Gisbson Kente Lecture Review By Thami akaMbongo Manzana Soweto Theatre – 28 February 2025 Let us begin with the truth. The venue was not sold out , despite what was claimed on Soweto Theatre’s social media platforms. Optics matter. Integrity matters more. The event was scheduled for 3pm. It started an hour later. Some might argue that it was because of the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium. But if that was the case, then it exposes a deeper problem — a miscalculation in programming . Unless we were meant to miss the irony of hosting a lecture about the Father of Township Theatre at the same time as one of the biggest township sporting spectacles in the country. Programming is political. Timing is intentional. The Questions That Went Unanswered In the build-up to the lecture, there was visible discomfort within the artistic community regarding the selection of Mbuyiseni Ndlozi as Guest Speaker. When a photograph of Dr Ndlozi alongside James Ngco...

  EXCLUSIVE STORY Maskandi and Xigaza Now Officially Recognized as Genres on DistroKid In a groundbreaking development for South Africa’s traditional music sector, Maskandi and Xigaza have now been officially recognized as standalone genres on DistroKid — one of the world’s leading independent music distribution platforms. This milestone marks a significant victory for artists, producers, and cultural custodians who have long advocated for the proper categorization and global recognition of indigenous South African sounds in the digital music economy. For years, musicians working within Maskandi and Xigaza were forced to upload their music under broader or incorrect genre categories, limiting discoverability and reducing their ability to reach audiences actively searching for these specific sounds. The update now ensures that artists can accurately tag their work, making it easier for global listeners, curators, and streaming platforms to find and appreciate the richness of these...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10 South African Sopranos to Grace The Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre 25 February 2026, Johannesburg, South Africa –  Imibungazo Personality  Management Production, in partnership with the Joburg Theatre , proudly presents the  third instalment of 10 South African Sopranos , taking place on 28 and 29 March 2026 at  The Mandela theatre.                   Image  Source: Joburg Theatre Produced by acclaimed opera singer and arts entrepreneur Sibongile Mngoma , the  production continues to celebrate the richness and diversity of South African soprano  voices within a powerful sacred production format. The journey of 10 South African Sopranos began in 2013 at Carnival City, followed by a  successful second instalment at The Playhouse Company in 2023, which played to a  sold-out audience.  The 2026 staging at Joburg Theatre marks a significant continuation  of a producti...