Unveiling Magic: David Blaine’s Global Adventures in “Do Not Attempt”

David Blaine gently holds a King Cobra. (credit: National Geographic/Dana Hayes)

Prepare for the ultimate magic adventure as National Geographic (DStv 181, Starsat 220) premieres DAVID BLAINE DO NOT ATTEMPT. Produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s award-winning Imagine Documentaries (“Genius” anthology series, “Rebuilding Paradise,” “Jim Henson Idea Man”), this six-part series follows world- renowned magician and endurance artist David Blaine exploring the world through the lens of magic, in several inspiring countries, including South Africa.

The show premiered on Friday, 28 March on DStv 181 and Starsat 220, DAVID BLAINE DO NOT ATTEMPT is also be available on Disney+ in South Africa.

David Blaine takes us on a fascinating cultural exchange and a jaw-dropping journey through extraordinary cultures, where he meets with performers and masters — kindred spirits who inspire and share with him exceptional skills (and secrets) — in Brazil, Southeast Asia, India, the Arctic Circle, South Africa and Japan.

Watch the trailer here

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Dricus Du Plessis: The Confidence Behind Curve Fragrances

Curve Fragrances, proudly marketed by Elizabeth Arden, is excited to announce its partnership with UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis for its fragrance portfolio in South Africa. As the first South African to win a UFC Middleweight championship title, Dricus embodies Curve’s bold and confident spirit, living life on his own terms and pushing beyond boundaries.


“At Curve Fragrances, we believe that confidence isn’t something you’re given—it’s something you create. It’s about moving forward, evolving, and owning your space in the world. Dricus Du Plessis embodies this spirit perfectly. His journey—from rising through the ranks to becoming South Africa’s first UFC Middleweight Champion—reflects sheer determination, discipline, and an unbreakable mindset. He is the definition of what it means to be #ConfidentWithCurve. Life is full of curveballs, and how you handle them truly defines you.”— Maggie Wang, Head of Marketing, Elizabeth Arden & CDH Fragrances.

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Explore The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad’s Power Moms

Fresh off the success of The Mommy Club and The Mommy Club: Sugar & SpiceThe Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad is set to bring Jacaranda City to life like never before.

The third instalment of the franchise will showcase five powerhouse moms who are redefining the art of balancing parenting, power, and prestige – all while leaning on their close-knit families to raise the next generation.

Produced by franchise creators POP24, The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad introduces a bold, dynamic cast of Afrikaans women who aren’t afraid to show their vulnerability: Ansu Viljoen, Crystal Van Der Burgh, Johandri Johnson, Louise Volschenk, and Tessa Tullues. 

This season offers a front-row seat to the lives of these extraordinary mothers as they navigate the complexities of raising heirs, managing marriages, and juggling their glamorous lifestyles.

The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad premieres on Showmax on 14 March 2025.

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Vote for Your Favorite Comedian at the Savanna Comedy Awards 2025

Get ready for a night of laughter, legends, and a little bit of chaos (the good kind) as we unveil the powerhouse duo steering the comedy ship at the 12th Annual Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards: none other than Nina Hastie and Carvin H Goldstone.

These two comedy titans will take the stage as your hosts, armed with razor-sharp wit, undeniable charm, and a talent for keeping audiences on their toes (and in stitches). With Nina’s fearless, no holds barred humour and Carvin’s storytelling genius, we’re in for an unforgettable night at The Lyric Theatre on Saturday, 12 April 2025.

A night like this deserves an epic cast, and in addition to our amazing MCs, we’re delivering just that. Bringing the funny are some of SA’s top comedic talents, including:

  • Mashabela Galane – The king of vernac comedy, ready to drop punchlines that’ll have you gasping for air.
  • Kagiso KG Mokgadi – His deadpan delivery is sharper than your grandma’s tongue on a Sunday morning.
  • Céline Tshika – Serving laughs, class, and a side of absolute sass.
  • Mel Jones – A comedic powerhouse with stories so relatable, you’ll wonder if she’s been spying on your life.
  • Thabiso Mhlongo – A fresh voice with fresh takes and a knack for turning the mundane into the hilarious.
  • Bexta – Bringing the heat with fast-paced, punchline-packed stand-up.

And many more still to be announced!

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Mike White Discusses The White Lotus: Fresh Storylines in Season 3

With new episodes of The White Lotus hitting Showmax and M-Net every Monday, Jim Halterman caught up with Mike White to find out more about writing, directing and executive producing the hit HBO show, which has won 15 Emmys so far and has already been renewed for a fourth season. 

Why Thailand this season?

Originally, I wanted to shoot in Japan. I’ve spent more time there and I just had a vision for doing it in Japan. 

Then we got to Thailand and obviously it’s such a lovely country and the people charmed us. Then I had a weird experience where I got very sick with some kind of bronchitis and they put me on a nebuliser, which I’d never been on before, and it kept me awake for 48 hours. In those 48 hours, the whole season came to me, so after I got better, I came to the producers and said, “I think I just came up with the season and it’s in Thailand.’ 

Obviously, Japan is amazing and it would be incredible to shoot there, but it turned out to be such a great decision to shoot in Thailand and very life changing.

I’ve read a lot of Buddhism in my life for whatever reason, so the idea that Season 3 would be in a Buddhist country and grapple with some of the concepts of the Buddhist religion excited me. 

How do you keep The White Lotus feeling fresh each season? 

For the show to feel fresh, it needs to either expand or shift or change. The first season was a lot about privilege and a kind of upstairs/downstairs thing with the employees and the guests and the comedy of that. And then, when we were in Italy [for Season 2], the theme was more about sex and the dynamic between men and women. This season is dealing with more religion and spirituality and God, so the show itself and the kind of stories that these characters are facing are a little bit more existential and tragic. 

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