Katlego Maboe has written a song against racism in the hopes to raise awareness and funds for the Ant-Racism Network.

Pre-sales of the single RACE (against time) will be available from Saturday, 18 June 2016.

Written and co-produced by Katlego Maboe, David Harmse and Ntokozo Mkhize with vocals by Erica Appels and the Sing the Change Choir.

Maboe aims to reach no less than 67,000 in pre-sales by Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July, with full proceeds from resultant sales donated to the Anti-Racism Network South Africa (ARNSA).

The single was created from a deep-rooted need to address racism in a positive light and in a way that would transcend all colour divides.

“Understanding that this is a deeply seated issue that has seen many generations suffer under its oppressive grip. The song aims to encourage people to reflect on the past and draw inspiration from the likes of Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jnr. and Desmond Tutu. Who made conscious contributions and who brought about positive change to the state of societies across the globe,” says Maboe.

The Nelson Mandela and Ahmed Kathrada Foundations developed ARNSA to respond to incidences of racism. And to try to better understand the underlying causes of these actions.

The network also mainstreams anti-racism strategies across sectors and influences policy making, produces high-quality research as well as provides a critical voice on incidences of racism in South Africa.

“ARNSA completely welcomes this partnership and congratulates Katlego Maboe on his great initiative to help combat racism in our country through the medium and power of music and song,” says Sean Moodley, Director of ARNSA.

“Our belief is that colour should never divide us, and in saying so the network will do whatever is needed to promote and endorse RACE (against time).”

When asked about the title of the single, Maboe explains: “There is a deliberate play on words. The issue of race is a matter of urgency for all of us. And we all stand to lose and suffer the consequences if we don’t solve the problem in time.”

“The Sing the Change Choir is thrilled to have been given the opportunity to collaborate on this song,”
adds Laura Santoni, Director of Sing the Change.

“Through the power of music and self-expression, the youth are offered a voice and a creative platform that helps encourage them to contribute to a positive change on the issue of racism and other global issues.”

Watch the song being performed live here:

Via:  www.goodthingsguy.com

Celebrate exceptional South African women at this wonderful Women’s Day orchestral affair

The Divas Unite Concert, which takes place on Sunday, 9 August 2015 at the Cape Town City Hall, is what Women’s Day should be all about: celebrating women.

Sponsored by Pongrácz, a very special selection of women will play in an all-female version of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, which will accompany some of South Africa’s foremost female artists.

Read more

SOME of South Africa’s top female musicians have got together to present a Women’s Day charity concert in Cape Town that now hangs in the balance after a major sponsor pulled out.

The line-up for the Cape Town Divas Unite concert includes Freshlyground lead singer Zolani Mahola, top South African sopranos Magdalene Minnaar and Zanne Stapelberg, theatre’s Kim Kallie and Judy Page, award-winning instrumental pop group, Sterling EQ and up-and-coming opera singer Noluvuyiso Mpofu. The concert was to raise fund for Project Flamingo, which funds timeous surgery for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at Groote Schuur Hospital. It pays for theatre time and nursing staff.

"Their main sponsor pulled out. It’s so horrific," Ms Mahola told Business Day on Wednesday morning. In an attempt to make up the missing R120,000 the organisers have applied for crowdfunding via indiegogo.com.

Read more

Every year on 9 August Women’s Day is celebrated in South Africa, a public holiday that praises the phenomenal women of our nation.

Acknowledging their strength, solidarity, determination and forward movement, Divas Unite will celebrate the mothers, the wives, the sisters and the daughters of our rainbow nation in a charity concert to take place at the iconic Cape Town City Hall.

On Sunday, 9 August at 15:00, men, women, families, friends, children, couples and music lovers alike are invited to watch the Auditorium of the Cape Town City Hall come alive with the sound of music of inspirational female artists who have played an integral part in the development of the South African music industry.

Read more

Women's Day 2015 Set To Rock City Hall! Every year on 9 August Women across the nation celebrates WOMEN'S DAY in South Africa! A national public holiday that praises the phenomenal women of our nation.

Acknowledging their strength, solidarity, determination and forward movement,DIVAS UNITE will celebrate the mothers, the wives, the sisters and the daughters of our rainbow nation in a charity concert to take place at the iconic Cape Town City Hall!

Read more

On Valentine’s evening, the Cape Town City Centre became spellbound with the sound of love and romance during the Valentine under the STARS concert, taking place for the second time within the Castle of Good Hope.

In this unique concert under the Cape Town night sky with Table Mountain as a backdrop, guests were entertained with magical and beautifully conducted performances from The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Magdalene Minnaar and Selim Kagee, and brought to tears with a unique performance from the Sing the Change choir, an initiative that empowers youth via music and the arts.

Read more

Glowing pink in the setting sun, with Table Mountain as a majestic backdrop, the Castle of Good Hope played host to one of the most romantic evenings of the year.  The ‘Valentine Under the Stars’ classic-meets-pop concert, featuring South African soprano Magdalene Minnaar and classical crossover singer Selim Kagee, was highly anticipated after last year’s grand success.

Dressed up to the nines, guests strolled over the ancient cobblestones to gather in the Castle’s courtyard over a complimentary glass of champagne. Elegant food stalls and wine bars were available for those who chose to arrive early and dine in the atmospheric grounds of Cape Town’s oldest building. Despite a relentless south easter, which created havoc in many a hairdo and randomly lifted elegant dresses, the concert goers were relaxed and cheerful, finding shelter against the wind in corners and under arches.

Read more

Songwriting brings feelings to the fore. The Singing Hearts Club at Ellerton Primary is hitting the right notes when it comes to hearing about the challenges that are facing teenagers.

Bakoven mother Laura Santoni-Wing started the club at the end of last year with the then Grade 7s when she saw the need for teenagers to express their opinions about issues that affected them.

"The Pick Up the Mike project aims to empower teenagers by providing a platform to voice their concersn through original songs and teaching them life skills through the arts, " she said.