Latest news with #JiVECapeTownFunnyFestival
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘I am going to disappear for a bit': Jessie J after cancer diagnosis
The singer said she will be taking a break for recovery. UK pop singer Jessie J, whose real name is Jessica Ellen Cornish, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The Bang Bang hitmaker shared the news on Instagram this week. 'Cancer sucks in any form, but I'm holding onto the word 'early'. I have been in and out of tests throughout this whole period,' she shared. The 37-year-old singer said she decided to go public with the news as sharing has helped her. 'I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me — with other people giving me their love and support, and also their own stories. 'I'm an open book. It breaks my heart that so many people are going through similar or even worse. That's the bit that kills me,' she added. Jessie said she received her diagnosis before releasing her hit song No Secrets in April this year. 'To get diagnosed with this as I'm putting out a song called No Secrets, right before putting out a song called Living My Best Life, which was all pre-planned before I found out about this — I mean, you can't make it up.' ALSO READ: 'I could die before surgery': Cancer patient lost in Gauteng hospitals backlog Jessie J to take a break for surgery The singer said she would be taking a break to focus on her recovery. 'What a weird way to get a boob job. I am going to disappear for a bit after Summertime Ball to have my surgery — and I'll come back with massive tits and more music.' NOW READ: 'Feels like going back to my favourite uncle's house': Tumi Morake on returning to JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Tumi Morake to headline JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival
The festival will be held in Cape Town later in June. Award-winning comedian Tumi Morake is set to headline the 26th edition of the JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival. The festival will be held at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town from 17 to 29 June. Speaking to The Citizen, Morake, who is based in Atlanta, USA, said she is looking forward to reconnecting with audiences. 'It feels like going back to my favourite uncle's house after a long time! 'I am looking forward to one of the best audiences in this country and having a good time,' she said. ALSO READ: Event organiser demands over R80k refund after Pearl Thusi no-show A full-circle moment for Tumi Morake Morake said returning to the JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival is a full-circle moment and described it as a great platform for both seasoned and upcoming comedians. 'It's a mixed bag of goodies that gives everyone a chance to shine. You perform for audience sizes you don't normally get to, so you sharpen your skills. 'Also, it is a great platform to get your name out there and share a stage with international acts.' The 26th edition of the JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival features a line-up of both international and local stars, including Robby Collins, Kagiso Mokgadi, Charlie Caper, Baccalà Clown Emo, and Loukmaan and Friends. Morake is one of the leading names in South African comedy. She has won several awards, including the Savanna Comics' Choice Award, and has been named a Free State Icon. In 2018, she made history as the first African woman to appear in a Netflix comedy special, Just For Laughs Festival, which was streamed globally the following year. After spending the past few years in the United States, she says the experience has sharpened her comedy without changing its core. 'Living in the US has taught me the value of cultural context and research — understanding Ebonics and references makes a big difference. 'It has also taught me to appreciate how well-versed we are in American politics. But the more true I am to my South African roots, the more audiences lean in.' Morake said she enjoys performing at home, particularly because of South Africa's rich linguistic diversity. 'Switching language lanes is the thing I miss most when I'm away. In one South African set, you can go through half the country's official languages!' NOW READ: 'It cannot carry on as things have been' – Gayton McKenzie as he cuts funding for Downtown Music Hub
Mail & Guardian
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Diary: Tumi Morake at the Cape Town Funny Festival, Disney+ Quiz Nights return, Joya Mooi releases Open Hearts
Homecoming: Comedian Tumi Morake will perform in Cape Town next month. Tumi Morake brings the laughs to Cape Town South African comedic powerhouse Tumi Morake is back to light up the stage at the 26th edition of the JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival, powered by KLM. Performing exclusively at the Baxter Theatre from 17 to 29 June, Morake returns from her home in Atlanta in the US to reconnect with her roots — and her fans. Known as the 'First Lady of Comedy', Morake made history in 2018 as the first African woman featured at Netflix's Just For Laughs festival, and her international résumé ranges from Ghana to the UK and across the US. Local audiences will know her from films like Seriously Single and the hit soap The Queen. Morake is buzzing about her return: 'This is the biggest, most diverse audience you will ever find in South Africa!' Festival founder Eddy Cassar calls her 'bold, sassy' and central to the event's spirit. Tickets are R250 via Webtickets, with group discounts available. Even more magic at this year's quiz nights Get ready for a trivia takeover as Disney+ Quiz Nights return this month, in collaboration with Quiz Nights SA. After the huge success of last year's edition, this event promises to be even better, running from 12 to 15 May at venues across Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. It celebrates everything from Disney classics to fresh new content on Disney+, including hits from Pixar, Marvel and National Geographic. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Grey's Anatomy or The Simpsons, or obsessed with newcomers like The Bear, Dying for Sex or Daredevil: Born Again, you'll get your moment. Christine Service of The Walt Disney Company Africa says the quiz captures 'shared moments that connect generations'. Entry is free but fans are urged to book their spots fast at venues like Tiger's Milk, Kapstadt, Carlyle's and more. Follow @QuizNightsSA and @DisneyPlusZA for details. Kesivan & The Lights bring Freedom in Sound to life Electrifying: Kesivan Naidoo and his group will give several performances in Joburg and Cape Town. Celebrated drummer and composer Kesivan Naidoo is back in South Africa along with his dynamic ensemble, Kesivan & The Lights, for the Freedom in Sound tour — a celebration of 30 years of democracy through jazz. The group starts their Joburg leg at Untitled Basement on Thursday 8 May, followed by a performance at the Wits Chris Seabrooke Music Hall on Friday 9 May, before heading to Cape Town's Baxter Theatre for a one-night-only show on Saturday 10 May. That evening will also be recorded for an album. The tour brings together some of jazz's finest talents: trumpeter Darren English, pianist Bokani Dyer, saxophonist Charley Rose, guitarist Fabio Gouvêa and bassist Joan Codina, blending heritage with innovation. Naidoo says the project honours South African jazz masters while reimagining their legacy. Tickets range from R200 to R250 via Webtickets.
IOL News
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Robby Collins to headline the JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival
Get ready for a laughter-filled experience as KwaZulu-Natal's own Robby Collins takes centre stage at the 26th annual JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival. Following his double triumph at the 2025 Savanna Comics' Choice Awards, where he was honoured with both the Best Solo Show and Headliner of the Year awards, Collins is poised to delight audiences with his unique brand of storytelling and humour. The festival, powered by KLM and running from 2 to 29 June 2025, will be hosted at the iconic Baxter Theatre. For two weeks, from 2 to 15 June, Collins will showcase his talent, marking a significant highlight in a festival renowned for celebrating the vibrancy of South African comedy. Emerging from Durban's theatre scene, Collins has risen to become one of the most engaging voices in comedy. He first gained national prominence as the opening act for Trevor Noah's 2015 tour and has since graced prestigious platforms such as 'The Heavy Weight Comedy Jam' and 'Blacks Only'. His accolades at the recent Savanna Comics' Choice Awards reaffirm his status as a commendable force in the local comedy landscape. "Receiving these awards was an incredibly humbling experience," Collins said. "Now, I'm thrilled to bring the laughter to Cape Town and connect with audiences at the renowned JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival. I can't wait to see you there!" Eddy Cassar, the founder of the JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival, echoed Collins' excitement, noting that the festival has a rich history of showcasing exemplary local talent and advocating for freedom of expression. "Robby Collins' comedic brilliance perfectly embodies the spirit of the Funny Festival. He delivers smart, insightful comedy that resonates deeply with South African audiences. We're incredibly proud to have him on the bill this year," Cassar remarked. Tickets for this not-to-be-missed event are priced at R250 each, with generous discounts available for group bookings through Webtickets. With the festival set to run throughout the month, Collins' performances are expected to be a major draw for fans of comedy eager to experience his witty insights and relatable narratives. Interested audiences can stay updated on the festival details by visiting
