Bucket Tech: Hisense TriChroma Laser TV L9Q

 

Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, has officially launched the Hisense TriChroma Laser TV L9Q, redefining home entertainment with superior brightness, immersive sound, and space-efficient design.

The L9Q features 5000 ANSI Lumens of brightness and a 5000:1 contrast ratio, producing incredibly vivid images with deep blacks and sharp detail, even in bright rooms. With precision light control and vibrant color accuracy from triple laser technology, every frame comes alive with cinematic intensity.

Designed to fit any lifestyle, the L9Q supports projection sizes from 80" to 200", turning any space into a personal theatre. Hisense also provides a paired solution with an Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) screen, in a number of sizes (100” 110” 120” 139” and 150”) to deliver crystal-clear images in any lighting condition.

Certified with IMAX Enhanced and supporting Dolby Vision, the L9Q offers visuals remastered for extraordinary clarity and scale. Whether enjoying the latest blockbuster or streaming a series, viewers can expect studio-grade immersion. For audio, the L9Q features an exclusive Opéra de Paris | Devialet edition. Its 6.2.2 channel speaker system with Dolby Atmos creates rich, multidimensional sound that fills the room, perfect for movies and music.

Its Ultra Short Throw (0.18 TR) design allows large-screen projection from just inches away, eliminating the need for complex setups or large spaces. But beyond technical performance, the L9Q also stands out in design. Inspired by the circular light structure of the Royal Opera House and the acoustic chambers of Roman theatres, it reflects Hisense’s philosophy of “Timeless Artistry Meets Dynamic Technology.” This iconic design has earned the 2024 Red Dot and 2025 iF Design Awards, elevating the home cinema experience in form and function.

According to Omdia Q1 2025 data, Hisense ranked No.1 globally in Laser TV volume share (69.6%), extending its leadership for six consecutive years. As Hisense’s most advanced laser model, the L9Q reflects Hisense’s vision to help users Own the Moment, transforming everyday experiences, from family movie nights to solo concerts and game-day thrills, into unforgettable memories.

The L9Q will be coming soon to key markets worldwide, and is already available at the company’s premium product store in Canal Walk, Century City, Cape Town.

Bucket Tech: Hisense Premium Store opening in SA

Hisense SA confirms the opening of its first-ever, premium brand store in South Africa this November for Black Friday, at Canal Walk Shopping Centre in Century City, Cape Town. 

From 1 November, shoppers will get to enjoy exclusive in-store promotions, interactive product demonstrations, and a first look at Hisense SA’s latest premium range of locally made technology; including Africa’s largest tv, the 116 UX, proudly manufactured in Atlantis. 

The premium product store marks a major milestone in Hisense SA’s 29-year journey in South Africa and reflects the brand’s continued commitment to delivering world-class technology and innovation at affordable price points. Luna Nortje, Deputy General Manager at Hisense SA, says the store’s launch represents more than retail growth, that it’s a celebration of Hisense’s long-term investment in local manufacturing, skills development, and sustainable job creation. 

“Century City was built to represent the future of urban living in South Africa, and this store represents the future of home technology,” says Nortje. “For over a decade, we’ve invested heavily in South Africa’s technology ecosystem through our Atlantis manufacturing plant. This flagship store is a natural extension of that commitment, allowing customers to experience locally made quality up close while supporting a value chain that creates jobs and transfers skills right here at home.”

Located within the Atlantis Special Economic Zone, Hisense SA’s manufacturing facility recently celebrated 11 years of operation. Employing more than a thousand South Africans, the factory has received over R350 million in investment to date and manufactures televisions and home appliances for both local and export markets, including the UK. In September, Hisense also launched a paid SETA-accredited learnership program that will provide 100 young people from Atlantis with hands-on experience and career development opportunities over the next year.

The Canal Walk store, currently in its final design phase, has been crafted as a fully immersive experience, where customers can explore, test, and interact with the brand’s most advanced creations. From AI-powered fridges and premium 4K and Mini-LED gaming televisions to smart home appliances and laser projection systems, the store offers a glimpse into the future of connected living.

“From our Atlantis factory to our new premium product store at Canal Walk and the Tevolution Museum, Hisense is building more than a brand, it’s building a legacy of accessible innovation,” adds Nortje. “Every milestone reflects our belief that South Africa deserves not only the world’s best technology but the opportunity to create it.”

The Hisense Brand Store officially opens to the public in November 2025 at Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City.

Ultra South Africa 2026 - Tickets on sale

 

Ultra South Africa 2026 tickets have gone on sale but only if you have registered on the website for ticket sales. As usual, Ultra will be held in two cities next year, namely Johannesburg and Cape Town with the first show taking place in the city of Gold on the 25th of April 2026 at the Nasrec Expo Center, Cape Town's show will take place on the next day, 26th of April 2026 at the Ostrich venue. No artists have been confirmed as yet but that hasn't stopped the Ultranauts from snapping up the Tier 1 general access tickets in record time yesterday. 

Tickets for the various shows and pricing are as follows:

ULTRA SOUTH AFRICA 2026 TICKET PRICING
Ticket Category	Johannesburg - 25 April 2026	Cape Town - 26 April 2026
General Access Tier 1	R895	R795
General Access Tier 2	R995	R895
General Access Tier 3	R1095	R995
General Access Tier 4	R1195	R1095
VIP Tier 1	R1500	R1500
VIP Tier 2	R2000	R2000
VIP Tier 3	R2500	R2500
VIP Tier 4	R3000	R3000
VVIP Tier 2	R4500	Not Available
VVIP TIer 3	R5500	Not Available

Tickets available from the Howler Website for Johannesburg and Cape Town

Bucket Seat: Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 is a high-performance luxury SUV that combines athletic dynamics with everyday practicality. With most of the performance Range from Audi being headlines by the RS model, many wonder why with the Q5, Audi stopped with the S? Well, I think they took a smart approach to this, while there is a RSQ3 which we've seen is quite popular in the market, with the SQ5 coming with a 3.0-liter V6 delivering adequate power to this impressive SUV, making it a bit mot faster and louder might not appeal to the target market which it is aimed at, that is a family and recreational vehicle. I had the opportunity to spend some time with the Audi SQ5 on a recent trip to Cape Town, with my family so I got to put it through the test for what it's meant for, a practical family SUV with a big of oomph. So here are my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

The Audi SQ5 has a striking yet elegant design that reflects its performance-oriented nature. Its sporty stance is complemented by distinctive Audi styling cues and subtle S-specific details. The front fascia features a bold Singleframe grille with a honeycomb pattern and aluminum-look accents. Aggressive LED Matrix headlights (with optional laser lighting) and sharp air intakes further enhance the sporty aesthetic. The SQ5 sits on stylish 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim, with optional red brake calipers hinting at its performance potential. Subtle side skirts and chrome or black-out trims (available with the Black Optic package) add a sleek, purposeful look. Quad exhaust outlets, an integrated roof spoiler, and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals give the rear end a sporty yet refined appearance.

PERFORMANCE

The SQ5 delivers an exhilarating drive, powered by a robust engine and supported by advanced chassis technologies. The SQ5 comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 260kW and 500Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, the SQ5 accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds, making it one of the quicker SUVs in its segment. Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, offering excellent grip and handling in various road conditions. The torque vectoring system enhances cornering stability and agility. The adaptive air suspension is standard on higher trims and available as an option, allowing drivers to adjust ride height and firmness. This setup provides a perfect balance of comfort for daily commutes and stiffness for spirited driving. Audi Drive Select offers multiple driving modes (Comfort, Dynamic, Individual, Offroad) to tailor the vehicle’s performance characteristics. Given its performance, the SQ5 offers respectable efficiency with a combined fuel economy of 9.2L per 100km. With it being in dynamic driving mode for most of the time of my visit, that figure was slightly higher at 11.7L per 100km which wasn't that bad considering most of my driving was short distance routes. 

COMFORT

The SQ5’s cabin showcases Audi’s hallmark craftsmanship, blending premium materials, advanced technology, and sporty accents. Sport seats with fine Nappa leather upholstery and diamond stitching are standard. They're well-bolstered for spirited driving yet comfortable enough for long trips. Front seats are heated, ventilated, and offer massaging functions on higher trims. The interior feels spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats slide and recline for added comfort. Cargo capacity is practical for its class, offering 500 liters of space with the seats up, expandable to 1,520 liters with the rear seats folded. The SQ5 interior is sporty and luxurious, featuring brushed aluminum or optional carbon fiber inlays, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and ambient lighting with customizable colors. The SQ5 excels in delivering a refined and dynamic driving experience. The suspension absorbs road imperfections with ease in Comfort mode, while Dynamic mode tightens things up for more enthusiastic driving. The steering is precise and responsive, though it lacks some of the feedback purists might desire. Body roll is minimal, and the SQ5 feels planted during high-speed cornering. Audi equips the SQ5 with its latest MMI (Multi Media Interface) system, which is intuitive and feature-rich. A 10.1-inch touchscreen takes center stage, paired with the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Virtual Cockpit provides customizable displays, including navigation, performance metrics, and media information. Standard Apple CarPlay (wireless), Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Audi Connect services ensure seamless connectivity. A Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system is available for audiophiles. Physical buttons for climate control provide ease of use, while a rotary touchpad offers additional input options for the infotainment system. Some of the key safety features that is is included with the SQ5 are Audi pre sense basic and pre sense city (automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection), lane departure warning, and a rearview camera.  Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system enhance safety and convenience.

VERDICT

The Audi SQ5 is a near-perfect blend of luxury, practicality, and performance. It’s ideal for those who want a sporty driving experience without sacrificing everyday usability. Whether you're navigating city streets, tackling a mountain road, or cruising on the highway, the SQ5 delivers with poise and confidence. For buyers seeking a versatile luxury SUV that’s as thrilling to drive as it is comfortable to live with, the Audi SQ5 is a compelling choice. When compared to its rivals, the Audi SQ5 might seem a bit dated but seeing that the new Q5 has broken cover, the new one should be hot on the heels of that as well but for that, we will have to probably wait a year or two for it to reach our shores. 

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3.0L Turbo Petrol V6
Gear Box	8-speed TipTronic
Torque	500Nm
Power	260kW
Fuel Consumption	9.2L per 100km
Price	R1,541,000

 

Bucket Tech: HONOR at Africa Tech Festival 2024

HONOR, a global technology leader, proudly announces its strategic media partners and distinguished lineup of speakers for the Africa Tech Festival 2024, where the company will debut as a Gold Sponsor.HONOR is partnering with renowned media outlets CNBC Africa and Cape Talk to ensure insightful analysis of its presence at the festival. These partnerships underscore HONOR’s commitment to engaging with a broad audience and deepening conversations around technological innovation and growth in Africa.

Premier Fireside Chat Featuring Industry Titans

Highlighting HONOR’s participation will be an exclusive fireside chat titled “The Future of the Smartphone Industry”, scheduled for Tuesday, 12 November from 15h00 to 15h45 at the AfricaCom: Telcos of Tomorrow stage. This conversation promises to provide compelling insights into the evolving smartphone landscape, driven by AI and foldable technology.

Speakers for this session include:

               •             Fred Zhou, CEO, HONOR South Africa

               •             Jorge Mendes, CEO, Cell C

               •             Vinod Nenwani, Head of Android Partnerships, North and South Africa, Google

This panel of leaders will explore the opportunities ahead for Africa’s smartphone market, discussing multi-stakeholder collaboration to drive digital inclusion, enhance connectivity, and boost economic growth.

Spotlight on Technological Innovation

During the Africa Tech Festival, HONOR will showcase its latest advancements, including its flagship HONOR Magic Series foldable smartphones and a range of AI-enhanced products designed to democratize technology access. Attendees will have hands-on opportunities to experience these pioneering products and witness how HONOR’s innovations are set to transform Africa’s digital landscape.

The Africa Tech Festival 2024, set to take place from 12-14 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), is the premier event for tech professionals, bringing together over 15,000 attendees, 400 speakers, and 300 exhibitors. HONOR’s participation as a Gold Sponsor signals its intention to lead and contribute to transformative discussions on digital strategy and the future of tech in Africa. 

Anjunadeep Open Air South Africa 2025

 

Following two successful shows in March this year in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, the oragnisers of the first ever Anjunadeep Open Air show on the African continent have decided to go again in 2025. The announcement was made not too long after the shows this year and echos what deep house means to us here in South Africa. After attending the Cape Town event which in its own right was spectacular to say the least, we were begging for more and the people down at Anjuna HQ did not disappoint when they released the official line-up for the 2025 shows. First up see's British female duo Eli & Fur comprising Eliza Noble and Jennifer Skillman, hailing from London, England. Eli & Fur have been working together since they were in their teens, they write and play their own tracks, which creates a sound that is "distinctly electronic, mixing house and dance beats". SONA see's his introduction to the line-up and many don't know this but he is the son of SA's very own global superstar Black Coffee, following in his fathers footsteps has achieved massive success in his first 12 months of producing music. The Anjuna team decided to throw in some Amapiono & Afrotech into the mix with the addition of Stofella, the former Miss SA contestant has found solace in music and has created quite a name for herself in the industry thus far. The biggest headline act though has to be Dutch DJ duo Tinlicker,  the electronic music group from Utrecht comprising Micha Heyboer and Jordi van Achthoven. Formed in 2012, they have released music on labels such as Anjunadeep, mau5trap, Astralwerks, and Armada. They have played festivals including Mysteryland, Creamfields, Tomorrowland, Ultra and are now making their way to SA to play for us in 2025!

Tickets have already gone on sale for both shows, so if you still haven't gotten yours, the question is why the hell not? Prices start at R350 for General access and are available on Howler. 

Anjunadeep Open Air - South Africa

Anjunadeep, the renowned UK label is slated to make its South African debut with two incredible events scheduled for this coming March. The first, Ajunadeep Open Air Johannesburg will take place at The River Cabin in Cedar, Johannesburg, on Friday, March 29th, 2024. Followed by Ajunadeep Open Air Cape Town on Saturday, March 30th, 2024, kicking off at The Ostrich in Cape Town.

Anjunadeep promises to weave the label's emblematic, melodic soundscapes and unparalleled production values with the rich tapestry of South Africa's local talent, all set against the backdrop of two breathtaking open-air venues in the beautiful cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town. 

Known for its unbelievable lineups and unique sound, Ajunadeeps's debut in South Africa will be no exception. The shows will feature international headliners Ben Bohmer, James Grant. Jody Wisternoff and Nicky Elisabeth supported by the outstanding homegrown talents of Da Capo, FKAMash, Kareyndasoul, Buhle and Cornelius SA to make this a truly unforgettable experience amidst the natural beauty of South Africa. 

Ajunadeep

London based, independent record label Anjunadeep was set up in 2005 by Above & Beyond. In its early years the imprint existed as a sub-label to parent imprint, Ajunabeats. Initially releasing deep trance and progressive house, Ajunadeep has since evolved its output to offer only the very finest in deep house as well as progressive and melodic techno.

James Grant, brother of Above & Beyond’s Jono Grant heads up A&R for the label and mixes the annual compilation series, currently alongside Jody Wisternoff. The label hosts a weekly radio show ‘The Anjunadeep Edition’, featuring guest mixes from artists on the roster.

A transformative force in electronic music, championing talents like Ben Bohmer, Dusky, Lane 8, Yotto, Cubicolor, and Eli & Fur amongst many others, Ajunadeep's storied history is punctuated with sold-out parties at iconic locations across the globe. Anjunadeep: Explorations, the label's very own boutique festival in Dhërmi, Albania, The Gorge Amphitheatre, and Anjuna Beach in Goa are just a few of the breathtaking venues to have witnessed the singular Anjunadeep magic. 

 With its South African debut on the horizon, the label is set to expand its legacy by captivating yet another corner of the globe. Anjunadeep's foray into South Africa is a testament to its global influence and commitment to fostering a universal love for deep, emotive electronic music. 

Johannesburg and Cape Town, get ready to dance under the African skies with Anjunadeep's unforgettable vibe!

Ultra South Africa 2023

After 3 years the Ultra Music Festival returned to South African shores to mesmerize and thrill local electronic dance community. Cape Town and Johannesburg were treated to some of the best in international and local artists over Friday and Saturday with an unconfirmed record crowd for the Johannesburg leg. While there were many despondent comments after the final line-up was released, with the lack of headliner acts for the main stage especially, the ones who were named did not disappoint!

Local acts such as Kyle Cassim, Gold Fish and Grammy award winning artist Zakes Bantwini got the masses going on the main stage before the international acts took over. Gold Fish who have toured the world with their mixture of electric and live sounds, signed with Armin van Buuren's record label Armada have been entertaining crowds world over, and their set in Johannesburg was nothing short of world class. 

Next up, that crazy Australian Fisher took to the stage with what can only be described as electric energetic performance that had the crowd jumping on their feet.  Dutch DJ Oliver Heldens got the groove on with his future house style deep melodic sounds before Swedish maestro Alesso played probably the best set of the night for me, kicking up classics like his remix of Pressure by Starkillers before ending his set with the iconic "If I loose myself Tonight" with One Republic which had the entire crowd singing in harmony. Ending the night on the mainstage was another Aussie, Timmy Trumpet. His hardstyle big room music took the crowd over 150 bpm as it was a rather raucous end to the night. 

Resistance stage as always did not disappoint with Dane DJ Kolsch and Adam Bayer sending the crowds into pure ecstasy with their sets. I was a bit disappointed with the lighting and stage design for Resistance as I felt it was cut down a lot compared to the 2020 show. Being in an indoor venue there was so much more that could have been done in terms of lighting. Overall though, Ultra SA 2023 proved to be one for the record books with massive crowds, excellent organization and plenty of stalls for beverages, food and top up kiosks for the cashless wristbands. I'm glad to hear that the festival will be back next year on the weekend of March 1st, with shows confirmed for Cape Town and Johannesburg. 

One sad thing to come out from the festival was the passing of Costa Titch who sadly passed away after collapsing on the Smirnoff Stage midset. Condolences go out to his family, friends and fans. 

Bucket Travel: MSC Brings Two Cruise Ships to SA

MSC Cruises – one of the leading global cruise lines– has reaffirmed that they will be bringing two ships to South Africa’s shores for the 2022/2023 cruise season to. This will mark the first time that two MSC Cruises ships of different classes, the MSC Orchestra – which is part of the Musica class and MSC Sinfonia – which is part of the Lirica class, will be deployed in the country simultaneously providing additional cruise capacity to cater for the demand for cruise holidays in South Africa.

The 2021/2022 local cruise season saw MSC Cruises carry in excess of 40 000 guests to various destinations with new Health & Safety regulations to ensure the safety of all guests. As we prepare for the 2022/2023 local cruise season, we are pleased to confirm that both unvaccinated & vaccinated guests are now able to cruise. At present we can also confirm that :

• vaccinated guests are no longer required to provide a Covid-19 test before departure 
• unvaccinated guests 5 years and older are still required to provide a negative Covid-19 PCR test, 48 hours prior to departure in accordance with the local government regulations in South Africa 
• children under age 5 are not required to provide a COVID-19 test

Continued investment in Africa’s tourist industry

MSC Cruises’ plan to bring two ships to South Africa in 2022 is part of the company’s commitment to investing in South Africa and African tourism at large. The cruise line’s focus to improving South Africa’s tourist infrastructure has been particularly noteworthy in its development of the Durban port terminal over the past few years. The R300-million terminal was designed, developed, constructed and financed by the KwaZulu Cruise Terminal Consortium, in partnership with the South African chapter of MSC Cruises and empowerment investment entity Africa Armada Consortium.

MSC Orchestra

This project is a significant undertaking for the consortium and represents MSC Cruises’ commitment to the South African economy. The terminal will help promote the country’s image among cruise passengers and provide jobs to many citizens. In addition to our commitment, our investment has included infrastructure development in Mozambique – a popular cruising destination for South Africans – and continued collaboration with the Namibian government, as Walvis Bay is one of the ports that MSC Cruises sails to. There are also knock-on benefits for the tourist industries in the destinations that MSC Cruises sails to, which have been enhanced by increased passenger volumes.

More itineraries offering more cruise holiday options for South Africans

MSC Orchestra, a well-known vessel by local cruisers will return to South African waters in November 2022, with approximately 40 sailings to Mozambique and to local destinations. Alongside MSC Orchestra is MSC Sinfonia that will operate approximately 22 sailings out of Cape Town to Namibia and other various local destinations. The itineraries will vary from two to seven-night cruises, offering guests a wider choice of options to book their cruise holiday. The ships will alternate routes, providing South African cruisers with a wider choice of options to suit their holiday needs with more cruise destinations and packages on offer.

“We are delighted to be bringing two ships to South Africa this upcoming season and we reaffirm our commitment to affordable and safe cruise holidays for South Africans” explains Ross Volk, MD for MSC Cruises South Africa. “Our dedication to playing our part in the recovery of the tourism sector in South Africa, has made it possible for us to create a second cruising hub in Cape Town. MSC Sinfonia will be permanently positioned in Cape Town for the duration of the cruise season and will serve our guests seeking a more cultural experience with our cruises to Namibia. For guests wanting to explore more of our South African destinations we have cruises to Mossel Bay and for guests simply wanting to take time to rest and relax, our “no-destination” cruises at sea provide the perfect getaway to enjoy the Indian and Atlantic Ocean sunrises and sunsets.” continues Volk.

MSC Sinfonia

Cruises as popular holiday ‘destinations’

Cruises are increasingly becoming an appealing holiday choice for South Africans as a hassle-free, safe and all-inclusive vacation with food, accommodation and most activities included in the cruise fare. The diversity of the offerings appeal to holiday makers of all ages, both local and international tourists alike. Guests wishing to experience the delights of an MSC Cruises holiday in the 2022/2023 season can already book any cruise on any of these 2 vessels.

“We continuously strive to bring bigger and better offerings to this country, enriching our itineraries and making cruising more accessible, to more South Africans who are realising that a cruise is an affordable, convenient and exciting holiday option,” concludes Volk.

Ultra South Africa 2023

After close to a three year absence, South Africa's biggest dance music festival returns in 2023! Yes, Ultra South Africa is back to hit the African continent in March next year, bringing you the biggest names in the electronic dance music industry to perform live, in our backyard. Interesting to note that South Africa was the only country to host an Ultra festival in 2020 prior to the world going into lockdown and while the world has slowly opened up and eased restrictions since March this year, most of the festivals in the Americas and Europe had us suffering with major FOMO while we sat and watched them on the live streams so you can only imagine how much us locals are raring to go! 

Ultra SA 2023 in its 8th edition will be hosted in the two host cities as normal, starting with Cape Town on the 10th of March 2023, at a new venue of Kenilworth Racecourse and the following day, March 11th in Johannesburg at the Expo Centre in Nasrec. Tickets are on sale now, via the official website, www.ultrasouthafrica.com with tier 1 tickets selling out fast for both venues! So avoid disappointment and register for your Ultra Passport now!

Monster Jam 2023!

This. Is. Monster Jam!  The most action-packed motorsports experience for families in the world returns to South Africa in 2023 for an adrenaline-charged three-city tour starting in Cape Town at the DHL Stadium on Saturday, 22 April followed by FNB Stadium Johannesburg on Saturday, 29 April and ending at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 06 May for one exciting event only at 6pm in each city. In addition, Monster Jam® also features breath-taking Freestyle Motocross (FMX) exhibitions. This is unbeatable revved up fun for the entire family. Monster Jam, produced by American-based Feld Entertainment and brought to you by McDonald’s South Africa (SA) together with leading local promoter, Showtime Management, in association with SuperSport, features world-class athletes locked in intense competitions of speed and skill. Exclusive advance tickets are available for purchase starting tomorrow until 04 July via the McDonald’s SA App. General public tickets go on-sale on Tuesday, 5 July 2022, available at www.showtime.co.za OR www.ticketmaster.co.za

Monster Jam is a huge day out for all the family kicking off with the world-famous Monster Jam Pit Party where fans can see the massive trucks up close, meet their favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take “selfies” with the drivers and trucks and enjoy other family-friendly fun. This unique experience is the only place that allows people to get up close access to the Monster Jam teams and get an insider’s look at how these trucks are built to stand up to the competition. Before the event, the Pit Party allows fans to get amongst the Monster Jam action. Tickets for the Pit Party cost R150 each. Quantities are limited and available only with an event ticket priced at R150, R250, R350, R450 and R600. Discounted event only family packages available. Optional Pit Party tickets at a cost of R150 per ticket may be purchased in addition to family packages. The Pit Party is from 1pm to 3:30pm with final entry at 3:00pm. The Monster Jam drivers depart from the Pit Party at 3:30pm.

“For decades, Monster Jam has been one of the biggest and most successful touring family events in the United States. Monster Jam’s three-city debut SA tour in 2019 broke International records with 3 sold out stadia and culminating in a new international record with 63 000 tickets sold in Johannesburg.” says Tony Feldman of Showtime Management.  “We are revved up alongside our returning partners McDonald’s SA and Supersport to bring this unique and exciting family entertainment experience back to South Africa.” The line-up of eight monster trucks is provisionally set to feature multiple fan favorites such as the legendary Grave Digger®, 12-time Monster Jam World Finals® Champion Max-DTM, mighty Megalodon®, El Toro Loco®, Monster Mutt® Dalmatian and for the first time Earth Shaker®. The all-star drivers competing in SA will be announced at a later date.  

“Being known for all things Family, we are proud to be a partner of this world renowned action packed family-friendly event. We believe in the power of sport and entertainment to bring family and friends together and what better way to do this than at Monster Jam® 2023,” says McDonald’s South Africa (SA) Supply Chain, Marketing and Technology Executive, Daniel Padiachy. Monster Jam drivers are highly trained, world-class male and female athletes who have mastered not only the physical strength and mental stamina needed to compete, but the vital dexterity to control 4,5000 kg machines capable of doing backflips, vertical two-wheel skills and racing at speeds up to 110 km-per-hour to produce jaw-dropping, live motorsports action seen around the world. 

“Monster Jam is a global premier experience which entertains and delights millions around the planet, bringing families of all ages together,” said Magnus Danielsson, Vice President of Motorsports for Feld Entertainment Inc., owner of Monster Jam. “We are excited to be bringing Monster Jam back to South Africa. The record numbers from last time around speak for themselves, and now we’re looking forward to exceeding them and putting on the biggest events so far! Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban are all definitely must-experiences, and tickets will for sure be in high demand!” Standing four metres tall and four metres wide, the custom designed Monster Jam trucks are powered by super-charged engines delivering more than 1,500 horsepower. With tyres 1.7 metres tall, a Monster Jam truck can jump as far as 43 metres in length.

South African fans will witness heated rivalries, high-flying stunts and fierce head-to-head battles for the Event Championship.  Engineered to perfection, Monster Jam trucks push all limits in Freestyle, Skills and Racing competitions. Plus, fans can become part of the action by voting for the winner in the Skills and Freestyle competitions via real-time, in-stadium fan voting on their smartphones. To learn more about Monster Jam®, check in with the SuperSport website (www.supersport.com) for specific broadcast listings closer to the time. A highlights show will feature on the SS Motorsport channel with regular repeats scheduled across the four SuperSport Variety channels. Monster Jam races back into SA in 2023. Book now only at www.showtime.co.za or www.ticketmaster.co.za Ticketmaster is the only official Monster Jam SA ticketing agent.  There are significant risks in buying from other sources and entry to a Monster Jam event is not guaranteed.

For more information on Monster Jam log onto MonsterJam.com, follow Monster Jam on our social media channels: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram and TikTok.  #MonsterJamSA. Subscribe to the Monster Jam YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/MonsterJam 

MONSTER JAM SA 2023 

WHERE, WHEN, TIME

DHL STADIUM, CAPE TOWN: Saturday, 22 April, 6pm

FNB STADIUM, JOHANNESBURG: Saturday, 29 April, 6pm

MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM, DURBAN on Saturday, 06 May, 6pm

SHOW DURATION:  Approximately 2 to 2,5 hours including intermission

EVENT TICKET PRICES: R150, R250, R350, R450, R600 including VAT IMPORTANT: Event ticket is NOT a Pit Party Pass.

PIT PARTY 

Limited tickets on sale. Pit Party tickets may not be discounted.

Ticket must be integrated EVENT TICKET + PIT PARTY PASS @ R150 for entry

Time: 1pm to 3:30pm. Final entry at 3:00pm

Ticket prices with Pit Party: R300, R400, R500, R600, R750

EVENT FAMILY PACKAGES: 

Pit Party tickets @ R150 per ticket may be integrated with family packages.

Ticket            Saving     Discounted    Family x4           Family x5          Family x6 

Price                                Price               Saving R120   Saving R150  Saving R180

R 600             R 30        R 570                R 2 280              R 2 850             R 3 420 

R 450             R 30        R 420                R 1 680              R 2 100             R 2 520

R 350             R 30        R 320                R 1 280               R 1 600             R 1 920