Lira's homecoming to headline 10th Business Premium Jazz Festival on Heirtage Day
Taking place on September 24, Lira's homecoming will mark the acclaimed singer's first major performance in Ekurhuleni since her widely publicised health challenges. The moment carries weight not only as a musical comeback but as a celebration of resilience, identity, and cultural pride in time for National Heritage Day.
The 10th edition of the Business Premium Jazz Festival will transform a premium Ekurhuleni venue into a vibrant cultural hub, uniting fans from across Mzansi in song, style and spirit. True to this year's traditional theme, festivalgoers are encouraged to don their finest traditional attire, feast on local cuisine and experience a full cultural showcase, including indigenous storytelling, craft markets and live performances.
Lira, whose soul-stirring voice and magnetic presence have made her a household name in South Africa and beyond, will headline a star-studded lineup of local music greats. Though full artist details remain under wraps, insiders hinted some of SA's most respected live performers will share the stage.
Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Richard Ramudzuli, head of Thikho Events, said the festival was about more than entertainment.
'This homecoming is not only about music. It's a celebration of strength, identity and the beauty of coming full circle,' he said.
'Having Lira return to perform in her hometown on Heritage Day is deeply meaningful. It's a moment of healing, pride, and joy, not only for her but for thousands who have been inspired by her journey. We want the event to echo through Ekurhuleni and across South Africa as a symbol of hope and cultural pride.'
More than 3,000 guests are expected to attend the event, which also aims to drive local tourism and ignite economic activity in the region. Organisers said the festival plays a vital role in positioning Ekurhuleni as a rising capital of local arts and music.
The event will be amplified with wide media coverage thanks to partners BET Africa and Primedia Broadcasting, ensuring Lira's homecoming reaches fans across TV, radio, digital, and outdoor platforms throughout Gauteng.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Star-studded Women's Day celebration set to light up Disoufeng in Soweto
Disoufeng in Soweto will be the place to be on August 9 as it hosts a glamorous Women's Day celebration honouring the strength, resilience and beauty of women. The event promises an exciting line-up of celebrity guests and live entertainment. Attendees can look forward to rubbing shoulders with a host of local stars including Simz Ngema, Sihle Sibisi, TT Mbha, and Zola Mbatha, with more surprise guests expected to join. Behind the decks, Pinky Girl will keep the vibe alive, while gospel music lovers will be treated to a soul-stirring live performance by Joyous Celebration's Kgotso. Disoufeng's Tebogo Phiri shared his thoughts on the significance of the day with TshisaLIVE. 'Women's Day to me means everything stops — especially for us as men. We just need to honour all the females surrounding us, whether at home, work or in our social circles. When we see a woman, we must acknowledge that she's an important person. Just thinking of the nine months they go through carrying a new life is humbling,' he said. 'We must see women as people who often can't defend themselves against gender-based violence. There's so much one can say about women — they are the backbone of society. They bring life.' The event at Disoufeng aims to create a space where women feel celebrated and appreciated, while also raising awareness around the issues they face daily. With powerful words, great music and a sense of unity the day promises to be both festive and meaningful.

IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
Sello Maake kaNcube reflects on fatherhood and ambition in BET Africa's 'Black Gold
The legendary Sello Maake KaNcube portrays Tom Motsepe, a mining magnate with a dangerous past on BET Africa's new telenovela 'Black Gold'. Image: Supplied//BET Africa BET Africa this August will be debuting its latest telenovela, 'Black Gold,' which features an all-star ensemble. The series promises a gripping tale of betrayal, legacy, and the fight for power in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. At the centre of 'Black Gold' is Nomalanga Shozi, who takes on the role of Amandla Zungu, a principled daughter of the soil whose life is shattered by betrayal. She is joined by two of South Africa's most revered performers: SAFTA-winning actress Dawn Thandeka King as the calculating Florence Zungu, and the legendary Sello Maake kaNcube as Tom Motsepe, a mining magnate with a dangerous past. In an interview with IOL, KaNcube broke down his newest character, Tom Motsepe, who is a mine CEO, married and a father to three children; to Zakhele, Andile and (unknowingly) the late Siyabonga. Having been raised by his stepfather and being a father himself, KaNcube has explored fatherhood and its meaning to him as a black man. He shared that it's important for stories to explore the nuanced and underrepresented realities of black fatherhood on screen. 'Fatherhood is a very important issue and it's something that we as the black community battle with. 'When you realise that men go about making babies and not raising them, that becomes a huge problem and I think it's important to impress this need for embodying fatherhood amongst men and especially black men. 'Black men, we need to step up as fathers and as responsible men, but we still have to deal with stories that make us reflect about where we come from, where we are and define where we would like to get to.' 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 The legendary Sello Maake KaNcube portrays Tom Motsepe, a mining magnate with a dangerous past on BET Africa's new telenovela 'Black Gold'. Image: Supplied/BET Africa Stepping into a new role is something KaNcube finds fulfilling, even 40 years later in his career and he still looks to tell the emotions that humans experience. He acknowledges that he is constantly learning with every season of his life. KaNcube, over his illustrious career, has had several strong male lead roles from Archie Moroka on 'Generations' to Bra Rex on 'Vula Vala' and even Kgosi on 'The Queen'. He credits the environment set up being different, with his new character being a mining magnate. 'Archie was an alpha male character, but there was quirkiness about him and also the environment that he was in. All these things differ according to the environment that they are set in. 'Tom Motsepe is set as a mining magnate, the way his world is set up, dabbling between two women, and it differs like that. They are never the same and differ according to the world they are set in.' For the legendary actor, his character's desire to achieve is something that stood out for him when he first read the script. 'Tom will pull all the stops to get what he wants and there are no limits.' On 'Black Gold' viewers will get to see Tom Motsepe at a tipping point his company Umnotho Wethu's expansion hinges on seizing the Zungu land, rumoured to sit atop a deposit of rare, black gold. "Black Gold" premieres on August 18, 2025 on BET Africa (DStv Channel 129), airing Monday to Thursday at 18:30, with repeats at 21:30. IOL Entertainment

TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- TimesLIVE
The DJ Man champions female talent through soul music
As South Africa prepares to celebrate Women's Day in August, radio personality Ismail Abrahams, known to thousands as The DJ Man, says one day isn't enough. 'For me, every day is a chance to celebrate women, not just on Women's Day or Valentine's Day,' he told TshisaLIVE. 'And what better way to do that than through music?' A staple on Metro FM's late-night airwaves for more than 15 years, The DJ Man has built his name on soul and R&B sounds he says serve as 'memory markers' in people's lives. But his mission goes deeper than curating slow jams and love anthems. He's also made it his personal commitment to uplift female DJs. This August, The DJ Man is sharing the stage with women at select events, but he's quick to point out this isn't just a Women's Month initiative. 'I've been intentional about giving female DJs a platform throughout the year, especially in the soul and R&B space,' he said. 'There's enough room for everyone. We just need to make space.' Known for his smooth delivery and nostalgic sets filled with the likes of Anita Baker, Luther Vandross and Tevin Campbell, The DJ Man's shows have become sanctuaries for listeners seeking connection, healing and joy. He started his radio journey at P4 Radio Durban (now Gagasi FM), before moving to his dream slot on Metro FM. 'Night radio is intimate,' he said. 'It's where people open up — and I've always wanted to be a part of that space.' His influence extends far beyond the studio. His weekend soul sessions — dubbed 'Saturday Soul' by fans — have become signature events around the country. 'People want music that feeds the soul. These sessions are booming.'