As I do every year, I scan through the line up to see which artists or musicians will convince me to attend the festival. Last year Peter Tladi revealed on T-Bose’s show on Kaya FM that Ledisi was going to be part of the line up so I was excited already. Seeing Incognito lead vocalist Maysa, pianist Afrika Mkhize, and vocal powerhouse Gloria Bosman sealed the deal for me.

Earl Klugh

Here is a full line up of the musicians performing at the 2012 rendition of the Joy Of Jazz announced last week.

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz once again reinforces its status as this country’s premier jazz festival thanks to a stellar line up of international and local giants on the jazz scene.

Appearing in Newtown, Johannesburg, from August 23 to 25 headline acts include Grammy-Award winner Kurt Elling who has been hailed as the jazz male vocalist of his generation; trombone master Wycliffe Gordon; Grammy-winning guitarist Earl Klugh as well as an appearance by the world famous Duke Ellington Orchestra.

Luminaries from the African continent include Caiphus Semenya, one of South Africa’s most celebrated arts and culture ambassadors and revered and respected worldwide for his musical genius; Bakithi Kumalo who made his name internationally thanks to his performance on Paul Simon’s Graceland; Manu Dibango from Cameroon and Mory Kante from Guinea whose hit song Yé ké yé ké, was one of the first African singles to sell over one million copies on the European market.

Two not-to-be-missed concerts include the opening night spectacular Sax Summit and the unforgettable Tribute to Miles Davis.

Sax Summit has five of the world’s top female saxophonists playing the music of Kippie Moeketsi. They are American rising star Grace Kelly, Holland’s acclaimed Tineke Postma, British tenor Rosemary Quaye as well as Shannon Mowday (a former Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz) and Nthabiseng Mokoena. The Tribute to Miles Davis features two former Crusader players’ trombonist Wayne Henderson and drummer Ndugu Chancler, trumpeter Tom Browne, saxophonist Everette Harp, pianist Bobby Lyle and bassist Edwin Livingston.

A powerhouse of female vocalists will also be performing at Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. They are Jane Monheit (US) who has worked with Michael Buble; Maysa (US) who started of her singing career as a back-up singer for Stevie Wonder before recording the hit song Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing with British band Incognito; the multi-Grammy nominated Ledisi (US) fresh off a headlining tour with Eric Benet and Cécile Verny (France) whose voice has been one of the most important in European jazz for the past 20 years. Her love for the songs of her Ivory Coast homeland, gospel, chansons and American jazz standards, have all united in a distinctive way.

Others performers in the impressive line-up include Afrika Mkhize, the 2012 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz; the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band (SBNYJB); another former Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz Gloria Bosman; Jimmy Dludlu; saxophonist Bhudaza Mapefane from Lesotho; Erik Truffaz the French jazz trumpeter who infuses elements of hip hop, rock ‘n’ roll and dance music into his compositions; jazz maestro Johnny Mekoa; trumpeter Marcus Wyatt; Musa Manzini; Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz 2010, vocalist Melanie Scholtz and violinist Samson Diamond, Standard Bank Young Artist for Music 2010; Botswana’s Shanti Lo who performs with the Swedish Ensemble; Thandiswa Mazwai; Swazi Dlamini and Vusi Khumalo who will be playing the music of Winston Makunku, Zakes Nkosi and Joe Malinga.

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz will take place on eight stages in Newtown including the Dinaledi Stage, the Conga, Mbira, Bassline and The Market Theatre. Other venues include free concerts at Sophiatown, Shikisha and Nikki’s Oasis.

Event producer Peter Tladi of T-Musicman says: “As the festival promoter we spend a great deal of time searching for artists that will appeal to a broad base of music fans. Once again, we have endeavoured to provide a diverse range of jazz styles. The artists performing this year are all highly respected, heavyweight musicians, whether newcomers or those who are icons of the global jazz scene. We have gone for a mix of the contemporary and the classic for this year’s event and have something exciting and unmissable for everyone.”

Commented Mandie van der Spuy, Art & Jazz Sponsorships at Standard Bank: “Our continued support for the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has seen it grow in stature each year, enjoyed by growing numbers of appreciative audiences who are treated to the best selection of jazz musicians. We were delighted that last year’s festival was a sell-out and are expecting record attendances again this year. We are proud to sponsor an event that not only brings jazz lovers together, but also allows us to stage a wonderful collaboration and celebration of jazz in the heart of Johannesburg.”

For more information on the line-up and venues go to www.joyofjazz.co.za, and www.standardbankarts.com. See also http://www.facebook.com/standardbankjoyofjazz; http://standardbank.mobi/jazz; twitter.com/joyofjazz; www.facebook.com/standardbankjoyofjazz and youtube.com/standardbankgroup

Tickets are on sale at Computicket with a 15% discount for all Standard Bank customers (terms and conditions apply).

The 2012 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is produced by T-Musicman and brought to you by Standard Bank in association with the Department of Arts & Culture with co-sponsors The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation; South African Tourism; Gauteng Tourism; the National Arts Council and the City of Joburg.

This a line up not to be missed. Get your tickets right now to avoid disappointments.

Kurt Elling

From here at home, the legendary Sibongile Khumalo is set to blaze the stage with her sultry but powerful voice. Please see details below:

The legendary Sibongile Khumalo, South Africa’s first lady of song, who’s just celebrated twenty years in the music industry, will be performing at this year’s DRUMBEAT festival.

Known fondly by her fans as the “Empress of song” Sibongile is South Africa’s musical royalty and has entertained audiences in South Africa and beyond with her dynamic, poised mixture of classical, jazz and African music styles.

The event will be running on 1 and 2 June, 2012.

Don’t miss your chance to see her performing live on 2 June on the jazz stage at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre.

Tickets cost R400 for Friday (1 stage), which includes cocktail snacks and drinks to the value of R150. Saturday tickets cost R250 (3 stages) for entry only and all tickets are available at ticketbreak.co.za

** Two-day tickets are not available.

For more information about the event, go to Facebook.com/pages/DRUM-beat-Concert.

DRUMBEAT is presented by DRUM and Toyota in association with Hilltop Live, Amstel Lager, Birchwood, White Star Super Maize Meal, Mzansi Magic and the City of Ekurhuleni.

Alcohol will not be sold to persons under the age of 18. Drink responsibly.

And we have some great news for you YEAHBO fam. We have a double ticket to give away to 1 lucky person to the show on the 01st of June 2012. To win these tickets, please answer the following question:

Send us the your answer, with the following information to khetha@yeahbo.net:

Rules and regulations:

The giveaway/competition is only open to residents in and around Johannesburg;
The giveaway/competition closes on Friday, the 25th of May 2012;
The judges decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
You must be following YEAHBO on Twitter to be eligible for entry.

All the best!

This is the first time a South African hip hop artist has undertaken this incredible step. Please see below for more details

Fans of Hip Hop and Rap are in for a musical revelation in June during the Amstel Golden Hour at the TOYOTA Drum Beat Festival in Ekurhuleni. One of SA’s most loved and recognised musical talents, HHP, is taking the time to perform a selection of his most popular songs in collaboration with a 30 strong choir, thanks to Amstel.

This will be the 10th Amstel Golden Hour and is the first time that a South African hip hop artist will perform live on stage with a choir of this size. “This is absolutely brilliant and I can’t wait to experience the reaction from the fans when we take to the stage. Thanks to Amstel, I get to fulfil a long held dream of performing with a large choir. This collaboration will showcase my music and hip hop in particular in a way never before seen in South Africa” says HHP of the upcoming performance.

The Amstel Golden Hour platform has seen numerous mega stars of South African music provide incredible experiences for the fans while the various one off collaborations have stunned both audiences and commentators alike proving that SA music just gets better with Amstel. Most recently, record breaking SAMA recipient Zahara took the time to perform with a mini philharmonic orchestra to rave reviews. HHP will be putting in the time to rehearse with the choir in preparation for his Amstel Golden Hour performance, ensuring that fans get to experience his much loved music like never before. Of the impending concert, Diederik Vos, Marketing Manager for Amstel had the following to say, “We’re committed to SA music and showcasing the best of musical talent the country has to offer and giving our beer lovers a memorable and enjoyable time. I am looking forward to an incredible evening of music on June 2nd for the fans of HHP and SA music.”

The music of HHP has been described as fusing Afro-Beats and Hip Hop rhythms with ground breaking vocals, and on June 2nd HHP – who coined the term, Bosso Ke Mang- will show why he has been rated as one of SA’s top musical talents. Having performed on stage with international greats such as Snoop Dog, fans are sure to experience how much better SA music gets when it’s on the Amstel Golden Hour stage.

Tickets are now available from Ticketbreak or at Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre for R250 (General Access).

I watched DJ Blackcoffee do magic with an orchestra when he recorded his Live DVD in Durban in December last year. Now is a chance to see a rapper, HHP, do the same. It’s certainly gonna be something special. Do not miss out. Get your tickets now.

Please see the flyer below for more details.

Below are more details about the show and its run at the famed venue.

Photo by Ruphin Coudyzer.

Following sold-out performances at the Victory Theatre last year, Kwela Bafana+ is once again about to take Jozi by storm. Starting 25 May, put on your most fabulous dancing shoes and head for the Market Theatre, where Bra B Ngwenya and the Kwela Bafana Band will get your feet tapping to the vibrant tunes reminiscent of South African townships in the 50s.

A distinctive style of music was born from the shabeen scene in the 1950s. It was funky and audacious and could liven up a dance floor in a moment. It was also layered with innuendo as it descriptively portrayed township life during an era in the country when people were faced with apartheid’s ugliness, which included the devastation of forced removals. To survive these adverse times, music became an escape and, although it was often uplifting, the undertones of tragedy and fear were always evident. The hauntingly evocative penny-whistle or “kwela” – meaning “get up” or “kwela kwela” describing the police vans – was made famous through kwela music during these times. It was this fabulous 50’s street music, with its magical jazzy undertones, which had revellers living up the night life inside the noisy walls of the shabeens, where kwela sounds, non-stop action and the never-ending flow of beer kept people’s hopes and dreams alive.

Kwela Bafana+, A Night in a 50’s Shabeen, is an engaging musical story, which brings to life the unforgettable sights and sounds of South Africa during a decade known for producing a distinctive flavour in song and dance. Directed by renowned Sibikwa Art Centre founders Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba, with musical direction by the multi-talented Themba Mkhize – who has among his many accolades arranged and composed the music for both the Confederation and World Cup – and choreography by the internationally-acclaimed Todd Twala, Kwela Bafana+ will warm the hearts of an eclectic and multicultural audience.

Boy Ngwenya, an original member of the Woodywood Peckers and the famous King Kong cast, brings authentic 50’s flair and personality to his performance. Then, accompanying Bra B, audiences can look forward to the award-winning talents of actress Velaphi Khumalo, who has, in previous Kwela productions, become one of the shows biggest attractions. Khumalo is a “tour de force” to be reckoned and brings some seriously powerful vocal talents to her performance.

Last but most certainly not least is the Kwela Bafana Band, which lovingly supports the Kwela cast through the talents of Lunga Mgcina on saxophone, Sabelo Masondo on bass, Wandile Molefe on piano, Siphiwe Kubheka on drums, and led by the inimitable Bra B himself who also plays keyboards.

This fabulous musical theatre features numbers from the classic, King Kong, songs by Victor Ndlazilwane of the Woodywood Peckers and Dambuza Mdledle of the Manhattan Brothers. These kwela songs became a hallmark sound in the South African township jazz genre and were sadly lost in the intense political history of those times. Now, Kwela Bafana will pay homage to the rich heritage of this definitive 50’s-style, urban township music.

The magic of Kwela Bafana+ will be presented from 25th May – 24th June 2012, at the Market Theatre.

Ticket prices are Tuesday R75:00 Wednesday and Thursday R95:00, Friday and Saturday R160:00 and Sunday matinee R120:00 there are early bird early bird specials available, book early and get a discount, block booking discounts pensioners discounts and R50:00 for students all tickets can be booked through Computicket or at the Market Theatre box office.

For more information about Sibikwa go to www.sibikwa.co.za.

Believe me, you don’t wanna miss this. The cast and crew is made up of magnanimous talents.

The line up for the festival was already sizzling with names like Sibongile Khumalo, Stimela and Zakes Bantwini having been added on the bill. Here are more details about the festival and the artists performing in the two day music extravaganza.

The German band Jazzanova.

DRUMBEAT, presented by Toyota and DRUM Magazine in association with Hilltop Live, Amstel Lager, Birchwood Hotel, White Star Super Maize Meal, Mzansi Magic and the City of Ekurhuleni, is proud to announce the arrival German collective Jazzanova featuring Paul Randolph and their performance at this year’s DRUMBEAT festival.

The eclectic collective have tested musical boundaries, through composing, arranging and performing to massive crowds, for more than 15 years, with their potent mixture of soul, jazz, and electronic music genres. Accompanied by a nine-piece band, they recently embarked on an international tour spanning almost all the continents and included a performance at last year’s Cape Town Jazz Festival. The collective has now released their latest album, The Funkhouse Studio Sessions, which has been met with critical acclaim.

They are due to grace South African shores once more, in an exclusive, once-off performance at this year’s DRUMBEAT festival, presented by Toyota.

This year, Toyota will be presenting DRUMBEAT at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni. The event will be running on 1 and 2 June, 2012.

Catch Jazzanova featuring Paul Randolph and a host of proudly South African artists including Sibongile Khumalo, Mi Casa, Stimela, Zakes Bantwini and many more performing live on 2 June on the main stage at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre.

Tickets cost R400 for Friday (1 stage), which includes cocktail snacks and drinks to the value of R150. Saturday tickets cost R250 (3 stages) for entry only and all tickets are available at ticketbreak.co.za

** Two-day tickets are not available.

I missed Jazzanova last year. And I recently missed Mam’ Sibongile Khumalo‘s celebration of two decades of song. Therefore, I cannot missed themon the same bill. Be sure to join me. Get your tickets now!

Paul Rundolph

The invite only event held at The Venue in Melrose Arch brought together politicians, company heads, celebrities, sports stars, and different media. All the above mentioned guests walked the red carpet, posing for photos on their way in.

At exactly 8pm, an announcement was made for all the attendees to descend from the upstairs mingling area upon the open space downstairs, where neatly covered chairs were laid out in front of the equally decked out stage. This was where the presentation would be made from.

Before long, the compère for the night, and TRACE Foundation Ambassador, Joëlle Kayembe, sauntered into the stage to where the microphone was set up. She welcomed all the attendees, emphasizing the special guests. The well-renowned model continued to speak about TRACE Sports and what the objectives and mission of the channel are. I had seen bits and pieces of the programming, so I had an idea of what it is about. Basically, TRACE Sports is a new and unique TV channel dedicated to sports celebs.

They keynote speakers for the evening included Minister Of Sport And Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, who expressed his joy at this new venture by the French-conceived television network. He also wittingly urged South Africans to support all the athletes who will be representing the country at the impending Olympic Games to be held in London. Minister Mbalula passionately added, “We are not just accompanying everybody. We’ll come back with something. Unlike in the Beijing Olympics, this time, we are coming back with something.”

Another speaker who praised the initiative TRACE has embarked on in our country is MultichoiceAfrica CEO, Collins Khumalo. The head of holding company for cable TV network, DStv, revealed his excitement at the relationship DStv has developed, and wishes to grow, with TRACE Sports. He promised that DStv subscribers are in for grand programmes on the recently launched channel.

In between the speeches, the CEO of TRACE, Olivier Laouchez and Joëlle Kayembe (who is also TRACE Urban spokesperson), introduced different video presentations of the current programming, as well as what lies ahead for the specific TRACE Sports channel. From the presentations, it was revealed that flagship programmes like Number 5, a lifestyle show presented by Rio Ferdinand; In The Name Of Good, focusing on charity work, development and mentoring programmes by some of the sports champions like Aaron Mokoena, and Samuel Eto’o; and Up Close With, taking a look at the personal and intimate lives of the sports celebrities; are some of the programmes to look forward to.

Under the event driven programming, sports fans will be treated to major international sports events like European Football Championship Special, and London Olympics. In support of these mainstream events, TRACE Sports will be showing additional exclusive content like Top 20 Euro WAGs, and Top 20 Untold Olympic Stories, respectively; and much more.

Speaking of more, that’s not all the TRACE family has in store. What excited me the most was the disclosure that TRACE is working on the debut of their own TRACE Music Awards. Another very exciting feat is the competition that TRACE Sports is running in conjunction with DStv, whereby two viewers will win an all-expenses paid trip to the upcoming Olympics in London.

Joëlle then asked Olivier about programmes that are specific to South Africa, as the channel is launching right here. Olivier presented a screen that featured some of the local sports personalities who have had their films aired on the channel already. He promised that there will be more as the channel grows. What I found absolutely commendable was when Olivier told us that these films done on South African athletes will not only air here, but in other TRACE territories all over the world, giving the local champions global exposure.

TRACE Sports offers really riveting and refreshing programming. I’m so looking forward to seeing more from the channel. After the presentation and speeches, everybody went back upstairs for food, drinks, and mingling. And what a fun, delightful launch event TRACE organised. Thank you to TRACE SA Brand Manager, Valentine Gaudin, and team.

TRACE Sports is exclusively avialable on DStv Premium, channel 129.

Please check out some of the personalities and special guests who attended below.

Pabi Moloi was there shooting for All Access.

I think this is an Orlando Pirates player. Yes? No?

Supersport United players Glen George Salmon and Percy Maluleke.

I believe this guy also plays for Pirates? Yes? No?

New pop sensation Toya Delazy was there with Sony Music‘s Sean Watson and others.

AKA came through for the fun. He actually apologised for dismissing me at the SAMAs last week. Big ups for that.

The lovely and stylish couple, stylist and rapper Khaya Sibiya (aka Bhubesi) and Indigenous Films‘ Bianca Miles, showed up.

Another Supersport United player Bryce Moon with his brother.

Socialite and radio presenter Eda Rose looked hot in this grey number.

Publicist Farah Fortune with boyfriend and rapper Blayze.

I think the big guy’s name is George something and he works for Top Billing. Yes? No?

Orlando Pirates‘ Andile Jali in a checked shirt. He looked like a cool guy, always smiling.

First ever female cricket commentator in Mzantsi, Kass Naidoo.

Selimathunzi presenter and model Lunga Shabalala. He wasn’t working tonight, but there as a sports fan, he told me.

Multichoice Africa CEO Collins Khumalo, Sport And Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula, SuperSport CEO Happy Ntshingila, and TRACE CEO Olivier Laouchez.

I definitely know these too. Rowan Fernandez and Morgan Gould of Supersport United. Morgan looked very sleek and stylish. He’s got a great personality too.

What’s going on here? LOL. Morgan was just messing around because the photographers couldn’t stop snapping away.

Neo Merafi of DStv and City Press‘ Mokgadi Seabi.

OG Molefe of eTV‘s eShibobo. He’s lost weight and looking so trim.

CEO of TRACE, Oliver Laouchez and France Ambassador to South Africa, Jacques Lapouge.

TRACE SA Brand Manager, Valentine Gauden and Nike‘s Communications Manager.

CEO of Multichoice Africa, Collins Khumalo, delivering his speech.

Joëlle was a great MC.

Joëlle and Olivier doing the presentation.

Minister Mbalula delivering his speech ever so charmingly and humorously.

Mbalula with Ntsingila and Khumalo inside the venue after the presentation.

The following day, Monday 30 April 2012 was the main event. As per tradition, a bus was organised to transport the media from MTN Head Office to Sun City. And like I’ve done many times, I utilised this service. Leaving at about 10 in the morning, we took it easy, enjoying the all-so familiar scenery on our way to the entertainment heaven known as A Million Thrills.

When we arrived at Sun City, we headed straight to the media room where we received our accreditation. For the rest of the afternoon before the Superbowl went abuzz with activity, we toured Sun City. At some point we spent some time poolside at Cabanas Hotel, with the likes Trevor Gumbi, Trevor Madondo, Robbie Malinga, and others, in our midst.

At about 5 in the afternoon, it was time to get ready, so we made it into the hotel. Because we were not accredited for the yellow carpet this year, we took the moment to go and have dinner at a restaurant at the Cascades Hotel where buffet was decked out for the media. As we were walking out to exit the hotel, it dawned on me that this was the only chance of snapping some photos since I didn’t have access to the yellow carpet. This was where all the presenters, artists and other celebrities were staying and being picked up from, on their way to walk the famous yellow carpet. So I began waiting for them as they descended upon the reception and clicked my camera.

These are the celebs I managed to get at this point:

After taking the above photos, I headed to the Superbowl for the anticipated magic. I was disappointed that the section reserved for photographers was so far from the stage. This meant I’d also not be able to get photos of the presenters, winners, and performers as we were not allowed anywhere near the stage. And since I didn’t have an extra lens for the camera, I had no hope of getting even one usable photo. I did try though, as you will see from the photos below.

Zahara opening the perfomances.

As you already know, Zahara swept almost everything off from the awards she was nominated for at the SAMAs. She walked away with a total of eight awards, a feat only managed by TKZee years ago. These included the two awards she won the previous night, as well as one she had already clinched during the non-televised segment of the second night of the SAMAs. She also opened the performances on Monday night, singing her popular songs Loliwe and Destiny.

Speaking of performances, those that made a great impression for me included the collaboration between Phuz’ekhemisi and Jozi; Shadowclub, winning an award straight after that; Spikiri, performing Ngeke Balunge with Brown Dash, Bricks, Skhokho and Madluphuthu, but without Teargas; and HHP‘s vibrant display of masterfully-choreographed panstula dance as he performed Bosso ke Kang. Another stand out performance was the last one for the night where Zakwe invited Zuluboy and Danger of Big Nuz to lend their respective parts on the Bathi Ng’yachoma Remix. What made this exciting were the tens of dancing kids in black and white outfits scattered around the floor, filling out the venue.

Jozi performing with Phuz'ekhemisi.

Other artists who walked away with multiple gongs are AKA, who took the Best Street Urban and Best Male Artist prizes; MiCasa who won three awards, including surprising everyone by walking away with the highly coveted Record Of The Year for their hit These Streets; and DJ Cleo, once again winning the digital download awards.

Also counting among the positives was the pre-recorded skits featuring Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse and Riaan Cruywagen, the two men reviewing each of the contenders for Album Of The Year throughoput the show.

Spikiri joined by Brown Dash, Bricks, Skhokho and Madluphuthu on stage.

As far as the unfavourable parts are concerned, the opening cabaret number by all nine hosts takes the cake. The idea was ludicrous and disconnected. I mean, who gets Sizwe Dhlomo to sing on such a big stage? As for Jen Su sounding like a cat being strangled, it was a total waste of time. The fact that were were some real singer like Swazi Dlamini in the routine didn’t help one bit.

The MiCasa and AKA (with Jack Parrow) performances had a great premise, but also failed to dazzle us. Granted, there were performances specifically shot for viewers at home, so there’s a probability that these turned out well on TV. Another segment that didn’t quite work to their favour was the quartet of guitarists that played during the ‘In Memorium’ segment. The idea was a noble and wonderful one, but the execution thereof, not so much.

MiCasa using some colourful and animated props for their performance.

Also, a bit of confusion ensued after Zakwe performed as there was no clear indication that the show was over. The abrupt end left the audience sitting or standing for more where there was nothing else happening.

Overall, the 2012 edition of the SAMAs was a great improvement from last year’s letdown. The writing was done very well; the stage looked fantastic; the performances, for the most part, entertaining and relevant; and the general production solid. Kudos to Randall Abrahams and his team for a job well done. Here’s to hoping next year is even better.

Zakwe closing the show off with Zuluboy and Danger.

After the ceremony, we headed straight to the VIPafter party. This is where I was able to get some better photos of some of the celebrities that attended.

As I was walking out from the Superbowl to the after party, I saw MiCasa, minus Dr Duda, just after doing their interviews.

Spotted actor Sello Maake Ka Ncube at the after party. He had just been told that he had to folk out some cash for hard liquor at the bar.

Television and radio personality Bonang Matheba posed for me. I liked the white dress she wore when she presented an award better than this one.

Another television and radio personality, also model, Lunga Shabalala, posed for me as well.

Zizo Beda, the Selimathunzi presenter, looked ravishing in this multi-coloured (all peacock colours) frock.

Singer Donald was also there. His song The Love I Know I Deserve is making waves right now. It’s a pity he had to veer off to dance music before he got some love from the masses.

Spotted legendary singer Steve Kekana with a friend. Looking at the friend’s face, I wouldn’t be surprised if all those bottles were emptied by him.

Former Trompies member, Eugene Mthethwa with former Ukhozi FM station manager, Bhodloza Nzimande. I felf embarassed and annoyed earlier during the ceremony when some people seated next to me asked who he was as he accepted an award on behalf of the group he manages, the Soul Brothers.

The man of the moment Randall Abrahams with SABC 1 General Manager, Leo Manne. He told me his wife had just given birth to their second child a few weeks earlier. Congratulations to the Mannes.

I saw Bongani of Malaika with some crusty looking girl headed for the bar. I guess that’s why he didn’t want her in the picture. Don’t you think? He looked a hot mess himself.

DJ SPHEctacula and DJ Tira cleaned up well. I mentioned that I heard about Sphe‘s recent marriage (the traditional part), and he just laughed it off.

Model and TV presenter Pearl Thusi looked gorgeous. She made me make a pinky promise that I’d email her this photo. LOL

DJ Zinhle looked hot in this black little number.

Two of my favourite ladies, publicist and businesswoman Melanie Ramjee and Trace SA Brand Manager Valentine Gaudin.

Sizwe Dhlomo, who was part of the creative team that was involved with writing for the show had changed down for the after party. Great job, they did.

Guitarist Jimmy Dludlu, who had won an award earlier, looked like an extra from a Christmas movie. Or part of a cast for a circus routine. You decide.

As for these three, I approached them for a photo, speaking with Anele Mdoda at first. But they continued to chat. The guy wanted to take the picture but Anele and Elana Afrika couldn’t budge. Eventually, they posed.

Raphael Benza with his wife.

Singer, television and radio personality Stoan Seete usually looks sharp. Not sure about this get up.

DJ Cleo performing at the after party with his Teddy Bears. The way DJ Franky was ogling him as he did his hlokoloza.

DJ Cleo with another protege of his, DJ SoulT. Please caption this one for me.

Lastly, thanks to my boy Thokozani for hooking me up with this Head Honcho baseball jacket and golfer. Dope!

I had known about Nomfusi performing live at De Waal Park even before I left for Cape Town. It was a matter of finding the venue when I was in the city. As luck would have it, the person I had a meeting with that Sunday afternoon wanted to go to the same concert. And they knew exactly where the venue was. So we took off to see what Nomfusi had in store for us.

In September last year I had a pleasure of witnessing this dynamite tore the house down when she performed at the Music Love Soul event at the Lyric Theatre. As we got to the venue, with the music already blasting through the speakers, all those memories came flushing back. Was she going to leave me in the same sense awe as last year?

Yes she did. Performing to a crowd of possibly less than 100 people, Nomfusi possessed the same energy and passion as she sang with a live band. She even performed that mash up of Miriam Makeba and Tina Turner like she did at Mzansi Love Soul. Needless to say, my prospective business client, a tyalentedsinger in their own right, was highly impressed. I actually envied the people of Cape Town, for getting a free concert on a Sunday afternoon, just like that.

This actually took me back to what Hugh Masekela had said at a press conference on the very same weekend. The legendary trumpeter alluded to the fact that artists need to create events for themselves; gigging in small venues for small crowds, to make a living. Even though this concert was free, I’m sure it’d be easier for Nomfusi to charge the concert goers next time. And she can make it regular occasion afterwards.

Anyway, here are some photos I took during the electric performance.

J Cole with representative from sponsor, Coke.

J Cole touched down in the country a few hours ago. Straight from the airport, he graced us with his presence at the press conference that took place at Sandton Sun Hotel thismorning. The media got a chance to pick his brain. And this is how it went down.

The U.S. rapper, born Jermaine Lamar Cole in 1985 in Frankfurt, Germany, expressed his excitement at being in the country, and in the continent. He jokingly revealed how surprised and fascinated he was to see billboards adorned with black faces as he was driven from the airport, stating that in the U.S., black people are only seen in the 6th billboard.

I asked him about the impediments he had to push through to get to where he is, because of how touch and competitive the industry is. He uttered that it was hard; and it is still a struggle. Coming from a small city, he had to move closer to where the action is, which meant relocating to New York. His biggest hurdle was getting his foot in the door. However, doing internships helped a great deal in this undertaking. When I asked J Cole about the pressures he faces now that he’s broken into the industry, he admitted that staying at the top of the game is one of them. The smooth and eloquent rapper (you never thought these words would be used to describe a rapper, one from the U.S. nogal; neh?) vows to stay at the forefront of what he has developed, yet balancing this with is artistic expression.

J Cole answering questions.

J Cole briefly shared how his relationship with his boss Jay Z began. He had t-shirts made with the writing, “Produce For Jay-Z Or Die Trying”, inspired by the title of 50 Cent‘s autobiographical film, Get Rich Or Die Trying, that was out at the time. This was followed by numerous “stalking Jay-Z” moments. J Cole said he still sometimes can’t believe it’s real when he is sitting in studio with Hov. Throughout his hustle, his confidence made him aware that he would make it. And right now, he said in jest, the only thing Jay Z can boast about is having more watches than him.

The rapper and producer, whose debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story was released to critical and commercial acclaim in September of 2011, delved into one of the songs, entitled Lost Ones. When asked if it was inspired by personal circumstance, J Cole expounded that the incident happened to a close personal friend. He explained that he wrote it from that perspective, relaying that it was a case of, “If I were him, what would I say?”

One of the media representatives asked J Cole what he would have done if he wasn’t a rapper. He told the masses at the hotel conference centre that he always wanted to be a basketball player, even though he’d probably still be trying to get drafted. The North Carolina resident brought to light that his mother wanted him to be a lawyer, something that didn’t sit right with him. He did however pursue his higher education studies, majoring in communication and minoring in business; subsequently graduating magna cum laude from St. John’s University.

J Cole at the press conference.

Another question was posed to J Cole about whether he uses the skills he obtained from the above mentioned studies in his music business. He disclosed that even though it’s not direct, it does give him another aspect of stuff to write about. Moreover, his great understanding of communications helps in that aspect of his career. He continued, “It’s another angle of life to talk about.” And a refreshing one, since he’s veering away from the same subjects every other rapper raps about.

With regards to his performance at the Big Brother Africa StarGame launch tonight, J Cole enunciated his wish to have had more time. He is set to perform only three songs during the kick-start of Africa‘s biggest reality television show. J Cole promised to do his best though. And he told us how he is looking forward to coming back soon for at least a full week, to do a fully-fledged concert or tour.

Asked which artist he enjoyed working with the most on Cole World: The Sideline Story, he gleefully pronounced Missy Elliott‘s name. He went on to relay how the song came about. J Cole had wanted to work with Missy for a while. But his album was almost done and it didn’t seem he would succeed to do that ahead of the release. He then reached out to her, and the whole process happened through Skype. This is, as he declared, a moment he would never forget. As far as influences in his music, he touted Tupac, Nas, Eminem and Canibus as some of the rappers he looked up to. In fact, just before Tupac died, J Cole had written a poem for him, he avowed.

J Cole engaging with the media.

From his utterances, the relationship J Cole shares with his mother is a vividly healthy and close one. He spoke about her with such warmth, adulation and kindness. For example, he acknowledged that he can play the piano and violin because of how she pushed him to. He did admit, however, that he regrets not taking the guitar and violin lessons as seriously as he did piano. It was also his mother who planted an idea in him, that he could get into acting, something he wants to branch off to in the future. J Cole imparted how would record skits on the camera, playing different characters. Although he was goofying around at the time, he appreciates his mother showing him what he is capable of.

We also have to thank the same woman for raising an honest, real and kind young man. All these traits surfaced as he answered question after question. He even admitted that the whole rumour about him hooking up with Rihanna is just for publicity. That’s after confessing that America is ignorant about things that are or happen outside of their country. He made an example of how they don’t even have a clue about simply geography, in terms of where other countries are in the different continents. J Cole expressed his desire to rectify this, at least for himself, by visiting each country in Africa. And this seems like a brave and genuine gesture ahead of Africa Day. Hopefully he returns to fulfill this wish before the end of the year.

Like I said, this is one of the real-est rappers I’ve had an encounter with. There were no entourages hovering over him, shielding him from what I gathered were some of his biggest fans present at the press conference. He even joined us for breakfast afterwards, after allowing each and every person who wanted to pose with him for a photo to do just that. I say kudos to J Cole. I hope other rappers learn from him humility, kindness, and humanity.

J Cole flanked by Coke's representative and M-Net Africa MD, Biola Alabi.

As mentioned, J Cole will perform tonight as the seventh season of Big Brother Africa StarGame kicks off tonight at 8pm on Channel 198. Oh, the after party will be at Hush in Rosebank tonight, so you can also get a chance to have a glimpse of J Cole.

My Trip to The Big Brother Africa StarGame House

Speaking of Big Brother, I had a pleasure of staying in the Big Brother Africa house ahead of the premiere tonight, this past week. Members of the media were invited to stay overnight on Thursday.

I had no inkling as what to expect. Having packed an overnight bag, as suggested on the instructions with the email sent to us, I headed to the central meeting point at the MultiChoice Offices in Randburg.

We were driven to the location where the famed house is. Before being allowed access to the house, we congregated in a conference room at the studios to be briefed about our stay. This is where it started to sink in that I was about to embark on one of the most intriguing experiences of my life. As the rules and guidelines were presented, it crossed my mind that I might have made a mistake, due to my very private nature. However, the thought that whatever the crew would be recording will only be available for a few members of MNet, calmed me a bit.

Can you imagine being cooped up in a house full of strangers, with tens of cameras and microphones, for 24 hours; let alone for 91 days? Well, I did manage the 24 hours. Surprisingly, it was a fun experience. I enjoyed the tasks we had to do. These included one where we had to count a number of balls in a plastic container without touching or moving anything; as well as a task whereby the first person to stand up from the lawn we sat on at the porch, at exactly the 17th minute, would win (and note that there are no clocks or any other indicators of time in the house). In between tasks, we also improvised by engaging in our own games, one of them being a singing competition, which by the way was won by our team.

Moreover, I learnt a lot about myself while in the house. Just from interacting with others about different subjects, I found myself being able to figure out some of their personalities and what kind of people they are.

What suprised me even more is that, being addicted to TV, my phone or social networks, for the most of the time I didn’t even think about them. Some of my friends have always told me that I need to detach myself from my phone sometimes; one even suggesting that I must not look at my phone for 15 minutes after waking up every day, to harness myself and my soul and get ready for the day ahead. But I digress. Anyway, although the night was long, it was certainly one to remember. I just hope the tapes featuring whatever went down, are never released to anybody (kneels down to pray, LOL).

We must have slept for about 2 hours before the sirens rang to wake us up. A trainer was waiting for us for a workout. Still tired from the previous night’s activities, we dragged our feet for a light, but strenuous exercise regime. After that, we took to the showers, had breakfast and prepared to leave.

Before leaving the premises, we congregated back at the conference centre where a prize giving “ceremony” was conducted. The director thanked us for being the guinea pigs for what’s about to start later tonight.

J Cole during the photo opp.

Truthfully, I will never enter the Big Brother Africa competition. But the 24 hours we spent at the Big Brother Africa house, under the same conditions as the contestants, was fun, entertaining, eye-opening and absorbing. Thank you to MNet Africa for the opportunity. And for the brunch with J Cole earlier today. And of course, for the Big Brother Africa StarGame launch tonight. I can’t wait.

Big Brother Africa StarGame will broadcast 24 hours a day on Channel 198, from tonight. Do tune in when you get time.

J Cole posing for photos.

Salif Keita

Here are more details about the festivals and the musicians participating.

Autumn and Winter Seasons in Gauteng will never be the same again. Massive Events Live in partnership with Emperors Palace presents the inaugural annual 2 Day Indoor Music festival to be held on Friday and Saturday 1st & 2nd June, 2012 at the Emperors Palace, Centre Court.

We kick off this event with a blast featuring the world renowned musical magicians from Mali and Zimbabwe, Salif Keita and Oliver Mutukudzi will both grace us with full bands for a drizzling more than 75 minutes special performance on each night accompanied by some of the best local greats. Salif Keita’s enchanting voice, musical diversity and drizzling stage presence has won him millions of fans all over the world. Gauteng, Johannesburg and South Africa have the chance to experience this exclusive magic on the 1st and 2nd of June, 2012 at Emperors Palace.

This anticipated night won’t be what it will become without the appearance of another great, energetic, hypnotic live performance of one of the best award winning musicians, vocalist, songwriters and artists to come out of South Africa and the African continent with her usual igniting, unpredictable and memorable stage presence; Thandiswa Mazwai.

The opening night will bring you the SAMA Best Duo group sensation, Jaziel Brothers. About to release their much anticipated 3rd studio album. With powerful vocal that soar, harmonies that chime and lyrics that touch the heart and soul, Jaziel Brothers never seem to disappoint and always deliver a unique performance.

The finale night, Saturday, 2nd June 2012 bring you a mouth watering line up of Salif Keita and another musical maestro from Zimbabwe, the legendary Oliver Mutukudzi. His unusual dark soothing voice and sing along enchanting lyrics will live you with life lasting memories. He also grace us with a full band for a performance not to be missed.

This night and weekend will not be complete without the sultry vocalists and afro jazz diva Judith Sephuma. Celebrating her nationally and continentally acclaimed release of ‘I Am A Living Testimony’ with much anticipated soon to be released DVD; rest assured to be drizzled to one of her best performance till date.

Following the well known and loved duet Kupdeza Nguva by Oliver Mutukudzi and Judith Sephuma, I am sure you do not want to miss event. Any music lover wouldn’t want to miss this weekend or any of the night of such musical line up for such a price. All artists will be performing with full bands and adding value to your money well spent.

Ladies and Gentlemen; any more said will be underrated. Doors open at 6PM on both nights with performances starting at 7PM. Hold your breath for another Massive Events Live experience with this award winning star studded line up.

Tickets available from Computerticket, House & Home and Shoprite Checkers Outlets at an unbelievable fee of R250 and R300.

These two nights promise to be two to remember. Get your tickets now to avoid disappointment.

Oliver Mtukudzi