Entertainment
DURBAN YOUTH GEARING UP FOR GATEWAY TO FAME FINALE
Over 300 youngsters auditioned earlier this year to become the next Gateway to Fame superstar. With less than two weeks to go until the finale at the Wave House on the 18th of October, the finalists are hard at work in their different categories preparing for their ultimate performance. The categories include; dance crews, junior, senior and young adult singers as well as singers with instrumental accompaniment.
Gateway to Fame, which is Gateway Theatre of Shopping’s annual talent competition, was launched in 2010 for aspiring singers and dancers. The final shows, following a strict audition process and weekly workshops over a two month period to develop the participants into performers, have been hugely popular.
Junior Singing Finalists
Great talent was discovered all around Durban and surround areas. The finalists include;
| JUNIOR SINGING FINALISTS | SENIOR SINGING FINALISTS |
| Alex Schalkwyk | Reece van Schalkwyk |
| Ziyanda Maphumulo | Nokukhanya Madlala |
| Mnqobi Mthethwa | Zinhle Wanda |
| Leah Mari | Sibonelo Dlamini |
| Marianthe Panas | Courtney Pendy |
| Kelly Milne | Carla Johnson |
| Cameron Parle | |
| Fazlyn Naidoo |
| YOUNG ADULT SINGING FINALISTS | INSTRUMENTALISTS |
| Cassie Rae Moore | Emily Govender |
| Sizwe Mthalane | Brogan Ballack |
| Jamy-Lee Simons | Freddy Lalendle |
| Nduduzo Khuzwayo | Campbell Colledge |
| Xolani Shabalala | Nhlakanipho and Sandile Ngcamu |
| Zenzi Sibisi | Ndumiso Dlamini |
| Jamie Woolgar | Liya Peters |
Senior Singing Finalists
The dance crews include; Champions, Bounce, Professionals, Trip Trio, Survivors, Warrior Knights, Sugar Snapz and Auto Pilotz.
Gateway recently had a chat with some of the finalists to find out how ready they are for the grand finale.
Marianthe Panas has already shown audiences what she is capable of when she performed live on stage at the IBV Supercar Charity Parade VIP lunch on the 21st of September. Those in attendance were wowed by her stage presence and amazing voice.
“My dream is to travel the world and make music at the same time. I hope to bring joy to as many people as possible while doing this,” said instrumentalist, Brogan Ballack.
UKZN Howard College young adult singing finalist, Cassie Rae Moore said, “When it comes to my greatest musical influence, it’s not so much who, but what. I always watched musicals at my grandma’s house while growing up and I can easily say that those musicals have shaped my musical interest today”.
Young Adult Singing Finalists
The Gateway to Fame finale will be held at the Wave House on the 18th of October. The event will feature a huge line up of special performances from the finalists. For a totally incredible and engaging show, come to the Gateway to Fame finale to support the finalists from your community. It promises to be an awesome finale. Tickets are currently on sale at Computicket and will also be available at the door on the night of the event. 10% of the income generated from ticket sales will be donated to ‘Reach for a Dream’ so that they can continue to grant magical dreams to children and young adults fighting life threatening diseases.
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Author: Durbanite
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
Back by popular demand, Durban comedy favourites Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert-McIlroy return to the Northlands Bowling Club, in Durban North for audiences who missed the show the first time around.
Expect old favourite characters and a soundtrack packed with thumping hits as McIlroy and Bobbert once again deliver their trademark blend of side-splitting humour, larger-than-life personalities, and musical mayhem!
Some characters to expect; Bruce and Charmaine as unforgettable Elvis impersonators, Dot and Max settling into the chaos of retirement village life, and everyone’s favourite philosopher of the people, Dr Veejay, offering his “words of wisdom.” Add in a host of hilarious new faces, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a fun night out!
Directed and choreographed by the sensational Daisy Spencer, Bump and Grind promises to keep audiences on their feet — or rolling in the aisles — with laughter, music, and McIlroy & Bobbert’s unbeatable comic chemistry.
- Venue: Northlands Bowling Club, Durban North
- Dates: Friday 27 & Saturday 28 March – 7:30pm (doors open 6pm) | Sunday 29 March 2026 – 6:30pm (doors open 5pm)
- Tickets: R220pp
- Bookings: Webtickets – BOOK HERE
Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or coming back for more, this is a musical comedy experience not to be missed.
Other Info to Note:
- Picnic baskets welcome
- Food and Drink on sale at the venue
- Full bar available (no alcohol may be brought onto the premises)
- Limited secure parking available
- All seats are allocated by the theatre management
- Tables seat 8
- Wheelchair friendly venue – contact 082 499 8636 to make arrangements
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Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
Stand a chance to WIN 4x tickets to the OPENING NIGHT on Thursday 2 April 2026.🙌
• Tag someone who also wants to go
Don’t want to leave it up to luck? Tickets are on sale via Webtickets here
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
