Latest news with #Montecasino
News24
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Standing ovation, tears, joy: Kelvin Momo's Redbull Symphonic is a 10-out-of-10 production
Day one of the 2025 Redbull Symphonic, which happened on Friday, 6 June with Kelvin Momo at the centre of the action, went without a glitch. Momo has a setlist of 18 songs for the night – a number that might be considered small for his music catalogue, but the creme de la creme from his repertoire. Those in attendance witnessed that there's no love lost between Momo and Babalwa M. Curious to see what song would kick off the musical extravaganza, the anticipation was electrifying. Day one of the 2025 Redbull Symphonic, which happened on Friday, 06 June with Kelvin Momo at the centre of the action, went off without a glitch. The pitch was perfect, and the acoustics were stunning from the first note at Montecasino's Teatro. What song kicked off the night? The unexpected Four Corners of the World featuring Mzizi, with deep Sotho lyrics and an ethereal vibe. The single from Momo's Ntsako album set the scene. Right on cue, with a Moholobela (the traditional Basotho blanket) on his shoulder and a Mokorotlo (the traditional hat worn by the Basotho people of Lesotho and Southern Africa) as his crown, Mzizi walks on stage as the curtain lifts. Ushered by images of trees and the lights to match, he has a guitar and sets a musical treat of note into motion. The big screen with Redbull Symphonic lifts to reveal Kelvin and renowned conductor Adam Howard. Looking dapper, the two men are dressed in tailored black suits, Howard's jacket is adorned with wing-shaped glitter on the shoulders and back, while Momo accessorises his look with a 'Boys of Soweto' blanket he hangs on his arm. After a wave, a bow, and a hug, the two musical geniuses deliver on their promise to give fans an unforgettable night. Mzizi strums his guitar, and the Egoli orchestra begins to deliver magic through well-executed notes and harmonies. A choir of eight – four women and four men – join the DJ, conductor, and orchestra on stage. READ | WATCH | 'I'm grateful': Kelvin Momo announced as SA's 2025 Redbull Symphonic main act The crowd doesn't know it yet, but Momo has a setlist of 18 songs for the night – a number that might be considered small for his music catalogue, but the creme de la creme from his repertoire. Themba follows Four Corners of World from his Sewe album, which features the late Yallunder and Mkeyz. A close friend of Momo's, Yallunder, died earlier this year in March, which sees her vocals play in the background as Mkeyz joins Momo on stage. In his Thato Ya Modimo album, released just a few days before the Redbull Symphonic, he interludes with a song called Buya, which features and is a tribute to the late vocalist. The crowd is already warmed up when he switches gears to a re-imagined Umoya. Dressed in a body-hugging red dress, singer Mashudu sings her heart out, and the crowd joins her for the chorus of the hit song from Momo's Amukelani album. Crowd favourites Wa Nsiya from Momo's Kurhula album, and an orchestra-infused Soweto Groove follows. Like a kid witnessing Santa deliver everything he listed on his wish list, Momo is super happy watching his dream unfold. A jazzy vibe fills the room as Soweto Groove plays. Joining with his sax, Adam leaves conducting duties for a minute to join the fun. It's clear to the audience that he's having the time of his life on stage. Pictures of Momo's musical influences, including the late Hugh Masekela, flash in the background during the 'battle' of the strings. READ | WATCH | Kelvin Momo shares process behind how he names his album The crowd is singing along. There are no lyrics to Soweto Groove, but everyone seems to have chosen an instrument to embody. There's lah lah lah and imitation of saxophone sounds bouncing off the walls. Not a majaivane (good dancer) per se, Momo keeps to his signature salsa-inspired moves every time he steps away from the DJ desk. 2024's Emaphupeni starts, igniting questions about Babalwa's whereabouts as Makhanj – also dressed in a body-hugging red dress, steps onto the stage alone to belt out her parts of the hit song. Then Inyembezi, a song Momo looked forward to recreating, has him step away from the desk to sing the lyrics with his fans. Originally, the song had vocals from Babalwa M and Aymos, but on stage, Momo had the choir delivering the vocals instead. In an interview with News24, Momo told off the song's story and origins. At conception, the song had the words he needed someone to say to him because, thanks to the music industry, he was filled with doubt. This after his Private School album catapulted him into fame. Momo said when he created his Ivy League album, he needed to remind himself that 'he's not money, and he won't make everyone happy'. What he needed to do was stick to his guns, and he did. There's satisfaction in his face when he sings the song now. He's lived his song. The audience can tell. Then, totally unexpectedly, rapper Areece comes out as the stage 'resets.' Instead of the private school Amapiano everyone is here for, Areece raps: 'If Kelvin did it, I got the feeling I can do it too.' The flute shines at this time, and Kelvin, probably too shy to sing his own praises, does his version of Kabza De Small's Kabza Chant (in the song, Kabza totes his own horn, with the help of industry contributors who consider him the GOAT as well). It's a song that says, 'I am the guy I think I am'. The 'Uphi o Babalwa?' whispers continue as Momo, Howard, and the orchestra deliver beautiful versions of some of Momo's hits, Jazzzue, Uhambe Wrongo, and Vulani. Bo Gogo and Waze Wamuhle get the crowd on their feet. With the vibes in full effect – plus the alcohol in the audience's systems – the theatre turns into a mini club. Then there's a pause. Momo disappears behind the stage. When he comes out, a question that has been all night is finally answered. Where's Babalwa M? She walks out with Momo hand-in-hand on stage, dressed in a short, embezzled hot pink dress. Later in the show, Momo thanks his family, friends and mother-in-law, confirming that he's off the market. The pair, who were romantically linked and then alleged to have broken up, presented a united front on stage. Having contributed to most of Momo's hits, Babalwa gets her flowers as soon as she walks onto the stage, from Momo and the audience, evidenced by the screams. The Babalwa segment begins with Pholisa Intliziyo, with a brief appearance by Baby S.O.N. Then, one of Momo's biggest songs, Sukakude, which means we've come far from where we started, begins – re-imagined but equally mesmerising. READ | 'Music saved me': Kelvin Momo talks humble beginnings, pioneering private school amapiano Then, we are transported seamlessly into Amalobolo before Babalwa leaves the stage and the song that ends the night begins. Song Cry from Momo's Ivy League, featuring Mhaw Keys, is rightfully the last song because it changes the mood in the room. Momo sheds tears, seemingly in disbelief that he's living his dream at that moment. The Egoli orchestra, with Howard conducting, and the magical vocals from the choir transport the audience to a different place. The show is over when the song ends, and everyone lands back on planet Earth. 'Where did the time go?' says someone behind me. I relate. The show was too short. I am sure day two and three will be a treat. For those who failed to get the tickets, the full show will be screened as a 'delayed live' on Channel O in July, so eventually, everyone will get a front-row seat. Stay tuned to Red Bull and Channel O's social channels for details, and run to social media for the teasers.
IOL News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Win tickets to 'Bluey's Big Play Stage Show' at Artscape and Montecasino
Win tickets to Bluey's Big Play at Artscape and Montecasino this July! The show then moves to The Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg from Wednesday, 09 July to Sunday, 20 July. For the first time ever, the hit theatre production Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show makes its African debut at Artscape, Cape Town on Thursday, 26 June, running until Sunday, 06 July 2025. The hit theatre show 'Bluey's Big Play' makes its African debut in the 2025 Winter school holidays at Artscape Theatre and Montecasino. Wackadoo! Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are coming to South Africa in the 2025 winter school holidays! Bluey's Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the BAFTA and Emmy® Award-winning animated children's television series. Families in South Africa can experience the joy of seeing Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad in their first ever theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets, iconic sets, live actors and all-new music - it's Bluey like you've never seen it before, in real life and on stage. The popularity of Bluey's Big Play knows no bounds, touring internationally across Australia, UK and Ireland, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Europe and North America. Bluey's Big Play follows Bluey and her family through a full day from sunrise through to bedtime. When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey's Big Play is an original story from creator Joe Brumm, with bespoke music from Bluey composer Joff Bush. The audio track for Bluey's Big Play is prerecorded and features original voices from the TV sensation, including the instantly recognisable voices of Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as Dad and Mum. While the larger-than-life puppets are commanded by Bluey's Big Play's talented puppeteers, who bring Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life on stage. Bluey was the most-watched series globally on Disney+ in 2024, and the year's No. 1 most-watched series on streaming to date through November among total viewers in the U.S. In South Africa, Bluey is ranked #1 on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and CBeebies Tickets are on sale now at and
News24
19-05-2025
- Health
- News24
Saturday Night Fitness 2025: The Strong Edition is here
Joburg, this August, power up your weekend like never before! Johannesburg, get ready to take your fitness journey to the next level with Saturday Night Fitness '25: The Strong Edition—a night designed to celebrate empowerment, community, and strength in all its forms. This year, we're redefining what it means to be strong—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—through a fitness experience like no other. Expect an unforgettable evening at Montecasino, Fourways, packed with energy, inspiration, and movement! Here's what's in store: High-Energy Strength Training to build power and endurance Revolutionary Stability Training to enhance your core and prevent injuries Balance-Focused Exercises that lay a strong fitness foundation A body-positive environment celebrating women of all fitness levels Expert fitness guidance from South Africa's top trainers Amazing music featuring DJ @missbee_dj 🎧 to fuel your motivation Strength and stability challenges with fabulous prizes Goodie bags packed with surprises from our sponsors Why Strength and Stability Matter The fitness world has seen a powerful shift towards strength and stability training—an essential duo that transforms both your body and mind. Here's how they work together: Strength Training: Goes beyond building muscle to improve functionality, boost metabolism, increase bone density, and protect long-term health. Stability Training: Focuses on core engagement, balance, injury prevention, and fostering mindfulness. Together, they create a well-rounded, sustainable fitness approach tailored to all levels, making your workouts effective, purposeful, and safe. At Saturday Night Fitness '25, every session is designed to integrate these trends, ensuring you not only look strong but move, feel, and live strong. A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors: Stanley SA Kotex SA Skin Functional Deep Freeze South Africa Zinplex
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Harry Sideropoulos' return is about love and finding himself again
While his new show hits the stage, Harry Sideropoulos is also launching his debut cookbook. It was food that brought Harry Sideropoulos back to the stage after almost a half-decade hiatus following the death of his mother. But food has always been his love language – and a long table, a nine-course meal and a reunion set off a chain reaction that led him back to his love for performing. Harry's a national treasure, to use the cliché. But there's no other way to emphasise and underline the immense talent this man has. He's larger than life, in person and on stage. His Big Band Blast shows were, well, a blast. No Sugar, Canderel Please a one man performance that was a comedic and social discourse tour de force. Harry's time on radio with Jeremy Mansfield on 94.7's Rude Awakening show added much of the high octane to on-air content. Harry's return to the stage is cemented in the reprise of Swinging Las Vegas that opens this month at Montecasino. It's a big band swing fest where he performs alongside the incredibly talented Craig Urbani, Nadine and Timothy Moloi and backed by the 18-piece Johannesburg Big Band. Incidentally, the band is led by longtime friend and collaborator Adam Howard, who was also the catalyst to Harry's respawning. A friendship that never ended 'I met Adam 25 years ago when we launched my very first big band swing show,' Harry said. 'He wasn't a maestro back then like he is now. He was just Howie with a trumpet and a wicked sense of humour. We became great friends. Their friendship never really ended, but life got in the way and time wedged some space between the creative pair. Harry focused on voice work, creating immersive food experiences, and healing after his mother passed in 2020. 'Something inside me died,' he said. 'I stopped performing. I just couldn't. Even when Covid lifted, the fire was out.' ALSO READ: Candlelight show's a must go … mostly Fast forward to last year and the fateful long table dining experience that he hosted as one of his dining experiences. Howard and his wife attended the nine-course extravaganza and, he said, the friendship took off right where it paused a decade or so before. 'We hadn't sat across a table in years, but it was like no time had passed,' he said. 'We laughed, shared stories, and at the end of the night, he said, I have a show I want you to be in.' Magic happened That show was Swinging Las Vegas. Magic happened. 'I was terrified,' he shared. 'I hadn't performed in years, and I wasn't sure if I still had it in me. But I knew if I didn't say yes, I might never get back on stage again. Across a table of food, extraordinary things happen.' 'That night with Adam brought me back to life.' The show was right up his alley. It is a celebration of Las Vegas through the decades, swinging from Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald to Lady Gaga and Céline Dion. 'I opened with Me and My Shadow alongside Craig Urbani,' he said. 'By the end of the number, the audience were on their feet. I walked off and thought, I think I can still do this.' It was that moment that rebooted his public career. The performance is packed with killer moments, including Elton John favourites by Urbani, Nadine's take on Céline Dion, Moloi's renditions of jazz standards and Harry performing Ain't That A Kick in the Head. 'There are duets in the show that give you actual goosebumps,' he said. 'The music, the voices, the band, it's electric.' Launching a debut cookbook In tandem, Harry is also launching his debut cookbook at the same time that the show hits the stage. It's called Every Taste: A Memory and is a tribute to food, his South African, Greek and Turkish heritage and storytelling. 'It's not just recipes,' he said. 'They are stories. There are photographs of Athens and Johannesburg, family history, and every dish is tied to a memory.' The book includes QR codes with audio stories narrated by Harry, layered with sound effects and music. 'It's theatre in a book. You can read it or just listen to it like a radio play.' He shared that in one of the chapters he recounts his personal history with swing music and ties it to Howard's own upbringing. 'Adam told me about growing up in Lancashire, his grandmother, and how she pushed him to become a trumpeter,' Harry said. 'It was always around a table of food. That's how the link came to me. It was about love, sound, memories and meals.' His own family recipes are also included in the book as well as some tweaked, Harry-fied traditional Greek and Turkish dishes such as a bite-size Baklava recipe. More in the pipeline Harry said that beyond the Vegas show, the cookbook and his dining experiences, he's also working on several other projects, including eventually bringing the recipes to life on stage. 'This isn't just a comeback,' he said. 'It's not about returning to the industry. It's about finding myself again,' he said. 'Through music. And through food. Through friends who remembered what I had forgotten.' Performances are Fridays at 19h30, Saturdays at 14h00 & 19h30, Sundays at 14h00 Tickets range from R240 – R440, and bookings are at Webtickets or at Pick 'n Pay outlets. Discounts for groups of 10 or more, senior citizens, scholars and students apply. NOW READ: A holiday to remember at Sun City
