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]

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]