Gerard Butler was given a huge wake-up call after he survived a bike accident.
The 47-year-old actor was riding his push bike around Los Angeles when a woman ploughed into him and sent him flying through the air but, although he managed to escape the ordeal with just a fractured foot and a few cuts and bruises, the incident has given him a new perspective.
Speaking to 'Entertainment Tonight', he said: "It made me really appreciate how precious life is because I could have landed any number of ways that would have taken me out."
The '300' star can remember the incident really well but has admitted all that was going through his mind when he eventually smashed into the ground was whether he'd be well enough to film his new movie.
He explained: "I was going along the road doing my thing and this lady decided to go from parked on the other side of the road to an illegal U-Turn and went right in front of me. I smacked the car, went flying through the air and did a somersault and landed and it hurt a bit. A lot of them watched that happen and they're like, 'That was you?!' So I'm sitting down and my feet are killing me and my shoes are ripped and [one guy asks], 'So, how's it all goin'?' And I [tried to say], 'Well I'm supposed to be doing an action movie in about three weeks.'"
Despite having an injured foot, Gerard should be fit enough to shoot his next project.
He added: "I have five fractures in my right foot alone [and] a bunch of stupid stuff, a torn meniscus, but I'll be fine."
Meanwhile, the Scottish actor - who is a keen motorcycle rider - recently revealed he suffered a hernia during the making of '300'.
Gerard starred as Leonidas in the hit 2006 action movie and in one particular scene, his character kicks a man down a pit while shouting "this is Sparta" - which caused him to suffer a painful injury.
He recently shared: "My whole psyche through filming was, 'This guy's been through hell, he's been through much more than I'm going through, so the least I can do is get a hernia from doing a little kick.' Which I pretty much had by the second kick. My hip flexor was gone, a hernia ... but it was cool."
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their third child in April 2018, it has been confirmed.
The British royal couple - who are already parents to Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, two - have confirmed 35-year-old Catherine's due date following them announcing that she was pregnant again in September.
A statement issued by Kensington Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in April 2018."
The new baby will be the fifth in line to the throne, with Prince Harry - the child's uncle - being pushed into sixth.
William, 35, and Catherine - previously known as Kate Middleton - will kick off an exciting year with an official royal tour of Norway and Sweden in early 2018.
Kensington Palace announced: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will undertake an official visit to Norway and Sweden at the request of the FCO in early 2018."
Although Duchess Catherine has once again been suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum - a severe form of morning sickness - she still made a public appearance on Monday (16.10.17) as she danced with Paddington Bear at Paddington Station for a charity event.
After Catherine busted some moves, the couple and Prince Harry, 33, boarded a train where they met with children who are involved with the charities they support, as well as their families.
Whilst in the carriage, a young boy took the opportunity to ask William what Prince George's favorite films and TV shows are and the heir to the throne revealed that 'The Lion King' is very popular at his home.
He said: "He quite likes 'The Lion King', we've watched that a few times, He has watched a few Lego movies as well. Trying to keep him off the television is hard work."
Reese Witherspoon has bravely revealed that she was sexually assaulted by a film director at the age of just 16 and the harrowing experience still comes back to her vividly.
The actress, now 41, has spoken out about the experiences of some women in Hollywood following the accusations of sexual harassment and assault made against film producer Harvey Weistein and insists there are "ugly truths" that have to be confronted.
Reese decided to speak out about what happened to her when she was just a teenager at the Elle Women in Hollywood event in Beverley Hills on Monday night and admitted that the incident still haunts her now.
Addressing the audience, the Oscar winner bravely said: "I have my own experiences that have come back to me very vividly and I find it really hard to sleep, hard to think, hard to communicate a lot of the feelings that I've been having about anxiety, honest, the guilt for not speaking up earlier . [I feel] true disgust at the director who assaulted me when I was 16 years old and anger at the agents and the producers who made me feel that silence was a condition of my employment."
The 'Big Little Lies' star insists it wasn't an "isolated incident" but she now feels much "less alone" after hearing accounts of similar behaviour from her peers.
She said: "I have just spoken to so many actresses and writers, particularly women, who have had similar experiences and many of them have bravely gone public with their stories. That truth is very encouraging to me and everyone out there in the world because you can only heal by telling the truth."
Reese concluded her speech be insisting that "life is going to be different" as people stand alongside those who have been affected by these issues.
She added: "I feel really, really encouraged that there will be a new normal. For the young women in this room, life is going to be different because we're with you, we have your back and it makes me feel better. It makes me so sad to talk about these issues, but I would be remiss not to."
Victoria Beckham has taken to chewing coffee beans during nights out to avoid drinking alcohol.
The 43-year-old fashion designer has taken to chowing down on coffee plant seeds instead of downing a drink when she is out and about with pals, but her eldest son, Brooklyn, 18, is said to not be too keen on the technique.
A source said: "Brooklyn's really isn't a fan. In fact, he's pretty disgusted by it.
"Victoria will quite happily chew coffee beans if tempted to have a drink while socialising."
Victoria — who is known to enjoy a tipple of tequila — is said to have developed a taste for coffee beans to try to avoid hangovers.
The source added to The Sun newspaper: "She wants to remain fresh in mornings and only truly lets her hair down on significant occasions."
The former Spice Girls star's penchant for coffee beans is not the only healthy technique she tries.
Victoria enjoys two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar — which some studies have shown can help with weight loss and boost a person's immune system — on an empty stomach every morning.
Captioning a picture of her breakfast drink, she wrote: "Two tbsp first thing on an empty tummy! X (sic)"
What's more, the 'Spice Up Your Life' hitmaker recently revealed she gives her kids, Brooklyn, Romeo, 15, Cruz, 12, and six-year-old daughter Harper - who she shares with husband David Beckham - a post-school snack of pumpkin seeds and pine nuts in liquid soy protein.
She posted a picture of the seeds and a bottle of Liquid Aminos, a gluten-free alternative for soy sauce, and wrote: "Seeds doused in organic Aminos! Grilled until crispy! After school snack! (sic)"
Johnny Depp has filed a filed a lawsuit against his former law firm Bloom Hergott Diemer Rosenthal LaViolette Feldman Schenkman & Goodman, LLP, alleging they conspired with his financial managers TMG to fleece him of $40 million (approximately R537.9 million).
The 54-year-old actor has filed a lawsuit against Bloom Hergott Diemer Rosenthal LaViolette Feldman Schenkman & Goodman, LLP, alleging they worked with his former financial managers The Management Group (TMG), who took out loans against his movie residuals.
According to gossip website TMZ, the lawsuit alleges that Johnny's film cheques were then used to pay off the loans and an additional fee went towards TMG before the 'Lone Ranger' star was entitled to his money.
It claims the law company knew about TMG's alleged actions but didn't inform him.
What's more, the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star claims Bloom Hergott Diemer Rosenthal LaViolette Feldman Schenkman & Goodman, LLP, has never made him sign a retainer agreement - despite him paying millions of dollars in fees over the years.
This comes less than a month after Johnny was accused of "throwing his family under the bus" in a legal dispute against TMG.
He accused the firm of mismanaging his affairs by means of "gross misconduct", "fraudulent" self- activity, and unauthorised personal loans and in return, the company claimed their former client owed them money for unpaid services and released detail about his lavish spending and warnings they had given him.
But last month, TMG amended their complaint, responding to the loan aspect of Johnny's lawsuit and naming his sister Christi Dembrowski — the actor's personal manager and head of his production company — nephew William Rassel, personal assistant Nathan Holmes, Unison Music and friends James Russo, Sal Jenco, and Bruce Witkin as cross-defendants to the cross-complaint.
They said in legal documents: "In his attempt to avoid paying his debts to TMG, Depp is knowingly throwing his closest family, friends and employees under the bus by falsely alleging that they took millions of dollars in unauthorised payments from him.
"It is no wonder that Depp delayed for months in revealing their names. (sic)"
It’s a blistering Thursday afternoon in Randburg, the sun piercing punishingly through a cloudless sky. Inside the Eagle Entertainment offices, 21-year-old rapper Shane Eagle lies face-up across a couch, eyes fixed on his cellphone. He looks peaceful, comfortable, content.
It’s only been a couple of days since Eagle released his debut album Yellow and the buzz has been relentless. Fans have quickly given their approval, lauding it for its introspective storytelling and how his sound breaks away from the norm.
When I last spoke with Eagle in December, he’d just finished shooting the video for his single featuring BigStar, Top Floor. “The reason I made Top Floor is because I wanted something fun and I didn’t want to do anything trap,” he explained. “I don’t like being boxed in.”
This was Shane Eagle, a young, trendy rapper claiming he didn’t want to do trap. Why not, I thought. You have the look, you have the talent and the market is receptive to trap music.
But Eagle had different plans.
Fast forward 10 or so months and Eagle has successfully sidestepped the conventional route and forged his own identity.
Eagle is aware of his prodigious talents, and on Yellow these talents resonate through a nostalgic self-awareness that’s spawned comparisons to the likes of J. Cole and Nas.
This office space is only a few weeks old and, after we move into the boardroom, Eagle shares his pride. “If we want to do six-figure deals, it’s like,” he bangs on the table, “come talk to me in my office now.”
On the topic of what he aims to achieve with this album, he explains: “I hope that this album translates the way that me and my team feel about it, because it’s easy to misinterpret it. Especially because I know there’s never been an album like that.
"Everybody’s used to a certain thing. I feel like it got to a point where I just started making the music I want to hear. In a sense, I cut out the masses and what everyone’s whispering in my ear and what they’re listening to. I was like, ‘f*** that, I want to make what I want to make’.”
Since his claim to fame as a contestant on rap competition Vuzu Hustle, where many wrote him off as a limited rapper with sell-able looks, he’s gradually proven himself a true MC, with impressive singles and features such as Way Up, Julia, Mayo and Now or Never.
His goal from the onset was to use the show as a platform to be seen before eventually letting his music do the talking. “It’s a TV show, so being an artist you’re limited on it. I wanted to win it at one point, but my mentality was, ‘I’m just here to solidify the next step because this isn’t gonna last forever.’ I was trying to make sure everyone sees me and then from there, try to build.”
Although his longtime friend and producer, Shooter did most of Yellow’s production work, there were also some notable contributions to the album from SP Dubb and Tay Beats.
While they were working on the album, he and Shooter would go to the vinyl store and pick out samples and, for the sake of inspiration, just listen to some classics from the likes of Craig Mack, Nas and Tupac.
He tried to isolate himself from mainstream music and cut out the noise to make sure he was crafting an album that was pure and real. And it worked.
“Out of the majority of what everyone is saying, besides them saying that the album is amazing, is thank you,” he says. “Everybody is just saying thank you. Now there’s a new dynamic to the whole South African hip hop thing. Now I don’t have to have that radio joint, I don’t have to do this or that, like you can just do you - and that’s what I’m doing, man.”
He has lofty ambitions. “I don’t care about being hot for now. I’m trying to take this to where it’s never been. Ever. It’s like how am I gonna get there if I’m not the best at what I’m doing. What’s the point of doing something if you’re not trying to be the best at it? I’m trying to put out work where if someone plays a J. Cole record or a Kendrick Lamar record I’m on the same level. I’m not trying to be the best in Africa, I’m trying to be the best in the world.”
Friday the 13th is a date that is often associated with all things horror and freaky. This year, it coincided with the day that the Supreme Court of Appeal upheld a judgment against President Jacob Zuma that the 783 charges of fraud, racketeering and corruption could be reinstated.
As the fates would have it, this Friday is the day I chose to have a sit-down conversation with two artists who are currently displaying some of the most politically charged and equally controversial work this year, Vusi Beauchamp and Ayanda Mabulu, in an exhibition titled 'Freedom of eech' at the Kalashnikov Gallery in Braamfontein.
Mabulu has been a staunch anti-Zuma artist in the last couple of years.
When we arrive at Kalashnikov, I am struck by how unassuming the gallery is. I almost thought I was in the wrong place, till I saw what can be described as a self-portrait in the window of a bloody-handed Mabulu standing over a figure representing the ANC - a figure that had clearly suffered a couple of blows and was on the ground cold. I knew then we’d found the right place.
Besides the obvious differences in style and the media that each artist uses to make their work, the two differ vastly in demeanour and approach. Where Beauchamp is calm, calculating and deliberate, Mabulu is energetic, outspoken and passionate about expressing his beliefs.
Vusi Beauchamp. Pictures: Nhlanhla Phillips/ANA
They share, however, an important thing in common: the will to conscientise and mobilise the masses of previously disadvantaged South Africans towards persisting against inequalities that exist in a democracy that was supposed to be for us all.
The Exhibition
Titled 'Freedom of eech', the work is a collaboration of sorts between Beauchamp and Mabulu, where their newest works are paired together to create “a type of dual vision where a single narrative is translated from two separate viewpoints”, the gallery’s notes read.
The work explores the increasing trend where the right enshrined in the constitution and bill of rights, freedom of speech, is both literally and figuratively infringed upon in the country. It’s also a bold move on the part of the artists, who in all fairness have never been known to toe the line when it comes to the themes their works explore.
The two men are not interested in what seems to be the current wave that art in the country follows, but more with awakening people to their daily realities through their art.
Ayanda Mabulu and Vusi Beauchamp. Picture: Nhlanhla Phillips
In Beauchamp’s work, influences from racist caricatures and cartoons such as Tintin in the Congo and Memí* Pinguí* (a cartoon character from Mexico) that have been used to depict black people over the years make an appearance. The combination of this and messages such as ‘Free Blacks’ make for a heady combination that’s bound to have you deep in thought.
Mabulu’s work is equally jarring, with one particular piece destined to raise eyebrows.
It features Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma with her legs splayed wide open and “Vote ANC” pamphlets rolled and partially protruding out of her bleeding vagina. Some staunch supporters of Mabulu’s art have made their displeasure with this artwork clear, because of its seemingly anti-women sentiment.
The works are displayed on opposite walls in the gallery, one side displaying Mabulu’s work and the other Beauchamps. And the conversation happens from there.
The thought behind the art
For Beauchamp, the naming of the exhibition was important because it brings together their vastly different styles into one conversation.
“When it came up, I was shocked at how the works talk to each other. The one voice is loud, while the other is slightly toned down, which creates a circus,” he explained. The idea behind working together, Beauchamp said, came from a meeting of the two artists about three years ago at the FNB Joburg Art Fair, where people frequently mistook him for Mabulu. And there, the birth of this exhibition took place.
He explains that at the heart of this exhibition is the desire to raise alarm at the glossed-up country we’re in. “The context of South Africa, especially now, things are glossed-up but underneath things are burning. People aren’t happy. And we all know why,” he said.
“The utopian view of how we should be, the exotic imaging of black people at the moment - in the arts scene that’s the in thing. All you need to do is pose there ka lepona (naked) next to flowers. These galleries are pushing these types of work. That’s why this exhibition is important: it’s about time that we cut this thing of glossing over truth,” he said.
Visitors to the gallery taking in Vusi Beauchamp's work. Photo: Nhlanhla Phillips
For Mabulu, making these political statements in his art is part of his activism. He considers himself not an artist, but an institution, whose primary aim is to conscientise the masses. Explaining the artwork he said:
“We have here a pimp (Jacob Zuma), a prostitute (Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma) and a whorehouse. The whorehouse is Luthuli House. It’s b#lls*it. We can’t beat about the bush. It takes a certain eye to see a whorehouse, a pimp and a prostitute because they put up certain facades that make them seem like us.
“We had that wolf (Zuma) and now he’s bringing in his alpha female from the pack to do his dirty work. Bear in mind these f*#kers understand the power of feminism and femininity. They are capitalising on this.They understand that right now what we need because patriarchy has done the biggest b*%llsh8t ever in the politics of the land, we need a female leader, but not her. Not a prostitute like that.”
One of Ayanda Mabulu's installations. Picture: Nhlanhla Phillips
“With all her accolades, there’s one thing that makes her who she is, she is the ex-wife of this bastard (Zuma). We have on this ballot box someone who is using her femininity as a flag.”
While Mabulu’s work maybe uncomfortable to deal with, having voices so bold and unapologetic through the exhibition may just be what the country requires at the moment to have an honest conversation.
* 'Freedom of eech' is on at the Kalashnikov Gallery until October 22.
Kwaito singer Skolopad is set to release her new track 'Ungayi Speak'lento' and hopes that her arch nemesis Zodwa Wabantu get a chance to listen to it.
Aiming for 5000 retweets, the singer will release her new single as soon as she hits her target.
Speaking to The Juice, the controversial singer says: "I hope Zodwa will listen and dance to it, as she is a dancer."
This comes after the ever-escalating beef between the socialites with the last comment coming from Zodwa claiming to not have time to feud with the singer.
The feud stems from Zodwa's refusal to take a picture with Skolopad at the Feather Awards nominations party.
Skolopad has also previously claimed to take the beef between them to the next level after she claimed Zodwa is a 'trailer' and is only famous because of her relationship with DJ Tira.
Harry Styles is still trying to work out what he wants from life but is enjoying his solo career at the moment.
The 23-year-old singer decided to go solo after his band One Direction went on an extended hiatus in 2016 but, although he thoroughly enjoys making music on his own, he's still trying to work out what it is he wants to explore in the industry.
Speaking to CBS, he said: "I don't know the answers, I'm 23 and very much feel like I am still learning so much. I'm just kind of figuring it out. I wanted [my music] to be honest and I wanted to love it every time that I played it. It didn't feel scary, I mean I think the idea of making something that I wasn't 100 percent behind is much scarier."
Harry was still a teenager when he shot into the limelight after taking part in 'The X Factor' and he has admitted he'll never forget how quickly his life changed.
He explained: "First of all, it's fun because you're not at school so you're already winning. The first time we got to Paris we got off the train and there was a lot of people there and I lost my shoes. I ended up off the ground somehow and realised I wasn't walking anymore. That was crazy."
Meanwhile, the 'Sign of the Times' singer made his acting debut this year with a well-received performance in wartime drama 'Dunkirk' but he thinks his two professions are very different and he puts "so much" of himself into his music.
He said: "When I heard about 'Dunkirk', I felt it would have been something I'd have been really excited to watch if I'd not been involved. I just felt very lucky to be involved in something I thought was going to be amazing.
"To me, acting and singing very much feel like opposite things. With music, you put so much of yourself into it. The whole point of acting is not being yourself at all - you're trying to completely play someone else."
Sia has announced details of her first festive album 'Everyday is Christmas', featuring 10 original seasonal songs
The 'Chandelier' singer will release her first collection of seasonal songs after signing to Atlantic Records - following her departure from RCA earlier this year - which she has penned with producer and songwriter Greg Kurstin.
The album is called 'Everyday is Christmas' and will be released on November 17, with the tracklisting featuring titles such as 'Santa's Coming For Us', 'Snowflake' and 'Underneath the Christmas Lights'.
Atlantic will have high hopes for the record, after CEO Craig Kallman and COO Julie Greenwald heaped praise on Sia, describing her as an "extraordinary" performer when they announced her deal with the label.
In a joint statement, they said: "Sia is a once-in-a-generation artist. Her extraordinary gifts as a singer and songwriter, her revolutionary approach to the art of performing, her groundbreaking videos - everything she does comes from a deep wellspring of inspiration and imagination.
"Sia is that rare artist who has formed her own singular, boundless musical universe. We are so happy to welcome her into the Atlantic family and to be joining Sia on her amazing musical journey."
It will be her eighth studio album to date, following 2016's This Is Acting, and this year alone she has released four singles, including her Labrinth collaboration 'This Is Human', which featured in comic book blockbuster 'Wonder Woman'.
The 'Freedom' singer - who tragically passed away last December aged 53 - admitted in an interview recorded shortly before his death that he had always put his career before his personal life.
He said: "I had a feeling that I couldn't have both. I felt that I couldn't come out and live a full gay life, and still have my devotion to what I did."
But when George did find love for the first time, with Anselmo Feleppa - who died of an AIDS-related illness in 1993 - he was never happier and realised their relationship meant more to him than his success.
He said: "I was happier than I'd ever been in my entire life. Fame, money... everything else just kind of, paled by comparison to finally at 27 years old, waking up in bed with someone who loves you."
The 'Spinning the Wheel' hitmaker was looking forward to the future and hoped he could create some "spectacular" music.
He said: "Even when I've lost control, even when I've really hit rock bottom, I believe, that the red line is still there. And that this period of down time will result in something spectacular."
In the wide ranging interview with Kirsty Young - which was supposed to be for George's Channel 4 film 'Freedom', which broadcast earlier this week - George bemoaned the fact artists don't look out for one another any more.
Discussing losing his long-running court case against Sony Music, he said: "I feel I took three years out of my career, I spent $7 million and I got nothing for artists. Nothing.
"And then 10 years later it's a different generation... that never looks at what they're doing to their fellow man you know. Let alone fellow artists."
The sit-down interview was supposed to cover a few topics, but lasted over two hours and as the pair said goodbye, George told the presenter: "You should turn this into a radio programme."
And when the 'Praying for Time' singer suddenly passed away a few weeks later, Radio 2 said it "began to feel like something that should happen."
Lewis Carnie, head of Radio 2, said: "The Radio 2 listeners continue to love and remember George Michael and his music, and I'm glad that they will be able to hear his final, very special interview on the station."
'George Michael: The Red Line' will be broadcast on Radio 2 - split across two 60 minute programmes on November 1 and November 8 at 10pm.
The Pussycat Dolls have insisted Kaya Jones' recent comments about the group being operated as a "prostitution ring" are "false allegations" and "simply did not take place".
The 33-year-old star recently claimed entertainment executives took advantage of the girl band's members, alleging they were "all abused" and had pressure put on them to "sleep with whoever they say" - but the Nicole Scherzinger-fronted group have denied such claims, saying they "did not take place".
In a statement to The Sun newspaper, they said: "The Pussycat Dolls has always and will always stand for female empowerment and sisterhood.
"We stand in solidarity with all women who have bravely spoken publicly of their horrific experiences of abuse, harassment and exploitation.
"However, we cannot stand behind false allegations towards other group members partaking in activities that simply did not take place."
Kaya - who joined the group in 2003 - also alleged executives tried to "drug" band members, and claimed she was warned she would be killed if she reported anything.
In a series of tweets, she wrote: "Tried to silence us,made us stronger.Tried to drug us,but we were wide awake.Tried to blacklist us,but fans followed.We arent kids anymore
"The children you messed with that survived the abuse, we are adults now.Are you ready old ones to fight?Cause you all are looking mighty old
"My truth.I wasn't in a girl group. I was in a prostitution ring. Oh & we happened to sing & be famous. While everyone who owned us made the $
"How bad was it?people ask-bad enough that I walked away from my dreams,bandmates&a 13 million dollar record deal.We knew we were going to#1
"Robin & the record label made all the money. We as Pussycat Dolls were paid $500 a week. While we were being abused & used. Fact!
"Why don't we report it? Because we are all abused! I personally have been warned if I tell I will ... you know end up dead or no more career (sic)"
However, The Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin hit back at Kaya's allegations, claiming they are nothing more than "disgusting, ridiculous lies", and said the singer was "clearly looking for her 15 minutes".
Robin also insisted Kaya was only ever on trial and wasn't actually an official member of the group, which Nicole and Melody Thornton joined in 2003 alongside Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta and Kimberly Wyatt.
The Rolling Stones and French football club Paris Saint-Germain have teamed up to launch a new fashion collection to celebrate the group's 'No Filter Tour'.
The 'Paint It Black' hitmakers and the French soccer side will release a special limited-edition range of items to celebrate the group's 'No Filter European Tour', which will conclude with a trio of shows at the U Arena in Paris on October 19, 22 and 25.
Created in partnership with Bravado, the capsule collection - a range of essential items which don't go out of fashion - includes a red #PSGNOFILTER football shirt and a hooded sweatshirt, as well as limited-edition Nike Air Max trainers, a skate deck and a bike helmet.
The designs come in the Paris club's red and blue colours and also contain the rockers' famous "tongue and lips" logo, which was designed in 1971 by John Pasche and has been used on a number of their LP covers and merchandise creations since.
The French outfit - who boast world class players such as Brazilian superstar Neymar and Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani - teased the partnership during their match against Bordeaux at their Parc des Princes home on September 30th.
PSG aired a special Rolling Stones playlist in the stadium to pay tribute to the group - made up of Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood - and it must have given the team luck as they ran out emphatic 6-2 winners.
Fans keen to snap up some of the capsule collection can do so from Parisian boutique Colette from October 19th to 23rd.
Colette will also feature a limited-edition notebook collection by Moleskine.
DEEPAK Chopra postulates three distinct Jesuses. The first Jesus is the historical figure, the one who walked the Earth 2 000 years ago. The second Jesus is one central to the Christian church.
The third Jesus is the mystic figure that beckons towards enlightenment.
We each have our own understanding of who Jesus is. The Man Jesus by Matthew Hurt, now playing at the Market Theatre, invites one to a better understanding of who Jesus was before he was integrated into a religious system.
What was it about this man who changed the course of history for mankind? The Man Jesus traces Jesus’ life before his birth to after his death, witnessing key moments in his life through the eyes of the people who knew him.
As director Robert Whitehead remarks, “this is a work of imagination. There was no ‘The New Testament’, ‘The Gospels’, ‘The Early Church’ or any such thing… which makes what eventually came into being so fascinating”.
The work is not evangelical, drives no objective, is non-confrontational and is not overly profound. Yet it is undeniably mesmerising.
The magic of this work lies in the sheer beauty thereof. The script is masterfully and beautifully written. Lebo Toko, who portrays no less than 12 characters, male and female, gives an astounding performance. Whitehead’s directing is strikingly detailed, and yet wonderfully unrestrained.
The characters that he and Toko create are all vivid and electrifying to watch. One listens when they speak.
The production is created with such a great sense of style. It has an imaginative and magnificent set design by Noluthando Lobese, an intriguing and ambience-rich soundtrack by composer Joao Orecchia, and impeccable lighting design by Mandla Mtshali.
Theatre lovers should be sure not to miss this entertaining, thought-provoking and extraordinary play.
Director of The Man Jesus Robert Whitehead and actor Lebo Toko.
Hollywood comedy actor Vince Vaughn has admitted he got to a place where he wanted to move away from comedy.
The 47-year-old actor made his name in Hollywood with his performances in comic romps such as 'Wedding Crashers', 'Old School' and 'The Break-Up', but his latest movie is the crime thriller 'Brawl in Cell Block 99' and Vaughn admits he was looking for something "different" from his previous movies when he accepted the role as former alcoholic Bradley Thomas who loses his job as an auto mechanic and at a crossroads in his life, feels he has no better option than to work as a drug courier.
Speaking to the Metro newspaper, he said: "I had gotten to a place where I wanted to shift towards things that were kind of different.
"That move sort of started with 'True Detective' and 'Hacksaw Ridge', then this came to me and it's just the best thing I have ever read."
In the movie, Vaughn's alter ego ends up in prison after getting embroiled in a shootout with police officers and whilst incarcerated he is forced to commit acts of violence that turn the jail into a battleground.
Vaughn admitted he loved the script because it wasn't a traditional hero-saves-the-day movie.
He said: "I read the script and thought, 'This is crazy!' Because you are normally taught in screenwriting classes that a hero needs that 'save the cat' moment - something that will make you love them no matter what. It's definitely fun to play a guy who has to do what he has to do and not apologize for it."
Vaughn stars in the movie with Jennifer Carpenter, Don Johnson and Udo Kier and he is hoping he gets the chance to work with director S. Craig Zahler again because he loves what he is trying to do in his films, which also include 'Bone Tomahawk' and 'The Incident'.
Vaughn said: "I don't know if I have a plan but I certainly hope I get to work with Zahler again. I am hungry for films like the ones he is making."
Vodacom, in partnership with Rocka, is on a mission to find South Africa’s next big music superstar and has launched a new TV show “The NXT LVL”.
The show is presented by renowned TV personality Denise Zimba alongside Mzansi’s own music icons and show mentors; DJ Zinhle, Danny K, Euphonik, Riky Rick and Durban’s Big Nuz.
“The (programme) is the only reality show where the winning contestant isn’t forced into a recording deal with a label, but through this show, the winner is given enough resources to record a full album with the best producers in the country.
The winner is given exposure through a (public relations) agency to help build their brand and a lawyer to assist and draft the contracts pertaining to music rights and royalties. The show is really ‘next level’,” says TV Show Mentor Danny K.
The initiative was launched in 2016 as a platform aimed at giving all young South Africans under the age of 25 the opportunity to follow their passions.
Moreover, it focuses on the development of talent through various platforms that focus on mentorship and coaching.
“To be a successful artist, one requires more than just talent. This is one of many lessons our mentors have given to our five contestants,” says Thami Silwana, Executive Head: Youth Segment.
Jazz singer Zethe Mdletshe is one of the contestants. Picture: Supplied
To be selected to participate in this exciting show, Vodacom customers between the ages 18 to 24 were required to download the ‘My Vodacom App’, subscribe to the NXT LVL platform and upload a video or audio clip of themselves performing.
From the entries received, only five acts were selected.
The top five will compete for a prize worth R1 million, which is aimed at supporting them so that they can manage their careers themselves.
The winner will be determined by public vote via SMS, and announced at the live show recording on December 6.
The show will be screened on Mzansi Magic, DSTV channel 161, every Wednesday at 9.30pm and will run for 10 weeks.
Kerry Washington says motherhood forced her to embrace her natural hair, as she used to ply it with chemicals when she was younger.
The 40-year-old actress, who has Isabelle, three, and 12-month-old son Caleb with her husband Nnamdi Asomugha, has revealed she has embraced the "natural texture" of her curly locks since being a parent because she wants her children to love their hair in its original form.
Speaking to Allure magazine about her beauty choices, the 'Confirmation' star said: "I like to wear my natural texture, especially now because I have children and I want them to know that their hair is perfect as it is."
Although Kerry wants to encourage her brood to embrace their aesthetic, she has no qualms if they want to experiment with different styles and straighten their ringlets if that is what they want to do.
She added: "They don't have to change it or straighten it. They can, but they don't have to."
And the 'Django Unchained' star has hinted she disliked her hair and it is only as time has passed that she has grown to "like" her locks and she has stopped plying her hair with chemicals to relax it.
The Neutrogena creative consultant and style icon said: "I have grown to like my hair more and more over the years. I won't have any chemicals in it. I stopped relaxing my hair in my early 20s."
Kerry has revealed when she is on set filming for 'Scandal' (The Fixer) her stylist will follow her around "all day long" to ensure not a single stray hair is out of place.
She explained: "There's someone who follows me around all day long on the set. Like, literally follows me to make sure there's not a single hair out of place. This is somebody's full-time job."
For his collaboration with Major Lazer, DJ Maphorisa was, well, not that particular about the features. Over the past few months, Particula, by Major Lazer and DJ Maphorisa and featuring Nasty C, Jidenna, Ice Prince and Patoranking, has become a radio hit.
Last week, Maphorisa and Nasty C unveiled the video to the song. It’s a 1970s-inspired video that sees the fellas perform their verses in various settings, including a barbershop, in the back seat of a car and, eventually, they meet up at a club. It’s like Janet Jackson’s Got Til It’s Gone with less sweat and more movement.
At the video launch, I asked Maphorisa if he was particular about who would jump on to the song. “Not really,” he started. “I work with a lot of people and artists are always coming to the studio.”
Initially, Maphorisa produced the beat and then Major Lazer finessed it with their own production. “Those guys are really in a different world,” Maphorisa said. “I saw a big opportunity and couldn’t waste it.”
The first artist who laid a verse on Particula was Nasty C. Maphorisa recalls: “It was a dope collective job. I did the beat and Nasty C came over to the studio. I played it for him and he loved it so he did a verse.
“Then Ice Prince came and did the hook. Patoranking came through and did the hook also. Then Diplo decided, ‘You know what? Let’s put Jidenna on it.’ So Jidenna came on board and it ended up dope. As you can hear, it’s a Major Lazer song and it’s infused with a Maphorisa sound.”
Nasty C relished the chance to have a go at this kind of sound. “It was my second time working on an Afrobeat beat,” Nasty C told me. “So obviously, I had to be more creative. I had to sing the whole way so I just went with the flow, winged it and had fun.”
With regard to shooting the video, which was directed by Adriaan Louw and styled by Bee Diamondhead, Nasty C took it all in his stride. He said: “I had on this custom-made outfit, so that was exciting. The whole theme was pretty dope. It’s not like the 70s were strange or nothing I’d seen before, because I’ve seen pictures of my dad in similar clothing.”
Suspending belief and becoming a character from a bygone era was not the most challenging aspect. “The most challenging thing was also the best thing: the outfit,” Nasty C laughed.
“It was the best thing because it was different, but it was also challenging because it was kinda stiff. I think they made it two days before so it was a little bit hard to move around in.”
If he were to orchestrate an all-female Particula remix, who would Nasty C recommend? “I’d get Yemi Alade - I’m such a fan,” he said. “Her and Tiwa (Savage). From South Africa, who do we have? Shekhinah? Definitely her. And I don’t know who the fourth would be. I wouldn’t recommend a rapper for this song. But if they were to sing then maybe Rouge.”
I’m sure this remix would be dope and it would be interesting to see the video too - just saying.
I was almost halfway through my bag of popcorn when Prince William – yes, as in the Duke of Cambridge – walked into the BFI London IMAX cinema. I stopped chewing and wondered if he got the same sweet popcorn as I did. And if he did, would he enjoy it.
He was followed by Sir David Attenborough and I was zapped back to a much better reality. We were about to watch the very first episode of Blue Planet II. On IMAX. The world premiere of what will be a seven-part series was awe-inspiring.
Blue Planet II is the sequel to the incredibly popular series which aired in 2001 and became the most watched natural history programme in the UK for 15 years.
Blue Planet II continues to look at the most mysterious of Earth’s wonders – the ocean and all its inhabitants – and will debut in South Africa in February.
Sir David Attenborough returns as narrator and presenter. And the first episode opens with him aboard a yacht, with nothing but beautiful, clear, blue ocean around him. “The ocean, the largest habitat on Earth,” he says.
Sir David Attenborough. Picture: Supplied
The Blue Planet II team made more than 125 expeditions across every ocean. They spent over 1 500 days at sea and more than 1 000 hours in submarines. There is even astory about how producer Orla Doherty and her team began to see what looked like water inside their submarine – while already submerged.
But you’ll have to keep your eye on Tonight to find out more about that expedition.
Interestingly, there is a track produced for Blue Planet II by some of the finest minds in music. Thom Yorke of Radiohead was so impressed by the first Blue Planet that he was inspired to write Bloom.
This year, the rock band collaborated with music and film composer Hans Zimmer to record an orchestra-led reimagination of Bloom for a five-minute prequel of Blue Planet II. The series will be scored by Zimmer, Jacob Shea and Dave Fleming for Bleeding Fingers Music.
Zimmer was present at the Blue Planet II world premiere and told us: “I do a lot of movies, but this is truly important.”
Since the collaboration has surfaced, Zimmer has gone on to say: “Bloom appears to have been written ahead of its time as it beautifully reflects the jaw-dropping lifeforms and seascapes viewers are introduced to in Blue Planet II.
“Working with Thom, Jonny and the boys has been a wonderful diversion and it’s given me an interesting peek into their musical world. They’ve been incredible to work with and I hope everyone likes the track.”
Even more interesting for Mzansi is that a number of shots were taken right here in our country. Look out for a feature on the bottlenose dolphin on the east coast of South Africa.
One of the glaring themes of Blue Planet II was summed up by Attenborough when he commented after the screening that the health of our oceans is under attack and Blue Planet II aims to spark a conversation about how to fix this.
I was so fascinated by the ultra-high definition imagery expertly put together in Blue Planet II that I totally forgot to check on whether the prince enjoyed his popcorn, too.
* Blue Planet II will air on BBC Earth (DStv Channel 184) in February 2018
Mel B has vowed to "text herself" a supportive message to remind herself she is loved by her family and will come through the difficult patch she has endured following her split from Stephen Belafonte.
The 42-year-old singer is embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with her estranged husband Stephen Belafonte - who she claimed was physically abusive towards her and had an affair with their nanny -and though she is aware she is not in the "most favourable situation in life", she is adamant she will soon be "speaking the truth" and will continue to stay strong during the difficult time.
Mel penned a lengthy post on her Instagram account, which read: "unanswered text is everything FYI you may know my name but not my story,you maybe have herd what I've done but not what I've been threw but soon you will,so in the mean time I'm just gonna text myself this as a reminder,I may not have come from the perfect home but I was loved by my family,I may not be in the most favorable situation in life currently but trust me I soon will be by speaking my truth coz i refuse to give up shut up and just settle,my heart and my intentions are pure and honest,and that alone makes me stand and fight for what I believe in (sic)."
The 'America's Got Talent' judge - who has daughters Phoenix, 18, and Angel, 10, from past relationships, and six-year-old Madison with Stephen - is determined to stay "focused" on her career and raising her children "all alone", although she has claimed she is taking control over life "bit by bit".
She continued: "I'm focused I work hard I support and raise my 3 beautiful daughters all alone and every day I show them how I'm handling Bisiness and taking back my life bit by bit,wearing the goddess crown my babies gave me proudly (sic)."
And the former Spice Girls singer has no doubt her life will take a turn for the better and the naysayers who slated her will eat their "cruel dishonest disgusting words".
She added: "I no the cards I've been dealt with willchange for the better and change indeed very very soon, a lot of people WILL be eating there cruel dishonest disgusting words,me well I'm humble coz I no where I started,I'm full of life coz i made it out alive, (sic)."
Mel has revealed she is "stronger healthier and sillier than ever" and will no longer hide or be ashamed of the "traumatising pain" she has endured over the last "seven months", which also saw her lose her father, Martin, to cancer aged 63 earlier this year.
She said: "plus I'm learning how to love myself more and more each day so thank you to the ones that have stuck by me and believed in me even if I wasn't able to talk to any of you for 10 years but guess what I'm back now stronger healthier and sillier than ever,no more hiding no more shame no more traumatizing pain,these last 7months have been incredible despite the death of my father,but he gave me just the strength I needed to stop living in utter fear thank you daddy I love you and miss you every second of every day,ive stayed quite for way way way too long,want to empower and support women and give strength and hopefully pave the way even if it's just to a hand full of people to let them no you CAN do it,all alone I walked away with nothing just my kids,no one new but it was the most terrifying but amazing walk I took and A: i never looked back B:never will I regret it,I'm crying writting this I'm sorry,but just no your not alone there are more people than you could ever imagine in the same boat right now and yes they are alive to tell there story #stopdomesticviolence #stoprapedrugging#getoutnowplease #nomoreshame#nomorehiding #reportyourabuser (sic)."
