“What I love about South Africa is that when everybody speaks to me, it’s like they are flirting. It’s the sweetest thing. But I love the company. I love being able to connect, and I love being able to immerse in the culture. I love to eat. I like to get a chance to walk around and discover new spots and places. It always feels new to me. I love it. That’s why I continue to come back. It’s like home.”
With social media, it wasn't hard to track where Kelly Rowland went, so we've put together Kelly's Joburg itinerary. It offers a great way to find some new spots and see the city with fresh eyes. Read on for what Kelly did in Joburg.
Sundowners at Hallmark House Hotel Penthouse
The award-winning penthouse suite at the landmark Hallmark House in the city is a collaboration between grammy-award winning music icon Black Coffee and internationally acclaimed Cape Town-based interior architect Tristan Du Plessis. Du Plessis has made his mark on the a number of interior spaces in Joburg and Cape Town – including Fyn, Gorgeous George Hotel and Alice and Fifth. Cool, modern and sphisticated, the penthouse is boasts a cinema room, hand-crafted furniture, two living room areas and a private gym. The bathroom is a total knockout – we have visited so it's the kind of detail we tend to remember. Keeping it proudly South African, the penthouse is adorned with signature pieces from prominent South African artists including Nelson Makamo, MAXHOSA by Laduma, African Ginger and Tumisang Khalipa.Where: 54 Siemert Rd, New Doornfontein, Maboneng
Press conference at The Leonardo in Sandton
In line with her brand collaboration, Kelly attended an official press conference at The Leonardo Hotel in Sandton alongside media personality Thando Thabethe. This Sandton Central building that raced the Carlton Centre to be the highest building in Africa, by a mast, is visible from across Joburg's northern suburbs, especially at night when it's lit up with colour. At 234-metres tall, this 55-storey structure with a rooftop bar Alto 234 has some of the best views our city has to offer.Where: 75 Maude St, Sandton Central
Brunch at Old Park Station in Newtown
Heading to a more historic part of the city, Kelly enjoyed the elegant and colourful Brutal Fruit Luncheon in the heart of the city at the The Station. Johannesburg's first railway station, this elaborate Edwardian-style iron-framed structure dates back to 1896 and served passengers until its closure in 1951. It was moved intact to Newtown, and now operates as a venue for hire. The "new" Park Station managed to be the least elegant upgrade it could possibly be. The Station in Newtown is home to the annual cultural festival CottonFest.Where: Carr St, Newtown
Fine dining at Les Créatifs Restaurant in Bryanston
When it comes to wining and dining, Soweto-born chef Wandile Mabaso, who has also cooked for Beyoncé and Jay Z, does an incredible job at his Les Créatifs Restaurant in Bryanston. Chef Wandile Mabaso tweeted "It was an absolute honour and pleasure hosting and cooking for the incredible and humble Kelly Rowland at Les Créatifs Restaurant last night". This restaurant is known for its wine-pairing and cocktail-pairing dinners as well as its outstanding decor. Wandile Mabaso's Afrique Moderne menu showcasing Flavours of South Africa was the toast of the World Economic Form in Davos in early 2023.Where: Hobart Grove Centre, Hobart Rd, Bryanston, Sandton
Dinner at Marabi Club in Maboneng
While the view from Hallmark Hotel offers an opportunity to see a wild city tamed, take in the unparalleled city views, and Joburg at its most golden, Kely followed it up with dinner underground at the hotel's famous The Marabi Club. For more bars and viewpoints to marvel at Joburg from, see our guide here.Where: 54 Siemert Rd, New Doornfontein, Maboneng
Local businesses that Kelly Rowland visited and supported
We love to see how Kelly Rowland embraced our country and was quick to support local artist's work, visit art studios, attend dance classes and purchase some local merch. Here's a recap of which businesses earned her approval.
Dance lessons at Bontle Modiselle’s dance studio in Maboneng
Local dancer, choreographer and TV personality Bontle Modiselle taught Kelly Rowland one or two amapiano dance moves at Modiselle’s Dance Studio at Hallmark House. See the short clip of Kelly jamming to Mr JazziQ's song "Teka" here. For more on where to learn to dance in Joburg.
Where: 54 Siemert Rd, New Doornfontein, Maboneng
Shopping at Curious concept store
During her time in Maboneng, Kelly Rowland visited and almost bought out the Curious concept store located on the ground floor of Hallmark House Hotel. This trendy clothing store put together by the hotel owners, Dale De Ruig and partner, who also own Rocking the Daisies music festival, houses designer pieces in clothing, jewellery and decor items from Joburg talents.
Where: 54 Siemert Rd, New Doornfontein, Maboneng
Masonwabe Ntloko's Studio
Still in Maboneng... South African visual artist, illustrator and designer Masonwabe Ntloko has a knack for bringing heritage style into modern design with his artworks featured in museums and exhibitions in South Africa. His collaboration with a rug design company to create a beautiful carpet collection is what caught Kelly Rowland's eye during her visit to his studio, specifically the Tabisa rug, named after his mother Tabisa Ntloko.
Where: 10 Van Beek St, New Doornfontein, Maboneng
Banele Khoza's BKhz Art Gallery
Next up was Banele Khoza's BKhz Gallery. The young South African artist and gallerist Banele Khoza opened BKhz Gallery in Braamfontein in 2018 aged just 24, and in January 2021, his gallery moved to Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank, one of the most art-centric neighbourhoods in the city.
Where: Keyes Art Mile, 21 Keyes Ave, Rosebank
Be like Kelly, stay curious.
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