I’m here , I’m there, I'm almost everywhere and on Sunday I was at The Zone in Rosebank where Ster Kinekor and Total Exposure hosted a red carpet evening for Jozi’s elite for the premiere of Nine, a musical film based on the Italian film industry. The event was dubbed an Oscar night as the film itself was nominated in four different categories at this year’s Academy Awards. Although they did not win anything, it’s still a great movie for those who love the arts and more so theatre.
Not a star studded movie, but the screen was graced by Daniel Day- Lewis, Nicole Kidman and British actress Judi Dench (The woman from the Bond movies). It’s about a film director who has trouble in both his personal life and professional life. In the midst of his cheating ways and lack of creativity, he learns that in order for things to go right in his life, he has to change his ways to unlock his greatness. Funny how some people within the entertainment industry always blame the industry for their cheating ways, they don’t seem to find themselves compelled by morality. Great lessons to be learned in this movie I think and a few seductive dancing skills to be learned too. I’m not amazed by the fact that Penelope Cruz was nominated for an Oscar for her supporting role, her moves in this movie is enough to make any Hillbrow stripper want to lower their price for imperfections.
I arrived late for someone covering the event and I quickly had to down my drink to start scouting amongst the well dressed crowd. Babalwa Mneno was stunning in her black dress, I must say this tall lady intimidated me in a good way (and I say lady because she was that, a lady and behaved like one):
After posing for a picture with Lucia Mthiyane I gather Felicia Mabuza Shuttle is a bit.....ummm. It’s almost like she’s pompous. Well, I couldn’t be bothered, she is not of my age, but it was good to see her out and about.
Howza and Salamina are fast becoming SA’s favourite couple. I’m glad they choose the right events to attend:
I found them standing next to Pauli formerly known as Starla, a pop/rap artist who is trying to revive her musical career. I wonder what happened to the long blonde hair?
Nonetheless, she looked hot and so did model Joelle Kayembe with her cute short dress:
Stevel Marc is a sweet talker but a great person, I love how suits look on him, a tad jealous but I could never spend that much time at gym just to look good in a suit. Caught a glimpse of Uyanda Mbuli in a red dress and blue shoes. I’m not thaaat crazy about that look, I just wonder how she is doing lately...
Khanyi Mbau took the opportunity to show off her Theunis *smh*. It never rains but always drizzles in this love triangle. I wonder who is telling the truth... Other personalities who attended include the Kwela Tebza boys, actresses Sophie Ndaba and Terry Pheto and the rest. I don’t blame Penny Lebyane for wearing a long sleeve velvet dress, it was cold in the cinema. It also showed her great figure, pity I don’t have a picture to show for it. I enjoyed this one more than I did the popcorn... Hustla!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Nine Movie Premiere
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Jub Jub in drag racing accident? Five school children dead.
Kwaito artist and recent 'Survivor South Africa' celebrity contestant Jub Jub was allegedly involved in a drag racing accident in Soweto last night. According to published reports, the singer and his friend were dicing on a two lane road in Soweto. A car in the oncoming lane forced one of the cars that was drag racing to get back into the left lane. The cars that were dicing crashed into each other, spun out of control and hit some high school children, killing 4 on the scene and another one later in the hospital. It is alleged that Jub Jub and his friend were drinking alchol and using cocaine at the time of the crash. Our prayers go out to the families of the children who have passed on.
For a detailed report of the story go to the Iol site
*Update* We just got an email from his (former) management company:
"Splakavellis Management, is the FORMER management company of Jub Jub.
The artist joined the stable of other renowned SA Dj’s and Artists in October 2009 and was released from the stable early February 2010.Under the current circumstances, we are aware the media and public alike are still under the impression that the Artist is still managed by the company and would like to set the record straight. As a company and a stable of renowned SA Artists all of whom have impeccable reputations and are well disciplined, we do have to distance ourselves from the current troubles that Jub Jub finds himself in.This being said, no-one is perfect and we remain friends with the artist and do feel terrible for him and we do still offer moral support for him and his family in this time of need. More importantly, Splakavellis Management would like to offer their condolences and prayers to the families of the kids whose lives were tragically taken in this crash."
Monday, March 8, 2010
MTV Base Turns 5
The portable CCTV placed itself at Urban Tree in Kramerville on Friday night for MTV Africa’s five year celebration. Despite the rain, the turnout was fairly good, although the big venue had the guests scattered which made it look slightly empty. The opening performance came from Jozi who I’m embarrassed to say, did not keep me from killing my cigarette and rushing for the stage. MC Sizwe Dhlomo did his best to keep us hyped up but it wasn’t until DJ Milkshake hit the decks that the party started jumping along with a group of young break dancers wriggling on the dance floor. JR hit the stage next and boy did he “Show Dem”! The drama he studied at school is paying off; the boy has great stage presence. He had everybody in the crowd buzzing including fellow rappers Zubz and the cute light-skinned rapper from Kold Produkt (I honestly do not know his name) besides, he’s hot, he doesn’t need a name.
I must say, I was expecting a full hip hop crowd as is with most MTV parties and was relieved to see Tamara Dey and her sizzling dress sense. It was one of those parties where I had to walk around like a site inspector trying to find familiar faces. Spotted Skwatta Kamp members less Lebo and Bozza. It's great that Heineken sponsored the event but beer is not going to help our black brothers in loosing those bellies now is it?
The entertainment was splendid and it hit me that most of the performers are contenders for the 2010 SAMAs. Teargas performed and so did Prokid who was a definite crowd pleaser with everybody shouting “we want more!” So good was his performance that fellow TS Records artist Brickz ran on stage, grabbed the mic and joined in on Pro’s “Bumpa”. With a little lip movement, the utterance of a few lines and his infamous “Whoa”, it turned out just fine, I’m a proud fan of Brikado! The Parlotones were also part of the closing performances and I was happy I recognized a song of theirs, I might have mumbled a few words but I jerked my head hard enough to blend in with the rockers that had gathered in front of the stage. I don’t know if Fix was late or if she was only scheduled to join Sizwe as MC later into the night, but its always nice to see her and TV presenter Siyabonga Ngwekazi. Why MTV Base does not snatch him up as one of their VJs, I know not. 
Azania Ndoro came out with her girlfriends dressed in a slimming black outfit and her sparkling personality, I love the way she carries herself. I was also lucky to spot Loyiso Bala, I say lucky because the man is a bit short and could be easily missed in a crowd, fortunately, what he doesn’t have in height, he has in talent: 
The “party all night” ambiance was absent so I must thank DJ Kent and his hot set for letting me stay a little longer. 
Fab PR Guru Farah Fortune was there:
Thnaks to Mtv Base for the invite. Check out their site here. And check out their beautiful VJ Fix here and Sizwe here
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Juice from the SAMA nomination party
It felt like a sweet sixteen party for most of South Africa’s artists as the MTN SAMA nominees for 2010 were announced at Taboo on Thursday night. It has certainly been an interesting year in terms of the local hit tracks released. New Talent has emerged and some of the old have fined tuned themselves to try and be top musicians. The most popular category, Record of the Year, certainly proves that the standard of music has risen with guys like Big Nuz, The Parlotones, Goldfish, Liquid Deep, Black Coffee, HHP , Prime Circle and thirteen others all competing for the prize.
I guess not all will be pleased with the awards. I was suprised that Proverb wasn't nominated for the Best Rap Album. He is one of the most hard working MC’s I know. Tumi Molekane got a nod and is pitted against the likes of JR, HHP, Khuli Chana and Teargas (who took the award home last year). As expected TKzee got a nomination for the Best Kwaito Album alongside the “Umlilo” hit makers and Mzambiya. Speaking of kwaito, the King rocked up with his Chomee, it was nice to see him support an event he once stood against.
Slikour came dressed in a check shirt and his car keys, nice change from the T- shirts we normally see him in. As for what he said to Mpho Maboi about his cars insurance excess, well, I’ll take it as a joke.
I had an great opportunity to meet Culoe De Song, the man responsible for keeping us on the dance floors with his hit featuring Busi Mhlongo “We Baba” this festive season. He got a nomination in the Best Newcomer category, Record of the year and Best Urban Dance Album with pit bulls of the dance arena DJ Cleo, Liquid Deep, Black Coffee and Mr commandments, Oskido.
I saw Lekgoa, I wonder if o sa rata basetsana (loves the girls , as per his song). As one would expect to see music stalwarts, Lindelani Mkhize was in the house hanging with Nkanyiso of Coca Cola Pop stars fame:
Funny how those that have won that competition seem to fade out of the lime light. Moving along, DJ S’bu came through a tad late and as usual well dressed and used the opportunity to sneak in a few words to Prokid who has become a bit of a snazzy dresser nowadays:
Lira gave a great performance and so did Rhythmic Elements after DJ Waxxy fooled around with us with a great selection of hits but below par mixing. Big ups to Milkshake for keeping people entertained with his ever rocking set:
I love Patron and Jagermeister , it brings people back to earth including those with big egos. It made some people who wouldn’t under normal circumstances look at us shake our hands *smh*. Vusi Nongxa was dressed like a “m’rapper” and displayed his swag all over the place. I love Poppy from 5FM, her humility humbles me and that number she had on....oh mama!
Pushie Dunn came with husband Shaun Watson, it was nice to see her out and about. I must say Pitch Black Afro is a special kind, the Afro, the way he speaks and the pose is enough to tell me so.
DJ Tira was dressed like it’s the actual awards with a nice suite and a pink tie. He didn’t mingle much as he had company (a glass of red wine).
Isn't Jozi a hip hop group? Silly question I know but I was surprised to see them nominated for the Best Urban Pop Album alongside MXO, Kwela Tebza, DJ Sox and newcomers Urban Reign who also attended the event but preferred to chill in the quiet corners:
It was a night where camera men flashed left, right and centre. I must say I enjoyed watching SA’s talent (and non-talent) hog the bar and socialize. As for why they would serve koeksisters at midnight after most had consumed alcohol I don’t know. What I do know is that mini hot dogs are the "in" thing when it comes caterers. This year’s SAMA’s are going to be interesting for sure. I hope they don’t use the same caterers though or they must at least swap their menu. Well done to all the nominees who deserved it, best of luck to all.
Flicks of celebs at the do:
Psyfo:
Dj Cleo:
Zulu boy: 
The nominees are:
Album of the Year
Big Nuz for Undisputed
BLK JKS for the album After Robots
Busi Mhlongo for Amakholwa Believers
Selaelo Selota for Lapeng Laka
Teargas for Dark Or Blue
Female Artist of the Year
Busi Mhlongo for Amakholwa Believers
Camagwini for Emandulo
Lira for Live In Concert: A Celebration
Louise Carver for The Home Tour – Live
Thandiswa Mazwai for Ibokwe
Male Artist of the Year
Benjamin Dube for 16 June Commemoration Live
Black Coffee for Home Brewed
Chris Chameleon for Kyk Hoe Lyk Ons Nou
Ntando for Inqubela
Selaelo Selota for Lapeng Laka
MTN Record of the Year
Change the World – Master Jam (w/ RJ Benjamin)
Consider Me – Prime Circle
Fairytale - Liquideep
FortKnox - Goldfish
Free - Thembi Seete
Good Music - DJ Cleo
Heartbreak Street – Jesse Clegg
I Believe – Oskido
Ingoma - Thandiswa featuring Hugh Masekela
Juju – Black Coffee featuring Zakes Bantwini
Lesson Number 1 – Rhythmic Elements
Live my Life – Winnie Khumalo
Maybe - Loyiso
Mmatswale- Malaika
Mpitse - HHP
NkaMo Dira – Nutty Nys (w/ Abe Molamu)
Nomalanga Mntakwethu – Zuluboy
Push me to the Floor - The Parlotones
Umlilo - Big Nuz featuring Tira
We Baba - Culoe De Song featuring Busi Mhlongo
Best Rock Album: English
aKING - Against All Odds
Cassette - Who Do You Trust
New Holland - Exploded Views
The Parlotones - Stardust Galaxies
Voodoo Child - Attack. Don’t Panic
Best Urban Pop Album
DJ Sox - House Party
Jozi - Wild Life
Kwela Tebza - Made In South Africa
Mxo - Sounds In Motion
Urban Reign - When It Rains It Pours
Best Rap Album
HHP - Dumela
JR - Colourfull
Khuli Chana - The MotswakOriginator
Teargas - Dark Or Blue
Tumi - Whole Worlds
Best Kwaito Album
Big Nuz - Undisputed
Mzambiya - Still I Rise
Spikiri - Taking A Walk On The Wild Side
TKZee - Coming Home
Zola - Impepho
For more of the nominees go to the SAMA website
