MOVIES, BOOKS AND MUSIC TO MAKE YOUR FREE TIME MORE EXCITING

In this article we share our top music, movies and book picks for the month to make your free time more exciting.

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With Movies

The Super Mario Bros. Movie
(Animation/Adventure)
Stars: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Keegan-Michael Key
In Cinemas: 7 April 2023



Based on one of Nintendo’s most loved video games, the Super Mario Brothers, the heroic Mario (played by Chris Pratt) goes on a quest through the Mushroom Kingdom with Princess Peach and a mushroom named Toad, hoping to find his brother Luigi and save the world from doom.

Battles, herds of Yoshis, and even Donkey Kong come together to bring a ‘jumpy’ and fun-filled fan favourite to life with the help of a star-studded voice cast. Don’t miss out on this one!

The Little Mermaid
(Musical/Fantasy)
Stars: Halle Bailey, Jacob Tremblay, Melissa McCarthy
In Cinemas: 26 May 2023



The much-anticipated live-action adaptation of the childhood classic Disney film offers an out-of-this-world visual experience, with some of the finest graphics and sound. Ariel (played by Halle Bailey), the youngest daughter of King Triton, is a spirited young mermaid filled with curiosity.

Longing to experience life on land, she visits the sea witch Ursula for help, but things take a turn for the worst, and she must make a decision that comes with grave consequences.

With Books

Letters to My Mother: The Making of a Troublemaker
By Kumi Naidoo (Jacana Media, R308)

Author Kumi Naidoo takes readers on an eye-opening journey through the effects of his relationship with his mother, her suicide when he was just 15 years old, and the apartheid regime on him and his family.

This touching memoir illustrates Kumi’s commitment to human rights and environmental change, as he shares his brave fight against the laws of the regime and the ongoing societal injustice.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Overlode
By Jeff Kinney (Penguin Random House, R250)

From the bright mind of the international best-selling author Jeff Kinney, the 17th book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is ready to catapult the series onto a bigger and bolder path.

This time around, our troublemaking main character Greg Heffley is on the road to rockstardom, but soon discovers the ugly truth about the road to fame and glory, and the rough road to being a musician. Will he be able to keep up with the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle he got himself into? Only time will tell.

With Music

African Queen 2.0
By Makhadzi (Open Mic Productions)

One of Limpopo’s leading ladies on the dance music scene, award-winning songstress Makhadzi has dropped her long-awaited which speaks of self-belief and affirmation.

Each track, which includes No Mbaisa and Milandi Bhe, is cleverly composed to showcase her creative prowess and collaborative abilities. This 22-track album features the likes of Master KG and Blaq Diamond amongst others.

Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent
By Lewis Capaldi (Capitol Records)

Following the release of his single Pointless (co-written by Ed Sheeran), Lewis revealed to fans around the world that his new album was emotional, spoke of love and loss, and evoked intense feelings.

Known for his love ballads and distinctive voice, the award-winning Scottish singer-songwriter’s latest album will cement his position as a global pop icon.

What’s Real
By DBN Gogo (Zikode Records/ Universal Music)

DBN Gogo (born as Mandisa Radebe), flaunts her versatility and skills for setting fire to dance floors across the country on fire.

By combining Jazz, House and Gqom elements, she’s cleverly infused various genres to keep listeners fixed, and gives each element equal breathing room. Zodwa Wabantu, Stixx and MacG, are a few of the great collaborators on this debut project.

Words: Chandre Emma Kippie
Images: Gallo/Getty, Shutterstock, Courtesy