2023 Joburg Film Festival Announces Opening Film

The Joburg Film Festival powered by Multichoice, taking place in the heart of Egoli from 31 January to 5 February 2023, is excited to announce the opening film, the Moussa Sene Absa directed masterpiece “XALE”. 

Tickets for the 60+ films being screened across Gauteng are now on sale via the JFF website, www.joburgfilmfestival.co.za.

The festival will showcase some of the finest films from over 35 countries across the globe, including 20 African premieres and 27 South African premieres, and will run until Sunday, 5th February 2023 at various locations across the city.

The opening film XALE follows the life of Awa, a 15-year-old  African schoolgirl who is happily living her teenage years alongside her twin brother Adama, who dreams of Europe. This beautiful Senegalese feature immerses the viewer into a storyline of family values, love, life and betrayal.

The Joburg Film Festival line-up includes films from South Africa, Tunisia, Brazil, Seoul, USA, Japan, Morocco and more, with a mix of feature films and documentaries showcasing stories that cross cultural boundaries.

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Just Teddy Unveiled in Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton

I recently attended the launch of the fine boutique pâtisserie and boulangerie Just Teddy in Nelson Mandela Square. The event was spectacular, with belly dancers showing off their mystical moves, which mesmerized those in attendance.

Just Teddy is renowned for having redefined heritage haute cuisine, curating a fashion-inspired fusion of Parisian delights fused with Middle Eastern flair. Now, visitors to Nelson Mandela Square can savour and experience the luxury café dining and world-class confectionery creations that accompany Just Teddy’s signature savoir-faire, with a new dining destination that was unveiled recently in Africa’s richest square mile.

The emerald of Nelson Mandela Square, Just Teddy, takes its Middle Eastern flavour even further.  The décor was inspired by the chic decadence of Dubai, offering purveyors of fine banqueting everything the brand is renowned for, and more, now with a sumptuous dinner menu added to the bespoke experience. Additionally, a champagne bar and semifreddo station will add to the exclusive artistry of the Nelson Mandela Square experience.

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Scorpion Kings Summer Tour Kicks Off in Cape Town Next Week

The 3 month long Scorpion Kings Summer Tour kicks off in Cape Town next Sunday, and organisers have confirmed the tour line-up for the various shows.

The  music festival targeting all corners of the country, kicks off in the Mother City next  Sunday at the Grand Arena, GrandWest making stops in Mbombela, East London, Kimberley, North West, Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Durban and concluded on Saturday, 25th February 2023, in Jo’burg at the Johannesburg Expo Centre Nasrec.

Alongside Scorpion Kings (DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small), the Scorpion Kings Summer Tour  will feature live performances from some of the country’s hottest artists across various music genres including amapiano, house and hiphop. 

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DJ Kyeezi Opens Destiny – New Upmarket Lounge in Cape Town

Together with three industry friends, popular radio and media personality DJ Kyeezi announced his latest business endeavor DESTINY, a luxury champagne lounge that opened in the Cape Town inner city this week – just in time for the festive season.

Radio personality Khanya ‘Kyeezi’ Siyengo earlier this year joined forces with three partners, restaurateur extraordinaire Theo Pearson, experiential event specialist Bevan Chetty and marketing guru (and my personal friend) Natano Brache, to come up with a luxury destination, set to change the face of entertainment in the Cape Town CBD.

Having officially opened its doors, the launch was attended by local celebrities, media and other key industry players including AKA, Clarissa Cupido, DJ Milkshake, Tamara Snow, Danine Naidoo, Chad Saaiman, Shahan Ramkissoon, Neevas Harris, culture kings Hayden Manuel and Rolo Rozay. 

This premium champagne lounge targets a young discerning, affluent local and international clientele. Nestled in the heart of the city, DESTINY plans to set the precedent for the highest quality entertainment with a combination of class, luxury and style offering the ultimate summer experience.

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‘WE ARE EGG’ Officially Launches in Johannesburg

Last week, I attended the official launch of the award-winning, next generation, experiential department store called We Are EGG at the Zone in Rosebank, with over 650 esteemed guests.

Boasting a long list of the whose who of the fashion and entertainment world in attendance, including TV royalty Candice Modiselle,  Angel Sithole, Thandy  Matlaila, Cedric Fourie, Jason Willemse and Sipho Eric Ndlovu, media personalities Kim Jayde, Taryn Louch and Luthando ‘Lootz’ Shosha, artists Leanne Dlamini and Gigi Lamayne and many more.

Also in attendance was former Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida and newly crowned Mrs South Africa Palesa Matjekane. Award winners Yaya Mavunda and Tumi ‘Itumeleng ‘Powerhouse’ Mokwwatlo delivered the fashion. We are EGG brand partners Amanda Du Pont of Lelive and Roxy Burger of The Piercery also attended the official opening. Fashion designers Paledi Segapo, Hangwani Nengovhela, Sello Medupe and Craig Jacobs also showed up to support the opening.  

Guests were welcomed by retail pioneers, We are EGG owners Paul Simon and Arie Fabian who handled formalities, followed by a night of colourful fashion, live entertainment and an endless flow of Patron Paloma cocktails and cold servings of Heineken. The Jagermeister Brass Cartel were a huge highlight of the evening, while various DJs entertained the guests. Guests got a taste of what to expect from Mamasamba, We are EGG’s Restaurant set to open next month, with delicious plates.

Having officially opened last month, the store not only offers the ultimate curated shopping experience under one roof, but really is more of a lifestyle destination, with a coffee shop and soon-to-open restaurant. Featuring some of the freshest fashion brands for men, women and kids, this beautifully curated fashion hub includes over 150 carefully selected brands, 85% of which are South African owned, with a significant percentage being female owned.

The carefully curated, multi-faceted department store operates from Monday – Wednesday 9am-6pm, Thursday to Saturday 9am-7pm and Sunday 9am-5pm.

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