THE BLUE WHALES FOR ST CLEMENTS

 

(Yura Litvinenko, Neil Smit and Julian Gaul)

 

On the Pieter Scholtz Stage, first Monday in August, the Mondays at 6 at St Clements project will feature The Blue Whales.

Come enjoy the sounds of Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Burrell, Booker T. and the MGs, Herbie Hancock and others played by three fabulous KZN Philharmonic musicians doing what they love to do in their downtime. There will be some stories, too.

Yura Litvinenko is principal double bass player in the KZN Philharmonic. During Covid he picked up the guitar he loved to play in his youth in Ukraine. The Blue Whales grew from this reignited passion.

Neil Smit, organist/keyboardist with The Blue Whales, plays French horn in the KZN Philharmonic.

Julian Gaul, who discovered his love of music at age 3, plays drums in the KZN Philharmonic. And also with The Blue Whales.

The Blue Whales. Whaling the Blues. Confessing the Blues. Preaching the Blues. Swagging the Blues. Basking in the Blues. Kicking out the blue notes.

The concert takes place at St Clements on Monday August 3, 2026, at 18h00.

When the donation box is passed around, generosity is requested and a minimum of R50 per person. Weather permitting, the concert will take place outdoors.

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

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 6pm start. Please cancel if you book then can’t make it.

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road in Durban.

 

GUY BUTTERY RETURNS TO THE HILTON ARTS FESTIVAL

 

SAMA-Nominated artist joins forces with multi-instrumentalist Quintin Song for landmark performance.

South African fingerstyle guitarist, composer and recording artist Guy Buttery will make his long-awaited return to the Hilton Arts Festival in 2026, his first appearance at the celebrated KwaZulu-Natal Midlands festival in eight years.

He will be joined on stage by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Quintin Song, whose extraordinary command of flutes, oud, santoor and guitars promises a performance of rare musical depth and cross-cultural conversation.

The particular concert arrives at a significant moment in Buttery's career. His most recent album, Orchestrations, which took Guy 12 years to complete, has been nominated for “Album of the Year” at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), the most prestigious category in South African music.

The nomination places Buttery among the country's foremost recording artists and recognises a project more than a decade in the making, featuring original compositions performed with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra. The album has also been nominated for “Best Instrumental” and “Best Engineered” album of the year as well.

The Hilton Arts Festival performance will bring together two artists whose individual journeys through world music, improvisation and acoustic mastery have rarely intersected in a live setting. Quintin Song's mastery of instruments spanning Persian, Middle Eastern, Indian and Western classical traditions will meet Buttery's signature fingerstyle guitar language forged across a 25-year career and five continents in what promises to be a one-off concert of genuine musical discovery.

Guy Buttery is one of South Africa's most distinctive and internationally-recognised acoustic musicians. A recipient of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award and multiple SAMA winner, he has toured across five continents over a 25-year career, collaborating with artists ranging from Derek Gripper, Dave Matthews to Salif Keita. His most recent album Orchestrations is available now on all major streaming platforms.

Quintin Song is a South African multi-instrumentalist with a rare command of acoustic instruments spanning multiple cultural traditions, including flutes, oud, santoor and guitars. His work bridges world music, improvisation and acoustic composition, making him one of the most versatile live performers in the country.

 

Concert Information

Venue: The Chapel, Hilton College, Hilton, KZN

Start time: Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 15h00

Duration: 70 min

Ticket Price: R180

Suitability: All ages

 

Guy Buttery (featuring Quintin Song) live at Hilton Arts Festival tickets are now on sale at the link below:

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1598656118

 

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR CAROLINE SMART

 

(Right: Rajesh Gopie, director and creator of the Festival, with Caroline Smart)

 

The second Red Mango Arts Festival was recently held at Sastri College and ran from July 22 to 25, 2026, featuring a wide line-up of productions.

At the official launch, director and creator of the Festival, Rajesh Gopie, announced the presentation of an award to Caroline Smart.

The Lifetime Achievement Award reads “In recognition of an outstanding contribution to the performing arts”.

“I’m truly proud and honoured to have received this award and thank the Festival for their recognition. It makes all the work I do very worthwhile.”

Smart was born and brought up in Kenya but moved to South Africa with her family when she was about 17. They lived in Pietermaritzburg where she became involved in drama and music productions before moving to Durban aiming to work on radio drama.

This she did for many years as well as working in many stage productions. She founded the D’ARTS magazine for the Durban Arts Association and when funding for this was no longer available, she created her own website – artSMart – which covers the arts in all spheres in KZN.

artSMart can be reached at news.artsmart.co.za

A HYMN TO LIFE: SHAME HAS TO CHANGE SIDES: REVIEW

 

(Book by Gisèle Pelicot, translated by Natasha Lehrer and Ruth Diver. Review by Margaret von Klemperer)

From the moment Gisèle Pelicot’s husband confessed to her that he had been caught upskirting – taking photographs up women’s skirts – in a local supermarket, until he was convicted of having drugged and raped her over almost ten years, and of inviting other men to come and do the same while he filmed them, she lived an unbelievable nightmare.

 I use the word unbelievable advisedly. Because many people simply refused to believe that it could have happened without her knowing, and that made her life even harder. The story is now well-known: she waived her right to anonymity in court, and the case made global headlines, far beyond her home in France.

Her story is powerful, frightening and ultimately a tribute to the human spirit, personified in the character of one basically ordinary but almost unimaginably brave woman, who decided, as the subtitle says, that she was not the person who should be ashamed. Her demand for an open court infuriated all of the accused but it was her right.

In A Hymn to Life, Gisèle tells of her childhood which was shattered by her mother’s early death and her beloved father’s remarriage to a cold and unpleasant woman. She met Dominique Pelicot when she was young, and when both of them were young and unsure of themselves – he also had an unhappy childhood, with an abusive father – they married and became what Gisele saw as a happy couple, always short of money but in love and determined to make a good life for themselves. She admits that all she ever wanted was a conventional, quiet existence.

The book intersperses the past as Gisèle remembers it with what happened after the police informed her of the videos they had discovered on Dominique’s computer and phone and which led to the complete overturning of her life. Her initial reaction was one of disbelief, but the evidence was there, and she details the steps she went through to confront it. And, as she says, she worked her way towards the “need to isolate the past from the present”. In a marriage that had lasted as long as hers had, of course there were many happy memories. She had to find a way to separate them from what she now knew had happened.

One continuing tragedy is the effect the whole saga has had on the wider family. Dominique and Gisèle have three children, and since his arrest, Gisèle’s relationship with the two older ones has become very difficult, although there are now signs that it will heal. It shows how people, faced with trauma, react in different ways. Despite all that has happened, Gisèle still has faith in people, something that she admits was once her greatest weakness, but, as she rebuilds her life and embarks on a new and healing relationship, has also been her greatest strength.

The final quarter of the book which deals with the trial of Dominique and the other accused, the men who were identified from the horrific videos on his devices, is incredibly gripping. What Gisèle went through, confronting her former husband and the others in court as she had to see and hear the evidence is incredible. She somehow had to find a way to separate the man she saw in the videos from the man she had shared her life with – an almost impossible task as she asked herself if the person she had loved had ever existed.

The whole experience has changed Gisèle Pelicot, and shaken many attitudes that once were, and sadly in many cases still are, prevalent in the world. I will end this review with a quote from the author: “Every day people thank me for my courage. I want to tell them this is not courage, but a deep urge and determination to change our patriarchal, sexist society”. Let us hope A Hymn to Life can take a step towards that. – Margaret von Klemperer

A Hymn to Life is published by The Bodley Head -  ISBN: 9781847928979

HILTON ARTS FESTIVAL

 

Now in its 34th year, the Hilton Arts Festival returns to Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands from August 7 to 9, 2026, promising an unforgettable celebration of South African creativity.

Renowned as KwaZulu-Natal's premier arts festival, the three-day event will once again present an outstanding programme of theatre, live music, comedy, visual arts, film and family entertainment, alongside its ever-popular Craft Market and Design & Makers Quarter.

New for 2026 are the inaugural KZN Art Fair at Hilton Arts Festival, creating an exciting new platform for artists, galleries and collectors, and Just Geekin' at Hilton Arts Festival, introducing comics, cosplay, eGaming and pop culture to a new generation of festivalgoers.

From award-winning productions and acclaimed performers to inspiring exhibitions, artisan shopping, gourmet food and interactive experiences, the 2026 Hilton Arts Festival offers something to delight every age and every artistic taste.

Bookings are now open through Webtickets.

For more information visit https://webtickets.co.za/v2/Client.aspx?clientcode=hiltonartsfest

LOUIS MHLANGA PROTÉGÉ TOUR IS COMING TO DURBAN!

 (Louis Mhlanga)

 

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents Louis Mhlanga Protégé Tour on Wednesday July 29, 2026, at 17h30.

Durban jazz lovers, mark your calendars! The legendary Louis Mhlanga is bringing his incredible artistry and rich musical traditions to the coast this July. Don't miss this powerful evening celebrating heritage, connection, and exceptional live performance.

Louis Mhlanga is a South Africa-based guitarist from Zimbabwe. He started playing the guitar at the age of 10, imitating the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and other rock stars from the 60s and 70s. He also studied both Southern and West African guitar traditions, and successfully incorporated the traditional mbira (thumb piano) patterns of the Shona people into his unique modern electric guitar style.

Mhlanga is known for his collaborations as much as his solo work. He features on the 1996 collaborative album Place of Hope alongside international stars like George Duke, James Ingram and Al Jarreau. He can also be heard on Andy Narell’s Fire in the Engine Room (2000) and Live in South Africa (2001). In 1999 he recorded Live At The Bassline with Vusi Mahlasela.

Musik Ye Afrika, another collaborative band, is the brainchild of Louis and his long-time friend, bassist Jimi Indi. They recorded their first album in 1997, following it in mid-2003 with United We Stand, featuring stars like Oliver Mtukudzi, Busi Mhlongo, Chiwoniso Maraire, Marcus Wyatt, Bushy Seatlholo and Sydney Mnisi. Keeping the Dream (2004) was another collaborative album, this time with Dutch bassist Eric van der Westen, also featuring Senegal's Habib Koite.

Mhlanga's first solo album, Mukai (2000) received high acclaim and further established him in the South African market. The Louis Mhlanga Band came into being in 2001, featuring formidable South Africa jazz heavyweights Andile Yenana (keys), Denis Lalouette (bass), Sello Montwedi (drums) and Basi Mahlasela (percussion). They were invited by SAFM to perform a recorded concert during the 2001 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, resulting in the release of Shamwari, Mhlanga’s first album on the Sheer Sound Label. The SAMA-nominated follow-up in 2004, Tinganekwane' (Stories), showcased Louis' signature style, revisiting traditional Zimbabwe flavours interspersed with some surprises.

The master guitarist and vocalist will be sharing the stage with a phenomenal line-up of musicians:

Basi Mahlasela – Perc/Vocals

Michael Phillips – Bass/Vocals

Randal Skippers – Keyboards

Rob Watson – Drums

 

Mhlanga says: “My music embodies a unique blend of primitive intensity and sophisticated nuance, combining rugged energy with refined sensibilities. Drawing from the rich musical heritage of Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, my sound fuses traditional elements with modern flair, creating an indigenous African pop groove infused with jazz, blues, and soul."

 

Gig details

Louis Mhlanga Protégé Tour

Venue: Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, Shepstone Building Level 2, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, Natal

Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Performance Time: 17h30 – 19h00

 Entrance Fee:

• General: R130

• Pensioners: R100

• Students: R70

 

Get Your Tickets Online:

Book your spot directly on Quicket here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/381553-the-louis-mhlanga-protg-tour/?ref=events-list#/

 

Proudly supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Come through for an unforgettable early evening session of world-class music!

 

MiTH LINEUP 29 JULY 2026

The music you love in the place you love with the people you love – join up for a very special MiTH – the Midlands’ beloved Music in The Hills hosted at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. For just R50, you get access to the perfect blend of great music, and there’s good food, familiar faces, and drinks on sale. Every MiTH night is its own unique little treasure chest.

 

Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Entrance: R50.00 (cash or Zapper at the door)

Info: 082 331 7271

 

20h40 – The Lion, the Bear & The Panther

The predators are back! The Lion, the Bear & The Panther are a powerhouse reformed three-piece rock outfit (formerly AVADE) and a true MiTH crowd favourite.

Combining deep musical brotherhood with raw energy, this dynamic trio commands the stage with an unforgettable presence. The line-up features Ross (frontman, electric guitar) and Brendon Meintjies (drums), and Ruben Thomas (bass). Their sound is a masterclass in gritty electric riffs, soaring vocal harmonies, and a thunderous rhythm section!

MiTH loves these guys for how they bring intense rock energy and combine big covers with some seriously impressive original work. It's appropriate that they're named after apex predators. Seriously - you don’t want to miss this.

 

19h40 – Lotshiwe MaTshabalala Cele

Lotshiwe Tshabalala is an independent soul and reggae artist based in Pietermaritzburg. Her love for music is indescribable; music is everything.

Her musical journey started at a very young age. She sang in church and school choirs, and decided to learn the guitar at the age of 19. She has since had the opportunity to perform at many venues across KZN, including markets, festivals, and even the Conversing Kingdoms One Woman Poetry Show by Luleka Mhlanzi. She also curates and organises festivals with Undivided Roots, and plays with an all-female band that promotes the magic of women. She has also worked on an award-winning tuberculosis-awareness film with Oros Mampofu. Lotshiwe is currently working on an EP covering all the experiences she has endured in life through melody. She will be accompanied by Heaven Khwezi Cele on drums, Nompumelelo Zikode on bass and Rainbow Cele on keys serving up beautiful melodies and grooves to keep you on your feet.

 

19h00 – Thobeka Mthethwa

Thobeka Mthethwa is a Pietermaritzburg-based singer-songwriter whose sound blends R&B, pop, and country influences. Performing with acoustic guitar and vocals, she delivers both original music and carefully-selected covers with a warm, soulful touch.

Inspired by Megan Moroney, Yebba, and Amanda Black, Thobeka brings emotional depth and authenticity to every performance. Despite having played for just over a year, she has already performed at events and venues including Splashy Fen Festival, Redlands Hotel, and Mavuso Shisa Lounge. With a growing presence in the local music scene, she continues to connect with audiences through heartfelt storytelling and an intimate, engaging stage presence.

 

ABOUT MiTH

Food and cash bar available 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.

 

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

 

THAT’S THE WAY IT WAS – TAKING CARE OF THE LEGENDS

 

The Nutcracker Theatre, in association with TCL Entertainment, proudly presents That’s The Way It Was – Taking Care of The Legends on Saturday, 25 & Sunday, 26 July 2026

Step back into the golden age of Rock & Roll with a nostalgic live experience featuring Andrea Giglio as the King of Rock & Roll and Paul Bester on guitar. Together, they deliver an authentic journey into the era that gave birth to the sound that shaped generations.

Audiences will relive the magic of Elvis Presley through timeless hits including Blue Suede Shoes, Jailhouse Rock, Suspicious Minds, and many more. The show also pays tribute to fellow icons of the stage, with classics from Chuck Berry, Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, and other unforgettable Legends of Rock & Roll. This production is more than a concert, it’s a celebration of music history, performed with passion and respect for the artists who defined an era.

Nutcracker Theatre @ Macnut Farm Wedding & Function Venue

Macnut Farm; 13 Lello Road; Assagay, Durban

For information on tickets etc contact 074 603 0000

ONE WORLD, ONE SOUND CONCERT

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents One World, One Sound by Kerolin Govender on Tuesday July 28, 2026, at 17h00.

One World, One Sound is a vibrant musical journey that celebrates the rich tapestry of Indian, African, and Western musical traditions curated by Kerolin Govender and featuring Thulile Zama.

Govender’s artistic work is dedicated to bringing diverse musical traditions together. The concert reflects his vision of creating soulful musical experiences that transcend cultural boundaries. Through thoughtfully-crafted performances, he invites audiences to experience the beauty of unity in diversity, where every melody and rhythm contributes to a shared musical story.

Audiences will be treated to a captivating repertoire featuring beloved Indian film classics, timeless ghazals, soulful jazz melodies, and iconic South African songs that have touched generations. By weaving together Indian and African musical influences while preserving the authenticity of each tradition, One World, One Sound offers a uniquely South African musical experience that honours the country’s rich multicultural heritage.

One World One Sound is more than a concert, it is a celebration of connection through music, an opportunity to immerse yourself in the sounds, stories, and spirit of South Africa while appreciating the enduring beauty of Indian and African cultures. Expect an evening filled with nostalgia, energy, heartfelt performances, and rhythms that may just have you dancing along.

Join the organisers for an unforgettable celebration where music knows no borders, cultures resonate in harmony, and one world truly comes together through one sound. The band consists of Kerolin Govender and Thulile Zama on vocals, joined by band Rajives Mohan on keyboard, Senzo Mdamba on bass, Rebekah Doty on drums and Veedhern Punwasi on tabla.

 

Gig details

One World, One Sound by Kerolin Govender

Tuesday July 28, 2026. Doors open at 17h00 (Music at 17h30)

Centre for Jazz and Popular Music - UKZN, Howard College Campus. Dennis Shepstone Building level 2

Tickets R130 (pensioners R100, students R70) at Webtickets or cash at the doorhttps://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1597469413 

MY AFRICA DANCE

A contemporary musical dance drama

KZN Schools – July 2026

Ulozolo Youth Organisation presents My Africa Dance - a dance / drama / music production reminding us of the importance of honouring our forefathers in our quest for real freedom and democracy, which will be touring to various schools in six districts throughout July.

Choreographer, Ulozolo Youth Organisation’s Lucky Cele, says: “This is a much-anticipated tour where educational stories of our democracy are celebrated, and where unity and integration depict our true democracy.”

The dancers will visit six district municipalities:  Ethekwini Metro on July 18; Harry Gwala on July 24; Ulundi on July 26; Amajuba on July 28; Empangeni on July 25; and Ugu District on July 30.

Schools who wish to be part of this amazing experience can contact directly Lucky Cele on 0768435499 or email Ulozolo Youth Organisation on ulozoloyouthorganisation@gmail.com

RED MANGO READY TO ROCK!

 

Above: Zoliswa Mchunu: musician, composer, performer and researcher and this year’s Artist in Residence; Rajesh Gopie – Festival Director and Director of "Letters of Suresh"; Nava Naidoo – line dancing teacher; Enver Mall – actor, "Letters of Suresh" and Shika Budhoo – actress, "Letters of Suresh" (Pic: Val Adamson)

 

Sastri College’s Red Mango Arts Festival is back and will run from July 22-25 at Sastri College.

Opening this week is the Red Mango Arts Festival which returns to Sastri College for its second edition featuring a magnificent line-up of drama, comedy, music, dance, discussions, books, storytelling, cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration.

Founded by acclaimed South African actor, playwright and director Rajesh Gopie, the festival is hosted in conjunction with Sastri College School.

Highlights include Sydenham Lightie, Global Ballie by Kurt Egelhof; the poignant Pulitzer nominated drama, Letters of Suresh; launch of Imraan Coovadia’s latest book, Enemy of the People; Sufis, Mystics and Qawali – an evening of music poetry and spiritual storytelling;  the TUT group is back, with the fun sun-soaked frolic, Mamma Mia; Tonya Koenderman brings her Growing Old Disgracefully; comedy night with Jailoshni Naidoo and friends; two plays for young people, a magic show with Sahil Samlal and a grand finale concert.

Tickets: Webtickets.

NAINA: REVIEW

 

There was much to admire in this show. Well done to the team on a well-presented show that found its way into the audience's hearts. The show ran at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from July 16-18, 2026. - Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy

South African Indian Theatre has endured a long history in South Africa and is constantly evolving. Bollywood Theatre. A branch of South African Indian Theatre, is growing in Durban and this is evident in the Nehaal Productions new presentation of NAINA, written and choreographed by Nico Nehaal.

The story is based on a true story and like many Bollywood Theatre shows, takes its inspiration from Bollywood Cinema, and in this case the stage adaptation of the Rani Mukherjee movie, Black. About a woman born deaf and blind but still resilient enough to complete her schooling and even get a degree at university.

The plot finds new ground in weaving into the storyline the friendship and influence that Naina had of Dev, Kayal and so many others in her community. The theme of alcoholism is highlighted as Dev drowns his sorrow in alcohol after hearing that Naina is diagnosed with an incurable cancer.

I was mesmerized by the costume changes, which were countless, the spectacular dance numbers which are a vital part of Bollywood Theatre and the hanging set which utilized the space well. The dazzling lights were a nice touch. The music selection was mostly from North Indian cinema with a few English songs. I would have liked to see a greater fusion of South African Bollywood Theatre with the incorporation of a few local songs and perhaps some South Indian songs to appeal to a greater audience.

The acting, for the most part, was well-executed in a melodramatic style but not everyone was consistent in the style. The cast, to mention few, apart from some incredible dancers, are:

Naina - Ramanya Cooper

Dev - Subashen Naidu

Kayal - Angelique Ramjathan

Nandini - Shalene Maharaj

Teen Naina - Shanay Madhan

Teen Kayal - Neshika Ravidutt

Teen Dev - Shuveer Singh

Child Dev - Ayushen Pillay

Child Naina - Seyarna Cooper Naidoo

 

I was impressed by the younger talent on stage, Ayushen Pillay and Seyarna Cooper Naidoo. They displayed skill well beyond their ages and I look forward to seeing them grow on the stage. I was also impressed with Angelique Ramjathan and the two older Nainas. Neshika Ravidutt had wonderful stage presence and is strong in both acting and dance.

The show runs for three hours which I found a tad bit too long. Time could have been shaved off in the transitions which went on for an excessive amount of time. This said, the action on stage is slick and well-rehearsed. I loved the tent set piece that was used for the wedding scene, along with many of the props used in the choreography.

There was much to admire in this show. Well done to the team on a well-presented show that found its way into the audience's hearts. The show ran at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from July 16-18, 2026. - Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy