Lay’s Kettle Cooked Launch Event fuses Art, Music, and Culinary Excellence

The much-anticipated launch of Lay’s all-new Kettle Cooked range unfolded in a captivating evening that seamlessly fused art, music, and culinary innovation. Hosted at the vibrant Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank, Johannesburg, the event created an exclusive and immersive experience for guests, elevating Lay’s Kettle Cooked from a premium snack to a cultural moment.

The evening kicked off with a dynamic live performance by award-winning musician Davina Gordon Goliath, setting a lively tone with soulful rhythms that echoed throughout the venue. Guests were then expertly guided through the night by the charismatic house host, Zola Ayabulela Mhlongo, whose infectious energy and presence kept everyone guessing about “The Lay’s Secret,” building anticipation and intrigue around the product reveal.

Culinary excellence took centre stage as renowned Chef Wandile Mabaso delighted guests with a bespoke four-course menu inspired by each unique flavour of the Lay’s Kettle Cooked range. His innovative dishes beautifully highlighted the premium qualities of the crisps, providing a multi-sensory exploration of the new product.

The three distinct flavours, Seared Rib Eye & Mushroom, Sea Salt & Black Pepper, and White Cheddar & Cranberry were seamlessly woven into a menu that showcased how easily the crisps can be moulded into day-to-day food pairings and indulgent moments.

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Gregory Porter’s Love is King Tour in South Africa

One of the greatest voices of our generation, eight-time nominee and two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter is coming back to South Africa later this year to thrill local fans with a three-city arena concert tour. 

Presented by Showtime Management and GRIZA Enterprises, the Love is King SA 2025 Tour begins at GrandWest, Cape Town on Saturday, 12 November followed by DP World Wanderers Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, 15 November and closing at Durban’s ICC on 19 November.  Concerts begin at 20h00.  Tickets on sale at 9am on Thursday, 24 July 2025 at www.showtime.co.za or www.ticketmaster.co.za

The Gregory Porter Love is King SA 2025 Tour is proudly partnered with regional radio stations KFM in Cape Town, 947 in Johannesburg and East Coast Radio in Durban.

“Gregory Porter’s presence—both his commanding voice and heartfelt music—resonates deeply with South African audiences,” says Tony Feldman of Showtime Management. “We’re thrilled to welcome him back and to share his extraordinary talent with fans once again.”

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Exploring the Legacy of Jaws at 50

National Geographic’s SHARKFEST wouldn’t exist without the film that changed cinema – and our relationship with sharks – forever: “Jaws.” This year, in tribute to the movie that sparked a lasting fascination with the ocean’s most misunderstood predator, National Geographic goes behind the scenes of the legendary blockbuster with JAWS @ 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau (“Faye,” “Music by John Williams”), the 90-minute documentary takes viewers on the ultimate deep dive, from Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel to the cinematic phenomenon that is “Jaws” and how the film continues to ripple through pop culture, cinema and shark conservation to this day. You may think you know the full story of “Jaws” – but not until now.

JAWS @ 50 hails from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, in partnership with Wendy Benchley and Laura Bowling, and is this year’s only authorized documentary on the making of “Jaws,” with the award-winning director himself diving back into the story that launched his career and earned him final cut on the film, a creative control he has maintained for the last 50 years.

The documentary is currently on National Geographic (DStv 181 and StarTimes 220) as well as National Geographic Wild (DStv 182 and StarTimes 221) and will also be available on Disney+ in South Africa.

View the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrBN9zcQAGw

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“Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight” Movie Premiere

Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, the highly anticipated feature film based on Alexandra Fuller’s best-selling memoir, will have its official South African premiere on 25 July 2025.

Directed and adapted for screen by Embeth Davidtz, the film marks a rare and powerful cinematic portrayal of Zimbabwe’s transition from colonial rule to independence through the eyes of a child.

Shot in South Africa , the film brings to life 8-year-old Bobo’s coming-of-age amidst the final days of the Rhodesian Bush War.

Played by newcomer Lexi Venter, Bobo is a white child growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe, grappling with grief, fractured family life, and the racial dynamics of a world at war. The film’s raw emotion and nuanced storytelling offer an African narrative told from within, with complexity, empathy, and historical depth.

With a powerful local cast including Zikhona Bali, Fumani N Shilubana, and Rob Van Vuuren, and supported by a seasoned creative team, the film is both global in its reach and deeply rooted in the Southern African soil.
 

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Experience Fine Dining at Room 32 at the Park Hyatt Johannesburg

In a city where culinary ambition is on the rise, Park Hyatt Johannesburg has quietly – and confidently – opened the doors to Room 32, a refined dining destination that blends fire-cooked cuisine, South Africa’s proudly local craft beverages and rich architectural heritage into one immersive experience.

I had the distinct pleasure of attending the exclusive opening of Room 32, an intimate affair curated for a select group of influencers, content creators, and members of the press. The afternoon was a culinary indulgence, featuring an exquisite tasting of starters, mains, and desserts from the restaurant’s full menu. Each dish was a masterful expression of flavour and finesse – an elegant preview of the gastronomic excellence that Room 32 promises to deliver.


Cushioned inside the newly restored Sir Herbert Baker landmark in Rosebank, Room 32 is the only
communal space in what is now the world’s most intimate Park Hyatt – a 31-room sanctuary of
understated luxury. The restaurant is not just a nod to fine dining; it’s a statement of intent.


Room 32 is where the story of food begins and lingers long after the last bite. The kitchen speaks through
the freshest offerings. Every dish is crafted with respect and curiosity; every flavour layered with
intention. Dining at Room 32 is more than a meal; it’s a shared moment, where culinary art and heartfelt
hospitality meet.


“Room 32 was born from a desire to create a space that feels both grounded and elevated,” says Mitch
Gemmell, General Manager at Park Hyatt Johannesburg. “In a hotel defined by privacy and discretion,
this is our invitation to indulge in the city’s finest and classiest cuisine.”

Here’s a short video of the opening:

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