TOP TV Hennessy Party

I decided to get out of my PJ’s on Friday night and head down to Taboo for the Top TV/
Hennessey BET awards pre-party. This was to celebrate South Africa’s representative
Hip Hop Pantsula’s nomination for the awards. HHP couldn’t attend the ceremony, well I
wouldn’t either...too much of a risk, especially considering that he was pitted against some
heavyweights in the “Best International Act” category. I really need to stop being on time
for parties, walking into a club while it’s still empty really sucks. Not only does it feel odd,
one tends to look odd in that situation. I take comfort in that TOPTV knows how to treat me,
VIP access with free drinks unlike their counterparts who always invite me but never have
my name on the guest list. I won’t mention names though, it would be silly to give them any
platform at this point, and I just hope they know that once the foreign visitors leave, they will
need South Africans like me to support their gigs.


I was greeted with cognac upon entrance to the VIP room, much to my budget’s delight. I got
slightly confused when they started serving bubbly too but it turns out that the champagne
was not a welcome drink but rather a VIP right. Soon platters of sushi and all sorts where
served. My lonely ass was in heaven... The guest list included Bafana player Steven Pienaar
who came with fellow star Siboniso Gaxa. Shame, the poor boys had to pose for pictures
from adoring fans like me. I felt sorry for the guys that had to take their girlfriends there to
have pics taken with the stars, imagine watching your girlfriend salivate at a sight of another
man, shame!
My stay at the club was short lived thanks to my not so organised private life but I hear from
my journo friends that all went well and fun was the order of the night. I was disappointed
that I left without seeing anything scandalous, not even a “has been” in sight. As for HHP
and his nomination, well he lost to some UK based muso called Dizzee Rascal. A “Centric
Award” which was the first award presented on the night went to Monica. The awards
ceremony had DJ Sbu tweeting that he wished he had Top TV, well at the price I’m sure he
can afford it, besides for a person in entertainment, 2 dishes are a necessity. Jay- Z who
had most nominations walked away with “Best Collaboration” for Empire State of Mind with
Alicia Keys. I hear Chris Brown broke down during his tribute to Michael Jackson. Apparently
he performed well until he sang the song “Man in the Mirror”.





Prince was awarded “A lifetime Achievement Award” and John Legend walked away with the ”Humanitarian Award”. Almost
everyone’s favourite gal rapper Nicki Minaj walked away with 2 awards including “BestFemale Hip Hop Artist”.

Drake:





John Legend:




Monica:





Prince:




Queen Latifah:



Here is the list of winners on the night:
Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys
Best Male R&B Artist: Trey Songz
Best Gospel: Marvin Sapp
Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj
Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Drake:
Best Group: Young Money
Best New Artist: Nicki Minaj
Best Collaboration: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind
Video of the Year: Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga - Video Phone
Best Actress: Mo'Nique
Best Actor: Idris Elba
YoungStars Award: Keke Palmer
Best Movie: Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire
Subway Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams
Subway Sportsman of the Year: LeBron James
Viewers Choice Nominees: Rihanna featuring Young Jeezy - Hard
Centric Award: Monica
Best International Act: Dizzee Rascal (UK)