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Manteca is Durban’s hot Afro-Caribbean Salsa band. The Band has been moving hips and lighting up dance floors around the various salsa and live music venues in KZN and JHB since 2009.
The band is currently an 8 piece line up consisting: Raul Vasquez (a bona fide Salsa Dance Champion and instructor) on male vocals, Nosihe Zulu on female vocals, Avikaar Maney on Alto sax, Johan van der Molen on Tenor sax, Daniel Sheldon on Trumpet, Alberto Chemane on percussion/kit, Monks Legget on Bass and Avinash Maney on keys and Guitar.
Our repertoire includes some traditional and folkloric Afro Caribbean songs (Anabacoa, RanKanKan, La Esencia del Guaguanco) as well as some more contemporary tunes (Havana, Despacito, All of Me) and some Latin favorites (Oye Como Va, Labamba, Guantanamera) and some Latin versions of our own South African favorites (Pata Pata, Ntjilo Ntjilo, Meadowlands).
We have a crew of Salsa dancers that can be brought in to share and activate your Dance floor as well as some professional Dancers who can lead your guests in a fun and interactive Salsa line dance (a fantastic ice breaker) and do some dance Demo features and even lead a class on the beginner steps of Salsa.
The band has evolved over the years varying between a 13 piece and an 8 piece line up featuring a culturally diverse array of individuals with a passion for the intense rhythmically charged art form of Afro Caribbean music (a fusion itself of European classical and African musical traditions).
Durban’s hot-blooded, authentic, cooking Afro Cuban Salsa Band. Continuing the evolution and journey of Salsa and making it a part of Durbans Rich Cultural identity.
The band has over its existence featured at many corporate, cultural and sport events with even a favorably reviewed show at the local Rhumbelow Theatre.
Manteca (meaning Fat or Grease) loves fusing ideas of Music, Dance, Art, Architecture, Culture and Fashion (even inspiring a range of “Manteca Shirts” by Designer KMK).
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The Afro Divas are one of the most exciting and versatile groups in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Keeping it in the family with their strong lead vocals and fabulous harmonies, this spectacular vocal trio consists of sisters Yolanda Cenge, Khutala Cenge and Ntombi Cenge.
Career highlights include performing at the Dubai International Jazz Festival, at the 2014 Common Wealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and in Tanzania for a South African Day.
They have shared stages with superstars such as Hugh Masekela, Phuzekhemisi, Mahotella Queens, Freshlyground, Rod Stewart and Mi Casa, and they have worked with Vicky Sampson as backing vocalists.
The trio has been selected to represent KwaZulu Natal for a South African arts and Development Agency sponsored by the Department of Arts and Culture, the National Lottery and 999 Music.
They have also released a single titled “Africa Unite”. In October 2015 Philani Ngidi and the Afro divas travelled to Mozambique connecting Durban and Maputo through music In association with Concerts SA with the main aim being to encourage unity between the African countries by collaborating with great artists from Mozambique.
Covering genres from African Jazz, Afro Pop and Pop music, to contemporary and Afro Soul Music, they have appeared at numbers Jazz festivals, corporate functions and team building events.
Highlights performing for the The Chef Awards, Mayoral Awards, The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gala Dinner at the Durban I.C.C, South African Common Wealth Games Launch at Hilton ,The BRICS events, for the President at the D.T.I Gala Dinner in Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg and for Oude Meester where Jamie Fox was the keynote speaker, the World Forestry Congress S.A.B Gala dinner and other corporate events.
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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.
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