Christmas nearly here as @DStv sends out its Festive Cheer!

DStv sent out a few festive gift packs to some bloggers and writers who have been working with them this season. 

The festive season, after all, is a time for sharing.

Nomzamo Mbatha talks about 'It's Coming To America'

The long-awaited comedy sequel lts Coming to America, featuring SA's very own Nomzamo Mbatha, has been confirmed for release in March next year.

The US-based SA actress stars alongside Hollywood heavyweights Eddie Murphy, Leslie Jones and Wesley Snipes in the film.

According to a press statement provided to TshisaLIVE, Amazon Studios has confirmed they acquired worldwide rights to the film from Paramount Pictures, and that its set to launch on Amazon Prime Video on March 5 2021.

Tracy Morgan, Jermaine Fowler, Bella Murphy, Rotimi, KiKi Layne and Teyana Taylor are also lined up for the sequel.

Speaking to True Love magazine in August, Nomzamo opened up about auditioning for several roles in the US last year. She said she received the call on her grandmother's birthday to say she got the part in the film.

"It was a very surreal moment. When you have been holding onto a dream and hope, and it finally comes to pass, you don't react in the way it had played out in your head. That Sunday I moved around in a daze."

Nomzamo was in SA at the time and was given just 72 hours to return to America to finalise the paperwork, but first wanted to see her mother.

"Everything was a sprint — rushing my mother to fly to Joburg as I could not go without seeing her because I didn't know when I would come back home."

Brad Binder is the new tonic of South Africa's sporting excellence

South Africans often expect our sporting stars to excel on the international stage and when they don't live up to our expectations, we feel let down and can even become antagonistic towards them. 

When motorcycle genius Brad Binder won a MotoGP race earlier this year – in his first season in the formula – many of us thought he would easily take the championship.

Yet, MotoGP is perhaps the most competitive form of motorsport in the world, never mind being one of the most dangerous, so it was unrealistic for SA fans to think Binder would sweep all before him.

No less an expert than Dave Petersen, the bike ace who flew the SA flag high worldwide in the '70s and '80s, says the fact that Binder has just been named MotoGP Rookie of the Year is a stunning achievement.

Petersen says that when the 2020 season started, both the Red Bull KTM racing team and Binder himself "merely hoped to score some points by finishing races in the top 15, while learning how to properly ride a MotoGP motorcycle".

When he won a race on 9 August, everybody sat up and took notice, though.

This could be the start of an illustrious career.

Blind Tiger Gin is ideal for your festive season cocktails

Founded in 2017 by Capetonian Keegan Cook, award-winning Blind Tiger Gin has been recognised for its unique celebration of the craft gin spirit.

In 2017, Blind Tiger won Gold Medals at both the International SIP AWARDS, held in California and The Gin Masters, held in London. 

They also scooped a Gold medal at the World Spirits Awards in San Fransisco in 2018.

Blind Tiger Gin is pot-stilled in South Africa and infused with juniper, coriander, angelica, passionflower and lemongrass. 

Their latest addition is Blind Tiger Blue, a blend of Juniper, Angelica, Coriander, Blueberry & Elderflower. 

Small-batch crafted in KwaZulu-Natal and available nationwide, Blind Tiger is an extremely sessionable, easy-drinking gin that's both appealing and complex, yet not overwhelming to the palate.

A 750ml bottle would cost you about R300.

blindtigergin.com

Share your dream and you could win R10 000 towards achieving it. #MondayMotivation

10 lucky winners will take a step closer to starting their journey towards their dream. With Avroy Shlain, you can ensure you never let go of your dreams!

Visit www.dailyonlinecompetitions.co.za

#Wine trends to look out for this festive season. #FridayFeeling

What will be in your wine glass this festive season? It is time to consider the wine trends in line to shape our drinking next year.

Even though we were in lockdown from late March, 2020 still proved to be a big one for the wine industry. 

Trends such as canned wines, vegan wines, low ABV wines, sustainable packaging, and more, took the stage. 

There are new trends emerging, and some will be carried over from this year.
We spoke to wine expert and owner of Culture Wine Bar Matt Manning, who told us what to look out for in the coming year.

Light and sassy

Lighter reds will be very popular over summer, as more and more wine drinkers come to appreciate this style of red. Think gamay, cinsault and lighter-style pinotage.

Goodbye to the flute

A champagne flute is actually not the ideal vessel for your bubbles. A wider-brim glass brings your MCC into better contact with the air, showing off the bouquet to beautiful effect.

Local is lekker

With the economic toll wreaked by the pandemic, there will be a return in focus to everything local as a collective move to boost local trade. I predict that there will be a renewed appreciation for the gems on our doorstep – particularly the smaller producers.

Minimal intervention

As awareness around minimal intervention wine-making grows, more consumers are becoming educated on this terroir-driven approach, and are increasingly seeking these styles out.

Wine bandits

Who says you have to own a wine farm to produce wines? There is a rise in the new maverick winemaker who uses grapes from multiple farms to produce their own label, small-batch wines. This also gives them the opportunity to pick the "cream of the crop", offering something exciting to wine drinkers.

Ariana Grande to join Mariah Carey’s #Christmas special. #FridayFeeling

Ariana Grande took to Instagram on Wednesday, 18 November 2020, to confirm that she is one of the celebrities that are set to appear in Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special. 

The special is set to give the acclaimed musician the opportunity to formally usher in the festive season.

For years now, there have been rumours of a rivalry between Ariana and Mariah. 

The speculation stemmed from the constant comparisons between the two music icons' voices, as they are two of the most prominent vocalists that can do the whistle note. 

However, the announcement of Ariana's upcoming feature in the All I Want For Christmas hitmaker's special seems to have quelled the rumours.

The Positions hitmaker was as floored as her fans when confirming her appearance, as she used her caption to thank Mariah for inviting her to be a part of the special. 

The special is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on Friday, 4 December 2020.

Black Coffee invests in IT

Internationally recognised and award-winning DJ Black Coffee appears to have bagged himself more than just a girlfriend this month.

He recently announced that he bought shares in one of Southern Africa biggest tech education providers, HyperionDev.

The renowned DJ who prides himself as an "Angel Investor" continues to enlarge his business enterprise beyond the entertainment industry.

Known in real life as Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, Black Coffee is said to be the second richest artist in Africa after Acon, with a net worth estimated at $60 million.

Apart from music, Black Coffee is a businessman who runs so many investments that cut across tech, retail and real estate in South Africa and abroad.

His recent announcement is a testimony to that.

HyperionDev seems to be a strategic investment channel at the moment. It is backed by Facebook and Google as a reliable coding provider in Southern Africa that seeks to bring tech skills to those without reliable internet access in rural Africa.

This investment is pretty much a drop in the bucket for the DJ who allegedly earns millions.

#Review: Steenberg Lady R MCC is the bubbly that celebrates the beauty of life

Whether it's a birthday, office triumph or the simple pleasure of a bubble bath — South Africans know sparkling wine will rise to the occasion.

Trends Mzansi tried out Steenberg Lady R MCC 2015 and the results were breath taking. 

This MCC is a blend made up of 70% pinot noir and 30% Chardonnay.

I salivated over the apple blossom, honeysuckle, raspberry, almond puff pastry, citrus biscuits and savoury aromas of dried herbs. 

The creaminess on the palate is complemented by the subtle and refreshing acidity.

This complex and indulgent MCC shows clarity of fruit on the nose.

Whatever occasion you are celebrating, you won't go wrong with Steenberg Lady R MCC. 

Afterall, life is worth celebrating with some fine bubbly. 

You can get this gem of sparkling wine at all leading liqour retailers. 

A bottle would cost you about R450 - R550.

Siya Kolisi shares summer fitness tips in new partnership with Pernod Ricard

Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi has partnered with Pernod Ricard South Africa to support responsible drinking this festive season.

The new campaign Sisonke Mzansi, aims to promote not only responsible drinking but also the support of the local economy.

The campaign is a collaboration between artists, manufacturers and promoters to make "gifts that give", keeping manufacturing local.

Kolisi, who is a teetotaller, said the campaign was important for people to be socially aware and to protect those around them as well.

Sharing some fitness tips for a healthy body this summer, the star rugby flanker said he was sponsored by a gym brand to help keep him in shape, and also that did workouts with his wife Rachel.

Kolisi added that Rachel actually knew a little bit more than him when it came to types of slimming exercises.

The Bok captain said workouts without equipment were just as effective and people should check out his social media accounts for more at-home workout videos.

#Review: Vachellia Vodka is comfortably the sexiest #vodka distilled in SA

The Year of the Plague has not been conducive to much direct engagement with liqour producers. 

Lockdown meant that for many months only essential travel was permitted while the liquor sales prohibition made even the transportation of samples problematic.

But now that business is back to normal, we managed to get Vachellia Vodka sent to us for tasting. 

For those who still haven't heard about this amazing vodka, you don't know what you are missing. 

The distillers describe it as: "Vachellia Premium Vodka is a true expression of sheer Africa excellence, and is exactly what a luxury vodka should be. It is perfect for any occasion."

We agree - it is distilled to perfection making it a truly enjoyable experience. 

It is a smart vodka: richer and shows the hallmark flavour. At about R399 a bottle, it actually represents real value.

I was impressed with the bottle design. So much artistry went into it. 

Vachellia is comfortably the sexiest vodka produced in SA.

Bursting with ripe citrus fruit notes, it is juicy and showy. It's not about complexity but about pleasure, and at R399 a bottle it is completely seductive.

Not an everyday price, but then not an everyday wine experience.

It is distilled seven times before "aging" for a period of 48hours. The result is a clean, rich & rounded vodka, with eucalyptus notes, a faint hint of vanilla mint and a silky smooth mouth feel combined with a rich flavourful texture and a crystal clear appearance.

It can be enjoyed neat or in a perfectly blended cocktail.

Here's how you can get yourself a bottle for those year end functions, or festive season celebrations or just a day in with the boys and girls. 

Online, they sell on Takealot, Makro, Mothercity Liquors, Curated African & New Harbour Distillery for R399.

They are listed in the following retail stores in Cape Town, all for R399 as well:

* Liquorcity Claremont 

* Norman Goodfellows Three Anchor Bay

* Mothercity Liquors Kloof Street 

Remember to also try out the Trends Mzansi Vachellia Vodka Cocktail

50ml Vachellia vodka.

Dash of fresh lime juice (to taste)

100 - 160ml tonic water (enough to fill)

Garnish: lime wedge or wheel..

8 relationship habits that are more harmful than cheating #MondayMotivation

It's safe to say that many would list cheating as the most damaging thing a person can do in a relationship. But there is something even more stealthy that can erode a relationship from the inside.

The day to day negative interactions show how selfish we can act, how cold we can be, and how unfair we can treat our partner. Basically, prioritizing our own self-benefit, in spite of the fact that it's sabotaging our partner's needs.

1. Never saying 'thank you'

Not saying please and thank you. People need to feel appreciated. If they feel appreciated, then their frame of mind is better and everything in general is better.

You don't need to go ga ga on everything but simply saying "thank you" when they do something is enough.

2. Taken for granted and being way to comfortable

When one stops putting in any effort into the relationship. They become lazy and forgets grooming up.

They get complacent with work and lose their drive. that is getting comfortable in the relationship, and that is completely assuming that someone loves you no matter what.

Things get worse when one person, or both people, stop putting any effort in at all. If you both are in a boring routine life because you've just become complacent with each other, that's not good!

3. Absence of trust

Lack of trust can really screw the relationship. This is so true and so important. Trust is one of the biggest parts of any relationship. If you don't trust each other, it's never going to work long-term. Trust is the great soother of any relationship.

4. Always being hooked with your phone

You can't just hang out with your partner and both glued with their respective phones the whole time. That's weird and not okay.

5. Not being affectionate

Withholding affection is really harmful relationship habit. Some people need it. Others don't function well without it.

6. Acting arrogant and superior towards each other

This can be really harmful as it tears apart your self-esteem. Being treated in a condescending way is horrible. Mutual respect is very important. Don't constantly speak down to each other.

You're partners!

7. Lack of communication

95% of the damage in relationships could be fixed if people just took the time to clearly convey how they're feeling.

8. Lying about small things

Even if it's just a lot of small things it really does add up, it leaves you thinking "What else would they lie about?".

Try out this simple yet amazing #gin cocktail for that #FridayFeeling

So today is Friday the 13th huh? Well, unless you are one of those horror movies connoseurs, it's just another Friday.

You know what Friday means, right? Yeah it's a Friyay cocktail night. 

Treat your taste buds to a 5 star Authentic gin cocktail. All you will need is:

* 50ml of Authentic craft gin

* A strip of Cucumber

* Mint leaves

* Crushed ice

* 200ml Fitch and Leedes Indian tonic

Mix all ingredients in your glass and savour the moment. You won't regret it. You will just keep coming for more!

Thickleeyonce in new Brand Ambassador role

Thickleeyonce has taken to her social media to reveal she is now in partnership with Always South Africa.

She is really excited as it has always been her dream.

According to her post, she has been using Always since she was a young girl.

Thickleeyonce revealed her first ever pack of pads her mom bought for her was Always and it has never disappointed her.

Thickleeyonce captioned: "I've been using ALWAYS since I was a little girl, so I'm really excited about my partnership with @always_sa."

She continued: "The first ever pack of pads my mom bought for me were ALWAYS, they have never disappointed me since day 1! I love the softness, comfort and long lasting protection they have. Thank you so much for this lovely gift!!"

Dlathu, Nakai, Mbombo, Kolisi - whose the most stylish A lister?

Sindi Dlathu, Nadia Nakai, Blue Mbombo, Ama Qamata and Siya Kolisi are just some of the A-listers that will be honoured at the 24th South African Style Awards.

The invite-only award ceremony will be held on November 22 in Sandton City, Johannesburg, and hosted by Ayanda Thabethe.

The River leading lady Dlathu has been named most stylish performing artist in film or TV. The show's creator Phathu Makwarela will be awarded with the most stylish media personality gong.

Rapper Nakai is the recipient of most stylish performing artist in music while Mbombo will receive the award for most stylish model.

Kolisi and his wife Rachel are named most stylish couple.

Gomora and Blood & Water starlet Qamata is the winner of the next big thing.

#Wilderer's Fynbos Gin is smoothness simplified: #Review

There is just something about craft gin which makes it all so special. Wilderers Fynbos gin is a unique craft blend that redefines smoothness.

It is overwhelmingly medicinal to the nose, with the fynbos bringing floral undertones and anise qualities not dissimilar to off brand cough medicine.

Despite its exotic makeup, there is something oddly familiar about the smell – a hint of ores, perhaps, and the vague sense of a rapeseed meadow on a warm spring day. 

To taste, the aniseed aspect comes across stronger. It reminds us of those thick, chewy liquorice sweets, but the citrus notes prevents it from becoming full blown.

It has hint of spice that leaves behind that familiar fynbos led aftertaste.

With tonic, the spice is calmed but the gin is unleashed, blooming and booming in the mouth to bring a strong, strange but ultimately delicious taste.

It's almost impossible to decipher what is doing what and where as the fynbos is so uniquely South African.

There are cooling hints of eucalyptus alongside shrubbery conspiring to create something that is superb..

The gin comes in a short, clear, apothecary style bottle. It's a simple package.

To buy this gin, visit www.wilderer.co.za

#Beyerskloof Wine Estate is the king of Pinotage

Nestled in the heart of the glorious Cape Winelands in South Africa, just outside of the well-known town of Stellenbosch, Beyerskloof is co-owned by the man who rescued the one true "mzansi" cultivar from a destiny of brandy distillation and bulk jug wine. 

Beyerskloof cellar master Beyers Truter was the first South African to win "International Winemaker of the Year" in 1991, and much to the international viticulture community's surprise did so with Pinotage, a varietal that had been written off by British wine masters visiting South Africa in the 1970s. 

Inspired by top-quality oaked Pinotages he had previously tasted, and determined to prove them wrong, he worked around the clock to perfect the misunderstood varietal, never failing to believe in the grape's yet-untapped promise.

However, Beyers' passionate commitment to the fruity Pinotage (a cultivar deemed "dead" a decade earlier) paid off, and in 1991 he became the first South African to win the prestigious title of "International Winemaker of the Year" at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

Similarly, the estate itself has grown and evolved over time and is now home a new visitor centre featuring a larger contemporary tasting room, and cozy, hearth-warmed lounge, and the ever-popular Red Leaf Bistro.

Celebrity chef Siba Mtongana gets #Harvard salivating

Celebrity chef and TV personality Siba Mtongana is on a winning streak.

From being dubbed a "global food goddess" by Tatler Malaysia, the multiaward-winning cookbook author received recognition from Harvard University.

Taking to social media on Wednesday, the Siba's Table star shared the exciting news with her fans around the world as she celebrated what she referred to as the "biggest milestone" of her career.

She wrote: "I'm now a case study at Harvard University Business School, the most prestigious business school in the world!

"They have been doing a case study on my food career, being an entrepreneur, a woman and a pioneer in the culinary world locally and globally, against all odds."

In her post, Mtongana said Harvard approached her last year and have since been working on the case study.

She said the experience was so "surreal" and she was awe-struck to have some of the top business students take an interest in her life and career.

"I was lectured today for the first time at Harvard to their MBA students and I was their special guest together with my team, business associates and family.

"It was so surreal hearing top minds analysing my brand and business from their own eyes … and still feels like a dream to be part of academic literature at Harvard."

Cricketer AB De Villiers and Ndlovu Youth Choir song is the perfect tonic! #MotivationMonday

Not content with owning the cricket world, Proteas star AB de Villiers is determined to hit the local music charts for a six.

The star recently released a new song along with singersongwriter Karen Zoid and the Ndlovu Youth Choir.

The song, titled The Flame, is aimed at celebrating the human spirit and bringing about unity during a difficult year.

The video, which was shared on YouTube, features strongly on the video-sharing platform, with more than 450,000 views and 18,000 thumbs up so far.

The music video for the song was filmed in Cape Town, Limpopo and Dubai.

The song is available on all streaming sites.

The music also features special appearances by IPL cricketers Virat Kohli, Dale Steyn, Yuzvendra Chahal, Chris Morris, Anrich Nortjé, Kagiso Rabada and even AB de Villiers Jr.

De Villiers is in the United Arab Emirates for the Indian Premier League 2020, where he, according to India Today, became the first South African batsman in T20 history to breach the 9,000-run mark.

He reached the mark on Saturday during the Royal Challengers Bangalore's match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The unlikely pop star told KFM that the song was a "cry out for us to stand together".

"This is just a song of hope and sort of a cry out for us to stand together.

We are walking through a fire you ' ll hear the lyrics talking about running through a fire.

If we do it together, we can create flames which can turn into a positive thing," he said.

De Villiers is not new to the music industry. In 2010, he collaborated with Afrikaans singer Ampie Du Preez on their bilingual pop album Maak Jou Drome Waar (Make Your Dreams Come True).

On Twitter, the Ndlovu Youth Choir said it was honoured to be part of the inspiring song.

"The song inspires us and we had loads of fun and we cannot wait to perform the song live with you," the choir said.

Zahara goes back to her roots

Eastern Cape singer Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana, started singing in her school and church choir when she was only six years old.

Today, Zahara is a multiaward-winning musician whose debut album, Loliwe , has sold more than 100,000 copies in SA alone and went double-platinum in only 17 days.

The singer appeared on this week ' s episode of SABC 3 show The Insider SA, and took fans back to where it all began, Phumlani in the Eastern Cape.

Zahara is known for her smoky alto voice and her Afrosoul music.

Now back visiting Phumlani, Zahara said: "Growing up here was such an amazing feeling. It got me to where I am at today. "

Though her life is now in Johannesburg, her heart is still at home.

"I love coming to my village because when I get here, my spirit gets freed and I get love because I know I'm coming to my Mama's house. This [is] where I was born and bred and buttered, " she said.

Zahara is the sixth of seven children.
Her family nicknamed her Spinach after her love for the vegetable her mother cultivated in their garden.

Her parents both worked hard to provide for their big family, but as Zahara said:
"They couldn't raise money for me to go to [a] tertiary [institution]. I was left at home, but lucky enough for me, there was a guitar.

"I was never taught how to play the guitar, it just comes from the heart.

"For me, the guitar is a symbol of hope. When everybody is gone, when all my friends are gone, I'll still have my guitar.

"When I saw no light, I knew, something will happen," she said.

It was while busking on the streets of East London that Zahara was offered a record deal.

When starting in the industry, she chose the stage-name Zahara, which appropriately means a blooming flower in Arabic.

"A zahara is a flower and it only blooms in the desert.

"It doesn't need to be watered. It just blooms and blooms every time and any time, " Zahara said.

Her breakout single, Loliwe , was inspired by her mother's stories of the migrant labourers who would leave on the train to Johannesburg.

Today, the songstress has won more than 40 awards, including eight SAMAs when her album Loliwe was released.
She's been awarded Best Female Artist and even Album of the Year.

#Wine Review: Warwick Cape Lady cabernet sauvignon is simply irresistible

Here's a Bordeaux-style cabernet sauvignon from the respected Warwick Estate winery on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in the Stellenbosch wine region. 

A joyful mouthful of dark fruit and blackberry flavours is complemented by hints of cocoa and licorice and velvet-like tannins. 

Made from grapes from younger vines, it's more than ready to drink now and at well under R100 a bottle is the perfect – and not too pricey – accompaniment to any red-meat dish.

Boity Thulo wants to be referred to by her new name #GirlTalkZA

Boity Thulo has taken to her social media to reveal her new name to her people.

According to her, she must be referred to with her new sangoma name called Gogo Nomakhwezi.

Boity also described the new name as "though my soul just burst open in the most incredible way".

The rapper was over the moon after she shared her new name to the world but a troll decide to drag her for having an isiXhosa sangoma name even though she was a Tswana woman.

She tweeted: "You can officially refer to me as Gogo Nomakhwezi. Thokozani."