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Bronwyn Nielsen is a Senior Anchor at CNBC Africa and Group Executive Director of the ABN Group (CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa). She has been part of the CNBC group since its launch in 2007.
As one of the first faces to join the channel, Bronwyn comes with over thirteen years of experience in the South African broadcasting industry, with numerous accolades to her name, including the 2006 Telkom ICT Journalist of the Year.
She is best known for her weekday evening program, Business Tonight, which wraps up the business news on a daily basis whilst speaking to some of the most influential business personalities.
Some of her highlights include hosting the live CNBC Africa Debate at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2013 and January 2014, as well as presenting Captains of Industry – a program which features weekly interviews with the top leadership of African companies.
Since her appointment of Group Executive Director of the ABN Group in 2012, Bronwyn Nielsen has set the content agenda for all of the companies within the ABN Group i.e. CNBC Africa, Forbes Africa – ABN Publishing, ABN Pictures, ABN Digital and ABN Productions.
She also works closely with senior management on all strategic growth opportunities.
Bronwyn’s Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Cape Town has given her credibility in a highly competitive arena.
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If you haven’t heard of Breakfast Included – Jazz Band, you soon will. Their tongue-in-cheek name belies the caliber of Jazz they play, and this quartet has its sights firmly set on the top.
The band was formed just over two years ago, in the under-ventilated dungeons of UCT’s College of Music’s A-level; and from small beginnings at their first Café Camissa gig, these four UCT music students have become a force to be reckoned with.
Always striving for a high level of professionalism often seen lacking in the Jazz world, they have appeared live over 350 times since their debut at the ’99 UCT Jazz Festival.
This high play-rate, combined with their study schedule, has resulted in Breakfast Included becoming an experienced professional band in a very short space of time.
Don’t let their young age fool you – as a headline article in Argus reads: BREAKFAST’S NO BOY BAND!
Although they look like one; with an average age of just 21 – in an idiom almost solely dominated by established, older musicians, they won the coveted title of Best Band in the Western Cape (two years running ’00 & ’01) in the Old Mutual Jazz Encounters program, and have performed at the Davidoff International Vocal Jazz Festival with vocalist, Nonthutuzelo Puoane; an honour and show of confidence in the band’s abilities – (two of their members were then only 19 years of age.)
Breakfast Included has also played many other high profile gigs, sharing the stage with British band, Shakatak, opening for the Soweto String Quartet at a packed Appletiser Kirstenbosch Sundowner Concert, then the following year performing as the headline act.
Things were going so well at the end of 2000, the band went into the SABC Beach Road studios in January, and recorded a 10-track CD, and were lucky enough to acquire the services of Gavin Minter (production) and Richard Mitchell (engineering) who has worked with numerous artists (Dollar Brand, Moses Taiwa Mololekwa).
The CD has subsequently been released through South
Africa, Europe and has recently been released on an International Compilation by the Passion Jazz record label.Launched at a packed-to-the-rafters Green Dolphin, the self-titled album is received extensive airplay on both P4 and Fine Music Radio.
Breakfast Included-Conference Jazz Band
Breakfast Included are: David Poole (saxophones), Jason Gien-Reolon (piano), Dominic Peters (acoustic Bass) and Shaun Michau (drums).
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Tlou Mathatho is a professional motivational speaker with more than 19 years of public speaking experience.
Having started public speaking at the age of 14 in high school, his public speaking skills positioned him to be able to convey his message to his audience in a more practical and thought provoking way.
With an inborn public speaking gift and years of corporate experience , Tlou Mathatho is not only able to touch on business related topics , he is also able to provide motivation to people who need direction concerning key life decisions that they need to make.
When dealing with business related topics Tlou Mathatho draws from his own experience as an entrepreneur who has had to navigate through an ever changing business environment.
This makes him one of the most relevant, and practical speakers.
Tlou has been featured on various shows that have positioned him to speak to millions of people at any given time via mass media.
Radio stations that have hosted Tlou include: Jozi FM, Radio Pulpit, Tetha FM, Thobel FM and Radio Alpha, with the later having given him a slot for a complete leadership programme. These platforms where part of what assisted Tlou to sharpen his speaking skills.
Apart from radio Tlou Mathatho featured on DSTV channel 331 where he spoke to the entire continent of Africa on relevant life issues.
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Tshepo Mogale – Corporate Comedian started doing stand up comedy in 1999 in Cape Town. His first show was at a comedy competition at a venue called Hobnobs, where let’s just say he wasn’t welcome there anymore.
At about the same time that he started his comedy career was the same time that the Cape Comedy Collective was created, which was a collective of about 25 comics who some are very big around the country now.
So he performed all around Cape Town performing in classy and dingy venues with the home base being the Cape Comedy Club namely the Armchair Theatre in Observatory.
Tshepo Mogale then JOINED the CCC on a very successful Varsities tour in late 2000, which was a tour of all major universities in South Africa. The whole time as this was going on he was fully employed as a semi computer geek for an Internet company in Cape Town. While doing all of this he did television adverts for various brands including Smirnoff and also radio voice overs.
In 2000 Tshepo Mogale decided to MOVE to Joburg to broaden his comedy horizons and also to work in a financial services company. Tshepo Mogale immediately got onto the Joburg circuit and became a hit in the popular Joe Parker Comedy Express circuit. Performing in Joburg gave Tshepo Mogale a wider range of exposure, which resulted in him doing many stints on television doing stand up and various acting gigs, where Tshepo Mogale featured on the highly acclaimed Parker Comedy express dvd, which was released in 2001. All this was done while the brother was pushing a full time job.
Tshepo then started to more and more shows outside of Johannesburg in places like Durban, Bloemfontein, Vereeneging etc. which grew his exposure and popularity amongst the South African public. In 2002 Tshepo Mogale was invited to perform at the first all black comedy festival, the Smirnoff Comedy Blackout which featured some international acts from the U.S. While balancing his day job at a bank and doing stand up. Towards the end of 2002 Tshepo Mogale was again selected to perform at the biggest comedy event in South Africa the Laugh out Loud to an audience of more than 7000 people.
At this time Tshepo also partook in the Sprite Soul Comedy tour which took comedy to many South African small towns namely Kimberly, Bloemfontein, Pietersburg Nelspruit etc. This was also with a lot of CORPORATE EVENTS in between. Tshepo Mogale went to on to write some literature which got published in the popular Urban writers series. Tshepo Mogale then went on to open for Barry Hilton at some of his theatre shows and some of his CORPORATE EVENTS. Tshepo Mogale was invited to be one of the South African representative at the prestigious Smirnoff Comedy Festival which is the second biggest comedy event in the Southern hemisphere.
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Nicola Cooper is a trailblazing cultural strategist and trend analyst who has redefined the way businesses understand and engage with African markets. With an extensive background in visual identity, business analysis, and global sociology, she is an authority on consumer behavior and cultural shifts. Nicola’s insights empower brands to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of fashion, lifestyle, youth culture, and digital trends, ensuring their strategies are not only relevant but deeply rooted in authenticity.
As the founder of Nicola Cooper & Associates, an independent consultancy specializing in African market insights, she has advised top-tier companies on how to integrate global trends while staying true to local identities. Her deep understanding of “glocalization” enables organizations to harness international influences that resonate with their target audience while simultaneously elevating homegrown movements to the global stage. Nicola is a sought-after keynote speaker, known for her engaging and thought-provoking presentations that challenge traditional perspectives and encourage innovation.
Nicola Cooper’s career spans over two decades of research, analysis, and strategic consulting within the fashion, lifestyle, and cultural spheres. She has built a reputation as one of Africa’s leading voices in consumer trends, helping businesses decode the shifting behaviors of modern audiences. Her work is particularly instrumental in guiding brands through the complexities of African identity and aesthetics, offering them a roadmap to create meaningful connections with local consumers.
A firm believer in data-driven storytelling, Nicola’s approach blends academic rigor with real-world application. She holds qualifications in visual identity and design, business analysis, and global sociology, with a specialization in identity formation. This multidisciplinary background equips her with a unique lens to explore how identity, culture, and commerce intersect, particularly in emerging markets.
Through her consultancy, Nicola Cooper & Associates, she collaborates with major corporations, startups, and creative enterprises to bridge the gap between local cultural movements and commercial success. Her ability to identify emerging trends and translate them into actionable strategies has made her an invaluable asset to industries ranging from retail and entertainment to technology and media.
In addition to her consultancy work, Nicola has been a featured speaker at numerous high-profile industry events, including Bizcommunity’s BizTrends sessions. She frequently shares her insights on the future of business, the rise of African consumer power, and the significance of embracing authenticity in branding. Her work is widely published and has contributed to shaping narratives around African identity in the global market.
Event planners looking for a dynamic and knowledgeable speaker who can provide deep, research-backed insights into African consumer behavior and cultural trends will find Nicola Cooper to be an ideal choice. Her expertise in trend forecasting, brand positioning, and strategic cultural analysis makes her an invaluable resource for businesses seeking to stay ahead of industry shifts.
Nicola’s presentations are known for their engaging, insightful, and forward-thinking approach. She has a talent for breaking down complex cultural trends into digestible, actionable insights that audiences can immediately apply to their own strategies. Whether addressing executives, marketers, or creatives, Nicola ensures that her content is both relevant and thought-provoking.
Her ability to highlight the importance of cultural relevance and authenticity in branding makes her a standout choice for conferences, corporate summits, and industry panels. She tailors her content to suit the needs of each audience, ensuring that event organizers receive a customized experience that aligns with their specific objectives. With a keen eye on the future, Nicola provides event attendees with a fresh perspective on how global and local trends converge to shape consumer landscapes.
Nicola Cooper is a highly respected cultural strategist and trend analyst, renowned for her expertise in African markets, consumer behavior, and brand positioning. As the founder of Nicola Cooper & Associates, she has helped businesses navigate cultural shifts and integrate meaningful, locally relevant strategies. Her thought leadership and research-backed insights make her a sought-after speaker for industry events, where she delivers engaging and transformative presentations.
With her unique ability to blend academic knowledge with real-world applications, Nicola is an essential voice for businesses aiming to connect authentically with African audiences. Event planners looking for an authoritative and compelling speaker will find her to be a game-changing addition to their lineup.
Hashtags: #CulturalStrategy #TrendAnalysis #AfricanMarkets #ConsumerBehavior #BrandStrategy #Glocalization #Innovation #KeynoteSpeaker #MarketingInsights #FutureOfBusiness
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Durban-born singer/ songwriter Natalie Rungan is a popular performer in Jazz and Gospel circles, who graduated from the University of Natal with a Masters in Music. She taught jazz vocals at the University of Natal for seven years in the jazz studies programme.
Her smooth vocal styling honed by hours of tireless practice and superior knowledge of jazz saw her travel from Harare, Zimbabwe to Boston, New York, Germany, Scotland and Sweden as a student. Natalie recorded her second album “This is me” with South African Victor Masondo, featuring world-renowned saxophonist Gerald Albright and Kwaito star, Mandoza.
Natalie is invited to perform at numerous local and national events, festivals and corporates. She has a very special way with audiences that always leaves them astounded.
This was noted at the reception dinner for Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene, as well as her visit to Sydney, Australia, where she performed for a black tie charity ball, wowing audiences and winning new fans.
One of the greatest highlights was Natalie Rungan being invited to sing at the official memorial service for our nations father, Nelson Mandela in Soweto, alongside PJ Powers, Zahara, Danny K, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sibongile Kumalo, Ernie Smith, Abigail Kubekha,
She has performed with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra on several occasions, alongside Loyiso Bala, Toya Delazy and Melanie Lowe.
This industrious singer songwriter now has four albums under her belt, having written, produced and arranged her last two, “Heart Aflame & Grace is shouting out”.
Both albums have received considerable success, with songs being used on Isidingo as well being playlisted on local radio stations. In addition to this Natalie is in the process of starting her Phd in Music Education, specialising in music therapy.
Natalie’s solo career b egan with the NU Afro Jazz Band headed by Prof. Darius Brubeck in 1998. Her smooth vocal styling honed by hours of tireless practice and superior knowledge of Jazz saw her travel from Harare, Zimbabwe to Boston, USA.
In New York, Natalie Rungan jammed with greats like Larry Ridley, Brian Steele and Michael Rossi.In Scotland, while visiting the University of Strathclyde with South African stalwarts Melvin Peters, Concord Nkabinde, Mageshen Naidoo and Bernard Ayisa, Natalie was warmly received in local Jazz clubs. Natalie was also afforded the opportunity to perform for the presidential dinner of former South African president, Thabo Mbeki.
This industrious singer songwriter now has seven albums under her belt, having written, produced and arranged “Heart Aflame”, “Grace is shouting out”, “One Heart”, and “Caught in the middle” which features Neil Gonsalves (keyboards), Bruce Baker (drums) and Talent Mbatha (bass).
This live album recording has 8 brand new songs, which were written, arranged and produced by Natalie Rungan.
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Voodoo Child – Conference Entertainers is a young dynamic energetic 5-piece band, which came together in 2004, consisting of SA’s most talented young musicians promises to deliver an eclectic array of sounds, as well as a thrilling show.
Alongside with their own compositions, Voodoo Child put a cutting edge on covers. Ranging from Classics such as: Radar Love, Roxanne and Living on a Prayer, with current hits, such as: This Love (Maroon 5), Are you gonna be my Girl (Jet).
Lebo (Vocals) – is an absolutely explosive entertainer with a voice not many can compare to. Stemming from Welkom, Lebo was an instant hit on the Barnyard theatre circuit performing for two years all over SA in productions such as Forever Young, Johnny Plays Guitar and 70s Revolution.
Has also performed in various corporate shows and recording sessions.
Al (keyboards) – Al studied music & sound engineering at the national school of the arts (NSA).
As a highly skilled pianist and vocalist Al performed in Dubai for one year he returned to SA to perform as Jerry Lewis in Richard Lorings “That’ll be the day” (Buddy Holly story) he is currently a lead actor on the popular E-tv series Backstage.
Brendon Gold (guitars) – Also studied music & sound engineering at NSA. Brendon produced and directed his first show Flashback, which staged at barnyard theatre in 2001. He later performed as the guitarist in Barnyards Forever Young.
After performing in Hilton Al Ain, he returned to SA and was cast as the 4th cricket in Richard Loring’s “That’ll be the day”.
Fuzz (bass guitar) – Fuzz is a highly skilled and creative bass player, self trained, he has played in many bands such as Voyeur and battle of the bands winners Born Itchy.
Fuzz truly brings a stage performance to life with his unique stage personality and driving bass lines making him an instant hit with audiences and an asset to musicians.
Travis (Drums) – Whilst studying music at the NSA Travis played in the popular original band Pyramid Tounge amongst free-lancing for the corporate drumming group 1st Project.
He later traveled to the UK where he was signed to the group Plastic Dream; he is also a popular drum teacher.
Watch this band people – they already have tons of airplay with their single “Plain Jane”. This band is going places in big way!
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With their mischievous rock sound, Lonehill Estate shows are riddled with humorous anecdotes and eye-twitchingly good music. The band has achieved much in recent years.
Lonehill Estate (Nathan Ro, David Waugh, Sunshine D and Mark van den Berg) is one of the top live performing bands in South Africa.
With their mischievous rock sound, their shows are riddled with humorous anecdotes and eye-twitchingly good music. The band has achieved much in recent years.
The band burst onto radio in 2005 with hit singles “Girl On A Roof” and “Skyward” dominating the airwaves.
The band did however get to perform alongside Muse, Korn, Good Charlotte and 30 Seconds to Mars at the 2008 My Coke Fest that same year.)
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