Bassem Youssef’s Middle Beast Tour: South Africa 2025

Celebrated Egyptian-American comedian and satirist Bassem Youssef is set to make his South African debut with The Middle Beast Tour in February 2025Brought to you by Blu Blood in association with Gift of the Givers Foundation, the tour kicks off on 7th February at Durban ICC before heading to CTICC in Cape Town on 8th February and wraps up on 9th February at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

In Bassem Youssef’s one of a kind solo comedy performance, the audience is taken on a personal journey from Bassem’s career as a heart surgeon in Egypt to finding himself in the middle of the Arab Spring and becoming the host of the largest political satire show in the history of the Arab World. His jokes earned him worldwide recognition as “The Egyptian Jon Stewart,” but also got him arrested, interrogated, and ultimately prompted his escape to America just as the country was going through its very own identity crisis. 

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2024 Mrs South Africa Pageant Winners Announced

Erin-Jane Miller (42) from Fourways in Johannesburg, a CEO in the digital media space, was named this year’s Queen, flanked by First Princess Tshiamo Githinji (30) from Sandton, and Second Princess Lisa Gittins (25) from Pretoria.

As the stage lights blazed to life, the hearts of the Top 30 finalists in the 2024 Mrs South Africa pageant powered by IME raced with nerves and excitement from behind the curtains. Among them, three hopefuls could hardly imagine that their names would be called by the end of the night.

From a truly impressive field of contestants, three exceptional women emerged to claim their crowns at the spectacular and star-studded finale event held at the Theatre of Marcellus in Emperors Palace on Friday, 15 November 2024.

Erin-Jane Miller (42) from Fourways in Johannesburg, a CEO in the digital media space, was named this year’s Queen, flanked by First Princess Tshiamo Githinji (30) from Sandton, and Second Princess Lisa Gittins (25) from Pretoria.

“The journey has been nothing short of a lifechanging experience,” Miller said shortly after being crowned. “The Mrs South Africa dream is free and attainable to anyone who’s motivated to reach for it. However, it’s on you to put in the effort to become your best self, to push through the difficult moments that exist to teach resilience, and to accept that you can and should lean on your fellow sisters. I’m blessed to wear this crown, and truly thankful for the support every person has shown me along this road.”

Miller’s victory marks the culmination of an intensive, year-long campaign of self-development that tested the finalists’ leadership abilities and potential for personal growth. As the new Mrs South Africa, she will represent the country at various international competitions and champion her various philanthropic projects throughout her reign.

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Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards 2024: Enter Now!

South Africa’s premier celebration of comedy is back! Entries for the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards are now open, and this year promises an even fiercer competition with a revamped list of categories. With the total number of awards reduced to ten, winning is now more coveted than ever.

Founded to support and elevate South Africa’s vibrant comedy industry, the awards honour those who make comedy their career, spotlighting SA’s comedic talent on a global stage and affirming its reputation as a thriving, world-class scene. Fondly referred to as ‘Comics’ Choice’, the event is unique in that it’s comedians who vote for their fellow comedians.

This year’s categories highlight the dynamic talents shaping comedy today, from stand-up comedians and innovative performers to comedic content creators and show promoters.

10 Awards Celebrating Excellence in Comedy, Including 2 New Categories.

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Top Films to Stream on Showmax This December

WONKA | First on Showmax | Stream from Friday, 6 December

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryWonka stars Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (Dune) as the young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time. 

From Paul King (writer-director of the Paddington films) and Harry Potter producer David Heyman, the magical musical comedy was the seventh biggest blockbuster of 2023. 

Chalamet won the Kids’ Choice Award for Favourite Movie Actor, while Calah Lane was nominated for a Critics Choice Award, Keegan-Michael Key for a Kids’ Choice Favourite Villain Award, and Olivia Colman for a Critics Choice Super Award. Also look out for Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa.

Wonka has an 82% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with The Guardian hailing the family film as “spectacular, imaginative, sweet-natured and funny.”

Watch the trailer:

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“Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” Premieres on Food Network

Hosted by James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), the Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking premieres on Wednesday, 4 December, on Food Network, and features special guests Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley).

Food Network viewers and legions of Harry Potter fans are going to have an extra special holiday season this year with the premiere of the brand-new series, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, on Wednesday, 4 December at 5 pm on Food Network Africa. Capitalising on the enduring love for Harry Potter – a global phenomenon that continues to captivate people of all ages around the world – the ground-breaking series blends legendary storytelling and fantastical edible creations in a never-before-seen competition that will have audiences at the edge of their seats.

James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) bring their exceptional charm and behind-the-scenes anecdotes as hosts of this most magical series, joined by esteemed culinary judges Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef. Across the six-episode season, they will also be joined by special guests Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), who will help in evaluating the competitors’ showpieces and also share their own film stories.

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