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Multichoice launches ‘Talent Factory’ for Film and Television industry

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Multichoice launches ‘Talent Factory’ for Film and Television industry

MultiChoice Africa has launched a new and far-reaching Pan-African social investment initiative called the MultiChoice Talent Factory, created to significantly enhance the pool of talent and skills in the continent’s film and television production industry.

Said Lovemore Mangwende Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Zimbabwe: “This is an exciting development that will massively impact the world of film and television across Africa and will involve Zimbabwean film-makers in the training flowing from the MTF initiative.

“African development has long been focused on other economic sectors, leaving our creative industries to fend for themselves on the fringes of economic development,” he said.

“As a result, the film and television industry has not developed at the same rate as other sectors, and this is not for a lack of talent, passion or imagination.

“We are abundantly blessed in these areas, but the space given for this expression has, at best, been limited and, at worst, relegated to the fringes of the mainstream economy, leaving in its wake, unfulfilled dreams, unexplored talent and unwritten stories.

“As an African business, MultiChoice Africa and its partners and stakeholders across the continent are collaborating to make a positive socio-economic impact on the communities in which we live and work through the MultiChoice Talent Factory initiative.”

The MTF initiative will deliver three touch points that are being launched: the MTF academies, master classes and the MTF Portal.

The first to launch is the MTF Academy, a 12-month educational programme aimed at developing the skills of 60 deserving, young and talented people who want to work and innovate in film and television production. This will include candidates from Zimbabwe.

The MTF Academy students will be provided with skill sets to develop their talent, connect with industry professionals and help them tell African stories through a comprehensive curriculum comprising theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling.

The programme will take place at three regional MTF Academies, one of which is in Kenya for East Africa, another in Nigeria for West Africa and the third in Zambia for Southern African countries.

These will be overseen by acclaimed African film and television experts.

In Southern Africa, Lwando has been appointed as the Academy Director for the hub. Speaking on the appointment, he said:

Berry Lwando

“I am delighted to be a part of this great African renaissance, one that will not only tap into Africa’s latent but grow talent by up-skilling our young people to enable them to grow our creative industries.

“This is part of a game-changing era in which creative and productive skills will be developed to stimulate local content, allowing it to compete with the world’s best across any genre.

“For Southern Africa, the MultiChoice Talent Factory answers the questions of training and advancement in film production we have asked for a long time and provides us the local content solution we have desired. Nothing can be more rewarding to our creative industries.”

During the course of the programme, MTF Academy students will produce television and film content that will be aired on DStv’s M-Net channels, including Africa Magic, Zambezi Magic, M-Net and SuperSport, reaching audiences on various DStv platforms.

On graduating from the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy, the MTF students will leave the Academy with the knowledge and skills to contribute professionally to the film and television industry.

MultiChoice is now calling all aspiring young film and TV creatives to apply for the MTF Academy at www.multichoicetalentfactory.com.

The call for entry will close on July 5, after which 60 MTF students – a total of 20 in each of the three regions – will be selected from 13 African countries in which MultiChoice operates, including Zimbabwe.

The programme of training will start on October 1 this year.

Invitation to a One Night Stand With Ammara Brown

Michael Shoko
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Invitation to a One Night Stand With Ammara Brown

One thing we know for sure is that she will come barefooted for a rare hot weekend whose expectations have dominated conversations across different WhatsApp groups and Social media.

 

Her royal pop majesty Ammara Bown will on Friday take to the stage at Club 1+1 in what has been titled A One Night Stand with Ammara Brown.

And it will be exactly that.. A musical orgasm on Friday 1 June as we welcome the chills of winter

The definitive objective of the night is to overlook the fact that you will actually be wearing anything, as you let the tunes and the dance moves of Ammara be your full concentration as this will never be repeated.

Make sure to keep your hands free of anything save for holding onto your favourite beverage as the Akiliz goddess invites you into her musical world.

She will be aided by DJ Storm, DTL DJs with special appearances by DJ Towers and Zimboy who are sure to accompany you into a winter rupture excitement.

DTL fronted by Dee Nosh has been hosting a steady stream of sold-out live music events at Club 1+1 for a few months now. The show is costing $5 and $10 for the VIP.

Rewriting The Rules: Olinda launches Designs for the Plus-Size

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Rewriting The Rules: Olinda launches Designs for the Plus-Size

In the past years, a slew of new plus size labels have been introduced to the stores, serving what is already a big market.

 

Yet still there remain huge gaps in the retail space for the plus-size woman and UK-based businesswoman Olinda Chapel has taken up the challenge to launch her line called House of OC.

It’s not just body diversity fashion but it’s a savvy luxurious line that also includes lingerie and accessories.

We had a chat with Olinda, who recently won the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards UK female personality of the year.

We know you are an entrepreneur, but can you briefly explain to us what is House of OC and how did it come about?

House of OC is a women’s fashion retailer which we hope will be known for its figure-flattering clothing for all women of every shape and size.

The brand includes a full collection of custom-made pieces and general womenswear that also covers lingerie, swimwear, shoes and accessories.

We know women want to look good, can you tell us what influenced you to start House of OC?

As a plus size woman I have always struggled to find the right pieces that I wanted to dress myself in, in my size.

Most plus size outfit lack creativity and are very frumpy. My husband and I decided to come up with our own brand that would tick all these boxes.

Being a businesswoman the financial benefits played a part in the motivation. The plus size industry will in a few years be a billion dollar industry and we look forward to being a part of that.

How much of Olinda’s personality is found in House of OC designs

Most of the designs that you will find are pieces that I would wear myself. But we have also chosen to feature other designers in our collection.

We launched the collection with the Danielle Allen x House of OC line. These featured the Nigerian based Creative Designer Danielle Allen. So that collection also had a glimpse of her personality.

First design for House of OC, only 5 will be custom made in any size Limited edition for Danielle Allen x House of OC.

What kind of feedback did you get on the collection and do you believe there is a significant interest for your designs at the moment?

The feedback we have received has been overwhelming. The plus size women have been very welcoming of the House of OC with some key pieces already sold out.

What demography of women are you targeting?

All women of any size or shape are very welcome. But special attention will be given to the plus size woman

How are you involved in the conceptual or design phase of your designs?

I am very involved with each and every design. With our first collection the Designer came up with a concept and we would spend some time going back and forth making changes and sharing ideas.

Another of the limited editions from House of OC

Whats your unique selling point as House of OC/what new thing are you bringing to the market?

I would really love to bring a new sense of dressing for the plus size or curvy woman. To ensure that our clothing are trendy and are up to date with current seasons.

We saw the mention of Danielle Ellen, can you explain to us her role(s) in House of OC?

Danielle Allen was the first designer to work with House of OC. We worked together to bring our first minted edition collection.

We will continue working together and you will continue to see her limited editions pop up here and there.

This September we are looking forward to doing a collection in Paris for the “catwalk in water” which will be covered by the likes of CNN, Vogue, Elle and other big fashion media houses.

‘Avec amour’ to Some French Connection at Unplugged

Michael Shoko
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‘Avec amour’ to Some French Connection at Unplugged

Despite having a reputation of being hard to learn, with its grammar, pronunciation, and conjugation difficult to master, French remains one of the most romantic languages.

 

So it was last Sunday that Coca-Cola Unplugged merrymakers experienced some French music from singer and guitarist  Patrick Lupi.

It is widely known as the language of love and whatever Lupi sang or strum his guitar, Unpluggers danced and vibed to.

“I don’t understand what he is saying but because he is French it’s most likely that he is saying something romantic,” enthused on fan Bianca.

Lupi did not just bring with him the sweat melodies but seem to have brought with him the winter temperatures of Paris as the cold breeze also gathered at the Wingate Gold Club.

But who said party knows any weather? Even as the temps where dropping, the crowds were also increasing.

The toast of the show was the Travellers Band with their energetic instruments keeping the crowds on their feet.

It was a repeat of brilliance as Travellers also rocked the Coca-Cola Unplugged in Kwekwe – first edition in April.

Alexio Kawara who was the headline act gave people exactly what they missed, a young crooner.

He belted his old time hits blended well with his adopted modern jazz feel.

Check out some of the images from Unplugged Below

 

 

 

 

 

 

ExQ, Jah Prayzah Rings the Emergency Party Button!

Michael Shoko
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ExQ, Jah Prayzah Rings the Emergency Party Button!

There comes a point at any party usually after the fifth drink when all you want to hear in your ears is just banger after banger.

 

This is the time that the DJ gets judged, its a make it or break it moment – ExQ and Jah Prayzha just provided that feeling, it is more than just a song its an Emergency Party Button.

A good time has to be treated like its an emergency, one that will make you scramble together a few clothes, pump the gas into the car, grab a random lipstick colour and apply while at the same time calling your friends to join you.

Taken off the album Tseu Tseu, that’s what Pahukama gives you.

“Fonera Janet vese na emily ikaramba kupinda siya kamessage ngavauye kuno kwaita emergency..”

The song and the video twin very well, With a towering sing-along chorus and lots of sexual innuendoes especially that part which says “dai wambondimonera dai ndambokukumbira kaya kaya ka..”

And the lady in maroon shorts will give you a chill rush in one single direction, She is super sexy, gives cameo dances that invokes a watery appetite for more, yet less is what you will only get.

The gents, DJ Tamuka, ExQ and Jah Prayzah are looking funky in NBA replica jerseys, a funny contrast to how they are dancing, the song has a nice conflicting sense to it, the beat is kinda museve influenced yet the content in the video is all pop. Clever.

It has a lot of colour, signifying happiness and celebration.

What do you want to celebrate? A new house? An anniversary? A birthday? A relegation survival? The departure of Arsene Wenger? Pahukama is your all-purpose song!

The songs give that guilty pleasure of pure escapism and it was all captured by award-winning director Vusa BlaQs

Watch ExQ – Pahukama Ft Jah Prayzah

She Festival inaugural Event a resounding success

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She Festival inaugural Event a resounding success

She Festival 2018 held its inaugural event, with over 400 guests attending the celebration that featured Zimbabwe’s agony aunt, Mai Chisamba.

 

Organised and sponsored by Dorobucci Promotions in conjunction with Ethta events, the gala brought together women from all walks of life for an evening of entertainment, networking and women empowerment.

Held at the Hilton Metropole hotel in Birmingham, the event covered topics that included relationships, business and family matters.

Dorobucci spokesperson, Vickie Storm said that the team were overwhelmed by the numbers who attended the event that sought to educate, motivate and empower women.

Tilda Moyo

“The inaugural celebration was a testament to what women can achieve when they come together, and how they are able to inspire and uplift other women through their own personal stories and journeys,” Vickie said.

“Our guest speakers are all seasoned in their respective professions and their wealth of knowledge and experience, coupled with their passion for women’s rights, allowed each of us to learn something significant,” she added.

With a special Q&A segment that gave influential entrepreneurs, Fungai Ndemera and Julie Condliffe a chance to share their experiences in business, guests had the opportunity to ask direct questions.

Mai Chisamba

Star FM’s Tilda Moyo, who was also one of the international guests, dealt with intricate family issues while Mai Chisamba added her touch of humour, dealing with matters of the heart.

The entertainment line-up at this year’s gala included African dance group, Flame Lily, whose electric performance left guests wanting more.

Tocky Vibes didn’t disappoint either, taking fans back in time with some of his early songs and treating them to some of his new music.

Hosted this year by sought-after TV personality, Jenny Musonza, affectionately known as Auntie Jenny, She Festival will be an annual gathering of women in the diaspora to empower, equip and discuss important issues that include relationships, family, business opportunities and community initiatives that champion women’s engagement.

The event comes at a time when women around the world are celebrating the centenary year since they were given a voice and the right to vote.

Director of Ethta Events, Ethel said: “This event was more than just networking,it was about empowerment.”

Jenny Musonza (auntie Jenny)

“We have so many talented women out there who do not have a voice but have a story to tell.

It is important that we take opportunities like this, to host event’s that seek to shine a light on women so that they can be empowered to do the things they do with confidence and so that we can work together to achieve more,” Ethel added.

Albert Frost announces dates for African Frost Tour

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Albert Frost announces dates for African Frost Tour

In association with Concerts SA, SAMA-winning blues/rock guitarist Albert Frost proudly announces the dates for the African Frost Tour taking place from 17 May to 16 June across six African countries.

 

Territories for the African Frost Tour include South Africa, Swaziland, Maputo, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Malawi-.

Fans in each country can look forward to an unforgettable show as Frost takes his trademark high-energy live performance across the various African borders, before heading abroad to Amsterdam and North America towards the end of the year.

Albert Frost is ready for the African Frost Tour and comments: “I am so excited for this tour for a couple of reasons.

“It’s time for me to expand and Africa is opening up to artists like myself, especially coming from a blues background which encapsulates a world music feel.

“Expect a diverse mixture of styles delivered with acoustic and electric guitars, something you will feel because it’s real and uncompromised.”

Frost took home his first SAMA last year when his third solo album, The Wake Up, won the Award for ‘Best Rock Album’.

The album successfully explored a departure from Frost’s blues roots, The Wake Up showcasing various musical avenues and lyrical content to create something that surprised and excited fans all over, clearly evident from the get-go with debut single ‘Tonight’.

Albert Frost’sAfrican Frost SADC Tour is supported by Concerts SA through the Music Mobility Fund, a funding mechanism which offers opportunities for South African musicians to undertake live music tours.

The Zimbabwean show will take place in Harare at the Tin Roof (1 Lewisam Shopping Centre, A2), on Sunday 10th June from 12 pm, the charge is $20

Morgan Freeman Accused of Sexual Harassment by 8 Women, Including Entertainment Journalists

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Morgan Freeman Accused of Sexual Harassment by 8 Women, Including Entertainment Journalists

A new CNN investigation has uncovered multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against Morgan Freeman.

According to the report, eight women allege being sexually harassed by Freeman on set and in interviews, with eight other witnesses corroborating their stories.

One woman, a production assistant on the 2017 film Going in Style, says that the actor inappropriately touched her and made lewd comments about her appearance on a “near-daily basis” on the set in 2015.

“[He] kept trying to lift up my skirt and asking if I was wearing underwear,” she says. The woman says the harassment got so bad, Freeman’s co-star Alan Arkin intervened: “Alan made a comment telling him to stop.

Morgan got freaked out and didn’t know what to say.” (Freeman and Arkin declined to comment to CNN.)

Other women, including a senior production staffer on the film Now You See Me and multiple reporters, say Freeman harassed them and “numerous” other women.

CNN’s Chloe Melas, who conducted the investigation, says Freeman made inappropriate comments about her pregnancy (“You are ripe” and “I wish I was there”) during a press junket for Going in Style, one of which was caught on film.

Morgan Freeman Picture/The Indian Express

She reported the incident to CNN’s HR department, which contacted the film’s producer, Warner Bros.

The company said it could not corroborate her account because no other WB employees present at the junket “noticed anything.”

Employees at Freeman’s production company, Revelations Entertainment, also said that he and co-founder Lori McCreary created a “toxic” work environment where sexual harassment was the norm.

They claim McCreary witnessed at least one incident, and that she was also “the target of demeaning comments by Freeman in a public setting.” (McCreary did not comment.) Witnesses to Freeman’s alleged harassment say it dates back at least ten years.

Also Read: Bill Cosby found Guilty of all Rape Charges

#AfricaDay: MultiChoice reflects on the Power of entertainment in telling African Stories

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#AfricaDay: MultiChoice reflects on the Power of entertainment in telling African Stories

Africa Day this year marks the 55th anniversary of the formation of the Organisation of Africa Unity, which was created to promote solidarity between African nations as more and more countries assumed their independence.

 

As the continent marks this anniversary on Friday, May 25, MultiChoice Africa will proudly commemorate Africa Day with its own celebratory inputs.

Said Lovemore Mangwende, Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Zimbabwe: “In many ways, MultiChoice Africa’s philosophies reflect the principles of the Africa Day celebration, from cultivating unity to forging a brighter future.

At its heart, the company uses entertainment to enrich African lives by telling the continent’s stories; stories that open people’s minds, unite communities and connect Africans to new realities.”

He said MultiChoice Africa was undeniably one of Africa’s greatest media success stories, with a footprint spanning 49 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and a growing continental customer base for the various DStv services.

 “The company has always aimed at creating value for customers, employees and society, and will continue to innovate to build a successful business for the future.

This sentiment is evident in its significant support for local communities through creating vital employment opportunities at its offices and in small enterprises focusing on satellite technology installation and repairs.

Rooted in the countries where its customers live and managed by local people, the MultiChoice Africa family employs 2 750 employees and supports over 14 000 agencies and installers, including here in Zimbabwe.”

Zimbabwe New Film ‘Thandie’s Diary’ For Zambezi Magic

In its pursuit to become the best African storyteller, MultiChoice Africa has also invested in local content and has been involved in upgrading technical talent through training, supporting emerging film producers and directors, and broadcasting locally-produced shows.

All in its drive to ignite Africa’s creative industries, transforming them into vibrant, economic powerhouses.

Zimbabwean content is now seen regularly on Zambezi Magic, for example, and it is hoped this trend will continue and increase.

MultiChoice Africa produces more than 16 local content channels showcasing local content and has created the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards to further celebrate African filmmaking.

Mr Mangwende said MultiChoice had also supported local communities, allocating increasing resources to employment, opportunities for SMEs, increasing local content and investing in corporate social investment projects.

“We believe MultiChoice is tangibly enriching lives in Zimbabwe,” said Mr Mangwende.

He also said MultiChoice Africa aimed at not only using entertainment as a powerful driver of change in local communities but also as a means of telling more local stories, documenting African history and providing a platform for Africans to share African stories.

Increasing advances in digital technology in Africa are creating new opportunities to innovate, especially regarding how local content will be delivered.

With its investment in and commitment to the future of Africa, MultiChoice recognises its collective responsibility to play an active role in ensuring Africa benefits from these opportunities.

To this end, it continues to invest in digital technology to make entertainment more accessible to Africans anywhere, anytime.

While it’s never clear what the future holds for media businesses, what is certain is that people today consume more news and entertainment than ever before.

This trend is set to continue, highlighting the importance of relevant and resonant content.

As a content and technology innovator, MultiChoice is well placed to take advantage of digital advances to tell stories that educate and inform African audiences as well as taking Africa’s stories to the world.

“That is certainly worth celebrating this Africa Day,” said Mr Mangwende

Blackdiamond releases new Video and reveal new Management

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Blackdiamond releases new Video and reveal new Management

Dynamic UK-based music duo, Blackdiamond have released the highly anticipated music video for their single, Vosho, featured on their recent eight-track album, Gqom Life.

 

Released nearly a year after the duo changed music direction, the Vosho teaser created an infectious buzz, with just under 52k views in the days that led to its debut release on VEVO.

The summer single was inspired by the popular South African dance move of the same name.

“Vosho, as the name suggests, is about a dance phenomenon that has become quite electric in southern Africa at the moment,” said Pro.

“When the dance first became popular, we were known for executing it well, so much to the point, that a lady who wanted to book us for one of her events referred to us as the “boys of the Vosho”, which was rather amusing and inspired what has become a very popular single,” added Pro.

Made up of brothers, Steve “Pro tha God” Manjelo and Shane “Sugar Shane Wabantwana” Manjelo, Blackdiamond first came onto the scene in 2007. Their first album, Supernova gained critical acclaim and set a new standard for Zimbabwean Hip-hop.

Nonetheless, last year, the double act, who were recently nominated for two awards; music artist and music video of the year; at the recently held Zimbabwe Achievers Awards, decided they were ready for a change musically, wanting to diversify and tap into a new market. It was at this point that they thought that gqom music had the potential to be the next big thing for them.

Gqom, a sub-genre of house music, originated in Durban and has been popularised by well-known acts that include the Distruction Boyz and Babes Wodumo.

“Gqom wasn’t typically a genre or direction we thought we would take initially but, we knew we wanted a new sound and when we started to put our album together, we realised that we were onto something and have not looked back since,” said Shane.

“I think we are in a place where we can confidently say that as far a music is concerned, it is Africa’s time to shine and Pro and I are continually working hard to bring a new, edgy sound and something eclectic to the table,” he added.

Speaking on the video concept, the boys said they wanted to convey something that was unique, meticulously laid out, full of quality and represented their creativity.

Shot in 4K resolution, the video was filmed in a Victorian-style mansion in the heart of Derbyshire, featuring in most parts, the Vosho dance.

Pro said that prior to the release of the music video, the song had done very well on all digital platforms and it was important for them to deliver a quality video that would keep the momentum going and reflect what the brand is trying to create.

 

Under New Management

The boys have also announced that they are under new management, adding that PR and Communications expert, Tidi Kwidini would be overseeing their artistic and brand development, as well as working closely with them to create strategic opportunities and value for their brand.

“We first worked with Tidi early last year on our Lahlu’mlenze campaign and we were impressed by how well she understood what we want and where we want to go.

“As a result, it only made sense to bring her into the fold because together we can create a force to be reckoned with,” said Pro.

A champion of business and community engagement initiatives, Tidi serves as publicist for several organisations, including the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards.

“Blackdiamond are a multi-talented team who have a clear vision, sheer determination and know exactly what outcomes they want.

We understand our strong-suits and what we’re really great at. There is still a lot to achieve but one thing we are certain of is, we are ready to grow,” Tidi said.

Planned Tour

The duo, who recently supported the Distruction Boyz in Birmingham on their UK tour is planning a City 2 City circuit and they are also putting plans in place to host an intimate music festival in the coming months.

Gqom Life is available from all major digital stores, including Amazon and ITunes.

Watch the Video Below

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