Springbreak has built a reputation of being the hottest and most anticipated event of the year – and 2012 is going to prove bigger and better than before.  Sound Media, proud event partners to Springbreak for the last four years, will be taking Springbreak on a countrywide road trip, kicking off in KwaZulu Natal and running through to the Western Cape.

The youth fraternity’s annual pilgrimage to Sun City each year in September has been a sight to behold for over seventeen year’s. “We’ve loved every minute of hosting this event,” says Alastair Roper, Sports and Promotions Manager at Sun International. “Sound Media are the perfect hosts to take this annual event national. They’ve been involved in Springbreak for the last 4 years and this, coupled with their experience in presenting large scale events, will give students an alternative Springbreak adventure.”

“Springbreak has grown exponentially over the years and from the feedback we’ve received from tweets and our Facebook page, there’s a definite desire by fans for the event to take place in their home towns. The move will also offer a variety of accommodation options which will appeal to cash-strapped students.”

Over the years, Sound Media has built a reputation for providing cutting edge activations and events for some of South Africa’s best loved brands, showcased at nightclubs, beaches, shopping malls and music events around the country.  As managing agents for the country’s top Dj’s and celebrities, as well as a handful of international acts, and their close ties to top music industry bigwigs, Springbreak partygoers can look forward to an extended line-up of entertainment acts this year.

Paul Almeida, Managing Partner at Sound Media, is optimistic that Springbreak’s new national footprint will resonate deeply with the South African youth, with an extensive engagement plan in the pipeline.  “While we are finalising details of the festival, including confirmed dates and venues, I can assure you that we’ll be engaging with the existing Springbreak network to make sure we take into consideration their feedback and suggestions,” says Almeida.  “Springbreak 2012 will be a truly memorable, fulfilling party festival, now open to a greater number of South Africans across the breadth and depth of our country.”

Sound Media will be delivering on all counts – beach, fun, entertainment and the best nightclub parties ever.  With these prospects, South Africa is sure to take its rightful place amongst global Springbreak events.

Watch the news and social media networks to find out when Springbreak will feature in a coastal town close to you.  To find out more about what’s happening, for further information please call 0800 060 019 or visit the Springbreak Facebook Fan page www.facebook.com/SpringbreakSA.

The `Crazy Love Tour is Michael`s biggest and most exciting tour to date, receiving remarkable praise from both music critics and spectators of the show. His stage show is propelled by a string of hits including “Home,” “Everything”, “Haven`t Met You Yet” and his latest smash “Hollywood” along with the superstar`s distinctive interpretations of classics like “Cry Me a River,” “Feeling Good,” and “Always On My Mind”.

Sun International have 5 double tickets up for grabs to the concert at Sun City. So, fastest fingers first on Twitter @MillionThrills. First 5 entrants to answer the question posted correctly will win a set of double tickets to see Michael Buble live taking place at Sun City on 6 May at 16:30.

Terms and Conditions for Michael Buble

1. The prize includes two tickets to Michael Buble’s concert taking place at Sun City on 6 May at 16:30
2. The prize does not include accommodation.
3. In order to qualify for the prize, you need to correctly answer by questions on Twitter by replying to @millionthrills with the answer and #michaelbuble #win  The winner will be the first 5 contestants to answer the question correctly and will be announced on Twitter (http://twitter.com/millionthrills)
4. The winner must be prepared to consent to the use of their photographs in promotional material.
5. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
6. The prize must be collected from Sun International Head Office, 27 Fredman Drive, Sandown, 2146
7. The winner must be 18 years or older.
8. The prize does not include transport to and from Sun City. This is for the winner’s account
9. The prize is not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash.
10. The competition is open to residents of South Africa only.
11. No member/employee/sub-contractor/partner/agent/service provider/concessionaire and the like of Sun International Management Limited and/or any of their affiliated companies, and/or agencies, and/or members of their immediate family; nor members of the sponsors of any competition listed on this page, and/or any of their affiliated companies and/or agencies, and/or members of their immediate family may enter the competition.
12. All entries are subject to acceptance of these terms and conditions as well as Sun International Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions as published on www.suninternational.com

Do You Want to Attend the SAMAs?

The 18th Annual South African Music Awards (SAMAs) is back with a bang this year and Sun City can’t wait to host the fabulous event again! With the nominees having been announced, and the voting well under way, the SAMAs are approaching at a rapid pace.

Aren’t You Forgetting Something?

You’ve been following all the hype around the event, asked a friend to feed your cat over the weekend of the 29th and 30th of April, and decided on the perfect outfit for a weekend filled with champagne and a truly South African vibe. But aren’t you forgetting something? Tickets! You definitely need tickets for the event – it just wouldn’t be the same without you.

Luckily, Sun International knows that and is giving away tickets to the event as well as accommodation at Sun City.

Answer the following question correctly and you could stand in line to win a 2 night stay at Sun City including tickets to the ceremonies and the after-party.

COMPETITION CLOSED: CONGRATULATIONS TO Mr Jp De Villiers

We hope you’re ready for a weekend filled with great music, fantastic company and a setting to rival all others!

Terms and Conditions

1. The prize includes a two night stay for two people in a twin room at The Cascades Hotel at Sun City including breakfast, 2 tickets to the SAMA’s  and after party
2. Accommodation must be taken up on 29 & 30 April 2012.
3. In order to qualify for the prize, you need to correctly answer by clicking on the ENTER NOW link and follow each step.  The winner will be drawn randomly and will be announced on the blog.
4. The competition closes on 25 April 2012 at 10am and the winner will be announced on the Sun City blog. (http://suncity.suninternational.com)
5. The winner must be prepared to consent to the use of their photographs in promotional material.
6. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
7. The winner will be notified by email. The winner is required to confirm receipt of the prize within 7 (seven) days of such notification failing which Sun International reserves the right to award the prize to another participant.
8. The prize must be collected from Sun International Head Office, 27 Fredman Drive, Sandown, 2146
9. The winner must be 18 years or older.
10. The prize does not include transport to and from Sun City. This is for the winner’s account
11. The prize does not include additional charges such as room service, additional meals, activities, spa treatments, mini-bar charges, telephone or laundry charges etc. Any additional charges will be winner’s account.
12. The prize is not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash.
13. The competition is open to residents of South Africa only.
14. No member/employee/sub-contractor/partner/agent/service provider/concessionaire and the like of Sun International Management Limited and/or any of their affiliated companies, and/or agencies, and/or members of their immediate family; nor members of the sponsors of any competition listed on this page, and/or any of their affiliated companies and/or agencies, and/or members of their immediate family may enter the competition.
15. All entries are subject to acceptance of these terms and conditions as well as Sun International Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions as published on www.suninternational.com

Sun City Supports Earth Hour 2012

The Sun City Resort is a proud supporter of the Earth Hour project since 2008. Once again the Resort will glow in the sparkling light of hundreds of candles while non essential lights and equipment will be left in the dark on the 31st of March for the hour between 20:30 from 21:30.

Now in its fifth year, Earth Hour is the world’s largest voluntary action for the environment and one of the most outstanding demonstrations of how small individual actions, when multiplied, can create dramatic impacts. It is celebrated in 5 251 cities and towns in 135 countries, across seven continents, involving 1.8 billion people.

I Will If You Will

This year Earth Hour’s “I Will If You Will” theme invites individuals and organisations to challenge others to an on-going environmental commitment beyond the hour. If Earth Hour’s most basic dare is to switch off the lights on Saturday evening then we quite happily say, challenge accepted!

World Wide Wonders

Land marks such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Empire State Building in New York City, have in the past switched off the lights in support of this initiative and we have also made it a point to switch off our own small monuments. From the Palace of the Lost City gas flares to the Cascades Hotel chandeliers and Sun City Hotel water features – the energy consumption in these areas will be reduced significantly for the hour.

In this way we will show our support to the Global drive to motivate individuals, businesses, governments and communities to switch off in order to create awareness of our dependency on electricity and the many ways we can cut down on consumption.

Switch Off for the Greater Good

We do not underestimate the small stuff and encourage our guests and staff alike to do their bit towards a greater good by switching off as many electrical consuming appliances for the hour through a poster campaign and an internet pledge. Street lights from the Sun City Main Entrance Gates right up to the Vacation Club circle will be turned off and in public areas such as Hotel Foyers and Restaurants lights will be turned down and candles will be used for illumination.

Load shifting of swimming pool heaters and pumps as well as Boilers has been a standard practise on the Resort since 2008. This means that these items are switched off daily between 07:00 and 10:00 as well as 18:00-20:00 in order to participate in the Eskom drive to reduce consumption during peak periods. However, on the 31st March this period will be extended to 21:30 to result in a 7000kWh saving during Earth Hour.

Sun City Supports Responsible Tourism

Sun City is well known for its drive towards Responsible Tourism practises and has been awarded a Gold status by the Heritage Environmental rating company. This rating is based on the extent to which Environmental and Social Responsible practises have been incorporated in our daily practises.

Resource consumption reduction has received highest attention over the past few years with projects such as installation of solar panels, increased measurement capacity, replacement of incandescent lamps with LEDs as well as training of hundreds of staff members to understand the importance of preserving the capacity of the environment to supply humans with life giving resources.

The pulse of the 2012 Battle of the Giants has thumped through the Sun City Resort. Fans from all over the country came to show their support for these incredible dancers who competed in a number of disciplines. We had quite an arrangement of talent here and a tangible energy that was incredible!

Sun City hosted the fantastic fusion of World IDO Championship Dance on the 24th March 2012 which rocked the bowl with youthful energy and exhilarating dance moves as the countries competed for their titles! This Competition attracted over 900 dancers, and the overseas participants enjoyed a million thrills at one destination.

Take a look at some of the amazing photographs here.

International Fame for the Top  Dancers

Each and every dancer was competing in this event for a chance to savour the taste of international fame. The Top 5 dancers from Battle of the Giants will get to compete in an international tournament that could pave the way to a golden dance career. We truly hope that this event was the springboard that brings these dancers the stardom they’re aiming for. Congratulations to the all the contestants who stole the show in their respective disciplines:

You can view all the winners here.

So that wraps it up for another year of Battle of the Giants; were you one of the adoring fans in the crowd? What did you think of the event?

Make sure you keep up to speed by liking the Battle of the Giants Facebook group and keep checking out our videos on YouTube.

The Battle of the Giants is already making an impact at Sun City Resort, with fans, followers and fantastic dancers lining up to get a piece of the action. For many aspiring dancers on the continent, the Battle of the Giants is their opportunity to showcase what they can deliver. It’s also their one chance to get noticed on an international scale, with the competition being a preliminary for an international contest.

What you can Expect

For those who are new to Battle of the Giants, it’s an all-star arrangement of incredible dancers, each versed in their own discipline. Being an all-styles event means that any and all disciplines are accepted. One can expect anything from Ballroom to Hip-hop, from Latin to Jazz. Dancers from the age of 7 can compete and they do! Some of the younger classes show incredible talent, determination and passion for dance. It truly is an inspiring event to be a part of.

The event started on 21 March and runs through to 25 March. Make sure you’re there to witness these skilled artists doing what they do best; tickets can be booked at Computicket.

With an event like this, you always have a large collection of unknown and well-known dancers. Some of the fans come specifically for one particular dancer, while others like to come and soak up the event as a whole. Special appearances include our very own Lorcia Cooper, Miss South Africa 2011, Melinda Bam and Miss South Africa Teen Celeste Khumalo.

Saturday 24th brings the International Dance Organisation Grand Gala performance

evening seeing experts in Disco Dance, Hip Hop and Electro Boogie where Trace TV will be awarding the best Male and Female Hip Hop dancer with a whopping R15 000.

The Winners so Far

So far many of the dancers have been awarded with top achievements and we see Groups such as Toxic and Speed Illusion taking the top spots in the championship Group Formations. Make sure you like our Battle of the Giants Facebook Group to keep up to date on all our winners.

The Team Behind it All

The South African Dance Teachers Association (SADTA) Stage Branch is behind the event. They’re a team of dedicated people working as a non-profit organisation involved in the education and advancement of dancers, trainers and choreographers in both the national and international dance arena.

Get ready for the world’s biggest DiscoDance, Hip Hop and Electric Boogie championship to hit our shores – this year South Africa is hosting the IDO World DiscoDance Championships and the IDO World HipHop and Electric Boogie Cups. This prestigious event will be taking place at Sun City Resort from 21 to 25 March 2012. The 2012 Championships will be held in tandem with The Battle of the Giants which also starts on 21 March and ends on Sunday 25 March.

“The International Dance Organisation (IDO) hosts the largest international world championships and this year 2 000 dancers are expected to compete at Sun City,” says Bev Wood organiser of the event.

TRACE Urban, the international music channel (325 on DSTV), will be present at The Battle of Giants as a partner and supporter of new up and coming dance acts. The channel is a great fit for the event; it holds a global hip hop following and the channel’s presence at the event signifies the growth of the dance competition on an international scale.  TRACE will sponsor a cash prize of R15, 000.00 to the Best Hip Hop Category. TRACE Urban, the number 1 channel as voted by the South-African youths and the winner of 3 Generation Next Awards, will be broadcasting the best moments of this year’s Battle of Giants.

Cape Town Hip Hop and Electric Boogie dancer, Blake Williams will be defending his world title. He was awarded the World Champion Title and also runner up title in the Solo Hip Hop category in Austria last year and he was also South African Champion in 2010.

South Africa definitely has the moves – as many of its dancers have walked away with world titles. Dancers from Eunice Marais School of Dance won 11 trophies and 33 medals in 2011, with the rest of the SA team winning another 5 trophies and 12 medals.

“Eunice Marais’ dancers have showed tremendous talent, commitment and the will to succeed as 50 out of her 200 dance students are developmental dancers who do not have the money to pay for dance classes,” says Wood. “We commend the Eunice Marais School of Dance for their developmental programme; they have given fledging dancers the chance to become world champions.”

“Another world champion is Hloni Santawane who came first in his solo section at the World Hip Hop Championships in 2010 and 2011. This year he enters the Adult section for the first time, and Sun City fans will be able to see him in action – its poetry in motion!”

Eugene Baloyi and Dirkie Mostert (Vice World-Champions 2011) have held world titles since 2005 and they too will be defending their titles at Sun City.

“Eugene Baloyi started at Eunice’s studio at the age of 12 and is still with her studio.  He competes internationally and teaches 3 classes a week.  Eunice is currently putting him through his dance teacher’s exams and this young man recently presented a workshop in Slovenia – a whole new world has opened up for this once shy and inarticulate dancer.”

“Hip Hop is the most popular style but an increasing number of dancers are realising the importance of versatility and more dancers are joining Modern and Jazz classes. Electric boogie is a dance consisting of popping and locking of your shoulders and hips. The aim is to create an illusion with your body.”

Dance fans will also be thrilled by the dancers participating in the Battle of the Giants, one of the qualifying events in the World Trial Circuit programme. Local stars hope to gain points to be selected to represent South Africa at the various International Dance Organization Championships in the style of Show Dance, Hip Hop, Disco Dance, Electric Boogie, Street Dance show, Ballet & Modern.

Highlights of the Battle of the Giants All Style Dance Festival include the Grand Finals on Saturday 24th March, at 19h00 in the Superbowl, where Miss South Africa 2011, Melinda Bam will present an award at the ceremony. Finalists from the most advanced sections in the sixteen and over age groups in Hip Hop and Freestyle will “battle-it-out” in an effort to win the prestigious title and prizes sponsored by TRACE TV, JetSet Watches & Levi Watches, Lara Travel, Cameroon Clothing, LG Mobile, Bon Aqua and holiday prizes from Sun International.

Bev Wood, Director of the SADTA (South African Dance Teachers Association) says “we are excited about hosting our prestigious panel of local and International Judges, who will be joining us from Italy, Sweden, Slovak Republic and Poland.  The International dancers are coming from Germany, Norway, Belgium and Czech Republic to compete against our local dancers and will definitely add to the excitement of this year’s World Cup and Championship competitions.

The Battle of the Giants dance competition is truly a performance not to be missed and Sun City has several packages available ranging from R7076 at The Palace for three nights to R3201.50 at the Cabanas for a twin room per person sharing. Family packages are also available. There are also 1 night packages available. Packages include; breakfast, entry to the event and venue, gala dinner (for weekend package only), souvenir programme, free entry to Valley of the Waves and commemorative T-shirt.

For further accommodation details, contact Belinda Gardner at Sun International on (011) 780 7477, Fax (011) 780 7053 or email: belinda.gardner@za.suninternational.com

For fans just wanting to attend the different events; reserve your tickets at Computicket.

For further information contact Bev Wood on 083 282 7734, bevwood@vodamail.co.za

For media queries contact Phozisa Mkele at Sun International on 079 872 2988, phozisa.mkele@za.suninternational.com

Thursday the 8^th of March 2012 Golden Valley Casino to The Table Bay Hotel

The end was drawing ever closer, we could feel it. Not only because we could sleep in until 6h00, have a hearty hotel breakfast and relax with energy preparations but also because everybody had to get into the busses for the first part of the journey, which took us through spectacular views of swallowing mountains and through the famous Cape tunnel echoing our enthusiastic screams as we bellowed out our lungs all the way through.

The cyclists had to muster up every last bit of strength they had, to get back onto their bicycles for the grand finale up to the Table Bay Hotel, but for these endurance cyclists, taking the last week of cycling into account, meant that this final leg was like a warm-up session for them as it was only 70 kilometres.

The support staff had the second most stressful day of the tour, the first day taking the number one spot, as we had to cycle through frantic traffic up to the end of Bellville, where our police escorts waited for us to lead the way to the Table Bay Hotel.

We gathered together as a group at the V&A Waterfront. Here we met our celebrity guest, Liezel van der Westhuizen, who accompanied us through the waterfront and the cheering crowds on our way to the The Table Bay Hotel. We felt like true celebrities with the huge adoring welcoming committee that awaited us.

It is with proud hearts that we got to give R 100 000 to the Nazareth House on this magnificent final destination day.

Wednesday the 7^th of March 2012 – Laingsburg to Golden Valley Casino in Worcester

At Golden Valley Casino - Worcester in the Cape

These cycling days only get better and better and that is why it is such a shame that the end is so close.

We were once again privy to start the day with a picturesque sunrise even though there were some very VERY long stretches making the saddles feel even harder. But it was not long until it came to an end and you know what they say, what goes up must come down! First it was a mandatory stop and check of all the tyres and breaks and then the fun started. Going downhill sure makes the child come out in our cyclists as they did some daredevil speeds of up to 110 km/h.

Golden Valley Casino greeted us with a welcoming committee fit for a celebrity, but the real celebrity was the beneficiary we had the opportunity to give R50 000 to. Our accommodation was luxurious to say the least, making it seem fit that we did a lot of fun group photos at this destination. The evening’s supper was a buffet that made some of us go back for even a third helping.

We are on our way to the final destination of this fantastic journey, Table Bay Hotel.

The SAMAs are in Full Swing

The MTN South African Music Awards (SAMAs) have been running for 18 years and the prestigious event is returning to Sun City in 2012. The nominees were announced on 8 March 2012 in a press conference broadcast over live streaming. The event was held at Turbine Hall in Newtown, Johannesburg. The 18th Annual MTN SAMAs nominations were streamed live for the first time at:

And the Nominees Are

Zahara has received 7 nominations for her album Loliwe. These nominations included 3 in the Top 5 categories and one for MTN Record of the Year. The soul-house trio, Mi Casa, is close on Zahara’s heels with 5 nominations; 4 are for their debut album Mi Casa Music, and the fifth nomination is for the MTN Record of the Year for their track, These Streets.
You can see Mi Casa perform live at Sibaya Hotel and Casino on 30 April.

Another newcomer to the SAMAs is Kwa-Zulu Natal emcee, Zakwe, who’s in the running for 5 statuettes for Best Street Urban Album, Remix of the Year, Album of the Year, Make Artist of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.

Let the Judging Begin

A panel of well-known MTN South African Music Awards alumni announced the nominees. These stars included Loyiso Bala, HHP, Kabelo Mabalane, Solly Mahlangu, Kurt Darren, Ziyon Hamilton (Liquideep), Matshediso Mholo (Malaika), Greg Carlin (Zebra & Giraffe), Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse and Lira.

Randall Abrahams has His Say

Others involved in the announcement of nominees included Randall Abrahams , the CEO of MTN SAMA, and Serame Taukobong, the MTN SA: Chief Marketing Officer. Abrahams has said that the MTN SAMAs represent the highest accolade for achievement in the art of recorded music. This means that the awards capture the defining spirit of South African music and as a result, celebrates this talent and diversity.

More Nominations

Other nominees included highly accomplished songwriter and Afro-Soul performer, Zonke, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Good Luck and Taxi Violence. Shadowclub, who opened for Kings of Leon in 2011, are also in the running for the Best Newcomer of the Year.

Good Luck to All the Nominees

“MTN congratulates all the nominees of MTN SAMA 18 in their respective categories,” says Serame Taukobong, Chief Marketing Officer at MTN SA. “This is testament to the hard work and dedication that they have invested in crafting their art and we wish them the best of luck for the prestigious event.”

Voting is Officially Open

Don’t forget that voting is now open for the MTN Record of the Year. The public can cast their votes by sending an SMS with the letter of their favourite artist to 083 123 SAMA (7262) at standard SMS rates.