@SnoopDogg @Common @Birdman5Star @DJMustard and more confirmed to perform at the 2014 @BET_Intl’s @HipHopAwards #HipHopAwards

winning rapper, Nelly, and the “first lady” of G.O.O.D Music, Teyana Taylor are confirmed to be presenters.

The “I Am Hip Hop Icon” Award, recognizing legends in hip hop music, returns to honour renowned MC, Doug E. Fresh. As a distinguished beat boxer and rapper, he has redefined hip hop time and time again with notable achievements and all-time classic hits such as “La Di Da Di” and “The Show.”
 
Doug E. Fresh has served as a forerunner for hip hop culture for a whopping 29 years.  He proved to be a powerful force by 1985, with his dope rhymes, clever lyricism and extraordinary beat boxing skills. Since then, Doug E. Fresh has respectfully been known as “The Human Beat Box” and “The World’s Greatest Entertainer”. Throughout his career, he has pushed boundaries and undoubtedly earned the well-deserving title of a hip hop legend.
 
Previous “I Am Hip Hop Icon” Award honourees include MC Lyte (2013), Rakim (2012), LL Cool J (2011), Salt-N-Pepa (2010), Ice Cube (2009), Russell Simmons (2008), KRS-One (2007) and Grandmaster Flash (2006).
 
Always fresh, legendary and memorable, the BET Hip Hop Awards will take place at Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta, USA on Saturday 20 September 2014, premiering on BET International on Friday 17 October 2014 at 23:00 CAT.

BET.com/HipHopAwards is the official site for the BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” 2014 where fans can visit to get up-to-date info on this year’s show and take a look back on past BET Hip Hop Awards.  In the coming weeks, BET.com will launch a series of interactive timelines, exclusive video content, games and quizzes leading up to the show.
 
Join the conversation on social media by following BET on Twitter at @HipHopAwards and @BET_Intl using the hashtag #HipHopAwards, or liking the fan page at http://www.facebook.com/HipHopAwards.

Gear up for a fun-filled Family Extravaganza at the Soweto Festival Expo 2014 via @flowcomms @MsNxumalo

The Soweto Festival Expo, now in its ninth year, will take place from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September at the Joburg Expo Centre at Nasrec. It promises to be bigger and better than ever before, in celebration of 20 years of freedom and democracy.

The Gauteng Department of Sports, Art, Culture and Recreation will host a talent competition featuring Tshivenda, isiZulu , Setswana and Afrikaans traditional dance categories, among others, to entertain the crowds.

e.tv is geared up with an exciting Kasi Tours line-up to amuse and interact with the crowds on Saturday 27 September, featuring your favourite e.tv personalities.

Fun activities throughout the Expo will include the following:

·      Kids zone

·      Youth zone

·      Bodybuilding

·      Interactive drumming

·      Health, hair and beauty pavilion

·      Arts pavilion

·      Beer garden

 “Social cohesion and social economic development have always been at the heart of the Soweto Festival Expo. This year, strategic partnerships and innovative interventions have been explored to deliver an impactful, family orientated, educational and empowered show for all community members,” says Rehaad James, newly appointed Managing Director of Adele Lucas Promotions and organiser of the Soweto Festival Expo.

The Soweto Festival Expo entertainment line-up will end on a high note on Sunday, 28 September, with performances by Sfiso Ncwane, Thina Zungu, Rebecca Malope and many others, courtesy of Jozi  FM’s gospel festival.

Tickets are on sale at Jozi FM radio station, and will be sold at the gate on the day.

Ticket prices:

·      26 and 27 September: Adults R50. Children and Pensioners R20 (gates open at 10am and close at 7pm)

·      28 September: Adults R80, children under 12 years R40, which includes entrance to the Jozi FM Gospel Festival (gates open at 9am and close at 8pm)

Exhibitor enquiries are welcome – please call Rehaad James on 011 646 5630 or email him at rehaad@adelelucas.co.za.

http://www.sowetofestivalexpo.com

@MBFWR – Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia’s #russianfashionmeet and Russian Fashion Council Going Public

The key business event of the 29th season of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia occurred on 23rd of October. The main fashion week venue Manege hosted the founding conference of the Russian Fashion Council that involved such key fashion industry people as the President of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia Alexander Shumsky, well-known Russian designers – Slava Zaitsev, Alena Akhmadullina, Lena Karnauhova, Julia Dalakian, Head of the leading textile and apparel consulting company Esper Group Daria Yadernaya, Program Director of MBFW Russia Elena Kuletskaya, General Director of Ufimsky Trikotazh (Ufa Jersey) Zukhra Ismailova, Rector of Moscow Institute of Arts and Industry Alexey Egorov, the President of the Russian Public Relations Association Stanislav Naumov.

National Fashion Councils operate in key fashion markets, their major purpose is to support the fashion industry. Now Russia has joined the top-tier fashion markets having own public organization devoted to the local industry. The Russian Fashion Council will bring together fashion designers and manufacturers from the Russian Federation and fashion and educational experts who are actively involved in the development of fashion business in Russia.

Principal purposes of the Council are to support and develop the Russian fashion industry, assisting to Russian manufacturers and fashion designers. There is the goal to create social and other guarantees required for development of fashion segment in Russia. Another point is to promote Russian fashion designers domestically and globally.

At the conference Slava Zaitsev was elected as the Honorary President of the Russian Fashion Council. Alexander Shumsky was appointed to the position of the Executive President of the Council.

Russian Fashion Council focuses on creating favorable conditions for activities and creative work of Russian designers. Council will launch numerous projects and activities that will include assistance in promoting collections and public campaigns for achievements of Russian fashion. Russian Fashion Council is to be considered as a bridge between fashion designers and textile industry, the purpose is to cut the gap between talents and manufacturers. The Council will also develop fashion education programs and programs supporting young talents. One of the 2015 project is to launch the Russian Fashion Contest for emerging designers with valuable awards which would help talents to expand commercially.

@ROCKINRIO USA PRESENTS ROCK STREET feat @BRUNOMARS, @JossStone @JohnLegend AND @EDSHEERAN

Rock in Rio, the legendary music festival, unveiled this week Rock Street´s magical setting – three thematic streets that will be featured inside the City of Rock in Las Vegas  capturing the culture and sounds of Brazil, the UK and USA. In an event that took place on the grounds of the future City of Rock on the Las Vegas Strip, dozens of artists, performers and street artists filled the location, to give a sneak peek of the unique experience that audiences will enjoy at Rock in Rio USA. Rock in Rio also announced the addition of Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran who will play on the Main Stage in May, as well as Joss Stone who will perform on the Sunset Stage.

ROCK STREET: Initially conceived four years ago to fulfill one of Roberto Medina’s dreams, Rock Street was to be a special place inside the City of Rock, where the audience and artists interact, having the imagery of New Orleans and its cultural and musical setting as a backdrop. The streets, measuring almost 500 feet long, will be filled with artists, bands and performers who will create a unique relationship with the public, in an exciting atmosphere. With the tremendous success of Rock Street at previous Rock in Rio festivals, and with Rock in Rio celebrating its 30th anniversary and first U.S. festival, Rock in Rio USA in Las Vegas will feature not one but three different Rock Streets.  These three Rock Streets will welcome attendees to experience an entirely new and exciting kind of music festival, and to enjoy the eclectic cultures of the U.S., the UK and Brazil.

Each street has 20 houses filled with shops and restaurants, and a stage where bands and artists will perform throughout the day. Street artists and performers will also transform the street into their own stage, performing and connecting with the audience and creating an intimate environment.  Rock Street will open daily at 4 PM, with concerts and performances taking place until 2 AM when doors close.

ROCK STREET USA: Stepping onto this street, you’ll be immediately taken to New Orleans with street-side cafés, jam sessions and blues all around! The street will include iconic American images such as a Cadillac and a diner. Street dance has achieved high recognition in the U.S. culture, therefore the Rock Street USA stage will present dozens of different dance styles capturing the energy and versatility of the North American dance culture. The official Street Dance crew is sure to make everyone move, and artistic directors Bruno Bastos, Miguel Colker and Shaun Evaristo will lend all their experience in creating a passionate bond between audience and dancers. On stage, an MC will keep the stage flowing as 15 dancers perform choreographed dances from U.S. artists such as Beyoncé, Usher, Justin Timberlake and Michael Jackson, all accompanied by a Beatbox rhythm. The onstage programming will be in accordance with each weekend’s line-up: the first focused on heavy metal and rock, and the second featuring pop and dance hits. Dance routines will include styles as diverse as hip-hop, popping and locking, voguing, waackin’, dancehall, house, breaking and krumping. Guest crews from Los Angeles and Las Vegas will take part alongside the famous street dance battles of the official crew.

ROCK STREET UK: Great Britain and Ireland have an overwhelming heritage of music that has influenced artists and musicians around the world. On this quaint street that resembles London´s Camden Town and Ireland’s Grafton Street, the houses are inspired by traditional Irish and English pubs and shops, where traditional food will be available. On the streets, the audience will meet magicians, Irish bagpipers, a Victorian inspired photographer, jugglers, caricaturists and even a Buckingham Palace guard. On the stage, the audience will revel in the Celtic-inspired music by the band Terra Celta, who mix the energy of Brazilian culture with traditional Celtic instruments, resulting in a unique performance where dancers and instruments connect in a powerful way.  To honour the decades of influence that The Beatles and The Rolling Stones have had in modern pop/rock music, the band Stone the Beetles will perform every night. Led by Rock Street UK artistic director Bruce Leitman, the band will perform new and original arrangements for some of the memorable songs immortalized by these two icons of Rock. The international hula hoop performer Lisa Lottie will also present her unique art that has taken her to more than 100 cities in 29 countries. Lottie is a circus trained artist and travels around the world bringing her “Bend it Like a Barbie” dance and contortionism act to street performance festivals. Her YouTube videos have scored more than 1.5 million views and her charismatic personality is sure to make this performance at Rock Street UK a memorable one.

ROCK STREET BRAZIL: The warm and colorful culture of Brazil will make everyone instantly feel at ease and relaxed as they stroll along the houses of Rock Street Brazil. Capturing the picturesque visual of Brazilian houses and local architecture, this street will feature some of the most charismatic figures of Brazilian culture: the typical Bahiana woman resembling  the character that inspired Carmen Miranda and carrying the famous fruit basket on her head; the “Malandro da Lapa”, a character originary from the most bohemian neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro and played by ballroom dancing legend Carlinhos de Jesus; Bumba Meu Boi, a folkloric bull figure typical from the northeast of Brazil; and capoeira group Batuque that will dance and battle on the street To complete the atmosphere, the stage will incorporate performances from three acts that represent the variety of Brazilian music culture. Spok Frevo Orquestra, the Pernambuco big band composed of 17 musicians, will bring a wide range of instruments to the stage including guitars, saxophones, drums, percussion, trombones and trumpets to transmit the bands complex mixture of genres, all inspired by traditional Brazilian music. On the Rock Street Brazil stage, Latin GRAMMY nominee Bossa Cuca Nova will combine the roots of traditional bossa nova sounds and percussion with the rhythm of EDM in a performance with a DJ. Leo Gandelman, one of the most established Brazilian musicians, will also take the stage with his smooth sound that crosses the borders of classic and pop music in an elegant way.

Rock in Rio takes over Las Vegas Rock in Rio has joined forces with entertainment giants MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM), Cirque du Soleil and Ron Burkle (The Yucaipa Companies) for the festival’s U.S. debut in Las Vegas, taking place on May 8-9 and 15-16, 2015. The lineup announcements so far include:

May 8 Main Stage:  No Doubt

May 9 Main Stage: Metallica; Linkin Park Sunset Stage: Deftones

May 15 Main Stage: Taylor Swift; Ed Sheeran

May 16 Main Stage: Bruno Mars Sunset Stage: John Legend; Joss Stone

The City of Rock, a permanent open-air concert venue will be located on The Strip near the corner of Sahara Avenue, spread out over 37 acres and have the capacity for 85,000 people per day. The venue has six stages including three themed Rock Streets encompassing the culture and music of the U.S., UK and Brazil that will receive over 100 acts and also a zip line that stretches 64 feet high and 600 feet long in front of Main Stage. The venue also includes a VIP area that can accommodate up to 4000 people; an air-conditioned area with a unique view of the City of Rock and an all-inclusive buffet. For more information, visit www.RockinRio.com

Get the latest updates via Rock in Rio’s Facebook page and Twitter feed.

@BULOVA CORPORATION PRESENTS PERSONALISED ACCU•SWISS WATCHES TO THE MANCHESTER UNITED FIRST-TEAM SQUAD

Crafted of premium grade-5 titanium, the Official Squad Watch of Manchester United is the flagship model of the Swiss-Made Treble Collection, available for purchase at select Bulova Accu•Swiss retailers.

At a special press launch this week, Bulova Corporation, the Official Timekeeper of Manchester United, presented customised Manchester United Squad Watches to the first team players. The event celebrated the important partnership between the team and the global watchmaking company, while also introducing the Bulova Accu•Swiss Treble Collection, available at select retail locations.

Members of the Manchester United first team squad each had a unique opportunity to create his own, bespoke version of the squad watch, with customization choices including individual signatures on the dial as well as a number of different caseback options, some as personal as family photographs. The customized squad watches, crafted of grade-5 titanium, are designed for players to wear during official Manchester United club duties.

Bulova’s decision to give players a personal role in the design of their watches epitomizes the dedication shared by Bulova and Manchester United as they continue to forge a meaningful partnership.

Presenting the watches to assembled team members, Bulova Corporation President, Gregory Thumm, noted that “while developing individual watches for each first team member was ambitious, it was both a worthwhile testament and a token of esteem as we create new traditions shared by Manchester United and Bulova Corporation.”

The Treble Collection name is inspired by the Treble honour, given to a football club that wins three trophies in a single season. In the 1998-1999 season, under the helm of manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United achieved this rare and celebrated feat, becoming the only English club to ever win the FA Cup, Premier League Title, and UEFA Champions League Title during one season.

Manchester United’s Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold commented, “Bulova’s unique creations show wonderful creativity and commitment to their partnership with the Club. I’m sure the squad will be delighted with these deeply thoughtful and creative timepieces. Added to this, Bulova’s fantastic new Treble Collection will allow fans to have a permanent reminder of one of the most unforgettable seasons in our long and distinguished history.”

One of three styles included within the Bulova Accu•Swiss Treble Collection, the signature squad watch exemplifies the innovative engineering, quality and craftsmanship of the Bulova Accu•Swiss brand, with its strong, agile multi-piece titanium case construction embodying the styling and ergonomic engineering expected in an inventive sport-minded timepiece. Made in Switzerland, with 26-jewel automatic movement and water resistance to 100 meters, this extraordinary timepiece (style 65B165) features an all milled bezel, case, and caseback in grade-5 titanium coated with black carbonized titanium, and includes a red version of the team crest on its dial.

Currently available at select Bulova Accu•Swiss retailers, the Treble Collection also includes two stainless steel versions of the design, each with brushed and polished 316L stainless steel case and high-performance rubber strap. One features a brushed silver-tone dial marked with the traditional red and yellow Manchester United crest (63B195), with the other offering a brushed black dial styled with a distinguishing blue crest and dial accents (63B189).

The Bulova Accu•Swiss Treble Collection is priced at £999-£1,999. For more information, visit Bulova’s dedicated partner site, www.bulova-manutd.com or the official Bulova Accu•Swiss website http://www.bulovaaccuswiss.com.

GLOBAL SUPERSTAR @ENRIQUE305 IGLESIAS TO PERFORM AT THE 2014 @MTVEMA

2014 MTV EMA TO SALUTE SONGS THAT INSPIRE AND EMPOWER YOUNG PEOPLE

WITH BRAND NEW CATEGORY: ‘BEST SONG WITH A MESSAGE’

SOCIAL VOTE NOW OPEN ACROSS INSTAGRAM, TWITTER AND VINE

MTV (DStv channel 130) and MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) have this week revealed that global superstar Enrique Iglesias will be performing at the 2014 MTV EMA, one of the biggest global music events of the year that celebrates the hottest artists from around the world. Iglesias revealed the news to his fans this morning via his social media accounts. In addition, MTV has unveiled a new, socially-focused award category for the 2014 MTV EMA, Best Song with a Message, which recognises songs that have an empowering impact on young people, tackling important issues they care about and inspiring them to have a social conscience.

The 2014 MTV EMA in association with Smirnoff Ice Double Black with Guarana will broadcast live from the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on MTV and MTV Base on Sunday 9 November at 22:00 CAT.

The 2014 nominees for Best Song with a Message are:

“We Exist” – Arcade Fire, which addresses gender identity

“We Are Here” – Alicia Keys, a cry for an end to violence around the world and an ode to our shared humanity

“Take Me to Church” – Hozier, which discusses homophobia and reclaiming humanity through an act of love

“Pretty Hurts” – Beyoncé, an examination of our appearance-obsessed world and the negative impact people’s sense of self-worth

“All About That Bass” – Meghan Trainor, an anthem to self-acceptance and inner beauty

• Following his MTV EMA performance, Iglesias will embark on the European leg of his Sex and Love world tour. For tour information go to enriqueiglesias.com.
• Enrique Iglesias is nominated for Best World Stage and after being named 2014 MTV EMA Best Spanish Act now has the opportunity to be voted into the prestigious Worldwide Act award category.
• The winner of Best Song with a Message will be revealed on 9 November during the live broadcast of the 2014 MTV EMA.
• The Best Song with a Message category is exclusively sponsored by Someone Like Me, a global sex education campaign partnership between Durex and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.
• Fans can vote on Instagram, Twitter, and Vine for their favourite Best Song with a Message by using the following hashtags: #WeExistEMA, #WeAreHereEMA, #TakeMeToChurchEMA, #PrettyHurtsEMA, #AllAboutThatBassEMA.
• Global hip hop superstar Nicki Minaj is set to host the 2014 MTV EMA.
• Calvin Harris, Charli XCX, Kiesza, Royal Blood, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran and Nicki Minaj have been previously confirmed to perform at the 2014 MTV EMA.
• British rock legend Ozzy Osbourne will be honoured with the Global Icon Award and will be in Glasgow to accept his award.
• Fans can vote now for their favourite artists at com. Voting closes on 8 November at 11:59pm CET.

The MTV EMA – MTV’s global celebration of the hottest stars in music – recognizes artists from around the world and across genres, and brings together music fans everywhere for a one-of-a-kind experience in the weeks leading up to and at the show. The 2014 MTV EMA marks the first time that the show will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, and has received support from Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and EventScotland.

Bruce Gillmer and Richard Godfrey are Executive Producers for the 2014 MTV EMA.

To join the conversation about the awards, follow @MTVEMA or @MTVza on Twitter, check out #MTVEMA, or find us on Instagram or Facebook.

FACE-OFF AT THE 2014 @MTVEMA via @MTVZA

TV (DStv channel 130) today revealed the nominees for the 2014 MTV EMA, the world’s annual music awards show that celebrates the year’s hottest artists from around the globe.  Aussie exports 5 Seconds of Summer are up against British heroes One Direction in the Best Pop category, while their tribes will face-off Twitter-style in the Biggest Fans category. The rivalry continues between Katy Perry and Taylor Swift, as they go head-to-head for Best Female and Best Look. The queens of hip hop Nicki Minaj and Iggy Azalea will showdown in two categories: Best Hip Hop and Best Look.
 
The 2014 MTV EMA will broadcast live from The Hydro in Glasgow on Sunday 9 November at 22.00 CAT.
 
Katy Perry leads the race with nominations in seven categories, while Ariana Grande follows closely with nods in six categories. Pharrell Williams and 5 Seconds of Summer are each up for five awards. One Direction, Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea, Eminem, Sam Smith and Kiesza all received four MTV EMA nominations each. To view nominees in all award categories please visit mtvema.com.
 
EMA voting is now open for all categories at mtvema.com, including the Best African Act category, for which wild card nominee Sauti Sol (Kenya) have been chosen via fan vote, joining Davido, Goldfish, Diamond and Toofan in this hotly contested category.  The wild card fan vote saw a staggering 19 million votes flood in from around the world. Voting will close on 8 November 2014 at 00:59 CAT.
 
Nominees in the Biggest Fans category were also announced today. Fan groups have been given the power to vote for their favourite artists via Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #EMABiggestFans along with the artists’ names.  Here the official hashtags:

·         #EMABiggestFans1D
·         #EMABiggestFans5SOS
·         #EMABiggestFansJustinBieber
·         #EMABiggestFansNickiMinaj
·         #EMABiggestFansArianaGrande
 
The 2014 MTV EMA will broadcast on MTV channels around the world Sunday 9 November at 22:00 CAT from The Hydro in Glasgow. The MTV EMA – MTV’s global celebration of the hottest stars in music – recognizes artists from around the world and across genres, and brings together music fans everywhere for a one-of-a-kind experience in the weeks leading up to and at the show. The 2014 MTV EMA marks the first time that the show will be held in Glasgow, Scotland and has received support from Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and EventScotland.
 
Follow @MTVEMA and check #MTVEMA on Twitter and find us on Instagram or Facebook. For MTV EMA news, updates and press materials please visit press.mtvema.com or follow us @VIMN_PR.
 
2014 MTV EMA NOMINEES
 
BEST AFRICAN ACT
Davido
Toofan
Diamond
Goldfish
Sauti Sol
 
BEST SONG
Ariana Grande            – Problem ft Iggy Azalea
Eminem – The Monster ft Rihanna
Katy Perry – Dark Horse ft Juicy J
Pharrell Williams – Happy
Sam Smith – Stay With Me

BEST POP
5 Seconds of Summer
Ariana Grande
Katy Perry
Miley Cyrus
One Direction

BEST FEMALE
Ariana Grande
Beyoncé
Katy Perry
Nicki Minaj
Taylor Swift

BEST MALE
Ed Sheeran
Eminem
Justin Bieber
Justin Timberlake
Pharrell Williams

BEST LIVE
Beyoncé
Bruno Mars
Justin Timberlake
Katy Perry
One Direction

BEST NEW
5 Seconds of Summer
Ariana Grande
Charli XCX
Kiesza
Sam Smith

BEST VIDEO
Iggy Azalea – Black Widow ft Rita Ora
Katy Perry – Dark Horse ft Juicy J
Kiesza – Hideaway
Pharrell Williams – Happy
Sia – Chandelier

BEST ROCK
Arctic Monkeys
The Black Keys
Coldplay
Imagine Dragons
Linkin Park

BEST ALTERNATIVE
Fall Out Boy
Lana Del Rey
Lorde
Paramore
Thirty Seconds To Mars

BEST HIP HOP
Drake
Eminem
Iggy Azalea
Kanye West
Nicki Minaj

BEST ELECTRONIC
Afrojack
Avicii
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Hardwell

BIGGEST FANS
5 Seconds of Summer
Ariana Grande
Justin Bieber
Nicki Minaj
One Direction

BEST LOOK 
Iggy Azalea
Katy Perry
Nicki Minaj
Rita Ora
Taylor Swift

BEST PUSH 
5 Seconds of Summer
Ariana Grande
Charli XCX
Cris Cab
John Newman
Jungle
Kid Ink
Kiesza
Lorde
Sam Smith
Zedd

BEST WORLD STAGE
Afrojack                                  MTV World Stage Live in Amsterdam
B.o.B                                       MTV World Stage Malaysia
Ellie Goulding                          MTV World Stage Wireless London
Enrique Iglesias                       MTV World Stage Isle of MTV Malta
Fall Out Boy                            MTV World Stage Monterrey
Flo Rida                                   MTV World Stage Mexico
Hardwell                                  MTV World Stage Isle of MTV Malta
Imagine Dragons                    MTV World Stage Live in Amsterdam
Kings of Leon                          MTV World Stage Rock am Ring Germany
Linkin Park                              MTV World Stage Rock am Ring Germany
Nicole Scherzinger                 MTV World Stage Isle of MTV Malta
Pharrell Williams                     MTV World Stage Wireless London
Simple Plan                             MTV World Stage Monterrey
The Killers                               MTV World Stage Live in Amsterdam

7th E-Tourism Africa Summit (@eTASummit14) – Huge Success in Cape Town and Jo’burg via @Flowcomms @MsNxumalo

The Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom has called on mobile networks and tourism operators to free up broadband to allow international tourists to share their South African holiday experiences on social media more freely.

Hanekom was speaking at the opening of the E-Tourism Africa Summit 2014 in Cape Town at the International Convention Centre on Thursday (4 September). The summit brought together some of the world’s leading online tourism and travel experts, including speakers from Facebook, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Google and Twitter.

Now in its seventh year, e-TAS is hosted by South African Tourism and organised by E-Tourism Frontiers. For the first time, the summit took place in two cities: Cape Town (4 and 5 September) and Johannesburg (8 and 9 September). Gauteng Tourism Authority hosted the Johannesburg event at Turbine Hall.

More than 300 people attended in Cape Town and the 200 seats for Johannesburg were sold out. During both events the hashtag #ETAS14 generated an online buzz, trending on Twitter nationally in South Africa for over four days often at the number one spot and the hashtag generated a reach of over 37 million.

In his opening address, Hanekom said tourists who shared their experiences on social media were a source of “real, credible, unmediated communication” for other travellers.

However, he warned that exorbitant data roaming costs on mobile networks made sharing expensive.

“I therefore challenge product owners and managers of tourist attractions to free up broadband: We are living in a new world and we cannot be penny wise and pound foolish. This is part of keeping our competitive edge as we creatively rethink travel.”

Conference organiser Damian Cook said he was impressed with how much the event had advanced and matured over the past seven years.

“This year’s summit has certainly been our most successful event to date. We were privileged to have international speakers from Twitter for the first time, Facebook, Google, Trip Advisor and Expedia, and we have been inundated with emails and tweets from both the speakers and delegates on how useful they found the content and how inspiring the presentations were.”

Headlining the second morning’s proceedings in Cape Town was popular public speaker Vusi Thembekwayo, who gave an inspirational talk on how to do business in Africa, which, he said, presented a wealth of opportunities for those who had the courage to enter these diverse and complex markets.

Other speakers were Helena Egan of TripAdvisor, Billy Lousteau of Facebook, Brett St Clair from Google, Sonal Patel of Twitter, Spencer Spellman from Expedia, Alana Witt of Revinate, Tim Davey from onefinestay, Sally Broom of Tripbod, Paul Galatis of Yuppie Chef, Sylvian Bosc of SAA, Instagrammer Gareth Pon and Charel van Dam of iAmsterdam.

@RalphLauren’s Polo presents holographic 4D fashion event towering above The Lake at Central Park.#POLO4D

Ralph Lauren’s new Polo line for women presented its Spring ’15 collection during New York Fashion Week in a revolutionary runway event: a water-screen projection that towered above Manhattan’s Central Park, fusing fashion, art and technology.

The event also celebrated the grand opening of the Polo flagship store on Fifth Avenue.

Ralph Lauren Polo models – appearing like beautiful mirages using four-story-tall holographic effects – wore outfits embracing the eclectic spirit of the brand, mixing the edge of New York and Paris, and the sunset colors and patterns of the Adirondacks. They were framed by a perfect cityscape that paid homage to New York landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the High Line, complementing the downtown sensibility that inspires this new brand.

Hundreds of spectators, including celebrities, famous runway faces and fashion editors, gathered on the Cherry Hill lawn on the west side of the park for a sensory experience that uses innovative technology that could forever change the landscape for a fashion show.

“I really wanted to do something big for the new Polo Women’s brand ¬— something set in the city — that felt modern. We returned to Central Park, a place I love, and captured the spirit of Polo with a truly innovative mix of fashion and technology,” said Ralph Lauren.

Mr. Lauren, who started his namesake company almost 50 years ago, was there to see a larger-than-life version of himself digitally dance across the water.

The high-resolution images were beamed onto a water screen that measured 60 feet tall and 150 feet wide. Mixing live-action movement and CG, the runway presentation was a short film that featured models visiting the streets and icons of a hyper-real New York. Multiple elements of each shot were captured simultaneously to generate the incredible 4D effects.

“Ralph Lauren continues to push his company into the future, using technology as a way to keep his brands fresh and innovative and at the cutting edge of modernity, said David Lauren, executive vice president of global advertising, marketing and corporate communications.

Ralph Lauren has been a leader in pioneering fashion and luxury in the digital space. As one of the first global brands to embrace the Internet, expansion of Ralph Lauren’s high-tech presence has been illustrated with the introduction of the Polo Tech biosensing shirt, the 4D Light Show in 2010, QR Technology in Europe and the United States, touch-screen window displays, the digital Dog Walk and the RL Gang Virtual Storybook for children.

Ralph Lauren has a long-standing history in supporting Central Park, including hosting its memorable 40th anniversary there in 2008. Recognizing this special backdrop for the Polo event and the welcome from the Office of Mayor Bill de Blasio, the Ralph Lauren Corp. will be supporting two initiatives to benefit parks, here in New York and beyond: Charitable contributions will be made to the Woodland Campaign to refinish the ramble adjacent to the event space at Cherry Hill on the West Side of Central Park, and to the Institute for Urban Parks, which works with parks throughout the city and around the world in training and developing resources to maximize and preserve essential outdoor spaces.

Ralph Lauren is eager to share this unique experience with fellow New Yorkers, too, and a public showing of the 4D event is planned in the same location Tuesday at 9 pm. A video of the event, including behind-the-scenes details, will also be available for viewing at RalphLauren.com

See aggregated social media content using the hashtag #POLO4D

2014 “@MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS” TAKE OVER THE LEGENDARY FORUM FOR AN INCREDIBLE NIGHT OF MUSIC FUELED BY EXPLOSIVE PERFORMANCES, UNEXPECTED MOMENTS & POWERFUL MESSAGES

MTV (DStv Channel 130) hosted an epic night of music with unforgettable performances, unpredictable moments and heartfelt messages as the 2014 “MTV Video Music Awards” last night (24 August).

The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards in association with Sprite and powered by MTN, took place at the Forum, Inglewood, California. The show premiered live across Africa on MTV on Monday 25 August at 03:00 CAT, with the primetime premiere taking place later today at 21:00 CAT (red carpet show begins at 20:00 CAT). A special VMA takeover weekend, hosted by 5fm DJ Roger Goode, will also air on MTV from 30-31 August.

BEYONCÉ welcomed MTV and the audience to her world as she built on her VMA legacy with a medley of songs from her visual album “BEYONCÉ”. Always the trailblazer, BEYONCÉ celebrated where she is as an artist today and pulled back the curtain on her family life with poignant images from home movies showing her as a wife and mother.  The backdrop throughout her performance reinforced messages of female empowerment and sampled a powerful quote and call to feminism from the prominent Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

After BEYONCÉ broke Justin Timberlake’s 2013 record for the longest VMA performance ever, JAY Z and Blue Ivy unexpectedly joined her on stage for a highly emotional moment as her family presented her with the “Michael Jackson Video Vanguard” Award.  Humbled and speaking through tears, BEYONCÉ thanked God, her daughter, her “beloved,” MTV and her fans. She also won the most awards of the evening, taking home Moonmen in three different categories, including “Best Collaboration” for “Drunk in Love” and “Best Video With a Message” for “Pretty Hurts”.

To accept “Video of the Year,” Miley Cyrus shocked the world by leaving her twerking ways behind her and delivering a heartfelt message instead.  A former homeless youth in Los Angeles named Jesse took the stage in her place to accept her award on behalf of the 1.6 million runaways and homeless youth in the U.S.  From the side of the stage, Miley teared up watching him make a call to action, directing fans to her Facebook page to join the fight to end youth homelessness.  Jesse ended with an emotional quote, “a dream you dream alone is only a dream.  A dream you dream together is a reality.”

The 2014 “MTV Video Music Awards” opened with the summer’s fiercest female threesome. Ariana Grande kicked it all off by starting an intergalactic dance party with her Zedd-produced hit, “Break Free”. Grande emerged from a spaceship before being joined by the Queen of Hip-Hop, Nicki Minaj, who hit the stage to unleash “Anaconda” on the world with an eye-popping, rump-shaking performance. Finally, British singer-songwriter Jessie J joined the titillating trio to bring the house down with their smash-hit, “Bang Bang”. Nicki returned with a wardrobe malfunction that left her clutching her dress.

Rocking to the sounds of an all-female brass section, Taylor Swift literally “shook it off” in her fourth VMA appearance with a fun romp around the stage. Leading a group of tuxedo-clad dancers, she performed her new single “Shake it Off”, from her soon-to-be released pop album, “1989”.  Later, when Lorde won for “Best Rock” video, Taylor enthusiastically cheered on her new BFF as Lorde headed for the stage to accept her award.

Before introducing “Best Hip-Hop Video”, Common asked the VMA audience for a moment of silence to mark the events taking place in Ferguson, Missouri, with some members of the in-house audience responding by spontaneously raising their hands overhead.

Introduced by super-fan Kim Kardashian West, British singing sensation and first-time VMA performer Sam Smith mesmerized the audience – and the Kardashian-Jenner sisters – as he and his band orchestrated a soulful rendition of his powerful hit ballad “Stay with Me”.

Several times throughout the evening, Saturday Night Live’s Jay Pharoah had the audience rolling with laughter as he performed several comedic bits including spot on impersonations of Kanye West and JAY Z.

Multi-platinum global R&B star Usher delivered a funk-filled performance of his single “Give it to You,” bringing the audience to their feet and surprising everyone when Nicki Minaj once again returned to join him onstage during their rhythmically charged set.

With high pitched screams welcoming them to the stage, Australian pop punk band 5 Seconds of Summer made young girls swoon with their “Video Music Award” debut and serenaded the audience with their recently released song ”Amnesia”.

Before the night was over, this summer’s pop phenomenon, Iggy Azalea and her troop of ninja ballerinas took over the stage with choreographed precision. Joined by the ever-seductive Rita Ora, the duo unleashed a dark and futuristic performance of their hit, “Black Widow”.

For the lone outdoor performance of the evening in front of the “Fabulous Forum” and their majestic “M” logo serving as the backdrop amongst a sea of three thousand fans cheering their hometown musical heroes on, Maroon 5 gave a fiery performance of their smash hit single “Maps.”

2014 “MTV Video Music Award Winners:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR:

Miley Cyrus – “Wrecking Ball”

BEST HIP HOP:

Drake ft. Majid Jordan – “Hold On (We’re Going Home)”

BEST MALE:

Ed Sheeran – “Sing”

BEST FEMALE:

Katy Perry ft. Juicy J – “Dark Horse”

BEST POP:

Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea – “Problem”

BEST ROCK:

Lorde – “Royals” 

MTV ARTIST TO WATCH:

Fifth Harmony – “Miss Movin On”

BEST COLLABORATION:

BEYONCÉ ft. JAY Z – “Drunk In Love”

MTV CLUBLAND AWARD:

Zedd ft. Hayley Williams – “Stay the Night”

BEST VIDEO WITH A SOCIAL MESSAGE

BEYONCÉ – “Pretty Hurts”

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

BEYONCÉ – “Pretty Hurts”

 

BEST EDITING

Eminem – “Rap God”

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Sia – “Chandelier”

BEST DIRECTION

DJ Snake & Lil Jon – “Turn Down For What”

BEST ART DIRECTION

Arcade Fire – “Reflektor”

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

OK Go – “The Writing’s On the Wall”

BEST LYRIC VIDEO

5 Seconds of Summer – “Don’t Stop”

For more information about the awards, please go to www.mtv.co.za, like MTV on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MTVza, follow MTV on Twitter @mtvza using the hashtag #MTVZA_VMA and check out our Tumblr at www.mtvza.tumblr.com.