Culture

Father of South African black theatre, Gibson Kente, to be honoured by Soweto Theatre

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2023

The world famous Soweto Theatre, is set to honour and celebrate the legacy of legendary father of South African Black Theater, Gibson Kente, for his immense contribution to the arts industry with a name change.

The renaming of the Soweto Theatre’s “The Red Theatre” to Gibson Kente Theatre Auditorium will come into effect on February 26.

In an itinerary released on Monday by the Chief Executive Officer of the Joburg City Theatres, Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, the historical renaming of “The Red Theatre” will include an inaugural annual Gibson Kente Lecture and Gibson Kente curated gallery dedicated to the memory of the world renowned playwright.

“‘We are so delighted with this honour given to this prolific writer and director,” Nduneni-Ngema said.

“His footprints are visible everywhere. There is a litany of stars that were trained by this iconic man of words. He had buckets of generosity, was able to mentor the young and helped so many to hone their voices ” he added.

The honour lined up for Kente according to the itinerary, will include a musical tribute featuring a star-studded line-up of renowned South African performers, Dieketseng Mnisi, Hlengiwe Dlamini and Gugu Shezi.

“They will be accompanied by a 4-piece band directed by music director, arranger, producer and violinist Tshepo Mngoma.

“This musical programme will also feature the Soweto Theatre Youth Orchestra playing some of the finest show-tunes that were composed by “Bra Gib“ and will incorporate selected acts from Kente’s famous plays with more of his popular music.

“This will showcase carefully constructed melodies, spectacular instrumentals and thoroughly constructed lyrics evoking memories of the times and life of ‘Bra Gib’, simply taking us down memory lane,” the press statement on the event reads.

Popularly known as the “Father of Black Theatre”, Kente made township theatre popular and attracted international audiences during the apartheid era, using it as a form of expression during a time when black people were subject to oppression with no human rights.

In the 1960s he started a theatre company and become the founding father of “Township Theatre” where he produced some of his notable work at the time, such as “Manana, The Jazz Prophet”, “Sikalo, How Long – in the 1970s”, which referenced the Soweto Uprising, and a musical in the late 1980s called “Sekunjalo”.

His impact on many black South Africans during apartheid and post-apartheid will always play a crucial role in the country, Nduneni-Ngema said.

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Culture

Davido to donate N300m to orphanages to mark 32nd birthday

Published

13 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigerian Afro-Pop superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced plans to donate the sum of N300 million to different orphanages across the country and anti-drug advocacy initiatives to mark his 32nd birthday later this year.

The Grammy-nominated singer who revealed the plan in a post he shared on his official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Monday, said he would donate the whopping sum to orphanages and charities that help young people to avoid drug addiction.

The “Unavailable” crooner added that the donation is intention to support vulnerable children at the orphanage and combat drug abuse among youths, and the funds will be split between orphanages and organizations working to prevent drug addiction.

He also assured his fans that details of the donation, including beneficiary organizations and distribution plans, will be made public soon.

“Once again on my birthday this year, we donating to orphanages and a charity that helps young people stay away from drug abuse & addiction. This year is N300m. Details to follow soon,” the multiple award-winning singer wrote.

Culture

Chidimma Adetshina makes history as she emerges first runner-up for Miss Universe 2024

Published

2 days ago

November 17, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico, made history as she finished as the first runner-up at the pageant.

The reigning Miss Universe Nigeria finished on the podium of the event held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday morning after an electrifying final face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two women looked poised to claim the crown.

Adetshina, who competed against over 120 contestants from around the world, delivered Nigeria’s best-ever performance in the prestigious competition.

The competition, which was described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.

A post by the pageant organizers on Instagram said:

“The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.

“Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, ultimately won the crown taking over from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.”

The top five were rounded out by Miss Mexico, María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, in third place, along with contestants from Thailand and Venezuela.

This year’s pageant was celebrated as one of the most inclusive in Miss Universe history, featuring first-time entries from Iran and Somalia and an expanded lineup of 30 semifinalists, showcasing greater diversity and global representation.

Chidimma’s path to the Miss Universe Nigeria was controversial at best as she had previously entered the Miss South Africa pageant but withdrew following criticism of her nationality and allegations from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs concerning her mother’s documents.

She was later invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria and emerged as the winner of the beauty pageant ahead of 24 other contestants.