Sandton Times Hour Edition 217 Radio & Podcast Show Notes

Nominated for ‘Podcast of the Year’ in the 2024 African Podcast and Voice Awards (APVA), the weekly Sandton Times Hour is a Sandton magazine show that brings the digital pages of The Sandton Times to life.

Entrepreneur and Media Personality, Bonang Matheba, talks about her journey so far, and what’s next for ‘House of BNG’.
Michael Fridjhon, wine authority, and one of South Africa’s most respected voices in the world of wine chats about Standard Bank WineX 2025.
Tat Wolfen, Entertainment Commentator for The Sandton Times, takes a look at the latest on the theatre circuit.
Multi-platinum, and Grammy-nominated music producer, Manny Mijares, shares some details about his visit to South Africa and what it takes to make it big in the global music business.
Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

As the only radio show and podcast dedicated to Africa’s richest square mile, this Sandton magazine show is packed with an array of entertaining and informative interviews blended with the best music, every week on 91.9 FM, Mondays from 7pm to 8pm.

The Sandton Times offers readers all they ever wanted online, and The Sandton Times Hour is the go-to weekly magazine show broadcast from greater Sandton. The show features fabulous food spots, luxurious lifestyle bits, first-hand travel tips, motoring notes, and world-class entertainment, business discussions and so much more, even venturing beyond the borders of greater Sandton.

In 2024, The Sandton Times Hour secured the third spot on Feedspot’s list of the “30 Best South Africa Podcasts” highlighting the top South African podcasts from thousands available on the web, ranking them based on relevancy, authority, social media followers, and freshness.

In this week’s show [Edition 216 Week 41] The Sandton Times covers an array of topical news as well as these interviews:

What’s Next For ‘House Of BNG’ With Entrepreneur And Media Personality Bonang Matheba

Sandton Times Hour — Born in Stellenbosch, the House of BNG Brut Rosé is a sophisticated blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinotage, and Pinot Meunier – a distinctly South African expression of world-class sparkling wine. Image: House of BNG

For Bonang Matheba – the “Champagne Queen” – The House of BNG is a true passion project. Working closely with Cape Wine Master Jeff Grier, she remains deeply involved in every creative detail. As the first Black woman to join the Cap Classique Producers Association, Bonang continues to redefine luxury winemaking – one elegant bubble at a time.

The House of BNG has partnered with La Parada Waterfall Corner to craft a one-of-a-kind dining experience celebrating the art of pairing sushi with its celebrated BNG Brut Rosé. Bonang Matheba, founder of The House of BNG, describes the pairing as ‘pure magic’, where the wine’s strawberry and raspberry notes enhance the delicate balance of flavours in expertly prepared sushi.

Pairing sushi with sparkling wine isn’t just a stroke of gourmet luck – it’s backed by science. The key lies in umami, the savoury “fifth taste” discovered in Japan in 1908. Found in seafood, soy sauce, and fermented foods, umami acts as nature’s ultimate flavour enhancer, amplifying both saltiness and sweetness. Sushi is rich in umami, from its fresh fish and nori seaweed to the soy sauce that completes each bite. Similarly, Method Cap Classique (MCC) sparkling wines contain subtle umami compounds that, when paired with sushi, create a unique ‘umami synergy’ – a flavour explosion that elevates both wine and dish beyond what either could achieve alone.

Since its 2019 debut, the brand has become synonymous with celebration, featuring at high-profile events from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration to the Miss South Africa pageant.

Standard Bank Winex 2025 With Director And Wine Authority Michael Fridjhon

Picture this: more than 9’000 wine lovers, under one roof, sampling and savoring over 700 wines from 120 exhibitors. From bold reds and crisp whites to sparkling surprises and small-batch boutique vintages, WineX is where the Cape’s rolling vineyards meet Sandton’s skyline – an annual pilgrimage for everyone who believes great wine deserves great company.

What began as a straightforward tasting event has matured, like a well-aged Bordeaux, into a multi-sensory celebration of wine, art, music, and culture. Today, WineX is more than a tasting – it’s a stage where South Africa’s winemaking craft is showcased in all its glory.

So, what makes WineX 2025 unmissable? Quite simply, everything. Guests can explore an extraordinary line-up of wines representing both household names and rising stars. Expect award-winning cellars that have shaped the legacy of South African winemaking alongside exciting new producers whose limited-edition releases could become tomorrow’s cult classics.

Whether you’re chasing the robust character of Stellenbosch reds, the elegance of Elgin Chardonnay, or the coastal minerality of Hemel-en-Aarde whites, there’s a pour for every palate. For those who crave adventure, the boutique stands offer hidden gems waiting to be discovered – the kind of wines that make you wish you’d ordered two cases instead of one.

Three lucky readers could WIN tickets to Standard Bank WineX along with some prizes that’ll pop your cork!

All The Details: WIN! Standard Bank WineX 2025 Tickets With The Sandton Times

The Latest On The Theatre Circuit With Entertainment Commentator Tat Wolfen

Get ready to paint the town red as the smash-hit musical Chicago struts back onto the South African stage! This world-renowned, award-winning production brings the roaring 1920s roaring back to life – a dazzling era of scandal, showbiz, and seduction set to the irresistible rhythm of jazz.

Celebrated as Broadway’s longest-running American musical, Chicago is a glittering cocktail of fame, fortune, and felony. Audiences can expect a night of pure theatrical brilliance, featuring iconic songs like All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, and Razzle Dazzle – each performed with the sizzling energy and style that have made the show a global phenomenon.

The story follows the ambitious Roxie Hart, a nightclub performer who dreams of stardom – and will do just about anything to get it. After finding herself behind bars for a crime of passion, she crosses paths with vaudeville star-turned-murderess Velma Kelly. Together, they vie for the spotlight and the slick-talking lawyer Billy Flynn’s attention in a tale brimming with wit, deceit, and show-stopping glamour.

Leading this stellar South African cast is Kiruna-Lind Devar as the feisty Roxie Hart, alongside Samantha Peo as the sensational Velma Kelly. The powerhouse Tankiso Mamabolo brings her formidable vocals to the role of Mama Morton, while Jonathan Roxmouth – one of South Africa’s most acclaimed stage talents – steps into the sharp suits of Billy Flynn. Completing the star-studded line-up is Dean De Klerk as the loveable and loyal Amos Hart.

With breath-taking choreography inspired by the legendary Bob Fosse, dazzling costumes, and an orchestra that swings from start to finish, Chicago promises a night that’s equal parts sultry, stylish, and sensational. It’s a production where every note, every move, and every smirk crackles with charisma.

Running at the Teatro at Montecasino until 16 November 2025, this limited engagement offers audiences a chance to experience one of the greatest musicals of all time – live, loud, and larger than life. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or discovering Chicago for the first time, this show guarantees a night of razzle-dazzle you won’t soon forget.

It would be a crime to miss it – book your tickets now at Ticketmaster.

Multi-Platinum, And Grammy-Nominated Music Producer, Manny Mijares

Manny Mijares, an internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum, and Grammy-nominated music producer whose fingerprints can be found all over the global charts, has landed in South Africa. With a résumé that reads like a who’s who of pop royalty, Manny has worked with some of the biggest names in the business – Dua Lipa, Kelly Rowland, Pitbull, Craig David, and even Snoop Dogg – just to name a few.

This time, the powerhouse producer is bringing his world-class expertise to local soil, turning his attention to the country’s burgeoning talent pool. His latest collaboration sees him working with Giselle Niemand, a young singer and songwriter from Sandton who’s fast becoming one to watch. Their new single, Fake Love, recorded in Los Angeles, was released this past week and is already making waves online. The track blends global pop polish with a distinctly South African flair – an approach that encapsulates Manny’s belief that music has truly become a borderless art form.

Manny’s visit to South Africa comes at a time when the global music landscape is more open and interconnected than ever before. With streaming platforms breaking geographical barriers, songs in multiple languages are dominating international charts, and fans are dictating the direction of the industry.

That global mindset is exactly what led him to South Africa, where he’s been scouting and collaborating with rising stars like Giselle and fellow artist JaeXlynne. The talent, originality, and hunger he’s encountered have reinforced his view that the next wave of global hits could easily come from Africa’s creative hubs.

Known for his ability to spot and nurture exceptional talent, Manny believes true artistry cuts through the noise of today’s highly produced, formulaic pop landscape. He maintains that while marketing budgets can create awareness, authenticity and emotion are what make music resonate and endure.

For Giselle Niemand, Fake Love marks a defining breakthrough – a fusion of contemporary pop influences inspired by global icons yet grounded in her own story and sound. As Manny continues his South African tour with workshops and new projects, his focus remains clear: to build bridges between local talent and the world stage, and to remind the industry that great music knows no borders.

Sandton Times Hour Music Playlist

Jeremy Loops feat. Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Coming Home
UB40 – Red Red Wine
Michelle Williams & The Cast of Fosse Verdon – Razzle Dazzle
Giselle Niemand – Fake Love

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