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News24
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Glitches, delays cast shadow over Joe Thomas, Anthony Hamilton, Women's Day concert
A highly anticipated Women's Day concert, headlined by Joe Thomas and Anthony Hamilton, hit the wrong note due to sound glitches and lengthy delays. Thomas made up for his glitch-filled performance while attendees began to leave amid Hamilton's unexpected stage exit. Meanwhile, the event's organisers and technical teams have acknowledged the sound issues, despite failing to communicate consistently with the audience. After hours of eager anticipation for R&B legends Joe Thomas and Anthony Hamilton's Saturday's Vertex Events-hosted Women's Day concert at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium in Illovo, Sandton, fell short of expectations. Following a segment hosted by Kaya 959's Tbose Mokwele, Thomas finally hit the stage after the restless crowd began chanting, 'We want Joe'! Frustration extended beyond the arena as concertgoers in lengthy bathroom queues echoed the same sentiment, wondering when the headliners would appear. When Thomas began his performance, the crowd's patience was rewarded with his soulful voice and silky moves. However, technical difficulties marred the experience as sound glitches interrupted his set, forcing him offstage after just three songs. The glitches, which first reared their head during Zonke Dikana's performance, weren't fully resolved, despite prior efforts. Supplied After a tense wait filled with confusion and speculation, Thomas returned to the stage, extending his performance as an apparent gesture of goodwill. He dove into his beloved hits, rekindling attendees' enthusiasm with a display of his signature charm. But the evening's excitement soon disappeared during the agonising wait for Anthony Hamilton. An unnamed voice reassured concertgoers that the Charlene hitmaker would still perform, but the prolonged delay began to wear on the crowd. Cold, tired, and no longer in a festive mood, many, including myself, considered leaving before Hamilton finally emerged onstage. When he began his set, fans rallied to sing along and dance, but the joy was short-lived. Without explanation, Hamilton abruptly left the stage, leaving his backup singers to continue the show. For many, this was the final straw. Supplied As disheartened fans made their way back to their cars, they heard Hamilton's famed Her Heart playing in the distance, but the consensus was clear - no one was tempted to return, as the night had already taken its toll. Reflecting on the evening, many felt the lack of communication about technical issues compounded the frustration. Understanding that such disruptions can occur, we expected better management and transparency during the extended setbacks. Addressing the challenges, Vertex Events founder Thato Segaole stated: 'We worked with our highly trusted technical partner, Gearhouse, and unfortunately experienced sound disruptions at certain stages of the show. 'We were, however, very glad that our technical partner, together with the international technical teams, swiftly resolved the issues. The sound quality during Anthony Hamilton's performance was exactly what we strive for - world-class, warm, and immersive. That's the standard we aim to deliver from start to finish.' Meanwhile, Gearhouse representative Richard Mpofu said: 'We emphasise the importance of planned soundchecks with all artists as they help ensure optimal sound from the first note. We are proud of how quickly our team and international engineers resolved the issues and how the sound ultimately reached the high standard audiences expect.' Despite their efforts, the night left many fans questioning whether the momentary highs were worth the extended lows. For now, the promise of an unforgettable night will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Vogue Arabia
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
7 of This Season's Most Glamourous Arab Weddings
'Tis the season for love and glamour. The Middle East is known for beautiful weddings, giving the recent high-powered nuptials in Venice a run for their money (pun intended). From prominent entrepreneurs and celebrities to high-powered individuals, this season has seen some of the most inspiring weddings to date. Below, see some of the most glamorous weddings taking place across the region so far. Amina Khalil and Ahmed Zaatar This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. In May, Egyptian actress Amina Khalil celebrated her marriage to photographer Ahmed Zaatarwith not one ceremony, but two. The couple was surrounded by close family and friends in an intimate ceremony held at Cairo's Muhammad Ali Palace on Roda Island, and in the presence ofcelebrities such as Yousra, Mona Zaki, and Ahmed Helmy. The bride stunned in a custom-madeMaison Yeya gown, styled by Mohamed Ashraf (MoJo), while Khalil's simple, glowy makeup wasdone by longtime friend Noha Ezzeldin, with hair by Kimi Safadi. She stepped into married life inclassic Jimmy Choo shoes. The entire event was masterfully planned by Vertex Events. In early June, the couple transformed a luxurious, sun-drenched villa in the Glyfada area of Athens into an elegant white-themed ceremony by Bloem Events, going into happily ever after in pure style and elegance. Keenaz Hakeem and Moe Khashoggi This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. In June, Saudi entrepreneur Moe Khashoggi and Jordanian influencer Keenaz Hakeem celebrated their fairytale wedding in Istanbul at the historic Çırağan Palace Kempinski, an Ottoman imperial palace and hotel on the Bosphorus. The event planner, Turkey-based Mojo Event Design, opted for a crisp and elegant white-on-white theme, beautifully contrasted by the palace's lush greenery. Surrounded by 200 guests from around the world, the newlyweds used the occasion to spotlight Arab designers, with the bride wearing two flowing masterpieces by Saiid Kobeisy to complement the refined décor. Princess Aisha bint Faisal of Jordan and Karim Al Mufti This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. Princess Aisha bint Faisal of Jordan's royal wedding was an elegant and intimate affair, held at the historic Zahran Palace in Amman — a royal residence and long-standing venue for the Kingdom's most significant royal weddings. Built in 1957, the palace has hosted landmark celebrations, including those of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, as well as Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif. The daughter of Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein and Princess Alia, and niece of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Princess Aisha married Karim Al Mufti in a charming May ceremony. Channeling old Hollywood glamour, she wore a white lace gown by Phillipa Lepley, handcrafted in the designer's London atelier. The sculpted column silhouette, cut from rich Italian duchess satin, was paired with a vintage-inspired diamond tiara adorned with hawthorn blossoms — a family heirloom first worn by her sister, Princess Ayah, at her 2014 wedding. Laila Zahar and Hisham Gamal This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. Egyptian actress Laila Zaher tied the knot with producer Hisham Gamal in a stunning ceremony held at the historic Saqqara Pyramids in Egypt earlier this year. Surrounded by leading names from Egypt's entertainment industry, the actress beamed in a breathtaking Zuhair Murad gown, crafted with intricate lace and crystal embellishments that captured both elegance and sophistication. Egyptian-based event planner Duces enhanced the setting with modern décor — an elegant white-themed ambiance that beautifully complemented the dramatic backdrop. HRH Prince Ahmed bin Sultan Al Saud and Princess Hussa Bint Faisal Al Saud This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. The definition of regal luxury, HRH Prince Ahmed bin Sultan Al Saud and Princess Hussa Bint Faisal Al Saud brought together members of the royal family and some of the region's most celebrated artists for a glamorous, music-filled wedding ceremony in the heart of Riyadh. Prince Ahmed, a renowned composer known in the music world as Saham, invited more than 15 of the Arab world's most iconic performers for a curated night of celebration, including legends like Mohammed Abdo, Rabeh Sager, and Assala Nasri. In a jaw-dropping couture moment, the bride stunned in a custom Versace gown adorned with delicately hand-appliquéd floral motifs. Regional event planner Le Mariage, an expert in large-scale transformational weddings, created a breathtakingly immersive display, adorning the space with hues of royal blue, white, and gold, brought together by digital kinetic illumination and a sculpted floral glass stage. Christelle Saade and Roy Bou Maroun This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. MTV Lebanon presenter and content producer Christelle Gsaade married Roy Bou Maroun in aceremony that rocked Lebanon and the region last month. Taking their vows in an outdoorvenue surrounded by the sea and beautiful mountain views, the couple glowed in the presenceof family and friends. The showstopper? A breathtaking custom gown by Lebanese designerGeorges Hobeika, fully embroidered in gold tones, and complemented by glowy makeup byLebanese artist Hilda. The ceremony featured refined lighting and spacious staging — an aesthetic consistent with Baz Events' signature style, highlighting grace and dramatic effect. Douna Estephan and Riad Tahan This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. When the bride is a dancer with the world-renowned Mayyas troupe, the bridal entrance becomes more than a tradition — it turns into an unforgettable performance. In a breathtaking show created just for her, this once-in-a-lifetime moment blended theatrical artistry with deep emotion, capturing the attention of every guest. The wedding was masterfully planned and designed by Rene Hmeich, with floral arrangements by Roni Bassil and dramatic lighting by Wicked Solutions that set the perfect stage. The bride wore a sculptural gown by Jean Louis Sabaji, complemented by jewellery from Tahan Jewelry, makeup by Samer Khouzami, and hair styled by Victor Keyrouz. From the curtains by Salem Curtains Arts to the photography by Shades Production, every detail came together in a spectacular celebration of glamour and individuality.
