TV presenter Lalla Hirayama gets restraining order against her allegedly abusive father.

Lalla Hirayama got an urgent temporary protection order against her allegedly abusive father who will have to appear in court later in September to argue why the restraining order shouldn't be made permanent after he allegedly tried to derail the TV presenter's career and was abusive to her mother and grandfather.

The Sunday World newspaper first reported about the interim restraining order that the presenter of V-Entertainment of M-Net's VUZU (DStv 116) applied for at the Randburg magistrate's court.

The protection order was granted after her estranged dad, Lance Cooper tried to allegedly derail Lalla Hirayama's career, and verbally threatened her mother and her colleagues.

He allegedly also threatened to break down a door when he showed up at her Randburg house on 2 September where she lives with her mother and her 97-year old grandfather and threatened to break down a door if not let inside.

Lance Cooper allegedly continued to harass the family, and allegedly threatened to prevent Lalla Hirayama to leave South Africa as part of her career to cover the upcoming 2019 Rugby World Cup tournament with SuperSport in Japan.

Lalla Hirayama has now safely travelled to Japan. On 11 September on social media she posted a photo on Twitter showing that she had arrived in Nippon, saying "There's a lot going on but it's time to work".

It comes after she earlier said on 9 September that "it comes at a time when getting away from a dangerous personal situation at home is also a big blessing. I have been fortunate to take my mother with me, to ensure that she is safe" and that "Restraining orders are unfortunately only pieces of paper, at the end of the day".

An arrest warrant was also issued for Lance Cooper but was suspended on the condition that he doesn't violate the restraining order. Lalla Hirayama asked the court to stop her father from stalking her, damaging property, from coming to her workplace, or phoning her or her family or contacting them on social media.

In court papers Lalla Hirayama said "My father is known to consistently carry weapons such as knives, blades, axes, daggers and knuckle dusters on his person and has expressed his desires and consistent attempts to acquire a gun", with the presenter who asked that the police seize all weapons from him.

SuperSport signs new 3-year deal to broadcast Durban July horse race across Africa, Saturday's coverage to be anchored by presenters Neil Andres, Lalla Hirayama and Kriya Gangiah.

SuperSport has signed a new 3-year contract to keep broadcasting the Durban July horse race in South Africa in the country and across Africa and will do this coming weekend on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform.

"SuperSport is honoured to have concluded this deal, which will see both parties gain tremendously. We gain a new audience while affording the event a continent-wide reach," says Gideon Khobane, SuperSport CEO.

SuperSport's coverage of Saturday's Durban July 2018 will be a 3-hour broadcast on SuperSport 4 (DStv 204) starting at 13:30 with a 5-minute build-up from the venue anchored by horse racing aficionado and SuperSport presenter Neil Andrews, with four-time Durban July winner and two-time South African champion jockey Anthony Delpech as his studio guest.

Saturday's first race of the day is the DStv Gold Vase race that will be shown on SuperSport 4 and SuperSport Blitz at 13:35.

The coverage will take a break immediately after the DStv Gold Vase race and resume at 14:30 with presenters Lalla Hirayama and Kriya Gangiah doing fashion and entertainment coverage from the Durban July.

The Durban July 2018's main race on Saturday will start at 16:20 and be broadcast live on SuperSport 10 (DStv 210).

2018 OSCARS - HOW, WHAT & WHERE TO WATCH. Your comprehensive TV guide to watch The 90th Academy Awards and all the various red carpet lead-up programming.

The 90th Annual Academy Awards, known as the Oscars, is taking place tonight in Hollywood, marking the end of the 2018 awards season - here's your comprehensive TV guide on exactly how, the channels, and the times, where you can watch the show as well as the surrounding red carpet coverage.

Two things are important to note - firstly, E! for a 3rd year in a row will again not have any red carpet coverage during the last hour of red carpet arrivals since those rights belong to the ABC network in America, so you need to switch to M-Net Movies Premiere.

Secondly South Africa's Lalla Hirayama is at the red carpet for a M-Net Movies Premiere TV special that will be broadcast on Monday night. It marks the first time in history that a South African TV reporter is doing red carpet duty at the Oscars carpet, and the first time South Africa will have its own red carpet Oscars TV special.

Here's your must-know rundown TV guide list:


Countdown to the Red Carpet: The 2018 Academy Awards 
▪ Sunday 4 March 22:00 - 00:00 (LIVE) E! (DStv 124)
E!'s early Oscars coverage with early arrivals, trivia, banter, fashion lookbacks and possible fashion suggestions.

This show is done by presenters Kristin Cavallari, Brad Goreski and Josh Horowitz, along with E! correspondents Kristin Dos Santos, Zuri Hall, Jason Kennedy, Erin Lim, Nina Parker and Morgan Stewart.

It will include a performance by Fifth Harmony’s Ally Brooke and the Olympic athlete Gus Kenworthy will make an appearance.


Live From the Red Carpet: 2018 Academy Awards
▪ Monday 5 March 00:00 - 02:00 (LIVE) E! (DStv 124)
Giuliana Rancic and Ryan Seacrest will take turns to interview the stars arriving on the red carpet for the Oscars, along with coverage from Kristin Dos Santos, Zuri Hall and Josh Horowitz, celebrity stylist Jason Bolden, and Elaine Welteroth, the former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue.

With Hollywood dealing with the #MeToo movement in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, issues like equal pay that has involved E! itself, and with controversy swirling around Ryan Seacrest himself over allegations of sexual harassment that isn't going away, this is the 2 hour coverage where there might be awkward moments if there were to be any.

Stars might call out E! live on TV or Ryan Seacrest, or there might be celebrities who refuse to talk to him after publicists earlier this week said they will advise their celebrity clients to rather steer clear this year and not talk to him, but to rather talk to Giuliana.


The Oscars: All Access
▪ Monday 5 March 01:30 (LIVE) Facebook
Facebook will again be the exclusive social network to live stream the Oscars red carpet and backstage coverage. This show also will be live-streamed on Oscar.com.

Returning as presenters are Sofia Carson, Chris Connelly, Ben Lyons and Adnan Virk, joined by newcomer Wesam Keesh.

The Facebook show will incorporate footage from more than 20 cameras placed along the red carpet, backstage and in the audience at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

This show will have red carpet interviews with nominees, presenters, and performers, as well as a glimpse backstage and from the audience throughout the live Oscars broadcast. This second screen experience excludes the official TV awards show broadcast, so be sure to use it to enhance your viewing experience, not replace it.


Red Carpet Rundown: Oscars 2018
▪ Monday 5 March 02:00 - 03:00 (LIVE) E! (DStv 124)
E! continues its Oscars build-up coverage with this hour long filler show until the awards show starts. Guiliana Rancic and Ryan Seacrest remain close to the red carpet but can no longer do live interviews, show live shots of arrivals, or be on TV and be seen at the red carpet during the final hour. In this show, using still photos, they look "back" at this year's Oscar looks of the stars who've already arrived.

Viewers need to note that for a 3rd year in a row E! isn't actually showing any live or otherwise red carpet coverage during this last hour before the Oscars and neither are any other broadcasters. For that you need to switch to M-Net Movies Premiere.

Broadcasters are allowed to record for later, but the live broadcasting rights for the last and most important red carpet arrival time has been given to the official broadcaster, in this case ABC. Viewers can switch over to M-Net Movies Premiere that has this live red carpet coverage programme from 01:30.


Oscars Opening Ceremony: Live from the Red Carpet
▪ Monday 5 March 01:30 - 03:00 (LIVE) M-Net Movies Premiere (DStv 104)
Exclusive coverage with access to the red carpet in the final hour leading up to the awards show.

The presenters of this 90 minute special are Michael Strahan, The Goldbergs’ Wendi McLendon-Covey, The View co-host Sara Haines, Vanity Fair executive West Coast editor Krista Smith and IMDb special correspondent Dave Karger.


90th Annual Academy Awards
▪ Monday 5 March 03:00 - 07:20 (LIVE) M-Net Movies (DStv 104)
▪ Monday 5 March 21:00 - 00:25 M-Net (DStv 101)
There's absolutely nothing - nothing - that Hollywood loves more than a good Hollywood ending.
Therefore, after last year's blooper when Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were given the wrong envelope for the final Best Picture category, both have been asked back for a redo and will again appear on stage at the end.

The accountants were fired but Warren and Faye aren't the only ones who'll be back. The show producers Jennifer Todd and Michael De Luca are back as well, as is Jimmy Kimmel as the host.

The M-Net Movies Oscars: Red Carpet Special 
▪ Monday 5 March 20:30 - 21:00 M-Net Movies Premiere (DStv 104)
Produced by HomeBrew Films for M-Net Movies, Lalla Hirayama is next to the red carpet for this recorded half hour Oscars special.

Whether you've watched the Oscars live at 03:00 on Monday morning or are going to watch the recorded version during prime time, this show will serve as an excellent close-out or lead-in show companion piece to the awards ceremony.

What makes it notable is that this show marks the first time that a South Africa entertainment TV reporter got a spot at the Oscars red carpet, with the first TV special done from there for this awards show.

Spare a thought for the daunting and amazing logistics behind-the-scenes. Interview footage is uploaded and sent to Cape Town where it will be quickly edited to package, and then to MultiChoice in Johannesburg from where it's will be broadcast on M-Net Movies Premiere.

E! News 2018 Oscars wrap-up
▪ Tuesday 6 March 19:05 E! (DStv 124)
Tuesday's edition of E! News with Jason Kennedy will as usual be a special comprehensive Oscars look-back episode with the notable news, interviews and fashions from this year's awards show.

M-Net Movies' Lalla Hirayama doing 90th Oscars red carpet coverage, M-Net Movies Oscars: Red Carpet Special to be shown on M-Net Movies Premiere on DStv.

Lalla Hirayama and M-Net's M-Net Movies channel cluster brand will be alongside the red carpet of the 90th Academy Awards when the Oscars takes place at the Dolby Theatre on 4 March.

M-Net Movies got accreditation from The Academy of Motion Pictures and Science for a red carpet spot.

"This is quite a feat," says Lani Lombard, M-Net channels head of publicity.

"You can imagine how broadcasters around the world are trying their luck each year to be part of this prestigious event. It’s a dream come true for M-Net Movies and Lalla Hirayama and the team will be pulling out all the stops to represent our viewers and stand out from the crowd".

The M-Net Movies Oscars: Red Carpet Special with Lalla Hirayama will be broadcast on M-Net Movies Premiere (DStv 104) at 20:30 leading into The 90th Academy Awards at 21:00 on M-Net (DStv 101). 

"This has to be the highlight of my entire career," says Lalla Hirayama. "I'm so grateful to be given the opportunity to represent South Africa for the first time in Oscar history. There’s a lot of work to do leading up to 4 March but I’m ready to take it on by the horns."

"We have the most incredible team put together to ensure we deliverer the best South African content straight from the most prestigious red carpet event of the year. I hope I can make SA and M-Net Movies proud," says Lalla Hirayama.

TOLDJA! M-Net rejigs the revamped V-Entertainment as a once-a-week, Friday-only show on VUZU AMP; adds new weekly music show, Massive Music.

M-Net is rejigging V-Entertainment and will bring it back after a month's on-air absence as a once-a-week, Friday-only show on VUZU AMP and also adding a new weekly music show, Massive Music on Fridays on Mzansi Magic.

At the end of June M-Net abruptly ended the weekday entertainment magazine show V-Entertainment on VUZU AMP and Vuzu after 8 years on the air and said the show isn't cancelled but no longer properly speaking to its audience and needs to evolve.

According to M-Net the reworked V-Entertainment on VUZU AMP (DStv 103) will be a "fresher, more insightful and jam-packed production".

Exactly as insiders told TVwithThinus at the end of June, V-Entertainment is returning in August as a once-a-week episode.

Instead of the gaggle of youth presenters, the revamped V-Entertainment will return on 4 August at 19:00 to VUZU AMP and will now be presented by the older-skewing Somizi Mhlongo who is also an Idols judge on sister channel Mzansi Magic.

Somizi Mhlongo will co-present with two of the former V-Entertainment presenters who have been kept on - Nomuzi Mabena and Siyabonga "Scoop"Ngwekazi.

"We've revamped V-Entertainment to bring the viewers the best dose of entertainment news, in a more current version of the popular format," says Reneilwe Sema, M-Net's director of local entertainment channels.

To compete with e.tv's existing Friday evening music show Club 808, on 4 August a new music show, Massive Music, is added to the Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) schedule at 21:30 with presenters Lalla Hirayama and the YFM DJ Smash Africa.

The show will strictly keep to a rule of not doing "inserts" but to let artists speak in as unguarded as possible interviews.

M-Net says Massive Music will offer "artist interviews, captivating studio performances, and a weekly music chart" as a show where viewers will be able to "get the story behind the songs or albums across all genres".

"The show adheres to a strict 'no insert' policy, instead using the time to probe deeper into the artist's psyche for a more meaningful and richer interview experience, as well as allowing more room for top-notch performances."

"Each week will feature a hot seat segment, discussing all things music and creative.  Whether you're a jazz junkie, afropop fan, hip hop head, kwaito devotee, or house hound, Massive Music will cater to every music palette."

Reneilwe Sema says the aim is for Massive Music to "appeal to a broader base of music lovers, the content of which is sure to change Friday night viewing for good".

M-NET AT 30: M-Net celebrates 30 years as pay-TV broadcaster with special stars and Trevor Noah.

On Thursday night a phalanx of stars – from TV talent and media, to TV executives, politicians and musicians – from across the entire Africa showed up at pay-TV broadcaster M-Net's dazzling 30th birthday celebration.

Toasting with Moët & Chandon champagne as massive surround sound video walls replayed iconic M-Net nostalgia ranging from beloved yesteryear M-Net and SuperSport theme songs to modern day TV magic, guests inside the massive marquee tent at MultiChoice City in Randburg "ooh"-ed and "aah"-ed at three decades of unforgettable television entertainment.

Afropop star Claire Johnston from Mango Groove sang "Special Star" as guests tucked away at everything from smoked salmon trout and nordic shrimp to beef mignon with potatoes, followed by a dessert and cheese emporium.

Following a magical exhibition of M-Net highlights over the past 30 years in the MultiChoice City atrium, guests watched in delight as M-Net, that dug deep into its video vault archive, took attendees on a "remember that?" visual journey of sound and colour through its iconic programming of the past three decades.

Other performers included The Voice SA winner Richard Stirton, former Idols winner, Khaya Mthethwa, and The Voice SA coach Kahn Morbee of The Parlotones.

African songbird Lira, moved the audience with several songs including an emotional In Memorian tribute to all the people who've worked to bring the M-Net magic over the past 30 years and who had passed away as their names flashed across the giant screens.

'The magic is in the stories we tell'

The South African comedian Trevor Noah, now host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show, appeared in a recorded stand-up act throughout the night as a hologram projection and said M-Net didn't stop with just one TV channel when it launched in October 1986 "but thought about the whole African continent".

"M-Net is an African show, this is an African channel and they took it out there. And you've got different magic now – not just Mzansi Magic. You've got Maisha Magic Bongo, Maisha Magic and Africa Magic!"

Trevor Noah said while Americans have and know "ketchup" as tomato sauce, South Africans and Africans know and love DStv Catch Up – MultiChoice’s TV on demand video service.

"We’re going to be watching on our phones, we're going to be watching on our laptops. We don't even know what TV of the future will be. For all we know it's going to be on the inside of our eyes."

"But the most most important thing , and you know this if you're an African," said Trevor Noah, "is that the story will always remain the most important thing – and I'm glad that M-Net invest in the community and are producing the content that people really want to see. TV is merely a platform but the magic is in the stories that we tell."

Ferdinand Rabie, the first winner of Big Brother South Africa, told TVwithThinus that "I just want to thank M-Net who ensured that when I was a high school laaitie that M-Net always ensured that there was something to watch on a Sunday evening when you’re in school res after a wonderful weekend. And thanks for throwing me out there and giving exposure with Big Brother!"

Bob van Dijk, Naspers CEO said M-Net’s "profound success" wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the media and stakeholders without whom “M-Net could have never been what it is today”.

Yolisa Phahle, M-Net CEO said "M-Net is a proudly African company committed to telling the best international and African stories."

"But the company's greatest achievement is the remarkable and diverse group of people who bring this enduring brand to life in so many ways each day. To make real magic you have to believe in it, so thank you to everyone for choosing to believe."

'M-Net has helped to give Africa a different voice'

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, M-Net's regional director for West Africa, told TVwithThinus "congratulations M-Net, they've achieved a lot in three decades, investing in talent and telling African stories in a unique way".

"Local language is a big thing. My part of M-Net is looking after Africa. A lot in investment has gone into talent and building talent. We've got big shows like Tinsel going into its 10th season. It's a huge investment. M-Net has helped to give Africa a different voice; to help people see Africa in a different light."

"Africa isn't doom and gloom. There's tremendous talent in Africa and M-Net Africa helps to showcase the talent in front of and behind the screen and I’m personally so proud to work for M-Net and to manage the Africa Magic brand."

Lalla Hirayama, the face of M-Net Movies and presenter of Lalla Land said "Happy, happy birthday M-Net! You’re such an incredible force in African television the past three decades. To be part of a brand that’s delivered so much magic to the homes of South Africans is such an honour. God bless you and may we see another 60, 90 years of magic!”

Gideon Khobane, SuperSport CEO told TVwithThinus on Thursday night that “M-Net changed all our lives. When I was young we watched Open Time. Then we got a decoder. Then started working and got DStv. It’s been the pinnacle of entertainment”.

“I’ve worked at SABC and when I was there I said to myself one day I want to work at M-Net. And then I’ve been fortunate enough to work at M-Net. Now I’m at SuperSport and SuperSport was M-Net’s baby. So congratulation and all the best for another 30 years”.

The minister of communication Faith Muthambi said M-Net introduced reality TV with shows like Big Brother, Idols, Survivor SA. “The original channels and shows it created reflects the diversity of languages and tastes of viewers. M-Net has made a huge investment in talent and industry to create this magic.”

Nolo Letele, MultiChoice South Africa chairperson said “[in] 30 years of history M-Net hasn’t rested on their laurels. They continue to find new formats in broadcasting. They broadcast in local languages. And they invest substantially in local productions. May the magic never stop.”

12 DStv subscribers acting out their favourite movie scene can snag a week trip to Los Angeles and a walk-on role in M-Net Movies film, Greatest Movie Ever Made.

"I'll be back": Acting out and recording just a few seconds of a scene from any of the Terminator films, Top Gun, Toy Story, Batman, Rambo - literally any movie currently showing on any of the M-Net Movies channels on DStv could win 12 viewers the prize of flying to Los Angeles and starring in the short M-Net Movies film Greatest Movie Ever Made that will be filmed in South Africa.

If you have chest hair you can have ripped off shouting "Aaaah, Kelly Clarkson!" like in the funny chest waxing scene from The 40 Year Old Virgin, to Shrek, Jurassic Park, Star Trek or Julia Roberts conniving in My Best Friend's Wedding, 12 South African DStv subscribers can snag a week long trip to LA with a partner, as well as a walk-on role in a South African film.

Any scene from any film on any of the M-Net Movies channels on DStv, ranging from M-Net Movies Premiere (DStv 104), M-Net Movies Smile (DStv 105), M-Net Movies Action (DStv 106), M-Net Movies Showcase (DStv 107), M-Net Movies Action (DStv 110) to M-Net Movies All Stars (DStv 111) and M-Net Movies Zone (DStv 139) can be used to act out and record for the competition.

The closing date is Saturday 20 August at midnight.

Contestants older than 18 need to upload their short video to social media using the hashtag #MMGreatest on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and then fill out an entry form at www.mnet.tv to validate the entry within the first week of posting the video on social media.

A panel will pick the 24 best entries, with the public who will then vote from 23 August. The 12 contestants with the most votes will go to Los Angeles for a week and will be able to take a partner along.

In South Africa, the 12 will be included in Greatest Movie Ever Made filmed during the week of 26 September.

"You may just be acting opposite one of your favourite local stars and experience what it's really like behind-the-scenes on a movie shoot - even more reason to take part in the competition," says Lani Lombard, M-Net's head of publicity.

Rhythm City actor Jamie Bartlett replaces Lalla Hirayama as judge on the 7th season of SA's Got Talent on e.tv; Shado Twala, DJ Fresh both back.

Actor Jamie Bartlett is replacing Lalla Hirayama as a judge behind the table for the upcoming 7th season of the reality talent competition show SA's Got Talent on e.tv.

Jamie Barlett, most famous for his role as the evil puppet master character of David Genaro on the e.tv soap Rhythm City is replacing Lalla Hirayama after two seasons of the Rapid Blue produced show that will start on Sunday 4 September at 18:05 on e.tv.

Lalla Hirayama is too busy working across M-Net channels fronting shows like M-Net Movies' Lallaland.

Both Shado Twala and DJ Fresh will be back as judges together with Jamie Barlett, with comedian Mongesi "Mo" Mahlangu (Toll A$$ Mo) taking over as host from Tats Nkonzo.

In a statement Jamie Bartlett says  he's "ecstatic" about joining as a SA's Got Talent judge.

"SA's Got Talent is a true celebration of top, local talent across the spectrum. I'm very excited at the prospect of being able to serve the talent and the show in my role as a judge. Viewers tuning into SA's Got Talent will see the real me - not playing a character, but daring the talent to move me".

Marlon Davids, the acting managing director for e.tv's channels division says Jamie Bartlett's extensive professional experience in the South African theatre, film and television industries will stand him in good stead on SA's Got Talent.

"We can't wait to see what he has to say about the talent that will be on stage - we know he'll be honest and tough to impress".

Lalla Hirayama the new brand ambassador for M-Net Movies on DStv; will present new film magazine show, Lalla Land, weekly on M-Net Movies Premiere channel.

M-Net has announced that the V Entertainment presenter and SA's Got Talent judge on e.tv Lalla Hirayama is the new brand ambassador of the set of M-Net Movies channels on DStv.

Lalla Hirayama will from now on attend Hollywood movie junkets as her schedule allows and attend red carpet movie premieres internationally to interview film stars for a new film magazine show entitled Lalla Land.

Lalla Land will cover films similar to what presenter Nicole Fox did in The M-Net Movie Show for M-Net.

Lalla Land - a play on the moniker sometimes used for Los Angeles' Hollywood - will try to give DStv subscribers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of films as its screened on the various M-Net Movies channels.

Lalla Land will be broadcast on Sundays at 20:30 on M-Net Movies Premiere (DStv 103) channel just before each week's blockbuster film, and as "mini-sodes" across M-Net's nine movie channels. It will also be available online.

Lalla Hirayama already interviewed Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck of the Batman v. Superman film in London and the cast of the local South African film Happiness is a Four Letter Word at the film's South African premiere.

"This is an opportunity of a lifetime. I'm just so grateful I have been afforded to live out my dream and call this my job," says Lalla Hirayama. "I'm excited to bring Africa closer to their favourite Hollywood stars as well as as box office hits".

"We know that our viewers are a little obsessed with movies," says Justin Jacobie, M-Net Movies' head of marketing.

"With her dynamo personality and charming demeanour, Lalla is the ideal person to represent M-Net Movies and all our movie fans at these events and bring us closer to the stars and celebrities that we are all dying to meet".

Shiz Niz on e.tv celebrates a milestone 500th episode today at 16:00 as South Africa's longest-running hip hop TV show; will look back today at highlights.

The e.tv show Shiz Niz will celebrate its milestone 500th episode today at 16:00, looking back at highlights from previous episodes, as well as standout performances.

Shiz Niz, produced by Red Pepper Productions, is the longest-running hip hop show on free-to-air television, and has done a lot to raise awareness, grow the popularity of, and promote the local South African hip hop scene.

This afternoon e.tv viewers will be able to look back at the humble beginnings of Shiz Niz presented by Morena Sefatsa's older brother Mbuso Sefatsa.

The Vuzu AMP (DStv 114) presenter and SA's Got Talent judge Lalla Hirayama also presented Shiz Niz and viewers will be fascinated by how she has always had "mad" talent.

Today's Shiz Niz episode on e.tv will look back at previous episodes and performances and the presenters will talk to some of the Hip Legends who will share with viewers what they think of the Shiz Niz journey and the development of hip hop in South Africa.

"Hip hop has come a long way in South Africa," Shiz Niz producer Pontsho Mdakane tells TVwithThinus.

"You know that it's a significant genre when ventures such as Fill Up the Dome are opened by the minister of sport Fikile Mbalula and congratulated by the president. Shiz Niz has played a part in growing this genre in the past 500 episodes."

Auditions open for new 6th season of SA's Got Talent on e.tv; Tats Nkonzo back as presenter with DJ Fresh, Lalla Hirayama and Shado Twala as judges.

Auditions have opened for SA's Got Talent with the reality show returning for a 6th season.

It will mark the 4th season of SA's Got Talent on e.tv since the show, produced by Rapid Blue, jumped from SABC2 after the first two seasons to e.tv.

House DJ, Thato "Fresh" Sikwane and Lalla Hirayama who joined as new judges the previous season will both be back again with longtime judge Shado Twala, and SA's Got Talent presenter Tats Nkonzo also remains.

Auditions for the 6th season of SA's Got Talent will take place in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town during May.

Contestants can pre-register and register for SA's Got Talent by emailing talent@rapidblue.com and ask for an entry form and send in a completed entry form which will secure a spot at the nationwide auditions. Contestants can also show up on the day at 07:00 and fill in a form at the various audition venues.

Contestants need to bring their ID, must "dress like a star", and bring all their props and whatever they need for their act to impress the judges with them on the day.

SA's Got Talent auditions will take place at the following venues:

Durban (16 May)
Olive Convention Centre (81 Somtseu Road)

Johannesburg (23, 24 May)
Focus Rooms (1, The Core, Leeuwkop Road & Kikuyu Road, Sunninghill)

Cape Town (30, 31 May)
Belmont Square Conference Centre (Belmont Road, Rosebank)

Lalla Hirayama and DJ Fresh the 2 new judges joining the 5th season of SA's Got Talent on e.tv starting Sunday 7 September at 18:05.

Lalla Hirayama and DJ Fresh are the two new judges joining veteran judge Shado Twala as the new faces behind the judging table for the 5th season of SA's Got Talent starting on Sunday 7 September at 18:05 as e.tv's flagship show.

Lalla Hirayama and DJ Fresh are replacing judges Ian von Memerty and Kabelo Mabalane who've been with SA's Got Talent for the 3rd and 4th seasons since SABC2 lost the format reality talent show and e.tv took it over.

SA's Got Talent presenter Tats Nkonzo also remains. The 5th season of SA's Got Talent (which e.tv publicity erroneously refers to as the 3rd season and also says "premiers" on 7 September) is produced by Rapid Blue.

It makes for a very crowded field of TV talent shows that will battle it out for the crown of TV ratings in just over a month's time.

SA's Got Talent V will compete for viewers' attention along with the first season of The X Factor SA that will start a day earlier on Saturday 6 September on SABC1. Meanwhile Idols X starts on M-Net this Sunday 13 July on M-Net (DStv 101) and Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) for its 10th season.

The 5th season of SA's Got Talent will use the Soweto Theate in Soweto for the first time for the finals, other venues have not been announced. The winner gets a R250 000 grand prize.

"This is e.tv's flagship programme that has been receiving tremendous support from the South African public for two years," says Monde Twala, the group head of e.tv's channels division.

"It is the kind of show that evokes emotions, excitement and pride in the caliber of talent that gets exposed," says Monde Twala.

Lalla Hirayama is the pop culture everywhere phenom who has become synonymous with the Vuzu (DStv 116) channel on MultiChoice's DStv pay-TV platform and is a Japanese born South African dancer, actress, model and TV presenter.

She ended 2nd in the 6th season of the South African version of the dance reality competition show Strictly Come Dancing which is starting its next season soon on SABC3.

Lalla Hirayama also appeared in Clover and e.tv's advertiser-funded production Tropika Island of Treasure in 2011.

Thato Sikwane known as DJ Fresh is known for producing house music and is the presenter of 5FM's Fresh Drive timeslot. He has released 24 house albums over the past two decades.