True Love I am Woman extravaganza

Tall, plump, slim, pretty, short, old and young women alike gathered at the Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday morning for the “I am Woman” Lifestyle Extravaganza held by Thought 24’s True Love, Real and Move magazines. As early as it was, MC Trevor Noah managed to get the women hyped up for a day that promised entertainment from some of SA’s top artists and fashion designers as well as loads of give always and pampering sessions. With all sorts of activities going on around me, it was hard to find a focus point, so I dedicated the first few minutes to checking out the different stalls that had been set up. It was amazing to see the number of women that had come through to the event and I couldn’t help but wonder just what the occasion was all about.

While others chose to queue for beauty treatments, some of us opted for a performance from Drum Cafe, I always find the beating of drums exciting – absolutely no sarcasm intended. Penny Lebyane joined Trevor as co-MC later on looking oh so good in a pink hooded dress.
She really is admirable with the energy, confidence and maturity that she carries around. The first of many fashion shows to come was paraded, followed by a performance from Malika. I’m not a sucker for afro pop but Tshidi and Bongani’s voices just make it sound pleasant. Not being one to sit for long, I went walk about to see who else had showed up to this thing that had started at 09:30 in the morning. I spotted the ladies from Muvhango hard at work signing what looked like post cards and taking pictures with fans. I only got drawn closer to the stage when gospel singer Sechaba came on to perform and for a good few minutes, it felt like I was in a nice church session.


Liquid Deep and Howza also graced the stage and it might just be me, but I’m still not sure about the classification of Howza as a kwaito artist, don’t get it twisted, he’s talented, I just sometimes wonder if he isn’t just a slow rapper that happens to rap over kwaito beats...

I was rather surprised to see Siyabonga Ngwekazi better known as Scoop at the event but I wasn’t complaining, there was much needed testosterone.



Khaya fm’s T-Bose Mokwele also showed up and we all know the ladies love him, if not for his chocolate self (I say this respectfully) then for his humility. The top 6 Idols finalists performed later on in the afternoon as well as Rhythmic Elements and Winnie Khumalo who never lets her size get in the way of giving a thrilling act. My heart skipped an extra beat when I saw the striking Lungsta Radu who’d popped in with Slikour, I think they were just being nice seeing as they didn’t stay long. Another hunk that came through was actor/presenter Tumisho Masha and unlike certain prima donnas, he didn’t mind taking some time for his fans and the cameras. I heard murmurs about the cute Trevor Noah sticking his nose a little too high up in the air and giving Kuli Roberts attitude at her request to interview him. There’s nothing as ugly as misguided haughtiness and right now, he’s starting to look less and less attractive.

Abigail Betz, Colleen Eltzen, David Tlatle, Distinctive Wear, Gert Johannes Coetzee, Helen Taylor, Malick Designs, Palesa Mokubung and RJKay were the winners of True love’s Fashion Awards who all gave us a sneak peak at their collections towards the end of the day. The closing performance was left to the ever popular HHP and by the end of it all, I was bushed. Thank you to Pearl from Eventfull Productions for being such a courteous host and to Thought 24 for giving back to their readers in a gracious way. It was a different but delightful way to spend a Saturday enjoying food, gifts, entertainment and celebrating all a woman needs.