Stars come out to shine at Vodacom Durban July

Adding even more lustre to what is expected to be a glamorous affair dictated by the theme "Posh? Oh My Gosh!", South African born Princess Charlene of Monaco is reported to be a confirmed guest of Gold Circle chairman Robert Mauvis, along with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeff Radebe, and his wife, Bridgette, as well as other VIPs in the Classic Room.

 

With hosts traditionally trying to protect the privacy of their A-list guests, getting a clear list of celebrities attending the Vodacom Durban July is, to delve into racing parlance, not a sure thing.

 

The Vodacom "Paddock" VIP suite, which traditionally hosts numerous cabinet ministers, rubbing shoulders with corporate heavyweights, sport stars, designers, musicians and actors, now boasts an extended viewing deck from its prime position overlooking the home straight and finish line. A statement from the presidency made it clear that President Zuma was however not planning to attend the Vodacom Durban July this time around.

 

VIP guests in the Vodacom "Paddock" will be catered for by renowned chef Vicky Crease and entertained by SAMA winner Lloyd Cele, and will enjoy a fashion show by the eight leading South African designers featured in the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase brought to you by Canon.

 

The iconic couturiers Terence Bray, Jean Paul Botha (Ruff Tung), Bianca Warren, Hanrie Lues (MejLues), Hangawani Nengovhela (Rubicon), Haroun Hansrot, Francois Vedemme and Craig Jacobs (Fundudzi), will mix with the Vodacom VIP guests, as well as judge the best dressed guests on the day.

 

According to her tweets, star of the VH1 reality series Basketball Wife, Evelyn Lozada will be in South Africa, and has confirmed her attendance at the Vodacom Durban July.

 

Local TV presenter and DJ, Kriya Gangiah, is rumoured to be arriving in a stylish KISS-inspired creation to be revealed for the first time by Durban-based designer, Zama Mathe, under her Zarth label.

 

If you’re a fan of our men in black and white, you can rub shoulders with some of The Sharks rugby players (those not involved in the match against the Bulls in Pretoria later in the afternoon) in the Sharks Magazine Celebrity Marquee, voted best hospitality facility in 2012. Emceed by Stefan Terblanche, their entertainment line-up makes room for Player 23, and South African Rock band Spoon Feeders amongst others.

 

The Miller Boomtown Marquee has a line-up of entertainment that includes some top DJs and artists throughout raceday, as well as an exclusive performance from three time Grammy nominated artist 2 Chainz. Live on the decks will be 5FM’s Euphonik, hip-hop front lady Channel O’s Ms Cosmo, Milkshake, Fix and Rob Forbes.

 

Also lined up are DJs Dimplez, Vigilante, Speedsta, Capital and Fanatic. Newcomer and hit maker Reason will perform live for the first time on the Boomtown stage alongside multi-award winning hip hop royalty AKA and Khuli Chana.

 

Also on the top of the entertainment cards, The Keys Durban July Marquee in the heart of The Ultimate Village has lined up artists The Layabouts (UK), Portia Monique (USA), Twins on Decks (Johannesburg), Erwin G, Funky G, DJ Ryan Warren Thomas, Rickstarr, DJ Sam, DJ Sanks (Random Movements), Mr Fresh Ideas (Random Movements), Skitsoul (Random Movements) and DJ Quakes.

 

Under starters orders guests at the Eagle Air village, covering more than 8,000 square meters spread over six giant inflatable domes, will be artists Speedsta, DJ Benny Maverick, Twins on Decks, DJ Vigilante, Black Motion, DJ Shimza, Black Coffee, LCNVL, Professor, Dr Malinga and Vetkuk & Mahoota, who join previously announced performers Liquideep and Mafikizolo, and comedians Tumi Morake, John Vlismas and Mpho Popps.

 

Local celebrities and guest artist attending the Afrotainment Marquee include DJ Tira, DJ Cndo, Big Nuz, Twitty, Bhar, DJ Fisherman, and Joocy. Also in the mix are performing artists Donald, Black Coffee, DJ Nutty and Major League. Metro FM will be at the marquee broadcasting the Carol Raleseta show 'The Divine Edge' from 12-3pm and DJ Sbu’s show 'Sound Revival' from 3-6pm. Phat Joe, Sphectacula, Naves, Naked DJ, DJ Nathi, Amon Mokoena and Lulu Café will also make an appearance.

 

Danny Fisher will emcee this year’s exclusive 5-hour Energy Marquee. Well known for his comedic antics and big personality, he will take guests through a vast vocal landscape of impersonation, supported and followed by DJ`s on the decks.