M-Net celebrates 30 years of timeless magic with show-stopping event
Trevor Noah rocks up in an unusual way!
In an evening of glitz, glam, nostalgia and show-stopping musical performances, M-Net celebrated its milestone 30th birthday in a specially-built dome on its Randburg campus tonight (Thursday, 11 November). The event formed part of three filmed gala events which will be screened on M-Net’s various channels in December.
As you would expect from the network that has revolutionised television in South Africa and beyond, and which continues to delight viewers with the very best in entertainment, one of the evening’s main attractions pitched up in an extraordinary way. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, international mega-star Trevor Noah was beamed in as a hologram.
The comedian, who has a long history with M-Net and even had his own show on M-Net channel 101, had the guests in the palm of his “virtual” hand. In his trademark style, he took the star-studded audience on a witty trip down M-Net’s memory lane. In between all his skits, there were also some incredible musical acts to spice things up, kicking off with South African legend Claire Johnston, whose own journey in the industry also started in the 1980s, just like M-Net. Joining her were some of M-Net viewers’ favourite voices, including the likes of Idols SA winner Khaya Mthethwa, recent The Voice SA winner Richard Stirton, as well as The Voice SA coaches Kahn Morbee, with his band The Parlotones, and songstress Lira. The musical entertainment did not end there, however. There were also special appearances from Themba Ndaba, The Muses as well as some booming vocals from Clash of the Choirs alumni. Topping it off was a performance from multi award-winning Nigerian star 2Baba, one of the most decorated and celebrated Afro-pop artists on the continent.
M-Net CEO Yolisa Phahle thanked guests for their support over the past 30 years. “M-Net is a proudly African company committed to telling the best international and African stories. But the company’s greatest achievement is the remarkable and diverse group of people who bring this enduring brand to life in so many ways each day. To make real Magic you have to believe in it, so thank you to everyone for choosing to believe.”
Viewers can catch the M-Net 30th birthday event show across many of the M-Net channels in December. The show will be broadcast on M-Net channel 101, M-Net East and M-Net West on 16 December, on Mzansi Magic on 18 December, M-Net Family and Mzansi Wethu on 24 December and on kykNET on 30 December.
To follow all of the live commentary around the spectacular birthday event, simply follow M-Net on Twitter @MNet or use the hashtag #MNet30.
