Latest news with #Ster-Kinekor
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Ster-Kinekor and Rampedi Media Network collaborate for a new entertainment experience
Masabata Mkwananzi | Updated 4 hours ago Experience the future of entertainment as Ster-Kinekor teams up with The Rampedi Media Network to transform cinemas into a vibrant stage for live podcasts. Blockbusters out, bold moves in, Ster-Kinekor and The Rampedi Media Network are flipping the script, turning the cinema into a stage for live podcasts and digital magic. This collaboration between cinema giant Ster-Kinekor and the Rampedi Media Network blends digital content creation with live entertainment like never before. Fans will experience a unique big-screen version of 'Seated with Lebo and Thato,' alongside live recordings of popular podcasts, including Thought Digest and AsMajita. It's a one-night-only event that fuses storytelling, real-time interaction, and immersive audio-visuals, bringing some of South Africa's boldest voices straight to the heart of a premier cinema. Speaking to The Star, Thato Rampedi, founder of The Rampedi Media Network, shared that the idea for the live podcast collaboration with Ster-Kinekor had been in the works for several months. He explained that when the Africa Podcast Network proposed partnering with Ster-Kinekor, they recognised it as an unmissable opportunity. 'We were excited about the chance to do something revolutionary, new, and innovative that would allow our audience to connect with us in a unique way,' he said. He added that hosting the event in a cinema was a suggestion they gladly embraced. 'The cinema space will provide an immersive experience for our audience, enhancing how they consume our content. With everything projected onto the screen, it will be an experience of a lifetime.' Rampedi emphasised that this event signals a bold new era for South African digital content, rooted in real people and real stories. 'Creators must push boundaries and bring content to life through live, immersive experiences that truly engage audiences.' Lynne Wylie, Ster-Kinekor's chief marketing officer, echoed this enthusiasm, explaining that repurposing cinema spaces for more than just films is a growing priority. 'Looking at ways to repurpose our cinema space for events other than showing top-rated films is very much on our radar. For this reason, we are very excited about this upcoming collaboration opportunity with House of Rampedi to host an interactive podcast recording with a live audience at one of our premier cinema complexes.' She noted the high demand for tickets and expressed enthusiasm for upcoming events: 'Tickets are already selling fast, and given the positive response, we're eager to host more similar experiences in the near future.' Ster-Kinekor's The Zone in Rosebank will set the stage for a groundbreaking night this Thursday at 18:00, as Rampedi Media Network brings digital storytelling to life in a live podcast experience like no other. The Star [email protected]
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Cinema meets conversation as House of Rampedi goes live at The Zone @ Rosebank
Cinema meets conversation as House of Rampedi goes live at The Zone @ Rosebank The lights dimmed and the cameras rolled, but not for your usual blockbuster. On July 17, Ster-Kinekor at The Zone @ Rosebank will swap the silver screen for a spotlight as it plays host to an electrifying live podcast event, in collaboration with The Rampedi Media Network. Read more: Cinemas fight back: Nu Metro and Bounce team up to reinvent family entertainment At the heart of this collaboration is digital content creator and storyteller Thato Rampedi, whose media network is leading the charge in turning everyday conversations into cultural moments. Alongside his brother, Lebo, their popular podcast: Seated with Lebo and Thato, has built a loyal following for its honest take on identity, relationships, and growth. 'We're excited to bring digital storytelling to life in a completely new way,' said Rampedi. 'It's more than just a show; it's about connecting with people, in person, through stories that matter.' The evening promises an all-star lineup from the House of Rampedi, including Thought Digest, hosted by Mammi_Dearest and Caiah, and the much-loved AsMajita Collective featuring Gontse, Percy ASF, and the Rampedi brothers themselves. Audiences can expect raw conversations, lively audience engagement, and a few surprise announcements. Ster-Kinekor's chief marketing officer Lynne Wylie said the cinema giant is eager to explore new ways to use its spaces. 'This is an exciting new chapter for us. Bringing podcasts into a live cinema setting creates a whole new kind of entertainment experience.' As digital creators increasingly blur the line between screen and stage, this one-night event offers fans the rare chance to step into the world they usually only hear, and with tickets flying fast, it's clear that South Africans are more than ready to tune in… Live and in person. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Ster-Kinekor and Rampedi Media Network collaborate for a new entertainment experience
Experience the future of entertainment as Ster-Kinekor teams up with The Rampedi Media Network to transform cinemas into a vibrant stage for live podcasts. Blockbusters out, bold moves in, Ster-Kinekor and The Rampedi Media Network are flipping the script, turning the cinema into a stage for live podcasts and digital magic. This collaboration between cinema giant Ster-Kinekor and the Rampedi Media Network blends digital content creation with live entertainment like never before. Fans will experience a unique big-screen version of 'Seated with Lebo and Thato,' alongside live recordings of popular podcasts, including Thought Digest and AsMajita. It's a one-night-only event that fuses storytelling, real-time interaction, and immersive audio-visuals, bringing some of South Africa's boldest voices straight to the heart of a premier cinema. Speaking to The Star, Thato Rampedi, founder of The Rampedi Media Network, shared that the idea for the live podcast collaboration with Ster-Kinekor had been in the works for several months. He explained that when the Africa Podcast Network proposed partnering with Ster-Kinekor, they recognised it as an unmissable opportunity. 'We were excited about the chance to do something revolutionary, new, and innovative that would allow our audience to connect with us in a unique way,' he said. He added that hosting the event in a cinema was a suggestion they gladly embraced. 'The cinema space will provide an immersive experience for our audience, enhancing how they consume our content. With everything projected onto the screen, it will be an experience of a lifetime.' 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 ✕ Rampedi emphasised that this event signals a bold new era for South African digital content, rooted in real people and real stories. 'Creators must push boundaries and bring content to life through live, immersive experiences that truly engage audiences.' Lynne Wylie, Ster-Kinekor's chief marketing officer, echoed this enthusiasm, explaining that repurposing cinema spaces for more than just films is a growing priority. 'Looking at ways to repurpose our cinema space for events other than showing top-rated films is very much on our radar. For this reason, we are very excited about this upcoming collaboration opportunity with House of Rampedi to host an interactive podcast recording with a live audience at one of our premier cinema complexes.' She noted the high demand for tickets and expressed enthusiasm for upcoming events: 'Tickets are already selling fast, and given the positive response, we're eager to host more similar experiences in the near future.' Ster-Kinekor's The Zone in Rosebank will set the stage for a groundbreaking night this Thursday at 18:00, as Rampedi Media Network brings digital storytelling to life in a live podcast experience like no other. The Star
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Ster-Kinekor welcomes Rampedi Media Network as it tries to ‘repurpose' its cinema space
Ster-Kinekor did something similar when they collaborated with MacG's Podcast and Chill for an interview with Black Coffee. Ster-Kinekor will host The Rampedi Media Network at its cinema in Rosebank on Thursday. Picture: thatorampedi/Instagram In another bid to keep the lights on, Ster-Kinekor has teamed up with Rampedi Media Network to show its podcasts on the big screen. 'Looking at ways to repurpose our cinema space for events other than showing top-rated films is very much on our radar,' said Ster-Kinekor's chief marketing officer, Lynne Wylie. The collaboration between Ster-Kinekor and Rampedi Media Network will see podcasts from the network being shot live at the cinema in front of a live audience. 'We are very excited about this upcoming collaboration opportunity with House of Rampedi to host an interactive podcast recording with a live audience at one of our premier cinema complexes,' Wylie said. Rampedi Media Network's podcasts, such as Seated with Lebo and Thato, and Thought Digest, will be recorded live. ALSO READ: Streaming killed the movie star? List of Ster-Kinekor cinemas set to close Ster-Kinekor's challenges Wylie said Ster-Kinekor plans to host similar activities in the coming months. In 2023, it did something similar when it collaborated with MacG's Podcast and Chill, screening a tell-all episode where Black Coffee was a guest. Its cinema in Mall of Africa was sold out within hours of the announcement. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Ster-Kinekor has experimented with a variety of ideas to repurpose its venues, in a bid to keep the lights on. Due to financial pressures arising from the pandemic, in 2021 Ster-Kinekor commenced its business rescue. The cinema exited the business rescue more than a year after that, in November 2022. Last year, the movie outlet announced that it would lay off 236 employees and close up to nine of its cinemas in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. ALSO READ: Ster-Kinekor announces 'Throwback Cinema' featuring classic films from 1994 [VIDEO] Rampedi Media Network's growth In contrast, the Rampedi Media Network has consistently shown growth over the years, expanding its audience. In 2024, its founder and owner, Thato Rampedi, decided to step away from the limelight and focus on expanding his brand through the creation of additional shows. He put his weekly vlogs on hold for a year. 'I feel like it's like being a soccer player, it will only last for so long,' Rampedi said about being the sole content creator in front of the camera. 'So I decided to move behind the scenes and start this Rampedi Media Network. We decided to basically sign talent and start new podcasts,' he said in late 2024. He said the network's ensemble on one of his shows, AsMajita which feature Percy ASF, Gontse, Lebo, and himself, has become a testament to the power of creative collaboration. 'As a collective, we consistently push boundaries in digital content creation, bringing fresh perspectives and authentic storytelling to our audience. The network's success in brand collaborations with industry leaders,' Rampedi said. Rampedi Media Network's live recording will be hosted at Ster-Kinekor's Rosebank venue, The Zone, on Thursday. NOW READ: Ster-Kinekor restructures: Big screen e-gaming on the cards
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra to premiere Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 concert film
The Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra Image: Supplied The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra (Mzansi Philharmonic) is set to take audiences on a captivating cinematic journey with the world première of its concert film, Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Francois Verster, this remarkable film will hit screens across South Africa from 25 to 30 July 2025. This screening represents a momentous occasion in South African cultural history, marking the first time this monumental symphonic work is presented nationwide by a South African orchestra in such a cinematic format. Conducted by the esteemed Marin Alsop, the film was captured live at the iconic Cape Town City Hall in 2022. It promises to offer a fresh interpretation of Beethoven's timeless Ode to Joy, infused with a uniquely South African essence. Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Mzansi Philharmonic, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, 'This historic presentation will showcase the iconic Ode to Joy, reimagined with a unique South African soul.' He highlighted the collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Wouter Kellerman and his ensemble, which adds depth to the performance by integrating the Zulu language alongside the original German text, thereby reflecting the nation's rich linguistic diversity and artistic expression. 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 ✕ Ad loading For the first time in South African history, Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 will be presented in cinemas nationwide — performed by the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra and brought to screen in partnership with Ster-Kinekor. Image: Supplied Lynne Wylie, Head of Marketing at Ster-Kinekor, echoed this sentiment, stating, 'We're incredibly proud to partner with South Africa's national orchestra to bring this world-class cultural event to cinemas across the country. At Ster-Kinekor, we believe in the power of cinema to connect audiences with powerful stories, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 Concert Film is exactly that: a story of joy, unity, and the beauty of cultural fusion.' With its unique artistic vision, this film promises to resonate deeply with South African audiences, bringing the magic of live orchestral performance to the big screen. The cultural significance of this initiative goes beyond entertainment; it aims to foster civic pride and engagement among South Africans. By reaching diverse audiences, from students to culture enthusiasts and the general public, the concert film encourages greater participation in the arts, paving the way for a new generation of South African musicians and artists. Nicole Haynes, Business and Tour Manager of Mzansi Philharmonic and associate producer of the film, articulated the orchestra's mission, stating, 'This project represents a landmark in our mission to make world-class orchestral music accessible to all South Africans.' She emphasised the universal themes of hope, joy, and resilience embedded in Beethoven's music, inviting every audience member to connect across backgrounds. Francois Verster, reflecting on his experience as part of this collaborative project, remarked, 'Being able to make a film of a performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony during the Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra's first nationwide tour has been a wonderful opportunity. Full symphony concerts are rarely viewed in cinemas, and what we have attempted with this film is to offer a new way of presenting a concert within the cinema space. This project aims to interpret the music while emphasising the musicians' experience, creating an immersive atmosphere that places viewers on stage with them.' In addition to its artistic merits, the concert film is expected to yield substantial economic benefits for South Africa's creative sector. The arts contribute significantly to the nation's economy, supporting thousands of jobs and driving cultural tourism. During the Mzansi Philharmonic's successful first national tour in December 2022, over 250 artists were employed, including musicians, choristers, visual artists, and performers. This film project, alongside the orchestra's national tours, aims to widen access to orchestral music, stimulate interest in the arts, and showcase South Africa's cultural exports on a global platform.
