Durban July: Think Miriam Makeba, not traditional wedding

At least 50 000 people are expected to fill the Greyville Racecourse on Saturday for the annual Vodacom Durban July and, once again, guests will fork out thousands to make it on to VIP guest lists in the marquee village.

The event’s marketing consultant, Ken Tweddell, told City Press that there would be more than 30 marquees on the racecourse’s sprawling lawns.

The theme this year is Stars of Africa.

Asked for tips, celebrity stylist Kgosi Modisane advised patrons to be more creative.

“Women should wear an elegant traditional dress or an outfit that will pay homage to our African stars, like Miriam Makeba.

“It is important that you get an African designer who will push you to the limit.

“Women should stay away from ball gowns and uncomfortable shoes,” he said, cautioning them not to dress as “if you are going to a traditional wedding”.

For men, he said: “Find a pantsula look with all the African elements.”

House of Monatic, which manufactures popular brands, such as Carducci and CSquared, will dress, among others, Bob Mabena, Lunga Tshabalala, DJ SPHEctacula and Naves.

Boomtown marquee is partnering with Heineken as the official sponsor and the line-up will boast Sjava, Lady Zamar, Black Motion, Kwesta, Busiswa, Mlindo and more.

LUXURIOUS Chaise Lounge marquee

Packages range from R690 to R4 500 – the standard price for a place in the marquees this year.

Jazz fans will have their eye on the Glenlivet Jazztown marquee, where the princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, will perform.

“I will be giving it my all, with a bit of the old and bit of the new from my songbook. What I enjoy the most about the July is interacting with my fans,” she said.

Mama Africa Yvonne Chaka Chaka will mesmerize her fans at the Glenlivet Jazz Town marquee at the Vodacom Durban July. Picture: Rosetta Msimango

Also performing are duo Mafikizolo and The Soil.

Guests will enjoy a five-star buffet and substantial canapé-style dinner in an opulent glass-fronted marquee overlooking the course.

DYNAMIC DUO Mafikizolo will be performing at the Glenlivet Jazztown marquee. Picture: Universal Music Africa

Durban Tourism is doing things differently this year, hosting guests and media from Zambia, Botswana, Asia and the Middle East, and adding a fashion show to its line-up.

RAP ON Sho Madjozi will perform at the Durban Tourism marquee

The music includes local stars Sho Madjozi and Mondli Ngcobo.

Chaise Lounge, as always, boasts VVIP status and this year will be partnering with Moët & Chandon to offer a complimentary bar and a mouth-watering gourmet food selection.

This year’s guests include Khanyi Mbau, Boity Thulo and Somizi Mhlongo.

	Ntombizodwa Makhoba Journalist City Press p: +27 11 713 9001 w: www.citypress.co.za  e: Ntombizodwa@citypress.co.za
Rise above the clutter | Get the best of City Press delivered to your inbox | Choose your news