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

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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.

Culture

Namibia govt condemns tourists posing naked on Big Daddy Dune

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The Namibian authorities have frowned at tourists who posed naked at the Big Daddy Dune, the country’s top tourist attraction located in the Namibian desert.

Reports in the country’s media say locals were shocked to sight the tourists posing naked on the Dune during a safari and have demanded for action against them from authorities.

According to local media, actions that could be taken against the tourists include being blacklisted from entering any of Namibia’s parks.

A spokesperson from the country’s Tourism Ministry told local media that photos and a video from of the naked tourists have been widely shared, sparking sharp reactions.

Vice Chairperson of the Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations, Kenneth Nependa, who condemned the act, told journalists that the behaviour risked attracting tourists “who think anything goes in Namibia.”

“It is very sickening and it really creates a bad image for Namibia,” Nependa said, adding that the Big Daddy Dune was not just a relaxing place for tourists but for families too.

Though it is not clear who took the photos and the video of the three male tourists who were seen stark naked in the sandy dune, next to their clothes, authorities say a stern action will be taken against them.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Romeo Muyunda, described the behaviour as “extremely shocking,” saying it was public indecency punishable by Namibian law.

“We appeal to that section of tourists to summon the conscience so that they do the right things,” Muyunda said.

He appealed to Namibians to report violations of park regulations immediately for swift action.

The Big Daddy dune is one of the three largest dunes in Namibia’s enormous Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of the largest in the world and are popular with tourists who hike to the top to have a stunning view across the crests.

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Nollywood thrown into mourning as another veteran actor Zulu Adigwe passes on

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The Nigerian movie industry, popularly known as Nollywood, has once again been thrown into mourning with the death of veteran actor, Zulu Adigwe, who passed away on Tuesday night.

Adigwe’s death has brought the number Nigerian actors who have died in 2024 to seven, which has made Nigerians and movie practitioners wonder why the sudden rash of deaths in the industry.

Fondly called Pa Zulu, Adigwe earned fame for his paternal roles in Nollywood movies and came into limelight in the 1980s sitcom, “Basi and Company” where he acted the role of “Mr. B.”

Adigwe also featured in the 2019 blockbuster ‘Living in Bondage’ and ‘Breaking Free’ among hundreds of movies where he became know for often portraying wicked uncles as well as native doctors.

In just four months gone in 2024, the Nigerian movie industry has been hit with spate of deaths of prominent and budding actors.

The first death of the year was recorded on January 4 when veteran Yoruba actor, Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina, died at the age of 73, of cancer related complications.

A month later, veteran actress, Ethel Ekpe, also passed on February 7 after a long battle with cancer.

On March 1, budding Yoruba Nollywood actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri also died at the age of 44.

The following day, the industry was again hit with the news of the passing of comic actor, John Okafor, who was better known as Mr Ibu, who died at the age of 62.

Three weeks after the demise of Mr. Ibu, another veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor was also snatched by the cold hands of death on March 24, after battling kidney disease for a long time.

On April 7, another young Nollywood actress, Adejumoke Oreoluwa Aderounmu, popularly known for her role as ‘Esther’ in popular TV series, Jenifa’s Diary, died also passed on.

On Wednesday, April 10th, three days after the death of Adejumoke, the movie industry was once again, thrown into mourning with the untimely passing of Junior Pope Odonwodo who was popularly known as Junior Pope, who drowned while filming a scene on the River Niger in Delta State.

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