South Africa among 17 countries to screen Simply Red concert in cinemas
Not everyone can afford to see their favourite music artist live in concert.
'Being a cinema release, it's just a wonderful feeling to get to so many people,' said Simply Red lead singer Mick Hucknall, speaking about a concert film of the band's 40 years being released in cinemas.
'Also synchronised in the cinema watching the show, pretty much as if they were there,' shared Hucknall in a recent post on Instagram.
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red – Live from Santiago captures the band's performance at the Movistar Arena in Chile, where they played five consecutive sold-out shows to rapturous audiences as part of their Latin American tour leg, which saw them perform to over 140,000 fans.
Selected Ster-Kinekor outlets will host screenings of the doccie concert for only two days, on May 15 and 18.
South Africa is the only African country among the first 17 countries announced to screen the concert.
ALSO READ: Whitney Houston's 1994 performance in South Africa to hit the big screen [VIDEO]
Simply Red on tour
Simply Red is currently on a world tour, during which they'll perform in almost 50 arenas, including two nights at London's O2 Arena and one night at Wembley Arena in October.
The screening of their performances offers an opportunity to celebrate the band's 40-year journey. Their hit song Holding Back the Years was part of their debut album, Picture Book, which was released in 1985.
Hucknall remains the only original member of the band following their breakup in 2009.
'After 25 years, I don't have any more ideas in my head for the group,' Hucknall told Reuters while on tour to promote his solo album in 2008.
'The radio … expects a certain type of sound (from Simply Red). For me, it's a prison; in my head, I am a different artist,' Hucknall said, speaking in Italian.
Now reflecting on the collective's 40-year celebration, the lead singer excitedly spoke about their anniversary.
'The intention of this show is to take you on a journey of Simply Red's career from 1985 to the present day,' shared Hucknall.
'I love performing. What I really enjoyed over the last few years is how the audience is so mixed,' said Hucknall.
'I look out sometimes and see young people, people older than me, because it's the music that does all the work and brings them together, and they start singing choruses.'
Rosebank Nouveau in Johannesburg; Brooklyn in Tshwane; Watercrest in Hillcrest KZN; Garden Route in George; and at V&A Waterfront in Cape Town are the Ster-Kinekor outlets that will screen the concert.
NOW READ: Could these risky celebs be behind Cannes Film Festival's decision to clamp down on nudity?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
18 hours ago
- IOL News
Simphiwe Dana sparks debate on appreciation vs appropriation in African hair culture
Musician Simphiwe Dana often enlists hairstylist Tumelo Mpholo to help bring her ideas for her African-inspired hairstyles to life. Image: Instagram/Simphiwedana A lot of things may not be certain, but one thing is that African women have been celebrating their crowns and plaiting them in different ways. African women's hairstyles have become a point of discussion after multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, Simphiwe Dana created a public discourse. Dana posted on social media her disappointment over not being acknowledged as inspiration behind the hairstyles on actress Nomzamo Mbatha and "Shaka iLembe". She later deleted the posts from her Instagram and X account. 'Honey, there's a difference between appreciation and appropriation. You're not the only one. I'm fed up. It's deeply disconcerting and cringe,' Dana wrote, with a picture of Mbatha from her Creme of Nature, ambassador reveal. Actress Nomzamo Mbatha was the target of Simphiwe Dana's statement over afro-centric hairstyles, where she wanted credit. Image: setlifestudiossa Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Since ancient times, hair has always been something worth celebrating and Dana has become well known for her afrocentric hairstyles that are inspired by what Africans have been doing. Hairstyles held profound significance in ancient African societies, serving as powerful symbols of an individual's status, economic standing, marital status, and social role. Beyond their aesthetic function, they also played a crucial role in spiritual divination. The late Miriam Makeba was inspired by the hairstyles of the Fulani women of West Africa after she and her husband Stokely Carmichael quit the US and moved to Guinea in the 1970s. Simphiwe Dana rocking one of her signature afro-centric hairstyles that have become a part of her artistic look. Image: Instagram/@simphiwedana The style of the Mangbetu women of the Democratic Republic of Congo have also influenced afrocentric hairstyles. To signify high status within the community, Mangbetu women tightly bind their babies' heads with cloth, fostering an elongated head shape. While Dana is right there is a difference between appreciation and appropriation and while it is well documented that throughout her over 20 year journey in entertainment, she has donned afro-centric hairstyles, and they have become a part of her artistic vision however there is no evidence linking her to the origins of the hairstyle. Countries across Africa have deep historical ties to the evolution of afro-centric hairstyles. More women are coming on the bandwagon and shows like 'Shaka iLembe' are showing the history of hair for more to see. IOL Lifestyle
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Murumba Pitch set for Zimbabwe return after on-stage rejection
Amapiano artist Khathutshelo Mangolo, better known as Murumba Pitch, is set to return to Zimbabwe for another performance, despite recently being booed off stage. He had headlined a show in Kadoma on 18 July, but the crowd unexpectedly rejected his set. Still, Murumba Pitch plans to make a comeback in Zimbabwe soon. As reported by Herald Online , Murumba Picth will join fellow South African music heavyweights Mafikizolo, The Soil, and Vusi Nova as headline acts for this year's Jacaranda Music Festival. The festival, themed 'Amplifying African Excellence', will run from 3 to 5 October at Thorn Park Polo Grounds in Harare. The Amapiano artist, who recently left the Murumba Pitch duo to launch his solo career, was performing at Julyfest in Kadoma on 18 July 2025, his birthday. Speaking to Sol Phenduka on Podcast and Chill , Murumba Pitch said he doesn't believe the stage failure had anything to do with xenophobia. He explained that he couldn't blame the crowd because they seemed to prefer a different genre, high-tempo music like dancehall. According to him, the promoters also mentioned that the audience had expected a different sound. He added that performing in Bulawayo and Harare is always a great experience. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. ,
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Gayton McKenzie says LIV Golf South Africa early bird tickets selling FAST
LIV Golf over the weekend confirmed that Steyn City in Johannesburg will host the first-ever LIV Golf South Africa event from 20-22 March 2026. A multi-year commitment, the announcement represents a landmark moment for the league as it expands to the African continent for the first time, extending LIV Golf competition to five continents across the globe. Early bird tickets for LIV Golf South Africa are now available for purchase HERE, including a select number of Club 54 Hospitality Tickets and three-day Ground Passes to enjoy a festival of world-class golf, live music, and family-friendly experiences. A three-day early bird Ground Pass will cost you R2 193.17 down from R2 436.86, while Club 54 Hospitality Tickets will set you back R50 443.20. Free admission for children 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has announced that tickets are selling fast. So fast in fact that over 10 200 were snapped up in the first 24 hours. The tournament will spotlight Stinger GC, the league's all-South African team, captained by 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and featuring fellow countrymen Dean Burmester, Branden Grace, and 2011 Masters champion, Charl Schwartzel. The team is expected to enjoy strong home support in March, as they compete for both individual and team titles in a field of 54 of the world's best players across three days in front of passionate local fans. In addition to home team Stinger GC, they'll be joined by a host of international stars including current 2025 season points leader Joaquin Niemann (Torque GC), Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), Phil Mickelson (HyFlyers GC), Jon Rahm (Legion XIII), Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC), Cameron Smith (Ripper GC), Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC), and many more. The LIV Golf field is comprised of 18 major champions with a combined 28 major championships, bringing many of the sport's biggest stars to South Africa. The Club at Steyn City, located just north of Johannesburg, is known globally for its prestigious championship golf course designed by Nicklaus Design. With sweeping fairways, dramatic scenery, and a legacy of hosting professional tournaments, the course will provide the perfect setting for LIV Golf's debut in Africa and an exciting venue for broadcasters to showcase around the world. Post-play concerts and engaging fan experiences have become hallmark features of LIV Golf events, creating a unique festival atmosphere at every international stop. South Africa will be no exception, with marquee music entertainment to be announced in the event leadup. 'Bringing LIV Golf to South Africa is another significant moment in our journey,' said Ross Hallett, LIV Golf Executive Vice President, Head of Events. 'The country has a proud sporting heritage with passionate fans and world-class talent, and Steyn City will be an incredible host venue to celebrate this next chapter. We currently have events in Asia, Europe, Australasia, North America and today we add Africa, marking another exciting opportunity to showcase LIV Golf to a new audience and market. 'Our league is committed to driving the sport forward through competition, an innovative format, new investment opportunities, and collaborative partnerships that support progress throughout the communities we serve. We are incredibly grateful to have the support of the South African government and especially the Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. Together, I know we will deliver a truly unforgettable experience to fans in Johannesburg, drive economic impact and tourism in the region, and showcase all that South Africa has to offer.' 'It's always special to compete at home, and I'm incredibly proud to bring LIV Golf to South Africa for the first time,' said Oosthuizen, captain of Stinger GC. 'For Branden, Charl, Dean and I to play in front of our fans, friends, and families will be an unforgettable experience. 'South African sports fans love their golf, and I am sure they will turn out in large numbers to support Stinger GC. South Africa has given so much to us, and now we get to give something back.' 'We are enormously proud to showcase Johannesburg and South Africa on the global stage, with our world-class lifestyle estate and golf course as shining examples of local excellence,' said Steven Louw, CEO of Steyn City Properties. 'We look forward to partnering with LIV Golf, Gauteng government and other stakeholders to share our country's exceptional golfing experience with the world, and to play a role in advancing the sport we are so passionate about.' 'This is a special moment to announce that the world's most dynamic and innovative new golfing format will make its historic debut in South Africa,' said Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. 'This will be a proud moment for our nation, showcasing our vibrant sports culture and world-class hospitality to a global audience. 'The all-South African Stinger GC team is also testament to our country's rich golfing heritage, and we need to get behind our boys as a country when they are here, so that they can win their nation's inaugural tournament. 'Visitors will truly feel that they are in Africa, with access to a Big 5 reserve with lions and elephants – Dinokeng – less than an hour's drive from Steyn City. No LIV event will be anything like this one and we are confident that the world's golf lovers will make travelling to ours, the world's most beautiful country, a must-do trip on their calendar. 'LIV will also help to popularise golf in South Africa, and I also look forward to using the big concerts each day as a platform to show off our amazing home-grown, internationally competitive entertainment. We take our hats off to LIV as an organisation for heeding the call to include Africa on their calendar if they wish to call themselves a truly global brand. This is what we want to see for other sports too, from Formula One to the Summer Olympics. 'We are excited to work with LIV Golf's team to deliver a festival of sport and culture that will inspire fans, boost tourism, and create lasting opportunities for our communities, because LIV has committed to reinvesting into the countries that welcome them.' More details on additional hospitality packages, grounds passes and entertainment for LIV Golf South Africa will be unveiled soon. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
