Comic Con Africa 2024 promises to be bigger and better than ever before as it is set to cement its status as one of the world's biggest pop culture events.
The fifth edition of the gathering will feature appearances from international and local celebrities as well as renowned comic book artists and cosplayers.
This include the likes of “Justice League” Joe Manganiello as well as iconic actor and bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno, who portrayed the original Hulk in the 1977 adaptation of “The Incredible Hulk”.
It will also feature the KidsCon area where youngsters can meet the likes of Mario, Luigi, the LEGO Man and Noodle & Bun.
Another new aspect is the Korean Night Market, which is inspired by the hit Netflix series “Squid Game” as well as The Entellect, where coding students will compete to create the ultimate bot.
Meanwhile, fan favourite Artist Alley will also be returning to the game stage while attendees will have the opportunity to engage with their favourite stars through Q&A sessions, autograph signings and exclusive meet-and-greet photograph opportunities.
The convention floor will also feature a wide range of merchandise, collectables and memorabilia which will include rare comic books, graphic novels, gaming accessories and apparel.
There will also be delicious food and beverages to enjoy during the three-day gathering as attendees are also invited to come dressed in their favourite superheroes.
Comic Con Africa, with alternating shows between Johannesburg and Cape Town, has made huge strides since the first event was held in 2018.
“With Comic Con Africa being an evolving show, this year’s iteration will continue to expand the experience with more activities for all, free to play gaming competitions and more open spaces for fans to connect,” a statement read.
Where: The Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec.
When: From Friday, September 27, until Sunday, September 29.
Cost: Tickets start from R700 and are available through Howler.
The 25th Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (SBJOJ) is celebrating its 25 year milestone this year with an illustrious line-up of over 50 musicians, from more than 10 countries.
They will perform across five stages during the two-day event which seeks to showcase jazz music accents from the African continent as well as in Europe, East Asia and the Americas.
Those who will take to the stage include Grammy Award-winning musician Chris Botti, who will perform alongside UK-based producer and hornsman, Matthew Halsall.
Thandiswa Mazwai will also return to SBJOJ with her “Sankofa” project, alongside the Senegalese band that originally recorded the music. Other South African stars to perform include Mi Casa, Vusi Nova and Mafikizolo.
Mzansi’s Feya Faku as well as renowned trumpeter Darren English, featuring virtuoso pianist Kenny Banks and Cuba’s Chucho Valdés & Royal Quartet, will also be performing.
They will be joined by the likes of Sibongile Mngoma, Victor Masondo, Keiko Matsui, Nokukhanya Dlamini, Sibusiso Mashiloane, Mandisi Dyantyis, Tutu Puoane, Fatoumata Diawara, Lizz Wright, Brenda Mtambo, Spha Mdlalose, Mimi Mtshali, Jessica Pina and Karen Devroop.
There will also be a musical tribute to the late Oliver Mtukudzi by Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Maduvha Madima and Zimbabwe’s Samantha Mtukudzi and Mbeu.
Where: The Sandton Convention Centre.
When: Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28.
Cost: Tickets start from R1050 and are available through Ticketmaster.
The Muffinz returns to UJ
To mark their 12th anniversary since debuting on the South African music scene, The Muffinz will return to their musical roots with a special concert which will be hosted by the tertiary institution’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.
The musical band, who consist of five singers who are also instrumentalists, first met as students and choir members at UJ.
The band was formed in 2010 when Sfiso Atomza, Mthabisi Sibanda and Simz Kulla met while singing together in the UJ Choir.
Later, the group was joined by Gregory Mabusela on drums as well as another UJ alumnus Geoffery Chitima on bass.
As part of their “One Night Only” show, the group will perform some of their biggest hits as their concert is set to showcase their journey from their early days at UJ to becoming one of South Africa's most influential musical acts.
“The repertoire for the evening will comprise of audience favourites from both our commercially released albums and a tribute to the South African Songbook, performing reworked songs by a diverse group of South African artists, that are ‘under-covered’ and under-performed,” Atomza explained.
Where: UJ’s Bunting Road Campus.
When: Friday, September 27, at 7.30pm.
Cost: Tickets start from R250 and are available through Plankton.mobi.