THE GATHERERS FOR CENTRE FOR JAZZ

 

(Sbusiso Ncube. Pic supplied)

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents The Gatherers, a dynamic jazz collective led by drummer and bandleader Sbusiso Ncube. The performance will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 17h30 at the UKZN Jazz Centre.

The Gatherers is a vibrant ensemble comprising some of Durban’s leading young jazz musicians. The group brings together powerful horn arrangements, expressive improvisation, and a fresh, contemporary approach to jazz performance. With strong individual musical backgrounds and a growing presence within the local music scene, the ensemble continues to establish itself as an exciting force in KwaZulu-Natal’s jazz community.

The performance aims to deliver a high-quality jazz listening experience while showcasing the originality, cohesion, and technical excellence of the collective.

 

The ensemble features:

Thembalethu Bhengu on Vocals, Siyalo Zulu on Trombone, Zolile Mgqatsa on Double Bass, Samkelo Njinji on Piano, Ntokozo Nsibande on Trumpet, Njabulo Shabalala on Percussion, and Sbusiso Ncube on Drums.

With a rich horn section, vibrant rhythm section, and compelling jazz vocals, The Gatherers delivers a balanced and dynamic sound. Each member brings performance experience from leading music spaces across KwaZulu-Natal and has participated in university ensembles, festivals, and professional engagements.

Audiences can expect an engaging presentation of original arrangements alongside thoughtfully interpreted jazz standards, reflecting both tradition and innovation within the genre.

For jazz enthusiasts, students, and members of the broader community, this performance offers an opportunity to experience the next generation of Durban jazz talent in a professional concert setting.

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

TIME OF THE WRITER’S LIVESTREAM

 

The 29th edition of the Time of the Writer festival presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal during March 2026 will host a hybrid programme with live and online events reaching out to audiences beyond physical and geographical boundaries.

Festival curator Shafinaaz Hassim explains: “Our festival programme is curated to reach audiences far and wide by taking uniquely South African stories and experiences to the world. Our authors play a dynamic role in shaping history through their shared stories”.

Highly acclaimed author Zakes Mda who recently was part of a cohort of authors to win a landmark class action lawsuit in the US against the unauthorised use of his books to train AI by artificial intelligence company Anthropic headlines the festival’s online programme. He will speak about the implications of AI in an online panel with industry expert Arthur Goldstuck. The discussion will be moderated by analyst Angelo Fick.

“AI challenges traditional modes of sharing stories and it has implications on intellectual property and copyright which are of huge concern to not only writers but also other creatives”, explains Shafinaaz Hassim.

Author and publishing maverick, Melinda Ferguson and winner of the Canex Prize 2025 Thobeka Yose will explore power through their courageous memoirs that speak to the Literature Of Lived Experience.

In Afrikaans Across The Ages, Jonathan Amid will interrogate the concept of how language has evolved through Afrikaans literature in order to stay true to the spoken word as it yields to different local cultures and how it captures reader nostalgia through stories, through the works of Gaireyah Fredericks, Charmaine Africa and Theo Kemp. The session is supported by the Afrikaanse Taal & Kultuur Vereeniging (ATKV).

Extending the genre of memoir to activism, Danyela Demir will speak to Zukiswa Wanner about her memoir capturing her experience on the Flotilla to Gaza, on a panel with activists and writers Megan Choritz and Susan Abulhawa who also use literature as a powerful form of activism.

“The power of words can break the psychological siege, give rise to political conscience and inspire a flotilla of resistance. In the case of Palestine, the works of these authors is also a witness to genocide”, explains Shafinaaz Hassim as she anticipates the discussion.

In A Theatre Of Words, South African performing artists, Peter Terry and Kutlawo Masote, will bring their life works to the stage of words by using both memoir and storytelling. UNISA academic Andile Xaba’s book will highlight the history of Soweto Theatre. The session will be moderated by theatre critic and arts journalist Tracey Saunders.

Ismail Mahomed, the Director for the Centre for Creative Arts, explains: “These and other exciting online sessions curated by Shafinaaz Hassim anchors the festival as a site for literary enjoyment, critical thinking, resistance and solidarity. By giving our writers a broader audience beyond Durban we hope that we can also contribute to growing the markets for South African literature beyond our borders”.

The live festival programme in Durban will include book launches, creative writing workshops, outreach visits by authors to community venues and a dedicated Children’s festival programme. The Time of the Writer festival takes place live at the KZNSA Gallery in Durban and online from March 23 to 28, 2026. 

The festival schedule can be viewed at https://tow.ukzn.ac.za/29th-online/

 

All events to the festival are free. The 29th edition of the Time of the Writer festival is supported by the University of KwaZulu-Natal, National Arts Council of South Africa and the KZN Department of Sport, Arts & Culture. Festival partners include the Wits Writing Centre, DALRO and the ATKV.

 

About The Centre For Creative Arts:

The 30-year Centre for Creative Arts is a multi-disciplinary cultural hub in the School of Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The Centre is renowned for presenting five of South Africa’s leading arts festivals – the Time of the Writer festival (29 years), JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Festival (28 years), Durban International film Festival (46 years), Poetry Africa (30 years) and the Artfluence Human Rights Festival (5 years). The Centre for Creative Arts is also host of the 5th World Slam Poetry Competition which will present 40 slam poets from forty nations competing for the global title in Durban during October 2026.

 

About The Curator:

Shafinaaz Hassim is an multi award-winning author and sociologist. Her more than 18 titles have received international and local acclaim. In 2014, she was listed by UNESCO as one of the top 39 writers in Africa under the age of 40. Her novels have been commended by the SALA and NIHSS awards and the UJ Prize for Creative Writing. She is also the author of the five-book Nisa Qamar series for young adults, which has been shortlisted twice for the Minara Aziz Hassim Literary Awards and the prestigious Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature 2019. Her novel Darlings of Durban received noteworthy accolade. Kimya Writes is her latest series. Hassim presents a popular book review show called BookBytes, show-casing cutting edge writing from local and international authors. She brings her varied industry expertise to the curation of Time of the Writer Festival. 

 

The Centre for Creative Arts, is located at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College Campus, Mazisi Kunene Avenue.

Telephones: +27 (0)31 260 2506 / +27 (0)31 260 1816

Fax:  +27 (0)31 260 3074

cca@ukzn.ac.za | www.cca.ukzn.ac.za

 

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

 

 

THEATRE AUDITION NOTICE

Red Mango Arts Festival invites performers to audition for a new original production to be presented at the 2026 Festival (22–25 July 2026).

 

The organisers are currently seeking:

1. Indian Male — Age 20–30

2. Indian Female — Age 20–30

3. Black Male — Age 30–40

4. Indian Male — Age 55–70

 

**Requirements**

Applicants must:

 * Be Durban-based

* Have some acting experience

* Have own transport

* Be prepared to work after hours and on weekends

* Be committed to rehearsals and performances

 

All applicants must prepare:

* A monologue of at least 2 minutes in length

* To be performed from memory

 

Production Details:

 * Festival Dates: 22–25 July 2026

* Location: Durban

* Project: New work developed for the Red Mango Arts Festival

 

How to Apply:

Please email the following to:

redmangoarts@gmail.com

 

Include:

* Full name

* Age

* Contact details

* Short CV (if available)

* Recent photo

 

Closing date: March 7,, 2026.

 

Audition slots will be allocated accordingly.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted with audition details.

 

#redmangoartsfestival#centreforcreativearts#1860heritagecentre#actorwize#pubmatters#rajeshgopie#

 

METAMORPHOSIS AT ST ANNE’S COLLEGE

 

The Theatre at St Anne’s College will present Metamorphosis by Steven Berkoff on March 19 to 22, 2026, at 19h30.

As Gregor Sama awoke one morning from uneasy dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.

nday 19th – Thursday 22nd March @ 7.30 pm, R50

Booking on 033 343 6100 or twoodgate@stannes.co.za

Metamorphosis is produced by The Theatre-St Anne’s College as their 2018 Major Production, directed by Lynn Chemaly. The production is highly stylised and theatrical and serves as an excellent example of twentieth century Absurdist theatre in content, style and form. Berkoff injects the script with both bizarre and comic elements, resulting in an entertaining production.

Existentialist writer, Franz Kafka’s novella, Die Verwandlung (The Metamorphosis) was first published in 1915. His work, which fuses elements of realism and the fantastic, typically features isolated protagonists faced by bizarre or surrealistic predicaments and incomprehensible social-bureaucratic powers, and explores themes of alienation, existential anxiety, guilt and absurdity. Re-interpreted in 1972 by playwright, Steven Berkoff, Metamorphosis expresses certain basic conflicts in the human condition: What is real and what is fantasy? How can we exist in the inflexible, bureaucratic structures of employment and mundane daily life? How do we fit into our family, our community, and the world? Why do we feel isolated and dis-connected from others? What is the ultimate freedom from human suffering?

At a time when connectedness has never been more prevalent in our global community, via mass communication and driven by technology, we appear more dis-connected than ever before. Differences of race, class, culture, language and gender have never been more high profile, and seemingly acceptable, and yet remain the sources of our greatest fear, anxiety and conflict. Perhaps our greatest contemporary fear is that of the ‘other’? Twenty first century society propels the notion of choice, freedom of speech and democracy, where individualism is made to appear desirable and powerful. Yet, in amongst all this apparent freedom, never have people been more easily manipulated, channelled, segregated and controlled into rigid patterns of living, acting, thinking and behaving.

Tickets R50 – bookings on 033 343 6100 or twoodgate@stannes.co.za

ROYAL BALLET FILM AT RHUMBELOW

 

Rhumbelow Theatre will screen Wayne McGregor’s acclaimed ballet Woolf Works on March 15 at 14h00. (Filmed live on February 9, 2026).

(Venue opens 60 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

Running time: 195 minutes with two intervals

 

Roland Stansell, who runs Rhumbelow Theatre welcomes ballet lovers to the Royal Opera House Season 2025/2026. He says: “These presentations are Live Streamed Events, with intervals, starring some of the world’s top performers. They are also recorded for venues such as The Rhumbelow Theatre and we are proud to bring you this series of Cinema experiences, as we endeavour to provide entertainment to appeal to everyone.”

Wayne McGregor’s acclaimed triptych Woolf Works was broadcast live to cinemas on February 9, 2026. Royal Ballet Principal dancer Natalia Osipova will perform the role of Clarissa / Virginia Woolf in the cinema broadcast.

Receiving its premiere in 2015, Woolf Works was McGregor’s first full-length work for The Royal Ballet and subsequently won both the 2016 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production and the 2015 Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Classical Choreography.

Woolf Works recreates the emotions, themes and fluid style of three of Virginia Woolf’s celebrated novels - Mrs Dalloway, Orlando, and The Waves - as well as elements of her autobiographical writings that echo aspects of her eventful life. With dramaturgy by Uzma Hameed, the ballet is presented as a series of multi-sensory collages, utilising designs from McGregor, Ciguë, and We Not I alongside lighting design by Lucy Carter, film design by Ravi Deepres, costumes by Moritz Junge and make-up design by Kabuki.

The performance is set to a specially commissioned score from Max Richter, who combines classical and electronic sounds together with spoken word to create an atmospheric soundscape for the work. This soundscape features a rare recording of Woolf reading her essay On Craftmanship, and a recording of actress Gillian Anderson reading Woolf’s haunting suicide note.

 

Creative Team

Direction and choreography: Wayne McGregor

Music: Max Richter

Designer: Ciguë, We Not I and Wayne McGregor

Costume designer: Moritz Junge

Lighting designer: Lucy Carter

Film designer: Ravi Deepres

Sound designer: Chris Ekers

Make-up designer: Kabuki

Dramaturgy: Uzma Hameed

Conductors: Koen Kessels/ Martin Georgiev

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

 

Under the directorship of Kevin O’Hare, The Royal Ballet unites tradition and innovation in world-class performances and is a driving force in the development of ballet as an art form. Based at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, it brings together today’s most dynamic and versatile dancers with a world-class orchestra and leading choreographers, composers, conductors, directors and creative teams to share awe-inspiring theatrical experiences with diverse audiences worldwide. The Company’s extensive repertory embraces 19th-century classics, the singular legacy of works by Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton and Principal Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan, a compelling new canon of work by choreographers today including Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor and Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon, and the bold and complementary programming in the Linbury Theatre. Guest choreographers Kyle Abraham, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Cathy Marston, Arthur Pita, Crystal Pite, Hofesh Shechter, Pam Tanowitz, Mthuthuzeli November, Jessica Lang, Gemma Bond and Twyla Tharp have also created work for the Company.

Tickets R175. Bookings is essential on email:  roland@stansell.co.za or Webtickets.

Food available at the venue. Bar available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises)

Limited secure parking available

For more information contact 0824998636.

 

BRIDGING PERSPECTIVES DURBAN EXHIBITION

 

Bridging Perspectives: Durban exhibition celebrates Neurodiversity and Autism Awareness Through Art

 

The Art Club Foundation, in collaboration with Ayanda I am Art Gallery and Open Air School, is proud to announce Bridging Perspectives, a landmark inclusive art exhibition opening this April at the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA) Gallery.

Timed to coincide with World Autism Awareness Month, the exhibition showcases the unique creative voices of neurodiverse individuals alongside neurotypical artists. The collection aims to challenge societal stigmas and foster a deeper understanding of the autistic experience through visual storytelling.

Ayanda Gumede, project lead, says: "This exhibition is more than a display of talent; it is a catalyst for social change. By bringing these diverse perspectives into a premier public space like the KZNSA, we are advocating for a more inclusive South African arts landscape where every voice regardless of neurological makeup is heard and valued."

 

Exhibition Highlights:

-A World of Sensory Art: Diverse mediums including painting, sculpture, and digital works that reflect neurodiverse perceptions of the world.

-Community Dialogue: A series of inclusive workshops and artist-led talks designed for both families and art professionals.

-Bridging the Gap: A collaborative mural project featuring students from the Open Air School.

 

The opening reception will take place on April 2, 2026, at 18h00. Members of the public, educators, and the media are invited to attend.

The exhibition runs from April 1 to 12, 2026, at the KZNSA Gallery, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban. Admission: Free to the public.

 

About The Art Club Foundation:

Established in 2022, The Art Club Foundation (NPO: 291-982) is dedicated to using art as a vehicle for community empowerment and social advocacy, with a specific focus on neurodiversity and youth development.

HILTON SCHILDER FOR CENTRE FOR JAZZ

 

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents South African jazz legend Hilton Schilder on Wednesday February 25 2026 at 17h30.

This performance is an album launch of his 46th album, Crooks & Nannies, and is a part of the 16th SAJE Conference 2026 Theme: Indigenous Musical Elements in South African Jazz: Exploring Theory and Practice. The conference Dates: February 25–27, 2026.

The evening opens with a solo piano performance by Hilton, followed by a powerful set with the Hilton Schilder Trio, exploring Cape jazz, indigenous classical music, improvisation, and original compositions.

Hilton Schilder – piano, percussion & electronics

Clayton Norman Pretorius – bass

Kurt Bowers – drums

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

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1587411940 or cash at the door

Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (CJPM) is located at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Mazisi Kunene Road, Glenwood, Durban.

 

 

JANE BEDFORD: ABUNDANCE

 

(Work by Jane Bedford. Pic supplied)

 

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

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

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

POWER OF HERITAGE-LED CRAFT

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RUSTY RED FOR MITH

 

(Rusty Red. Pic supplied)

 

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

 MiTH – 25 February 2026

Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Entrance: R50 (cash or Zapper at the door)

Info: 082 331 7271

 

20h30 – RUSTY RED

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

 

19h40 – GRACE & THE BIG GUY

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

  

19h00 – DAVID GENGAN & ERIN NAIKER

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

 

ABOUT MiTH

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

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

 

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH

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

 

 

KZNPO SUMMER SEASON 2026

 

(Yasuo Shinozaki. Pic supplied)

 

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

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

 

(Bryan Cheng. Pic supplied)

 

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

 

Tickets: Quicket

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

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

 

Concert One: Thursday March 5

Conductor: Yasuo Shinozaki

Soloist: Bryan Cheng, cello

 

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

Britten: Simple Symphony Op 4

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

Schubert: Symphony in B minor, D759, Unfinished

 

 

Concert Two: Thursday March 12

Conductor: Conrad van Alphen

Soloist: Ludmil Angelov, piano

 

Faure: Masques et bergamasques Op 112

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

Chopin: Grande polonaise brilliante, Op 22

Beethoven: Symphony No 2, Op 36 in D Major

 

No open morning rehearsals for the Summer Symphony Season

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

OUR STORIES OUR VOICES

 

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

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

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

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

For further information contact Adi on 0837250925.

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

Funded by the National Arts Council.

 

HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

The following are highlights on the History Channel:

 

The Proof is Out There S5

February 21

Saturdays 19h25

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

 

The Curse Of Oak Island S13

February 27

Fridays 20h15

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

 

THE MANY WAYS OF BEING FOR ST CLEMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Registered Clinical Psychologist.

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

Weather permitting, the function will be outdoors.

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

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

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

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

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road in Durban

TOO LATE TO BE TOO EARLY

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 - Hilarious takes on everyday life

- Personal stories from his upbringing

- Societal and cultural observations

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

 

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

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

The venue opens 90 minutes before show.

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

Limited secure parking available

For more information contact 0824998636.

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

POWER AND PLAY FOR 29TH TIME OF THE WRITER FESTIVAL

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS RETURNS TO THE BERG

 

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

 

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

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

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

A festival rooted in place, people and purpose

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

Music in the Mountains 2026 programme highlights

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

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

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

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

Celebrating legacy and lifelong connection

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

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

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

 

HLONIPHANIART FOR CENTRE FOR JAZZ

 

(Right: HloniphaniArt. Pic supplied)

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

Event Details

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Doors Open: 17h00

Music Starts: 17h30

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

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

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