Latest news with #MiriamMakeba
The Herald
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
From East London to the world — The Voice Lounge is the Eastern Cape's voice, amplified
Innovative media upstart, The Voice Lounge, has launched a suite of ultra-modern news and content platforms from East London in the Eastern Cape. The youthful 'lounge' is staged upon three digital platforms: an online radio station, a podcast studio, and a fully equipped postmodern recording studio. School pupils can also get free, curriculum-targeted tuition from the Saturday Tutor show. The tech powering up the new media company includes high-resolution broadcast and live-streaming cameras, professional audio mixing and mastering systems, advanced streaming software, and a fully kitted control room for producing radio shows and podcasts. 'We are poised to produce content for local, national, and international audiences at broadcast-level quality. 'This is more than a media house, it's a visionary movement, a stage, and a home for voices that matter. The company has rooted itself in the provincial Home of Legends brand, saying:'The Eastern Cape is proudly known as the Home of Legends — a province that has birthed iconic leaders, world-renowned musicians, and cultural giants. 'From Nelson Mandela to Miriam Makeba, from Steve Biko to Simphiwe Dana — this land is steeped in talent, history, and power. 'Yet for years, the region has lacked a platform bold enough to match its legendary status. That time has ended,' the media company stated. The venture is part of the Naldovision stable which is a highly respected group and community builder with a keen eye for innovation and youth empowerment. With multiple successful ventures already under their leadership, Naldovision seeks a multimedia hub that would serve as a legacy project for the province. 'The group's dream is to build a platform where young people are empowered, stories are told with authenticity, talent is nurtured, and the Eastern Cape takes its rightful place in the global media space. 'Thanks to his vision, The Voice Lounge is now a fully operational reality — and is already changing lives.' Its set-up reflects its tagline: Three platforms, one vision. 'Our online radio station broadcasts with a global reach, accessible by listeners around the world. 'With a language mix of 80% English and 20% isiXhosa, the station remains both inclusive and culturally grounded. 'It's a conversational station, meaning we don't just play music — we engage. We speak. 'We interrogate issues. We bring insight to everyday matters that affect real people. 'Our content is tailored to professionals, urban youth, online communities and current affairs audiences looking for deeper, smarter dialogue.' The Saturday Student Tutor Platform is hosted on-air for pupils in different grades. 'In partnership with qualified tutors, we cover various school subjects in line with the department of education's curriculum, providing pupils across the Eastern Cape [and beyond] with free, accessible academic support. 'This initiative reflects our broader commitment to education, empowerment, and nation-building.' The podcast studio is a major segment in the venture's weekly programming, especially on Sundays, where conversations are hosted with guest speakers — from leaders in government to business influencers, cultural icons and changemakers. 'These episodes are deeply engaging, thoughtful, and positioned to spark national conversation — bridging the gap between formal media and everyday people. 'We've invested in a world-class recording studio, equipped with the latest technology and industry-standard software,' the company said. 'Our aim is simple: record and promote Eastern Cape talent, offer free access to promising artists, and provide artist development and management, all under one roof. 'We are also engaging the Eastern Cape department of sports, recreation, arts & culture to formalise a partnership that ensures our province's talent has a platform to shine — from the village to the world stage.' With a strong focus on strategic growth, partnerships are being finalised with the Daily Dispatch for media collaboration and visibility, and MTN for connectivity and infrastructure support. 'We are also preparing to expand the Voice Lounge model to other parts of the province, including Mthatha and Gqeberha, so more communities can benefit from our innovation.' 'What makes The Voice Lounge powerful is its equipment or format, and the fact that it is born out of the Eastern Cape, built by local hands, and inspired by the legends who came before us.
Mail & Guardian
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Diary: National Arts Festival, Thandiswa live at the Lyric, Sisonke Afrohouse
Thandiswa Mazwai returns to the stage for an intimate, soul-stirring performance at The Lyric Theatre. (Photo supplied) Festival returns with fresh fire and fearless talent For 11 days this winter, Makhanda becomes the beating heart of South African creativity and artistic innovation as the National Arts Festival lights up the Eastern Cape until 6 July. A staple on the cultural calendar since 1974, the festival has long been a space for protest, play and powerful storytelling — and this year is no different. The programme honours Youth Month by spotlighting bold new voices through the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards. Six trailblazers — Asanda Ruda, Siya Charles, Muneyi, Calvin Ratladi, Modise Sekgothe and Nyakallo Maleke — will debut genre-pushing work across theatre, music, jazz, dance, poetry and visual arts. It's a testament to the resilience and brilliance of South African youth and a celebration of the art that helps us reflect, reimagine and rise. Visit Thandiswa live at The Lyric for one night only Thandiswa Mazwai returns to the stage for an intimate, soul-stirring performance at The Lyric Theatre on 29 June at 7pm, marking a year since the release of her fourth studio album Sankofa. Joined by a stellar jazz quartet, she will journey through songs from Sankofa and Belede — two albums steeped in memory, lineage and fierce artistry. Expect stories of mentorship, movement and music, with nods to the likes of Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela. The show offers a celebration of pan-African sound, with reinterpretations of protest jazz classics and new material. Tickets at Webtickets — Get together for an Afrohouse event Sisonke — We Are Together, an Afrohouse music event, is set to launch this weekend. The event is an experience rooted in unity, rhythm, culture, and energy. Sisonke, which means 'we are together' in isiZulu, aims to connect music lovers through sound. The event will take place at The Nest in Johannesburg on Sunday 29 June from 2pm to 11pm. 'Sisonke brings together the immersive power of Afrohouse music and a carefully curated community experience. 'With an emphasis on premium, intimate settings, each Sisonke event offers a deep, soulful celebration of Afrohouse culture from South Africa to the world,' say the event organisers. Rising South African artists Omagoqa and Thakzin will be gracing the Sisonke stage. The full line-up is set to be announced during the course of the week. Tickets are available on Quicket for R300.
eNCA
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Mazwai marks Sankofa anniversary
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's renowned singer and songwriter, Thandiswa Mazwai, will be celebrating a year since the release of her album Sankofa with a special presentation at the Lyric Theatre at Johannesburg's Gold Reef City next weekend Sunday. She will also present music from her album Belede and tell her fans about her memories from her encounters with mentors like Miriam Makeba and Huge Masekela as well as her travels across Africa.
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Rock, jazz and iconic voices: Cape Town's weekend of musical magic awaits
Zoid Psalm is a new music production featuring Karen Zoid on electric guitar alongside a full church organ. The show explores the contrast between rock and sacred music, creating an original sound experience. It's an intense, stripped-back performance that brings two powerful styles into unexpected harmony. Before the show, guests can enjoy a Langtafel lunch (long tables), shared plates, and locally inspired food that sets the tone for a unique musical experience. Where: NG Kerk, Bloubergstrand. When: Saturday, May 24, at 12.30pm. This concert honours Miriam Makeba, the 'Mother of African Music,' through her iconic songs and story. Led by rising jazz talent Thandeka Dladla, it's a powerful tribute to her music and legacy. The Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival highlights young musical talent with 25 big bands performing over four nights. Where: Cafe Roux, Noordhoek. When: Sunday, May 25, at 4pm. A must for jazz lovers, the event supports music initiatives in underprivileged communities and partners with the South African College of Music. Where: Concert Hall, Baxter Theatre. When: Runs from Wednesday, May 28, at 7pm.
