Johannesburg, South Africa – 10.03.2012 –

The Mr Gay World 2012 Johannesburg organisers have invited members of the public to join the delegates from 25 countries who will sweat it out in a sports challenge at The Fairway Hotel & Spa (www.thefairway.co.za) on the Randpark Golf Course which will end with a race to the finish in the pool – a triathlon meets ‘Gay Survivor’ – at 9 am on Friday, 6 April 9 (a public holiday in South Africa).

The delegates will be in different teams and will do a time trial to solve challenges, race against other groups and swim to the winning line. A winning team will be appointed as well as an overall winner who  will be the winner of the Mr Gay World Sport title.

The sport will end at 12 noon where after the delegates will mingle with the public and all join in a sumptuous 5 star lunch buffet from 1 pm, sponsored by worldOutgames Antwerp 2013, who will have a delegation attending Mr Gay World 2012.

There will be a cash bar available.

THERE ARE ONLY 30 PLACES LEFT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO LIMITED SPACE.

COST: Including full lunch buffet: R195 pp. Max. 30 persons.

Book here: coeniek@mrgsa.co.za  with “Sport” in the header and the number of guests – tickets payable with booking on a first come first serve basis.

RIGHT OF ADMISSION RESERVED.

For more, see the websites www.mrgayworld.org and www.mrgsa.co.za and for online bookings for the Grand Finale hosted by Soli Philander and Cathy Specific on 8 April at 8 pm at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, Jhb see  http://online.computicket.com/web/event/mr_gay_world_2012_grand_finale/477720853/referer:-highlights-index-2-0-2012_04_08-grid-

Twitter: @mgworg

ENDS

Contact:
Media: Coenie Kukkuk 0837329478 coeniek@mrgsa.co.za
Sponsors and advertisers: John-Louis O’Neil 0833479570 john@mrgsa.co.za

Drawn up by:
Coenie Kukkuk, Operations Director, Mr. Gay South Africa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o_ffXmQQbA

Johannesburg, South Africa – 26.02.2012 –

The Mr Gay World Organisation has announced that Taurai Zhanje, the delegate from Zimbabwe has withdrawn from the competition due to ‘personal reasons’.

The Director for Africa, Coenie Kukkuk said: “We are sad to loose Taurai, but in Africa, the personal sacrifice for gay and human rights is sometimes too much to expect from people. Taurai already made a very brave stand against the oppression of the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and intersex persons and we have to respect his decision. We wish him and his family only the best for the future.”

Kukkuk said that they will explore all avenues to find another country from Africa to take Zimbabwe’s place, but that the general political climate in Africa is not conducive to LGBTI rights being recognised and that it will be very difficult to do so.

Recently, at an African Union summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has urged African leaders to respect gay rights.

The Mr Gay World competition is defined as an annual contest for gay men, seeking to establish ambassadors for LGBT and human rights, with winners of national contests competing as delegates in a variety of categories. It is not a beauty contest and there is no age limit. This competition is the most publicized gay contest in the world and unashamedly uses the attention it garners to focus attention on the plight of LGBTI people worldwide, with the focus in 2012 being on African LGBTIs specifically. The delegate chosen to represent his peers on a global stage will not only have the inner beauty of confidence, self assurance, charisma and natural leadership abilities but he will also take care in his outward appearance. He will also have knowledge of LGBTI general history and recent news.

The competition is set to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 4 to 8 April 2012.

For more, see the websites www.mrgayworld.org and www.mrgsa.co.za and for online bookings for the Grand Finale see  http://online.computicket.com/web/event/mr_gay_world_2012_grand_finale/477720853/referer:-highlights-index-2-0-2012_04_08-grid-

ENDS

Russian pop superstar Kamaliya is set to unleash her dance floor filler ‘Rising Up’. We caught up with her to find out more about the insanely hot guy in her music video, her girl crush, touring with Steps, and being front and centre at this year’s Mr. Gay World!

Tell us a bit about your new track ‘Rising Up’ – what can we expect?
‘Rising Up’ is a very upbeat, sexy and fun song – definitely one of my favourites – so I’m very excited about it being released here in the UK. I love going to clubs and dancing, and I think that ‘Rising Up’ is the perfect club song to dance the night away to!

What are you most proud of about the track?
I think the arrangement that the mixers have built around a song I love is absolutely fantastic. Cahill and Soulseekerz have done an amazing job. The live performance for ‘Rising Up’ that we have put together will hopefully blow you guys away!

“I never give up and always work very, very hard. Nobody else is going to make your dreams come true but you!”

We love the video – who’s the hot guy in it?!
Thank you very much! The hot guy is James McDonald. Apart from the obvious fact that he is simply gorgeous, he was a real pleasure to work with and a real gentleman. He has a great sense of humour and we had so much fun making the video. He’s also very laid back so it was easy working together.

So, when did you first realise you could really sing?
I’ve been singing since the age of three! I was in children’s ensembles, taking opera lessons and, when I got older, I turned to popular music. Singing has always been an important part of my life and has helped me get through some difficult times.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
This might sound a bit cheesy, but it’s, ‘Don’t be afraid of hard work’. I actually listened to this piece of advice, so I never give up and always work very, very hard. Nobody else is going to make your dreams come true but you!

You’re also about to star in What About Love with Andy Garcia and Sharon Stone – tell us more!
I am so excited about working on this movie. It was supposed to be my Hollywood debut, but because of delays we will start shooting in May 2012, so instead my Hollywood debut was in Officer Down, starring James Woods and Stephen Dorff. It was an amazing experience and I enjoyed it immensely. I am so looking forward to shooting What About Love, I’m sure it will be very nerve wrecking and challenging, but I’m ready for it!

‘Rising Up’ is set to be big in the gay clubs – do you go out to gay clubs much yourself?
Of course, I absolutely love them and always have the best time!

“Live life large!”

You’re headlining Mr. Gay World in South Africa soon – what qualities would a man have to have if you were judging the competition?
A nice smile is a deal breaker for me. I’m also very outgoing, so I love people who are sociable and ready to have a good time. I like people who are active and live life to the fullest. I’m also involved in many charities, so I can relate to people who are concerned with issues like the environment and animal rights.

Who’s your girl crush?
Kylie Minogue! She’s amazing – the way she sings, acts, gigs and dresses. Her shows are absolutely phenomenal.

What’s your favourite piece of clothing?
I would have to say shoes. I am obsessed! I don’t even know how many pairs I have but I love them all and I think that they can bring any outfit to life. A good stiletto makes you feel like a million dollars!

You’re about to tour with Steps – can you give us any hints about what to expect from your performance?!
I am so excited about this upcoming tour! I can’t wait to get up on that stage. As far as the performance goes, well, you’ll just have to come and see it for yourselves! We’ve been working very hard on the whole thing – choreography, dancers, props – so hopefully it will be special.

Anything to add?
Live life large!

‘Rising Up’, the new single from Kamaliya, is released on 26 February 2012. Find out more at www.facebook.com/KamaliyaMusic.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=T-mkFEHxsxs

Source: http://www.gaydarradio.com/music/interviews/2012/2/kamaliya.html

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2012

 PUBLIC:

PUBLIC ENTRANCE IS ALLOWED AT ALL EVENING EVENTS FROM THURSDAY 5 APR., & DAYTIME: THE VISITS TO MAROPENG, LESEDI AND APARTHEID MUSEUM AS WELL AS THE SPORTS CHALLENGE ON FRIDAY MORNING. THE PUBLIC CAN SPEND EASTER 2012 WITH MR GAY WORLD.

PRESS:

PLEASE NOTE PRESS CONFERENCE WED 4 APR AT 12H45 AT THE FAIRWAY – SEE www.thefairway.co.za . Accreditation for Grand Finale – write to coeniek@mrgsa.co.za with ‘press accreditation’ in the header.

DELEGATES AND JUDGES:

Full programme below. NO late showing up please. Breakfast complimentary every day at 8 am unless otherwise indicated – included for all in comp stays in villas: delegates, judges, one producer per country plus guest. Lights out each evening at midnight J. (The most important times to show up have been highlighted).

PROGRAMME:

Tue 3 Apr:

8 am: Some delegates, producers, judges and visitors start arriving at OR Tambo International, Johannesburg. Transport to The Fairway Hotel by MGW – look out for Mr GW desk upon arrivals in arrival hall.

Book into hotel for duration of stay (see www.thefairway.co.za) . (Free time)

7.30 pm Dinner: (own, not supplied). (Free time)

Wed 4 Apr: OFFICIAL PROGRAMME STARTS:

Day:

8 am – 9 am: Breakfast

9 am: Free time.

12h00: Latest arrivals in SA before 12 noon, pick up last delegates at airport as they arrive, drop off of luggage at Fairway Hotel.

Judges & delegates: Keep overnight bag for trip to Askari Lodge (jacket, set of summer clothes & sandals/flip flops & toiletries including sunblock and sunglasses).

 12 – 12.45 pm:  Lunch: (own).

12. 45 pm – PRESS CONFERENCE 

 2 pm: ONLY delegates, judges and directors: Transport to Askari Lodge (2 hr drive) See http://www.askarilodge.co.za/  (overnight bag only).

4.30 pm: Game Drive by game rangers in safari vehicles. Environmental Challenge – tested on new knowledge gained from rangers as well as LGBTI general knowledge & history after dinner (written).
Night:

6 pm: Meet & greet and orientation of events, room allocations etc. Judging, rules and Grand Finale explained.

7.30 pm: Traditional Dinner (Mr GSA sponsored and supplied). ‘Boma’ social.

 9 pm: Fitting of formal wear in batches of 3. Rest – free time.

Thu 5 Apr:

Day:

Askari Lodge:

8 am – 9 am: Breakfast  (Visitors may join at Askari for breakfast – please book at Asakari).

9 am: Elephant Experience. (Visitors may join at Askari – please book at Asakari).

12 am: Leave for Maropeng (http://www.maropeng.co.za/ ) and Lesedi Village Cultural Experience (http://www.lesedi.com/ ). Free entry to MGW group excl. visitors.

1 – 2 pm: Lunch packet for travel supplied by Askari.

4 pm: Back to Fairway hotel, check in etc. those who have not yet checked into rooms. Free time.

(At Fairway Hotel for rest of the competition).

Night:

6.30 pm Dinner at Melon Restaurant, Melville (sponsored for delegates, judges & directors) (Producers & visitors may join – book with restaurant here: melonlounge@mweb.co.za ). Open to Public.

9 pm:  Drive to Pretoria to Plum Nightclub for social.  Entry free for all MGW group excluding visitors. Public: R80. Hill street, Arcadia.

Fri 6 Apr: (Public Holiday)

Day:

8 am – 9 am: Breakfast

9 am – 12 am:  Sports Challenge at Fairway Hotel (“Survivor”-type event). Open to public – book here: coeniek@mrgsa.co.za with “Sport” in the header. (Visitors may join. Cost: Including full lunch buffet: R195 pp. Max. 40.

12 noon: Meet fans at swimming pool, relax

1 pm: Buffet lunch (supplied for delegates, producers, judges & directors). Rest: R275 – max 40.

2 – 7 pm: Panel Interview with judges.

NB: Delegates NOT interviewed: Lexus photo shoot.
Night:

7.30 pm: Dinner @ Fairway (not supplied). Open to Public. Book through Fairway.

9 pm: Leave for Babylon the Bar for social. Open to Public.

Sat: 7 Apr:

Day:

8 am – 9 am: Breakfast

9 am: Leave for Cultural Experience: Apartheid Museum (Gold Reef City). Free entry to MGW group excl. visitors. Open to Public. No need to book. Entry R55 pp.

12 am: Outreach Children’s Charity

1 – 2 pm: Lunch Fairway (not supplied)

2 pm: Free time

3 – 6 pm: Meet choreographer and explanation of Grand Finale (Fairway). First rehearsals.
Night:

7 pm: Official Charity Auction & Dinner (supplied), Fairway Hotel (sponsors invited). Dress: Smart (no jeans). Open to public – book here: coeniek@mrgsa.co.za with “Dinner” in the header. Cost: R275 pp, max 40.

Sun: 8 Apr:

Day:

8 am – 9 am: Breakfast

9 am:  Leave for rehearsals The Lyric Theatre

10 am – 1 pm: Rehearsals

1 – 2 pm: Lunch (supplied)

2 – 5 pm: Rehearsals

Night:

6 pm: Dinner (supplied)

7 pm: Dress for first scene

8 pm: Grand Finale, The Lyric

Mon: 9 Apr: (Public Holiday)

Day:

Free time

11 am: Winner’s Brunch (not supplied)

Some delegates to airport depending on flights.

Night:  Prepare for Cape Town, Free time

Tuesday: 10 Apr:
8 am – 9 am: Breakfast

Winner, delegates & directors to airport to leave for home or after-event in Cape Town.

Tuesday: 10 Apr – Sat 14 Apr: After-event in Cape Town

 Taj Hotel. See http://www.tajhotels.com/luxury/City-Hotels/Taj-Cape-Town-Cape-Town/Overview.html (Winner & directors – complimentary incl. breakfast).

Optional Hotel: Protea Victoria Junction: Visitors to book there: http://protea-victoria-junction.h-rez.com/index.htm?lbl=ggl-en&cid=334649

Sat 14 Apr.

 Return to Jhb for connecting flights to home country.