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Sunday, February 22, 2026

JANE BEDFORD: ABUNDANCE

 


(Work by Jane Bedford. Pic supplied)

 

Jane Bedford’s exhibition Abundance opens at the Tamasa Gallery in Durban this month. Opened by the artist on February 28, 2026, the exhibition runs until March 28.

Tamasa Gallery is located at 740 Currie Road. Telephone 031 207 1223

Email: Maria@tamasagallery.co.za and the website address is www.tamasagallery.co.za

POWER OF HERITAGE-LED CRAFT

 


The ifa crafted heritage collection is currently on display in an impactful exhibition at Art&About in Sandton’s Merchant Place. Hosted by KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA) in partnership with the FirstRand Foundation, the exhibition showcases the extraordinary skill and cultural legacy of rural KwaZulu-Natal’s master crafters and will run until the end of April 2026.

ifa crafted, meaning “inheritance” in isiZulu, embodies the concepts of indlalifa – those entrusted with passing down legacy – and ukuloba ngezandla (“thinking with hands”). Launched in 2025 by KZNSA with support from the FirstRand Foundation, the project has engaged over 80 master crafters from rural communities across KwaZulu-Natal, including Ixopo, Ntshongweni, Hlabisa, eManguzi, Rorke’s Drift, Greytown, Cato Ridge, Mthwalume, Mbazwane, the Valley of a Thousand Hills, and beyond.

Through an intensive collaborative co-design process led by Angela Shaw (KZNSA), acclaimed beadwork artist Hlengiwe Dube, Gary Cotterell, and other contributing designers, rural KwaZulu-Natal artisans have reinterpreted age-old techniques across mediums including beading, telewire and wire weaving, ilala palm and grass weaving, tapestry, ceramics, wood carving, embroidery, and textile printing. The resulting collections elevate traditional craft into aspirational luxury homeware, décor, jewellery, and collectibles that honour cultural heritage while speaking confidently to contemporary global tastes.

Several artisans attended the exhibition, sharing their personal stories and the depth of skill in their work:

 

- Nomfundo Mkhize – beadwork and textile specialist from the Valley of a Thousand Hills, known for intricate patterns that weave personal and communal narratives into contemporary forms.

- Angeline Masuku – master ilala palm weaver from northern KwaZulu-Natal, whose tightly coiled baskets and vessels reflect generations of knowledge passed down in her community.

- Busisiwe Mayise – accomplished telewire weaver whose bold, colourful works transform recycled materials into vibrant statements of resilience and innovation.

- Sibusiso Mthembu – skilled wire artist who shapes metal into dynamic sculptures and functional objects that bridge rural tradition with urban sophistication.

“ifa crafted has opened doors we never imagined – from our rural homes to spaces like Sandton”, reflects Busisiwe Mayise.  “Seeing people appreciate the stories in every weave has been truly special. This initiative has given us a platform to share our heritage while building sustainable futures for our families. We are grateful and proud.”

The project’s impact reaches far beyond beautiful objects. By offering professional design collaboration, e-commerce access, high-profile exhibitions, and international market exposure, ifa crafted has delivered increased income, greater confidence, and a stronger professional identity for participants. It provides a replicable, ethical model for rural creative enterprise that balances innovation, heritage preservation, and inclusive economic growth in marginalised communities.

Kone Gugushe, Head of Social Investing, FirstRand, says: “Initiatives like ifa crafted demonstrate the profound transformative power of strategic partnerships in preserving South Africa’s rich cultural heritage while creating sustainable pathways for economic empowerment. By uplifting rural talent and ensuring that ancient knowledge continues to thrive in contemporary contexts, we are investing not just in artisans, but in the enduring legacy of communities for generations to come. We are deeply proud to support this vital work and to celebrate the remarkable artisans alongside KZNSA,” concludes Gugushe.

For more information, artisan stories, collections, and purchasing opportunities, visit www.ifacrafted.com

Saturday, February 21, 2026

RUSTY RED FOR MITH

 

(Rusty Red. Pic supplied)

 

Where else can you meet with friends and enjoy top South African music in a beautiful setting, with roaring fires, hearty food and a cash bar – all for just R50?

 MiTH – 25 February 2026

Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Entrance: R50 (cash or Zapper at the door)

Info: 082 331 7271

 

20h30 – RUSTY RED

Rusty Red returns to the MiTH stage! Though he galivants around the world performing in various prestigious tribute shows ranging from Queen to The Eagles, Rusty hasn’t forgotten that home is where the heart is – at Music in The Hills. Mentored by The Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters and refined by the Durban-based Black Lapels, Rusty has cemented himself as a blues guitar powerhouse and singer-songwriter, making regular appearances at music festivals such as Splashy Fen, the Hilton Arts Festival, and the Durban International Blues Festival. Rusty will be reuniting with long-time musical collaborator and MiTH regular, Skippy Kubheka, to tackle a new challenge Rusty has been dreaming about for years – the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan.

 

19h40 – GRACE & THE BIG GUY

Brian Bedingfield and Grace Botha present Music for the Soul. Brian is one of the founding members of Maritzburg local heroes, the Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters, and has teamed up with renowned Midlands songstress, Grace Botha, to present a stirring mix of tunes – both original and covers. They will send you home with a spring in your step, and a song in your heart.

  

19h00 – DAVID GENGAN & ERIN NAIKER

David Gengan returns to the MiTH stage, this time accompanied by his granddaughter, Erin Naiker. This will be the first time the duo has played on a public stage, known in family circles as Pa and Me. Erin is an accomplished musician, playing keyboards and guitar, and she will provide background vocals this time round. The duo will perform songs from the 60s and 70s, including hits by Crosby Stills and Nash, CCR, Simon and Garfunkel, Bette Midler and Stealers Wheel.

 

ABOUT MiTH

Food and soft drinks are available for sale. Cash bar on site. The KZN Midlands’ favourite live music venue, MiTH is a platform for beginners, professionals and music lovers to celebrate the joy of live performance. Hosted every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Hilton.

Join the KZN Midlands Live Shows WhatsApp Group for updates on live shows across the Midlands: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IBdaSGVPA5oLbedRwPoFn9

 

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH

Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2 km along Hilton Avenue, which becomes Dennis Shepstone Drive. Look for Knoll Drive on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the second left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. Info: 082 331 7271, www.mith.co.za or mithbookings@gmail.com

 

 

KZNPO SUMMER SEASON 2026

 

(Yasuo Shinozaki. Pic supplied)

 

The KZN Philharmonic’s two-concert 2026 Summer Season runs in The Playhouse Opera on March 5 and 12, starting at 19h00.

Japanese conductor, Yasuo Shinozaki conducts the first concert of the season with a juxtaposed bill of French, English and Austrian crowd-pleasers. Soloist is Canadian cello prodigy Bryan Cheng.

 

(Bryan Cheng. Pic supplied)

 

Widely-acclaimed Conrad van Alphen takes the podium for the second and closing concert of the season, conducting a repertoire by Fauré, Chopin and Beethoven. Bulgarian pianist Ludmil Angelov is soloist

 


Tickets: Quicket

Info / booking - call 031-369 9438 / email bookings@kznphil.org.za or visit www.kznphil.org.za.

There are also park and ride options for patrons who would prefer not to self-drive to town, from Upper Highway, Westville, North Coast and Berea. Book bus tickets on 031 359 9438 / info@kznphil.org.za.

 

Concert One: Thursday March 5

Conductor: Yasuo Shinozaki

Soloist: Bryan Cheng, cello

 

Saint Saens: Cello Concerto No 2 Op 119 in D minor

Britten: Simple Symphony Op 4

Saint Saens: Cello Concerto No 1 Op 33 in A minor

Schubert: Symphony in B minor, D759, Unfinished

 

 

Concert Two: Thursday March 12

Conductor: Conrad van Alphen

Soloist: Ludmil Angelov, piano

 

Faure: Masques et bergamasques Op 112

Chopin: Variations on La Ci Darem La Mano, Op 2

Chopin: Grande polonaise brilliante, Op 22

Beethoven: Symphony No 2, Op 36 in D Major

 

To visit the KZNPO website, click on the advert to the top right of this article.

OUR STORIES OUR VOICES

 


Well-known Durban storyteller Cherry the Clown (Adi Paxton) with the Creative Children Arts Team presents Our Stories Our Voices - A Children’s Theatre Musical which is an exciting multidisciplinary performance with storytelling, clown and puppetry elements, for one public performance only at the Stable Theatre on Saturday February 28 at 15h00.

The show celebrates stories created and performed by children and youth alongside professional performers. Children and youth tell stories they have created, stories of overcoming and of being creative and having a voice in the world despite its dangers and silences.

Storyteller and singer Qhwanelentombi Mkhize fronts the production, while singer Sneah Mhkize, rapper Siyabonga Mkhize and musician Dave Arnold on vocals and guitar, together wrote the songs. The production team includes Vusi Makhanya as co-director and choreographer, Jabu Siphika, of Flatfoot Dance Company, choreography and production management with Adi Paxton as producer, director and script writer.

Our Stories Our Voices takes place at the Stable Theatre 115 Johannes Nkosi / Alice St on Saturday February 28 at 15h00, with preview performance at 11h00 for invited guests.

For further information contact Adi on 0837250925.

Ticket Prices: R50 pp at the door or bookings via WhatsApp 0837250925.

Funded by the National Arts Council.

 

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

The following are highlights on the History Channel:

 

The Proof is Out There S5

February 21

Saturdays 19h25

Host and veteran journalist Tony Harris is once again on a quest for answers, calling out the hoaxes, and highlighting the most credible evidence. Did ocean scientists discover an unknown life form? Was a UFO tracking an American fighter plane? Do the chemicals found on two fishermen’s clothes prove they were abducted by aliens? These are just a taste of the compelling questions this season seeks to answer through expert analysis of archival visuals.

 

The Curse Of Oak Island S13

February 27

Fridays 20h15

The #1 US Hit returns. Is it pirate treasure, a Viking hoard, or a lost biblical relic? No-one knows, and anyone who has tried to find out has been met with dangerous setbacks, including booby traps! The Lagina brothers deploy technology like never before in this season, but there's an even bigger obstacle: A prophecy predicts seven people will die before the treasure is found. The death toll so far is six. Tune in for a double-billed first episode, the normal duration show will air from March 6.

 

THE MANY WAYS OF BEING FOR ST CLEMENTS

 The Many Ways of Being: A Conversation on Sex and Gender with Pierre Brouard at St Clements: Monday 2nd March 2026 — 18h00

When we talk about sex and gender, are we actually talking about biology, identity, behaviour or expectations — or all of them at once? And why do these ideas feel so confusing, or threatening, to some people? “When people hear ‘sex’ and ‘gender’, they often think they mean the same thing,” says Pierre Brouard, who has worked in the field of sex and gender for more than 30 years, as an academic, on boards, in an advisory capacity, as a therapist, in a personal capacity and more.

St Clements’ Mondays at 6 programme invites audiences to bring their curiosity, questions and observations. We (the royal 🥰) will be in conversation with Pierre Brouard about sex, gender and the spaces in-between.

Sex refers to biological, anatomical and physiological characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, genitalia) usually categorised as male, female or intersex at birth. Gender is a social, cultural and psychological construct relating to roles, behaviours and identity (how one feels and acts). While sex is often binary, gender is a spectrum.

“But talking honestly about sex and gender is not always so simple,” says Pierre Brouard.

“What we get wrong (about sex and gender) matters. Why? you might ask. Just one of the topics we'll address...

“Narrow ideas and intolerance around femininity and masculinity abound. Terminology can be confusing. Mistaken beliefs and assumptions can cause prejudice, misconceptions, fear, hurt, bias, judgment …”

Pierre Brouard is the Research associate (former acting director) of the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender (CSA&G) at the University of Pretoria (where he worked for 25 years).

Extraordinary Lecturer, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. (He regularly presents short courses.)

Registered Clinical Psychologist.

On the board of the Professional Association for Transgender Health South Africa.

On the executive of the Sexuality and Gender Division of the Psychological Society of South Africa.

Interests include sexualities, gender, human rights, stigma, governance, leadership, accountability, transformation and social justice. He is also a regular contributor to publications on these subjects.

 

The following four TED talks you might like to watch / listen to / think about / ahead of the upcoming soiree.

 

1)  1.   I’ve lived as a man and as a woman — here's what I've learned. (Today Paula Stone Williams is a pastoral counsellor and woman — but for the first 60 years of her life, Williams identified as male.)

2)    2. Why I must come out (When fashion model Geena Rocero first saw a photo of herself in a bikini, "I thought ... you have arrived!" As she reveals, that's because she was born with the gender assignment "boy." In this moving talk, Rocero tells the story of becoming who she always knew she was.)

3)    3. The biology of gender, from DNA to the brain (How exactly does gender work? It's not just about our chromosomes, says biologist Karissa Sanbonmatsu. In a visionary talk, she shares new discoveries from epigenetics... Learn how life experiences shape the way genes are expressed and what that means for our understanding of gender.)

4)    4. A short history of trans people's long fight for equality (Transgender activist and TED Resident Samy Nour Younes shares the remarkable, centuries-old history of the trans community, filled with courageous stories, inspiring triumphs and a fight for civil rights that's been raging for a long time.)

 

When the donation box is passed around, St Clements requests generosity and a minimum of R50 per person.

Weather permitting, the function will be outdoors.

Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff.

Single folk are welcome to book for one person and join a table.

Be there in time to open your tab, order at the counter and settle in before the scheduled 18h00 start. Please cancel if you book then can’t make it.

Table Bookings Essential: RSVP ST Clements +27 62 582 0980

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road in Durban

TOO LATE TO BE TOO EARLY

 


Rhumbelow Theatre will host the stand-up comedy show Too Late to be Too Early on February 28 at 19h30 and March 1 at 14h00.

Step into an unforgettable night of personal storytelling, sharp observations, and endless laughter hosted by Senzo SM in his debut stand-up comedy show, Too Late To Be Too Early.

The show is supported by hilarious comedians; Mmangaliso Mhlongo, Prince K, Angus Rock, Buxta and Ntokozo Mkhize.

After years of battling inner doubts about whether he’s “ready” for alive comedy show, Senzo SM finally discovered the truth: it’s too late to be too early.

Now he’s stepping onto the stage with stories that shaped him from childhood memories to the hilarious contrasts he has witnessed in South African society.

Expect a raw, honest, and deeply humorous journey filled with:

 - Hilarious takes on everyday life

- Personal stories from his upbringing

- Societal and cultural observations

- Moments that make you think before they make you laugh.

 

Come experience the perfect blend of storytelling and comedy. Experience laughter.

Tickets R150. Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za or Webtickets

The venue opens 90 minutes before show.

Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. Bar available (no alcohol may be brought onto the premises)

Limited secure parking available

For more information contact 0824998636.

Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo, Durban.

POWER AND PLAY FOR 29TH TIME OF THE WRITER FESTIVAL

 


Power and Play takes centre-stage at the 29th Time of the Writer festival which runs from March 26 to 28, 2026.

 

The Centre for Creative Arts has announced its programme for the 29th edition of the Time of the Writer festival, an annual meeting ground of South Africa’s leading and newly published authors to engage with the public in a vibrant cultural immersion programme where literature is celebrated, showcased and discussed.

Ismail Mahomed, the Director of the Centre for Creative Arts, says: “There couldn’t be a better meeting ground than in Durban – one of two cities on the African continent which enjoy the elevated status of a UNESCO City of Literature. The festival is presented both online and as an embodied live event at the KZNSA Gallery featuring a total of 80 writers in conversation about both their books and the subjects that they write about.”

Headlining this year’s festival opening is award-winning author and journalist Fred Khumalo in conversation with esteemed authors and thought-leaders, Njabulo Ndebele and Antjie Krog. In a separate event, Khumalo will also be in conversation with Mike Nicol in a celebration of their vast writing journeys from the days of Staffrider to logging some of the biggest news stories and publishing best-selling fiction producing decades of writing full of grit, talent and passion.

Festival curator, Shafinaaz Hassim, says: “The Centre for Creative Arts sets the space for authors and other thought-leaders to engage with how literature interrogates the festival theme, Ink-stitutions of Power, through memoir, political writing, fiction and social documentation which carries history and shapes the future of thought”.

Popular commentator, Ebrahim Fakir, will take an in-depth look at how state capture through political and government corruption has eaten away at progress in SA in a conversation with investigative journalists, Micah Reddy, Jeff Wicks and member of parliament turned author, Andile Mnqxitama.

Political analyst, Angelo Fick, will moderate a discussion with academics and writers, Imraan Buccus, Marzia Milazzo and Hlonipha Mokoena on the impact of colonization on race relationships and how it continues to influence the political arena.

The festival programme is equally balanced with delightful conversations about romance and a window into writing as a theatre of words. It will include book launches, creative writing workshops.

 

To link to the Centre for Creative Arts website, click on the logo advert to the right of this article.

Monday, February 16, 2026

MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS RETURNS TO THE BERG

 


Music in the Mountains returns to the Berg with four days of Hope, Heritage and Harmony

 

Following the extraordinary success of last year's Music in the Mountains festival, the Drakensberg Boys Choir School is preparing to once again welcome audiences to its home campus in the majestic Drakensberg for MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS 2026, taking place from Friday, April 24 to Monday, April 27 2026, themed Hope, Heritage and Harmony.

Now firmly established as one of South Africa's most distinctive and uplifting music festivals, Music in the Mountains blends world-class choral performances with a vibrant festival atmosphere set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Berg. Over four immersive days, the campus will come alive with music, movement and community as audiences gather to celebrate the unifying power of song.

Hendrik Bekker, Executive Head of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School, says: "Music in the Mountains is where everything we stand for as a school comes together. It is about musical excellence, but it is also about faith, community and giving our boys the opportunity to inspire others through their gifts, right here on their home ground."

A festival rooted in place, people and purpose

Last year's festival saw the campus transformed into a hive of activity, with craft and food stalls drawing visitors throughout the day and families enjoying the warm, inclusive atmosphere that has become a hallmark of Music in the Mountains (MiMs). From the aromas drifting across the lawns to the buzz of audiences moving between concerts, the festival created a space where music lovers of all ages could gather, connect and celebrate. This year's festival promises to surpass the success of MiMs 2025!

"These concerts are all-embracing and deeply rewarding," says Jacques Linde, Head of Choral Activity. "They require discipline, focus and emotional honesty, but they also allow space for joy, movement and musical freedom. Performing in the mountains, surrounded by nature and a supportive audience, is something truly unique."

Bookings for MiMs concerts are open now on https://ww.dbchoir.com or by calling +27 36 468 1012

 

Music in the Mountains opens with a powerful gala evening celebrating South Africa's rich musical heritage. In Of Hope, Heritage and Harmony, the Drakensberg Boys Choir presents a programme that honours the traditions of boy choir singing while embracing the vibrant diversity of South African song. Audiences can expect a moving journey through sacred choral works by composers such as Scarlatti, Schumann, and Whitacre, beloved African repertoire by composers Mbuso Ndlovu and Mzwandile Mabuza, and contemporary pieces that speak to resilience, unity, and shared identity, such as Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time. This opening gala sets the tone for the festival — uplifting, dignified, and deeply rooted in hope.

A thrilling crossover concert celebrating the legendary music of Queen, featuring the internationally-renowned Warren Vernon-Driscoll and the Drakensberg Boys Choir. From soaring anthems to powerful ballads, this electrifying performance reimagines Queen's iconic hits with choral richness and pop energy. A festival highlight that blends classical precision with rock grandeur. Vernon-Driscoll is a former Drakie and an avid supporter of the school and the Drakensberg Boys Choir.

At the heart of MiMs is the belief that music has the power to unite. This philosophy is most clearly expressed in the Voices of Unity concert series, which brings together young singers from different schools, cultures and communities in a shared celebration of choral music. Last year's Voices of Unity concerts at the festival featured visiting school choirs from across the region, including an international contribution, reinforcing the festival's role as a platform for collaboration and cultural exchange.

"The Voices of Unity concerts are always incredibly special. To see young singers from different schools standing side by side, united by music, is a powerful reminder of why choral singing matters. Music creates understanding and connection in a way few other things can," says Linde.

The Drakensberg Boys Choir: Requiem in the Mountains provides an evening of profound musical reflection. In the majestic setting of the mountains, the Drakensberg Boys Choir presents a deeply-moving programme of sacred choral music by composers Michael John Trotta and Karl Jenkins, exploring themes of remembrance, faith, and transcendence. Atmospheric and contemplative, this concert offers a powerful spiritual experience shaped by the beauty of modern sacred choral music.

 

Music in the Mountains 2026 programme highlights

Music in the Mountains 2026 opens on Friday, April 24, with a Gala Concert at 19h00 titled Drakensberg Boys Choir: Of Hope, Heritage and Harmony. This opening performance sets the tone for the festival, drawing together the musical threads of tradition, faith and contemporary expression.

On Saturday, April 25, audiences are invited to begin the day with Handful of Keys featuring Liza Joubert from 09h00 to 10h00, a concert known for its intimacy and musical storytelling. This is followed by Voices of Unity 1 from 11h00 to 12h30 and Voices of Unity 2 from 16h00 to 17h30, showcasing young voices united in harmony. The day concludes with a high-energy evening concert at 19h00 — QUEEN, featuring Warren Driscoll and the Drakensberg Boys Choir, promising a powerful fusion of rock classics and choral brilliance.

Sunday, April 26, begins once again with Handful of Keys from 09h00 to 10h00, followed by Voices of Unity 3 from 11h00 to 12h30. The Old Boy Variety Concert takes place from 16h00 to 17h30, before the evening culminates in the deeply-moving Drakensberg Boys Choir: Requiem in the Mountains at 19h00. This reflective and profound musical experience has become a signature moment of the festival.

The festival concludes on Freedom Day, Monday April 27, with a morning church service from 09h00 to 10h00 led by Angus Buchan, followed by the final concert from 11h00 to 12h30 — Drakensberg Boys Choir: Of Hope, Heritage and Harmony, The Finale, a triumphant, celebratory final concert by the Drakies choir. Bringing together the spirit of the weekend, this programme revisits the themes of unity, heritage, and harmony in a joyful closing concert. An uplifting finale that sends audiences home inspired and renewed.

Celebrating legacy and lifelong connection

Renowned for its superb vocal discipline and dynamic stage presence, the Drakensberg Boys Choir is celebrated both locally and internationally for a repertoire that seamlessly blends classical choral works with African rhythms, contemporary arrangements and Afro-Pop influences. This distinctive musical identity has earned the Choir a reputation as a truly South African cultural asset since 1967.

Beyond its artistic excellence, Music in the Mountains remains a vital expression of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School's mission and an important fundraising initiative supporting the school's bursary programme. Proceeds from the festival help ensure that talented young boys from diverse backgrounds can access a life-changing education grounded in musical and personal development.

"Music in the Mountains is not just a festival on our calendar," Bekker concludes. "It is an expression of who we are. It reminds us that music has the power to uplift hearts, strengthen communities and speak hope into our country. We are proud to welcome audiences back to the Berg for what promises to be another unforgettable celebration where you can truly see that Music is our Ministry."

 

HLONIPHANIART FOR CENTRE FOR JAZZ

 

(Right: HloniphaniArt. Pic supplied)

 

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents HloniphaniArt, an evocative singer-songwriter and music composer, in a live performance on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, for the first Twosday show of the year.

Born Hloniphani Mthethwa and known by his stage name HloniphaniArt, the artist is a contemporary independent folk musician whose sound is deeply rooted in African storytelling. His music paints vivid pictures of South African countryside’s and the lives of its people, brought to life through enchanting vocals, expressive guitar work, and soul-stirring songwriting.

Although best known for his guitar-driven performances, Hloniphani’s first musical instrument was the drums, which he began playing at home within his musical family in Catoridge, eMkhambathini, kwaXimba, eNo.9. This early immersion in rhythm continues to shape his layered, organic sound.

HloniphaniArt’s career highlights include an international performance in New Orleans, USA, where he represented Nandi the Musical as a cultural ambassador, as well as a cultural exchange trip to India, performing in the theatre production Bayede Shaka. These experiences have enriched his artistry, blending African musical traditions with global influences.

Audiences can expect a powerful fusion of African folk and international country music, woven together with poetic songwriting inspired by African heritage. This uplifting concert promises an intimate and soulful experience — a celebration of identity, culture, and self-love, and the perfect pause from the rush of a Tuesday evening.

 

Event Details

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Doors Open: 17h00

Music Starts: 17h30

Available online via Webtickets or cash at the door R130 (General), R100 (Pensioners), R70 (Students)

This is a concert not to be missed — a heartfelt musical journey celebrating the spirit of South Africa through sound and story.

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is located at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2.

LAUGHTER IS ON THE MENU: MARK BANKS

 

(Mark Banks. Pic supplied)

 

Bank on Fun: South African comedy legend Mark Banks is back in Durbs – and this time he is going for broke in his new one-man show Laughter is on the Menu which is the first production to open a fabulous brand-new performance space, the Nutcracker Theatre at Macnut Farm in Assegay for a one weekend run from February 27 until March 1.

Banks is a South African comedy staple and has always been a favourite with KZN audiences. In his latest comedy serving, Banks looks at many current issues affecting our everyday lives. . . crime, corruption, woke society, political correctness, cost of living, cost of dying, international acceptance of almond milk, shed loading and renaming of towns.

These are just a fraction of a multitude of Banks's topics that he will effortlessly spin into his unique comedy hilarious Whirlpool. The show is presented in traditional 17th century Shongweni horse trial Lipizzaner configuration and owing to the strict Valley of a 1000 Hills cabaret municipal by-laws ice skating on stage is strictly forbidden.

The newly-created intimate 60-seater theatre is a blend of sparkling chandeliers, lush velvet curtains, fairy lights and a cozy vintage retro ambiance. The Nutcracker Theatre aims to recreate the nostalgia of the heyday of supper-theatre, with a fabulous meal complementing the show. Macnut Farm is known for its imaginative, top-quality cuisine served in a magnificent picture-perfect setting of rolling lawns, ancient trees and country charm. It also boasts a fully stocked bar.

The Nutcracker Theatre combines the hospitality and culinary talents of Macnut’s Paul and Hannah Paine, management experience of Gary McKenzie with technical support from Brandon Bunyan.

Macnut Farm is a proud member of 1000 Hills Tourism. To book, contact Hannah: 074 603 0000.

 

Performances

Friday, 27 Feb: Arrive 18h00 | Show 19h30

Saturday, 28 Feb: Arrive 17h00 | Show 18h30

Sunday, 1 March: Arrive 12h30 | Show 14h00

 

The show carries an age restriction of no-under 16s.

Price: R495 per person (Includes Supper & Show)

Refreshments: Full bar available on-site

 

Macnut Farm is located at 13 Lello Road, Assegay (down the road from Heidi’s Farm Stall)

Tickets are strictly limited to 60 pax per performance. Contact Hannah: 074 603 0000.