Afropop group The Soil to set stage alight at Heavyweights Live Concert
The concert on Saturday features a heavyweight lineup of music icons Sjava, Big Zulu, The Soil and Ntokozo Mkhize.
'This isn't only another concert, it's a journey through music. It's a storytelling experience that reflects who we are as a people, where we come from and where we're going,' said Richard Ramudzuli, event manager at Thikho Events.
'We wanted to create something that celebrates our roots our culture, and our stories in a way that resonates deeply, specially on Youth Day weekend.'
Ramudzuli said the carefully selected lineup reflects a rich tapestry of local voices and narratives.
'Sjava and Big Zulu are modern-day poets. They speak to the struggles and victories of ordinary people. Their lyrics carry the weight of lived experiences, wrapped in sounds that fuse tradition with innovation.
'The Soil brings a spiritual and soulful energy that touches the heart. Their harmonies uplift. Ntokozo Mkhize represents the new generation of storytellers, proving the future of South African music is in strong, talented hands.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mail & Guardian
11 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
Saturday's Durban July set to boost local economy by R700m
South Africa's fashion industry, traditionally synonymous with the event, will showcase the work of professional designers and upcoming talent at the Durban July Fashion Experience Tens of thousands of horse racing punters, fashionistas, foodies and other visitors who descend on eThekwini to party at the Hollywoodbets Durban July this weekend are expected to contribute around R700 million to the city's GDP. Africa's largest horseracing event, themed Marvels of Mzansi, is expected to generate significant economic activity and create 4 000 jobs, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said at the launch of the event at Westown Square in Shongweni. Xaba said the city's tourism and hospitality sectors anticipate an 80% hotel occupancy rate as visitors converge for the horseracing and fashion spectacle, which celebrates South Africa's cultural heritage, diversity and landscapes. 'The direct spend is estimated at R278 million, with a total of R700 million contribution to the eThekwini GDP, and a total number of 4 000 jobs to be created,' Xaba said. The economic impact will be generated at the racecourse and at side events, including Fact Durban Rocks, Any Given Sunday, Anywhere in the City and Mojo's July Weekend, across the city. 'Our law-enforcement agencies have developed an integrated safety plan, supported by the private security industry. Visitors are guaranteed a safe stay in the city with high police visibility, particularly around the Greyville precinct and other strategic sites across the municipality.' South Africa's fashion industry, traditionally synonymous with the event, will showcase the work of professional designers and upcoming talent at the Durban July Fashion Experience, a collaboration between the city and the Hollywood Foundation. Twenty-five designers will present Marvels of Mzansi collections, featuring three categories, including the Young Designers Awards, with 10 student finalists competing for bursaries and a fashion travel package, the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars. Nine emerging designers supported by eThekwini's Fashion Development Programme will vie for a R250 000 business development prize and the Invited Designer Showcase, which will display the collections of six established designers. Gold Circle sponsorship and marketing executive Steve Marshall 'Its impact on racing is undeniable — it's the most prestigious race in South Africa. It's got a prize of over R5 million and it's the race that every trainer, owner, jockey, crew or breeder wants to win. It's in their dreams,' Marshall said. Hollywoodbets brand and communications manager Devin Heffer said the event brought together key sectors across the city. 'This race means so much to so many people, not just the racing industry, but everyone is intertwined. All the public, hospitality, tourism, the government, the GDP — everything is affected and infected with July fever,' he said. Xaba said he was speaking to hospitality stakeholders to enhance visitor experiences and align with future development plans. The city was investing R600 million annually in bulk infrastructure for catalytic projects, such as the R15 billion Shongweni Development and the R25 billion Sibaya Precinct Development to elevate tourism infrastructure. 'We are also looking into how we can invest more resources including setting aside a budget to improve tourism infrastructure,' Xaba said. 'The Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than a race — it is a catalyst for social cohesion as it unites South Africans through the passion of sport, the expression of cultural pride and the glamour of fashion,' Xaba said. 'We are really looking forward to the 5th of July and we are ready to roll out the red carpet for our visitors because Durban is open for business.'
The Citizen
12 hours ago
- The Citizen
Faf de Klerk shows off his baking skills as Faffies turns one
Faffies was officially launched in June last year, just a day before Youth Day. Springbok rugby star Faf de Klerk is proving he's just as game in the kitchen as he is on the field as he celebrates the first anniversary of his swimwear brand, Faffies. Although his swimwear marked its first anniversary last month, De Klerk took to Instagram on Thursday to share how he and his team decided to celebrate, by baking their own Faffies birthday cake. In the video, De Klerk is wearing his Faffies swimwear as he joins the team in whipping up the celebratory cake. 'It's an exciting week for Faffies and we decided to bake our own cake for our one-year anniversary. We'll let you be the judge of it,' he wrote in the caption. ALSO READ: 'Size doesn't count': Bok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk launches swimwear brand [VIDEO] The birth of Faffies Faffies was founded by De Klerk alongside his brother-in-law, Luan van Niekerk, and international model Nikita du Toit. The brand officially launched in June last year, just a day before Youth Day. According to information on the brand's website, the idea was inspired by Faf's bold and recognisable persona, both on and off the field. A standout moment that helped inspire the brand was De Klerk's encounter with Prince Harry after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, during which he was photographed wearing nothing but a South African flag Speedo. 'Luan, the visionary brother-in-law, turned his love for sport and our country into a brand. Nikita's fashion and industry experience then brought our collective vision to vibrant life,' he wrote. NOW READ: 'The Old Guard 2' star Charlize Theron gets candid about one-night stand and dating apps
Mail & Guardian
14 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
Burundi celebrates 63 years of independence
Ambassador of Malawi H.E Stella Chiripo Ndau, Ambassador of Burundi and High Commissioner of Botswana H.E Dr Sanji Mmasenono Monageng Burundi marked a significant milestone on July 1, 2025, celebrating the 63rd anniversary of its independence from Belgian colonial rule. The East African nation gained sovereignty on July 1, 1962, establishing itself as an independent republic after decades under colonial administration. The commemorative celebration took place in Pretoria, where His Excellency Mr. Bukuru Alexis, Burundi's diplomatic representative, welcomed members of the Diplomatic Corps and distinguished guests to honor this historic occasion. A highlight of the celebration was the performance of the Ritual Dance of the Royal Drum, a magnificent display of Burundi's rich cultural heritage. This ancient tradition represents far more than entertainment—it embodies the soul of Burundian identity through a compelling fusion of drumming, dancing, poetry, and traditional songs. The Royal Drum dance holds profound significance in Burundian society, serving multiple ceremonial purposes. Traditionally performed during national and local festivals, the dance also serves as a prestigious welcome for important visitors and dignitaries. Beyond its ceremonial function, the practice is deeply spiritual, believed to establish connections with ancestral spirits and maintain cultural continuity across generations. Ambassador of Burundi H.E Mr Bukuru Alexis and Ambassador Simon Duku Michael of South Sudan The cultural importance of this tradition gained international recognition when UNESCO inscribed the Ritual Dance of the Royal Drum on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. This designation acknowledges not only the artistic merit of the performance but also its crucial role in preserving Burundian cultural identity and traditional knowledge systems. The inclusion of this cultural showcase in the independence celebration demonstrates Burundi's commitment to honoring its heritage while marking its journey as a sovereign nation. As the country looks toward the future, such traditions serve as powerful reminders of the cultural foundations that continue to shape Burundian national identity in the modern era. The 63rd independence anniversary celebration in Pretoria successfully combined diplomatic protocol with authentic cultural expression, offering attendees an enriching glimpse into Burundi's vibrant heritage and enduring traditions.
