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Newcomer Josh Wantie Inks Deal with Gallo

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Durban is once again becoming a breeding ground for exceptional musical talent as Josh Wantie becomes the latest to step into the music scene.

Durban born Josh Wantie [pronounced Von-Tee] has been crafting his sound for quite a few years. Influenced by several types of genres and artists such as Sia, Lorde, James Bay, Ben Howard, James Blake, Phillip Phillips and Civil Twilight, he has created a mellower, broodier sound to his work than that of the stereotypical pop artist.

Neil Greenberg, General Manager of Gallo Record Company on discovering Josh. “I saw this kid performing at the Beverly Hills hotel in Durban late 2014 and watched the heaving rowdy crowd in the restaurant come to a standstill when Josh started to sing one of his original tunes. It was quite a defining moment. We flew him up to Jo’burg the next week and signed him to Gallo in early 2015.”

Wantie’s dream of becoming a recording artist was coming true as he signed to top independent label, Gallo Record Company.

“With his rough but impressive demos presented back in Dec 2014, Gallo jumped at the chance to work with Josh. His music presents a fresh sound and a great vibe, and a musical direction and professionalism that, in my opinion, sets him apart and puts him on a level worthy to go up against an international playing field.  This young man has got what it takes – looks, talent and a knack for writing good songs,”comments Rob Cowling, Deputy GM – Sheer / Gallo.

During the planning process of picking the team to work on Wantie’s debut, we immediately thought of approaching Gangs of Ballet brothers Josh and Brad Klynsmith as Producers. Gangs of Ballet have had multiple hits from their debut ‘Yes/No/Grey’ and were also friends with Wantie. It was a great match.

The team started laying down the songs for the EP in Mid-August.

“What a brilliant opportunity to work with a home town rising star. The songs are fresh and Josh is not only down to earth but super super talented. We’re really proud to say we were a part of this project! He’s got a brilliant team around him and we expect great things. Durban Proud,” says Brad Klynsmith.

Wantie has loved the process of working with Josh and Brad, and recording took place at Heritage Sound Studio in Cape Town, the studio of one of SA’s top engineers Brendyn ‘Rusti’ Rossouw, who was also part of the recording process. Rossouw has an incredible roster of artists he has worked with, including Prime Circle, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Taxi Violence, aKING, Freshlyground and The Dirty Skirts.

Wantie was overwhelmed while in studio with this incredible group. “I have known Josh and Brad for quite a while before I decided to go full time with music and actually met with Brad to get some advice going forward when I did decide to pursue music as a career. I have always closely followed Gangs of Ballet and been a fan of their music and writing, so when Rob from the label told me they were keen to produce I was very excited. They worked hard with me in choosing singles from the songs I had written and went over and above to make sure they sounded as good as possible. In studio they were professional but fun and really wanted the best for the project. It was honestly such a humbling experience having the guys from one of the top acts in South Africa work with me on my music. They work very well as a team and if they weren’t so successful in their own careers respectively, I would love to do a whole Album with them in the producer’s chair. I can also say the same about the engineer, Rusti (Brendyn Rossouw). He was absolutely word class and a breeze to work with, a truly fun and dynamic guy that makes tracking smooth and vibey.”

Wantie is determined to make his mark in the music industry and he has the talent, the team and more importantly, the passion to achieve just that. Spending time with friends and fellow Durbanites Matthew Mole and Jordi from Yorke has also given him that drive to know thatthrough hard work and following your dreams, success in the music industry is possible.

Josh Wantie’s debut single will be released digitally in September, with plans for an EP and Album release in 2016.

Follow Josh Wantie online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshwantenaar

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoshWantie

Instagram: instagram.com/josh_wantie

Durbanite
Author: Durbanite

Attractions

Splashy Fen 2025: An Inspiring Long Weekend of Music, Magic, and Memories in the Drakensberg

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Splashy Fen Music Festival has officially wrapped, and by all accounts, the 2025 edition was the most magical one yet. From the moment the gates opened on Thursday, 17 April to the last note played on Sunday night, 8,000 festival-goers soaked up four glorious days of sunshine, music, and connection in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg.

After a few days of pre-festival rain, the weather turned just in time to welcome fans to South Africa’s friendliest music festival. The sunshine held strong throughout the weekend, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable Easter celebration filled with laughter, dancing, and community.

A SOLD-OUT FESTIVAL FROM DAY ONE

By Thursday evening, over 5,500 happy campers had already made their way into the scenic Splashy Fen farm, with the festival officially reaching full capacity the day before the gates even opened. The 2025 edition was officially opened by Cllr. T.N. Jojozi, Deputy Mayor of the Harry Gwala District Municipality, who welcomed guests on behalf of the Harry Gwala Development Agency.

Thursday night kicked off with the first wave of live performances and set the tone for the weekend.

From there, the lineup only got hotter.

DAYS OF MUSIC AND MAGIC

Friday and Saturday were packed with showstopping performances across the multiple stages. Local heroes like Ard Matthews, Hot Water, Veranda Panda, and Prime Circle brought the heat, while the Main Stage turned electric with international artists including the UK’s Youngr, a surprise performance from Casey Lowery, Ireland’s Darren Kiely, and Canada’s Neon Dreams.

Mafikizolo delivered a legendary Saturday night set that brought thousands to their feet, and GoodLuck closed out the evening with a high-energy performance that had the whole crowd bouncing.

Away from the stages, festival-goers enjoyed the full Splashy experience: sunrise yoga, trail runs, live art, craft workshops, and plenty of family-friendly fun. The popular Kids Zone was buzzing with activity, and the Saturday afternoon Splashy Parade was a visual feast of stilt-walkers, dragons, fire breathers, and whimsical characters.

At the Corona River Stage, guests kicked back in the sun to chilled tunes by the water, while a bustling craft market and food court offered up everything from gourmet bites to handmade treasures.

A SUNDAY TO REMEMBER

Easter Sunday was pure joy. The day began with a peaceful morning service hosted by Red Frogs SA at the tranquil Treehouse Stage, followed by a fun-filled Easter egg hunt for the little ones—complete with games, giggles, and surprise eggs from the Easter Bunny herself.

Music lovers made their way to the Acoustic Stage for the much-loved Legends of the Fen showcase. Featuring iconic acts like Cinema, Perez, and more, the session reminded everyone why Splashy Fen holds such a special place in South Africa’s music history.

As the sun dipped behind the Drakensberg mountains, the Main Stage roared to life for one final night of performances, closing out the weekend with soaring vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and thunderous applause.

“Our legs are sore, our voices are gone, but our hearts? FULL,” read a Monday morning post from Splashy Fen’s official social media page. “Shoutout to every artist who brought the fire at Main Stage last night, and every fan who screamed every word. What a way to end #Splashy2025!”

THE BEST ONE YET

With four full days of world-class music, family-friendly fun, and community connection in one of the most beautiful festival locations in the world, Splashy Fen 2025 has earned its title as the best one yet.

For more information and to stay up to date on 2026 tickets and artist announcements, visit www.splashyfen.co.za or follow @splashyfenfest on Instagram and Facebook.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Gordon’s & CK Experiences presents: Mango Groove at Chris Saunders Park

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Get ready for the ultimate family outing! South Africa’s legendary musical icons, Mango Groove will, light up the stage at Chris Saunders Park, on Friday 2 May, kicking off at 4pm.

This isn’t just a concert; it’s a fantastic opportunity to create lasting family memories filled with incredible music, delicious food, and exciting activities for everyone.

Join Mango Groove as they bring you the iconic hits that have been the soundtrack to South African life since the 80s. From the moment the first note drops, you’ll be swept away by their smash hits “Special Star,” “Dance Some More,” and all the timeless classics that have defined generations. This is your chance to experience the magic of Mango Groove in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.

What’s in store for the kids?
We’ve got so much lined up:

  • Blaster Wars Arena – Ready, aim, and battle it out in a safe and exciting space.
  • Jumping Castles – Let them bounce the day away.
  • Lego Area – Creativity unleashed with endless building fun.
  • Target Shooting – Perfect for little sharpshooters.
  • Treasure Hunts & Fun Games – Adventure awaits.
  • Dedicated Toddler Zone – Safe and fun play for the tiniest festival-goers.

Tickets to this unmissable family event are a steal, priced between R100 and R250. With convenient, fully stocked bars for the adults and a delicious array of food stalls offering something for everyone, your taste buds will be as happy as your ears!

Date: Friday 2 May
Time: 4-10pm
Venue: Chris Saunders Park

Book your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable day of music and fun!
Tickets are available for purchase online at WebTickets.

Follow In The Park here for more upcoming music events. You do not want to miss out on the rest of the events they have planned for you!

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Art

The East Coast Radio House & Garden Show 2025

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It’s fresh, bright and chockfull of surprises! It’s the 2025 East Coast Radio House & Garden Show, and we’re talking fresh spaces. bright living! A giant breath of fresh air will sweep through the Durban Exhibition Centre when the Show rolls out from Friday 28 June to Sunday 6 July.

fresh spaces. bright living is all about how to tweak or transform your home into one which brings you joy, and allows you to be you! Whether it’s little touches of stylish decor or large sweeps of bold colour and pattern, you’ll leave the Show bursting with new skills from the experts, bright ideas from different brands
 and loads of goodies and parcels. Jump on board, the 2025 East Coast Radio House + Garden Show promises to fill your head with creativity to create your own fresh spaces. bright living.

Calling all cooks and homemakers!

This year’s Test Kitchen is the kitchen of the future! Hirsch is at the helm and The Kitchen Studio is creating a space that’ll knock your socks off. Top celebrity chefs (surprises up our sleeve), fabulous personalities (guess who?), crazy cooks (laughter is the best medicine)
 the line-up is as long as it is sensational! If cooking’s your happy place, the Hirsch kitchen is the only place to be.

The 2025 East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is going to be child’s play!

This is Durban’s true family show, and we’ve got you well covered for the first week of the school holidays! From littlelies to larger, this year’s kids zone has mushroomed into its own dedicated hall, and has way, way more of what they love! And parents, this one’s for you. Drop and shop – there’s now a super-safe, well supervised drop-off zone, so you can do your thing, while they do theirs. A dedicated Kids Zone in the Coast of Dreams, with a whacky wonderland of activities. Packed with fun, yet competitive, activities and challenges, teens can put their skills to the test! From the incredible Monster Manor to fairytale characters to face-painting, wrestling and bowling, the kids just won’t want to go home.

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is always full of winners


And why shouldn’t it be you? With competitions big and small, you could carry home anything from the coolest kitchen appliance to the hottest sound system, a tantalising voucher to something or somewhere sensational or bags full of your favourite products.

This season, the Show is shining a full spotlight on fresh spaces, bright living, both outdoors and in! Plants, landscaping and new tricks and tools for garden lovers; boys’ toys and bits and bobs for outdoor lovers; and goodies and gadgets for those who live to braai! Renovating, restoring or dreaming of adventure, the Show will take you where you want to go.

We can’t wait to see you there!
www.housegardenshow.co.za

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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