Latest news with #MarvelsofMzansi
IOL News
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025: Celebrating the Marvels of Mzansi
The theme for the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2024 was 'Riding the Wave'. Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers From sparkling sequins to soaring feathers, the Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ) has long been the crown jewel of South Africa's fashion and horseracing calendar. More than just a sporting event, it's where style icons, celebrities, and trendsetters come together to dazzle, and 2025 promises to be no exception. This year's theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi,' sets the stage for a vibrant celebration of South Africa's cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes. It invites attendees to dive deep into the soul of the country and express its marvels through bold, creative fashion. Each year, the HDJ theme inspires fashionistas, young designers, and avant-garde stylists to push boundaries. Actor and model Naliyani Uma set the tone by showcasing looks from local design houses such as Zarth Designs and Martin John Bespoke. In a social media post, she reflected on the theme's deeper meaning: 'The 2025 @hollywoodbets Durban July theme is 'Marvels of Mzansi' — and what better way to capture the magic than by honouring the breathtaking landscapes of KZN and the brilliance of our homegrown fashion talent?' 'This year, we're letting Mzansi's rich culture, vibrant fashion, and iconic flavours guide our creativity at Africa's biggest Horse Racing and Social Event.' Stephen Marshall, Events and Marketing Executive at Gold Circle, shared his excitement, saying, 'Our pride in Mzansi's heritage and culture extends beyond sporting excellence; it's also reflected in the innovation, tenacity, and resilience of its people. The HDJ is more than just a major event that attracts visitors from across South Africa to KwaZulu-Natal; it provides a platform for participants to showcase their skills and talents to a highly engaged audience.' Devin Heffer, Brand and Communications Manager at Hollywoodbets, echoed the sentiment. 'The Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than just a race — it's a cultural phenomenon that unites fashion, entertainment, and world-class horse racing on an electrifying stage. As a proudly South African business, this year's theme couldn't be more fitting. It celebrates our country's rich heritage, diversity, and extraordinary achievements, all set against the vibrant energy of Durban.' The 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July will take place on Saturday, July 5, at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. With nearly 40,000 attendees expected and an economic impact that last year reached R717 million, the event continues to be a powerful driver of tourism, creativity, and national pride. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Lifestyle
TimesLIVE
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
DJ Tira sets the tone for this year's Durban July with Mzansi's sought-after A-listers
The countdown to the Hollywoodbets Durban July has begun and DJ Tira's Afrotainment team is gearing up for another spectacular year at the Afrotainment Marquee. On July 5, the team will bring their unique blend of style and entertainment to the event, themed 'Marvels of Mzansi'. Recently, the Palesa hit maker and the Afrotainment crew gathered at Avianto Hotel in Muldersdrift for a stunning photo shoot to kick-start their journey to the much-anticipated opulent event. DJ Tira's wife Gugu Khathi, singers Zee Nxumalo, Mawhoo, DJ Maphorisa, Ashley Ogle and Sweet Guluva, donned bright-coloured garments, setting the tone for an unforgettable event. For Gugu, the Durban July has become a cherished tradition. 'It went from an idea. From the smallest photo shoot to what we do now. It's been years, and each year, this day is the most important,' she said, highlighting the significance of the event. This year marks 14 years of DJ Tira having his Afro marquee at the Durban July and he's built a reputation for doing it bigger and better. He says this year he is taking things up a notch. 'The love and passion for what I do [is what keeps me going]. I love entertainment, I love looking good. I love being a leader. I love showing the way. And now I am showing the way for Durban July, how to dress and how to look,' Tira said. 'We always work with who's hot. When it comes to the Afrotainment shoot, we always work with whose currently trending.' Mawhoo, who will be attending the event for the first time because she usually attends the after-parties, plans to dazzle with elegance. She advises first-time attendees to put their best foot forward too. 'Look good, look nice. It's not a competition, just wear something that's going to make you feel confident and that you'll be proud of.' Ashley Ogle, also a first-timer, is excited about her appearance. 'I think of it (the event) as glam and Zodwa Wabantu. Now it's going to be Ashley Wabantu. I'm looking forward to seeing all the looks.'
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Feel the pride: Zolani Mahola to rock the national anthem at Hollywoodbets Durban July
Zolani Mahola will deliver a rendition of the national anthem at the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Taking place at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, this year's event promises to be a dazzling celebration under the "Marvels of Mzansi" theme. Zolani Mahola , the renowned lead vocalist of the celebrated band Freshlyground, will deliver a rendition of the national anthem at the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday, July 5. The theme captures the essence of South Africa's vibrant spirit, showcasing the country's rich culture, creative ingenuity, and a fashion scene that stuns. Mahola's performance is set to be one of the highlights of the day, adding a layer of pride and unity to what is not only a prestigious horse racing event but also a full cultural experience. Born and raised in Gqeberha, Mahola's career trajectory is as inspirational as it is impressive. She studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town and made her mark early on as an actress in the television drama 'Tsha Tsha'. Furthermore, her voice has graced the animated feature film 'Zambezia', where she voiced the character Zoë and lent her talents to the soundtrack with the uplifting song "Get Up'. As the frontwoman of Freshlyground, Mahola emerged as a household name, thanks to the band's unique sound that beautifully blended African pop and jazz, captivating listeners around the globe with hits like the beloved 'Doo Be Doo'. Yet, Mahola's ambitions have transcended her early successes. In recent years, she has carved out a powerful solo career, showcasing her storytelling finesse alongside her remarkable vocal abilities.
