Latest news with #BrunchMarquee
IOL News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Touchline makes stylish Hollywoodbets Durban July debut at Saso's brunch marquee
Rapper Touchline made his debut at the Hollywoodbets Durban July and was a guest at Saso's brunch marquee. Image: Instagram/karabo_selolo Rapper Touchline attended the Hollywoodbets Durban July for the first time this year and was a guest at Saso's Brunch Marquee. Speaking to IOL, the rapper, whose real name is Thabo Mahlwele, shared how he had felt a bit of pressure when it came to attending Africa's biggest horse racing event. He enlisted the help of a stylist, KandyBoi, to help execute the Marvels of Mzansi theme. 'We just put a few things together and came up with like a look for myself, who never wears formal clothing, by the way. I went with him (KandyBoi) because I was probably going to buy a tracksuit.' Touchline admitted that his late arrival had him missing out on the day's main attraction, the horse races. 'It looks a lot like a lot of the events that we attend, but I've also had a limited experience because I haven't seen the rest of it,' he shared. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He went on to reveal how excited his mother was for him to be attending the big event, which draws out thousands of people from all over the country and is a known celebrity attraction. 'I'm very grateful to be here, to see that your gift can put you in spaces that you couldn't even dream of, and meet people that you just looked at and marveled at,' he shared. For its second year at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Saso's Brunch Marquee moved away from the winning post, but expanded in terms of size, allowing for 800 guests. Curated by hip-hop star and cultural tastemaker Lusaso 'Saso' Ngcobo, the marquee made headlines last year for its historic debut and unmatched atmosphere. Once again, Saso's Brunch Marquee partnered with Maxhosa Africa for the decor and lifestyle elements. MaXhosa founder Laduma Ngxokolo, speaking to IOL, shared why they decided to come on board for the second time. 'Last year, we showed off; this year, we showed out and we showed up,' expressed Ngxokolo. It's a beautiful space, I don't think people get it yet, but once it hits their head, it will be a type of experience that they will always be longing for. 'I think Saso's Brunch has got its specific, well-refined market, if we're talking levels, if we're talking nuances.' Ngxokolo explained that when it came to the deco, MaXhosa curated elements such as the wallpaper, carpets, cushions, throws, and umbrellas. 'These are products that we offer as part of our Makosa Lifestyle brand, which is an extension of MaXhosa, a luxury fashion brand.' For first-timers like Touchline, the Hollywoodbets Durban July offered more than fashion, it was a moment of affirmation, proof that talent and authenticity can open doors to the grandest stages. IOL Entertainment
TimesLIVE
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Award-winning jazz virtuoso Mandisi Dyantyis to headline Saso's Brunch Marquee at Durban July
Renowned award-winning jazz artist and trumpeter Mandisi Dyantyis is set to headline Saso's Brunch Marquee at the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday July 5 at Greyville Racecourse. In a grand reprise, the marquee will also feature performances by equally captivating artists including Zee Nxumalo, Scott Maphuma, Oscar Mbo, DJ Merlon and others soon to be announced. Known for songs such as NguMama, Ndimthanda, Cwaka, and Molo Sisi, Mandisi has earned widespread respect for his ability to fuse jazz, Afro-soul, and traditional isiXhosa music into a distinct and moving sound. 'We always love playing in Durban, and we're truly looking forward to connecting with you all on July 5,' said Mandisi . The diverse line-up will feature acts that resonate strongly with younger audiences who have evolved musical tastes, ensuring that everyone feels included. As an artist turned entrepreneur Saso, real name Lusaso Ngcobo, recognises that with an expanded capacity of 800 guests this year, it is crucial to have hit makers, culture influencers and trending social media artists who can bring dynamic and memorable performances to the stage. 'Every year, we strive to offer something fresh and exciting for everyone to enjoy, and nothing unites us better than music. It was essential for us to include some of the artists dominating the scene, particularly to engage a younger, more music-savvy audience who often connect songs with viral dance challenges,' said Saso. Set against the backdrop of one of Africa's biggest horse racing events, Saso's Brunch Marquee returns this year in a larger, more prominent location while aiming to maintain the exclusive atmosphere that has defined it. The theme for 2025, 'Cradle of Marvels', pays tribute to Africa's ancestral heritage, combining cultural elements with modern luxury. Attendees can expect curated design, fashion, food and entertainment that reflect this vision. One key area of focus this year is youth employment. The internal organisers have expanded their team, prioritising hiring young people from within the Durban Metro, particularly in production and bar service roles. This effort aims to address high youth unemployment rates in the area by providing meaningful work and skills development opportunities, Saso said. ' In isiZulu, we say 'umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu ' (I am because you are). As a young person myself, I understand how difficult it is to find work opportunities in a field you're passionate about. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for the sponsors who invested in me. I believe it's important to extend opportunities to others, just as others once did for you,' he added.
The Citizen
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Saso pulling out all stops with a diverse lineup for his marquee this year's Durban July
Dubbed Saso's Brunch Marquee, the exclusive tent will be erected at the Greyville racecourse, at this year's Durban July. Saso (centre) announced Zee Nxumalo (left) and Mandisi Dyantyis in his line up for his marquee at Durban July. Pictures: Supplied After his first attempt at hosting a marquee at the Durban July last year, rapper Saso has pulled out all the stops for this year's edition of the glitzy racehorse event. 'We are aware that the main focus is a more mature and corporate based crowd when it comes to this event but having attended the July as a guest and as an artist we wanted to strike a balance between young and old,' Saso told The Citizen. Real name Lusaso Ngcobo, the 34-year-old recently announced a lineup of performers, which ranges from jazz musician Mandisi Dyantyis to the energetic Zee Nxumalo. 'We also felt it's important that a younger consumer should be able to experience the Durban July and not feel left out.' Dubbed Saso's Brunch Marquee, the exclusive tent will be erected at the Greyville tacecourse. The marquee will also feature performances by Scott Maphuma, Oscar Mbo and DJ Merlon, with others expected to be announced in the days leading up to the first weekend of July, when the annual event takes place. ALSO READ: Nduduzo Makhathini on spiritual understandings anchoring his music and remaining modest Saso still an artist Reflecting on last year's run, Saso says he and his team learnt a lot from it. 'Overall, it was a great experience. It had its ups and downs, mistakes and oversights here and there but we executed to the best of our ability at the time,' he shares. Soso came into the industry as part of the trio DreamTeam, which is now a duo. Comparing his role as a marquee host and as a host, Saso says there are differences. 'For me the more stressful is the role I'm in now. There's much more to deal with, much more to worry about much more pressure and just a lot more work,' he says. 'With performing you are focused on one thing which you have rehearsed and know how to execute.' Despite wearing a marquee host's hat, the rapper from Durban says he's still very much sees himself as an artist. 'I don't see that ever changing,' he says. 'The love and passion I have for it is too deep – it's just that it's not the main focus right now.' ALSO READ: WATCH: 'Youngins' stars confirm final season in Soweto Opportunities for youth In 2024, Saso's marquee accommodated 400 people but he has decided to take things a notch up this year, with a target of 700. 'Which means we have moved to a bigger space and have built a marquee experience which is indoors and out,' he shares. This year, his marquee will introduce a space called the sundeck, which offers prices that are affordable for patrons. A key area of focus for Saso this year is youth employment. The internal organisers have expanded their team, prioritising hiring young people from within the Durban metro, particularly in production and bar service. This effort aims to address high youth unemployment rates in the area by providing meaningful work and skills development opportunities. 'In isiZulu, we say 'umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu', which loosely translates to 'I am because you are'. As a young person myself, I understand how difficult it is to find work opportunities in a field you're passionate about,' shared Saso. 'I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for the sponsors who invested in me. I believe it's important to extend opportunities to others, just as others once did for you.' NOW READ: SA Gen Z's love for new-age Maskandi and Americans' craze over Amazayoni music
