You may have heard in the past few months that R&B crooner, who has nine albums under his belt, is returning to the country for a 2-city tour. I believe he is performing in Johannesburg tonight. Tomorrow, 18 December 2011, he gives Durban another taste of his magic.

The event takes place at the ICC from 7pm. Supporting him are our very own Zonke and Theo Kgosinkwe. I remember there was some bad blood between the two after it was revealed that Theo may not have accurately credited Zonke for their smash hit Thinking About You, which appears on Theo‘s sophomore album, Grateful. But that’s a thing of the past and I think they may even perform this song on stage.

Moreover, we have some great news for our Durban peeps. The organisers of the show and YEAHBO are giving away 3 double tickets to the show at the ICC tomorrow. All you have to do to be part of a real R&B and soul extravaganza is to follow @yEaHb0 on Twitter and tell us why you would like to have the tickets. Please use the hashtag #JoeThomasSATour with your tweet. Please note that the giveaway is open for those who are in Durban and the surroundings; and will be able to attend the show. The winners will be announced by the end of the day today. Good luck!

Otherwise, the tickets, which range between R278 and R705, are still available at Computicket. Hoping to see you all at Joe‘s concert tomorrow. If you are attending the one in Jozi tonight, let us know how it was afterwards.

Anyway, revellers at this year’s event are promised festive vibes and a grand family time, come Monday, 26 December 2011. The name on everybody’s lips and fingers, Zahara, is busy preparing to headline the event. Joining her is Durban‘s own Zakes Bantwini, who is going back to his roots. Hip hop heavyweights Teargas are also on the bill. Here is a press release received about the 2011 edition of the MTN Durban Jazz Festival.

Pack the picnic basket and camping chairs, bring the whole family and come and listen to music sensation Zahara and other top artists at the MTN Durban Jazz Festival, taking place at Hazelmere Dam on Boxing Day, 26 December 2011.

The full line-up of sizzling South African music greats will be announced shortly, but the organisers have confirmed that multiple METRO FM Music Awards winner Zahara, as well as Zakes Bantwini and Teargas, will be among the acts performing on the day.

This annual open-air jazz festival, now in its ninth year, has become a firm favourite on Durban’s music and social calendar, bringing a day of 100% pure Ayobaness to KZN.

With its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and irresistible blend of music – ranging from Afro-pop and hip hop to, of course, sublime jazz – the MTN Durban Jazz Festival is the ideal way to wind down in style after all the madness of the festive season.

Every year, MTN brings a stellar line-up of the country’s finest live acts to the stage, with local DJs entertaining the crowds in between sets. In 2011, an exciting new addition to the programme is the Amstel Golden Hour, which will see an innovative genre-mixing collaboration between Zahara and another South African music great.

It’s safe to say that Eastern Cape gem Zahara is the music revelation of the year. At just 23, the dazzling singer-songwriter, acoustic guitarist and poet is already being hailed as the successor to the late Miriam Makeba.
Recently, her smash hit single Loliwe was named Song of the Year at the METRO FM Music Awards, and she also scooped the Best Female Album accolade. These industry honours came hot on the heels of her debut album shattering records by selling more than 100 000 copies within days of hitting the stores.

For Zakes Bantwini (aka Zakhele Madida), performing at the festival will be a homecoming of sorts, since it was at this very event that the Durbanite launched his career. He has since gone on to attain great heights on the South African music scene as the maker of “sophisticated dance music” and the originator of the house-influenced genre that has been dubbed Durban kwaito music.

Bantwini has worked extensively with the likes of DJ Black Coffee and was responsible for launching the career of kwaito sensation L’vovo. Recently, he was honoured at the Channel O Music Awards when his track Wasting My Time was named Most Gifted Video of the Year.

As for Teargas, the talented rap trio is also basking in the glory of a Channel O win – for the Born For This video in collaboration with HHP and Liquideep. Ntokozo “KO” Mduli, Ezee “Ma-E” Hanabe and Bantu “Ntukza” Hanabe use hip-hop as a tool to open up conversations around socioeconomic ills like crime, poverty and HIV/Aids. They will also be performing at the jazz festival with a live band, which is sure to be a mouth-watering prospect for music lovers.

“MTN is a supporter of local music and one of our key focus areas is showcasing some of South Africa’s great music talent,” says Desiree Pooe, Senior Manager: Sponsorships and Events at MTN SA. “The MTN Durban Jazz Festival is one of the platforms that allows us to bring musicians to their beloved fans and embrace the talent we have.”

Wanina Ngcobo, Brand Manager and spokesperson of the MTN Durban Jazz Festival says this jazz celebration reinforces the ongoing commitment of both MTN and the organisers, LME and Touch Africa Events, to supporting South African music,”

Over the past nine years, this open-air music spectacular has established itself as a premier, family-friendly event that showcases the nation’s favourite artists in a relaxed outdoor setting. Once again, we’re looking forward to a quality event that will be enjoyed by locals and holidaymakers alike.”

Event details are as follows:

The MTN Durban Jazz Festival starts at 10am on Monday, 26 December 2011. Ample, secure parking is available at the venue. Patrons are encouraged to bring camping chairs, tents or umbrellas, braais and cooler boxes – and come and enjoy a day of sunny skies and even sunnier sounds. Tickets cost R200 at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets. Golden Circle tickets cost R250 (no umbrellas, tents or braais are permitted in this area).

Photo courtesy of Young Money Entertainment.

The enormous demand for Lil Wayne concert tickets at the Wavehouse, Durban on 11 December 2011 has led to local promoter, Canoc Productions and media partner Channel O announcing an additional concert at the Wavehouse, Umhlanga on Monday, 12 December 2011. Tickets now on sale at Computicket.

The popularity of Lil Wayne, the world’s number one hip hop artist is unsurpassed across the globe with fans flocking to see this phenomenal musician and lyricist perform live on stage. His popularity extends throughout South Africa and the reaction by local fans to next month’s “I Am Still Music” tour to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban is no exception. Earlier this week an extra Johannesburg show was added, followed by today’s announcement of an extra concert to accommodate Durban fans.

Both Durban shows feature the hottest hip hop line up featuring Lil Wayne and the Young Money crew with Corey Gunz, Gudda Gudda, Mack Maine, Shannel, T-Streets and Jae Millz.

The Lil Wayne “I Am Still Music Tour” begins at the Bellville Velodrome, Cape Town on Wednesday, 7th December 2011 followed by two concerts at the Coca Cola Dome, Johannesburg on 09th and 10th December and ending at the Wavehouse in Durban with two concerts on 11th and 12th December 2011. All shows commence at 20h00.

You can’t miss the hottest hip-hop line up ever staged in South Africa. Book at Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket outlet. For more information visit www.lilwaynesatour.co.za or follow Lil Wayne on Twitter @LilWayneSAtour.

TOUR ITINERARY

Cape Town

Venue: Bellville Velodrome
Date: Wednesday, 7 December 2011, 20h00
Ticket prices: R 350, R 600

Johannesburg

Venue: Coca-Cola Dome
Dates: Friday, 9 December 2011 and Saturday, 10 December, 20h00
Ticket prices: R 400, R 600, R 750

Durban

Venue: Wavehouse, Gateway
Dates: Sunday, 11 December & Monday, 12 December 2011, 20h00
Ticket prices: R 400 and R 750

Tickets available from Computicket, 0861 915 8000.

Black Coffee during the launch of his foundation last year.

Always one to brace uncharted territories, the disc jockey and music producer is taking it further. He will not only feature different musicians, but a full 24-piece orchestra. Check out the details below:

The Vodacom Unlimited Experience, thunders into Durban on Friday, 16 December 2011 on a massive scale with an epic 12 hour house music party at Moses Mabhida stadium.

Black Coffee’s AfricaRising, makes its hotly anticipated debut, featuring Black Coffee live with a 24-piece orchestra, conducted by Brendan Jury, along with a host of guest artists – Bucie, Zakes Bantwini and Mabi Thobejane amongst others – performing the tracks that have made Black Coffee an international phenomenon.

Black Coffee will be joined on the bill by Spiritchaser, creators of SA’s biggest hit in 2011, “These Tears”, which hit number one on radio studios across the country, and by Low Deep T, rising deep house star currently climbing the charts with Big Love.

Other internationals on the bill include Rocco and Ralf Gum, two of SA’s favourite remixers, as well as Franck Roger.

The big hitting local DJ power comes in the form of Metro FM’s Urban Beat residents, Vinny da Vinci and DJ Christos, Oskido, Andy X, Black Motion, House Afrika label don Tim White and festival founder DJ Strat3gy.

The artists will perform on a massive purpose built stage that uses the spectacular stadium to best effect. And despite its scale only 25,000 tickets go on sale at R150.00 from www.ticketpros.co.za and all Postnet outlets from (Wednesday).

Commented festival executive producer Glenn van Loggerenberg of Don’t Look Down “The Vodacom Unlimited Festival follows the massive sold-out success of the first Vodacom Unlimited House Festival at Orlando Stadium in Soweto earlier this year. Except this time around it just got better and promises to be the best day out for South Africans in a long time.”

For updates and more details, like Vodacom Unlimited on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/VodacomUnlimited) and follow them on Twitter (http://twitter.com/VU_Festival).

The Vodacom Unlimited Experience (powered by Metro FM and SABC1) is a co-production by Don’t Look Down and SAIL.

You know this is going to be massive. So, you better get your tickets right now.

Black Coffee preparing for the big night.

Feya Faku

I’ve been communicating with, the man behind it all, Bandwagon Afrika‘s Neil Comfort, for quite a while now. Over the years, he has sent out press releases about the plans and events Rainbow has held. At some point in recent years, he was very elated about a prospective Mam’ Busi Mhlongo tribute show. However, she was taken from us before that magical moment could take place. But I digress.

Just a few moments ago I read a new release he sent out about Rainbow Restaurant‘s 30th birthday celebrations. Still awed by this milestone, what grabbed my attention even more is the line up of musicians billed to help Rainbow celebrate in style. Read for yourself below:

Andile Yenana

DATE: 18 December 2011

TIME: Doors open at 1pm and music will commence shortly thereafter

TICKETS: R80 in October, R100 in November and R120 in December

EVENT: The 30th Birthday celebrations! Sponsored by Dept. of Arts and Living Cultures, eThekwini Municipality.

It is with a great deal of joy that we reveal our plans in terms of the music for the official birthday celebrations. Opening the afternoon will be the sixteen member Durban Gospel Choir under the direction of Karen van Pletsen and Clive Gumede of iCebo Productions.

The Choir has come along in leaps and bounds in the past year and were really keen to contribute to the Rainbow’s celebrations. Naturally, their opening number will be /Nkosi Sikelele i’Afrika/. Their performance will be followed by speeches from Rainbow founder Ben Pretorius and other dignitaries.

We will then be treated to the opening set from a band that has been specifically put together for this event. In our five months-long quest to find the right music for this special day it became clear to us that this day was not about any specific “name” artist but rather about the thirty years of history that we are celebrating. We wanted a line-up that could present such classic Rainbow tracks as Pat Matshikiza’s /Tshona, /Mankunku’s /Yak’hal Inkomo/, Busi Mhlongo and Twasa’s /Ntandane/ or Ezra Ngcukana’s /You Think You Know Me/.

In Steve Dyer (saxophones), Feya Faku (trumpet and flugelhorn), Andile Yenana (piano), Lex Futshane (double and electric basses), Themba Mokoena (guitar) and Ayanda Sikade (drums), we have the group to realise our dreams for the afternoon. Joining them on vocals will be Xoliswa Dlamini who will be backed by two other singers.

Included in the price of your ticket is a copy of a special commemorative 2012 calendar that we have produced in partnership with photographer Rafs Mayet who has been photographically “recording” the Rainbow gigs since the mid-80′s. Between the bands two sets, a slide show of Mayet’s extensive archive will be screened.

The formal music program should finish at around 5pm, at which point we expect the “newish” tradition of a post gig jam session to take over.

Steve Dyer

And there’s more. There’ll be two other shows staged at the very same venue, leading to the big finale. The details are furnished below:

DATE: Friday 16 December 2011 – public holiday

TIME: Doors open at 12 noon, first set at just after 2pm

TICKETS: R10 members and R30 at the door. Members are those good folk that treat the Rainbow as a home from home, who have kept the Rainbow going all these years.

EVENT: Shabalala Rhythm in concert.

Yes, we know they played the Rainbow in September. But if you were at that concert, you will know that they absolutely rocked out – winning new fans and pleasing existing ones no end. Their high energy maskanda always means that we have to extend the stage to accommodate those moves that have the audience cheering for more.

Front man Sibongiseni Shabalala is a consumate professional having been around the world many times as a member of his fathers little outfit. Yeah right, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is only the biggest music export from South Africa – ever. Add in the roots rhythm’s of guitarist Maqhinga Radebe and you have a musical showcase that perfectly reflects the music and people of our region.

Shabalala Rhythm

And….

DATE: Saturday 17 December 2011

TIME: Music between 4 and 6pm. This is a normal days trade for the Rainbow so we will be open from 10am.

ENTRANCE: Free!

EVENT: Neil Gonsalves Quartet in Concert presented by Oudemeester

Here’s one for those customers that are not up to paying a ticket price to watch live music. Compliments of Oudemeester brandy, we are simply going to be giving it to you for free! And what’s more, there will be a chance to taste the full range of Oudemeester brandies from the VSOB to Demant to Reserve and finally the premium offering of Oudemeester Sovereign.

The musicians performing whilst you sip on some fine brandy are Neil Gonsalves on piano, Shaun Duvall on saxophone, S’busiso Zondi and drums and Philani Ngidi on bass. Shocking isn’t – a top class line-up of musicians, fine brandy and it’s all for free!

Some years back I attended Sheer Sound‘s 10th year celebrations and had the pleasure of seeing Steve Dyer, Andile Yenana and Feya Faku perform. During my first ever attendance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (then North Sea Jazz Festival) in 2004, Feya Faku was also part of the line up and he delivered blissfully. So, I can promise you that you’ll be in for an amazing time. Don’t miss out!

Photo by Anthony Mandler

Although Usher had released music through Diddy‘s Bad Boy Records before, it was only when he crossed over to La Face and released his My Way album that he extended his reach and popularity. His My Way album featured a few hits that put him on the map and he has never looked back since.

I know a lot of people rate his 8701 album as his best, but for me it undoubtedly has to be Confessions. I can listen to that album from start to end without skipping any song. What is amazing and kinda crazy is that I learnt about most of the songs from this album from his Truth Tour DVD. I guess it’s safe to say the DVD sold the album to me.

Anyway, I know a lot of Usher fans, including myself, are elated that he is making his way back to the country. Read the press release below for more details:

Hansa Pilsener, the beer with a special ingredient, is proud to announce the launch of the Hansa Festival of Legends, headlined by the legendary US music icon – USHER. The winner of seventeen Billboard Music Awards, nine ASCAP awards, eight Soul Train Music Awards and five Grammy Awards, USHER will perform as the headline attraction in Cape Town’s Grand Arena on the 3rd March, the ICC Durban Arena on the 7th March and finally on the 10th March 2012 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

Discovered on “Star Search” and based in Atlanta, a teenaged Usher arrived on the international music scene in 1994 with his eponymous debut album. His second album, 1997’s My Way, established him as a superstar with limitless potential. The collection sold more than 7 million copies worldwide and included the ubiquitous singles “Nice & Slow” and “You Make Me Wanna…”

After releasing Usher Live in 1999, Usher cemented himself as a musical force with the release of 8701. Featuring the No. 1 hit “U Got It Bad” and Grammy-winning singles “U Remind Me” and “U Don’t Have to Call,” the collection sold more than four million copies and set the stage for the biggest success of Usher’s musical career.

Usher’s Confessions album captivated the music world in 2004, selling more than 1 million copies its first week in stores. It eventually sold more than 20 million copies worldwide thanks to a steady succession of chart-topping singles, “Yeah!,” “Burn” and “Confessions Part II.” The success of Confessions’ singles helped Usher earn a remarkable distinction: he enjoyed 13 consecutive Top 20 singles (seven of which were No. 1).

In early 2010, Usher released his landmark seventh album, Raymond V. Raymond. The high-powered collection explored his newfound status as a single man and father and sold more than 7 million tracks and ringtones combined. It held the No. 1 spot in the US Billboard R&B chart for seven weeks with the first single “OMG” featuring will.i.am topping the charts in the UK.

Only a few months removed from the release, Usher returned with Raymond V. Raymond – Deluxe Edition, a masterful conceptual sequel to its predecessor. Featuring eight new songs the album finds Usher connecting with his female fans in new and exciting ways.

The American singer-songwriter, dancer, entrepreneur, and actor has just teamed up with David Guetta to release their much anticipated hot new track “Without You”. Usher has also recently been presented with the Philanthropy Freedom Award by the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, for his charitable work with his foundation, New Look, which provides leadership skills and qualifications to young adults as well as fundraising for national emergencies.

Usher, and an impressive list comprising South Africa’s top urban music stars will be performing to 35,000 strong crowd of lucky fans at the Johannesburg leg of the tour, taking place at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto. There will also be concerts at Cape Town’s Grand Arena at Grand West and the ICC Durban Arena. Unforgettable experiences, activities, delicious food and legendary entertainment, the Hansa Festival of Legends is tipped to be an extraordinary event, and the perfect end to what promises to be a very special summer.

“Hansa, in conjunction with Big Concerts, couldn’t be more honoured to host such a massive entertainment legend and, of course, the most special ingredient – YOU,” says Mosidi Seretlo, General Manager, Hansa Pilsener.

THE HANSA FESTIVAL OF LEGENDS – Tour Itinerary

Cape Town
3rd March 2012
Grand Arena, GrandWest
Tickets from R275.00 – R450.00

Durban
7th March 2012
The ICC Durban Arena
Tickets from R250.00 – R450.00

Soweto
10th March 2012
Orlando Stadium
Tickets from R200.00 – R600.00

The tickets are on sale NOW! Don’t miss out. And please note, the event is only for over 18′s.

The likes of the late Vuyo Mokoena, Jabu Hlongwane, the late Wendy Mseleku, Vicky Vilakazi, Sharon Dee, Margaret Motsage, Thabo Mdluli, all helped Joyous Celebration stamp their authority in the gospel music industry. Even Pastor Benjamin Dube was very greatly instrumental in the growth of the now massive project. Oh man! Those were undoubtedly the best years for the gospel outfit for me.

Now dubbed MTN Joyous Celebration because of the MTN title sponsorship, the multi-cultural gospel group has gone through so many stages and changes. It is with sweet delight that the fans will get to experience this growth in a special way when MTN Joyous Celebration takes to the Montecasino for a series of shows to reminisce on their glorious occasions.

Below is what was sent in a press release about the unique event.

It will be a trip down memory lane and a truly Joyous occasion for fans of MTN Joyous Celebration as the multi-award winning gospel ensemble responds to their calls with Joyous Rewind: A celebration of Joyous hits on 5 and 6 November at The Teatro Montecasino.

Joyous Rewind, is the answer to the numerous appeals from fans over the years for the celebrated gospel production to re-visit classics from Joyous 1 all the way to the present and latest album Joyous 15.

Joining the melodious MTN Joyous Celebration on this retrospective weekend of sensational music will be some former members of the ensemble who have contributed tremendously to the groups’ success. The audience can look forward to hearing the likes of golden voiced tenor Innocent Modiba, husband and wife “Love Worship” duo, Nonhlanhla and Thabo Mdluli and new Jazz singing sensation Asanda Bam.

Co-founding member Lindelani Mkhize says, “we are going to take our fans back in time with hits from Joyous 1 right up to 15, presented in a unique manner without losing the Joyous essence that has made Joyous the iconic brand it is today.”

This platform has been made possible by the groups’ title sponsor, MTN, through the MTN Ayoba Festival taking place at Montecasino from 24 October – 04 December 2011. This Festival is a fusion of entertainment and culinary treats, featuring some of the highly talented local and international artists, as well as whiskey and wine tastings. It is a unique mix of theatre, comedy, lifestyle, music, sport, film, food and incredible gaming opportunities – the MTN Ayoba Festival has something for everyone.

“For this show, we plan to incorporate our signature presentation and production style, in addition to a number of new elements that distinguish it from a typical Joyous show. We will go more theatrical, complete with dramatic elements, different costumes and re-introduction of dancers and new choreography are some of the unique features of these shows,” adds Mkhize.

Pulling out all the stops to make this a memorable weekend, MTN Joyous Celebration is poised to present an unforgettable 2-day concert for their fans.

Catch this concert at 20h00 on Saturday, 5 November and at 18h00 on Sunday, 6 November. Tickets to the concert retail between R150 – R300 and are now available via Computicket and all Shoprite/Checkers outlets.

If you don’t want to miss out on this special MTN Joyous Celebration extravaganza, get your tickets now.

Now, although I’ve fallen in love with a few songs I’ve listened to from each of their three previous albums, it was only after acquiring their latest project, Radio Africa, that I got to implicitly understand their music and sound. My thoughts on this particular album are documented in the REVIEW I did shortly after its release last year. I even went on to include it in our Top 20 Albums Of 2010 at the end of last year, closing out the Top 10 list.

The first time I saw the band perform live was at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, which was also the first time I attended the annual musical feast in 2005. I have gone on to see them perform various times at different venues, the last full set being at the launch of their latest offering last year.

Freshlyground‘s gold status albums have helped them clinch various awards, including six South African Music Awards, four Metro FM Music Awards, and even an MTV Europe Music Award in 2006. To this end, they will be thanking their fans and supporters for being part of their journey in grand style for the next month or so.

Here is a press release about the event:

Hot South African band Freshlyground will perform live on 4 November at Morula Sun, Leseding Arena.

Freshly Ground delivers an energetic show with vocals, bass, drums, keyboards and guitar, rounded off with the violin, flute, sax and the traditional African ‘mbira’. Fans can expect to hear many of their old favourites in addition to newer hits off their recently released album, Radio Africa.

Radio Africa is the band’s fourth studio album and has already gone gold. While putting the finishing touches to the album in New York, Freshlyground was selected to co-perform Waka-Waka, the official song for the 2010 World Cup which they recorded and performed with Columbian singer Shakira. The song is featured on Listen Up: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup album.

The band, first formed in 2002, is an eclectic mix of individuals. Their personalities and styles reflect various South African cities, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, culminating in a unique African, blues, jazz and indie rock sound. The band consists of Zolani Mahola on lead vocals, Josh Hawks on bass and backup vocals, Seredeal Scheepers on keyboards and percussion, Kyla-Rose Smith on violin and backup vocals, Simon Attwell on flute, mbira, harmonica and saxophone, Julio Sigauque on lead electric and acoustic guitar and Peter Cohen on drums.

In 2009 the band did four sold-out tours of Europe and included China, the USA and Canada in their schedule for the first time, making them one of only a handful of South African bands to achieve success both at home and internationally. Other accolades include winning the MTV Europe Award in the category of Best African Act in
2006 and several local SAMA Awards.

The show starts at 20h00 and tickets are available from Computicket at R140.00

To get more information on where and when Freshlyground will be performing in your town, check out their website at www.freshlyground.com.

He went on to form his own record label, Sophisticado Recordings, which aims to create the music he is in love with. Moreover, Vick‘s music has featured on tens and tens of compilations, including our very own DJ Terance and DJ QT on Music Box 4 and Quantised Mix 4, respectively.

It is with absolute pleasure that Vick Lavender returns to the country for a special event. House music lovers are in for a day of nothing but the best in soulful sounds as he helps launch HouseOnMag with the launch of his own new album, Sophisticado.

Presented by HouseOnMag and BBB Music, and powered by Tessuto AVL, Main Street Life Roof Top Bar (at the 12 Decades Hotel) will come alight with the HouseOnmag Goes Live event on Saturday, 29th October 2011, between 12:00 and 22:00.

This will be an event like no other as Vick Lavender launches his album, released by BBB Music; HouseOnMag launch their HouseOnMag Live Sessions; Tessuto AVL launch services; and The Main Street Life Roof Top Bar launch their new and hot venue.

Vick will not be alone on the decks and stage. The performances lineup will include Deep Xpressions, DJ Claude, Trev the Japanese, Skindeep, C.9ine and Sai & Ribatone.

You don’t wanna miss this unique house music event. Be there early to avoid disappointment as the venue is not large and this is as exclusive as events get.

To enquire about ticket availability, contact 078 984 7828. Please check out the flyer below for more details. If you need more details about HouseOnMag and their activities, you’ll find it HERE.

Three weeks ago Johannesburg’s techno and house fiends delighted in a bright new flash on the radar. Under their Toy Toy banner veteran DJ trio Digital Rockit have served up a tasty solution to Friday’s barren nocturnal menu. The subterranean section of Capital in Rosebank has been transformed into a den of sonic seduction where good sound and slick decor compliment a superb selection of DJs. Quality, it seems, is paramount—but that’s what we’ve come to associate with Digital Rockit.

Now if you’re totally out of the loop Digital Rockit is comprised of Dogstarr, Fabio and G-force and on top of being a successful electronic act they’ve been importing reputable electronic acts for Johannesburg’s hungry dance fans over the last few years—Tim Sweeney (DFA), Trevor Jackson (Playgroup) and Carl Craig in Soweto and Sian(Octopus). The good news is that on the 7th October they’re adding techno pioneer Kevin Saunderson to the list.

The many branches that have splintered from techno can be traced back to a handful of inspired producers and DJ’s— most of whom were from Detroit. They had a vision of futuristic synthesised soul, dance tracks as mechanical as their post-industrial motor city. Along with Juan Atkins and Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson was a part of this revolution. This trio, known as the ‘Belleville Three’ experimented with drum machines and synths— developing the genre before it became global phenomenon.

Saunderson had modest beginnings, starting his own label (KMS) and recording in his basement under a plethora of monikers. Impossible to pigeonhole, Saunderson is always running a number of projects simultaneously, such as Kreem, E-Dancer and The Reese Project. In 1988 he became an international sensation— climaxing in popularity with his work with Paris Grey as Inner City. The enduring popularity of hits like ‘Good Life’ and ‘Big Fun’ testify to his production prowess and Inner City remain one of the most successful dance acts of all time.

Over the last twenty years Kevin Saunderson has never stopped producing or DJ’ing making him truly qualified to rock a dance-floor.

He will be in Johannesburg for one night only on the 7th October 2011, at Capital Music Cafe. He’ll be supported by Joint Nation, Sound Sensible and Digital Rockit.

Fancy a dose of techno, straight from the source? Be sure to be there.

Oh, we have a double ticket to give away to one of our Twitter followers. Head over there now.