Music
Q&A with Josh Wantie
Durban-born Josh Wantie [pronounced Von-Tee] released his 2nd single ‘Fall Again’ the same day as the pre-order on iTunes for his debut EP ‘Paper Crown’ went live and he’s been waiting eagerly for this day to arrive. I had the opportunity to have a quick Q & A to get to know Josh a bit better. It goes a little something like this:
Q&A
We know you are a Durban boy, tell us a little bit about growing up in Durban.
Josh: I actually grew up in Hilton, but always consider myself a Durban boy. Moved here the moment I finished high-school and stayed ever since. There is the undeniable laid back feeling in Durbs compared to the bigger cities which can really help from a creative perspective.
What do you love most about Durbz?
Josh: I would have to say first and foremost the weather…haha. Then second the people.
When did your passion for music start?
Josh: I feel like I have always had a weird obsession with music and the way different music made me feel, as far back as I can remember. It’s actually weird that I only picked up an instrument at 15.
How would you describe your music?
Josh: I am having a hard one doing this lately haha. I would have to say electronic/indie music that sometimes makes you want to dance and other times makes you want to chill and think.
We hear you have a new single “Fall Again” can you tell us a little bit more about how the music is made?
Josh: Unlike some of my other tracks this one I made entirely on my own. It has a unique blend of mood and dance. I was playing around on my piano and then had the beat for the chorus separately and then just joined the two.
We always wonder what the real meaning behind the lyrics of a song are. Can you give us some more insight on “Fall Again”?
Josh: Fall Again is primarily about being in a destructive relationship of any kind and not repeating the mistakes of that relationship again once it is no longer.
JoshWantie
Do you have any gigs lined up for KZN? If so can you give us some more deets?
Josh: Interpret Durban on the 20th of August in Durban is one not to miss!
What has been your favourite live-music performance to date?
Josh: Aandklas in Stellenbosch and the Park Life shows. Splashy Fen definitely up there too!
What CD are you currently listening to in your car?
Josh: My main playlist on Apple Music, which is a random blend of mostly tropical house!
We would all like to be successful in life, what is “success” to you?
Josh: Success to me is making enough of a career in what I love that I can support my family when I have one someday. And my songs being able to speak to people on a deeper level. The other day a guy mailed me telling me a song I had written was helping him through a divorce. I don’t like divorce but I was glad it was helping him. Felt like success to me.
Author: Tee
Experience Champagne Classics: A Weekend of Sublime Music in the Drakensberg
Event Details
Dates: Thursday 26 February – Sunday 1 March 2026
Venue: Champagne Sports Resort, Central Drakensberg
Check-in: Thursday afternoon (26 February)
Check-out: Sunday morning (1 March)
Costs: To be confirmed – you will be notified once full cost details are available.
Register your interest by contacting Kim at kim@montybrett.com or on 082 824 9378.
Escape to the heart of the Drakensberg for Champagne Classics, a three-night weekend celebrating timeless music, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.
Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Champagne Sports Resort in the Central Drakensberg, this annual event brings together classical music lovers for an unforgettable experience of culture and relaxation.
What’s Included
~ Three nights’ accommodation in twin or double rooms
~ All buffet meals at the resort restaurant
~ Morning and afternoon teas with sweet and savoury treats
~ Three evening concerts and two midday recitals
~ A pre-concert talk with Dr Richard Cock
~ A fun, ice-breaker quiz
~ Gratuities for the hotel staff
What’s Not Included
~ Transport to and from Champagne Sports Resort
~ Drinks and bar purchases
~ Personal items, such as laundry or room service
A Symphony of Talent
During the midday and evening concerts, the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra performs under the baton of Dr Richard Cock. Audiences can enjoy works by legendary composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, and JC Bach.
Dr Cock’s lively conducting style and musical insight bring these masterpieces to life. Each concert promises to move, inspire, and delight audiences of all ages.
Champagne Sports Resort
A Setting Like No Other
Late February is one of the best times to visit the Drakensberg. The mountains are green, the air is crisp, and the views are breathtaking. Guests will enjoy elegant accommodation and a wide range of leisure options.
You can play a round on the championship golf course, unwind at the spa, or simply relax with a drink while soaking in the mountain scenery. Between concerts, explore the surrounding trails or enjoy quiet moments on the resort’s terraces.
Exceptional Dining
Every meal is served in the resort’s famous buffet restaurant. The menu features an impressive selection of dishes, including options for vegan, vegetarian, and special diets. Morning and afternoon teas come with the chef’s homemade treats, ensuring every meal feels like an occasion.
Book Your Place
Spaces for Champagne Classics 2026 are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Final pricing will be confirmed soon. In the meantime, you can register your interest by contacting Kim at kim@montybrett.com or on 082 824 9378.
Author: mrjoelmagic
Experience Gregory Porter Durban Live: A Night of World-Class Jazz at the ICC
Date: Saturday, 15 November 2025
Time: 20h00 (doors open 19h00)
Place: Durban ICC
Tickets: R700, R800, R900, R1000, R1250, R1500
Ticket link: Click to Buy Ticket Now
Eight-time nominee and two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter will perform live at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on Saturday, 15 November 2025. The concert forms part of his three-city Love Is King South African tour, which also includes Cape Town and Johannesburg. Book your tickets here.
Showtime Management and GRIZA Enterprises confirmed the new weekend date after fans requested it. Thanks to updated venue availability, the change became possible.
Existing tickets remain valid for the new date, so no further action is needed. For enquiries or refunds, please contact support@ticketmaster.co.za.
Love Is King – South African Tour
As part of his Love Is King tour, Gregory Porter Durban marks the singer’s long-awaited debut in the city. He has often spoken about his excitement to perform in Durban – a destination he has dreamed of visiting for years. The city’s rhythm, ocean energy, and welcoming people continue to inspire him.
Audiences can expect one of the world’s most soulful voices in jazz and a setlist that spans his award-winning albums Liquid Spirit, Take Me to the Alley, and All Rise. Moreover, fans can look forward to a night filled with emotion, storytelling, and world-class musicianship.
In addition, this tour offers South African audiences a rare opportunity to experience Porter’s intimate stage presence and uplifting message of love and unity.
Don’t miss Gregory Porter live in South Africa this November for five unforgettable concerts:
Cape Town: GrandWest
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Durban: Durban ICC
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Johannesburg: Teatro at Montecasino
Thursday, 20 November 2025
Friday, 21 November 2025
Saturday, 22 November 2025
All shows start at 20h00; doors open at 19h00. Secure your seat early.
Book tickets now at showtime.co.za or ticketmaster.co.za. Tickets purchased via unauthorised websites will not be honoured, and the right of admission is reserved.
Ticket Prices
Cape Town: R800, R900, R1000, R1250, R1500
Durban: R700, R800, R900, R1000, R1250, R1500
Johannesburg: R800, R1000, R1250, R1500, R1750, R2000
Book your tickets here.
About Gregory Porter
Singer-songwriter Gregory Porter grew up in Bakersfield, California, surrounded by gospel harmonies and his mother’s Nat King Cole records – influences that shaped his signature sound.
While studying on a football scholarship at San Diego State University, he began performing in local jazz clubs. Later, he moved to New York City to pursue music full-time.
His first two albums, Water (2010) and Be Good (2012), earned GRAMMY nominations. Then came Liquid Spirit (2013), a Blue Note Records release that became a global hit, sold over a million copies, and won his first GRAMMY Award.
In 2016, Take Me to the Alley brought him a second GRAMMY and established him as one of the most soulful jazz artists of his generation. Subsequent albums include the heartfelt Nat King Cole & Me (2017), the uplifting All Rise (2020), the compilation Still Rising (2021), and his first holiday album Christmas Wish (2023).
Beyond the stage, Porter hosts The Hang, a podcast featuring candid talks with friends and fellow musicians, and The PorterHouse, a cooking show that celebrates food, culture, and community.
Author: mrjoelmagic
Author: Shelley
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