Entertainment

Mrs Vietnam is crowned Mrs Universe in a glitzy event in Durban

Published

8 years ago

3 September 2017

Durbanite

An ecstatic Mrs Vietnam was crowned Mrs Universe in a glittering event at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) last night (2 September 2017).

43-year old Tram Hoang Luu burst into tears as last year’s winner, Olga Tornor from Austria, handed over the crown at the 40th Annual Mrs Universe pageant, held for the first time in Africa. Mrs Vietnam triumphed over 84 international contestants to clinch the coveted title.

“I am so amazed. I did not expect to win when I came here this evening because all the contestants are such incredible women,” says the new Mrs Universe, Luu. This evening is just fantastic – I’m enjoying every moment!” Luu thanks South African and particularly Durban for its warm hospitality saying the people are so friendly and she is going to miss being here.

Mrs Gabon, Gwen Madiba Moubouyi was named First Runner-Up and Mrs Pakistan, Taiba Noorulian Sheheryar was Second Runner-up. Mrs France, Anastasia Gorshkova and Mrs India, Shaveta Athwal, rounded off the top five. South Africa was represented by Durban wife and mum, Trisha Poona, who was placed in the top 25. Poona was the audience favourite, receiving huge applause and encouragement whenever she appeared on stage.

“Let tonight be the night that Durban remembers as being the night that brought the world to our doorstep. Let tonight be the night that Africa celebrates its women and women empowerment,”
says Tracey-Anne Aggett, the woman who was responsible for bringing Mrs Universe to Africa for the first time. As Mrs Universe Hosting Director: Africa, Aggett had campaigned tirelessly to bring the activist-themed event to South Africa and to use it as a platform to draw attention to the global scourge of violence against women and children.

“We are extremely humbled by the support we’ve received to stage this event on African soil for the first time. Each of the contestants here tonight is a winner – for overcoming incredible odds to succeed and for making meaningful contributions to their respective communities to bring about positive change.”

Ethekwini Deputy Mayor, Fawzia Peer, echoed those sentiments when she officially welcomed guests to the pageant. “As women, we must continue to hold each other’s hands and celebrate our
successes,” she said, adding “We need to see more women rising to positions of power in business, politics and academia.”

The glitzy Mrs Universe World Finals attracted the who’s who of KZN’s social scene. Guests were entertained by proudly KZN performers including the C-Live dancers, the Champions Pantsula Dancers, performers from the Kumari Shiksha Dance Institute, Indlondlo Zulu Traditional Dancers and Dangerous Curves dancers. Vocalists, Samantha Landers, Bongekile Mabaso and Nokulunga Ntuli had feet tapping and heads bobbing. The show was produced and choreographed by one of KZN’s most celebrated entertainers, Clive Gumede aka The Durban Divo.

Since jetting into Durban on 25 August 2017, the 86 finalists have had a jam-packed, whirlwind schedule of work and play that put the international spotlight firmly on South Africa. In addition to visiting a few must-see tourist spots in the greater Durban area and sampling the city’s array of culinary offerings, contestants dedicated their time to numerous CSI and women empowerment initiatives.

This included visiting schools to speak to young girls about the importance of education and to inspire pupils with personal stories of overcoming incredible challenges, to spending a morning with orphaned and vulnerable children at Liv Village in Verulam, to taking to the streets of Durban for the #OneVoice march against gender-based violence and child abuse.

Unlike other similar events, Mrs Universe is a women empowerment initiative that acknowledges married women between the ages of 25 and 45 who are doing phenomenal work to uplift and enhance their local communities through CSI initiatives, business development and global trade opportunities.

“Our heartfelt thanks goes out to our sponsors who have made this first-for-Africa event possible,” says Aggett. “They are Arctic Club, Beluga, Blythedale Coastal Estate, Chicken Xpress, Cubana, Dax Martin Luxury Swim, Elan Property Group, Ethekwini Municipality, Extramarks, Fabric & Bridal, Gerald Wells Hair & Beauty Professionals, HEH Signs, Kryolan, Le-Fem, Phezulu Safari Park, Pura Beverage Company, Red, Riverside Hotel, Serendipity Travel, Sir Fruit, Skye Radio, Soda & Sand, Stabus, Sunlife Vitamins, Taco Zulu, Take Note Trading 61, uShaka Marine World, Vision Division, Vodacom and Weekend Witness. We couldn’t have done it without you!”

The contestants begin heading home from today.

Images: Abhi Indrarajan

Attractions

FINAL LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR SPLASHY FEN 2025 – PLUS A BRAND-NEW STAGE!

Published

2 weeks ago

4 March 2025

Shelley

One of South Africa’s longest running and most beloved music festivals, Splashy Fen, is back in 2025 with an electrifying final lineup announcement! Taking place from 17 to 21 April 2025, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with a stellar mix of international headliners, local legends, and fresh talent.

PHASE 2 LINEUP REVEALED

Adding to an already exciting Phase 1 lineup, festival organizers have now confirmed the full list of performers who will take to the Splashy Fen stages. Fans can look forward to performances from:

International & Local Stars:

YOUNGR (UK)
Darren Kiely (Ireland)
Desmond And The Tutus
Mafikizolo
GoodLuck
Prime Circle
Ard Matthews Trio
Neon Dreams (Canada)
Veranda Panda
Ben Rodriques
Hot Water
Perez
Cinema
Sunset Sweatshop
Nomadic Orchestra
Booshle G
Black Mamba Man
Jamie Lee Sexton
Jemma Kate

In addition, the Splashy Fen Acoustic Stage will host the #LegendsoftheFen series, featuring unforgettable sets from Cinema, Perez, Madala Kunene, Can Of Worms SA, and The Black Lapels.

A FESTIVAL FIRST: INTRODUCING THE MXD FORTRESS OF FUNK

As if the music lineup wasn’t enough, Splashy Fen 2025 is unveiling an all-new 6th stage – the MXD Fortress of Funk! Get ready to groove all weekend long with an electrifying lineup of funk, soul, and dancefloor anthems.

MORE THAN JUST MUSIC

Beyond the performances, Splashy Fen is packed with immersive experiences to make this an unforgettable weekend for festival goers:

Wellness & Relaxation – Daily yoga sessions, meditation circles, and a wellness zone for those looking to unwind and recharge.
Outdoor Adventures – Thrill-seekers can enjoy river rafting, mountain climbing, and trail runs in the breathtaking Drakensberg surroundings.
Unique Activities – Craft markets, drum circles, parades, and cocktail decks to elevate your festival experience.
Family-Friendly Fun – A dedicated Kids Zone ensures the little adventurers are entertained throughout the festival.
Gourmet Food & Drinks – Feast on world-class festival cuisine and sip on cocktails while taking in the stunning Splashy Views.

PLAN YOUR SPLASHY EXPERIENCE

From classic camping spots to luxurious glamping options, Splashy Fen 2025 offers accommodation for every taste and budget. Whether you’re a first-timer or a festival veteran, this year’s edition promises fresh surprises while keeping the magic of Splashy alive.

JOIN US AT SOUTH AFRICA’S FRIENDLIEST FESTIVAL

Splashy Fen 2025 is more than just a music festival—it’s a place where music, nature, and community unite to create lifelong memories.

Tickets are selling fast! Secure yours now at www.splashyfen.co.za.
Stay connected! Follow Splashy Fen on social media for lineup updates, festival tips, and more.

SEE YOU AT SPLASHY FEN 2025!

Art

Review: Create Ceramics Umhlanga

Published

3 weeks ago

26 February 2025

Shelley

Create Ceramics Umhlanga is a vibrant ceramic painting café located at 16 Chartwell Drive, Granada Square, Umhlanga. Open daily from 9am to 5pm, it offers a creative oasis for individuals and groups to unwind and express their artistic flair.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed and shown to our seats. The inviting atmosphere, complemented by soft 70’s music, set the perfect backdrop for our creative journey. We were offered beverages from their café menu, which includes a selection of tea/coffee, curated wines, and light bites. The homemade 100% beef burgers paired with hand-cut potato chips are particularly noteworthy.

Choosing a ceramic piece was both exciting and challenging due to the extensive range available, with prices ranging from R100 to R650. The selection includes items like butter dishes, bird feeders, salad bowls, and various animals for the kids. We opted for large fruit bowls, appreciating the ample space they provided for our designs.

Before diving into painting, a friendly staff member introduced us to various techniques, such as using stickers, smudging, and scraping designs onto the paint. Her guidance was great and sparked our creativity. With our chosen paints and brushes, we spent the next hour immersed in our artwork, sipping on cappuccinos and enjoying the therapeutic ambiance.

Once satisfied with our designs, lemons for me and grapefruit with leaves for my mom – we signed the bottoms of our bowls with our names and order numbers. The staff informed us that the pieces would undergo glazing and setting, and they would contact us once ready for collection.

Booking and Additional Information

To experience Create Ceramics Umhlanga, bookings can be made through their website or by contacting them directly at 071 234 4927 or info@createumhlanga.co.za.

The venue caters to various occasions, including corporate team-building events, special occasions, family fun days, and anniversaries.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, the studio provides all necessary materials and a supportive environment to help you create a personalized masterpiece.

In addition to the creative experience, the café offers a range of delectable food and beverage options to enhance your visit. From savory dishes to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Our visit to Create Ceramics Umhlanga was truly delightful, combining creativity, relaxation, and quality time. We’re already planning our next visit and highly recommend this unique experience to Durbanites.

Attractions

Splashy Fen 2025: A Fresh Lineup, New Experiences, and Unforgettable Memories Await

Published

3 weeks ago

26 February 2025

Shelley

The stage is set for the 2025 edition of Splashy Fen, South Africa’s longest-running music festival, happening from 17 to 21 April 2025. Organizers have unveiled the Phase 1 lineup, featuring a mix of international stars, local icons, and emerging talent who are sure to captivate the Splashy Fen faithful.

Stu Berry, festival organizer, shared his excitement about the curated lineup:
“We’ve made a concerted effort in this first announcement to bring artists who haven’t yet experienced Splashy and who our fans haven’t yet experienced at Splashy before. These are mostly amazing South African artists we’ve seen live and who we know will pack a punch in their performances—which is exactly what Splashy is renowned for.”

Phase 1 Lineup Highlights:
– Darren Kiely (Ireland): Making his South African festival debut, this rising star from Ireland promises to bring heartfelt melodies and magnetic stage presence to Splashy Fen.
– GoodLuck: Dance-floor anthems and electrifying performances from this chart-topping trio will have the crowd moving under the stars.
– Ard Matthews Trio: The iconic voice of Just Jinjer returns with a soulful acoustic twist.
– Sunset Sweatshop: Expect feel-good vibes and rock-infused energy from this South African favourite.
– Nomadic Orchestra: A high-energy brass ensemble guaranteed to ignite the dance floor.
– Ben Rodriques, Jamie Lee Sexton, Booshle G, and Angel Mazibuko: These rising stars bring a vibrant mix of styles and sounds, ensuring something for every musical palate.

This exciting lineup is only the beginning, with three more international acts and additional headliners set to be announced at the end of January.

Why Splashy Fen 2025 Will Be Unmissable:

Immerse Yourself in the Magic:
With more than 300 musicians across six stages, Splashy Fen 2025 is a celebration of music, connection, and creativity nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains. Beyond the music, attendees can look forward to:
– Outdoor Adventures: River rafting, mountain climbing, trail runs, and more.
– Wellness Experiences: Yoga sessions, meditation circles, and a wellness zone.
– Unique Activities: Drum circles, parades, cocktail decks, and craft markets.
– Family-Friendly Fun: Dedicated areas for kids, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Plan Your Splashy Experience
From classic camping spots to luxurious glamping options, Splashy Fen offers accommodations for every taste and budget. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned fan, the 2025 edition promises to deliver new surprises while keeping the magic alive.

Join Us at South Africa’s Friendliest Festival
Splashy Fen 2025 is more than a music festival—it’s a place where music, nature, and community unite to create lifelong memories.

For tickets and more information, visit www.splashyfen.co.za.