Symphony of Bansuri at Artscape: A Night of Music That Crossed Borders and Touched Hearts On 2 August 2025, the Artscape Opera House hosted a moving performance that blended the soulful sound of the bansuri with the power of a full symphony orchestra. Rakesh Chaurasia and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra created a musical experience that celebrated culture, connection and storytelling through sound. It was a night of beauty, emotion and harmony that left the audience deeply moved.

Lira didn’t just perform at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival, she enchanted. In her first full performance since her stroke, South Africa’s beloved songbird returned to the stage with a voice that was even more powerful, more soulful, and more moving than ever. From the very first note, it was clear: Lira wasn’t just back; she was a force of resilience and joy.

When Netflix rebooted Pop the Balloon, it lost the charm that made the original YouTube show a hit. Created by Arlette Amuli and Bolia Matundu, the OG version was raw, hilarious, and rooted in real Black experiences. The reboot? Overproduced and out of touch. In this review, we unpack why the original still holds the crown.