Mo Magic: Moments of Wonder

Following the success of his 2016 theatre tour, taking the experience of magic to audiences
across the country, and recently returning from Las Vegas and Hollywood, magician extraordinaire
Mo Magic is set to intrigue, astonish and entertain Durban audiences with his brand new
theatre show titled “Moments of Wonder”.
 

In this 90 minute interactive performance, Mo Magic takes the audience on a journey to the
impossible with his world-class magic, mystifying mentalism, incredible illusions and family
friendly comedy.
 

Themed around the concept of wonder, he points out that we as humans experience “wonder”
on a daily basis in different forms e.g. whilst watching movies, listening to music, spending
time with loved ones and whilst watching the sun rise or set. He takes a number of these scenarios
and creates magic with them, putting his own spin on them, and shares these moments
of wonder with the audience. The magician does not want to give too much away and would
rather the audience experience the magic for themselves in his latest theatre production.
Mo’s passion for entertaining with the art of magic has attracted the attention of magicians
worldwide. In February 2017, he was featured as the cover story for international magic magazine
“VANISH”, the world’s largest magic magazine read by over 100 000 magicians worldwide
. This is the first time a South African magician has been awarded the accolade. Other
international magicians to be included on the cover include, Criss Angel, Uri Geller and Paul
Daniels. When asked about his continued success, Mo says, “The art of magic has the ability to
bring joy, delight and wonder and I am very thankful to entertain with through my presentations
and illusions. There is nothing else I’d rather do. It’s one of the ways for me to contribute
to the world and I love it!”
 

An honours degree graduate in electronic engineering, Mo resigned from a lucrative career as a
project manager, in 2010, to pursue his passion for the art form. His prime hit TV series was
very well received nationally and is currently being rebroadcasted by the SABC, weekly. When
asked about his performance preference, the magician says “I love performing the art of magic
on TV and live, however I believe that the audience enjoys the live experience more as they
are present and are able to participate in the experience. TV audiences enjoy the show as an
observer whereas in the theatre, members of the audience have the opportunity to join me on
stage and participate in the magic.”
 

“Moments of Wonder” will run from the 9-12 March 2016 at the Elizabeth Sneddon theatre
(UKZN campus), then moves to the Hexagon theatre in Pietermaritzburg (UKZN) from the 30
March - 1 April. Mo’s previous theatre productions (“Amazing You!” in 2012 and “Mo Magic” in
2016) were sell out successes and tickets for this run of “Moments of Wonder” are limited.
Book your tickets early and be part of the magic. Tickets start from R100 and are available at
Computicket, Shoprite & Checkers
 

Performance Dates & Times: Thursday 9 Mar, Friday 10 Mar, Saturday 11 Feb: 8pm
Sunday 12 mar: 3pm (Matinee)
Running Time: 1h30min Tickets at Computicket: R100, R120 & R140
 

No under 6s
No admittance after start of performance
 

Press & Show Queries: bookings@momagic.co.za
Online link for bookings via Computicket: http://bit.ly/2kORjsB
For online publications, kindly include bookings link and social media links below.
 

Mo Magic
Web: www.momagic.co.za
Facebook: Mo Magic www.facebook.com/momagicfanpage1
Twitter: Mo Magic www.twitter.com/momagic
Instagram: momagicsa www.instagram.com/momagicsa

BombSquad heads to the Zando Cape Town 10s!

Local rugby team, BombSquad will be heading to Cape Town to participate in the upcoming and hugely popular Zando Cape Town 10s. The event is one of the premier lifestyle and social sport events in South Africa, having recently won the 2016 Discovery Sport Industry Award for "Best Lifestyle Experience".

It is the brainchild of rugby legends Bob Skinstad and Robbie Fleck and long-standing mate Ron Rutland. Founded in 2008, starting off as a rugby only tournament the event has since evolved into a multi-sport event, with the addition of Netball in 2013 and Beach Volleyball in 2016 and now Dodgeball for 2017.

The rugby component of 10s is billed as the biggest ten-a-side rugby tournament in the world, designed for fun but still underpinned by national and international rugby federation rules. The event has, over the years, featured some of the world’s greatest International rugby legends including Jonah Lomu, Carlos Spencer and Christian Cullen, as well as other global sporting stars such as Graeme Smith and Justin Kemp.

2017 will mark the 9th consecutive year of the event. The 2016 Cape Town 10s event had 100 rugby teams, 40 netball teams and 40 volleyball teams, from all over South Africa and abroad, taking part.

The Cape Town 10s is not just about the sporting action, it is also one big jol featuring some of the country’s biggest and most popular music acts as well as hosting Africa’s largest beer tent. Thousands of fans and squads gather from across the globe to play their favourite sports and to experience the vibe of 10s that is underpinned by fun, friendships, sports and a couple of cold ones.

Marcel Pillay, affectionately dubbed "Skelton" after William Skelton - Austalian rugby player, says

"It's overwhelming, but it has been an interesting journey to get ready for this event in terms of on and off field training. Everything has fallen into place and now we're looking forward to the event this week. We're hoping to win our competition while having fun at the same time, meeting old friends and hopefully making some new ones along the way. Cape Town as the host - we couldn't have asked for a better venue! Just be ready because the Bombsquad lads are going to be in town so if you see us running, try and keep up." 

 

Follow their journey online and keep up with some of their sponsors.

Twitter: @BombSquad10s
Facebook: BombSquad Tens

Love,
Yo Homi

We can't wait to be Keeping up with the Kandasamys!

The official trailer for the new South African motion picture, KEEPING UP WITH THE KANDASAMYS, is here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV6ZWNmRpqI

From the producers of Hard to Get and Happiness is a Four-Letter Word - one of South Africa’s most successful films - comes an all new rib-tickling, two-sided family comedy affair, directed and co-written by Durban filmmaker Jayan Moodley (White Gold), produced by award-winning duo Helena Spring (Academy Award Nominee and Mbokodo-winner) and the late Junaid Ahmed (who sadly passed away in November 2016) and co-writer, Rory Booth.

Set in Chatsworth, KEEPING UP WITH THE KANDASAMYS opens a window into the lifestyle and subculture of modern-day Indian South Africans; their aspirations, dreams and challenges. “I loved shooting this film on location in Chatsworth. It’s an iconic place, like District Six or Soweto. It’s vibrant, lively and spirited, and I believe we have managed to not only capture its idiosyncrasies but also its heart and soul that will make global audiences fall in love with it too, over a barrel full of laughs,” says director Jayan Moodley about her debut film.

The film stars Jailoshini Naidoo (Eastern Mosaic, Lotus FM) and Maeshni Naicker (Broken Promises) as the matriarchal rivals of neighbouring families, whose young adult children become romantically involved, and despite their best efforts to keep them apart, they are forced to acknowledge that in the end love will always prevail.

Shanti Naidoo (Maeshni Naicker) is a typical Type-A personality. Always on the move, going out of her way to please people, and overcompensating for her perceived inadequacies by continually cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Her life would be just fine, except that her neighbour, Jennifer Kandasamy (Jailoshini Naidoo), always seems to hold the upper hand.

 

When Jennifer realises her beautiful tomboy daughter, Jodi (Mishqah Parthiephal), is in love with Shanti’s son Prishen (Madhushan Singh) – a sensitive medical student, she is determined to break them up. But in order to do that she will have to enlist her rival’s help. “Together the two women scheme and plot, recruit prospective partners and generally interfere with their kids wherever they can,” says producer, Helena Spring.  

Mishqah Parthiephal, who is best-known as Vania in the television soap, Skeem Saam, is thrilled about starring in the film. “When I heard there was an audition for a huge feature film in Durban, I knew that it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss out on. So I drove the six hours from Johannesburg to Durban for the auditions. I was offered the role a few weeks later,” she shares. “I think that KEEPING UP WITH THE KANDASAMYS is a beautiful story that reflects true Durban Indian culture, I can’t wait for the world to see it.” About playing Jodi, she says: “We are very similar in many ways. She’s a strong young woman who isn’t afraid to tell people around her what’s in her heart. She’s kind and gentle and very loving. We are even similar in the way that we dress. We both live in shorts and sneakers!”

Light-hearted, and entertaining, the story is supported by an array of colourful characters that celebrate the rich and spicy way of life in Durban. Well-known South African theatre actor/playwright/director, Rajesh Gopie, plays Shanti’s husband, Preggie, while comedian Koobeshen Naidoo can be seen as Jennifer’s husband, Elvis. These two characters always remain in the background as they are constantly overshadowed by their dominating wives. Jodi’s friend Marlin (Neil Govender), the local wedding planner, is an epitome of fabulous flamboyancy and Ayah (Mariam Bassa) - Jennifer’s elderly, no-nonsense, ever-critical, mother-in-law - represents that typical granny in most Indian extended families, with funny one-liners and deep insights that are bound to strike a chord with any audience.

“This film has something for everyone. The universal story of neighbourhood rivalry, our desperate need for acceptance and the climb for perceived societal success, is something which touches everyone the world over. At the end of the day we can all recognize our quirks and foibles and the funny side of the weird, wonderful and strangely competitive world we live in,” adds Moodley.

KEEPING UP WITH THE KANDASAMYS promises audiences some truly funny laughs about families, relationships and neighbourhood-envy. The film was produced in association with M-Net, the DTI and NFVF, with distribution by Ster-Kinekor Entertainment. It features music by Kyle Deutsch and The Parlotones and will be released in cinemas, nationwide, on 3 March 2017.

ABOUT THE MAIN ACTORS

Jailoshini Naidoo (Jennifer Kandasamy)

A versatile multi award-winning South African actress, voiceover artist and comedian who has performed at major arenas all over the country, including The Market Theatre, Baxter Theatre, The Playhouse as well as the Grahamstown and Hilton Arts Festivals. A former presenter on SABC2’s Eastern Mosaic, and continuity presenter on M-Net, Jailoshini currently hosts The Weekend Liftoff, the Saturday morning show on Lotus FM in Durban. She has also starred in the British film The Eastern Bride, the Italian film Karol and popular British series Strike Back 2.

Maeshni Naicker (Shanti Naidoo)

A stage and film actress, voiceover artist, radio personality, comedian, popular Madame Master of Ceremonies and Drama teacher. After completing her Drama studies at University, Maeshni continued to act in stage and film productions, teach drama at schools and later went on to start her own Drama School, The Maeshni Naicker Academy of Drama. She is best-known for her roles in Broken Promises 1, 2, 3, Highway Sheila, 31 Million, The Dance and the internationally acclaimed Florida Road.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @kandasamysmovie

Instagram: @kandasamysmovie

Facebook: facebook.com/kandasamysmovie 

Hashtag:  #ChatsworthStyle #KandasamysMovie

THE SEARCH FOR GATEWAY’S 2017 AMBASSADORS IS ON…

Gateway launched the search for their 2017 ambassadors at a prestigious media launch on Thursday, 19th January, where they offered guests some insight into what the competition is all about.

The centre is looking for a male and female who represent Gateway’s lifestyle and values in their own lives. They are searching for two people who are social, have great personal style, are outgoing and confident in front of a camera and who love to have fun at Gateway Theatre of Shopping. The centre stated that it’s also important for the chosen ambassadors have a good nature, congenial personality and a respectful way of interacting with others. 

Lisanne Lazarus, current brand ambassador for Gateway, described her experience as one that exceeded her wildest dreams and expectations. “I’ve learnt and matured so much from the people I've met and the opportunities that were afforded to me over this last year. This opportunity comes once in a life time and is almost too good to be true”, said Lazarus. 

Thabiso Thedi, who shares the stage with Lazarus as an ambassador, described his experience as EPIC! “It's been an absolute delight. I got to rub shoulders with some of SA's top celebrities, host red carpet events, shop at all the amazing stores Gateway has & experience the 5 Star Gateway VIP lifestyle.” Thedi further commented that being a Gateway Brand Ambassador has led him to truly explore & experience the three main facets which he believes Gateway has built its foundation on, these being “FASHION, FOOD & PEOPLE .... that's what it's all about.” 

The 2017 Ambassadors will walk away with over R120 000 in prizes from sponsors, some of which include:

• Vodacom Nxt Lvl
• Tsogo Sun Garden Court Umhlanga Hotel
• Beluga,
• The Hussar Grill,
• Circus Circus, 
• RJ’s 
• John Dorys, 
• Gerald Wells, 
• Kryolan, 
• Nail It, 
• Ster Kinekor, 
• Chateaux Gateaux 
• Auto Spa Express.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping offers an unprecedented 5 Star shopping experience ranging from local to international retail and also boasts one of the largest entertainment offerings under one roof. For more information on the competition, entry process and mechanics, detailed list of prizes terms and conditions visit www.gatewayworld.co.za 

Look out for Gateway Theatre of Shopping on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

#GatewayAmbassador @GatewayUmhlanga 

Gateway Theatre of Shopping in LIGHTS!

Beluga catered the event with a selection of delicious canapes, fresh sushi, prawns and cocktails.

2016 Gateway Ambassador's, Lisanne Lazarus and Thabiso Thedi.

Sponsors for the Gateway Brand Ambassador campaign, Gerald Wells from Gerald Wells Hair Professionals, Durban business owners of Kryolan KZN, Aldytha da Silva and Rob da Silva.

KINGS & QUEENS OF COMEDY IS BIGGER AND FUNNIER THAN EVER

This February, Durban will erupt in laughter as the biggest comedians from all over South Africa hit the stage for the 2017 kick-off of the world tour of Kings & Queens of Comedy on 11 February at the Durban ICC.

Guaranteed to be a show of hysterical proportions, comedy lovers can look forward to a bigger and funnier stellar line-up. 

Taking to the stage with their comical armour and witty swords are Marc Lottering, Tumi Morake, Loyiso Gola, Celeste Ntuli, Leeanda Reddy, Krijay Govender, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Joey Rasdien, Tol Ass Mo, Khanyisa Bunu and Rory Petzer.  Leading the evening’s proceedings is Durban’s favourite comedian, Darren Maule with a special guest appearance by Morgan Beatbox.

Kings & Queens of Comedy began in 2012 in Johannesburg and has since grown to be one of the leading comedy brands in South Africa, promoting and showcasing local talent from around the country.

Don’t miss out on the laughter – get your tickets today to the funniest show in town.  Tickets range from R185 and are now available through Computicket online and leading outlets.

Date: Saturday, 11 February 2017

Time: 20h00 (doors open at 19h00)

Venue: Durban ICC, 45 Bram Fischer Road, Durban

Another great production brought to you by Blu Blood.

Restaurant Feature: Cape Town Fish Market

I love sushi. All of it - any time. There's just something so satisfying about a perfectly constructed bite sized California Roll that puts my endorphins into overdrive. I was introduced to sushi through a friend, Rishaad who had spent three glorious weeks in Japan. While there, he discovered a 1 Yen sushi restaurant and I guess you would develop an appetite for raw fish after eating it for 21 days straight. We ordered a platter to share and he took us through the process - why the pickled ginger cleanses the palate, how wasabi is grown over a long period in flowing water and harvested at specific times (which is why authentic wasabi is incredibly expensive), how to hold your chop sticks and what the different types of sushi entail. From nigiri, maki, rolls of every variation and the cream of the crop, sashimi, we grew to love this indulgence. 

Sushi culture in Durban has blossomed over the years, with many restaurants popping up around eThekwini due to the growing demand. I've sampled sushi from many establishments and I keep going back to Cape Town Fish Market for some of the freshest sushi made by very experienced chefs. Cape Town Fish Market in Gateway Theatre of Shopping provides a seafood menu that ranges between starters, main meals, platters, desserts and of course, a fully fledged sushi bar. The cosmopolitan and modern restaurant has a team of dedicated staff to keep diners smiling and offers daily specials - can you say winning! 

Since tomorrow is #TreatYourselfThursday  - in my mind anyway, check out their Thursday specials with discounted sushi platters. We're big on saving, especially in January. 

Where have you had the best sushi in Durban? Comment below and give me some of your recommendations!

Love,
Yo Homi

So Whipped Cafe - Unicorn Poop Hot Chocolate

So Whipped Cafe, located in Gateway Theatre of Shopping is owned and run by Durban business woman, Candice Courtney. The Cafe is a magical coffee shop located on the Ground Floor, just outside the Wavehouse on the northern side of the super regional shopping centre and offers some of the most delicious cafe lite meals and decadent cakes, cupcakes, eclairs and coffee. The Cafe describes itself as a "happy, creative, carefree space" and that's exactly what you get.

Their latest offering, Unicorn Poop Hot Chocolate, released this year is everything! It's a feast for the eyes and combines the latest Unicorn trend. You've seen this trend all over Pinterest, from unicorn make up tutorials to unicorn hair (colourful hair in beautiful shades of pink, aqua and green), body tattoos and even unicorn macarons!

I can't wait to get my tastebuds into this fun creation and here's hoping it becomes the drink of the year!

Find So Whipped online here: 

Website: www.sowhipped.co.za
Email: events@sowhipped.co.za
Facebook: So Whipped
Instagram: @sowhipped
Twitter: @sowhippedcakes events@sowhipped.co.zaevents

Love,
Yo Homi

Beauty Review: Vaseline

Let's just say I'm really not what you would call "high maintenance". In fact, give me the simplest route to perfect skin and I will probably fall hook, line and sinker. I saw the adverts for the new Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser online and in-store and it immediately piqued my interest. A moisturizer in a spray? Like a deodorant for your legs? HELLO!

The product claims to moisturize and absorb into the skin in seconds while restoring dry skin. It's also non-greasy and includes micro droplets of Vaseline jelly. It's a continuous spray where you hold the product 10 cm's away from your skin and spray all over your body in a continous motion. The three varients of the product is Aloe Soothe (featured above), Cocoa Radiant and Essential Healing (cream in colour). Sounds cool, right?

I was impressed with how light the texture of the product is on my skin. It's hydrating without leaving white residue all over my legs and arms, which I love. It was quick to apply, which is great if you're in a rush in the morning (like we all are).

I picked this up at Clicks this weekend and it's currently on promotion until the 23 January 2017 (selected stores only) where you receive 30% off and pay only R59.95! Try it out and let me know what you think - pretty certain this is going to be your go to beauty product for 2017!

Love,
Yo Homi