Yezi Starr: Why celebs are posing with an AI influencer

Last week, media personality Maps Maponyane and Afrobeats DJ Don Ayo left the masses confused when they posted images with a “friend” who didn’t seem to look real. They tagged an account belonging to a Yezi Starr and spoke as though she was a lifelong friend whom they had not seen in a while. 

It was later revealed that Yezi Starr is an AI Influencer and the posts were sponsored posts aimed at drumming up interest ahead of this year’s Durban July. 

‘Out Of This World’

The theme for the 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July has been set and this year’s event will take place on Saturday, 1 July 2023 at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. 

In addition to debuting Yezi Starr, organisers Gold Circle and chief sponsor Hollywoodbets launched the theme with a poem, as they do each year and this year’s theme is titled: Out Of This World. 

According to organisers, the 2023 event hints at the stargates which transport one into a mysterious world far beyond our imagination. 

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In addition to their AI influencer Yezi Starr, organisers further promise that what they call “Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event” will feature a stellar lineup of top equines, a star-studded cast of punters, celebrities and designers at play, coupled with entertainment and hospitality on a cosmic scale.

Young fashion designers

Each year the theme poem is also shared with students from fashion design colleges and technikons across KwaZulu-Natal to form part of their curriculum. 

It is also aimed at inspiring their entries which they submit in the hopes of being shortlisted to participate in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Awards presented by Durban Fashion Fair (DFF). 

Organisers further explained that the top 10 students from across KwaZulu-Natal, will be shortlisted from an initial pool of 110 entrants, and they will be given the opportunity of a lifetime when they get to showcase their ‘Out Of This World’ designs alongside the DFF Rising Stars and the Invited Designers. 

This will take place at Gateway during June at the HDJ Fashion Experience Preview Gala. It is not yet clear what part Yezi Starr will play in these events. 

The Top 3 Young Designers will then get to display their creations for the more than 50 000 adoring fans at the 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July. 

‘Not just about fashion’

Although fashion features highly on the race day agenda, Gold Circle says that the Hollywoodbets Durban July is not just about fashion. 

“The day offers racecourse goers incredible value for money for their entry ticket with top class entertainment, fun activations throughout the day on stage and on course, and a vast array of refreshments on offer.” 

The iconic sporting and social event promises to be an immersive and exciting experience into the world of horseracing for everyone who attends, as well as the huge following across the world. 

Last year’s event received over 230 000 broadcast viewers, a 155% increase from the year prior, and more than 17 000 social media mentions. 

“At the Hollywoodbets Durban July, fashion is the thread that connects our horseracing fans and our social revellers. It is what defines the event every year, as everyone attending is dressed to the nines. The theme is what kickstarts everything and this year I can’t wait to see how our designers and the public go above and beyond to bring the message to life,” commented Events and Marketing Executive at Gold Circle, Stephen Marshall.

According to Devin Heffer, Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager: “If last year’s running of Africa’s Greatest Horseracing event is anything to go by, we are beyond excited as we look forward to hosting the most anticipated sporting and social calendar event for our second consecutive year. 

“In keeping with the theme, and in true Hollywoodbets style, it is going to be truly spectacular and out of this world. This year, we are continuing to focus our efforts on the true essence of the event, as we introduce newcomers into the exciting world of horseracing, while making sure the established punters, who already know the game, get to revel in the highlight of the South African horse racing calendar.” 

Plan your outfits

“For the public already planning their attendance to the 127th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, it’s time to let your minds explore the vast possibilities for both your race day betting strategy and your stellar outfit,” said organisers in a statement. 

Durban July tickets cost R230 and are available from 17 April via Ticketpro & SPAR stores, as well as selected Sasol, Checksave, Checkrite, Checkme and Checkout stores. 

Hospitality packages will be available on the event website.

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