THE SONGBOOK SESSIONS

The UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music’s Songbook Sessions is ostensibly a Monday night jam session, in two halves. The first half is a curated set featuring tunes selected by an invited band leader. The tunes are made available in advance, with links to charts and audio, and are ranked from beginner, easy, intermediate, to advanced. The second half is an open jam session.

These sessions intend to bring together musicians from all walks, other performance practitioners, students and teachers, and audiences that appreciate musical conversation and live music. It seeks to unearth new repertoires, to interrogate the notion of ‘standards’, to acknowledge our histories, the multi-cultural society that we live in, and to be more inclusive of mastery that exists on the periphery of our communal practice.

The Songbook Sessions are on Mondays in February 2026 from 18h00 to 20h00 at the UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music. Entrance is free for participating musicians and artists. Doors open at: 17h30.

Tickets R130 (R100 for pensioners, R70 for students with a valid student card)

Tickets at Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1587340270

The Songbook Sessions Monday night jam session is made possible with the funding support of Concerts SA, Festival Enterprise Catalyst, SAMRO and the National Treasury Jobs Fund

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, UKZN (Durban) is located at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Howard College Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2

For more information, contact zamat1@ukzn.ac.za

TREE63 LIVE AT HILTON COLLEGE THEATRE

 

Top SA music comes to the KZN Midlands

Hilton College Theatre will host iconic South African band Tree63 on Friday, February 27 at 19h00.

The performance promises to be powerful and nostalgic, featuring classic hits alongside newer material, delivered in an intimate, world-class venue.

“This show is about reconnecting with audiences and celebrating songs that have carried meaning for so many people over the years,” says founder and frontman, John Ellis. “The Hilton College Theatre is a beautiful setting for that rekindling.”

Formed in Durban in 1997, Tree63 is one of South Africa’s most successful and enduring musical exports. Led since its inception by singer-songwriter and guitarist Ellis, the band quickly rose to prominence with a run of radio and chart hits including Treasure, Stumbling Stone and A Million Lights. Early success attracted the attention of US-based InPop Records, launching Tree63 onto the global stage. Tree63 released their first new single in a decade, How Much Longer?, in November 2025, with a brand-new studio album scheduled for release over Easter 2026.

Opening the evening will be special guest and legendary KZN Midlands musician, Skippy Kubheka, adding further depth and community flavour to the evening. The show, locally produced by Charles Webster, forms part of Tree63’s renewed live journey and celebrates nearly three decades of music that has resonated with audiences both locally and internationally.

In 2025, with the blessing of original members Darryl Swart and Daniel Ornellas (now living abroad), John Ellis brought Tree63 back to the live arena with a new line-up and renewed creative focus. The result is a band that honours its past while performing with fresh energy, clarity and purpose.

Charles Webster Music is a KwaZulu-Natal Midlands–based live music and production platform dedicated to creating meaningful musical experiences. Whether it’s his own solo performances, band performances, local shows, involvement in Music in the Hills (MiTH) or producing incoming artists, Charles’ work spans performance, promotion, and live show production, with a strong focus on community and quality. Charles is passionate about building a sustainable live music community that serves audiences and musicians alike. More information is available via his online platform: www.charleswebstermusic.com

 

More about Tree63:

With a catalogue that has soundtracked a generation, and new music pointing to the future, Tree63 Live at Hilton College Theatre is set to be a memorable evening of South African music history - performed live, with purpose and heart.

The band’s US debut album, released in 2000, produced multiple number-one radio hits and earned the Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year. This success was followed by The Life and Times of Absolute Truth (2002), featuring fan favourites Anxious Seat and No Words, and The Answer to the Question (2003), which yielded Billboard’s number-one radio song of 2004, Blessed Be Your Name, alongside King and You Only. King also earned John Ellis an ASCAP Song of the Year award.

Between 1997 and 2015, Tree63 released seven studio albums and toured extensively across South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Zimbabwe. After disbanding when Ellis relocated back to South Africa from Nashville, the band briefly reconvened for the 2015 Land album and tour, cementing their legacy as a defining voice in South African rock and faith-inspired music.

Tickets are priced at R200 and are available via Webtickets.

 

MICHELLE CONSTANT LEAVES SAFM

 

(Michelle Constant . Pic supplied)

 

In December, Michelle Constant announced her departure from SAFM to explore new opportunities, bringing with her 30 years of experience as a radio presenter across 5FM and SAFM.

She became a familiar and trusted voice on the national public broadcaster with her weekend breakfast show, The Jetset Breakfast, known for its engaging coverage of South African creatives – from authors and artists to musicians and theatre practitioners – as well as her quirky explorations of science and the extraordinary in everyday life, highlighting the catch phrase “Small Stories, Big Ideas, Massive Inspiration.  Shifting the Lens on your World”.

Prior to SAFM, Michelle was a presenter on 5FM, helping shape South African music programming in the early years of democracy. Her last show on SAFM aired in December 2025.

Constant noted “After 30 incredible years, I’ve decided it’s time to step into a new chapter. I’m deeply grateful to our listeners, who inspired us to cover diverse and meaningful stories. We are living in a rapidly shifting world and whilst we need to continue to tell our stories, how we do it has changed. I am excited!”

Michelle Constant is a seasoned radio presenter with over 30 years of experience in broadcasting.

She is recognised by the French government with two awards – the French Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Merite and the French Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

She is renowned for her diverse interests in South Africa. In her week-day job she headed up Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) for a decade, and after completing an MPhil in Corporate Strategy, she is currently CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa, highlighting her interest in business, strategy and systems.

She is a non-executive director on the BUSA (Business Unity South Africa) Board, the National Arts Festival Board, and the Indlulamithi Scenarios Trust. She chairs the French Institute (IFAS) Cultural Committee.  Michelle remains passionate about the creative and cultural industries, and is well recognised as a facilitator, MC and columnist.

LAUNCH OF THE IGUZU (WAGON) MOVEMENT PROJECT

 

(Right: Vusi Makanya, Project Director, courtesy of Facebook)

 

Iguzu (Wagon) Movement Projects 2026 Multidisciplinary Youth Arts Tour Across KwaZulu-Natal.

Vusi Makanya proudly announces the launch of the Iguzu (Wagon) Movement Project (IMP) Multidisciplinary Youth Arts Tour, a dynamic provincial initiative funded by the National Arts Council (NAC) and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).

The 2025 tour will travel across five districts in KwaZulu-Natal, empowering 30 emerging young artists through a transformative creative “Path” that integrates African contemporary dance, visual arts, spoken word, and professional job-shadowing opportunities. Grounded in artistic excellence and social development, the project seeks to nurture creative skills, promote arts education and cultural exchange, and strengthen social cohesion in both urban and rural communities.

Launching in eThekwini, the Iguzu “Wagon” will journey through iLembe, uMgungundlovu, King Cetshwayo/Zululand, and Ugu Districts. Each district will host a one-week residency, offering participants an immersive experience that blends artistic training, cultural dialogue, personal development, and exposure to pathways within the creative industries.

“The Iguzu Movement is more than an arts project; it is a wagon for social and economic transformation for the youth of KwaZulu-Natal,” says Vusi Makanya, Project Director. “By taking the arts directly into communities, we create opportunities for young people to imagine boldly, create freely, and participate meaningfully in the creative economy.

“This tour is about meeting young artists where they are and walking the creative journey with them. By moving across districts, we are breaking down barriers to access and ensuring that talent, regardless of location, is seen, supported, and developed.”

Through its travelling residency model, the Iguzu Movement Project continues to champion youth development, artistic mobility, and inclusive access to the arts—reinforcing the power of culture as a catalyst for empowerment and sustainable community development across KwaZulu-Natal.

Follow Vusi Makanya on Facebook.

VALENTINE’S ACTIVITY DAY AT GLENWOOD VILLAGE

 

(Robin Opperman and Ujala Sewpersad from Umcebo Design (back) will be running a paper craft workshop. Comfort Ngubane from Denis Hurley Centre Street Lit (green top) will be selling pre-read books and CDs at the market, and indeed trades daily at the centre. Succeed Manyisa (AKA The Belt Man) will be selling stylish quality belts at the market, and indeed trades daily at the centre. Photos by Shelley Kjonstad

 

A bumper planning for Valentine’s activity day at Glenwood Village will take place on February 7 from 09h00.

Planning for Valentines – Glenwood Village offers an opportunity to purchase gifts for your loved ones, and to make your own handmade paper Valentine’s card in a fun and varied morning of family activities comprising a carefully curated themed market; a fun craft workshop and live music – all taking place on Saturday February 7 from 09h00.

Robin Opperman and Ujala Sewpersad will be hosting a craft workshop where participants can learn to make a super-easy, but beautifully intricate handmade make a pop-up 3D Valentines card & envelope. This is geared for older children and adults; and booking is required to participate. (Call Robin on 083 793 3408 to secure your spot. Cost is R100 which includes all necessary craft materials).

There will be a morning market on the upper level – offering Glenwood entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their wares and skills – offering fine art, greeting cards, sweet treats, books and CDs, pre-loved clothing, treasures and collectables, beadwork, belts, soaps and décor items. There will be a pop-up coffee truck serving really good coffee, and home-baked goods for morning tea.

Durban’s own Ilza Oosthuizen will be playing a range of evergreens, hum along songs and show tunes on her piano alongside the activity area.

The following Saturday, actual Valentine’s Day, on Saturday February 14 from 09h00 there will be live music and complimentary chocolate hearts.

“Increasingly we understand the need to nurture a sense of neighbourhood in places where we gather,” said Glenwood Village’s Steve King, “And what better occasion to celebrate our shared community, than the season of love!”.

Many of the shops will be offering festive specials and promotions. Entry is free and all are welcome. Glenwood Village doesn’t charge for on-site parking, has guarded street parking and is easily accessible on public transport.

For more information, contact 031 201 0137 (o/h).

 

DEBUT FROM BLACK TIE TUNES

 

(Siphokuhle Sibisi. Pic supplied)

 

Black Tie Tunes presents an afternoon of extraordinary music with Debut featuring flute, horn, piano, strings and choir at St Thomas Church, Musgrave Road on Sunday February 1 at 14h00.

A classical chamber music recital featuring works by acclaimed classical composer prodigy, Siphokuhle Sibisi, and performed by an ensemble comprising flute, French horn, piano and strings and voice, comes to St Thomas Church for one performance only on Sunday 1 February at 14h00, entitled appropriately, Debut.

Among the line-up, the concert will feature: Robert De Vries on flute; Kamogelo Madonsela on French horn, David Smith on piano, Jitske Brien on violin, Catherine Alborough on viola, Sunday Kalechi on cello, and Jonalene Taylor on double bass accompanied by vocalists from Umlazi.

This concert is the brainchild of a newly-formed music production collaboration, Black-Tie Tunes, whose mission it is to promote local classical musicians and composers.

“We want to proudly bear the RSA flag on every production so that our audiences are uplifted by the example of what our country can accomplish,” says Julian Gaul. “With this concert, dubbed Debut, since it represents the official debut of Mr Sibisi in Durban, but also the organisation 'Black-Tie Tunes' and its long-term plan of reshaping the classical music landscape. We seek to send a message, a message of hope and change for the future of classical music here in KZN.”

Siphokuhle Sibisi is a 19-year-old composer from Umlazi who has captured the attention of many. His piece for choir Khuzani has over 20,000 views on Youtube and has become a mainstay choral work among Zulu-speaking schools in the province. Word of his talent has travelled across to Gauteng as well, resulting in his music having been selected as examination repertoire for the 2025 SASCE National choral championships.

Canapes are included in the ticket price. Drinks will be on sale which can be ordered upon arrival.

"We look forward to sharing locally-grown South African Classical Music, ready to enrich soul, body and mind, coming to you from Umlazi's very own young talented composer- Siphokuhle Sibisi," says Gaul.

Tickets through Quicket and at the door.

R180 General Admission (R150 over 60). Under 12s are R120

MiTH – 28 JANUARY 2026

 

(Jason and Scott Hartman. Pic supplied)

 

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

 MiTH (Music in the Hills) holds regular events at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

 Entrance: R50 (cash or Zapper at the door)

 Info: 082 331 7271

  

20h15 – Jason and Scott Hartman

Home is Where the Hart Is: The Hartman Brothers Return

After more than a decade apart, Jason Hartman and his brother Scott have reunited for a 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 his brother (and their father) 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.

 

 19h30 – The Name On The Drum

The Name On The Drum is an alternative, folk, and indie band with a wide range of sounds. Squalling electric guitar, subtle percussion, harmonicas, and acoustic guitars feature in their distinctive sound, along with a unique blend of honest, thought-provoking songwriting. Most recently influenced by music from Bob Dylan, War on Drugs, The Lumineers, Gregory Alan Isakov, Daughter, Ben Howard and Andrew Prahlow.

Their writing, composition, recording, and production is done by brothers Ben and Nat Bruzas. To date, they have produced 3 EPs, several singles and have a backlog of unrecorded works longer than your black Friday shopping list.

The Name On The Drum has performed around South Africa, including touring Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Cape Town. Their festival appearances include Splashy Fen, Darling Brew Winter Fest, Connexion, and Ales For Tails.

https://thenameonthedrum.bandcamp.com/music

 

 19h00 – Grant Truter

Grant Truter is a South African acoustic performer, delivering emotive vocals supported by acoustic guitar. His music lives in the singer-songwriter, folk, acoustic rock, and country-influenced space, blending honest storytelling with melodic, guitar-driven arrangements. He performs a mix of original songs and carefully chosen covers, drawing influence from artists such as Coldplay, Goo Goo Dolls, Chris Isaak, and Jason Mraz. After meeting a group of friends who encouraged him to take his music to the stage, Grant stepped into the live performance space and performed at the Splashy Fen 2025 Open Mic, continuing to build confidence and connection through intimate live performances and online releases.

https://www.instagram.com/grant_truter_music...

https://youtube.com/@granttrutermusic?si=vLV3x8I6PXgdryW8

 

 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.

  

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

THE AGENTS

 

(All photos credited to Mark Wessels)

(Above: Lisa Derryn Overy and Roberto Pombo. Pic supplied)

 

Robaby Productions in conjunction with St Anne’s Diocesan College will present The Agents on February 5 at 18h30 at The Theatre – St Anne’s Diocesan College, Hilton.

Tickets R80. Booking on 033-343 6100. Enquiries: lchemaly@stannes.co.za

Directed by Toni Morkel, the show is devised and performed by Kyla Davis, Lisa Derryn Overy and Roberto Pombo. Running time is 60 minutes.

Lovers of top-class independent theatre are in for a treat as award-winning festival gem, The Agents, visits KZN for the first time. The production is hosted by St Anne’s Diocesan College as part of their 2026 Grade 10 Dramatic Arts Residency Programme, in conjunction with Roberto Pombo who is the Residency Teacher. 

(Kyla Davis, Roberto Pombo & Lisa Derryn Overy. Pic supplied)

The Fleur du Cap nominated ensemble of Roberto Pombo, Lisa Derryn Overy and Kyla Davis shine as a trio of deliciously devious over-the-top estate agents: the unforgettable Venter, Linda and Brenda, who are willing to say and do anything for their next sale. No-one is safe from their hilariously sharp critiques – from slick real estate agents, to clueless home buyers, to neighbourhood watch groups – as they gleefully tear apart the cut-throat world of property development, gentrification, fancy estate living and the Capitalist Dream itself.

 Reviews:

Directed by physical theatre legend Toni Morkel, The Agents is an outrageously satirical comedy with a superbly crafted script, zany performances with clowning, mime and physical comedy and satire which zips and thrusts. (The Cape Robyn, 2024.)

“Under the direction of Toni Morkel, (the performers) are a joy to watch. The trio moves as a three-headed beast. … they deliver the razor-sharp script with ease and routinely whip themselves and their unsuspecting clients into a frenzy.” – David Mann, Cue Online (2023)

“It is a masterclass in physical comedy and mime…” – Robyn Cohen, The Cape Robyn (2024)

 

Awards/Nominations:

Standard Bank Ovation Award (National Arts Festival, 2024)

Fleur du Cap nomination for Best Ensemble (2024)

 

Pull quotes:

“Screamingly funny and entertaining. ‘The Agents’ is a smart play, with a superbly crafted script, zany performances with clowning, mime and physical comedy and satire which zips and thrusts.” - Robyn Cohen, The Cape Robyn (2024)

“...fabulously fierce and funny! Toni Morkel, Kyla Davis, Roberto Pombo, and Lisa Derryn have created something quite extraordinary in The Agents” - Yvette Hardie (2024)

“Under the direction of Toni Morkel, (the performers) are a joy to watch. The trio moves as a three-headed beast…they deliver the razor-sharp script with ease, and routinely whip themselves and their unsuspecting clients into a frenzy. The Agents is easily one of the gems of this year’s Festival, and a testament to the enduring nature of the Fringe as a home for new, inventive, and extraordinary South African theatre. Go and see it!”- David Mann, Cue Online (2023)

“The Agents is among the very best of 49 years or so of amazing Fringe work. The audience stood as one to give the show a standing ovation…Anyone who has bought a property will relish them. I have not laughed so hard for a long time, not so much triggered as fired from the canon.” - Mike Loewe, The Critter (2023)

“As earth grows dense and foetid with our gases, it is of great comfort to know that shows like this are out here, entertaining, wowing us with fine performances, leading us to the spooky truth with such swinging, swingeing humour” – Mike Loewe, The Critter (2023)

 

St Anne's Diocesan College is located in 50 Hilton Ave, Leonard, in the small town of Hilton in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands

The production then moves to Durban for one weekend only at the Seabrooke's Theatre at DHS on Saturday 7 at 19h00 and Sunday 8 February at 15h00. Seabrooke’s Theatre is located at DHS, 255 St Thomas Road, Musgrave, Berea

Booking through Quicket.

 

PRIVATE PRESLEY – THE BALLET

Mzansi Ballet presents Private Presley – The Ballet, Sean Bovim’s powerful reimagining of the life of Elvis Presley, which comes to Durban’s Milkwood Theatre at Northlands High, Durban from February 13 to 15.

The production features international star Jorge Wade as Elvis, alongside South African Prima Ballerina Angela Revie as Priscilla, in an evocative ballet which offers an emotionally charged tribute to the global cultural icon.

Exploring love, fame, and Presley’s military years, Private Presley takes audiences on a powerful journey through the triumphs, relationships, and tribulations of the King of Rock 'n Roll. This newly reimagined version of the popular ballet originally created by Sean Bovim offers a fresh and emotionally resonant perspective on the life and legend of Elvis Presley.

 

(Jorge Wade & Kiana Rose Prinsloo. Pic supplied)

The ballet explores the complexities of Presley’s personal life, delving into his military service - reflected in the title Private Presley - and his intimate relationships, especially the women who deeply influenced his journey.

International ballet sensation Jorge Wade of Mexico stars in the title role of Elvis Presley, while South African Prima Ballerina Angela Revie brings to life the role of Priscilla Presley with grace and passion. The Mzansi Ballet company will be joined by dancers from Taryn Makaab’s studio.

The production features costume design by David Hutt, a long-time collaborator with Mzansi Ballet. Known for his detailed and imaginative work, Hutt has been tasked with capturing the vibrant spirit and style of Elvis’s life and times through his costume creations.

"Doing Sean Bovim's Private Presley has been a privilege, and it is a wonderful addition to the Mzansi Ballet repertoire," says Dirk Badenhorst, Director of Mzansi Ballet.

Founded in 2017 by Dirk Badenhorst, Mzansi Ballet is a unique dance company that identifies and cultivates young South African talent. The company brings together these emerging artists with seasoned professionals to create performances that authentically convey South African stories while respecting the cultural and historical aspects of classical ballet.

Notable productions by Mzansi Ballet include Benghazi, When Ballet Meets Jazz, The Queen Show, The ABBA Show, The Christmas Show, Swan Lake, The Neil Diamond Show, and The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe. Their core mission is to nurture artistic expression, foster cultural appreciation, and engage communities through the art of dance. Mzansi Ballet is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating South Africa's rich dance heritage, both within its own practice and through active participation in the wider African cultural dialogue.

On Saturday morning, February 14, the regionals for the SA Ballet Competition, will once more be hosted at the Milkwood Theatre.

Tickets R200 (R150 pensioners and students)

Performance list:

Friday 13 February @ 19h00

Saturday 14 February @ 15h00 and 19h00

Sunday 15 February @ 15h00

 

Tickets are available at Webtickets. Don’t miss this unforgettable tribute to a cultural icon, brought to life through the beauty and power of ballet.

Safe parking on field, entrance via gate next to Astro on Newport Ave.

Strictly no admission once doors have closed.

KZNSA MEMBERS’ GROUP SHOW

The KZNSA Members’ Group Show, Sizwakala Ngezandla, currently on view in the Main Gallery, and the ifa Crafted Project exhibition, showing in the Mezzanine Gallery, have both been extended until Friday, February 6 2026 - carrying viewers beautifully into the month of love.

These exhibitions are a testament to the KZNSA Gallery’s commitment to empowering local creatives and affirming Durban as a notable contributor to the national artistic landscape.

The Members’ Group Show, an extension of the KZNSA Gallery membership, offers artists across a wide range of mediums the opportunity to participate in a curated group exhibition. It’s also an exciting platform for emerging collectors to discover and invest in contemporary art.

The ifa Crafted Project celebrates the rich traditional skills of KwaZulu-Natal - from basketry woven with ilala palm, wild grasses, and telephone wire, to beadwork, ceramics, wood carving, and tapestry weaving. This legacy-building project brings together rural craft initiatives and contemporary design teams to co-create new collections that honour cultural heritage while opening fresh opportunities for makers.

Launched in February 2025, the project exemplifies what mutually beneficial collaboration can achieve. It bridges the worlds of fine art, craft, and design, offering a glimpse of what a creative, collaborative future can look like.

The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1705 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za

KZNSA GALLERY PRESIDENT PROVIDES FOOD FOR THOUGHT

 

(Thobekile Shange, President, KZNSA Gallery. Pic supplied)

 

A Note from the KZNSA President: Stepping into 2026 Together

2025 was a long year, and a good one. It stretched us, reshaped us, and introduced new faces into the life of the gallery. Through change and continuity, KZNSA remained open, curious, and deeply human.

As we step into 2026, I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead. This year, our commitment is simple and intentional: to ensure that the gallery, the shop, and the café feel active, welcoming, and worth lingering in. These are not separate spaces, but parts of one ecosystem. A place to encounter ideas, support makers and creators, share conversation, and pause.

When you visit, take your time. Step away from the everyday rush that is so often demanded of us. Let the space meet you where you are. Move through the gallery slowly, allowing the work to challenge you, surprise you, or simply sit with it for a while. Every artwork you encounter, and every curatorial decision behind it, is shaped with intention.

From there, you might wander into the shop and take a small piece of KZNSA with you, or find yourself in the café, where conversations tend to unfold naturally over a drink or something freshly baked. However you choose to engage, know that KZNSA is a space that welcomes many ways of being present.

As Council, we serve this institution with integrity, care, and a clear sense of responsibility, and we remain grateful for the community that continues to show up, support, challenge, and believe in this space. KZNSA is built through these encounters, again and again.

We are honoured to open our doors again in 2026. Come in, stay a while, and make the journey through KZNSA part of your routine. We promise, it’s worth it.

KZNSA Gallery Council Members:

Thobekile Shange (President), Rachel Baasch (Vice President), Onwell Msomi (Treasurer), Khanya Apelgren (Secretary), Rohini Amratlal, Richard Gevers, Paul Jones, Nondumiso Mbambo, Bandile Mbuli, Ismail Mahomed, Vasantha Angamuthu

The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1705 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za

 

GREAT AFRICAN CRIMES WITH MANDY WIENER

 

(Mandy Wiener. Pic supplied)

 

Please see below repeat times of this popular local documentary series on the History channel.

 

Synopsis:

Step into the shadowy corridors of history and uncover the stories of two local crimes that captivated their time. Great African Crimes with Mandy Wiener season 2 revisits the case of the only Huguenot woman put to death for murder in the Cape Colony during the 18th century, and looks at the notorious case of an ‘insurance killer’ in the early 1900s who is considered the country’s first documented serial killer. Mandy will delve deep into the past in each episode, visiting crime scenes, examining historical records, and unravelling the personalities behind these historic events. Through gripping storytelling, immersive historical re-creations, and thought-provoking analysis, Great African Crimes invites viewers to explore the intrigue and drama of historic crimes.

 

Saturday 24 Jan at 14h55

Pierre Basson - South Africa’s first unrecorded serial killer linked to as many as nine separate murders in the early 1900s. He was an insurance salesman who, like modern day serial killer Rosemary Ndlovu, exploited those closest to him.

 

 

Saturday 31 Jan at 14h55

Maria Mouton - The only white woman executed in the 18th century Cape Colony. She was found guilty of murdering her husband with the help of two enslaved people, one of whom she was having an affair with. The programme uncovers life and slavery at the time.

VALENTINE-THEMED EVENING: RENÉ TSHIAKANYI

 

(René Tshiakanyi. Pic supplied)

 

By popular demand, it being Valentine’s month, and given that more than ever, What the world needs now is love, sweet love; it’s the only thing that there's just too little of…

Friends of the late Pieter Scholtz* invite you to come and enjoy a fabulous evening with KZN’s uber-talented, uber-romantic musician, René Tshiakanyi. He will bring his piano, his guitar, his sax and his sublime vocal chords to entertain and delight the February 'Mondays at Six at St Clements' gathering.

For many of us, René Tshiakanyi needs no introduction. He is the musician of choice, on vocals, sax and guitar, at happenings throughout KZN. Come celebrate love, connection and a multilingual Valentine’s evening, expressed through the universal language of music.

Experience an intimate and unforgettable performance by this versatile musician whose artistry crosses languages, cultures and instruments. René sings in French, Portuguese, Italian, English and Spanish and moves seamlessly between saxophone, piano and guitar.

Expect an atmospheric journey through love songs, timeless classics and soulful melodies drawn from Europe, Latin cultures and beyond. With a style that blends romance, elegance and heartfelt expression, he is designing the evening for couples, friends, singles: anyone who appreciates live music that speaks to the emotions. From warm saxophone lines to expressive piano moments and gentle guitar textures, he is committed to crafting the evening that sets a refined, sincere and memorable mood ahead of Valentine’s Day.

René Tshiakanyi plays Kawai piano sponsored by the Cape Town piano house Ian Burgess Simpson and tenor saxophone “Yamaha YTS62” sponsored by Marshall Music Umhlanga.

The show takes place at 18h00 on Monday, February 2, 2026.

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.

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

Weather permitting, the show will be outdoors.

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.

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road in Durban. Mondays @ Six run between 18h00 and 19h00.

If you wish to dine after the presentation, place your order before 18h00.

*A Pieter Scholtz (1937-2025) ‘Mondays at Six’ legacy soiree.

CLOWN TOWN: REVIEW

 

One of the delights of this series is that plenty of the characters who turn up are very thinly disguised members of the current and recent British political elite. (Review by Margaret von Klemperer)

 

First, a word of warning. If you haven’t read any of Mick Herron’s Slough House series, it really is best to start with the first one – Slow Horses. This is the ninth, and there are also a number of stand-alone titles. If you start here, not only will you miss a lot, but I would imagine the complexities might just be impossible to unravel.

This time round, the surviving members of the Slow Horses gang of secret service rejects and misfits are still hanging on at Slough House, being abused, insulted and ultimately protected by their repellent boss Jackson Lamb who is still smoking, breaking wind and mending his socks with duct tape on the top floor.

Currently not in the pack is River Cartwright, one of the most faithful members of the team, but he has been affected by a dose of Novichok and First Desk and the proper Secret Service doesn’t want to see him pass a medical. But River’s late grandfather’s library has been moved to his old Oxford college, and the librarian curating it has noticed an anomaly. Of course, River’s grandfather was also a spy. So, with not much else to do, River sets off to Oxford to check it out. But he is not the only person who is interested.

The prologue to the novel is a particularly violent scene, dating back to the Troubles in Northern Ireland – if you are squeamish, you might not care for this bit. But it is a scene setter, and eventually, its relevance will become clear.

As things begin to unravel spectacularly in Oxford, other members of the Slow Horses get involved, and the inevitable chaos erupts. Meanwhile, the First Desk is having a spot of bother of her own, and a sign of her desperation is that she involves Jackson. Of course, that is going to turn out to be a mistake – for someone.

One of the delights of this series is that plenty of the characters who turn up are very thinly disguised members of the current and recent British political elite. Herron has a lot of fun with them – one memorable quote, from Jackson of course, is that the current Prime Minister and government have “hit the ground runny”. As always, the wit is both clever and caustic.

I must say though that the ending was something of a shock, and not what I expected.  I’m not quite sure where it will leave the Slow Horses in the future. There has always been violence in the series, and visceral unpleasantness, but it is balanced by the cleverness and wit. Spying is a dirty business, and Slough House is at the particularly dirty end, so maybe nothing will change – we will see.

If all of the above makes no sense, do yourselves a favour and start the series at the beginning. I know there is an Apple TV version, but the books are in a league of their own in the spy fiction genre. - Review by Margaret von Klemperer

Clown Town is published by Baskerville: ISBN978-1-399-80045-7

 

EXPRESSED FOR JOHANNESBURG

 

(Above: Ayanda Nzimande & Mthokozisi Zulu)

 

With the massacre of women becoming a norm, Leo trains his wife to give her a fighting chance. As lions abandon their own to find greener pastures, this once strong bond collapses and the cycle of Gender Based Violence continues.

Expressed is a one-act musical written and directed by Durban-based Mthokozisi Zulu. Ayanda Nzimande plays the lead role of Safia, Leo’s wife living on a land not guaranteeing the safety of women. Minenhle Sikhosana plays the role of Mama, a Matriach that has experienced Gender Based Violence and watches it happen daily. For this run, there is a special appearance of Khosi Mkhonza, playing a role that shows us a different side to the war women face.

Mthokozisi Zulu explains the reasons why he writes about GBV:

“I have been writing about Gender Based Violence since 2017 after two friends I studied Drama with, were murdered in Soweto and their bodies were found dumped. I attended the bail hearing for the perpetrators and when I saw their excitement after they received a bail of R5000 and R3000, the look on one of the late friend’s parent pushed me to do something. I wrote Scuttling Skin that same night which was performed at Soweto Theatre for the Solos & Duets Festival 2020 and then later wrote FED which received a Standard Bank Ovation Award at the 2021 National Arts Festival.

“Expressed is my latest work and features new original music that persisted as I wrote the script, initially meant to be a dramatic two-hander. The names of the two friends are Popi Qwabe and Bongeka Phungula. They will never be forgotten”.

Expressed will run at Joburg Theatre’s The Lesedi from January 27 to February 1, 2026.

Below, are the showtimes.

Tuesday Jan 27-Thursday Jan 29: 19h00

Friday, Jan 30: 11h00 and 19h00

Saturday Jan 31: 14h30 and 19h00

Sunday Feb 1: 14h30

 

Tickets are R120 (R100 for students & pensioners) booked through Webtickets. Please note that the 11h00 performance on January 30 will be R50 per ticket for schools. Interested schools to contact the theatre directly to book on 086 167 0670.

 

A MILLION O CLOCK LIVE AT CENTRE FOR JAZZ

 

(Above: A Million O Clock)

 

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (UKZN) proudly presents South African–Swiss musical collective A Million O Clock led by Saxophonist Benedikt Reising (CH), featuring pianist Thandi Ntuli (RSA), bassist Shane Cooper (RSA) and drummer Paul Amereller (CH) as the opening performance for 2026 on Wednesday February 11 at 17h30.

The project took shape through a series of serendipitous meetings—first in intimate sessions at the Roving Bantu Kitchen in Brixton (Johannesburg), later in the forests of South Tyrol, and then at the Tinguely Museum in Basel. When Amereller joined the trio, the group found its perfect balance, completing a sound they had been uncovering across cities, landscapes, and time.

A Million O Clock is less a band than a way of moving through the world—slow, grounded, and open-hearted, with their feet on the earth and their imaginations skyward. Their music draws from a wide palette of influences, spanning Artur & Vanessa to Zim Ngqawana, forming an eclectic voice that honours both jazz tradition and improvisational freedom.

Their performances offer a refined yet spontaneous interplay between South African musical sensibilities and European jazz aesthetics—rich in texture, honest in expression, and full of the joy that quickly transfers to audiences. The group’s work is a shared exploration for an authentic musical truth, delivered with emotional intensity and clarity.

A Million O Clock will reunite for a South African tour in February 2026, performing music from their self-titled EP, recorded and released in 2020.

A Million O Clock EP - https://open.spotify.com/artist/32mGeVIIm88S11c7fdzKwk

The concert takes place on February 11. Doors open at 17h00, Music starts at 17h30

Tickets available online from webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1583660971

If they do not sell out, there will be tickets available for cash at the door: R130 (R100 pensioners, R70 students)

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

MUSIC FOR A SUMMER AFTERNOON

 

(Nozuko Teto. Pic supplied)

 

International Concert Pianist Christopher Duigan will be joined by KZN-born soprano Nozuko Teto and Maxine Matthews (saxophone) in Music for a Summer Afternoon at the Durban Jewish Centre, Durban on Sunday February 1, 2025, at 15h00.

Presented by Friends of Music, this delightful musical treat is an afternoon not to be missed!

Music lovers can look forward to an entertaining performance by star soprano, Nozuko Teto, singing Italian operatic arias from La Bohème, and La Wally, as well as classical, traditional songs and sacred music such as The Holy City and Panis Angelicus.

Nozuko Teto was born in Bizana, Eastern Cape. She obtained her Bachelor of Music from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and received her post-graduate diploma in opera from the University of Cape Town. She was awarded a scholarship to study with the famous soprano Mirella Freni at her CUBEC Academy. During her time in Europe, she has sung in many concerts at the Teatro Comunale Pavarotti in Modena with the Puccini Festival Orchestra, in Amsterdam with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and with the Rotterdam Symphony.

Maxine Matthews-Meyer will present a selection of Christopher Duigan’s own compositions including the popular Bar Stool Tango and Himeville from Four KZN Landscapes.

Born in Mauritius, Maxine began studies in Durban before heading to Greece and France to complete a Diplome de Perfectionement with distinction in Besançon, France.  Matthews-Meyer joined the teaching staff at The Wykeham Collegiate in Pietermaritzburg at the start of this year.

(Christopher Duigan. Pic by Val Adamson)

Christopher Duigan is a South African-born pianist, composer and independent classical music entrepreneur who is considered, both by critics and audiences, to be one of the leading concert pianists in South Africa. 

Duigan, a designated Steinway Artist, has played professionally since 1991. He will play a selection from his programmes including music by Chopin and Liszt.

The concert will take place at 15h00 on February 1, 2026, at the Durban Jewish Club, North Beach, Durban.

Tickets R140 (available at the door)

For more information, contact friendsofmusic@gmail.co.za or phone Keith on 0715051021

WORLD WAR II WITH TOM HANKS

(Left: Tom Hanks Headshot by Austin Hargrave)

 

Hearst Networks will bring a major new documentary, World War II with Tom Hanks to audiences across EMEA. The epic multi-part exploration of World War II will be hosted and narrated by Tom Hanks. 

The series will air on The HISTORY Channel Africa (DStv 186), on Sky HISTORY in the UK and on The HISTORY Channel across Europe and the Middle East, as part of a coordinated global rollout, with multiple territories around the world broadcasting the series simultaneously.

Over 20 episodes, World War II with Tom Hanks presents a sweeping and definitive retelling of the Second World War, drawing on rarely-seen archival material, powerful, evocative storytelling, and insights from leading historians. Spanning the origins of the conflict, its decisive turning points, and the human stories at its heart, the series offers a panoramic and emotionally resonant perspective on the war that reshaped the modern world.

“During my formative years, every single adult in my life would make references to two words: The War,” said Hanks. “The lasting effects of WWII on the world and my own family was not lost on me. I am thrilled to partner with The HISTORY Channel to produce this all-encompassing series with a long form format that will give us the ability to tell this important piece of history in its entirety.”

Heather Jones, Chief Creative Officer EMEA and General Manager UK at Hearst Networks, said: “World War II with Tom Hanks is a landmark series with deep relevance across all our markets. It’s a privilege to bring such a powerful and resonant project to audiences throughout EMEA simultaneously. Our ambition is to deliver premium, globally relevant storytelling at scale, and to remind viewers of all ages of the importance of understanding, and reflecting on, the events and impact of this pivotal moment in history.”

World War II with Tom Hanks is produced for The HISTORY® Channel by A+E Factual StudiosTM group and Nutopia in association with Playtone and Motion Entertainment, a WPP Media company. Sharon Scott, Steve Ascher, Matt Pearl and Andy Seestedt serve as executive producers for A+E Factual StudiosTM group. Ben Goold, Jane Root and Steve Condie serve as executive producers for Nutopia. Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman serve as executive producers for Playtone. Jon Meacham serves as executive producer. Chet Fenster serves as executive producers for Motion Entertainment. Eli Lehrer, Mary E. Donahue and Jennifer Wagman serve as executive producers for The HISTORY® Channel.

Further details, including the premiere date will be shared over the next few months.

  

KZNSA BIDS FAREWELL TO GLORIA HOFF

 

(Gloria Hoff. Pic supplied)

After 55 years of extraordinary service, dedication, and care, the KZNSA bids a heartfelt farewell to Gloria Hoff, who will retire from her role at the KZNSA Shop at the end of January, 2026.

 

Tribute from the Gallery:

Gloria’s remarkable contribution has left an indelible mark on the organisation and all who have had the pleasure of working with her. We also celebrate Gloria’s 85th birthday on Friday, January 16, 2026, marking a remarkable career and legacy.

Gloria’s contribution to the KZNSA is immeasurable. From joining Council in the 1970s to founding the KZNSA Shop in 1989, she has been a driving force behind the KZNSA’s sustainability and spirit. Her vision, entrepreneurial acumen and deep belief in handcrafted work transformed the shop into a vital income stream and a much-loved destination with an international reputation.

Beyond her achievements, Gloria is known and cherished for her generosity, kindness and unwavering commitment to people - nurturing artists, mentoring colleagues and building lasting relationships with our suppliers and customers alike. Even after lockdown, she returned to help rebuild the shop, generously giving her time and expertise to ensure its future.

Gloria has witnessed and shaped multiple eras of the KZNSA, leaving an indelible mark on the institution we know and are today. We thank her, and the Hoff family, for their decades of service, passion and care.

Gloria, your legacy lives on in every corner of the KZNSA Shop and in the many lives you have touched. We wish you a joyful and richly deserved retirement.

We have a dedicated tribute book available to write in at the gallery desk – please add memories and experiences you've shared, plus any images, or words of thanks and good wishes for our precious Gloria. For those that can’t contribute in person – please see the Google Form in our bio.

Gloria’s last day at the KZNSA is Sunday February 1, 2026, and a public event to honour her will be held on the 15th April, details to be confirmed closer to the time.

The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1705 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za

HISTORY SOUTH AFRICA SCHEDULE: JANUARY 2026

 

Please note the following changes:

 

Thursday January 1, 2026

13h25  American Godfathers: The Five Families: The Last Don

            CHANGE TO: Shows how a decidedly new, more aggressive commitment by law enforcement to "eradicate" the mafia forces the families to find creative ways to stay in business and out of jail. But it's not as easy as it's been in the past. (AD) (S)

15h00  Schedule resumes as previously published with the programme:

Mystery Places: Episode 10

 

19h25  Premiere Alone: Weak Spot

            CHANGE TO: The remaining three survivalists continue to push their limits, reaching almost a month in the Great Karoo Desert. One participant loses the use of a major tool and all their hope along with it, while another faces a major setback of their own doing. (S)

 

20h15              Premiere Mountain Men: Icebreaker

            CHANGE TO  Bret and Ivy bust through sheets of lake ice to ferry critical equipment to their cabin by boat; Lauro and Virginia use the dog team to haul fresh-cut timber from the forest for a log cabin build. (S)

 

21h05  Schedule resumes as previously published with the programme:

WWII Battles In Colour: Blitzkrieg

 

01h40              Mountain Men: Icebreaker

            CHANGE TO  Bret and Ivy bust through sheets of lake ice to ferry critical equipment to their cabin by boat; Lauro and Virginia use the dog team to haul fresh-cut timber from the forest for a log cabin build. (S)

 

02h25  Schedule resumes as previously published with the programme:

Ancient Aliens: The Top Ten UFO Crashes

 

Friday January 2, 2026

08h15              Mountain Men: Icebreaker

            CHANGE TO: Bret and Ivy bust through sheets of lake ice to ferry critical equipment to their cabin by boat; Lauro and Virginia use the dog team to haul fresh-cut timber from the forest for a log cabin build. (S)

 

09h00  Schedule resumes as previously published with the programme:

Storage Wars: The 300th Time's the Charm!

 

12h35              Mountain Men: Icebreaker

            CHANGE TO: Bret and Ivy bust through sheets of lake ice to ferry critical equipment to their cabin by boat; Lauro and Virginia use the dog team to haul fresh-cut timber from the forest for a log cabin build. (S)

 

13h25  Schedule resumes as previously published with the programme:

WWII Battles In Colour: Blitzkrieg

 

19h25  Premiere Curse Of Skinwalker Ranch: Darting Around

            CHANGE TO: When the team flies a cutting-edge radar device high above Skinwalker Ranch, it reveals shocking new clues about the Bubble and what may be inside the Mesa. (S)

 

20h15              Premiere Beyond Skinwalker Ranch: Mountain Of Mystery

            CHANGE TO: When Andy and Paul head to Northern California to investigate one of Brandon Fugal's most intriguing sites: the notorious energy hotspot of Mt. Shasta, they discover the outrageous lore surrounding the mountain is justified by hard data. (S)

 

21h05  Schedule resumes as previously published with the programme:

WWII Battles In Colour: El Alamein

 

Saturday January 3, 2026

18.40               Mountain Men: Icebreaker

            CHANGE TO: Bret and Ivy bust through sheets of lake ice to ferry critical equipment to their cabin by boat; Lauro and Virginia use the dog team to haul fresh-cut timber from the forest for a log cabin build. (S)

 

19.25               Premiere Ancient Aliens: Britain's UFO Files

            CHANGE TO: From ancient sites like Stonehenge to the crop circle phenomenon and modern-day UFO sightings, Great Britain is a place of countless mysteries. Could it be that throughout history, this island has been a destination for extraterrestrial visitors? (S)

 

20h15              Premiere History's Greatest Mysteries: The Rendlesham Forest Incident

            CHANGE TO: An event outside a US Air Force base near the Rendlesham Forest in England became an international legend, and one of history's strangest unidentified encounters. What was really out there in the Rendlesham Forest? What were the Rendlesham lights? (S)

 

21h05  Schedule resumes as previously published with the programme:

Jesus: Crown Of Thorns: Episode 1

 

Sunday January 4 2026

20h15              Premiere Jesus: Crown Of Thorns: Episode 3

            CHANGE TO: Jesus struggles toward Golgotha with his crossbeam until an unsuspecting pilgrim is made to help him carry the weight. As most of the disciples hide in fear, the women and John stay by Jesus’ side.

 

21h05              Premiere Jesus: Crown Of Thorns: Episode 4

            CHANGE TO: Mary Magdalene returns to Jesus’ tomb and finds it empty, returning to the disciples with this shocking news. Gradually, proof that Jesus has miraculously risen from the dead is revealed to the disciples.

 

21h55  Schedule resumes as previously published with the programme:

Canadian Pickers: A Jumbo Pick

 

Monday January 5 2026

19h25              Premiere Life After People: Water World

            CHANGE TO: In a world without humans, water turns from life-giver to destroyer—flooding cities, collapsing dams, and triggering ancient forces long kept at bay. (S)

 

20h15              Premiere Holy Marvels With Dennis Quaid: Beasts Unleashed

            CHANGE TO: Legendary beasts are believed to roam the earth and the seas, terrorising, killing, and even possessing humans. But are these creatures merely metaphors or is there proof they've actually been unleashed to wreak havoc? (S)

 

21h05  Schedule resumes as previously published with the programme:

WWII Battles In Colour: The Bulge

 

Monday January 26 2026

21h55  DELETE          Premiere Gim: Episode 1

            INSERT          The Crimean War: A Most Desperate Undertaking

            In the spring of 1854, British troops and their French allies were sailing east to the Black Sea to help the Turks fight off Russia’s advances. (S)

 

22h45  Schedule resumes as previously published with the programme:

Strangest Things: German Codes, Egyptian Helicopters and the Future Machine