Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Makes African Box Office History

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever roared into cinemas across the continent this past weekend (11-13 November, including previews) and, in doing so, lit up the box office. Across all territories, the follow up to Ryan Coogler’s 2018 hit Black Panther proved a draw for cinema-going audiences with just under 300k attendances being reported.

In West Africa, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever became the biggest industry opening weekend of all time with a box office tally of ₦240m. In East Africa the film earned Kes 25m, earning the titles of both the biggest opening weekend box office of 2022 and the biggest post-pandemic opening to date. In Southern Africa, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever brought in R16.5m respectively, becoming the biggest opening weekend box office of 2022.

2018’s Black Panther remains the number 1 film of all time in both East and West Africa, and the number 2 film of all time in Southern Africa.

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La Parada Tapas Bar opens in Rosebank, Johannesburg

Last week I attended the media launch of La Parada Tapas Bar in The Firs Centre, Rosebank, Johannesburg. It was a colourful night, filled with ladies in feathers and lots of food and drinks!

La Parada has about 8 branches nationally with Rosebank being the most recent launch. It is known for its tapas, which is an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine. Tapas may be cold or hot. In some bars and restaurants in Spain and across the globe, tapas have evolved into a more sophisticated cuisine. Tapas can be combined to make a full meal and it is a social type of cuisine, ideal for sharing. We were able to taste a selection of the tapas, that were served by waiters floating around the floor. The prawns were my favourite, followed by the tantalising pizzas and sliders.          

                                               

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TikTok x SAMA28

I recently attended a launch event where TikTok announced that it has partnered with the 28th South African Music Awards (SAMA28), to introduce the inaugural public-voted “TikTok Viral Song of the Year” category. This award recognises and celebrates local songs and artists that have dominated the entertainment platform in South Africa in the past year.

A number of the most popular songs of the past year made their debut on the entertainment platform before shooting to the top of the music charts globally – earning the platform its well-deserved spot in the music industry.

The TikTok Viral Song of the Year nominations can be voted for exclusively on TikTok from Thursday, 11 August at midday until 24 August, and the winner will be announced at the live SAMA event taking place on 28 August 2022 in Sun City, North West.

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Cell C Inanda Africa Cup 2022

The Cell C Inanda Africa Cup is a knockout polo championship that offers an action-packed day with a display of exceptional horsemanship amongst competing teams from all over the African continent. The polo season continues to bring together a premium audience, with a taste for fashion, delectable dining experiences and an action packed game of polo with teams competing for the opportunity to be crowned the winners. This year’s tournament is set to take place on Sunday 26 June 2022, returning to the picturesque Inanda Club, situated in the heart of Sandton, where the influential polo set will experience a high-octane polo demonstration of talent and horse power in the dual for the coveted trophy. Teams from South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, Tanzania as well as Zimbabwe have announced their return to the tournament to reclaim their winning title.

The polo season has had the country abuzz as fashion savants and polo novices all the way through to experts join in on enjoying and celebrating the fast-paced sport.  The Cell C Inanda Africa Cup is no exception to this experience and promises to bring together patrons to enjoy an afternoon of horsemanship, swinging mallets and a social experience like none other.

“We are excited to join forces with the Inanda Club as they continue to pioneer and create development opportunities while retaining the entertainment value of the sport of polo. At Cell C, we pride ourselves in meaningful projects that drive unique experiences for consumers and the Cell C Africa Polo Cup will do exactly that. We are excited to see our South African development team showcase their skills against teams from the continent.” – Chief Commercial Officer, Simo Mkhize.

Well-known as the Sport of Kings, polo has always been known as a spectator sport for equestrians and high society, however with Cell C’s support, it is now accessible to all. The Cell C Inanda Africa Cup promises to bring a luxe experience with its Africa Now theme celebrating Africa’s elite fashion and social experiences in the 21st century. The event invites patrons from all walks of life to enjoy unique experiences tailored to perfection.

Craig James, Polo Manager at Inanda Club concludes: “The Cell C Inanda Africa Cup is an exciting project for us at the Inanda Club. We are thrilled to be teaming up with an incredible partner such as Cell C who have made this prestigious event possible. Over the years we have seen a tremendous growth and interest in the sport of polo in communities where the sport was previously inaccessible and with every game we wish to execute bigger and better experiences so that patrons can come and enjoy an affair like none other.”

Patrons and guests can expect to be whisked away with upbeat sounds from Mzansi’s much loved DJs, while soaking up the sun, enjoying a delicious cocktail or drink of choice and, of course, enjoying the sport of polo and its well-known traditions such as divot stomping.

Let’s get ready to paint the polo field orange!

Packages include:

Picnic sites from R 3,000 for 5 pax OR R 5,500 for 10 Pax.


Go to Howler.co.za to book your tickets or click here: https://www.howler.co.za/cellcinandaafricapolo


Address Inanda Club, Forrest Rd & 6th Ave, Inanda, Sandton, 2196.

Standard Bank Joburg Polo in the Park

Formidable luxury events and marketing company African Deluxe Company has confirmed media personality and businesswoman, Minnie Dlamini, as the official host for the 2nd Standard Bank Joburg Polo in the Park taking place at Gauteng’s premium residential lifestyle estate Steyn City next weekend.

I attended the first Polo in the Park event pre-COVID in 2019 – Check that out here.

This year’s theme is SPLENDOUR which aims to showcase all things bright, colourful and grand. Being an all-round powerhouse South African media mogul made Minnie Dlamini the perfect choice to host this year’s Polo.

2019 Polo in the Park – Images by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

The event will be attended by SA’s elite, including top business people, celebrities and media, while the backdrop of Steyn City will offer a scenic day filled with beautiful people, unforgettable experiences, great food, over the top fashion, as well as art and live music on the side lines.

 “The Standard Bank Polo in The Park is not only about polo, but also about the lifestyle and fashion that accompanies the sport of kings. Having hosted a hugely successful 2019 edition of this prestigious polo affair, we remain passionate about the African continent and plan to continue showcasing what our country has to offer to the rest of the world,” says The Africa Deluxe Company’s frontman and executive producer of the event Ben Moseme. He adds: “We are particularly excited to have Minnie Dlamini join the Joburg Polo in the Park family as she is the perfect fit for this exclusive Polo celebration, and a true reflection of South African excellence in Media.”

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