman. Woman360 was headlined with key note speakers at each of the regional judging around the country. For the last 3 weeks, the finalists have also gone through several workshops. This ensures that the finalists are empowered and take advantage of this platform, even possibly advancing their individual careers.

Speaking of individuality, Mr Wessels went on to say, “We are putting a lot of focus on each girl’s individuality and her own thoughts and opinions.” 
The 60th Diamond Jubilee event, which will be televised live and simulcast on M-Net and Mzansi Magic on May 27^th at 17:00.

Ticket for this year’s pageant are on sale at TicketPro.

Miss South Africa is proudly presented by Cell C and Sun International.

 Images: Bonang Matheba, Sun International

Nominees for the 21st annual SAMAs announced

The South African Music Awards turn 21 this year. The list of nominees for artists vying for the top honours was released this week.
Leading the race is Hip hop artist, Cassper Nyovest with an impressive five nominations.
Fellow newcomers and pop trio Beatenberg, also scored five nominations in the categories, best pop album for The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg, best collaboration, best album, best duo/group and best newcomer.

Here is the rest of the nominations list:

Album of the Year
Beatenberg - The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg
Cassper Nyovest - Tsholofelo
K.O. - Skhanda Republic
Ringo Madlingozi - Vulani
The Soil - Nostalgic Moments

Duo or Group of the Year
Beatenberg - The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg
Bittereinder  - Skerm
BlackByrd - Home
McCoy Mrubata - Brasskap Sessions Vol. 2
The Soil  - Nostalgic Moments

Female Artist of the Year
Bucie - Princess of House (Easy to Love)
Lulu Dikana - I Came to Love
Maleh  - You Make My Heart Go
Moneoa  - Ndim Lo
Simphiwe Dana - Firebrand

Male Artist of the Year
AKA  - Levels
Cassper Nyovest - Tsholofelo
Jimmy Nevis  - The Masses
K.O. - Skhanda Republic
Ringo Madlingozi - Vulani

Newcomer of the Year
Beatenberg - The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg
Cassper Nyovest - Tsholofelo
Duncan - Street Government
Howie Combrink - Eat it While it’s Hot
Jeremy Loops  - Trading Change

Best Rock Album
aKING – Morning After
Primec Circle – Let the Night In
Reburn - Majestic
Taxi Violence - Tenfold
Zebra & Giraffe – Knuckles

Best Pop Album
Beatenberg – Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg
Jimmy Nevis – The Masses
Monark - Negatives
The Kiffness – Kiff
Toya Delazy - Ascension

Afrikaans Pop Album
Bobby van Jaarsveld – Maak ‘n Wens
Eden – Nooit Oud Raak Nie
Kurt Darren – Lied Vir Die Vrou
Nadine - Skildery
Riana Nel – Die Regte Tyd

Best Adult Contemporary
Arno Carstens - Lightning Prevails
Blackbyrd - Home
Howie Combrink -  Eat It While It’s Hot
Josie Field - S’bongile
Joe Niemand – Back Again

Beste Kontemporere Musiek Album
Adam Tas – Want Jy Is Boer
Chris Chameleon en Daniella Deysel - Posduif
Dewald Wasserfal – Ek en Jy
Dozi – Hande Vol Genade
Pieter Koen – Wat Die Hart Van Vol Is

Best Traditional Music Album
Botlhale Boikanyo – Spoken Word & Music
Brian Finch – Living For Yesterday
Imfez'emnyama – Palesa
Impumelelo – Isiporoporo
Qadasi - Uhambo Olusha

Best Maskandi Album
Abakamnyandu – KoMalume
Amawele Ka Mamtshawe - Mhla Uphelamandla
Ichwane Lebhaca – Ohulumeni
Maqhinga Radebe - I Facebook
Thokozani Langa - Igema Lami

Best Jazz Album
Herbie Tsoaeli - African Time Quartet in Concert
Kyle Shepherd Trio - Dream State
Marcus Wyatt - Maji in the Land of Milk & Honey
McCoy Mrubata - Brasskap Sessions Vol. 2
Nduduzo Makhathini – Mother Tongue

Best RnB Soul Reggae Album
Afrotraction - For The Lovers
Lulu Dikana - I Came To Love
MoNeOa - Ndim Lo
The Soil – Nostalgic Moments
Vusi Nova - Did It For Love
Best Rap Album
AKA   - Levels
Duncan  - Street Government
Cassper Nyovest - Tsholofelo
K.O. - Skhanda Republic
Reason -  Audio High Definition
 
Best Kwaito Album
L’vovo Derrango  - The Boss
Phi & Ginger - Licence to Hustle
Professor - University of Kalawa Jazmee Since 1994
Thebe  - Legend
Trompies - Delicious
 
Best Dance Album
Black Motion - Fortune Teller
Bucie - Princess of House (Easy to Love)
Cuebur - The Brand New Me: Soul Candi Sessions 2015 (Disc 2)
Da Capo - Da Capo
DJ Clock - The 4th Tick: A Clockumentary
Best Classical and/or Instrumental Album
CH2 Guitar Duo - Soos in die Ou Dae
Charl du Plessis Trio - Baroqueswing
Tony Cox -  Padkos
University of Pretoria - Phoenix Camerata
Wouter Kellerman - Winds of Samsara
Best Traditional Faith Album
Andile Kamajola - Chapter 6 Ujehova Ungibiyele
Rebecca Malope - Ama VIP
Rofhiwa Manyaga - Victory in the Blood
Sfiso Ncwane - Bayede Baba
Worship House - Live Project 11

Best Contemporary Faith Music Album
Khaya Mthethwa - The Uprising Limited Edition
Loyiso – Power Love Sound
Ndo Dlakadla - Rhythm of Worship
Tybelo – He’s Alive
Word & Life Worship – Freedom

Best African Adult Album
Kelly Khumalo - Back To My Roots
Maleh - You Make My Heart Go
MaxHoba - Traveling Man
Ringo Madlingozi – Vulani
Simphiwe Dana – Firebrand

Best Alternative Album
Bittereinder – Skerm
Bye Beneco – Space Elephant
David Moffatt – Mistress
Jeremy Loops – Trading Change
Tailor – Light

Best Live DVD
Aubrey Peacock and Benjamin Dube for Renewal in His Presence by Benjamin Dube
Ben Heyns for Krone Live by Krone
Robin Kohl for First Decade by Lira
Aubrey Peacock, Benjamin Dube and Oupa Montshiwaga for Spirit Of Praise Vol. 5 by Spirit Of Praise
Barry Pretorius for Innibos is Groot 2014 "Live" by Various Artists

Music Video of the Year
Studio Space for DJ Dimplez ft Dream Team and ANATII – Yaya
Izm Works for Micasa - Turn You On,
Ryan Kruger for Prime Circle - Let The Night In
Kyle Lewis for In Defense Of My Art by Tumi Molekane
Zakes Bantwini for Zakes Bantwini – Ghetto

Best Producer of the Year
Lulu Dikana & Powella Tiemo for I Came To Love by Lulu Dikana
Holidave for KIFF by The Kiffness
Ewald Jv Rensburg for Negatives by Monark
Denholm Harding for Let The Night In by Prime Circle
Wouter Kellerman and Ricky Kej for for Winds Of Samsara by Wouter Kellerman

Best Engineer of the Year
Brian O'Shea, Crighton Goodwill & Maruispopplanet for Johnny Apple by Johnny Apple
Dave Reynolds & Peter Pearlson for The Light of Day by Dave Reynolds
Peter Auret for Brasskap Sessions Vol. 2 by Mccroy Mrubata
Heritage Sound for Let The Night In by Prime Circle
Jürgen von Wechmar, Rogan Kelsey, Ross Fink & Jaziel Sommers for Ascension by Toya Delazy

Best Collaboration
AKA ft. K.O. - Run Jozi
Cassper Nyovest ft. Gusheshe - OkMalumkoolkat
DJ Clock ft. Beatenberg - Pluto
K.O. ft. Kid X - Caracara
The Soil ft. Ladysmith Black Mambazo  - Hamba Uyosebenza

Remix of the Year
DJ Sbu, Robbie Malinga  - Indlela Yam by DJ Sbu & Mojalefa Thebe
Select Play  - Tsiki Tsiki Remix by Duncan
Goldfish Moonwalk Away (Goldfish Moon Landing Mix) Radio Edit by Goldfish
Heavy K  - Personal Paradise Remix by Heavy K
Riky Rick  - Amantombazane by Riky Rick

Category winners to be announced at the awards ceremony:

KIA RECORD OF THE YEAR

SPECIAL AWARDS
- International Achievement Awards
- Lifetime Achievement Awards

BEST SELLING MOBILE MUSIC DOWNLOAD
- Best Selling Album
- Best Selling DVD
- Best Selling Mobile Music Download
- Best Selling Ring-Back Tone
- Best Selling Full-Track Download

SAMPRA AWARD
Highest Airplay of the Year

"Hard to Get" gets a good nod

Hard to Get unravels remarkable cinema viewing

 

By Fika Shange

 

The first time I laid my eyes on this film’s poster, I was immediately captivated and enthralled. With actor Pallance as lead, one just had to expect nothing but  only mind blowing and exhilarating performance which is something that we have now all come to be accustomed to from this talented young man. I was even more stunned by the stimulating performance of the feisty and yet meek Tshiwe Ziqubu who goes by the name of Skiets in the film.

 

 

TK (Pallance Dladla) is a handsome, charming womaniser of note who meets the striking, robust and dazzling, yet reckless Skiets (Thishiwe Ziqubu) when she walks into the shebeen where he works. Skiets is working to a plan and it virtually appears as if she roped him into this plan. TK simply wants to get into her pants and Skiets never admits it until the bitter end, but she is in love with him. They steal a car from the local bully who spends the rest of the film in search for them. The untouchable couple fail at little robberies and are discovered by the don of rogues that form the underbelly of Johannesburg. It’s not long before their will and love are put to the test.

 

 

Some of the points that stood out for me were the commitment by the entire cast. You can tell that they all wanted to be there. The cinematography was beautifully and artistically done. The choice of and appropriate use of locations created a wonderful world for the story. We found ourselves engrossed in it. I am still awestruck that the very young-looking Zee Ntuli pulled this off. Yes, with a host of mentoring and development by NFVF and very knowledgeable producers it’s still enthralling.

 

The pace and rhythm of this film is so rationally constructed to make sure that they have your attention through every action-filled minute. So when it came to the romance or grimacing action sequences I didn’t want it to drop. I wanted the movie to keep thrusting forward; and it did. Ultimately this is a hopeful story which carries the message that love is worth fighting for. If you are staunch fanatic of action-romance indie flick than you don’t want to miss this incredible film.

Thina Sobabili...a film review by Fika Shange

As cliché as this will undoubtedly sound, there’s one word with which to describe this film - MAGICAL. The alluring title “Thina Sobabili” loosely translated as “Just the two of us” generated just the right amount of anticipation to watch the film. I have viewed a number of films in my life and as soon as I’m out of the cinema, I would have utterly forgotten about the film. However this film is entirely the opposite because it’s mesmeric all the way through.

Not a hard-core film but definitely makes you feel uncomfortable and gloomy for the people in the situation. It brings you face to face with the extreme social ills and the realities of social issues. It unquestionably takes you out of the comfort zone and compels you to empathise with the characters.

Set in Alexandra Township, east of Johannesburg, directed by Ernest Nkosi, Thina Sobabili tells a story of two young siblings, Zanele and her older brother Thulas.  They are desperate, living on the poverty line and carry great emotional baggage. The pair is striving against dreadful social challenges. Thulas is an obsessive, controlling, somewhat emotionally fragile, young man. He is willing to do anything to protect his younger sister. Zanele on the other hand, naively sees a sugar daddy as an escape from the horrendous reality.

It’s been a long time coming since I have literally found myself sitting on the edge of my seat. You cannot really blame me because of the intense and compelling drama demonstrated by the characters. While there’s a state of gloom and torment, in other scenes, there’s fairly glee and merriment. This allows the audience to cudgel their brains on what they have seen.

 

Vodacom Durban July Preview Fashion Show & Concert

Zarth



David Tlale


It is that time of the year again, in which, Durban gets to host probably the biggest horse racing event in Africa - The Durban July 2014. The event is a big draw card for local celebrities, fashion designers and fashion enthusiasts around the country. So it comes as no surprise that Gateway theatre of shopping has once again stepped up to host this year's Vodacom Durban July Fashion preview show . The spectacular event is to be staged at Gateway's Wave House on the 4th July 2014. This will be the sixth time that this event is being held there.
 
Gateway has set out to capture the reminiscence of the old Hollywood glamour as the organisers align this event to the 2014 Durban July theme - "The Big screen".
 

Classic concept pieces presented in a contemporary context, edgy, timeless and elegant is what the internationally recognized and award winning fashion designers will be showcasing on the fashion ramp.

Internationally acclaimed and award winning designers will show case their work and interpretation of this year's theme. David Tlale (@Tlale_Large), Palse Homme , Zama Mathe and Terrence Bray are just some of the designers that will be taking part in this year’s fashion extravaganza. Making their debut on this stage will be Palse Homme(@Palse_SA). A relatively new comer, Palse Homme has already grabbed the attention of many fashionastas. Popolar and SAMA award winning artist Donald(@DonaldInDenial) is Pulse Homme brand ambassador.

Pulse Homme


5FM and Roger Goode fans can look forward to the live broadcast of The Roger Goode show from the Wave House from 4pm. The Ultimix at 6 will be performed live on stage.



Djs Fresh and Euphonic



Roger

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• The show will commence at 17:30
• R50 gets you a ticket via computicket

Contributing SUR fashion editor Banele Njoko (@Mnqobi_Banele) will be in attendance and tweeting live from the event.

This is a show not to be missed courtesy of Gateway Theatre of Shopping (@GatewayUmhlanga)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valar Morghulis - ALL MEN MUST DIE

It has been just over a year after the dreadful and tragic end of Season3 of Game of Thrones, leaving fans around the world traumatised by the unforeseen and truly unexpected turn of events.  After a long wait the new season of  Game of Thrones is here. The first episode airs tonight on HBO across the United States. South Africans will be able to watch the show from next weekend on DSTV. Get ready as the new season is being hailed as the season to top all seasons.

To celebrate the exciting return of this brilliant show, I have decided to put together my most shocking moments from the last 3 seasons:.....BUT before I do, I think I need to just say this show is such a thrill to watch. You just never know what is going to happen. The writing is so clever that it leaves you wondering what just happened. So without any further delay, here are my most memorable shockers that made me go WTF. In random order...

10 year old Bran Stark falls from the tower
Poor Bran was unlucky to climb the tower that day and through the top window see the brother and sister, Queen Regent and Jaime Lannister, having sex. The King Slayer pushes Bran out of the window and tells Cersei "things I do for love". Bran survives the fall but is in a coma for a while and never regains the use of his legs.

The red witch gives birth to an unspeakable horror
We saw how the red witch convinced Stannis Bareatheon to lay with her so that she could give him a son. She is then escorted to a nearby cave by the Onion Knight. There she gives birth to a dark figure. They use this "thing" to kill handsome Lord Renly.

Daenerys Targaryen becomes the mother of dragons
At her husband Khal Drogo's funeral, Dany decides to have her dragon eggs placed in the pyre. She then walks into the fire. When the fires dies down, she remains unharmed and unburnt and her 3 dragon eggs hatch.



The Red Wedding
I really do not want to relive this horrific scene in my head. I literally needed a few days to recover after watching this. All I have to say about this is that nobody is safe in Westeros.

Ned Stark dies
Known for his nobility and his honour, Ned Stark is executed for treason - we know he is not guilty of that but nobody saw this one coming either. Damn that Jeofferey!

Wildfire
Tyrion Lannister as the then acting Hand of the King, is charged with the defence of Kings Landing, when Stannis invaded the capital. The imp used his intelligence to perfectly execute the use of this wildfire to destroy Stannis's fleet. The explosion is so spectacular but shocking at the same time. Its clear to me why after the death of the Mad King, the use of wildfire was completely banished. This stuff  is really dangerous as we saw during the battle of BlackWater Bay.

Daenerys frees the slaves of Astapor
Using amazing tactical greatness, the young Dany assumes command of the 8000 Unsullied, sets her biggest dragon on Master Kraznys and frees all the slaves in Astapor. Amazing!!!




"Tears aren't a woman's only weapon"
Queens are supposed to be regal, disgnified and carry themselves with certain grace and elegance. It was not the case when Queen Regent was speaking to young Sansa Stark. "The best one is between your legs. Learn how to use it", she told the shocked Sansa.  Of course Sansa cannot believe what she is hearing but we have by now all come to hate Cersei for her less than queenly ways.

Well there you have it. There is so much more that is shocking in this series. I guess that is why we have all come to love the show so much. Get ready for more plots, more death, more nudity and more Westeros politics, more white walkers as the new season begins.

Winter is Coming!!!

And the winner is...

 

Just a few hours ago, 4th year student of medicine Rolene Strauss was crowned Miss South Africa 2014. The gorgeous 21 year old University of Free State student walks away with an amazing prize package to the value of more than R1.5 million. Rolene will now represent South Africa at the 2014 Miss Universe pageant. The new Miss South Africa was crowned with a specially designed new crown made by Anglo Gold.

The title of first runner up went to Eastern Cape's Ziphozakhe Zokufa whilst Matlala Mokoko from Limpompo was crowned 2nd runner up.

The spectacular final was staged at the Sun City Superbowl. Performances by SAMA nominated group MiCasa and Bucie added a dynamic entertainment value to the show. The show was put together so nicely. Loved the live orchestra and the music for each segment. The camera work showcased the finalists and the use of the huge screen at the back of the stage was brilliant.

Congratulations to Rolene. Bring on Miss Universe!!!