Lifestyle & Culture

Heineken House: A fusion of culture like never before
South Africa: #HeinekenHouse, a fusion of culture like never before
Red Bull BC One National Finals 2024 | Red Bull Content Pool Tyrone Bradley Breaking is a huge part of South African dance culture and to understand the nuance of how we got to where we are today, it’s important to take a walk back through time. Emerging from the vibrant streets of New York City in the late 1970s, b-boying and hip-hop culture quickly spread across the globe, igniting a movement that united dancers from Europe and Africa to Australia and Asia. Breaking crews began battling on international stages, showcasing their unique styles and skills. Then, in 2004, Red Bull BC One revolutionised the breaking world by introducing the first major international competition dedicated to individual B-Boys. Hosted in Biel, Switzerland, the event set a new standard, shifting the spotlight to personal artistry and redefining what breaking competitions could be. Nearly two decades ago, this groundbreaking competition made its way to South Africa, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s breaking scene. Red Bull BC One’s one-on-one battle format sparked a cultural shift, fostering a movement that has shaped and nurtured local talent. By championing both fierce competition and grassroots development, the platform has become a cornerstone of breaking’s evolution in Mzansi, discovering world-class dancers and celebrating the spirit of the culture. This year, the journey feels even more significant. Breaking debuted on the Olympic stage in Paris 2024, cementing its status as a global sport and art form. As the world now recognises breaking for the high-energy, dynamic discipline it is, Red Bull BC One South Africa 2025 looks to once again honour the culture, creativity and passion that have fueled the movement. Red Bull BC One National Finals | Red Bull Content Pool Tyrone Bradley In line with this, the 2025 series will once again feature a dual focus featuring competition as well as workshops. The competition element kicks off with Regional Cyphers taking place in three major cities: Johannesburg on 25 January 2025, Port Elizabeth on 1 February 2025, and Cape Town on 8 February 2025. These high-energy events will spotlight the best breakers from each region as they battle head-to-head for the coveted opportunity to compete in the National Final. Then, from 26–28 March 2025, the Hero Tour will take breaking culture directly to the people, connecting legends of the scene with dance local communities across South Africa. Global icon Leewill headline the tour, sharing their expertise through hands-on workshops, electrifying exhibition battles, and intimate discussions about the craft of breaking. Following this, the National Final will take place on 29 March 2025, where top breakers will face off to determine who will represent South Africa at the Red Bull BC One World Final. This epic event promises thrilling battles, intense rivalries and unforgettable performances. Red Bull BC One South Africa 2025 is more than a competition—it is a celebration of breaking culture and community. Whether you’re a seasoned breaker or an avid fan, this is your chance to be part of the action.
South Africa:18 years of Red Bull BC One 
Nigeria: Qing Madi kicks off 2025 as Spotify EQUAL artist for January
Always ahead of the curve, Apple Music’s Africa Rising campaign kicks off the new year by introducing the next generation of African superstars,
Apple Music’s Africa Rising introduces the class of ‘25
The 51st National Arts Festival is in production and as of 1 October, artists have a window to apply to be part of the multidisciplinary showcase through the 2025 Festival’s Fringe programme. The Fringe drives renewal and diversity in the arts, not only at the National Arts Festival but as part of an ecosystem of independent works that travel the country’s theatres and often go beyond South Africa onto international stages. It’s also a platform for artists to test new work and generate income from ticket sales. This year, the National Arts Festival has shifted the window for applications for the Fringe to a shorter time frame and earlier date to allow artists, and the Festival, to plan further in advance. Applications for the Fringe opened on 1 October and close on 29 November 2024. All applications are submitted online via the submission form which can be found on the National Arts Festival’s website www.nationalartsfestival.co.za. Applications for work across all genres, including film, can be registered here and visual artists may make use of the separate form, which is also on the website, that deals with the specific requirements of visual arts works. The Fringe is an open access ground for testing new work, exploring peers’ work from around the country and exposing works to producers and programmers. It’s also a platform for crowd-pleasing comedy, music and magic. It’s where Festival-goers often go for fun and many of the repeat performers on the Fringe produce entertaining works that diverse audiences and families enjoy. “Reflecting on the last 50 years of the National Arts Festival, as we have this year, really brought home the importance of the Fringe to shape and extend the Festival, but it’s also a vital space for the future of the country’s creativity,” says Nqobile Mbhele, National Arts Festival’s Associate Producer. Entries close at midnight SAST on 29 November 2024 and artists will be notified by the end of January 2025 as to whether their works can be accommodated at the 2025 National Arts Festival which will be hosted in Makhanda from 26 June to 6 July.
Artists invited to apply for the 2025 National Arts Festival Fringe
Hennessy, the world’s leading cognac brand, once again took centre stage as the headline partner of Africa’s biggest hip-hop festival, Back to the City 2024. This collaboration showcased Hennessy’s commitment to shaping the landscape of urban music and culture in South Africa. The iconic event, held in Newtown, Johannesburg, brought together the vibrant elements of music, street art, and fashion, encapsulating the raw energy of South Africa’s hip-hop movement. And Hennessy was at the forefront of this celebration. Hennessy Back to the City featured over 100 local and international artists, 60 stalls, and various engaging activities, ensuring festival-goers were entertained throughout the night. Local stars such as Maglera Doe Boy, Stogie T, Cassper Nyovest and Blxckie electrified the stage, while international headliner Benny the Butcher delivered an unforgettable set, adding international flair to the celebration. The Hennessy Public Viewing Area provided festival goers with a space to enjoy expertly mixed Hennessy cocktails while enjoying prime views of the live concert. For those looking to pick up some limited edition gear, a merch store offered items from the exclusive Hennessy x Mitchell & Ness collaboration. Capping off the experience was the interactive Basketball Cube with 360° cameras, offering the ideal backdrop to capture unforgettable Back to the City moments. Invited guests were treated to a unique VIP experience, which left a lasting impression on attendees. Notable guests included Scoop Makhathini, LootLove, DJ Sabby, Ziggy, L-Tido and Slikour, who mingled with other key figures in the industry in a lively, exclusive setting just steps away from the event’s main attractions. “Hennessy’s brand identity is deeply influenced by the culture of hip-hop,” said Lungile Mpharu, Brand Manager at Hennessy South Africa. “Back to the City gave us the perfect platform to demonstrate Hennessy’s commitment to celebrating and elevating this space. We are a brand that goes beyond crafting iconic spirits; we champion the culture that defines us. This festival was an unforgettable, ‘you-had-to-be-there’ experience.” Hennessy continues to leave an indelible mark on urban culture worldwide. To stay connected and be part of future events where music, culture, and Hennessy intersect, follow Hennessy’s social media platforms:
Back to the City 2024: A festival celebrating the fusion of hip-hop, fashion & culture
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Tennis South Africa (TSA) and American Express are delighted to launch the Amex Tennis Town, a fan park during The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 held in Montecasino.
Tennis South Africa & American Express launch Amex Tennis Town
BWB Africa 2024 will bring together 30 boys and 30 girls from more than 20 African countries to learn directly from current and former NBA, WNBA and FIBA players.
NBA & International Basketball Federation’s Basketball Without Borders Africa Camp to return to SA
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Mscsports facilitates inaugural Toyota Cup in partnership with Kaizer Chiefs & Toyota SA
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