Join the Motherland Festival at Cradle Boutique Hotel

Empire proudly presents the Motherland Festival, an extraordinary celebration of South African music and culture, set to take place at the Cradle Boutique Hotel on 30 November 2024. Nestled in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind, this festival honours the deep historical, cultural and natural significance of Africa – the birthplace of humankind.

The Cradle Boutique Hotel, located within the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve, offers a unique and sacred setting for this one-of-a-kind event.

The Motherland Festival reflects the soul of Africa—where past and future meet. African rhythms blend with futuristic melodies in an immersive all-day celebration, featuring a star-studded line-up of South Africa’s finest talent. Guests will be moved by the music, dance and vibrant community, all set against the breath-taking landscape of one of the world’s most profound historical sites.

The Motherland Festival reflects the soul of Africa—where past and future meet. African rhythms blend with futuristic melodies in an immersive all-day celebration, featuring a star-studded line-up of South Africa’s finest musical talent:

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Discover Johannesburg’s OKIO Nightclub and Bellucci Lounge

Nestled in the heart of Africa’s richest square mile, a game-changing nightlife destination has arrived: welcome to OKIO and the Bellucci Luxury Lounge.

This meticulously designed venue invites you to indulge your senses and elevate your evenings into a world of unparalleled luxury and energy. Offering two distinct and elegant spaces, OKIO Nightclub and Bellucci Luxury Lounge, this destination stands out for its unique ambiance and attention to detail.

OKIO Nightclub

From the moment you step into OKIO (pronounced Awk-Key-Oh), the modern luxury nightclub and event venue, you will be mesmerized by its striking design—an artistic fusion of rich colours and textures. With opulent lounge areas featuring lavishly upholstered furniture, soaring ceilings, and grand bespoke chandeliers, OKIO is set to become the premier playground for Johannesburg’s elite, celebrities, and trendsetters.
 
This luxurious nightclub offers private seating, a stunning marble bar, intimate champagne lounges, and VIP suites with personalized bottle service. The state-of-the-art sound and lighting system creates an electrifying atmosphere, perfect for high-profile DJs and world-class entertainment, with both local and international acts lighting up the decks.


 

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The Fix: A Dystopian Thriller Premiering This Halloween

You may not know this about me, but I started my career in the South African Film & TV industry back, in the early 2000’s. I was a Production Manager on various international commercials that were shot in Cape Town. Hence, whenever I get news about local shows and movies, or anything related to the local film and TV industry, I get really excited. The Fix, which was filmed in my hometown of Cape Town, looks so entertaining, and I am looking forward to its release.

The Fix, premieres on 31 October 2024 on Showmax, as its Halloween highlight.

Set in a dystopian future with toxic air, The Fix follows a model who takes a new designer drug at a party and suffers a shocking transformation. Pursued by forces with competing interests in the drug’s effects, Ella discovers that her mutations could save the human race.

Grace van Dien (Chrissy in Stranger Things S4) stars as Ella, opposite Daniel Sharman (Fear The Walking Dead), SAFTA nominee Keenan Arrison (Binnelanders), Clancy Brown (John Wick 4, The Penguin), and Nicole Fortuin (Alles Malan). 

Watch the trailer:

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World Stroke Week: Take Action to Stay Healthy

Most people I know have been affected by stroke, one way or another.

My own grandmother died of a stroke and my mother from a brain haemorrhage, so it’s important to know how best to prevent having one.

World Stroke Week is between 28 October and 3 November and World Stroke Day is on 29 October, so it’s the perfect time to talk about stroke prevention. With one in four people worldwide expected to experience a stroke in their lifetime, it’s never been more important to take proactive steps to safeguard your health.

In South Africa, strokes continue to affect thousands of lives. But here’s the good news: up to 80% of strokes are preventable through small, sustainable lifestyle changes. 

Here are five simple, actionable ways you can reduce your risk of stroke, starting today.

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Shahan Ramkissoon Hosts The Mommy Club Reunion

Renowned journalist and talk show host Shahan Ramkissoon is set to host the highly anticipated reunion special of The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice, premiering on Showmax on 31 October 2024.

Produced by POP24, The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice is the exciting second instalment of the beloved franchise that began with The Mommy Club featuring dynamic “it” moms from Johannesburg.

The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice offers an exclusive glimpse into the lives of glamorous mothers from Durban’s Indian community, showcasing their seemingly perfect lives. The show explores the vibrant dynamics among these mothers and their colourful extended families, revealing how they balance managing their personal empires while nurturing the next generation.

The cast includes Abigail Nepaul (41), Asharia Parsad (27), Christina Devraj (26), Devina Kowlas (43), Kim Jones (33), Lenore Goss-Matjie (45), Neetasha Singh Bugwandin (36), and twins Losh and Resh Naidoo (45). 

This groundbreaking reality show is a first-of-its-kind reality series that highlights the Indian community in South Africa, and Shahan is prepared to tackle the pressing themes and challenging conversations that arise. “I am known for being real, and this time will be no different. I aim to ask the questions that viewers have on their minds. It’s going to be unfiltered, no sugarcoating,” he says.

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