JOHANNESBURG: Temba Bavuma produced his best century for the Proteas to ensure they went to stumps on day three of the second Betway Test against West Indies in the pound seat at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday.

Nearly six weeks after delivering his best One-Day International ton against England in a crucial series win, the South Africa captain scored an unbeaten career-best 171 off 275 balls (20 fours) to almost single-handed carry his side into a strong position.

They reached the close on the third day with a total of 287 for seven thanks in the main to Bavuma, whose magnificent performance took the hosts’ lead to 356 after they were in a precarious position early on. His main support came from Wiaan Mulder (42) and Simon Harmer (19) to some extent, but the rest of the batters struggled.

The South Africans had started the day on four for none and they fell into early trouble when Dean Elgar (5) and Tony de Zorzi (1) both fell inside the opening half-hour, Kyle Mayers (2/25) causing the early damage.

That brought Bavuma in with the score on eight for two and a massive rebuilding job awaited. Things got even worse as the morning progressed with batter of the series thus far, Aiden Markram, edging Kemar Roach (1/54) behind to Joshua da Silva for 18.

It was 32 for three at that stage and another wicket fell 37 runs later when Ryan Rickelton (10) edged Raymon Reifer (1/36) to the West Indian wicketkeeper as the Proteas battled to string together any meaningful partnerships.

Then when Alzarri Joseph (2/49) next removed Heinrich Klaasen (14), the home side were reeling on 103 for five.

Bavuma was a spectator at the other end for most of that time, but he finally find support through Mulder as the pair added 103 for the sixth wicket to double South Africa’s score.

During the partnership Bavuma went to only his second Test century in 192 balls and he then picked up the pace to reach his 150 in another 62 deliveries as he shared an important 71-run stand with Harmer.

The skipper lost his partner a few overs before stumps when he was trapped leg before wicket by Jason Holder (1/35), but he remained unbeaten to leave the home side in a strong position.

Proteas Test squad against West Indies
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (ITEC Knights), Tony de Zorzi (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (North West Dragons), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions).

South Africa Betway Test Series against West Indies

28 February – 04 March at 10:00
South Africa beat West Indies by 87 runs - SuperSport Park, Centurion

08 – 12 March at 10:00
South Africa vs West Indies – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

JOHANNESBURG: Half-centuries by Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi handed the Proteas the edge after opening day of the second Betway Test against West Indies at DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The hosts reached stumps on 311 for seven thanks in the main to opener Markram, the Player of the Match in the series opener when he scored a century and 47, thanks to his scintillating 96 (139 balls, 17 fours).

De Zorzi, an international debutant in the series, also impressed with 85 off 155 balls (11 fours) as he banked a maiden Test 50.

However, after dominating the opening two sessions, the home side lost most of that impetus when the tourists claimed five wickets in the final two hours to remain well in the game after the first day.

There was nonetheless, plenty of positives for South Africa to be encouraged by, especially after their struggles with the bat over the past year.

This time around they again won the toss at the start, with captain Temba Bavuma electing to bat first under sunny skies on the Highveld. Dean Elgar and Markram both scored quickly early on as the Proteas went to 50 in 11 overs. The partnership reached 76, before the former was excellently caught by Roston Chase diving forward at short fine leg off pick-of-the-bowlers Gudakesh Motie (3/75) for 42 off 54 balls.

That brought together De Zorzi and Markram, who together the biggest partnership of the innings as the South Africans took control of the game. The two put on 116 together for the second wicket, taking their side to 192 when Markram tried to sweep and instead miscued to Jermaine Blackwood running to the leg side from slip, falling four short of a century.

The Proteas continued to look comfortable after tea when Bavuma (28) settled in nicely, only to be trapped leg before wicket by Jason Holder (1/39) ending a third wicket stand of 56. De Zorzi followed not too long after when he was bowled by Motie, with the recalled Ryan Rickelton next to go after reaching 22.

Kyle Mayers (2/24) added the late wickets of Wiaan Mulder (12) and Simon Harmer (1) to cap a strong comeback for the islanders as they took back some of the initiative that had been seized by South Africa.

Proteas Test squad against West Indies
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (ITEC Knights), Tony de Zorzi (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (North West Dragons), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions).

South Africa Betway Test Series against West Indies

28 February – 04 March
South Africa beat West Indies by 87 runs - SuperSport Park, Centurion

08 – 12 March
South Africa vs West Indies – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Ronan Keating has been back in South Africa over the past week to contribute to charitable causes, in conjunction with Citadel as well as to perform in Cape Town and Pretoria. Ronan performed at the Grand West Arena on the 3rd of March, which coincided with his birthday.

Citadel hosted their annual charity gala dinner with Keating and Gary Player at The Table Bay Hotel on Saturday 4 March 2023. After a performance by Keating and his band, Citadel Head of Philanthropy, Jean de Villiers, took to the stage to facilitate the charity auction.

The auction raised over R2.1 million. The proceeds will be managed and distributed by the Citadel Philanthropy Foundation. The beneficiaries are the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town and the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School in Johannesburg.

“I’ve visited South Africa many times and, although it’s such a beautiful country, there are many challenges South African children face today and I care deeply about ensuring that cancer treatment is not one of them. I’m thankful to Gary Player and Citadel for supporting these efforts,” says Keating, who is well known for his cancer advocacy and relationship with the Oncology Unit at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital

This Citadel event began in 2018 and was inspired by the loss of Keating and Player’s mothers to cancer. Both their moms were passionate about giving back. Since then, this event has raised R7.1 million in total.
On Sunday the 5th of March he performed at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria in front of 5000 excited fans. The aim was to play hos greatest hits as well as to showcase the release of his lockdown albums, Twenty Twenty and Songs From Home.

As the lead singer with one of the biggest ever Irish boy bands, he needed no introduction. Accompanied by a five piece band, when he walked on to the stage dressed in a grey suit, the screams from the predominantly female crowd were deafening.

Despite the Dublin singer ( although he now lives in London) promising all of his hits, he did open the proceedings with new song Heyday, but after that he certainly delivered. Lovin’ Each Day induced the evening’s first sing along and with everyone on their feet where they remained for the entire evening; he followed it up with Isn’t It A Wonder.
Slowing things right down for a cover of Tracey Chapman’s Baby Can I Hold You, the Bee Gees’ Words and Anne Murray’s You Needed Me, the crowd swayed, arms aloft as they sung every word right back at him.

The set list was peppered with classic hits from his Boyzone catalogue, such as No Matter What, One More Song and Picture Of You, which took the crowd on a trip down memory lane. With record sales declining, Keating is undoubtedly a great live entertainer, and with his soft Irish lilt, he had the crowd hanging on his every word. And when he launched into When The Going Gets Tough and set closer Life Is A Rollercoaster, he was rewarded with a well earned standing ovation.

We cant wait to see him next year, like he promised.



[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

CENTURION: Kagiso Rabada’s 13th career five-for helped rescue the Proteas from a disappointing batting display to come back and complete victory by 87 runs inside three days of the first Betway Test against the West Indies at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday.

The fast bowler claimed a stellar six for 50 in 15 overs to blow away the tourists for 159 as they chased a very gettable 247 that was set up by an outstanding bowling display of their own that skittled the hosts for 116.

Despite the valiant efforts of Jermaine Blackwood (79 off 93 balls, 12 fours, 1 six), the islanders fell short thanks to a wonderful showing by South African spearhead Rabada. He was aided well by Marco Jansen (2/33), Gerald Coetzee (1/20) and Anrich Nortje (1/48).

Their efforts put the home side 1-0 up in the two-match series, with match two to follow in Johannesburg starting next Wednesday.

Even though the Proteas were victorious, the batting unit were left with plenty to ponder after another meltdown that saw them last only 28 overs in their second innings. Kemar Roach was the chief destroyer for the West Indians as he bagged five for 47. Only Player of the Match Aiden Markram offered any resistance with his top-score of 47 to go with his first-innings 115.

South Africa resumed the third morning already in trouble on 49 for four and within the first eight runs they lost another key wicket in Heinrich Klaasen for five. Markram was next to go, followed by Jansen (6) and Senuran Muthusamy (4) leaving the total on 80 for eight.

Coetzee came in an hit out with a quick-fire 20 that at least lifted them past 100, before seamer Roach mopped up the last two wickets for his own 12th career five-for. Alzarri Joseph (2/30), Jason Holder (2/7) and Shannon Gabriel (1/26) were also amongst the wickets.

The visitors lost a clutter of wickets early on as they sunk to 33 for five, before Blackwood and Joshua Da Silva (17) gave them a glimmer of hope with a 58-run sixth-wicket stand. But once that was ended by Rabada, the rest of the wickets fell quickly giving the hosts the advantage after the first match of the series.

Proteas Test squad against West Indies
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (ITEC Knights), Tony de Zorzi (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (North West Dragons), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions).

South Africa Betway Test Series against West Indies

28 February – 04 March at 10:00
South Africa beat West Indies by 87 runs - SuperSport Park, Centurion

08 – 12 March at 10:00
South Africa vs West Indies – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Big Concerts confirmed today that due to exceptional demand, two new dates have been added to the Backstreet Boys South African tour. The new dates are 17 May at the Grand Arena, GrandWest and 20 May at the SunBet Arena, Time Square. Brought to you by 947 and KFM.

The band also released the first episode of their new docu series Making Of The DNA Tour, giving fans an inside look of the preparation for their highly-anticipated world tour – watch it here! Additional episodes will be available on The Backstreet Boys YouTube channel.

For 29 years the Backstreet Boys have delivered the finest pop music one has to offer, making them one of pop’s most influential performers. With countless #1s, record-setting tours, numerous awards and worldwide sales in excess of 130 million, BSB has been recognized as the best-selling boy band in history.
In early 2019, BSB released their GRAMMY nominated 10th studio album “DNA” on RCA Records. The album debuted at #1 and features the Top 10 hit “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” The critically acclaimed and chart topping single was nominated for the “Pop Duo / Group Performance” 2019 GRAMMY, and was BSB’s first hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 10 years. Upon its release, the single went straight to #1 on iTunes Top Songs and Global charts and charted in over 22 countries.

In May 2019 the Backstreet Boys kicked off “The DNA World Tour” - the group’s biggest arena tour in 18 years thanks to the global success of their #1 new album. The DNA World Tour has seen the group sell out arenas all over North America, Europe, Asia and South America.
Over the years, the Backstreet Boys have continually captivated millions of people with their impressive catalogue of hit songs and creative partnerships.

Backstreet Boys “DNA World Tour” 2023

Cape Town
16 May 2023 – SOLD OUT
17 May 2023 – NEW DATE ADDED
Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 24 February.
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

Pretoria
19 May 2023– SOLD OUT
20 May 2023 – NEW DATE ADDED
SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 24 February.
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

From award-winning actor to one of the highest-grossing comedians of all time to multimedia venture capitalist, Kevin Hart quickly corrects anyone who dares to suggests he’s juggling a million jobs these days.

“You’re absolutely wrong,” Hart typically fires back. “It’s a million and one.”

When Hart’s not on the big screen headlining blockbuster movies, he’s on television pushing sports betting apps, credit card companies and other projects in commercials. And when he’s not doing that, Hart’s in your social media feed promoting his media investment firms.


Michael Wallace, Grind City Media Sr. Editor, Contributor & Analyst
by
Michael Wallace
MEMPHIS– From award-winning actor to one of the highest-grossing comedians of all time to multimedia venture capitalist, Kevin Hart quickly corrects anyone who dares to suggests he’s juggling a million jobs these days.

“You’re absolutely wrong,” Hart typically fires back. “It’s a million and one.”

When Hart’s not on the big screen headlining blockbuster movies, he’s on television pushing sports betting apps, credit card companies and other projects in commercials. And when he’s not doing that, Hart’s in your social media feed promoting his media investment firms.

Hart has starred in 10 films that opened at No. 1 in the box office and have generated $4.23 billion in revenues. In recent years, Hart has stretched his acting by taking roles outside of his comedic comfort zone. In the 2021 movie Fatherhood, based on a true story, Hart played the role of a father raising his young daughter after the tragic death of his wife soon following childbirth. Last year, Hart also starred alongside Wesley Snipes in the Netflix dramatic series True Story.

If it feels as if Hart is almost everywhere at any given time, well that’s not necessarily true. The Emmy and Grammy nominated actor was recently in South Africa for his Reality Check World Tour, hosting his new movie premier " Die Hart" as well as doing some charity work. The aim of this trip was " to receive more and to give more" than when he was in the country in 2016.

Helping millions of fans find ways to laugh through some of life’s toughest lessons has been Hart’s passion. Pollstar recognized Hart as the comedy touring artist of the decade, with ‘Reality Check’ marking his first major string of road shows in four years. His previous tour sold out over 100 arenas globally. Prior to that, Hart’s 2018 Irresponsible Tour sold one million tickets


With Hart’s corporate and entertainment empire intact, having accumulated a reported net worth of $450 million, it’s time to reconnect to his foundation as an unadulterated funnyman. “I need to give people a reminder,” Hart said during a recent tour promotional appearance on The Pivot Podcast. “This Reality Check tour I’m on now is just in case you forgot why I sit where I sit, why I am the way I am. Let me go back to a little raw, a little edge and still have fun in my craft. You’ve got to recreate yourself in your craft.”

The South African crowds packed into the Sun Bet Arena in Pretoria and Grand West Arena in Cape town, for jam packed, sold out events. Tickets ranged from R690- R17 000, which seemed steep, however everyone left satisfied. What made the evenings enjoyable is that there was no woke discussions, no political agenda's and no one was left unscathed. Kevin Hart did not need the normal sex jokes to have every one laughing in the aisles. It was just a great evening, from one of the best comedians in the world.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Monday, 20 February: Betway SA20 Board Chair, Pholesti Moseki, has hailed the successful inaugural season of the competition, which he says has surpassed all expectations. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape were crowned the inaugural Champions at a sold-out Wanderers on 12 February, capping off a month of entertaining cricket, packed stadiums and an unparalleled excitement for domestic cricket.

Betway SA20 Board Chair and Cricket South Africa Chief Executive, Moseki said: “The inaugural Betway SA20 League got off to a thunderous start, surpassing all our expectations. Much as we worked hard and were intentional in positioning the Betway SA20 as the best League outside of India globally, were thrilled to see the uptake of this first season.

“From the first toss, fans flocked and packed our stadiums in numbers never seen in any of our domestic tournaments for a long time. Tickets were sold out in most matches, including the final. This confirmed to us that there is appetite and hunger for this format of cricket. It was also a humbling and gratifying realization that this product is what our fans have been yearning for.”

The success of the opening season has seen a fresh injection of appeal and glory to the domestic pipeline, giving players a global platform to showcase their skills and aspiring players a golden opportunity to strive for.

“The electrifying excitement brought about by the Betway SA20 will spill-over to create an enduring vibe in other formats of the game domestically. It is one of the abiding legacies that the League will leave behind. It is heartening that our local players had the opportunity to showcase their latent at a global stage occasioned by the tournament.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate the Betway SA20 Commissioner, Graeme Smith and his team for a job well-done in bringing back the thrill of T20 cricket in South Africa and keeping the entire world entertained.

“I also congratulate Sunrisers Eastern Cape for their heart-warming and well-deserved title win of this inaugural tournament. They certainly displayed grit, focus and endurance in their campaign.

“Judging by the uptake of the first season of this tournament, I am confident that its second instalment will bring more ecstasy and excitement untold.”

The 33 matches played across six of South Africa’s premier cricket stadiums galvanised the cricket-loving public to foster new fan bases for each of the six new franchises. From the sea of blue and gold of Newlands’ faithful in Cape Town, the pink party from Paarl Royals’ supporters, the jovial Orange Army in Gqeberha, Durban’s super fans, the passion from the people of the Capital and the yellow whistles in Joburg, the six franchise have already built a steady allegiance which will only grow and flourish come season two.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Big Concerts confirmed today that Backstreet Boys, one of the best-selling bands of all time will be coming to South Africa for the first time. The DNA World Tour kicks off in Cape Town on 16 May at Grand Arena, GrandWest, and on 19 May at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria. Brought to you by 947 and KFM.

The DNA World Tour will go on sale at 09h00 on Friday 24th February exclusively from www.ticketmaster.co.za.

The Discovery Bank pre-sale begins at 09h00 on Wednesday 22 February from www.ticketmaster.co.za and will run until 08h59 on Friday, 24 February.

Important Note: Fans are strongly advised against purchasing tickets from Viagogo. These tickets are unlawfully resold by deceitful sellers for multiple times the face value and are not legitimate tickets. Should you purchase these tickets you will be denied entry into the venue and you will not be entitled to a refund.

For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za.

Photo Credit: Dennis Leapold.


The band also released the first episode of their new docu series Making Of The DNA Tour, giving fans an inside look of the preparation for their highly-anticipated world tour – watch it here! Additional episodes will be available on The Backstreet Boys YouTube channel.

For 29 years the Backstreet Boys have delivered the finest pop music one has to offer, making them one of pop’s most influential performers. With countless #1s, record-setting tours, numerous awards and worldwide sales in excess of 130 million, BSB has been recognized as the best-selling boy band in history.
In early 2019, BSB released their GRAMMY nominated 10th studio album “DNA” on RCA Records. The album debuted at #1 and features the Top 10 hit “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” The critically acclaimed and chart topping single was nominated for the “Pop Duo / Group Performance” 2019 GRAMMY, and was BSB’s first hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 10 years. Upon its release, the single went straight to #1 on iTunes Top Songs and Global charts and charted in over 22 countries.
In May 2019 the Backstreet Boys kicked off “The DNA World Tour” - the group’s biggest arena tour in 18 years thanks to the global success of their #1 new album. The DNA World Tour has seen the group sell out arenas all over North America, Europe, Asia and South America.
Over the years, the Backstreet Boys have continually captivated millions of people with their impressive catalogue of hit songs and creative partnerships.

Backstreet Boys “DNA World Tour” 2023
Cape Town
16 May 2023
Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 24 February.
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

Pretoria
19 May 2023
SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 24 February.
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

MEDIA MANAGER
KEVIN RADEMEYER
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Sting, finally reached the South African shores after more than a decade of absence, for his "My Songs" tour. He spent two nights in the beautiful Cape and two nights in the capital city.

Following a short opening set by his son, accomplished guitarist Joe Sumner—whose earnest songs of love and loss are cut, though not as infectiously, from his father’s cloth—Sting appeared promptly with five musicians and a pair of backup singer-dancers for a tight and explorative set of more than 40 years’ worth of material. An improbably fit septuagenarian, Sting’s voice hasn’t aged a millisecond, as immediately evident on Police pop nuggets like “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic,” riveting solo cuts such as “An Englishman in New York,” and the evocative favorite “Fields of Gold.”

A projection screen positioned horizontally above the stage ran video and graphics pertinent to the songs’ atmospheres—typewriter keys and crashing waves for “Message in a Bottle”; dice, chips and cards for the gambling-themed “Shape of My Heart”—while the carefully tailored lighting rig splashed crisscrossing beams, often blue, gold or red over the sold-out crowd.

The structure of Sting’s set list was that of an upside-down bell curve, with a flurry of hits at the top, a parade of favorites at the end, and a rather sagging middle comprised of deep cuts and new selections from his 2021 release The Bridge, written during quarantine. “I’m going to play some new songs; I’m sorry,” he said, perhaps tongue-in-cheekily but sort of accurately, as this mostly unfamiliar segment of the show allowed many to refresh their drinks and empty their bladders.

The best tune in this mini-set, “If It’s Love,” featured a whistled intro and inviting, handclap percussion; the weakest, “For Her Love,” seemed to die on the vine. I could have done without “I’m So Happy I Can’t Stop Crying,” one of the singer’s ill-fated dalliances with country music, though at least “I Hung My Head,” another western-tinged composition, conjured one of Bob Dylan’s ‘80s-era story-songs.

And then it was off to the races, as Sting and his top-shelf musicians performed a string of hits as formidable as any modern songwriter’s discography, from the swaggering, shimmering “Brand New Day” to a particularly lush rendition of “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” with virtual candle flames flickering on the projection screen.

Having long ascended from new-wave rebel to adult-contemporary institution, Sting has spongily absorbed at least a half-dozen disparate and far-flung genres, all of which came to the fore during the concert’s most thrilling moments: the blue-eyed soul of “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,” the North African mantra “Desert Rain,” the jaunty reggae of “Walking on the Moon,” the simplicity of " Every breathe you take".

In one of the show’s most communal sing-alongs, “So Lonely” included a snippet of the Jamaican classic “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” while “King of Pain” sent us off with an anthemic, Springsteen-esque rock outro. “Roxanne” even featured a gospel call-and-response and a swing-music nod to Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing.”

Sting left us with "Fragile" which was dedicated to Ukraine, The Russians standing up against teh war and the woman of Iran. It was a chance to exhale and decompress, heading to our cars or, if we were feeling lucky, to the tables and slots, in a state of zen. We hope he doesnt stay away for another 11 years.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]