Jucy Africa

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

Carmel Fisher is one of South Africa’s sexiest entertainers. Having broken into the entertainment industry when she made her acting debut on the youth soapie Backstage as Roxanne. Carmel is also a model and dancer. We interviewed her and her partner Dion.

Boniswa: Welcome to Jucy Africa. Last month was February, we celebrated Valentines day  and all things love. When did you guys meet, and how?

Carmel: We met in April 2011. I was visiting venues to decide which entertainment venue to use for my Survivor exit party and we happened to meet at his venue, SET, in Rosebank which just happened to meet all my requirements. The same was proven to be true of the owner as time passed…

JA:  How long have you guys been together?

Carmel: It’ll be 2 years this April

JA: What did you guys do to celebrate Valentines day?

Carmel: We loved and loved some more…. Took  time to express how we feel about each other. I left the day’s arrangements to Dion to surprise me and he went all out!

JA:  What are the qualities you admire the most about each other?

Carmel: I love Dion’s directness, integrity, spontaneity, charm, adventurous streak & progressive, positive energy.

Dion: I love Carmel’s ambition, tenacity, determination in achieving her goals & playfulness.

JA: ..and the most annoying qualities?

Carmel: Dion is highly impulsive which can be a great adventure yet throw any planning out the window…

Dion: Carmel is a free spirit so there’s an air of mystery & unpredictability about her…

JA: Briefly tell us about your backgrounds

Carmel:I am a passionate Actress who grew up in a coloured township called Horseshoe in Johannesburg. I trained as a ballet dancer for 15 years, attended National School of Arts, competed a tertiary degree at U.J (Corporate Communication), have travelled extensively and am an only sister to an older brother & a daughter to 2 eccentric but traditional parents.

Dion: I’m the eldest of 4 boys, born in Johannesburg, South Africa but lived most of my life in North Africa & Europe, & currently resides in Sandton, South Africa. I graduated as an Architectural Technician in 1991. On completion of my studies,I worked as an Architect and Project Manager, in the construction industry with his late father, and simultaneously ventured into the Hospitality and Entertainment industries.  Having owned, decorated & remodelled 19 social & corporate venues in the past 20 years, Dion I have an innate ability to spot opportunities, anticipate trends & incorporate progressive global influences

JA: Who is the most romantic of the two of you?

Carmel &Dion: It’s a tie…

JA: What do you think has made your relationship what it is today?

Carmen: Respect, honesty, acceptance, healthy boundaries, basic compatibility & effective communication.

JA: If you were to write a book about your journey together, what would be the title and why?

The CAR-DIO Adventures…(CAR-DIO takes the first 3 letters of each of our names)

JA: Dion, how challenging is it dating someone in entertainment, also as hot as Carmel?

Dion:  I knew what I was getting myself into when I got involved with her, and her physical beauty is only the cherry on the top for the wonderful, fun & down-to-earth person she is. I take it as a great compliment when she gets the attention of other admirers.

JA: Carmel does your being in the limelight affect your personal relationships?

Carmel: Not at all…. I love sharing the spotlight with my beau. He is also very open-minded and secure within himself.

JA: If you were to go on a romantic getaway here in Africa, where would you go and why?

Dion: Morocco. It is full of culture, naturally beautiful scenic surroundings & interesting people.

JA: Carmel, you are in entertainment, what are you currently working now?

Carmen:I am currently filming as a lead on a new TV series for SABC 3, to be broadcast in the first week of April. I also MC, model and own a PR company.

JA:  What have been the highlights of your career?

Carmen: Winning the ‘Backstage Superstar’ competition, in 2006, that landed me a lead role on the E-TV youth soapie, participating in the 2011 edition of SurvivorSA: Maldives- Celebs vs. Plebs and filming as a lead in the rhino-poaching feature film ‘SNARE’ that enjoyed an exclusive release in aid of fund-raising for the rhino protection groups.

JA: Can we expect wedding bells soon and little Gabrielides?

Carmen: I’d like that… if there’s any man I’ve seriously considered taking that step with, it’s Dion.

JA: What inspires this relationship?

A mutually-progressive spirit, Individuality, healthy competition & unconditional love.

JA: Carmel, how do you stay in such great shape?

Carmen: I eat according to my blood type and focus my gym workouts on cardio & toning routines.

JA: What’s the one thing people don’t know about you?

Carmen: I’m quite domesticated & love my me-time.

JA: What’s the biggest misconception about you?

Carmen: Not sure, don’t really care…

JA: How do you deal with overzealous fans?

Carmen: Treat them with patience & kindness… They mean well & I love them!

JA: How can your fans get hold of you?

Twitter: @CARMELFiSHER

Facebook: Carmel Fisher

By: @BonnieMes

Bonnie Meslane is an Entertainment and Fashion blogger for Jucy Africa, who happens to have a degree in Public Administration and Politics. She loves all things colourful, music, fashion and beautiful.

Location: SET Venue, Rosebank

Photography: @ThickLeeyonce

Styling: Bonnie Meslane and Sthembiso Mngadi

Make-up: Mina Shembe @Minashe

Stockists:

Fruitcake Vintage: 0110248005

Carmel & Dion’s own clothes.

One of SA’s most fun and light hearted awards are back for a third year running. The Feathers 2011 are bound to be bigger and more hilarious following the nominee announcement party on Tuesday night. The categories that always catch my eye are “The Fag Hag of the year”, “Cutest Couple of the year” and “Drama Queen of the year”. Oddly enough, Zar owner and star of “So What” reality show Kenny Kunene has been nominated in all three. The man who once turned human bodies into sushi plates  has been in the news the whole year, replacing one of his buddies and last year’s Drama Queen of the year, Theunis Crous. It’s no surprise that he’s also nominated in the fag hag category besides being an open polygamist. The man shocked everybody by attending this year’s Gay Pride march in support of his secretary who is part of the gay community.

Socialite of the year nominee, Jafta Mamabolo

Generations star Jafta “Mr Steal Thomas Gumede’s GF”  Mamabolo also got a nod for attending almost, if not all events on the social calendar. I don’t know how his wardrobe copes as you all know you can’t be seen repeating the same outfits. He was also present during the nominations announcement (talk about proving the point) held at “Skyline” in Braamfontein. Other nominees that were there is last year’s fag hag of the year, Dineo Ranaka who has been scarce on the social scene. Who can forget her bubble wrap dress? She got peeped for the Best Styled female against Bonang Matheba and Noni Gasa.

Best Styled Female Nominee, Dineo Ranaka

Although the venue for the 2011 ceremony hasn’t been announced, one hopes that it will be better than last year’s venue at AFDA, those ramps nearly saw a couple of ladies fall. One thing for sure though, you can expect all things glam and fab darlings, they are back, backed up by Chevrolet, Yfm and Café Royale, which make a nice coffee tequila that nearly saw me trip, fall over and tap wrong behinds, my apologies to Kuli  Roberts.

Kuli Roberts

Zizo Beda

Baby Joe

Mommy to be and Socialite of the year nominee, Thembisa Mdoda

By: Just Denis

“Mzansi for sho” celebrated shaking things up at Café Culture in Fourways on Tuesday night. Though it’s slightly unheard of to party for shows moving to different time slots I accepted the invitation nonetheless to see what was cooking with. Shows like Selimathunzi, RGB, Ses’Khona and Jozi’s reality show are moving to the 6pm slot, (talk about dividing the nation) while the never ageing The Bold & The Beautiful moves to the 18:30 time slot. Could it be a case of the Bold fans getting stuck in traffic? Replacing Mzansi Insider is a brand new show called Media Career Guide hosted by the lovely Boitumelo Thulo aka  Boity and Stevie French. The aim of the show is to showcase careers in the film,radio, music and television industry by interviewing a few stalwats making it big in their fields. It begins this coming Monday, the 10^th of October.

Boitumelo Thulo

Back to the party, ok I ‘ll be honest, I arrived extremely late and every time I do, the bar closes after ordering my first drink. I think someone is wrongfully advising  event managers in Jozi – I’m not a fish nor do I drink like one, so chillang! DJ Fresh and Euphonik were on the decks when I went in and played some lekker tunes (ba thotse Fresh le Euphonza? big budget nne?!) and I spotted rising stars like Boity and Minnie Dlamini, who was sporting a new hair do….am I allowed to say fab? Anyways, Generations actor Jafta Mamabolo was also in the mix of things with his on screen girlfriend Samo who seemed to have recovered from the beatdown she and her boyfriend  got from 5 dummies at a garage on Sunday . I hope Thomas’ 6 stiches are healing nicely.

Jafta Mamabolo

Also spotted was model and Seli presenter Lunga Shabalala who hogged the bar counter for most of the time while I was there, I guess leaning against the bar represents the new cool. He was later joined by Ms Thulo and spent most of the night chatting. I’m not one to start rumours but they would make a cute couple. No?! ok… After the bar closed down and the Fe.U team left, the party died or rather became a training ground for Jozi’s Da Les to practise his Dj’ing skills. All I gotta say is keep practising man or stick to rap, another solo album will do if you don’t like splitting the doe. Great party despite my late arrival, you know it’s all chilled if you see Penny Lebyane dancing.

DJ Fresh and Euphonik

Minnie Dlamini

by: Just Denis

On Saturday singer Eda Rose appeared on Kenny Kunene’s “So What” reality show. Her name “trended” on twitter for about three hours after this with people calling her a gold digger, a prostitute and much worse.  On Tuesday morning Gayton Mckenzie attacked Eda on twitter saying she was lying  when she addressed the matter.

Kenny Kunene and Gayton MacKenzie:

Regardless of what did or did not happen with Kenny and Eda, I feel like a few things are being overlooked.  Firstly Kenny who is married has not been hit with any of the  scorn and scandal that people have heaped on Eda. Maybe now is not the time to get into issues like why women  seem to take schadenfraude in watching other women getting crucified for their alleged sexual behaviour but I was dissapointed to watch women gleefully calling Eda names and judging her off the basis of one TV show appearance.

Secondly, being attacked by a man like Gayton who is looked up to because of his inspirational journey from convicted criminal to a  mine owner, club owner and role model must be a painful thing to experience, regardless of who you are and what you have or have not done. To have someone threaten and slander you on a public platform when you are like Eda who has been trying to get into entertainment and build a brand for the last 9 years must not only be damaging  to her emotional well being but also to her work prospects. I’ve heard that Eda has lost a sponsorship deal for her music videos after the furore.

After the “So what” episode aired, Eda went onto Bonang Matheba’s show to say that she went with Kenny and his team to “see the opportunities she could get if she signed under ZAR Entertainment” to “see how his camp works” and “how they handle big events such as the president’s daughters wedding”. This is what unleashed this flurry of tweets from Gayton Mackenzie:

I was not there during Kenny and Eda’s interactions but I believe that Eda made a few mistakes in her handling of the situation. She was too hungry for her  career to finally take off and did what she felt like would help her get there, like going to the wedding with Kenny. I hope Eda’s story and the drama that ensued teaches people that most people in entertainment and in Johannesburg look out for themselves and you should do the same. Kenny has a show to push and will use his life, cameras and editing to portray that. Don’t be too trusting.  Always know what you’re getting yourself into. And think about what you’re doing before you do it, so regrets are minimized afterwards.

Eda Rose

We all have more than one side. Eda is an accounting and finance honors graduate, someone’s sister, someone’s daughter and someone’s partner. She has been trying to sing and be in the entertainment industry since she was 12.  She got her first record deal at 16. She only started working at YFM in April. If you want to judge and attack Eda based on your  perceptions of her please remember this. Lastly don’t call other people sferb while you are acting like a sferb.

I’ve opened up the comments to find out how you feel about this story. *Noleen voice* Do let me know

Images from: Just Curios, Iol.co.za, Zaronline

Jameson teamed up with SA Fashion Week for what was dubbed the opening party on Friday night at the Rosebank fire station premises. Awkwardly starting while the fashion show was still on, I guess it was a good way of keeping  those that didn’t have tickets for the show busy.  As much as I would have loved to go support some of my friends that showcased their winter collection, I wasn’t eager to blow air kisses or give random hugs to wanna be socialites and my facebook stalkers. I still had to face the most awkward thing though, I had a rather unusual encounter with Kuli Roberts on the night as she  grabbed my crotch, more than once, apparently “ke a timana ka yona” (I don’t like to give it), my response, *it’s mine*.

Simphiwe Dana

The party  setup was nice, pity Jozi’s gods decided they’re going to mess up the weather or could it have been that they had foreseen Simphiwe Dana’s parachute outfit and gave us that breeze?  I think the outfit was so daring that it took away the spot light from the queen of bling, Khanyi Mbau who had to wait for Simphiwe to finish posing before she could have pictures of her taken, I can assure you that she was fully dressed. I feel sorry for her with the naked pics that cropped up on the net and newspapers, very sad. It was nice to see Dineo Ranaka showcasing some of designs for her upcoming label “luv.dr”. She walked around with her model/best friend Bontle Masibi as they paraded the clothes. I liked what Bontle was wearing.

Bontle and Dineo

It was also nice to see T-Bo Touch out, hanging around with a lady who was said to be his ex. He and his “bring Drake to SA team” were proud of the fact that they sold 1000 ttickets in 4 hours via Twitter. I think congratulations are in order for the trio that includes Slikour and Dineo Ranaka. The wind finally blew a breeze cold enough to make me leave the party, that was 10 minutes before Generations actress Nambitha waltzed in like the wind was pushing her. The song “stomach in chest out” randomly started playing in my head when I saw the walk. Anyways, not too bad of a party, thank you for the umbrella, I finally collected enough for my parents because I wouldn’t know what to do with those things unless the gods punish me by forcing me to use taxis.

Dineo Moeketsi

Poppy Ntshongwana

Lalla Hirayama

Touch, Slikour and Dineo

Bujy

by: Just Denis

Jorburgers and horse lovers invaded Durban this past Saturday for Africa’s biggest racing event.   The Vodacom Durban July has been around since 1897 and it seems every year it gets bigger and better. Not only do people go there to watch the horses run around the 2200 meter track but they’re also there for the fashion, socialising  (the cause of many excessive hangovers. Even though, come to think of it,  a hangover in Durbs is not thhhaaat bad. Anyway, back to the event) . This was my first time at the July, it it was for work. Thanks Miller.   We left a very cold Joburg at 7:30am in 3 buses, packed with snacks entertainment and lots of booze.  There was music in the buses, comedian Trevor Gumbi, mentalist Larry Sofer and George the beat boxer formed part of the surprise line-up introduced in the buses.

O Access presenter Dineo Moeketsi in a Gert Johan Coetzee design with Thapelo Mokoena

After a 14hour trip and lots of stops, we arrived in Durbs with most of us either drunk or exhausted. Gateway Mall was a very interesting place to be on the morning of the races with a lot of people doing some last minute shopping to suit the Royal theme of the event.  Spotted Generations star Jafta Mamabolo with plastic bags from Stuttafords, YDE, Woollies etc. I personally think the young man should get a thank you note from the mayor of Durban for boosting their economy. Styled by Ephraim from Ephymol, I didn’t have to worry about shopping except for the addition of a man bag aka satchel…Don’t judge me!

Rocking her own label DFC, Uyanda Mbuli was smart enough to wear flat shoes

An estimated crowd of about 55 000 people had descended at the Greyville racecourse. I won’t comment on whether they stuck to the theme or not, I would rather let the pictures do the talking. The youngest of the Bala brothers seems to be everywhere these days, I thought he looked like Elton John in his 20’s and those that saw him around 6pm at the Life Style Oasis marquee can testify. Speaking of marquees , in my opinion, the MTV Base was the best out of the lot. Not only was it good looking inside, it was exclusive and had entertainment from the likes of Khuli Chana, AKA and DJ Switch. The Miller marquee had teamed up with 5FM and saw Zakes Bantwini perform and DJ Milkshake rocking the stage.

Rapper Khuli Chana

The Lifestyle Oasis VIP marquee looked clean and proper, although I felt that it lacked intimacy. They had a mini fashion show from Carducci and Liquideep rocked the stage for the plebs outside. Knowing my limitations as a human being and the fact that my feet can only carry me for a limited number of hours, I left the race course at around 9pm and went back to the hotel.   Had I not been working, I would have experienced the full pleasures of the Durban July but it was an awesome experience nonetheless.  People showed love, cab drivers got rich and some got lucky while others were “nuns”.   If you are still wondering which horse won the main race, Igugu did. A big thanks to Miller for the hospitality.

Phelo B, dressed by Styling Concepts

Shooting their new reality show Hlelo and Ntando Masina

DJ Dimplez in a Scottish kilt

Noni Gasa

Siyabonga Ngwekazi in a GLS 3 piece suit

Rapper AKA also on the GLS swag

by: Just Denis

SA Fashion Week was held over the past weekend in Jozi’s Braamfontein and fashionistas, celebs and socialites came out in support of the event on Friday night. The fashion shows were followed by an after party sponsored by Jameson at a building across the auditorium and these are some of the faces that were spotted in and around the venues:

TV presenter and radio personality Liezel van der Weshuizen manages to look fabulous despite being on crutches after her recent car accident. She reckons she is getting better so it won’t be long before we see her strike a pose for us.

Publicist Thulane Hadebe and 5FM Radio Personality Poppy Ntshongwana came to watch the shows and mingle.

Strange doll like models from the first show on the night by Black Coffee. (No, not the house producer/DJ).

CK underwear model Lunga Shabalala. He modelled the impressive line from Ephymol on the night alongside Max Mmethi and JC Ngandu. He seems to be settling well in Joburg in pursuit of gold. He also has a few projects up his sleeves so we can expected more from this young man.

YFM’s new sensation Zama Dube also took time out to mingle with the who’s who at the after party. I love the confidence this ambitious Durbanite has.

Model and Blackberry ambassador Stevel Marc was one of the models for Ephymol. He says he has been in and out of the country on a few projects. No need to ask where his suit is from, unless they are planning to dress me in the near future. Perhaps I should write an open letter to Carducci.

The bubbly DJ Zinhle DJ’ed for Uyanda Mbuli’s Diamond Face Couture show which saw Babalwa Mneno and Lady Zee walk the ramp.

Owner of DFC Uyanda Mbuli with her publicist Linda Moeketsi.

Reggiestar owner and designer Reggie Molamu who sang what might be the first single off his music album during his fashion show. My ears are on the ground to see how this story develops.

Actress Relebogile Mabotja who modelled the show stopper of the Reggiestar line posing with musician Miza Modibedi who was dressed the part but failed to influence his bff and business partner Nutty Nys to come out of his sneakers & jeans comfort zone for the fashion show.

by: Just Denis

Denis Phatudi is a writer for Jucy Africa. He produces content for a popular television station , runs a PR firm and artist management company Mo Squared.
You can contact him on denis@jucyafrica.com