M-Net's extravagant Galaxy of the Stars gala will see the TV industry's biggest names - celebrities and on-air talent as well as the industry's power brokers behind the scenes making television - all converge for one night at Gallagher Estate to celebrate 28 years of the pay-TV broadcaster's legacy - as well as its future.
TV with Thinus asked M-Net two weeks ago about Galaxy of the Stars and now the pay-TV broadcaster is responding with a press statement, confirming that it will indeed be taking place on 26 July.
The Galaxy of the Stars which will be broadcast on television, will feature big-name musicians doing unique collaborations as the exclusive guest list lift champagne glasses, tuck away at a dazzling menu, hobnob with television's powerful and beautiful, and look back at M-Net's history and contribution to the South African television and entertainment industry - but also towards its future.
Galaxy of the Stars taking place on 26 July will be like the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) - just done bigger and better.
TV with Thinus can be first to report that Idols judge Unathi Msengana and film and TV legend John Kani will co-present Galaxy of the Stars.
I can reveal that the star-studded night will include appearances by Johnny Clegg and Hugh Masekela, Mafikizolo, the entire Isibaya cast, Zakes Bantwini, Zahara, Khaya Mthethwa, Steve Kekana, Ali Katt, Kabelo, Winnie Khumalo, ProVerb, Siyabonga Twala, as well as talent from Mzansi Magic's Clash of the Choirs from this year.
Galaxy of the Stars on M-Net will be a made-for-television event that will be broadcast on M-Net (DStv 101) on 09 August at 14:00 and Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) on the same day at 21:30.
"The Galaxy of the Stars will showcase and celebrate this continued investment. It promises to be the biggest, most magical celebration yet seen in South Africa," says Yolisa Phahle, the CEO of M-Net South Africa.
Galaxy of the Stars will be the biggest single celebration South African television has ever seen - bigger than M-Net's 25th birthday bash in 2011 and bigger than the SABC's grand relaunch of its three TV channels, SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3 in 1996 when the public broadcaster splashed out on an Air Force hangar.
Sources tell TV with Thinus the guest list is "extremely exclusive".
"Absolutely nobody is getting in who hasn't made a real, tangible and worthwhile contribution to M-Net and its growth in television. This golden ticket to a night of thrilling entertainment, stars and mega surprises is going to be harder to get than a Golden Ticket in Idols," says a source.
"If there's one night where anyone who's anyone will want to be its Galaxy of the Stars," says another.
"South Africa will never see anything like this again. It's a celebration of the world of television and what M-Net has created and continues to invest in, not just the possibilities of better television and better entertainment in the 27 years passed but what M-Net plans to do in the future in investing in supporting and fostering tomorrow's TV talent".
