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]

Monday, 9 January: Betway SA20 has confirmed exciting additions to its playing format for the inaugural season starting on 10 January. The six teams will play 33 matches in total, including three playoff matches that consist of two semi-finals and the final.

The additions have been included to improve the quality of the product while preserving the sanctity of the game.

In an innovative move to level the playing field, each captain can nominate 13 players to take the field before the toss. After the toss, each captain can select their final starting XI and the remainder of the players will automatically become substitute players.

Teams will be encouraged to put in dominant performances, with the winning team awarded four points and a bonus-point win generating five points. The bonus point will be awarded to a team who achieves a run rate of 1.25 times that of the opposition. In case of a no result, both teams will be awarded two points, while the losing team will not receive any points.

In addition, the following rules have been adjusted:

• The pace of play will be protected without suspensions with captains charged with in-game penalties for slow over-rates through fielding restrictions.

• There has been an amendment to the free-hit rule, a bowled dismissal can’t lead to byes if the ball ricochets off the stumps.

• Positive and attacking fielding will be encouraged. No runs can be taken off an intentional attempt to run out the batter if a direct hit deflects off the stumps.

• There will be two strategic time-outs of 2 minutes 30 seconds in duration in each innings. The time-outs are to allow the teams to re-group tactically.


Six Powerplay overs will be implemented where only two fielders will be allowed outside the 30-yard circle.

In the event of teams finishing on equal points, the right to progress through to the final and those to play in the play-off will be determined as follows:
• the team with the most number of wins;
• If still equal, the team with the highest number of bonus points;
• If still equal, the team with the highest net run rate;
• If still equal, the team with the most number of wins over the other team(s) who are equal on points and have the same number of wins;
• If still equal, the team with the highest runs to wickets ratio throughout the tournament;
• If still equal, the team with the highest wickets to runs ratio throughout the tournament.

In a match declared as a No Result, run rate is not applicable.

The first semi-final will include the team finishing top of the group stages against the team finishing fourth. The second semi-final will be between the teams finishing second and third respectively. The winners of the two semi-finals will contest the final.

About SA20
SA20 is South Africa’s explosive new T20 cricket league. Dropping 10 January 2023, the League is set to thrill local and international cricket fans and attract new audiences of all ages.

4 weeks, 33 matches, 6 global franchises, 102 world class players (local and global) - SA20 is for cricket diehards, party people, families. For everyone!

SA20 has the backing of some of the most recognised T20 franchises in the world, with several IPL strongholds branching out to establish an even greater international footprint. The franchises are owned by six dynamic entities which have made a minimum 10-year investment which will sustain South African cricket, the players and future cricketers coming through the development pipeline.

The League features six privately-owned teams, who will play each other twice in a round-robin stage (home and away) before the semis and final. In all, 33 matches will be played in some of the greatest locations South Africa has to offer: Durban’s Super Giants (Kingsmead), Joburg Super Kings (Wanderers), MI Cape Town (Newlands), Paarl Royals (Boland Park), Pretoria Capitals (SuperSport Park) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (St George’s Park).

The six teams finalised their 17-member squads during the R125 million player auction. Each team is allowed to field up to four international players in a match, giving plenty of opportunities for homegrown Proteas stars and young local talent to shine while playing alongside the best in the world.

SA20 is destined to become the best League in the world outside of India, and to be South Africa’s No 1 Sport and Entertainment brand. Fans can expect thrilling cricket underpinned by an immersive, inclusive, and unmissable social experience.

Join the party: @SA20_League and www.sa20.co.za
For more information, please follow #SA20 on all social media platforms.
Twitter: @SA20_League
Facebook: @SA20League
Instagram: @sa20_league
TikTok: @sa20_league
Website: www.sa20.co.za

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

As a business leader, it is important to carefully consider the potential impact of investing in renewable energy. There are both advantages and disadvantages to investing in renewable energy, and it is essential to weigh these carefully before making a decision.
One of the biggest advantages of investing in renewable energy is the potential for cost savings. Renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and wind turbines, can provide a source of clean and sustainable energy for your business. Over time, this can help to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and lower your energy costs. In addition, the cost of renewable energy has been decreasing in recent years, making it more affordable than ever before.
There are several ways that your business can invest in renewable energy. For example, you can invest in on-site renewable energy generation, such as a solar panel system for your facility. This can provide a source of clean energy for your business and potentially qualify for investment tax credits or other incentives. The federal government offers a number of tax credits and other incentives for businesses that invest in renewable energy, including the solar investment tax credit and the production tax credit. These credits can help to offset the initial cost of investing in renewable energy technology, making it more affordable for your business.
Another option is to participate in a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with a renewable energy provider, in which you agree to purchase a specific amount of renewable energy at a fixed price over a certain period of time. This can help to hedge against future energy price increases and provide a predictable source of renewable energy for your business. Under a VPPA, the renewable energy provider typically sells the electricity generated by the project to the grid at the prevailing market price. If the market price is higher than the price you have agreed to pay for the renewable energy, the provider can make a profit. This profit can be shared with your business, providing an additional source of revenue.
In addition to investing in renewable energy directly, your business can also support the growth of renewable energy by trading renewable energy credits (RECs). RECs are a form of environmental commodity that represent the environmental attributes of one megawatt-hour of renewable energy. By purchasing RECs, your business can demonstrate its commitment to renewable energy and support the growth of the renewable energy industry.
RECs can be traded on various exchanges and over-the-counter markets, and the price of RECs can vary depending on supply and demand. By buying RECs at a lower price and selling them at a higher price, your business can potentially make a profit. However, it is important to carefully evaluate the market conditions and consider potential risks before making any investment decisions.
In conclusion, investing in renewable energy can provide a number of benefits for your business. It can help to reduce your energy costs, qualify for tax credits and other incentives, and potentially provide additional revenue through the sale of renewable energy or RECs. It can also improve your company's reputation and create jobs and stimulate economic growth in your community. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider, such as the initial cost and the reliability of renewable energy. As a business leader, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision about investing in renewable energy.
[Submitted by Vince Rubiera]

Renewable energy storage is a critical element in the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable energy system. As more renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are integrated into the grid, the need for effective storage solutions increases. There are several different forms of renewable energy storage, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities.

Pumped hydroelectric storage is a mature technology that involves pumping water uphill to a reservoir when excess electricity is available, and then releasing it downhill through a turbine to generate electricity when demand is high. Pumped hydroelectric storage can provide large amounts of power for extended periods of time, but it requires a significant amount of water and a suitable topography, which limits its potential locations.

Batteries are another form of renewable energy storage, allowing electricity to be stored in chemical form and then released as needed. There are several different types of batteries that can be used for renewable energy storage, including lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and flow batteries. Lead-acid batteries are inexpensive and have a long lifespan, but they are heavy and have a lower energy density compared to other types of batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in consumer electronics and are becoming increasingly popular for renewable energy storage due to their high energy density and long lifespan. Flow batteries are a newer technology that uses liquid electrolytes to store energy, and they have the advantage of being able to store large amounts of energy for extended periods of time. However, they can be expensive and require careful maintenance.

Thermal storage involves using excess renewable energy to heat a substance, such as water or molten salt, which can then be used to generate electricity when demand is high. Thermal storage can be an effective way to store large amounts of energy over long periods of time, but it can be costly to implement and requires careful management to ensure the safety and stability of the storage system.

Hydrogen can also be used as an energy carrier, with renewable energy being used to produce hydrogen through the process of electrolysis. The hydrogen can then be used in a fuel cell to generate electricity, or it can be stored for later use. Hydrogen has the advantage of being able to store a large amount of energy in a relatively small volume, but it can be difficult and expensive to produce and store, and there are safety concerns associated with its handling and transport.

In conclusion, renewable energy storage is an essential component of the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable energy system. There are several different forms of renewable energy storage, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities. As we continue to develop and deploy new technologies, it is important that we carefully consider the pros and cons of each option in order to make the most effective and cost-effective choices.
[Submitted by Vince Rubiera]

Big Concerts International confirmed today that UB40 will be returning to South Africa in 2023. They will be performing in Cape Town on 30 May at Grand Arena, GrandWest, Durban on 1 June at the Durban ICC, and on 3 June at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria

The Discovery Bank pre-sale for the South Africa dates begin Wednesday 7 December at 9:00 AM local time through to Friday 9 December at 8:59 AM from www.ticketmaster.co.za. Sign up for your Discovery Bank Card today and get tickets to the biggest concerts before everyone else with Discovery Bank.

Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday 9 December at 9:00 AM local time from www.ticketmaster.co.za.

UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell will add another chapter to a story that began in the Birmingham suburb of Moseley in 1979 when UB40, taking their name from the form given to individuals claiming unemployment benefit, started putting an indigenous British slant on Jamaican reggae. After reaching number four in the charts with King / Food For Thought, the multi-racial band released their debut album Signing Off in 1980. During their career they have sold in excess of 70 million records and topped the UK singles chart on three occasions – with Red Red Wine in 1983; I Got You Babe (a duet between Ali and Pretenders singer and long-standing UB40 champion Chrissie Hynde) in 1985; and (I Can't Help) Falling In Love With You in 1993. Two of those hits, Red Red Wine and (I Can't Help) Falling In Love With You, also went to number one in the USA. Lead singer Ali Campbell joined Birmingham singer and toaster Pato Banton to top the UK charts again with Baby Come Back in 1994. Paying homage to the songs that inspired them, UB40 also released three volumes of the Labour Of Love series, covering Jamaican standards such as Eric Donaldson's Cherry Oh Baby and Lord Creator's Kingston Town.

Ali is joined by his incredible 9-piece band and will be honouring long time member Astro who sadly passed in 2021. Whilst a handful of songs from the forthcoming album will feature alongside favourites from the Labour Of Love series, Ali is keen to include older numbers such as King (about the legacy of American Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King) and One In Ten (about unemployment in the UK) that are, unfortunately, as timely today as when they were first sung in 1980 and 1981.

'We put King back into the set because it's so bloody appropriate,' says Ali. 'We wrote it 40 years ago, but it's still representative of what’s happening in America. It's depressing that nothing has changed. It's the same with One In Ten in the UK. With the impact the coronavirus had on jobs, we could soon be looking at unemployment figures on a par with the early Eighties.” Those songs will feature in a show we've been honing for the past 12 years.

‘We'll always play the classics, like Red Red Wine and (I Can't Help) Falling In Love With You, but we like to change the beginning and end of the show. We'll play Lean On Me and maybe add three or four new songs. The band members are all fantastic musicians and we've climbed back up to the biggest venues in the past 12 years.'

“UB40 FEATURING ALI CAMPBELL”
South Africa 2023 Dates

30 May 2023 Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
1 June 2023 Durban ICC, Durban
3 June 2023 Sunbet Arena, Times Square, Pretoria

South Africa PR Contact: Dionne Domyan-Mudie | +27 (0) 833261776 | @

TOUR INFORMATION:

Cape Town
Tuesday 30 May 2023
Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.za from 9 AM (SAST), Friday 9 December 2022

Durban
Thursday 1 June 2023
Durban ICC, Durban
Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.za from 9 AM (SAST), Friday 9 December 2022

Pretoria
Saturday 3 June 2023
SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.za from 9 AM (SAST), Friday 9 December 2022

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

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Big Concerts and Live Nation Comedy confirmed today that due to popular demand, a second Kevin Hart ‘Reality Check’ Tour date has been added to the SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria show run. NEW DATE: Saturday 18 February 2023. Brought to you by 947.

Show days include Friday 17 February 2023 and NEW date Saturday 18 February 2023.

The Discovery Bank pre-sale is currently running and finishes at 8:59 am Friday 2 December. Sign up for your Discovery Bank Card today and get tickets to the biggest concerts before everyone else with Discovery Bank.

The general on-sale begins Friday 2 December at 9:00 AM exclusively from Ticketmaster.

Emmy & Grammy nominated Kevin Hart is currently touring “Reality Check” globally with his known gold standard stand-up material and has shattered box office records everywhere. Hart launched his career as a comedian during an amateur night at a local comedy club. Over the years Hart has become Hollywood’s box office powerhouse, opening eleven films at number one at the box office and grossing more than in $4.23 billion global revenue. Hart has also become a successful Entrepreneur; he is Chairman of HARTBEAT; a global, multi-platform media company creating entertainment at the intersection of comedy and culture with a mission to keep the world laughing together. The next generation media company unites Hartbeat Productions’ best-in-class TV & film production capabilities with Laugh Out Loud’s expansive distribution network, along with its marketing, sales, experiential, branded content, digital and social capabilities. Hart is also the Founder of HartBeat Ventures. Together, these companies play an integral role part in building Hart’s eco-system for extraordinary growth and creativity. Hart continues to develop, star, and produce feature films, television, and podcasts via HARTBEAT for his various partners which include Netflix, Peacock, Sirius XM and Audible. In 2020 Hart released his seventh hour long stand-up special, “Zero Fu**ks Given,” which quickly became Netflix's biggest stand-up special of 2020 and earned him a Grammy nomination for “Best Comedy Album”. Hart also earned Emmy nominations for “Die Hart,” for “Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series” along with an Emmy nomination for his Docu-series, “Don’t F**k This Up”. Kevin is a New York Times Best Selling author twice over and his first Audible original, “The Decision,” was nominated for an Audie award for “Best Original Audiobook in 2021.” Kevin is a founding partner in two companies: the premium tequila brand Gran Coramino, and plant based quick serve restaurant Hart House. Kevin’s brand partnerships include Gran Coramino, Hart House, Fabletics Men, Chase J.P Morgan, Hydrow, NutraBolt, Brüush, Tommy John and Therabody.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Johannesburg, 29 November 2022 – Africa Cares Tennis Challenge which was set to take place this coming weekend at the DP World Wanderers Stadium has announced that the event will now be moved to Arthur Ashe Tennis Centre, still in Johannesburg.

The organisers of the Africa Cares Tennis Challenge have announced that due to the unexpectedly low ticket sales, they have decided to move the event to a smaller venue, which is more in-line with what the event stands for; which is to develop and promote tennis in South Africa, to all communities.

There were also concerns around forecasted weather causing delays in the building of the court structure, should the event still have taken place in the stadium. The Arthur Ashe Tennis facility has existing tennis court structures and has hosted many international tennis events.

Arthur Ashe was an (and remains the only) African American professional tennis player who won three Grand Slam singles titles. Arthur was an author, teacher, and activist who fought for civil rights and racial equality, not only in the United States but worldwide, particularly against the apartheid systems of South Africa. He was also the first black tennis professional player to play in South Africa’s National Championship.

The Arthur Ashe Stadium was erected in 1974 by him and was recently refurbished which sees current programmes at the centre that focus on both tennis and academics, something that Africa Cares Tennis Challenge is passionate about and feels that it aligns with its values.

Africa Cares Tennis Challenge aims to use sports as a vehicle to promote an international awareness-raising campaign for No Violence against Women And Children. The event is set to bring international and local tennis players including World Number 2 tennis player Ons Jabeur, former Swiss tennis player Martina Hingis, German-Jamaican Dustin Brown, American Sloane Stephens who has already arrived in South Africa this past weekend, South African Tennis players Khololwam Montsi and Isabella Kruger, British tennis player Francesca Jones, and Karolina Pliskova who is from the Czech Republic.
South African award-winning television presenter, radio personality, actress and social media personality, Bonang Matheba is set to be the official host of the event on both days.


[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]