Category: on our radar

Why Zanzibar’s Sauti za Busara music festival should be on your to-do list

Zanzibar’s Sauti za Busara music festival is one of the most exciting and diverse in Africa, with three stages and 400 musicians from around the continent.

The Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar is at its most magical in February, when it puts on one of the best music festivals in Africa. 

 Stone Town, Zanzibar: The fiery-orange sunset turns the ocean into liquid gold and casts its light on the buildings around Forodhani Gardens, where the nightly food market is being set up. Young boys run across the gardens to jump, curl and twist as they hurl their bodies into the sea. I make my way through the crowd of people who have been following a street parade led by drumming and dancing troupes. The dancers permeate the crowd, still moving to the sound of the distant drum beat. One of them walks to a backpack and pulls out a python, then uses it as part of the act. After that, various other troupes compete for the crowd’s attention, and Maasai dancers begin to jump in rhythm. The growing crowd of onlookers, made up mostly of local families and tourists, give them a round of applause before our attention moves to other performers at the gardens…

From left: Zakes Bantwini from SA, Revellers at the festival. Images: Nayssa Said

THE MAIN EVENT

Some people follow the sound of music coming from across the street at the Old Fort, where two stages have been set up for the more than 50 bands that will keep us on our feet until after midnight for the next four days. This is Sauti za Busara, a spellbinding, booty-shaking and feet-stomping party unlike any other in Zanzibar – or Africa, for that matter.

The festival is a celebration of Africa’s rich musical catalogue, showcasing musicians from around the continent. The lineup includes artists from the island as well as from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Burundi, Malawi, Réunion, Morocco, Ethiopia, Sudan and even Somaliland. There is folk music, hip-hop, rumba, roots, afro pop, afro-beat, afropunk, fusion, jazz, reggae, taraab and bongo flava, among other music genres. In the past, South Africa has been represented by Thandiswa Mazwai, Tumi and the Volume, Zakes Bantwini, Kwani Experience, Ihashi Elimhlophe and The Moreira Project among others.

 

 PARTY WITH UBUNTU

I have been coming to this festival on and off since 2012, and every edition is the same treat: bands from parts of the continent that never make it to other music festivals around Africa; song and dance day and night around the normally conservative island that shuns hard-partying; and a crowd of more than 10 000 revellers losing themselves to the heady sights and sounds. It is not uncommon to see strangers running to each other for hugs and to dance together.

Even though crowds are thick, there is always a sense of camaraderie. For example, how everyone lets children watch performances from just behind the mosh pit, or how professional photographers use their prime position in front of the stage to take pictures not just of the musicians, but of other revellers too. This spirit follows us around after the festival to the many after-parties and jam sessions held in cafes and restaurants around Stone Town. To be in Zanzibar at any time of the year is wonderful, but being here during Sauti za Busara is a magical experience that’s hard to find at other festivals.

The next festival takes place from 7 to 10 February 2019 and will feature three stages and 44 shows by 400 artists. For more details, go to www.busaramusic.org

TRAVEL WITH EDGARS CLUB

With exclusive savings on flights, accommodation, car hire and holiday packages for Edgars Club members only, getting to your destination is quick, easy and affordable through Edgars Travel Club. Click here for more details. Not yet an Edgars Club member? Click here to join.

WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS

Busara’s other drawcard is its setting. Zanzibar is beautiful and lives up to every cliché of a tropical paradise, with turquoise water and soft, white-sand beaches. However, there is more to the island than its picture-perfect shoreline:

 1. 

Explore ancient culture

 Zanzibar is off the Swahili coast, which runs from Northern Mozambique to Kenya and Mogadishu in Somalia. The coast has in the past fallen under the dominion of Omani sultans, Indian merchants and Portuguese colonialists. Each culture has left behind its influence, which, combined with local traditions, birthed the now eclectic Swahili culture. A walking tour of Stone Town will give you a taste of life in the heartland of the Swahili coast and a window into its past. Start at Darajani market and include St Joseph’s Cathedral and the House of Wonders, which is the largest and tallest building in Zanzibar. Take in the traditional ancient royal doors, which have been here for centuries, and pop into the coffee shops and rooftop bars for epic views.

2. 

A taste of Zanzibar 

The Zanzibar archipelago is sometimes referred to as the Spice Islands, and a tour of its spice farms is a must-do. Your guide will share his knowledge about the various spices, invite you to identify some by taste, and regale you with funny anecdotes about what they are used for beyond cooking. The tour ends with a deliciously spiced lunch and a drink of fresh coconut water (watching one of the farm workers shimmy up a tree to fetch the coconuts is mesmerising).

3. 

Sail in style 

Go back to the days of the sultans, when traditional sailboats known as dhows were the transport du jour. A two-hour cruise is accompanied by music and drinks, and captained by boatmen who are full of wild and entertaining (though possibly far-fetched) tales. Listening to live taraab music against the backdrop of an epic Zanzibar sunset is a real highlight.

4. 

Meet some wild local residents

A day trip to Changuu Island remains one of the most popular excursions (despite its macabre alternate name: Prison Island). Just five kilometres by dhow from Stone Town, the island is home to giant tortoises, which visitors can observe and feed. Cool off afterwards with a little snorkelling (which you don’t have to be a good swimmer to experience) or just chill out at Nakupenda Beach for a relaxed end to the tour.

5. 

Swim with dolphins 

Of everything there is to experience in Zanzibar, nothing stands out more for me than swimming with dolphins at Kizimkazi Village. If you’re not a good swimmer, you can still see dolphins up close from the dhow. If you do swim, you get to experience being in the water with these gentle and friendly animals. It’s worth the early morning wake-up call, and the tour ends with a simple but delicious lunch.

QUICK TIPS

  • Getting there: Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, SAA and Mango all offer flights to Zanzibar. 
  • Money: Zanzibar uses the Tanzanian shilling (R1 = about Tsh161). There are several ATMs connected to the Visa and Mastercard networks, as well as Forex bureaus.
  • Shopping: Pick up spices, essential oils and beauty products made from spices, as well as local art and colourful swathes of kanga fabric.
  • Treat yourself: Indulge in a traditional spa session, traditionally given to brides before their wedding.
    • Eat: The night market at Forodhani Gardens has a variety of grilled seafood including tuna, calamari, prawns, line fish, lobster and shark. Have a go at the Zanzibar pizza and a soup called orujo. 

      By Lerato Mogoatlhe
      Additional images: Getty Images

        Let’s talk about the Huawei Y Series

        All the features you love at a fraction of the cost? Sign us up!
        The high-end phone market is a saturated and competitive place, with brands trying to outdo each other in functionality and tech features. It has us wondering, ‘What about the rest of us?’ Huawei answered this call with the release of the 2018 Y Series – five phones that address the needs of the young (or young at heart) with the functionality you love at a price you can afford. Here are the highlights of each model:
        The Y 7 2018 is designed for those who love gaming. Get lost in the 5.99 inch display, which offers a more immersive gaming experience with detailed graphics and audio. The Y 6 2018 is made for those who enjoy music on the go, as well as those who like to sing and share their performances with friends. The Y 5 Prime and Y 5 Lite 2018 are perfect for first-time mobile users and those looking for an inexpensive device with a seamless user experience. The Y 3 2018 features Android Go, a lite version of the current Oreo operating system, which optimises the device performance while making it more efficient.
        No matter which device you choose, the great thing about the Y Series is that all of them look as good as they perform, with sleek and fashionable designs, wide displays and ergonomically designed curved screens. They also have split-screen mode, which allows you to multitask between two applications at any given time. And, as with any modern Huawei, the camera quality is insane. Other cool functions include Face Unlock (Y 5 Lite, Y 5 Prime 2018, Y 6 2018 and Y 7 2018) and impressive battery life.

        We mentioned that the Y Series comes at a fraction of the cost of high-end smartphones. What do we mean by that? Retailing between 999 and 2999, the price is almost unheard of for a phone range delivering this level of performance.

        Content partnership with Huawei

        Is your home protected?

        Make sure your house and the valuable contents within it are protected with an insurance plan you can trust, knowing you will be covered.

        When you go away for the holidays, the last thing you expect to return to is a burgled or damaged house. Plan ahead with an insurance policy that plans for the unexpected – giving you more time to organise your much needed holiday.
        Getty Images
        End-of-year-burnout is real. You’ve probably been planning your holiday for the last few months, waiting for the time when you can finally kick back, relax and enjoy your free time without any work or school-related worries. Make sure that you really can go away knowing your home and its contents are covered should something happen. Because the last thing you want is to return home and deal with the consequences of a house that’s been burgled or damaged by a major water leak. With the Edgars Home Plan, your house will be restored back to the condition in which you left it, in no time at all. Giving you one less thing to worry about during your holiday.

        The Edgars Home Protect plan provides cover against accidental damage to your home and covers stolen possessions in the event of a burglary.

        For R49.50 per month, you can get cover of up to R100 000. Get R50 000 in the event of a natural disaster causing damage to structures and walls or accidental damage to structures and walls. Or get R50 000 in the event of a natural disaster causing damage to home contents or accidental damage to home contents. Or get  R15 000 in the event of theft of household contents (limited to two incidents per year). 

        BY THE WAY:

          • Premiums for your insurance products are collected via payment on your retail account
          • For continued insurance cover, please ensure that your account is paid in full on a monthly basis.
          • Available in South Africa only.
          • Damage excludes owner carelessness.
          • An excess of R100 applies to every claim.
          • Benefit cover excludes informal dwellings (i.e. mud house, shack)
          • No waiting periods apply.

            This list is only a summary, highlighting some of the policy conditions and exclusions. The full conditions and exclusions will be sent to you within thirty (30) days of enrolment.
            Call 0860 555 334 or speak to an insurance agent in store. Standard rates apply.
            This product is underwritten by the Hollard Insurance Company Limited (Reg. No. 1952/003004/06), an Authorised Financial Services Provider. Edcon is a juristic representative of Hollard. Terms and conditions apply.
            This post is sponsored by Hollard Financial Services
            *Character for illustrative purposes only

            Dare to explore Victoria Falls

            Victoria Falls in neighbouring Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s most popular tourist attractions, and with excellent reason.
            By far the most popular destination in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is returning to its heyday, when tourists flocked to the town for epic experiences that cater to all types of travellers. 
            Bungee jumping from Vic falls is Zim's most famous tourist activity
            It’s Sunday afternoon at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and as countless tourists clad in safari suits and cargo pants stand at a viewing point to behold the Victoria Falls thundering so close to us that we become wet from its mist, I can’t help but befriend the couple next to me. I’m travelling alone but as my time in Vic Falls comes to an end, I need to marvel about my time here with people who’ll know exactly what I mean when I say this is one of the best experiences Southern Africa has to offer. Here, travel brochures come to life and every moment is infused with wonder.

             

            Be daring

            The Victoria Falls bridge lives up to its reputation as one of the best places in the world from which to bungee jump. The town’s premier playground offers zip-lining, swinging and sliding. However, it’s the bungee jump that has a small group of people smiling nervously and trying to swap places in the queue. I stand on the ledge with one of the operators, suddenly frozen with fear as I look down 110m below me. ‘You must throw yourself down at the count of three and remember to cross your hands over your face whenever you swing forward.’ A few seconds later, I’m in the air with my screams echoing around the hills; for eight seconds, all 113kg of me is suddenly weightless and my initial anxiety is replaced with sheer joy. This is one of the most thrilling things I have ever experienced.

             

            A wild time

            A game ranger talks us through the rules of engaging with the lions at the Victoria Falls National Park: whatever we do, we should not move suddenly or forget that, while the two cubs, named Pendo and Phezulu, act like kittens around the rangers, they are still wild at heart. He gives us walking sticks and leads us to the open veld where our one-hour trek will start. The cubs arrive shortly after us. They are feeling petulant and lie down for close to 20 minutes. In the meantime, we take turns to kneel behind them for up-close pictures. When our walk starts, it’s along a footpath that takes us over a small creek. Pendo and Phezulu keep disappearing into the bush before finally settling under a tree to escape the scorching morning sun. Like all wildlife excursions, Lion Encounters is a hit or miss affair depending on how the animals feel. Just when I think this morning is a miss, one of the cubs walks next to me for about 10 minutes. When they’re older, they will be released into the wild as part of Lion Encounters’ rehabilitation programme, which is aimed at making sure the endangered species doesn’t face extinction due to trophy hunting.
            sunset cruise
            The sunset cruise is one of the more relaxed activities in Vic Falls

            Cruising the Zambezi

            Retrace the route David Livingstone took when he first sailed to the Victoria Falls more than 150 years ago by embarking on a sunset cruise down the Zambezi River. It is subdued compared to other experiences, but no less epic. The cruise is also one of the more budget-friendly experiences depending on its duration and the type of boat you decide on. As always, the Falls thunder in the distance while hippos and crocodiles bob their heads in and out the water. We watch the sun dipping into the horizon with complimentary cocktails and wine in hand, and watch various species of birds take flight. In a moment that I have come to associate with being in Victoria Falls, we spot an elephant playing in the water. For people with more time on their hands, the cruise also offers dinner.

             

            Thrills and spills

            The Zambezi River has grade-five rapids that only the most experienced water-sports lovers dare to brave. You hear the rapids roar long before the raft gets close to them. With names like ‘Deep Throat’, ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and ‘Oblivion’, the experience sounds like we’re flirting with danger. It is the best fun I’ve had in water – mostly because safety always comes first. Like all rafting trips, ours starts with a safety brief on what to expect when we’re in the water and how to climb back into the raft when it has overturned – which happens at every rapid. We also get a life jacket, safety helmet and a paddle. All trips are accompanied by a safety crew in a separate kayak. True to its reputation, the Zambezi overturns our raft and sends water gushing into our mouths and noses. The head rush is dizzying and the experience unforgettable. Like most excursions here, rafting can be tailored depending on how much time you have. The shortest is a half-day trip, while those who are more daring can opt to spend several days rafting and camping along the riverbank.
            Zambezi river
            Rafting the Zambezi’s grade-five rapids is daring and fun.

            Take flight

            The life and memory of David Livingstone looms large at Victoria Falls. I follow his proverbial steps once again with a 13-minute flight in a light aircraft that leaves a lasting impression of the town. The ‘flight of angels’ starts at Maramba Aerodrome, where I wait 30 minutes for my turn to soar. Aside from our captain, there are only three passengers in our aircraft, which affords all of us an equal opportunity to enjoy the views. With our earmuffs on and bodies strapped into our seats, we set off for a breathtaking experience that takes us over the Zambezi National Park, the Falls and the bridge. We circle over the area several times and hover above the waterfalls. While we don’t spot any of the abundant wildlife in the park, the experience lives up to Livingstone’s words when he wrote, ‘A scene so lovely it must have been gazed upon by angels in the flight.’ It’s a fitting way to end my weekend in a town that’s once again open for business and tourists.

             

            Before you go

            • Getting there: British Airways and SAA have direct flights from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Visit flysaa.com and britishairways.com. 
            • Where to stay: Accommodation on offer includes a wide range of options such as campsites, self-catering chalets and luxury spa hotels. Find them through booking.com and trivago.co.za. 
            • Bookings: Shearwater Victoria Falls responds to online enquiries within 24 hours. It also offers significant discounts if you book all activities through the company, shearwatervictoriafalls.com 
            • Experiences: Victoria Falls also offers rhino encounters, elephant walks, game drives and crocodile cage-diving among an array of experiences that feature adrenalin highs and gentler pursuits. While days are very hot, early mornings and evenings are chilly, so remember to take a coat and an umbrella or a raincoat when you visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for an up-close view of the waterfalls. If you are feeling particularly brave, you can take a dip at Devil’s Pool at the edge of the Falls. 
            • Photography and videos: Pictures and video footage of experiences are charged for separately should you want them. 
            • Cash: All excursions can be paid for using a bank or credit card. The town uses both American dollars and rand. Zimbabwe still experiences cash-flow problems, so it’s advisable to withdraw money for cabs, tips and other miscellaneous expenses while still in South Africa. 

             

            Exclusive holiday offers!

            Edgars Club members get savings on flights, accommodation, car hire and travel packages. For more info and to find out what’s on offer this month, go to edgarsclub.co.za or follow us on Facebook.

            Words Lerato Mogoatlhe

            Why healthy credit is good for you

            Here’s how to be in debt that’s not scary and doesn’t drown you, but rather is good for you and your financial future.

            You need to have credit to have a credit score. And a good credit score can get you what you want. Here’s how to get on the bureau’s radar.

            After securing your first job, you muster up the courage to approach a car dealership and put down a deposit for your first set of wheels. But you quickly find out that your credit score is inadequate; or more specifically, that you don’t have a credit score at all.

            When getting advice on how to remedy this, you constantly hear a single phrase: ‘Just open an Edgars account’. Rumour has it that paying off a pair of shoes can establish your credit record, and have it blossom into a meaningful reference.

            ‘I am no financial expert, but I do know that “opening an Edgar’s account” works,’ says Nalene de Klerk, a Pretoria based, media and research liaison.

            ‘I was told to open an account in order to put me on the map with credit providers, so I opened two accounts: one with Edgars and one with another reputable clothing franchise,’ explains De Klerk. 

            After a year she decided to open a credit account at her local bank, and her credit score with Edgars provided a great reference. However, the other retailer’s information didn’t reflect at all.

            ‘I guess that’s why people specifically refer to Edgars. They put my credit information on the system, and the other retailer did not,’ De Klerk remarks.

            Why do retail credit accounts, like Edgars, work?

            According to Garnet Jensen, senior director at TransUnion Interactive, one of the top credit bureaus in South Africa, they look at a consumer’s historic credit usage patterns to understand their particular ability to manage and meet their credit commitments.

            ‘It is therefore more difficult for a credit provider to assess a consumer’s credit worthiness with little or no credit history,’ says Jensen.

            She advises customers to start building a credit history with smaller credit-based purchases, rather than with large items, like a house or a car. Although the latter is possible, they are onerous and should be taken on by consumers with experience in managing smaller credit commitments first. 

            ‘Credit agreements available through retailers, are seen as a good first step, as the credit amount and terms are more manageable for someone who is new to credit,’ says Jensen.

            An Edcon spokesperson agrees that obtaining credit from a retailer is far easier than entering into a higher purchase credit agreement with banks and dealerships.

            ‘For credit decisions (e.g. home loan or vehicle finance applications) to be made, consumers do need a credit record to enable access to these forms of credit,’ the spokesperson says.

            However, she cautions against opening too many retail credit accounts, which could be seen in a negative light by credit bureaus. A natural next step would be to follow in De Klerk’s footsteps, and enquire about opening a credit card with a small manageable credit limit.
            Convinced? Open your Edgars account here and get 1750 in vouchers if you also join Edgars Club.

            Words: Isabelle Coetzee. Originally published in justmoney.co.za

            Ever wonder how Black Friday started?

            Popular in the US since 1952, Black Friday marks the day after Thanksgiving, and people generally take this day off in order to have a four-day weekend (and start their Christmas shopping).

            While Black Friday is relatively new to South Africa, it has been a popular event in the US since 1952.  

            The history of Black Friday explained

            The fourth Friday of November marks the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, and people generally take this day off in order to have a four-day weekend (and to start their Christmas shopping). This day off increased the number of potential shoppers and marked the opening of the festive season, and a time when many businesses went from being ‘in the red’ to ‘being in the black’ from a profit perspective. Thus, the term Black Friday was born. The origin of the concept of Black Friday dates back to 1952, but the term was only widely recognised in the early 2000s.

            Then what happened?

            Eventually, other countries began to adopt this phrase as a retail publicity stunt to boost sales and it caught on like wildfire.
             

            How can you score with Black Friday?

            But enough of the history lesson. Point is, you stand to benefit from *major* discounted prices, and any savvy shopper knows a good deal when they see one.

            Click here to be the first to know about Edgars’ Black Friday deals running from 22-25 November.


            Check out what’s happening in and around your city this May

            Find out what exciting events are taking place in Cape Town, Joburg, Durban, PE and Bloemfontein this May.

            From street food and monster trucks to Mother’s Day spoils and stand-up comedy, here’s what’s happening in your city this month.

            CAPE TOWN

            Decorex (1 – 5 May)
            Home-makers, interior designers, architects and full-time shoppers take note: Africa’s premier décor, design and lifestyle exhibition is coming to the CTICC. Offering design inspo, the latest décor trends and beautifully curated spaces, Decorex is a treasure trove of excellent finds that will transform any space into a stylish sanctuary. R110 for adults, R100 for students and pensioners, and R20 for children under 12. Tell me more.

            Riebeek Valley Olive Festival (4 – 5 May)
            Take some time out to enjoy life’s simple pleasures at the annual olive festival in the beautiful Riebeek Valley. The event is hosted by twin Swartland towns Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, and draws crowds of awesome people every year for a celebration of olives, wine, craft beer and moreish foods. R125 for a weekend pass, or R80 for a Sunday pass. Tell me more.

            Franschhoek Literary Festival 2019 (19 – 21 May)
            Authors, poets, editors and literary enthusiasts come together for a celebration of books and writers at this popular annual event in the Franschhoek valley. The programme includes literary discussions, book launches, writing workshops, classical music concerts, dinners and more. Tickets cost R70 per event. Tell me more.

            Food Truck Friday (31 May)
            Street food, cold beer, cool music, awesome vibe – can you think of a better way to wind down your week? We certainly can’t. Food Truck Fridays are hosted by Jack Black’s Brewing Co, one of SA’s leading craft-beer producers, and have been gaining popularity since the launch in 2016. Enjoy live entertainment by Matt Carstens and Crosscurrent as you tuck into street-style grub from Rocky’s BBQ (burgers, ribs, fries) and Dos Chido (Mexican fare), paired with Jack Black’s outstanding craft beers. Takes place on the last Friday of every month at Jack Black’s Tasting Room in Diep River. Entrance is free. Tell me more.

            JOBURG

            Barnyard Live Tour 2019 (2 – 4 May)
            Get your dose of the best medicine compliments of Barry Hilton’s hilarious stand-up comedy act at Barnyard Theatres in and around Joburg (Gold Reef City: 2 May, Rivonia: 3 May, Emperor’s Palace: 4 May). After performances in Australia, Canada, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, it’s fair to say that Barry Hilton is a worldwide favourite – catch him in action on local soil while you’ve got the chance! Entrance is R150 per person. Tell me more.

            Monster Jam Johannesburg (4 May)
            Experience the thrill of Monster Jam live at the FNB Stadium. The show features four-metre tall, five-ton custom-made monster trucks, racing, revving and ripping up a racetrack full of obstacles. The family-friendly event is suited to the young and the young at heart, as well as all lovers of motor and adventure sports. Tickets from R150 to R750 at Computicket. Tell me more.

            Huawei Joburg Day In The Park (4 May)
            Experience a memorable day out at the Joburg Botanical Gardens to the tune of some of SA’s biggest multi-generational artists, including Micasa, Matthew Mole, Beatenberg, DJ Zinhle and many more. Bring your cameras, blankets, picnic baskets, folding chairs and kids (there’s a kiddies play area) and prepare to get your chill on as you soak up the electric vibe. Ticket prices: R350 for adults, R150 for kids (ages 3 – 12 years), R1200 for a pack of 4. Tell me more.

            Vintage and Artisanal Market (12 May)
            Head down to the Vintage and Artisanal Market at The Parks in Dunkeld for the best in vintage Joburg fashion, antiques and collectables, as well as a variety of artisanal products, delicious foods, quality coffees and fine wines. It’s the perfect way to spend your Sunday before the start of another crazy week. Tell me more.

            Bedazzled (25 May)
            Enjoy a touch of glitz and glam with the Bedazzled cast as they bring their flavour of jazz-inspired acrobatics to the Barnyard Theatre in Rivonia. Director and choreographer Sheila Flaherty will be working her magic, bringing something unique and fresh to the performance. Entrance is R180 per person. Tell me more.

            DURBAN

            Durban Boat and Lifestyle Show (2 – 5 May)
            This multi-staged event is spread across the Durban marina, uShaka Marine and Durban beach front, with the aim of showcasing Durban’s business and cultural offerings to local and international audiences. It focuses on ocean experience, aerospace, sport, entertainment and the business of art, and features various attractions – including a supervised kids area so parents can view the boats, cars and accessories at their leisure. Tell me more.

            TOPS at Spar Wine Show (9 – 11 May)
            Dubbed ‘South Africa’s Largest Touring “try and buy” Wine Event’, the Spar Wine Show returns to Durban for the seventh time at the Suncoast Casino, with the goal of creating a fun environment in which to learn about wine and the wine-making process. This year Suncoast is adding to the festivities with the Suncoast Globe, a 2000m2 semi-permanent structure with state of the art event infrastructure and audiovisual elements. For all lovers of wine and ‘edutainment’, this one’s for you. Tickets from R185. Tell me more.

            SA Bridal Fairs Exclusive Bridal Show (26 May)
            Have you said yes to the dress? If not, you’ll find all the inspiration you need at this exclusive wedding expo at The Hilton. It showcases bride and groom wedding apparel, wedding dresses, accessories, cosmetics, make-up, photography, cakes, flowers, décor products, venue location, cuisine and more! Whether you’re a wedding planner or simply planning your wedding, this one’s not to be missed. Tickets available via Quicket for R40pp, or pay R50pp on the day. Tell me more.

            PORT ELIZABETH

            Jan Blohm Live @ The Music Kitchen (10 – 11 MAY)
            Blues, rock, poetry – it’s all going on in Afrikaans singer/songwriter Jan Blohm’s latest music offering Die Liefde Album. Celebrate local talent and soak up the raw acoustic melodies and heartfelt lyrics from the ‘rock-koning van harte’ himself at his live performance taking place @ The Music Kitchen. Tickets available via Quicket for R150. Tell me more.

            I Love PE Wine Show Vintage Edition (10 – 11 May)
            This May marks the fourth epic I Love PE Wine Show at the fabulous Tramways Building. The event includes a line-up of top wine estates, great local restaurants, homegrown music talent, and like-minded wine lovers soaking up the vibe. What’s not to love? Tickets R150pp via Quicket, or R175pp at the door. No under 18s allowed. Tell me more.

            Mother’s Day High Tea (11 May)
            Treat your mom – or yourself – to an extravagant beauty, fragrance and wellness high tea hosted by beauty expert Liz Ferret at Kiplings Brasserie. Buffet style delicacies and Liz’s beauty and wellness insights make this the ultimate Mother’s Day ‘me time’ spoil. R155 per person. Tell me more.

            The Make-up and Hairstyling Masterclass 2019 (24 – 25 May)
            This exciting beauty event hosted by Total Concept Hair & Beauty Academy comprises two masterclasses: one for professional hairstylists and make-up artists who wish to learn industry secrets and techniques (Friday 24 May), and another for the general public on how to apply everyday make-up and style hair effortlessly (Saturday 25 May). Lunch and coffee are included, and each guest will receive a goodie bag from sought-after make-up artist Ryno Mulder and Veaudry International, suppliers of professional hairdressing tools. Cost: R650pp for Friday, R450pp for Saturday. Tell me more.

            BLOEMFONTEIN

            Karaoke Thursdays
            Singing in the shower getting old for you? Bring your voice to Diamond Lil’s at Windmill Casino every Thursday and sing your heart out to a captive audience. Free entry, no under 18s. Tell me more.

            Super Bloem Show (26 April – 4 May)
            This popular annual event at the Bloem Show Grounds features more than 400 exhibitors and 50 food stalls. The programme includes a dancing extravaganza, talent search competition, military parade, bodybuilding, wrestling, oval track racing and guest appearances by Demi Lee Moore and Bok van Blerk. Tickets are available from Computicket at R80 for adults, R50 for students and pensioners, and R30 for children. Tell me more.

            Coffee Extravaganza (31 May – 1 June)
            A coffee roasting culture is on the rise in South Africa, and the upcoming Coffee Extravaganza at Windmill Casino aims to address our growing interest with a celebration of all things coffee, including tastings, barista competitions and coffee appreciation sessions. If you’re a coffee lover, this one’s not to be missed! Tickets from R40pp. Tell me more.

            Up your Instagram game with the new Samsung Galaxy

            Samsung has the ultimate accessory of the season – the new Galaxy A Series, designed with the fashionable, effortlessly cool customer in mind.

            We all see those Instagram accounts that are always on point – pictures and places that seem airbrushed by a professional photographer. Then there are those that look effortlessly cool carrying their powerful, sleek devices. The good news is that you can now create the effect yourself… well, assuming you have a Samsung Galaxy A Series device. 
            CONTENT SPONSORED BY SAMSUNG
            Samsung has revealed the new and improved Galaxy A Series, including immersive viewing experiences, longer lasting battery performance and ground-breaking cameras. And because the A Series was created with affordability in mind, your bank balance will appreciate it too. All you need to do is choose the A Series device that best suits your specific needs. It’s all about amazing value. Whether you choose the entry level A2 Core with its 5-inch screen and surprisingly strong processor or the power packed performances of the Galaxy A10, A20 and A30, you can keep up with your most spontaneous moments.
            Designed for those constantly on the go, the A20 and A30 are both equipped with a powerful 4,000mAh, fast charging battery. They are also a visual feast. The edge-to-edge 6.4” Super AMOLED Infinity displays are ideal for watching videos, messaging, gaming and browsing – letting you live your life without missing a beat. Anything else is just nje. Created for a more seamless mobile experience, they include advanced camera features such as a dual camera, including an amazing Ultra Wide-angle lens, that can see more than your own eyes can. And to keep your new awesome pics safe, there’s the simple, secure access with intuitive Face Unlock. These devices also have a smart Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant ready to give you that next level help when you need it (Bixby Vision). It uses your camera to help you do things like shop online or translate signs, and along with other awesome features, it gives you that added edge, from fashion to travel.

            The entire A Series is power-packed with innovations. However, the upgrades have taken each device to a level that empowers you to do so much more. The additional enhancements include:

            A2 Core

            •    5” display
            •    Battery – 2,600mAh Battery
            •    Storage – 8GB

            A10

            •    6.2” Infinity-V display
            •    Battery – 3,400mAh
            •    Storage – 32GB

            A20/30

            A20: 6.4” Infinity V / A30: 6.4” Infinity-U display
            •    Ultra wide dual camera
            •    Battery – 4000mAh
            •    Storage – (A30) 64GB (A20) 32GB