Durban July 2025: Local artists elevate their brands on the big stage
The Durban July weekend featured a range of local talent, with Thembisa artists representing their brands on the grand stage.
Hectic, Siya and Vikk The Groove joined Johnnie Walker to experience the vibrant atmosphere, embracing the chance to mingle, learn and share their craft.
Victor Vukeya, known as 'Vikk The Groove', described the event as an opportunity to transcend being just a stage performer and evolve into a brand.
ALSO READ: Thembisa artist moves up in the world of entertainment
'Collaborating with Johnnie Walker Blonde was the perfect mix for me. Everything about the experience radiated fun, fashion, vibes and, of course, Blonde moments. Being there with my team at that perfect time was incredible. I'm looking forward to next year.'
Vukeya's standout moment was the Boomtown Experience 2025, where Sjava stole the show, in his view.
He also fondly recalled his debut set at the Perere Durban marquee.
'The Perere Marquee was my favourite. The celestial decor and homegrown vibe reminded me of home.
'It's clear the time is now; we're rubbing shoulders with the elites, and soon, we'll be the elites.
'This experience elevates me, allowing me to navigate stardom and position myself alongside industry leaders I hope to work with closely in the future.
ALSO READ: Local youngster aims to make waves in entertainment
'Glory be to God for this opportunity. Huge thanks to Orchardon25 and Johnnie Walker Blonde for making it happen.'
Siyabonga Nkosi shared how interacting with different people broadened his perspective on the industry.
'I'm a people person. Being in Durban was a new space for me, and I had the best time of my life. It was a challenge to interact with so many different folks, but I aced it.
'The Marvels of Mzansi theme was announced only three days before, so I improvised and wore what I felt comfortable in. I guess I was the marvel.
'My highlight was being invited to Durban and receiving VIP treatment. That showed growth in what we do and that we're taken seriously,' Nkosi added.
ALSO READ: Tembisa Red Devils celebrate 20 years in entertainment
Hectic Nkayane reflected on the up-close experience of the Durban July.
'Witnessing the fashion and the excitement around the horse races was unforgettable.
'I kept my outfit simple, representing the Marvels of Mzansi (iBince) with formal attire inspired by Zulu heritage. What better way to celebrate Zulu culture than wearing traditional attire on Zulu land?'
Nkayane's favourite marquees were the Perere by Gushima and the Makubenjalo marquee, which reminded him of the township groove we cherish in Thembisa.
'Being in that space was a privilege, rubbing shoulders with fashion designers, influencers, TV and radio personalities and event co-ordinators.
'I even bumped into DJ Fresh at Boomtown, who told me, 'You are moving in the right direction, keep pushing'.
That recognition from huge brands means our work is making an impact, sometimes without us even realising it. I believe we did an impeccable job and hope to be regulars at the event,' Nkayane said.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
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Durban July 2025: Local artists elevate their brands on the big stage
Durban July 2025: Local artists elevate their brands on the big stage The Durban July weekend featured a range of local talent, with Thembisa artists representing their brands on the grand stage. Hectic, Siya and Vikk The Groove joined Johnnie Walker to experience the vibrant atmosphere, embracing the chance to mingle, learn and share their craft. Victor Vukeya, known as 'Vikk The Groove', described the event as an opportunity to transcend being just a stage performer and evolve into a brand. ALSO READ: Thembisa artist moves up in the world of entertainment 'Collaborating with Johnnie Walker Blonde was the perfect mix for me. Everything about the experience radiated fun, fashion, vibes and, of course, Blonde moments. Being there with my team at that perfect time was incredible. I'm looking forward to next year.' Vukeya's standout moment was the Boomtown Experience 2025, where Sjava stole the show, in his view. He also fondly recalled his debut set at the Perere Durban marquee. 'The Perere Marquee was my favourite. The celestial decor and homegrown vibe reminded me of home. 'It's clear the time is now; we're rubbing shoulders with the elites, and soon, we'll be the elites. 'This experience elevates me, allowing me to navigate stardom and position myself alongside industry leaders I hope to work with closely in the future. ALSO READ: Local youngster aims to make waves in entertainment 'Glory be to God for this opportunity. Huge thanks to Orchardon25 and Johnnie Walker Blonde for making it happen.' Siyabonga Nkosi shared how interacting with different people broadened his perspective on the industry. 'I'm a people person. Being in Durban was a new space for me, and I had the best time of my life. It was a challenge to interact with so many different folks, but I aced it. 'The Marvels of Mzansi theme was announced only three days before, so I improvised and wore what I felt comfortable in. I guess I was the marvel. 'My highlight was being invited to Durban and receiving VIP treatment. That showed growth in what we do and that we're taken seriously,' Nkosi added. ALSO READ: Tembisa Red Devils celebrate 20 years in entertainment Hectic Nkayane reflected on the up-close experience of the Durban July. 'Witnessing the fashion and the excitement around the horse races was unforgettable. 'I kept my outfit simple, representing the Marvels of Mzansi (iBince) with formal attire inspired by Zulu heritage. What better way to celebrate Zulu culture than wearing traditional attire on Zulu land?' Nkayane's favourite marquees were the Perere by Gushima and the Makubenjalo marquee, which reminded him of the township groove we cherish in Thembisa. 'Being in that space was a privilege, rubbing shoulders with fashion designers, influencers, TV and radio personalities and event co-ordinators. 'I even bumped into DJ Fresh at Boomtown, who told me, 'You are moving in the right direction, keep pushing'. That recognition from huge brands means our work is making an impact, sometimes without us even realising it. I believe we did an impeccable job and hope to be regulars at the event,' Nkayane said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
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These creatives exemplify how the province's talent thrives at national and international levels - as directors, cinematographers, producers, and performers - solidifying the province's impact on global screen culture. Acclaimed actor Melusi Yeni, famous for his roles in Generations and Sokhulu and Partners Image: Supplied 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 ✕ For veteran actor Melusi Yeni, the spark came early-right in the heart of Durban.'Growing up in KZN, I had the opportunity to see the cast of the original Sarafinarehearse, under the directorship of the late Mbongeni Ngema. This encounter was the catalyst for my interest in the arts.' Yeni's big break came with the pioneering legal drama Sokhulu & Partners, scripted by KZN-born writers Bongi Ndaba and Portia Gumede. It revolutionised African representation on SABC1. 'The show was a first of its kind and drew a huge following with SA audiences and made me a recognisable name. This amazing production changed the waythe industry and audience looked at me.' But for years, the challenge for KZN talent was not creativity - it was access. 'The plan for any actor… was to pack your bags and head to Jhb… since thework opportunities were not available in KZN… This proved to have manychallenges for young people who had to move away from their families andcommunities,'' said Yeni. This narrative is shifting fast, as broadcasters increasingly recognise the value of anchoring the industry in KwaZulu-Natal — empowering local talent to build their careers at home rather than migrating elsewhere. 'It is undeniable that KZN has beautiful locations... which makes this province attractive for film and television projects. This has really allowed young andupcoming actors to remain home and be able to do the work from home.' KZN's shift from 'training ground' to production powerhouse has not happened in isolation. A constellation of producers and filmmakers have built world-classportfolios while keeping their roots local. Among them is Bonie Sithebe, one of the province's most prolific and consistent has produced over 20 films including Valley of a Thousand Hills, Perfect Match and Maskandi Queen, and co-founded Durban Motion Pictures. Her work has screened internationally and has been instrumental in promoting isiZulu-language storytelling. 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She is currently an assistant producer and has worked on TV series, Roots, etc. Well-known filmmaker Kethiwe Ngcobo in her edit suite during the making of her documentary film, And She Didn't Die which has received international acclaim Image: Supplied For Kethiwe Ngcobo, the story runs even deeper — through exile, return, and legacy. 'Storytelling is in my blood, and that blood is Zulu. My mother Lauretta camefrom a lineage of storytellers — her great-grandmother was a praise poet whopassed stories down through generations.' Ngcobo recently produced the documentary, And She Didn't Die, funded by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA), which earned two major accolades at the 2025 Encounters South African International Documentary Festival - winner: Ronelle Loots Award for Best Edited South African Feature Documentary; and runner-Up: Encounters Al Jazeera Award for Best African Feature-length Documentary. 'In 2004, I returned to the SABC as the inaugural head of drama — a homecoming of sorts. We created innovative programming… bringing Zulu narratives to national television.' She encourages KZN youth to see their heritage not as a limitation, but as asuperpower. 'Embrace your heritage as your superpower… the praise poetry, the oral traditions… These aren't old-fashioned. They're your competitive advantage in a global industry hungry for authentic voices.' From television series like Uzalo, Umkhokha, and Shaka iLembe to awards recognition at the Simon 'Mabhunu' Sabela Awards, KZN's presence is no longer a footnote in South African film. It is the headline. Thanks to the catalytic work of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, whose support for local development, location tours, and international collaborations continues to elevate homegrown talent, the province is poised to become apermanent fixture in Africa's cultural capital. Ngcobo said: 'Home isn't just a place — it's the stories we carry and thevoices we choose to amplify.'And as Yeni affirms: 'It seems like a dream to me that I am able to do the work from my beloved KZN.' It is not just a dream anymore. It is the new reality — and it's rolling on set. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
