Jucy Africa

The weekend is here and Jozi is buzzing with entertainment: there are numerous parties happening all across the city.This Friday, Kong the new club in Rosebank is hosting DJ C’Live’s birthday with a list of entertainers like the Naked DJ, DJ Franky, Voodoo, Hudson and Zee. Nigerian superstar D’Banj is gracing the swanky place on Sunday at one of their numerous launches.

Metro FM DJ Vinny Da Vinci is also celebrating his birthday in style at The Sands alongside Mzansi’s finest DJ’s. Lulo Cafe, Glen Lewis, Culoe De Song and many other local djs.On Saturday, he will be turning things up with his mates at House 22 in Pretoria and lastly on Sunday, still celebrating his birthday at The Rock in Soweto.

Also taking place this Friday at Sway in Sandton, it’s DJ Switch’s birthday party. To celebrate with him are hip hop and house DJs DJCapital, Twins On Decks, Dj Speedsta and DJ Dimplez.

Africa Day celebrations are taking place this Saturday the 25th in Newtown. Artists all over Africa, from Tanzania to Mali will be sharing the stage with our own stars. The likes of Lira and Thandiswa Mazwai who will be performing with her All Female Band. This is a must see, tickets are R150 at Computicket and at the door.

Still on the happenings of this weekend, Mzansi Magic’s Clash Of The Choirs top 3 choirs led by Khaya Mthethwa, Zwai Bala and Zakes Bantwini will be singing their lungs out this weekend at the Lyric Theatre. The choir competition won by Khaya’s KZN choir is bringing the show to the people in a form of an unforgettable and mind blowing musical evening. Go get your tickets at Computicket.

Tonight, Friday the 24th Shimza is celebrating his birthday in style with a massive party in Taboo, Sandton. This big do will start off from 9pm with the heaviest line-up of the best in entertainment in our shores. Stable mate Culoe De Song will be celebrating this day with Shimza alongside DJ Fresh, Vetkuk VS Mahoota, DJ Tira, China, Zan-D, Tholi B, Mo Flava, Warras, Black Motion, Uhuru, Dimples, Cuebur, King Deetoy, Khomza, Hlathi-Baby and Heavy K.

To add to this impressive list is the live performances by award winning group MiCasa, Pro, Zano and Dr Malinga. All the best things one can ever think of are what to expect at this birthday extravaganza.Do the right thing and get to Taboo in Sandton, cover charge is R150 and the theme is Black On Black.

If you’re going to be out and about this weekend we would love to hear about it. Tweet pictures of yourself looking instagram fresh to @Jucyafrica and use the hashtag #JucyWknd so we can find you.

Durban lit up this past saturday after hosting the MTV Africa All Stars concert featuring US rapper turned reggae artist, Snoop Lion at the People’s Park – Moses Mabhida stadium. With tickets only costing R40, thousands descended at the park, with a lot of teens being the most visible.

Camp Mulla opened the show

Kwaito Hit Makers, Big Nuz were the first group to get on to the magnificent stage set up. Credit is due to the directors and producers of the event for making sure that even the opening acts had great lighting and beautiful effects during their performances instead of only leaving those for the main act of the night.

DJ Cleo and Tholi B

The VIP marquee was buzzing with the likes of TV presenter Sinazo, Mo Flava and YFM drive time host Tholi B. Married celebs also took time out to hang with their wives. Comedian Trevor Gumbi chilled with his wife Lucilla while the Big Dawg DJ Fresh, hung out with his better half, Thabiso Sikwane. Unfortunately, the marquee was packed which killed exclusivity but, the catering and the bar made it worthwhile to be rubbing shoulders with plebs and celebs. Those with no open bar etiquette stumbled around and spilled drinks on fellow patriots with one person passing out to the point were emergency personnel had to carry him out on a stretcher while we partied the night away.

The Link presenter, SinazoYolwa

Nigerian superstars, Flavour and D’Banj won the hearts of ladies with their great performances while the pink suit wearing Zakes Bantwini had us shaking i’bum bum. One expected DJ Cleo to perform some of his famous tracks but he played a hip hop set instead. SAMA winning artist, Professor has become one of my favourite artists, mainly because of the high number of his hit tracks that had the crowd jamming.

Zakes Bantwini 

The reincarnated Snoop Lion finally took to the stage as the Durban crowd went berserk. He performed some of his well known hits from his rap days and mixed it up with some of his new music which was received with a pinch of salt. My favourite part was when D’Banj came back on stage to perform with Snoop their track called Mr Endowed which saw Snoop breaking it down African style.  Another successful event hosted by the city of Durban. A big thank you to MTV Base, KZN Tourism for hosting us and a special thanks to SA Tourism for the opportunity to experience this great spectacle.

Penny Lebyane was there shooting her reality TV show

DRC Superstar, Fally Ipupa

Trevor Gumbi

Nigerian Artist and “Nwa Baby” hitmaker, Flavour 

By: Just Denis (@denphat)

Images by: Getty Images 

The recent MTV Base concert in Durban was not only a chance to see the renamed Lion but a great opportunity to see performances from some great artists from this wonderful continent. In keeping with the African theme our musical star today is Joy Frempong more popularly known by her stage name OY. This genre defying artiste hails from Ghana and has been on a journey thought Africa that has influenced her latest album Kokokyinaka

Kokokyinaka is the Akan (Ghanaian language) name for the bird ‘Great Blue Turaco or Giant Plantain Eater’ whose looks I love – blue with a punky crown. It’s also said to have taught man to drum, and so drummers would not kill or eat it. The reason she chose the title was because of this poem:

Kokokyinaka Asamoa, the clock-bird, how do we greet you?

We greet you with ”anyaado”

We hail you as the drummer’s child,

The drummer’s child sleeps and awakes with the dawn.

I am learning, let me succeed.

You know the sonic journey is going to one of adventure when the first sounds you hear are of a clapped out public transport bus wheezing and grinding its way to a breakdown while OY explains how to pronounce the title of her album. And what an adventure it is. Kokokyinaka, the sophomore album  is an experimental, genre-bending, generously seasoned stew of Africa-inflected Electronica that captures, illuminates and refracts her journey through Mali (4 weeks), Ghana, Burkina Faso and South Africa (5 weeks), with all the “found” sounds recorded as she traveled  and with lyrics inspired either by traditional African stories or proverbs or by conversations held with various people she met during her travels, or simply picked up along the way.

If this sounds interesting then you’re in luck because she is on her way back to tour with her band: the tour dates are listed below.

• 25-05, Maputo (MOC) – Azgo Festival
• 26-05, Harare (ZBW) – Book Café
• 28-05, Cape Town (ZA) – Mahogany Room
• 31-05, Johanesbourg (ZA) – King Kong
• 02-06, Swaziland (SWZ) – Bush Fire Festival

Cape Town fans are in for a special treat as OY will also be hosting a workshop on the 29th of May  at 48 Albert Road, Woodstock.

Follow OY on twitter @Oymusic

As we all know the MTN South African Music Awards took place at one of my favourite destinations in SA, Suncity this past weekend. I summed up the “Good, the bad and the awesome” from this weekend according to what I saw and experienced.

The Good

It’s always great to celebrate our local talent and embrace them because let’s face it, we do have talented artists that can compete among the best in the world. It was great to finally see Khulichana awarded for his efforts on the night. He’s been one of the most consistent and hard working artist in the past 3 years.  Toya Delazy’s opening performances was the best I have witnessed from her, there were less cringing moments in her singing and I have always thought she needed a good holiday to refresh a bit. Other performances that impressed me on the night, Kabomo (despite the MIC sabotage in the beginning), Lira, and the Album of the year nominees.

Kelly Khumalo

The Bad

It was sad to witness some of the skids that I am sure with the right execution, would have worked great. This year’s skids just couldn’t top SAMA 18’s ones by Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse and Riaan Cruywagen which left us in stitches. Why was Zahara shining on Riot’s shine? Or is every award that goes to TS hers? Can designers be honest to their clients when a dress is not working for their body? It’s not nice to see a bad outfit on a good soul. Often when artists go collect their award they express how they feel on stage, why ask them the same thing backstage? Amstel is my favourite beer but that green room exercise wasn’t well executed, great idea though. Rapper Nas once said “All I need is one MIC” but I doubt that was the case between Boity, Akhumzi and the artists being interviewed   Big ups to them for holding it down though (and that’s nothing to do with them being friends). This multi hosts idea is bad in my view, they pay a lot more for people to be a part of the awards and present, why not give us consistency and a flowing show with 2 hosts and save the appearance fee for something more creative? *phew*

#ChanPower -Khulichana

The Awesome

The atmosphere in the Superbowl was awesome especially during the ad-breaks. I thought DJ Dino Bravo kept us entertainment with classic South African hits and it was beautiful to watch the crowd dance and sing along. I loved the props and the efforts to be more creative. The lighting was impressive.  Zonke, Desmond and the Tutus, Kabelo featuring Big Nuz and “Zozo and Sangere Superbeat had a dope performance (outside of the peeing incident, in fact the DOP and director should be blamed for allowing that shot to be aired). Lastly the fact that one got to spend the weekend away in Suncity to celebrate SA talent was awesome. The pre-parties, the after parties and the surroundings were just great. Thanks for the goodie bag Crush PR, now who’s buying me a coffee machine?

Enhle-Mbali Mlotshwa Mapumulo

Vet Koek & Mahoota

Nandi Mngoma

Donald Moatshe

Sade Giliberti

Mafikizolo be ba “Khona”, Nhlanhla & Theo

By: Just Denis (@denphat)

Pics by: Ouparazzi & Mike Glenister

Dali Tambo’s legendary People of the South returns to SABC3 on Sunday 19 May at 20:30 with 13 brand new episodes featuring leading personalities across multiple disciplines – from politics to the performing arts.

In a major coup People of the South has secured President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe together with First Lady Grace Mugabe as guests of the show.  Other featured interviews include ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe and Kwazulu Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize. Dali also speaks to the multi-award winning R&B singer Danny K as well as the established South African actress, voice-over artist, creator and director Sylvaine Strike. Professor Ntshengedzeni Nevhutanda, pastor of the Higher Grace Church in Pretoria and chair of the National Lotteries Board will also be featured on the show.

Jucy Africa went out to collect Mother’s Day messages from South Africa’s finest entertainers. Here is what they say about this day:

DJ and businesswoman Zinhle Jiyane(@DJZinhle)” Happy Mothers day to my beautiful mother,one of the strongest people I know, she is kind, caring and a shopaholic. Things that I learned from my mother are hard work, respect and laughing hard, even if it’s at yourself. The lessons you have taught me, I will pass onto my own children. Not to expect or accept gifts from people. I know it sounds crazy but my mother never let us accept gifts especially money from people who were not part of our family. It taught not to expect any favours from people and in life, that no one owes me anything. I thank God everyday for how strict and consistent she was. I wish you….More years of shopping and laughter.”

Producer and DJ Jullian Gomes (@JULLiAN_GOMES)

”To all the Mothers out there on this mothers day, thank you for your patience your understanding and your unconditional love, Happy Mothers Day.”

DJ, Producer, Actor Miza Modibedi (@MizaModibedi)

“Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers , may God grant you all more blessings to carry on being awesome. We Appreciate you. To my dear Mother, Happy Mother’s day. I thank God for blessing me with you.”

Actress Zenande Mfenyana (@Zenande_Mcfen)

“Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom Noncedo Mfenyana who has been a pillar of strength throughout my life. A woman who has gone through many trials and tribulations but always came out stronger. She is has taught me resilience. She has been with me in my toughest times, seen me at my worst but still been able to be strong for me and our family.

She has taught me so much about myself and life, including lessons on investing my money and never to be wreckless with it. She has also taught me to be independent and never rely on anyone especially a man. She has always taught to have my own things and avoid being dependant.”

DJ & Producer Culoe De Song (@CuloedeSong)

“I would like to thank my Mother for all the blessings she has given me in this beautiful earth. Mothers are the heart of life.

Happy Mothers day!!”

Producer and Recording Artist Demor Skhosana (@IamDemor)

“To all the beautiful mothers out there, I wish you a fabulous Mother’s day. May you get the special attention everyday ’cause you deserve it. With love, Demor”

By @BonnieMes

My mother always says to me, ” I carried you for 9 months without dropping you once”, and although it’s usually used to emotionally blackmail me into making her a cup of tea it wasn’t until recently that I realized the truth in her words. My mother has never dropped me! She always been there, to cheer me on, be it at my netball matches that were usually too far for her to go to by taxi(but she came) , or my awards evenings where she’d be the only black Mom there dressed in her over-the-top African inspired regalia, my mom has never ever dropped me.

The older I get, the more she helps me realise that she’ll never ever drop me. When I’m utterly stressed out and sleep refuses to come, who, without fail, picks up my midnight calls? Not friends but my original bestie, my mom. She offers a prayer(boy can that woman pray!) and reminds me she’s there. She’s never ever dropped me. Though years have passed, and things have changed, she still hasn’t lost that mischievous twinkle in her eye, which makes me long to have met my Mom at my age, I think we’d be great friends and I’d really like her.

My greatest blessing is not only loving my mom for bringing me into this world,without,dare I forget, dropping me once in the 9months she carried me! But also having a Mom who I can genuinely say,”I like you, you’re good people.”  For her courage, strength, wisdom and unending fountain of Love. This Mother’s day, I want to say to Mama,” thank you Maduna, for not dropping me then and not dropping me now.” Not once, not ever.

Masasa Lindiwe Mbangeni (@MsMasasa) is an actress, theatre maker, director and lover of Life. Born and bred in Port Elizabeth she came to Johannesburg to read for a BA in Dramatic Arts majoring in Performance and Directing at the University of the Witwatersrand. She’s a recipient of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship. She can currently be see on etv soapie Scandal. She believes in Love and unicorns.

In light of Mother’s day, I would like to dedicate this piece to what I believe is the heart that keeps the earth going. Without its love, mankind would cease to exist.

She is love. She is earth. She is a woman. She is life. This precious gift birthed with authority and the golden privilege to give life also carries within her a love so powerful that no man, no cold heart, no blinded soul could ever possess any kind of ability to resist its call. A gift so natural yet so pure, one would be convinced that God was being too kind to the world when he created the soul of a woman.

To be a woman is nothing short of being the greatest gift to mankind. No one could ever deny the beauty of a woman. No one could ever fully explain the spark deeply carried within the eyes of a woman. It is her birth-given right to glow. She was born to be the strength of the world. She breathes to be your reason for breathing. Her heart beats to strengthen yours. She loves in order to give you life. And then there are those who have given life. The ones responsible for love. The selfless gems of this earth. You would have to search a mother’s heart to truly know love. My goodness. I can proudly call myself a Legend because I was born to a Goddess who, in my heart and eyes, represents God. She is my only connection on earth to untainted euphoria. She is my source of peace. Her presence multiplies my days on earth. Her heart is my destiny.

I am in love with her. I am her. She is me. My heart resides in her lungs and its every beat is dependent on her breath. She is my soul and I am yet to find anything greater on earth. She is what I know is God’s definition of purity, love, beauty, humility, strength, grace and a sky filled with descriptions of her surreal energy and connection to me.

I could not have picked a better angel and God was simply showing off when He created this woman to be my mother. I have not a clue where I would be without such love. I live because she is. Never will there ever be anything greater than the heart of a mother.

Thank You, Modiehi Thulo

You are my life’s inspiration.

God bless the mothers of this earth. And Thank You, Lord for the love of a woman.

Happy Mother’s Day, beauties.

*kisses*

Boitumelo Thulo: Actress, Model and TV Presenter

@Boity