STRIKERS PROTEST AGAINST HAPPINESS IN SANDTON CENTRAL

In line with strike season in South Africa, spring has inspired a group of completely morbid and depressed people to protest against the sign of a smile in South Africa. The strike action which features some well-known names who are endorsing the campaign to focus only on misery and deadlines will commence in Sandton Central on West Street at noon on Friday 1 October 2010. According to one of the group leaders, who was in a very bad mood at time of going to press, the protest action will include a lie-down on Maude Street and a call to executives, tourists and the working class in the area to join the protest against feeling okay about life.

According to an anonymous source, this serious strike action is expected to cause complete hysterics, while simultaneously promoting consumption, resignation and consternation among people who read self-help literature, especially targeting those who believe that deadlines are not alive and who constantly attempt to evade them.

Onlookers are warned not to attempt to make jokes or to make the protestors crack a smile as this may result in serious national security clampdowns or even a State of Emerging.

For information, please call DANGEROUS ARTISTS AT WORK

MEROPA DANCERS

The Meropa Dancers Group was formed in Magogong village in Taung (North West) in 2007 with 28 members, 9 boys and 19 girls. For the performance in Sandton Central six of them 3 girls and 3 boys will dance the streets off!

The group specializes in Traditional Tswana dance, poetry and drama.

The name Meropa was given to the group by the villagers at the Tombstone unveiling of the late King Galeshewe (Paramount Chief). This performance was first seen widely seen on TV on the 24th of Sept. of 2007 and the group Meropa has performed at different events including many weddings, festivals and special events in the North West Province.

To date the group has recorded a demo and are currently on a fundraising drive for their first official album, which they plan to release this year.

LAURIE LEVINE

Laurie Levine, a 2010 SAMA (South African Music Award) nominee, is fast building a reputation as an artist with a fresh approach and unique sound.

A prolific songwriter with a jazzy, soulful voice that breathes life into her songs and embodies the emotional core of her lyrics, Laurie's music comes from the 'heartspace', the word poet Breyten Breytenbach uses to describe South Africa's anguished beauty.

Laurie's original songs touch our 'unspoken' corners; her sounds are a contemporary interpretation of true folk.

ERNEST JOHN ROYEPENN THE TRUMPETER

Ernest has significant experience playing in front of capacity crowds and at state functions. To have him on the streets of Sandton Central is a great honour. He has performed for former State President Nelson Mandela and was part of the operning ceremony for the ICC world championship.

Profile Highlights include: Johannesburg Wind Band, Johannesburg Youth Orchestra, Johannesburg Chamber Orchestra, Eisteddfods between 1996-2000, Won the Johannesburg music award in 1996, Nation Building, Orchestra under the directorship of Richard Cock, National Jazz Youth Big Band 2003, Barnyard Theatre, Phat Sound Big Band, Various private and State functions- including performances at the residence of former president Nelson Mandel, Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket, ICC Champions Trophy Tournament, National Television performances.

VELAPHI NGAQU

Velaphi developed his love for music at the early age of 10. He started by singing in his church and school choirs, and, realised that his love for singing extended to the guitar. He has never looked back.

A self-taught guitarist, Velaphi's talent allowed him to learn scales and complex chords using popular songs by the likes of, Bob Marley, Sankomota, and Ismael Lo. He started performing for people in the streets of Mohlakeng, a little township in South Africa, got some commissions for birthday parties and weddings and then, in 2000, when he moved to the city of Johannesburg, and his career took off with Moyo contracts and a number of other high-profile commissions. Velaphi was a hit on the streets of Sandton Central in 2008 and we are delighted to have him back with new compositions, style and sounds.

A new dance style, in celebration of the 2010 Soccer World Cup, is taking South Africa by storm and the dance's tangible energy will soon be on the streets of Sandton Central. The Diski Dance, spearheaded by SA Tourism, encourages all South Africans to break it down and learn the dance moves ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Soon, all visitors, residents and tourists in Sandton Central can learn the Diski from one of South Africa's hottest pantsula dance groups, Real Actions.