Take a trip down memory lane as Kool & the Gang bring their nostalgic sounds to Gauteng on Saturday, November 30.
The American R&B, soul and funk band that was formed in Jersey City in 1964, comprises Robert "Kool" Bell and Ronald Bell, Dennis "Dee Tee" Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown, Sir Earl Toon, Woodrow "Woody" Sparrow and Ricky Westfield.
With two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards and a collection of 31 gold and platinum albums, they are renowned for hits like “Funky Stuff”, “Hollywood Swinging” and “Jungle Boogie” which defined the sound of the 1970s, while the 1980s brought chart-toppers like “Celebration” and “Get Down On It”.
Their musical influence transcends generations, with their songs sampled by artists spanning various genres, from Madonna to the Beastie Boys.
Their Gauteng concert comes following their show at Cape Town’s Grand Arena on Thursday, November 28.
Both shows are hosted by Big Concerts in partnership with 702, KFM 94.5, CapeTalk and supported by 947.
Where: The SunBet Arena in Time Square, Pretoria.
When: Saturday, November 30.
Cost: Tickets range from R1 270 to R 1 595 and are available through Ticketmaster.
The Sex Expo
The sexiest event of the year is taking place this weekend.
The three-day shopping and entertainment extravaganza will feature stage shows, informative workshops and hundreds of stands showcasing enticing products.
There will also be the VIP Experience which includes complimentary welcome cocktails, access the VIP lounge, reserved seating at the main stage, VIP gift and vouchers as well as free access to the World of BDSM.
Other highlights include Pricasso, the world famous penile artist from Australia who will be painting portraits, game shows such as the “So You Think You Can Strip” competition as well as the Miss Nude pageant.
There will also be the Chapel of Love where couples can get hitched or renew vows with a cheeky twist.
Where: The Gallagher Convention Centre.
When: From Friday, November 29, to Sunday, December 1.
Cost: Tickets range from R220 to R750 and are available through Howler.
“Oskido’s Big Day Out”
“Oskido’s Big Day Out”, which has been dubbed as “South Africa’s most nostalgic music event of the year”, is set to be the largest collection of South African music talent ever assembled.
The concert, which is a celebration of the renowned DJ’s (real name Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa) 57th birthday, will include performances from Mafikizolo, DJ Maphorisa, Mawhoo as well as house music DJ giants Rocco Rodamaal and Germany’s Raf Gum.
They will be joined by Zola, Mdu, Trompies, Boomshaka, Professor and Thebe, alongside dance music icons Christos, Ganyani, Vinny Da Vinci, Greg “Music Maestro” Maloka, Glen Lewis, LeeMcKrazy and DJ Zinhle.
“‘Big Day Out’ is a heartfelt celebration of South Africa’s vibrant musical legacy. It's where the golden era of kwaito meets the pulse of contemporary sounds, reminding us of the joy, struggle and community that music has fostered over the decades,” a statement read.
“Get ready to groove to the beats, celebrate the culture and be part of an unforgettable experience.”
Where: Saturday, November 30, from 11am to 10pm.
When: Huddle Park in Linksfield.
Cost: Tickets range from R495 to R1500 and are available through Webtickets.
Nine Hours of Kyalami
This event, which forms part of the South African Endurance Series (SAES), promises to be an unforgettable event in South Africa's motorsport calendar.
It will be hosted by sports presenter Clauie-Grace Mpanza and motorsport broadcaster Prince Ndiweni.
Those who will perform include Zakes Bantwini, Oscar Mbo,Prime Circle, Lee Cole, Sun-El Musician, Daliwonga and Kyle Cassim. They will be joined by Chrizz Beatz, Pablo Lundell, Weston & Engine, DJ Buhle and Ed-Ward, among others.
Beyond the heart-pounding action on the track, the Nine Hours of Kyalami promises entertainment for the whole family.
This includes a Kids Zone, a flea market and a go-kart rental track where families can compete against each other on the Kyalami Dynamic Handling track.
For the younger generation of enthusiasts, SAES will, for the first time, host a Virtual vs. Real competition. This will see more than 100 SIM racer teams take on their real racing counterparts in a simultaneous Nine Hours of virtual racing on the same track, at the same venue and at the same time.
“We are thrilled to bring together such a diverse and talented field of racers, and we look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans and participants alike,” a statement read.
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
When: Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30.
Cost: Tickets range from R150 to R1750 and are available through https://www.saeseries.com/events/.
Maftown Heights
This year’s Maftown Heights is set to be a celebration of music as well as a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Motswako.
“From its inception, Maftown Heights has been a cultural mainstay, evolving into a powerhouse platform that has hosted South Africa’s finest talents, including the late HHP, AKA and Riky Rick,” a statement read.
“This year’s festival celebrates a long-awaited reunion of Motswako pioneers and trailblazers and introduces the “NuTswako” artists who are championing the Motswako sound with Maglera Doe Boy holding the baton as this year’s festival curator alongside Khuli Chana.”
Those who will perform include Cassper Nyovest, Mo Molemi, Fifi Cooper, Boity, Roiii and Thato Saul.
Chana and Refiloe Ramogase, the festival co-founders, added in the statement: “Maftown Heights is more than just a festival, it’s a movement that continues to inspire and shape youth culture in South Africa.”
“This reunion is our way of reflecting on the journey of Motswako and celebrating the new wave of talent that keeps the culture alive."
Where: The Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown.
When: Friday, November 29.
Cost: Tickets range from R150 to R1000 and are available through Webtickets.