Category Archives: Launches and Events

Heineken® 0.0 Shines at F1® THE MOVIE Premiere

Posted on by

The South African premiere of F1® THE MOVIE was more than just an opulent ‘green’ carpet meets racetrack moment. With Heineken® 0.0 at the heart of it all, the night brought together friends, fans, and familiar faces to show that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy the moment — just good company, great storytelling, and a drink that keeps you in the driver’s seat.

From track to theatre, Heineken® 0.0 took centre stage at the IMAX Mall of Africa, blending seamlessly into the thrill of Formula 1® and the sophistication of film — all while reinforcing a modern, inclusive message: there are zero reasons needed to choose moderation.

Hosted by celebrity F1 fan and radio host, Anele Mdoda, the theatre was packed with South African movers and shakers, including the likes of Girlie Lukhele, Khuli Chana, Bonko and Lesego khoza, Zakes Bantwini, Karabo Didi and so many more.

Continue reading →

Nomzamo Mbatha Named First-Ever South African Ambassador for Creme of Nature

Posted on by

Global beauty icon, award-winning actress and celebrated humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha has been officially named the first-ever South African ambassador for Creme of Nature, the iconic American-born haircare brand with over 65 years of legacy. Known for its dedication to textured hair and roots in celebrating African beauty, Creme of Nature has now launched in South Africa with its landmark
campaign, Rooted in Radiance.


Creme of Nature’s expansion into the South African market marks a powerful new chapter for the
beloved brand. It is now available at Clicks, Dis-Chem, TakeAlot and Amazon and will launch
in Checkers in July 2025. With a deep respect for the heritage and self-expression of textured
hair, the Rooted in Radiance campaign is more than a tagline; it’s a movement. At its core lies a
bold truth: hair is more than just strands; it is a legacy, an identity, and a radiant symbol of
confidence.

I attended the launch event last night, and below is the video of the highlights:

Continue reading →

Experience Laughter at “Jokers in July”

Posted on by

Get ready to laugh your winter blues away as some of South Africa’s top comedic legends take to the stage for the annual comedy series, JOKERS IN JULY, live from the iconic Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace. 

The comedy experience – made for the people, by the people (who love to make you lol) – brings together the best of the best in an unmissable month-long, laugh-a-minute comedy takeover that is as diverse as South Africa itself. 

From cultural commentary to side-splitting satire, expect a full-on laughter riot showcasing a diverse mix of generations, languages, and styles that reflect the rich comedy DNA of Mzansi.  Featuring the likes of Trevor Gumbi, Ntosh Madlingozi, Darren Maule, Mpho Popps, Joey Rasdien, Hannes Brummer, Jaxx Justice, Riaad Moosa, Richelieu Beaunoir, Keenan Cerff and many more…

Continue reading →

GRYND 2025: Unlock Your Creative Potential at South Africa’s Premier Convention

Posted on by

Building on the phenomenal momentum of the past two years, South Africa’s iconic youth radio station, Y, proudly announces the return of GRYND 2025 – the ultimate content creation convention. This is where passion meets strategy, where timelines come to life, and where creators level up — from nano to mega, and everything in between.

Originally launched in 2023 as a response to the growing youth unemployment crisis, GRYND was created to spark critical conversations around entrepreneurship and innovation. Now in its third year, GRYND 2025 continues to evolve as a powerhouse of opportunity, arming young people with practical tools, real-world knowledge, and a mindset geared toward sustainable self-employment. With a key focus on the “how-to” aspect of content creation, GRYND is more than a convention, its unique offering is a launchpad for success. You’ll leave inspired, informed, and ready to turn content into currency.

This year’s edition for the first time will see GRYND speakers go beyond inspiration, guiding attendees through step-by-step sessions and live creative demonstrations that show exactly how to level up as content creators. This hands-on approach is a major highlight, designed to deliver real, actionable value – all designed to foster growth, creativity and collaboration. GRYND is your ultimate creative playground.


Backed by Y’s influential reach and deep cultural insight, GRYND 2025 promises to once again unite aspiring entrepreneurs, side-hustlers, and established industry leaders for a day of powerful exchange. 

Confirmed for the 2025 speaker lineup are the faces you double-tap on daily, South Africa’s most dynamic voices in tech, finance, media and business – each bringing their journey, insights and blueprints for success to the stage. Keynote speakers include young powerhouse business entrepreneurs Alphi Sipho, Sibu Mabena, Ntando Zikalala and Sabelo the Kreator alongside various other dynamic industry disruptors. These speakers include collaborative creator Thato Rampedi, beauty influencer Jay Pharasi, dance influencer Hope Ramafalo, tech influencer Okay Wasabi, agency owner Kyle Clark, foodie creator Onezwa Mbola and Y’s own fashion influencer Fresh by Caddy, reality star Sinaye and broadcast royalty Ayanda MVP.

As we mark Youth Month in the country, GRYND 2025 stands as a testament to the power of ideas, community, and fearless innovation. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement that’s shaping South Africa’s next generation of game changers. Atlas Studios turns into the epicenter of creator culture next month, so mark your calendar for Saturday, 28 June 2025 and pull up – GRYND is going down with an unfiltered, full-throttle experience made for young visionaries ready to shake things up.

Y Managing Director Haseena Cassim, remarked, “GRYND has evolved beyond a moment into a movement that continues to grow with the ambitions of South Africa’s youth. In 2025, we’re doubling down on our mission to equip young people with more than just inspiration—we’re providing access, insights, and actionable tools. GRYND is about shifting mindsets, unlocking creativity, and empowering the next generation to build their futures through innovation and digital fluency. We’re not just opening doors—we’re showing young people how to walk through them with confidence.”
 

Continue reading →

Showmax Highlights – Coming soon

Posted on by



Alison Oliver and Thuso Mbedu in HBO series Task

HBO has released a first-look image of South African star Thuso Mbedu in Task, a new drama series from Brad Ingelsby, creator of the four-time Emmy winner Mare of Easttown.

Mbedu plays Aleah, part of a task force trying to put an end to a string of violent robberies.

Four-time Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo plays the FBI agent heading up the Task Force. The stacked cast includes Emmy nominee Tom Pelphrey (Ozark), BAFTA nominee Emilia Jones (CODA), Jamie McShane (Wednesday, 1923), Alison Oliver (Saltburn) and Fabien Frankel (Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon).

Task will debut in September on HBO and will premiere first on Showmax in South Africa.

After earning two International Emmy nominations as Winnie in Mzansi Magic’s Is’thunzi, Mbedu’s career went international. She cracked a Critics Choice Best Actress nomination as Cora in the Emmy-nominated The Underground Railroad, won the Black Reel Breakthrough Actress Award as Nawi in the #1 box office hit The Woman King, and has had voice roles in Mufasa: The Lion King and Castlevania: Nocturne.  

Watch the first teaser:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uad08ZuHOlc

Task is one of a run of high-profile international titles coming first to Showmax soon.





Mountainhead | First on Showmax | Stream from Sunday, 1 June

Four friends. $371 billion net worth. One international crisis. Zero responsibility.

Among The Wrap’s Most Anticipated Movies of Summer 2025, Mountainhead is the feature film directorial debut of seven-time Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Jesse Armstrong, creator of Succession.

The all-star cast of billionaire friends includes Emmy nominees Steve Carell and Ramy Youssef, Critics Choice nominee Cory Michael Smith and multi-award winner Jason Schwartzman. 

Watch the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27cN2_k0JF0




Hacks S4 | First on Showmax | Binge from Friday, 2 June

The reigning Best Comedy Series at the Emmys, Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, Hacks is back for a fourth season, with Deborah and Ava working to get their late night show off the ground.

As legendary comedian Deborah Vance, Jean Smart has won the Best Actress Emmy every season, while Hannah Einbinder won Best Supporting Actress at this year’s Critics Choice Awards.

Season 4 has a 97% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. As The Guardian says, “Season 4 of Hacks is very funny. But what makes it really special is just how raw it is, too, ready to hit you in the feels when you least expect it.”

Watch the trailer: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOwKjb_EHJA




The Rehearsal S2 | First on Showmax | June 2025


The Rehearsal follows one man’s journey to reduce the uncertainties of everyday life – with a construction crew, a legion of actors, and seemingly unlimited resources,

Emmy nominee Nathan Fielder (The Curse) helps ordinary people prepare for life’s biggest moments by “rehearsing” them in carefully crafted simulations of his own design. In Season 2, the urgency of Fielder’s project grows as he decides to put his resources toward an issue that affects us all.

Season 2 has a 97% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with The Guardian hailing it as “TV’s most fascinating show.”


Watch the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CaHP5P4wUc




Duster S1 | First on Showmax | July 2025
 

Set in the 1970s, Duster follows a gutsy getaway driver whose life goes from dangerous to wildly, stupidly dangerous when the FBI’s first Black woman agent comes to town, hellbent on taking down his crime family. 

From JJ Abrams (Lost, Westworld, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and series creator and showrunner LaToya Morgan, Duster stars Josh Holloway (Yellowstone, Lost) and Rachel Hilson (This Is Us), as well as three-time Emmy winner Keith David (American Fiction), Greg Grunberg (Heroes) and Emmy nominee Corbin Bernsen (LA Law).

 
Duster has a 90% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Mashable hailing the eight-part series as “nothing less than an absolute joyride.”

Watch the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih01iblDuHg


The Peacemaker S2 | First on Showmax | August 2025

John Cena is back as Christopher “Chris” Smith, aka Peacemaker. This season, DC’s vigilante superhero struggles to reconcile his past with his newfound sense of purpose, while continuing to kick righteous evil-doer butt in his misguided quest for peace at any cost.

Season 1 was nominated for Critics Choice Super Awards for Best Superhero Series, Actor (Cena) and Actress (Danielle Brooks), as well as for an Emmy for its stunts.

Multi-award winner James Gunn (The Guardians of the Galaxy) wrote all eight episodes this season, directing three.

New cast members include Frank Grillo (Tulsa King), David Denman (The Office), and Emmy nominee Tim Meadows (Mean Girls).

Watch the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QwXokuIZjM