With less than a week to go, Jozi is heating up in anticipation of sizzling Sexpo 2015

Erotic shows and sensual performers meet the vibrant colours and dazzling sights and sounds of the Rio Carnival at Sexpo 2015. Get ready for the most thrilling Sexpo yet, with a Rio Carnival Interactive theme that takes audiences up close and personal – and leaves them breathless and ready for more. From the 24^th to the 27^th of September 2015, Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Jozi, will be hosting South Africa’s premier Health, Lifestyle and Sexuality Exhibition, and whether you are simply curious or a sexual connoisseur, there is something for everyone at Sexpo 2015. 

Firstly, the sultry stars of the adult silver screen will be there to meet and greet their fans. Look out for glamourous adult film stars Danica Dillion from Topco; Penthouse Pets Kenna James, Misty Stone and Valentina Nappi and some gorgeous home-grown honeys from local production house Girls Gone Wild, who will be at the PipeDreams stand. For the ladies, the chiselled features of male stars Jack Healy, Snipes and the three hunky SA Magic Mikes will have them weak at the knees – which is why Sexpo has arranged a special treat in the form of the “Win a Date with a Porn Star” competition. Ticket holders can enter online to win a once-in-a-lifetime date with either Jack, Snipes, Misty, Kenna or Danica. Sexpo is also having a pre-Sexpo win-a-date competition for the ladies with the delectably gorgeous Magic K – please see SEXPO’S Facebook page for more details. The winner will be announced on Monday 21 September 2015 and the date will be on Tuesday 22 September 2015.

Sexpo has also gone all out to ensure that their entertainment line-up is packed with the best in local and international acts. From a comedy and cabaret show by the Dreemz in drag, all-male dance troupe Magic Mike, astounding pole dancing shows, side splitting no-holds-barred comedy from Stuart Taylor and Little Annie, exotic Spirit of Rio dancers, to contortionists such as Miss Charne and magic acts from the incredible Magic Vegas, there is no end to the shows that will have audiences hooked. For those looking for something extra-special, the Red Light Rio theatre is a decadent and intriguing interactive theatre experience hosted by the legendary Glen Biederman-Pam as sweet transvestite Frank-N-Furter. 

Sexpo has also expanded their selection of lounges, with six steamy spaces where, hidden away from prying eyes, Sexpo audiences can explore their desires: The Magic Mike Lounge, the Teasers Men’s Lounge, the Tease-hers Ladies’ Lounge, the Kinx Bondage Lounge, the Show Stoppers LGBTI Lounge and the Poizon Swingers Lounge. Adventurous audience members may want to participate in the number of competitions held throughout Sexpo, such as the racy Dr. Lee’s AK47 Jelly Wrestling, the Evarmiles Wet T-Shirt or Amateur Strip competitions. Or, why not get dressed up in feathers, glitz and beads for the Carnival-themed Dress Rio fancy dress competition? Last but not least, Sexpo-goers should spend some time browsing the exhibition stands to check out the fabulous shopping opportunities. 

Tickets to Sexpo 2015 are available to over-18s only and are R280 at Computicket, which includes a VIP pass and complimentary gift bag. Sexpo is open on Thursday the 24^th – Saturday the 26^th from 11h00-00h00 and Sunday the 27^th from 11h00-21h00. Sexpo is sponsored by major sponsors Penthouse, Topco and the SA Film and Publications Board. For more information go to www.sexpo.co.za.

Website:     www.sexpo.co.za

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sexpo.exhibition

Twitter:       @SEXPOSA

ALWAYS & FOREVER – A TRIBUTE TO LUTHER VANDROSS

One night only at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City
Friday 14 August at 8pm

 

Luther Vandross – better known as the king of croon - will be celebrated in Always & Forever – A Tribute to Luther Vandross by South Africa's own "man with the velvet voice" Timothy Moloi in this one-night-only show to be staged at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, on Friday 14 August at 8pm.

 

Backed by some of South Africa's best live musicians as well as vocalists Nonhlanhla Mdluli, Kurt Herman and Tia Herman and introducing Voices Unlimited Gospel Choir, the audience will thrill to the portrayal of unforgettable hits including Superstar, Always and Forever, Endless Love, Power of Love/Love Power, Dance with My Father and many more. 

 

Musical Director is star-on-the-rise Llewellyn George and Direction & Lighting Design is by Cito.

 

Says Moloi; “I have long wanted to have the platform to pay tribute to Luther Vandross as I have admired him and been inspired by him for as long back as I can remember. I felt so humbled when I approached The CoLab Network with the idea and Collett immediately agreed and before I knew it, the show was booked!”

 

He continues; “What will make the evening even more special is that we’ve planned the date specifically so that it’s the night before my 40^th birthday – what better way to celebrate this milestone than by paying tribute to a man that was the forefront of the music that defined a generation, alongside these incredibly talented musicians and having friends, family, colleagues and fans in the audience being part of it.”

 

Collett Dawson of The CoLab Network responds; “We have had the privilege of working with Timothy Moloi on many occasions and every time we have, I have seen people come up to Tim and say that he should do a Luther show. So when Tim approached me with the idea then he calmly went ahead and sang a Luther song to me, it was a no-brainer, I decided there and then to go ahead. He really IS South Africa’s Luther, and I can’t wait for the general public to get the opportunity to share this special evening with us.”

 

Always & Forever – A Tribute to Luther Vandross is on for one night only at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City on Friday 14 August at 8pm.

 

Tickets range from R140 - R195 and can be booked at www.goldreefcity.co.za or by calling The Lyric Theatre Box Office on (011) 248 5000 or through Computicket.

Discounts for groups of 10 or more, senior citizens, scholars and students apply.

 

GEORGE EZRA – LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA THIS AUGUST!

UK singer-songwriter and double-platinum selling artist, George Ezra, will be joined on stage by some of our best local acts during his upcoming tour at the end of August.

 

Seed Experiences and 5fm are proud to announce that Beatenberg, Freshlyground, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Hot Water and BCUC have all been confirmed for various cities to support the unassuming, folk singer behind hits like “Budapest” and “Blame It On Me” during his SA Tour.

 

For the Durban show at the Durban Shongweni Polo Club on the 28th of August and the Cape Town show at Durbanville Racecourse on the 29th of August, Beatenberg, Hot Water and Bongeziwe Mabandla will complete the line-up. For the Johannesburg concert on the 30th of August on the Festival Lawns at Carnival City,  Freshlyground, BCUC and Bongeziwe Mabandla have been added to the mix to support George (or “Geoff” as he is known to his fans) during his set.

 

Ezra made headlines recently when his debut album “Wanted On Voyage” hit the one million UK sales – a mere 11 months after its release and there is no slowing down for the 22 year-old as he continues to mark a trail of sold out shows across the globe.

 

"Selling a million albums almost doesn't feel real," George told OfficialCharts.com. "I don't actually think I've ever seen a million of anything. Thank you so much to anyone who has bought the album and has enjoyed it. "I always wanted to be thought of as an album artist so over everything that's happened this means the most. Thank you."

 

Wanted On Voyage has also spawned two hugely successful Top 10 singles; Budapest (Number 3) and Blame It On Me (Number 6). To date, tracks downloaded from his album total 1.31 million, have been streamed 107 million times and viewed on video streaming sites in the UK 43 million times. With a top 10 single in 11 countries and his #1 Album, Wanted on Voyage, Ezra is already basking in world-wide success.

 

George was nominated for four prestigious Brit Awards, including Best Male Artist and Best British Album in 2014 and his debut album, Wanted on Voyage, has since gone double platinum in the UK and both its lead singles, “Budapest” and “Blame It On Me”, charted in the top 10.

 

He delighted fans with his performance at Glastonbury this year – highlights of which were shown on BBC 3 – have a look for a small taste of what’s to come our way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1BzSmvKAVY

 

With over 2.5 million single sales, 105 million views on YouTube and over 235 million streams on Spotify, South African audiences will be treated to one of the biggest rising stars in music today when this massive talent hits our shores this August.

 

George Ezra – Live in SA Tour Dates:

 

Durban

Venue:                                 Durban Shongweni Polo Club

Date:                     Friday, 28 August

Standard Tickets: R575* pp.

Premium Tickets: R865* pp. (Includes: priority parking, priority entrance, exclusive bar and ablutions)

Gates open:       17h00

Support Acts:     Beatenberg, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Hot Water

 

Cape Town

Venue:                 Durbanville Racecourse

Date:     Saturday, 29 August

Standard Tickets: R575* pp.

Premium Tickets: R865* pp. (Includes: priority parking, priority entrance, exclusive bar and ablutions)

Gates open: 13h00

Support Acts: Beatenberg, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Hot Water

 

Johannesburg

Venue:                 Outdoors at Carnival City on Festival Lawn

Date: Sunday, 30 August

Standard Tickets: R575* pp.

Premium Tickets: R865* pp. (Includes: priority parking, priority entrance, exclusive bar and ablutions)

Gates open: 12h00

Support Acts: Freshlyground, Bongeziwe Mabandla, BCUC

 

*Excludes Booking Fee. Tickets on sale via our ticket office at www.seedtickets.co.za or Nutickets.

 

Seed Experiences and Nutickets partnered to introduce Mobicred to concert goers; a new payment option that will allow fans to buy their George Ezra tickets from R56 per month. No credit card required, just a simple sign-up procedure with a 24hour approval period followed by easy, minimum monthly instalments via debit order. To buy George Ezra tickets on the Mobicred payment plan, go to: http://mobicred.co.za/nutickets/

 

Seed Experiences would like to thank all the sponsors who helped to make this event possible - Jose Cuervo Tequila, Castle Lite Lime, Reload Energy and Kopparberg Cider.

 

For tour updates and more, follow Seed Experiences on Facebook and Twitter:

 

Website:              www.weareseed.co.za

                                www.georgeezra.com

Facebook:           /SeedExperiences

                                /georgeezramusic

Twitter:                @SeedExperiences

                                @george_ezra

Hashtag:              #GeorgeEzraSA

BEN HOWARD LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA - FULL LINE-UP REVEALED FOR JULY DATES IN CAPE TOWN AND JOHANNESBURG

BEN HOWARD LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA - FULL LINE-UP REVEALED FOR JULY DATES IN CAPE TOWN AND JOHANNESBURG

TICKETS ON SALE FROM WWW.SEEDTICKETS.CO.ZA - LAST CHANCE TO CHANGE CT TICKETS!

 With a killer Glastonbury set under his belt and only two weeks to go before his first ever South African Tour,  double Brit Award winner and platinum selling artist, Ben Howard’s tour to our country just got even better with two incredible local support acts now confirmed.

The one-time journalist, avid surfer and incredible musician will be joined on stage by Bye Beneco for both cities and Farryl Purkiss during his Johannesburg show.

Fans who are yet to purchase tickets for the shows happening in Cape Town at the Grand Arena, GrandWest on the 22^nd and 23^rd and in Johannesburg on the 25^th at Zoo Lake,  are encouraged to do so soonest, as tickets are selling out fast.

Limited seating for both Cape Town shows are available to all ticket holders and ticket purchasers.  The opportunity to switch a general admission (standing) ticket to a specifically allocated seating ticket is offered on a first come, first served basis, while seating is still available. Current ticket holders will have until the 13th July 2015 at 16:00 to take up this opportunity. For an easy “how to guide” Cape Town ticket holders who wish to change their tickets to seated ones, can go to https://www.webtickets.co.za/benhoward.aspx or contact Webtickets at info@webtickets.co.za

All tickets (including seated tickets for the Cape Town shows) are on sale through Webtickets and www.seedtickets.co.za

Johannesburg ticket holders will be delighted to know that we have partnered with Park and Ride SA (Pty) Ltd to make transportation to the Zoo Lake show safe, quick and super convenient. Fans are encouraged to make use of this option as there will be many advantages, including a separate entrance at the show to avoid long queues. Tickets on sale now at:  http://bit.ly/BHParkRideJHB

Park and Ride pick up and drop off areas and *price:

- Rosebank Mall – R65 (shuttle service running every 30 mins)

- Sandton City – R120

- Cresta Shopping Centre – R120

- Cedar Square – R140

- Melrose Arch – R120

*Parking at the mall is included in the ticket price.

 

Ben Howard Tour Detail:

Cape Town:

22 & 23 July 2015 @Grand Arena, GrandWest

Doors open at 7pm

R465

Johannesburg:

25 July 2015 @ Zoo Lake, Parkview

Gates open at 1pm

R465

 

For More information:   Follow us for tour updates, support band announcements etc: @SeedExperiences

 Join the Facebook event pages here to stay up to date further info:

Cape Town – Wednesday 22nd July: https://www.facebook.com/events/1499346196997420/

Cape Town – Thursday 23rd July: https://www.facebook.com/events/1584224571790298/

Johannesburg – Saturday 25th July: https://www.facebook.com/events/1408819952753263/

#BenHowardSA

With sold-out shows across the globe and a whirlwind rise through the charts, famous songs include “The Wolves”, “Keep Your Head Up”, and more recently “I Forget Where We Were” Ben Howard is one of music’s fastest rising stars and a firm favourite in SA too. 

Watch him perform "I Forget Where We Were” at Glastonbury for just a small taste of what's to come when he performs LIVE in SA, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2CPW_1SgW4&index=71&list=PL5A4nPQbUF8D4mZdRBxTsQb53GUZw4WEn

 

 

Samsung Unveils New Samsung Stores and Store Revamps

Samsung Electronics South Africa has announced plans to open two new Samsung Stores in Polokwane and Nelspruit to complement the 17 stores that are already operational across the country. The Mall of the North in Polokwane and the Riverside Mall in Nelspruit will be the latest additions to have premium outlets showcasing the full range of Samsung products including visual display, digital imaging, digital appliances and integrated mobility.

 

“Ideal for the Samsung enthusiast and the discerning shopper alike, the new stores will ensure immersive and exciting experiences for consumers,” says Michelle Potgieter, Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Samsung Electronics South Africa. “Our Samsung Stores are designed to inspire our users and provide them with easy access to our latest technology, cool innovations and exciting new releases.”

 

The Samsung Mall of the North Store is set to open on July 17^th and the Samsung Riverside Mall Store on July 24^th. The Galaxy A-Series, the new Galaxy S6 and S6 edge, the impressive range of Samsung SUHDTVs and the innovative Samsung activ dualwash washing machine will all be on display, allowing consumers first-hand interaction with the technology, with professional advice and support from the helpful Samsung floor salespeople.

 

“Samsung Stores strengthen our commitment to engaging with our customers, helping them to get the most from their products and experiences and ensuring that they have access to an impressive array of solutions and services,” adds Potgieter.

 

In addition to the new outlets, a number of stores will also be revamped in July to ensure that these meet the latest in design standards. The Samsung Stores at Masons in Benoni, Gateway Mall in Durban, Sandton City and Strubensvalley in Johannesburg will all be undergoing complete facelifts.

“The Samsung Stores complement our extensive partner network and serve to grow the Samsung brand across the country. These new additions further demonstrate our commitment to delivering personalised experiences and meeting the needs of Samsung consumers,” continues Potgieter.

 

New Samsung Stores opening dates:

·         Date: 17 July, The Mall of the North - corner of the R81 and N1 Interchange, Bendor, Polokwane

·         Date: 24 July, Riverside Mall - on the R40 from Nelspruit towards White River

 

“These stores will extend the Samsung footprint further to ensure that we can provide superior service and products to a wider consumer footprint and create loyal brand ambassadors across the country,” concludes Potgieter.

7th SON, GRASSY SPARK and KINGS DOWN SOUTH live in Port Elizabeth and at the JBAY WINTERFEST!

7th SON, GRASSY SPARK and KINGS DOWN SOUTH live in Port Elizabeth

Date: Saturday, 11 July

Venue: Pool City

Address: 13/14 Times Square, Heugh Road, Port Elizabeth

Entrance Fee: R50

Event starts at 8pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/432860506915621/

 

 

7^th SON, GRASSY SPARK and KINGS DOWN SOUTH live at JBAY WINTERFEST

Date: Monday, 13 July

Venue: Jolly Dolphin

Address: 30 Diaz Street, Jeffreysbay

Entrance Fee: R20

TICKET LINK: http://online.computicket.com/web/event/grassy_spark_kings_down_south_7th_son/932829125

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/578952572208421/

 

 

 

GET TO KNOW THE ACTS:

 

GRASSY SPARK

·         MUSIC VIDEO for “Grassy Spark - Living in a Paradise” (feat Jeremy Loops): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dihSa5U-wjM

·         “Waste of Time” music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuKhdBUmVNI

·         https://www.facebook.com/GrassySpark

·         http://www.grassyspark.co.za/

·         @GrassySpark

 

7^th Son

·         Music video “My Favourite Song – Wendy”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrS3k7guhkE

·         Music Video “Nobody Goes”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSH9u2NnCuw

·         https://www.facebook.com/7thsonband

 

Kings Down South

·         Music video “The Way”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ErGL8NWcms  

·         Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KingsDownSouth?fref=ts

 

Is Your Smartphone Authentic?

Counterfeit goods have become an increasingly worrying problem in South Africa. Not only is the clothing industry suffering under the scourge of counterfeit goods but the Electronics industry has also been under fire¹. Consumers who purchase a smartphone device from unauthorised dealers are at risk of losing out financially, as there are limited options they can resort to should they subsequently discover that the device is faulty.

 

Richard Chetty, Service Director at Samsung Electronics South Africa, says, “Samsung is committed to providing its customers with the best service, with regards to solutions and devices, which is reflected in the quality of after-sales service, customer and technical support. The problem facing consumers who do not purchase their device at a Samsung approved dealer, is that there are no consumer care or repair options available to support any of the device components, or any way of being compensated if the product turns out to be a counterfeit.”

 

“If the purchase price is too good to be true, then it probably is. For example, if a Samsung Galaxy smartphone is found on sale at a much reduced price, we urge consumers to check with our customer care centres before purchasing the device, or else they may be left with a fake product”, says Chetty.

 

Examining the physical differences between an authentic Samsung smartphone and a counterfeit model can help identify an imitation phone. The Samsung logo on counterfeits is slightly raised, like a sticker. The screen will also appear a tad lighter than on a genuine device.

 

“A closer look at a genuine Samsung device will reveal sensors on the forward facing camera, which do not appear on the fake unit. When a genuine product is placed next to a fake one, a customer will easily recognise the lack of quality in the counterfeit version of the phone just by comparing the rear facing cameras,” adds Chetty.

 

Battery size is another obvious giveaway especially on the Samsung Galaxy S4. The genuine battery is much larger, has higher quality labels and well-designed positive and negative nodes. “The battery is probably the most important determinant of a fake device as it will impact how the device is charged,” warns Chetty. “The design of the battery compartment is very different with softer connectors on the genuine phone while the sticker displays the IMEI number clearly alongside the ICASA branding.”

 

Other elements that determine the validity of authentic Samsung smartphones:

 

Authentic Smartphones	Counterfeit Smartphones
·         The genuine device has around seven to eight screws.	·         The counterfeit device has only two or three screws and the rest are imitations.
·         The Samsung Galaxy S5 comes in a genuine Samsung box.	·         The counterfeit Samsung Galaxy S5 also comes in a genuine Samsung box, it is advisable to open it first to ensure it is a genuine device.
·         On screen off mode, the authentic device’s screen appears darker.	·         The counterfeit appears much lighter.
·         Samsung uses a variety of manufacturers across the globe to produce its smartphone batteries. These batteries will always specify where the ‘cell’ was made and assembled.	·         A fake battery will always say ‘Made in Korea’, with no specific mention to where it was assembled.
·         Samsung smartphones are sold at authorised Samsung dealers or local operators.	·         Counterfeit Samsung smartphones can be sold anywhere, including off the street. ·         Online purchases that do not allow for returns are not sold by genuine dealers.
·         Ensure your purchase comes with the Samsung South Africa two year Warranty	·         Samsung smartphones that do not carry a two year Warranty are not authentic.

 

Sources:

1.     Norton Rose Fulbright