67 BLANKETS FOR NELSON MANDELA DAY CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

 

(Photograph by Sue Eslick taken at the 67 Blankets KZN Ambassadors on April 11, 2026)

 

South Africa’s beloved community movement - 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day - will celebrate World Creativity and Innovation Day with joyful public gatherings on April 18, 2026, bringing knitters, crocheters, families and supporters together in Johannesburg and other cities and towns across the country for a day dedicated to inspiration, connection and kindness.

The events form part of the movement’s ongoing mission to transform simple acts of creativity into warmth and dignity for those in need across the country.

In Johannesburg, supporters will gather at the beautiful City Centre at Steyn City for a vibrant Family Day Out, where visitors will experience colourful blanket displays, ingenuity, creative activities, generosity and the unmistakable spirit that has come to define the 67 Blankets community. Other events will take place across the country in Cape Town, Durban, White River and Gqeberha.

67 Blankets invites the public to bring their yarn, knitting needles or crochet hooks and join hundreds of fellow volunteers in making blankets that will ultimately provide warmth to vulnerable South Africans.

Visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere filled with colour and community spirit.

Leadership transition strengthens the movement

The events also mark an exciting new chapter for the organisation, with Annie Robinson Grealy stepping in to head up operations for 67 Blankets. Founder Carolyn Steyn will remain closely involved at executive level, continuing to guide the vision and growth of the movement she established in 2013.

Steyn says the leadership evolution ensures the organisation continues to grow while remaining true to its founding spirit, saying: “67 Blankets has always been about community and shared purpose. Annie’s passion, organisational skills and deep commitment to the movement make her the perfect person to help guide our operations as we continue to expand our impact across South Africa.”

Robinson Grealy says she is honoured to help carry the work forward: “This movement has touched thousands of lives and continues to grow because of the unwavering generosity of ordinary South Africans. My focus is to support and strengthen the incredible network of ambassadors and volunteers who make it all possible.”

A movement built on warmth and generosity.

Since its founding, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day has inspired thousands of volunteers across the country to knit and crochet blankets that are distributed to communities in need.

What began as a small initiative has grown into a nationwide movement that has delivered warmth to hospitals, shelters, schools and vulnerable communities, while building powerful connections between people from all walks of life.

The April 18 gatherings offer the public an opportunity to experience the 67 Blankets spirit first-hand.

Families, experienced crafters, beginners and supporters are all welcome to attend, share stories, learn new skills and help turn colourful yarn into acts of kindness.

 

EVENT DETAILS:

 

Johannesburg – Family Day Out

City Centre, Steyn City

April 18, 2026. 09h00 to 15h00

Free entry

Blanket displays, creativity and family gatherings.

Pop up food outlets on site

 

Gqeberha – World Creativity Picnic

Pearson Conservatory, St George’s Park

April 18, 2026. 09h30 to 12h00

Entry: One ball of wool

 

Cape Town – Creativity and Innovation Day

Congregational Church, 222 Main Road, Claremont

April 18, 2026. 09h00 to 13h00

Free entry

Bring along your handmade Creativity and Innovation blankets to be displayed for all to see.

Wool donations welcome

“Bring and Share” eats event

 

Durban (Westville) – Westville Social Knitwits Gathering

(already taken place very successfully)

Westville Methodist Church, Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville

11 April 2026. 10h00 to 12h00

Free entry

View beautiful blanket creations and meet the Westville Social Knitwits community.

Tea and cake served on arrival

Family and friends welcome

 

White River – Creative Gathering & Easter Activation

Methodist Church Hall

White River Knitwits will host two special gatherings celebrating creativity, community and connection:

A launch and lunch to unveil their Giant Easter Egg installation — a joyful, community-led celebration.

April 21 – UN Day of Innovation & Creativity:

A vibrant display of creative blankets with guest speaker Felicity Bell, an artist sharing her creative journey.

Time: 14h00

Open to the public

 

SOUL STIRRING JOURNEY WITH NJILOUR

 

On Tuesday April 14, The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music presents Twosday Live with Njilour.

UKZN Music graduate Njabulo Mbonambi - better known as Njilour - hails from Mandeni. He is an alumnus of the UKZN African Music and Dance (AMD) programme and a part of Young Mbazo.

Prepare to be swept away by rhythm, culture, and raw musical energy as Afro-pop sensation Njilour performs live music from his catalogues. Njilour has carved out a distinct place in the South African music scene, earning recognition through both his solo work and collaborations with prominent local artists.

He now brings his sound to life on stage in an experience that promises to be unforgettable. Audiences can expect electrifying performances that seamlessly blend jazz, Afro-pop, Maskandi, and soul, creating a rich and immersive soundscape.

 

Event Details: Twosday live with Njilour

Date: Tuesday April 14, 2026

Doors Open: 17h00

Music Starts: 17h30

Venue: University of KwaZulu-Natal – Howard College Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2 - Centre for Jazz and Popular Music

Tickets will be available on webtickets or for cash at the door.

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1587241945

PROPOSALS INVITED FOR ICA LIVE ART FESTIVAL 2026

Deadline for submissions: April 30, 2026 (midnight, South African Standard Time)

The Institute for Creative Arts (ICA) at the University of Cape Town invites artists, performers, writers, cultural workers, and interdisciplinary practitioners to submit proposals for the ICA Live Art Festival 2026, taking place in Cape Town from October 14 to 17, 2026.

Since its inception in 2012, the ICA Live Art Festival has challenged and expanded the public’s experience of live art within a non-commercial, experimental platform. The festival has developed into a globally-recognised meeting ground for live art practitioners, offering a space not only to present work to diverse audiences but also to build relationships across organisations, disciplines, cultures, and geographies.

Over the years, the festival has hosted artists from across Africa and the Global South, fostering dialogue between performance, ritual, technology, embodied knowledge, and political imagination.

Artists can learn more about previous editions of the festival on the ICA website.

 

Call for Proposals

The ICA invites both emerging and established artists to submit proposals to present work at the 2026 ICA Live Art Festival. Proposals may take the form of Live performance, performance lecture, digital or hybrid performance work, performative installation, site-responsive or public space intervention, participatory or durational work, or other experimental formats yet to be imagined. The ICA does not prescribe a specific theme and encourages artists to propose bold and innovative work that explores the possibilities of live art practice.

Works may range from short interventions and intimate encounters to full-length performances or durational works unfolding over several days.

 

Support

Successful applicants will receive:

-Technical support

-Administrative and production support

-Publicity and marketing support

-A contribution towards the project budget

-Selected artists will become part of an international programme that includes performances, talks, roundtable discussions, and artist encounters.

 

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the online form:

Live Art Festival 2026 Application Form

 

Applicants will be asked to provide:

-Contact details

-Description of the proposed work

-Technical requirements

-Budget information

-Supporting materials

 

Deadline for submissions: April 30, 2026 (midnight, South African Standard Time)

 

Notes:

The ICA will not accept applications via email.

Only proposals submitted through the online form will be considered.

For enquiries, contact: ica@uct.ac.za, with the subject line: LAF 2026

 

67 BLANKETS FOR WESTVILLE GATHERING

     

(Pics by Sue Eslick: The layouts at Westville.)

67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day celebrates International Day of Creativity and Innovation

South Africa’s beloved community movement 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day will celebrate World Creativity and Innovation Day with joyful public gatherings on April 18, 2026, bringing knitters, crocheters, families and supporters together in Johannesburg and other cities and towns across the country for a day dedicated to inspiration, connection and kindness.

The events form part of the movement’s ongoing mission to transform simple acts of creativity into warmth and dignity for those in need across the country.

 

KZN is ahead of the rest of the country with an event taking place today as follows:

Durban (Westville) – Westville Social Knitwits Gathering

Westville Methodist Church, Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville

11 April 2026

Free entry

 

View beautiful blanket creations and meet the Westville Social Knitwits community.

Tea and cake served on arrival

10h00 – 12h00

Family and friends welcome

THE LITTLE MERMAID JR: REVIEW

 

(Above: Prince Eric (Matthew Brown, ISPA) choses Ariel (Chloe Marot, St Mary’s DSG) to be his bride, much to the chagrin of the other princesses!)

(Pics by Val Adamson)

 

The Little Mermaid Jr is a gentle, delightful musical fantasy, just perfect for all ages to enjoy! (Review by Shannon Kenny)

 

 Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr by The Young Performers’ Project - The Milkwood Theatre @ Danville

The Young Performers’ Project production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr delighted the audience at Durban’s Milkwood Theatre audience in a dazzling flourish of joyous music, great acting, colourful costumes, wigs, bubbles, exuberant dancing and a generosity of spirit.

Our story opens with Prince Eric (Matthew Brown) who is enthralled by a beautiful, mysterious voice he hears while on the high seas. That mellifluous voice is property of Ariel (Chloe Marot), the titular Little Mermaid, and daughter to King Triton (Daniel Mayiza). Ariel dreams about a life on land with the humans and their human stuff. Concerned about his daughter’s waywardness, Triton appoints his Musical Director, Sebastian the crab (Khethukhuthula - Thula - Ngcobo), as Ariel’s chaperone.

What follows is a colourful, jaunty adventure replete with musical ear-worms that will have you humming for days; all performed with such joy and verve by a cast comprised of senior primary, high school and performing arts academy students, put through their paces and mentored by seasoned professionals Daisy Spencer (Director), Des Govender (Musical Director & Production Manager) and Evashnee Pillay (Choreographer).

Chloe Marot’s Ariel, with her curiosity, dreams and desire for independence, is played with a gentle determination. She positively sparkles in the show-stopping Part of Your World, that had the audience gasping and applauding in equal measure.

Azania Mavimbela’s Flounder is the perfect bestie, all spunk and spark, a pocket rocket with the moves and voice to match.

Kaitlyn Rex’s Scuttle, fount of all knowledge on things human and monarch of malapropism, is played with a streetwise spring in her step and glint in her eye that has you convinced a dingle-hopper truly is the wondrous thing Scuttle says it is. Every “awk” is perfectly placed; every stride exudes the confidence of someone who knows stuff and is perfectly comfortable on stage. Rex’s comic timing is just so good and she leads her flock of seagulls in the utterly charming Human Stuff.

(Right: The seagulls keeping an eye on all goings on)

Marot, Mavimbela and Rex are triple-threat talents to watch.

Thula Ngcobo is perfectly cast as Sebastian the crab. Ngcobo is a generous and gifted performer, who packages every ounce of energy, skill and talent into a role that is physically and technically demanding; that requires just the right balance of sensitivity and mischief - in a Caribbean accent. Thula, like a consummate professional, delivers in spades. His dramatic, musical and choreographic skill are a feast.

Matthew Brown as the dashing Prince Eric is just charming, especially in the number One Step Closer and in the moonlight Kiss the Girl scene. And you really do believe him when he instructs Grimsby (Nate Nefdt) to cancel the search because he has found true love.

Any good story about the joy of friendship, intergenerational conflict, choices good and bad and love triumphing over all, would not be complete without a dash of peril and some villains in the mix.

Enter sub-marine baddy-in-chief, Ursula the Sea Witch (Ntsako Mngoma), and her electric eel henchmen, Flotsam (Nzuzo Buthelezi) and Jetsam (Onke Gumede).

Mngoma makes for a fabulously diabolical Ursula, with a delicious performance of Poor Unfortunate Souls - sarcasm dripping off every well-rounded phrase delivered by her powerful and versatile voice. Obsequious ne’er-do-wells Flotsam and Jetsam had the audience in stitches with their oh-so-well-timed synchronous, sibilant utterances, devious glances, and undulating movement, which Buthelezi and Gumede execute to wonderful comic effect.

There are some really lovely moments - little vignettes that are beautifully played - with Chloe Marot and Esihle Gobozi who plays a sweetly maternal Carlotta, palace house-keeper and Ariel’s ally at court. Daniel Mayiza’s King Triton bidding farewell to his daughter drew aah’s from the audience.

(Left: King Triton (Daniel Mayiza, ISPA) listens to a tall story from Sebastian the crab, (Khethukuthula Ngcobo).)

Stand-out musical pieces include the Mersisters’ harmonious Daughters of Triton; Flounder and the Mersisters’ rendition of She’s in Love a doo-wop number delivered with oodles of sass and fun; the boisterously comic Le Poisson featuring the senior ensemble and Clive Ngcobo as Chef Louis, Sebastian’s nemesis; and of course the full company in Under the Sea, that burst into the auditorium in a wash of colourful lights, costumes and bubbles!

The junior ensemble ably supports the main cast, filling the stage with their delightful voices and colourful characters as sailors, jelly-fish, water, coral and sparkly fish.

The costumes are designed and made by Kathryn Singery, a talent whose creations deliver the goods every time. My personal favourites are Ursula’s tentacled suit, Sebastian’s spangly red shell, Flounder’s blue and yellow onesie (and hair) and Aquata’s purple sequinned mer-suit and curly wig.

Live theatre is dangerous precisely because it is live and anything can happen. On the night I attended, the cast had to contend with a technical hitch - which they handled with the aplomb of a professional company.

The digital backdrop and mobile set pieces are just the accompaniment this production needed, bringing to full view the high seas, Triton’s court, Ariel’s grotto and Ursula’s lair.

Nicolene Steyn, Anthony Govender and Evan Le Roux respectively provided set design, sound design and lighting design to complete the magic.

Successfully mounting a large-scale theatre production - 52 cast - is a monumental feat. Doing so while juggling professional, school and college schedules; creating a seemingly endless array of costumes, building a set and getting the music and moves ‘just right’ is akin to building a Jenga tower. Hats off to every performer, and production team member. Your level of discipline, dedication and commitment is commendable. Daisy Spencer’s direction, Des Govender’s musical direction and Evashnee Pillay’s choreography deserve every applause!

The Little Mermaid Jr is a gentle, delightful musical fantasy, just perfect for all ages to enjoy! Plenty of laughs, a dash of pathos and just enough tension and suspense to thrill without overwhelming the littlies. I just loved the sound of children of various ages cheering for the goodies and singing along to the music. Do yourselves a favour - take the whole family. You’ll be ever so glad you did!

The Little Mermaid Jr runs at the Milkwood Theatre, Danville until April 12, Booking is through Webtickets. – Shannon Kenny

MITH LINEUP APRIL 8, 2026

 

(Right: Jason & Scott Hartman)

 

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?

Visit Music in the Hills (MTH) regular concert programmes taking place at the Knoll Historic Guest Farm.

Entrance: R50 (cash or Zapper at the door)

 

20h40 – Jason & Scott Hartman

Jason Hartman and his brother Scott have been setting KZN alight, having reunited for their long-anticipated homecoming tour. Known for their seamless harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and unmistakable chemistry, the Hartmans bring a performance that’s both intimate and powerful. Jason, a household name since his SA Idols victory, has built a respected solo career, but it’s the reunion with family that makes this moment so special. Expect beloved hits, new songs, and stories from their shared journey in a celebration of family, legacy, and the enduring pull of music.

 

19h40 – Roly Struckmeyer

Having been a fixture on the music scene in KwaZulu-Natal since the late 80s, Pietermaritzburg-born acoustic guitarist and vocalist Roly Struckmeyer started playing the guitar at age seven. His music career began when he returned from England in 1989 to form a band known as House On The Hill. During his career as a performer, Roly has toured and performed with names such as Wonderboom and Landscape Prayers. He has also featured at Splashy Fen. Roly worked with Syd Kitchen in the early 2000s, and with Perez from 2001. He did a solo album in 2007, and has spent the decade and more in cover bands – No Fly Zone, A-frame and more recently, Rustic Spring. Roly is excited to still be playing and creating music, and to be back at MiTH.

 

19h00 – Ross Williams

Hailing from Howick, Ross Williams draws inspiration from folk, country, indie and alternative music. He enjoys playing guitar, singing, and sharing short cover clips on social media. While music competes with other commitments, it remains a vital creative outlet, and Ross continues to challenge himself and grow whenever the opportunity arises.

 

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

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

 

JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH

(Right: Leon Scharnick)

The UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music celebrates the centenary anniversaries of Miles Davis and John Coltrane in celebration of Jazz Appreciation month.

 2026 provides opportunity to celebrate the centenary occasions of two of jazz’s great icons, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The theme therefore of the Centre’s Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) celebration in April is Miles and Trane @100: the impact of Miles Davis and John Coltrane on SA jazz and culture. Consequently, the regular Wednesday night concert program at CJPM will pay homage to these two jazz giants with a sequence of four themed concerts in April:

(Linda Sikhakane. Pic by Malwandla Rikhotso)

April 8: Two tenors for Trane

Master saxophonists and Trane devotees, Linda Sikhakane and Leon Scharnick lead off a stellar rhythm section in celebration of John Coltrane.

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1591084587

 

Event Details: Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Doors Open: 17h00. Music starts at 17h30

Venue: Centre for Jazz and Popular Music

University of KwaZulu-Natal – Howard College Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2

 

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1591630666

Tickets (cash at door) R130 (R100 pensioners & R70 students)

2026 STANDARD BANK YOUNG ARTISTS

 

The National Arts Festival and its partner, Standard Bank, have announced the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artists.

The award is one of South Africa's most significant platforms for creative excellence, bringing debut works to the National Arts Festival from the cutting edge of our culture. It's a moment that has consistently marked turning points in artists' careers and shaped the trajectory of disciplines over decades.

This year's cohort are redefining their art forms. They move fluidly between experimental practice and popular culture, connecting local histories to global stages.

They are artists already recognised by their peers, shaping how creative work is made and experienced in South Africa.

The award offers both national recognition and critical momentum at a pivotal moment in their careers and we’re ready for what happens next.

See them in Makhanda between June 25 and July 5.

 

Meet the new Standard Bank Young Artists (pics supplied). 

Bronwyn Katz: 

(Bronwyn Katz -  Visual Art)

Creating sculptural and installation works that explore language, memory and land through a deeply personal and speculative lens, Bronwyn Katz is the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Visual Arts. At the heart of her practice is an imagined creole language—an evolving system of notation that translates gesture, sound and embodied knowledge into material form.

Drawing on fragmentary histories and oral traditions, Katz treats land as a living archive—one that holds memory, trauma and presence. Her works use line, texture, rhythm and weight as tools of meaning, proposing alternative ways of recording and transmitting knowledge beyond written language. 

Based in Cape Town, Katz has exhibited widely both locally and internationally, contributing to a vital reimagining of what constitutes the South African archive today. Katz has participated in major international group exhibitions including the 59th Venice Biennale (2022), the New Museum Triennial (2021), the Biennale of Sydney (2020), and the Biennale of Lyon (2019). She is a founding member of iQhiya, an eleven-woman artist collective that has performed at institutions including Documenta 14.

  

Gabi Motuba

(Gabi Motuba – Jazz)

Gabi Motuba, the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz, is a Mamelodi-born, Johannesburg-based vocalist, composer and educator at the Wits School of Arts. Her practice is grounded in deep listening, intellectual inquiry and a profound commitment to sound as both discipline and calling.

 Working across jazz, avant-garde and experimental forms, Motuba creates music that engages history, philosophy and spirituality. From her debut Tefiti – Goddess of Creation (2018) to the politically charged The Wretched (2020), her work positions sound as a space for reflection and resistance. Her latest album, The Sabbath (2024), expands her compositional voice through a richly-layered ensemble, blending classical, jazz and global influences into a meditative and immersive sonic experience.

Alongside her performance practice, Motuba composes for film, arranges music and mentors emerging artists. Widely respected for her musicality and conceptual depth, she continues to shape a thoughtful and expansive approach to jazz in South Africa and beyond.

 

 Jason Jacobs 

(Jason Jacobs – Theatre)

The 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre, Jason Jacobs, is an indigenous artist from Kharkams, Namaqualand. A storyteller, he integrates his cultural heritage into contemporary narratives, exploring themes of identity, history and community.

His second feature film (co-directed with Devon Delmar), Variations on a Theme, won the Tiger Award at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam and Best African Film at the 2026 Joburg Film Festival. Additionally, his collective, KRAAL, received the SAFTA for Outstanding Provincial Contributor in 2026. His first short film, Nama Swaan, debuted at the kykNet Silwerskermfees, while the multi-nominated feature Carissa (NAAAP Productions) debuted at the Venice International Film Festival.

In theatre, Jacobs' trilogy of works earned him the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival New Voices award, following the 2016 Theatre Arts Emerging Director award and a Fleur du Cap nomination. He co-translated Rehane Abrahams' multi-award-winning Womb of Fire into Brandbaar, and created the performance piece Maroon with Javier Perez. He wrote, directed, and starred in Kraal at the Black2Normal Festival in Denmark.

Jacobs pursued his master's as a scholar under the Mellon Foundation-funded Reimagining Tragedy in Africa and the Global South project. His practice remains rooted in the performing arts, healing practices, and community development.

  

Lee-ché Janeke 

(Lee-ché Janecke – Dance)

Lee-ché Janecke, known professionally as Litchi HOV, is a Cape Town-born choreographer, creative director and cultural innovator shaping the future of global dance. The recipient of the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Dance, he has spent over 13 years developing a movement language that is both ancestral and futuristic - rooted in South African rhythm while resonating on international stages.

Globally recognised for his distinctive choreographic voice, Litchi reimagines pop culture through an African lens, transforming trends into a refined and unmistakable signature style. As the creative force behind Grammy Award-winning artist Tyla, he helped propel Water into a worldwide dance phenomenon and earned a 2025 MTV VMA nomination for Best Choreography for Push 2 Start.

From early beginnings on So You Think You Can Dance South Africa and Step Up or Step Out to choreographing for Idols SA, he has continuously shaped a bold creative philosophy that merges indigenous rhythms with contemporary form. Now expanding his impact globally, Litchi HOV leads a dynamic choreography and creative tour, delivering masterclasses, workshops and large-scale productions that turn every space into a site of cultural exchange – recalibrating the pulse of pop culture.

 

Ndumiso Manana

(Ndumiso Manana – Music)

Ndumiso Manana, the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Music, is a multi-faceted singer-songwriter and producer from eSwatini whose journey began in 2020 with his debut album In The Beginning Was The End. Subsequent releases - the album But Could The Moments In Between and EP COMMA - blend electronic dance music, soulful R&B, Afrobeats, Amapiano fusion, and poignant acoustic ballads. His 2024 release, Our Broken Hearts Mend, completes his trilogy of musical and poetic exploration to date.

A Bachelor of Music (BMus) in Jazz graduate from UCT with a rich choral background from the Drakensberg Boys Choir, Manana's ability to blend sound and silence with innovation and intimacy has become his hallmark. His contribution as songwriter to Burna Boy's Grammy-winning Twice As Tall reflects his influence in the global music scene. He has collaborated with Usher, Pheelz, Nasty C, Sauti Sol, Tyla, Amanda Black, Ami Faku, Shekinah, and Cynthia Erivo.

The industry has taken note. His debut EP received a nomination for Best Produced Album at the 2020 South African Music Awards. In 2023, he won the SAMA for Best R&B/Soul Album for But Could The Moments in Between, and in 2024, he was selected for Spotify Radar.

 

The festival organisers say: “We’re preparing an exciting, multi-faceted programme for 2026 and we’re looking forward to sharing it with you on the 12th May!”

ROCK GUITAR LEGENDS

 

Rhumbelow Theatre will present Rock Guitar Legends featuring The Reals - Barry Thomson, Dawn Selby, Mali Sewell and Robz Millar on the following venues, dates and times:

 

Rhumbelow Durban

SATURDAY, April 11, 2026. Show starts at 19h30 – Durban

SUNDAY, April 12, 2026. Show starts at 14h00 – Durban

 

Northlands Bowling Club

SATURDAY, April 18, 2026. Show starts at 19h30 – Northlands Bowling Club

 

(Venues open 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks) 

Rock Guitar Legends pays tribute to some of the greatest guitar players of all time with the focus on the classic rock guitarists of the 60s, 70s, and 80s eras. The show features a variety of guitar styles ranging from Hank Marvin to Jimi Hendrix. Also highlighted are the distinctive playing styles and sounds of Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) and Slash (Guns ‘n Roses).

Leading the team of top Durban musicians is maestro Barry Thomson on guitar and vocals, Musical Director Dawn Selby on keyboards and vocals, Mali Sewell on drums and Robz Millar on bass guitar. The Reals will take you on a journey full of hit songs, nostalgia, fun, and top class playing. Also featured are David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Santana, Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple) and the soulful Gary Moore.

If you’re a classic rock fan, then this is the show for you!

Tickets R220 (R200 pensioners, R180 under 13 and R180 Northlands Bowling Club Members.)

Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za or Webtickets. Bar available (no alcohol may be brought onto the premises)

Bring food picnic baskets (Northlands & Durban) - or buy at the venue (Durban ONLY).

Limited secure parking available.

For more information contact 0824998636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

 

Rhumbelow Theatre is located at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Durban and Northlands Bowling Club is located at 50 Margaret Maytom Avenue, Durban North.

PANDEMONIUM IN PARADISE

 

A mystery wrapped in comedy, served with a side of retirement home rebellion.

This April, Westville Theatre Club brings audiences a production that proves life in a retirement home is anything but quiet. Written and directed by local talent Melanie Visser, Pandemonium in Paradise is a community-driven comedy mystery that sees a group of sharp-witted retirees take on a world that continues to underestimate them.

Life at Paradise Pastures Retirement Home is turned upside down when a big-shot developer arrives, offering tempting promises to all its residents. Things quickly begin to fall apart, and it soon becomes clear that everything is not as it seems.  As suspicion grows, the retirees begin to uncover a web of intrigue, sparking a chain of events that quickly descends into chaos.

Expect sharp dialogue, unexpected twists, and a good-old dose of mischief and rebellion.

It’s the perfect outing for friends and family to enjoy an afternoon or evening of laughter. Don’t forget to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at your table.

Catch Pandemonium in Paradise over two weekends:  

April 10–12 and 17–19, 2026.

Evening performances (Fridays and Saturdays) begin at 19h00, with doors opening at 18h30. Matinees (Saturdays and Sundays) start at 14h30, with doors opening at 14h00.

 

Tickets are R120 for general admission and R100 for members, pensioners and students.

To book, email dorothyannoneill@gmail.com or contact 083 776 1754.

 

COOL OAKS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026

 

(Above: Hartman brothers - Jason and Scott)

Escape to Music and Magic at the Cool Oaks Music Festival 2026

Music lovers are invited to shake off the winter chill and immerse themselves in an unforgettable weekend of live music, connection, and countryside charm at the Cool Oaks Music Festival, taking place on June 26 and 27, 2026, at The Oaks Hotel in the scenic Byrne Valley, Richmond, KZN.

Presented in association with Music in The Hills (MiTH), the festival brings together some of KwaZulu-Natal’s top musicians alongside the vibrant extended musical family of the KZN Midlands. Audiences can expect a rich blend of folk, rock, and acoustic performances in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that celebrates authentic music and community spirit.

 

(Left: Rusty Red)

The 2026 line-up features an exciting array of artists, including Idols winner Jason Hartman, Rusty Red, Rob Warren (from Black Lapels), 3 Daughters-3 Dads, The Chickpeas, MMM Band, Blackbird, Grace & Tanya, Brian Bedingfield & Friends, Bowstring, Bruere Venter, as well as an Open Mic stage and additional performers to be announced.

 

Designed as a family-friendly experience, the festival offers something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy free camping or opt for comfortable 3-star hotel accommodation at just R500 per person per night sharing. The music programme spans Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday night, all hosted in a dedicated music tent.

(Right: Rob Warren)

Beyond the music, guests can explore a variety of outdoor and leisure activities, including mountain biking, hiking, putt-putt, horse riding, and even a refreshing “polar bear” swim in the hotel pool. Evenings promise magical moments under the stars, accompanied by exceptional live performances.

 

Ticket Information:

Weekend Pass: R500 (Under 13: half price)

Saturday Pass: R300 (Under 13: half price)

Please note that no outside alcohol is permitted, as the venue is fully licensed with food and beverages available for purchase. Campers are welcome to bring their own food.

Whether you’re seeking great music, fresh Midlands air, or a relaxed winter escape, the Cool Oaks Acoustic Festival offers the perfect weekend getaway. Produced by Charles Webster Music.

 

Bookings & Enquiries:

Email: info@oaksatbyrne.co.za

Phone: 082 554 1702

 

More Information:

www.oaksatbyrne.co.za

www.charleswebstermusic.co.za

www.mith.co.za

 

DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR

(Pictured by Shelley Kjonstad at uShaka Marine World are:

Ariel, a mermaid - Chloe Marot (St. Mary’s DSG); Sebastian, a crab - Khethukuthula Ngcobo (International School of Performing Arts) and Flounder, a tropical fish - Azania Mavimbela (Crawford North Coast).)

 

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr to be staged by The Young Performers’ Project at Milkwood Theatre, Danville from April 2 to 12, 2026.

Countdown to Easter holidays!!!

Fishy Fable: Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr stage musical is The Young Performer’s Project’s first show of 2026, coming to The Milkwood Theatre in Durban North over the Easter holidays from April 2 – 12 featuring a cast of 50 young performers all getting valuable experience understanding what it is like to be part of a “professional” production.

YPP is Durban’s longest-running youth creative arts empowerment project, and every season opens with a performance (this time on April 2) designed for special needs, autistic and children and adults with sensory issues. (Tickets Webtickets).

The cast spent a morning observing sea-life at uShaka Marine World, Durban’s foremost marine theme park, which is also gearing itself up for a busy Easter holiday.