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

There has been a lot of buzz online lately about Kelly Rowland’s  latest single in which shes sings that it was hard to watch her best friend and former bandmate become a superstar while she languished in the background. Hi 5 to Kelly for admitting that because jealously is a natural human emotion and she was brave enough to own it. Most importantly though she has moved on and realised that Beyonce’s success takes nothing away from her.

When someone else lands a killer job with an impressive pay check, it’s easy to fall into the jealousy trap. But seeing that such a great job exists can, instead, give you something to shoot for. It can show you the amazing possibilities that are already present in the world.This also allows us to confront one negative belief we carry with us as a society: there isn’t enough to go around. So if one person gets something we want, the chances of us getting the same thing are significantly diminished.

The truth is, there is always enough to go around if we believe it is so. We simply have to claim it.

If you wish to be successful, help others to be successful. If you wish to help others to be successful, be successful yourself.Success does not occur in a vacuum. Success is most reliably created in a successful environment.One person’s achievement does not prevent or detract from anyone else’s opportunity to achieve. Quite to the contrary, every achievement creates more possibilities for all to achieve.

There’s no reason to feel guilty for having achieved more, and there’s no reason to feel envious for having less. Instead, be inspired by every achievement you see, and be inspiring in your own creative efforts.Envision, create and achieve in your unique way. Encourage and celebrate the work of others who seek to do the same.Success is not built on envy or resentment or punishment or guilt. Success is built upon success, so let the building begin.

— Ralph Marston

Fresh from winning the SAMPRA award for  their hit track, “Heavenly Sent” at the SAMAs this past weekend, trio Micasa are set to perform at the MTV All Africa pre-party taking place on Friday the 17^th of May at Moyo’s in Durban.  The All Stars Pre-Party will feature two dance floors offering the best in House and Hip-Hop beats, it will also serve as the after party for the infamous “Fashion By The Sea” taking place on the same night. The House Floor, will be held down by Funky Soul, Mario,St Nicholas, Soul Villan and Andy Tylo while the Hip Hop Floor will buzzing to the tunes of T-Bag, Abbu-Feel and Franchise.

Prior to winning, trumpeter in the group, Mo T was quoted as saying they were happy to get a nomination from their self-titled album which was released in 2011. In the 2012 edition of the SAMAs, Micasa walked away with the Record of the year, Duo or Group of the year and the Best Dance Album award.The SAMPRA award goes to the most played song on South African radio.

The MTV All Stars concert will take place this coming Saturday the 18th of May at the People’s Park in Moses Mabhida Stadium were US rapper Snoop Lion is set to be the headline act. Tickets cost R40 at Computicket.

By:Just Denis (@denphat) 

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.

Start spreading the news and plan for a wine-divine weekend of wine tasting, music, food and wine-education at the 3rd annual TOPS at SPAR GUGULETHU WINE FESTIVAL taking place on Friday 24th May and Saturday 25th May 2013 on the rooftop of the Gugulethu Square Mall.Festival co-founders and local entrepreneurs, Mzoli Ngcawuzele from Mzoli’s place and Lungile Mbalo are promising visitors a divine wine festival whilst also celebrating Africa Day, which falls on Saturday 25th May 2013.

Says Mzoli Ngcawuzele, Co-founder of the festival and owner of Mzoli’s Place in Gugulethu, “We look forward to this festival and invite all our Cape Town suburbs to come and learn something about our heritage wines and each other. This festival is beautiful, safe and an amazing experience. It is truly a mixture of colours and cultures all with something in common pulling us together. It is our love of wine and it’s amazing ability to make us see what is important in life.”

TOPS at SPAR, the festival headline sponsor and Friday VIP Lounge sponsor, have a great belief in this festival and audiences. Says Mark Robinson, TOPS Group Liquor Manager, “TOPS at SPAR is proud to headline the TOPS at SPAR GUGULETHU WINE FESTIVAL. Our motivation in business is broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others; therefore a home-grown festival like this that encourages sustainable entrepreneurship is close to home at TOPS at SPAR. We are really looking forward to meeting our customers and friends at the festival too.”

Lucindi Branfield, SA Brand Manager for J.C. Le Roux says “The glamorous J.C. Le Roux lounge is the ultimate spot for fashionistas to live Le Good Life at the TOPS at SPAR GUGULETHU WINE FESTIVAL. Visitors can choose from a stunning selection of Cap Classique and sparkling wines, from everybody’s favourite, Le Domaine, to the prestige cuvée, Scintilla. There will be prizes to be won and nougat tastings on offer, as well as the opportunity to have your picture taken at the J.C. Le Roux stand. Cellar Master Elunda Basson will be available to chat to J.C. Le Roux fans who would like to know more about how wines at South Africa’s leading home of sparkling wine are made”

MasterChef South Africa Judge, Pete Goffe-Wood will be appearing alongside Nederburg winemaker, Wilhelm Pienaar, at this year’s TOPS at SPAR GUGULETHU WINE FESTIVAL. They will present the winery’s now famous Nederburg Taste Theatre, a fascinating journey of flavours.

Guests, accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis in the Taste Theatre within the festival venue, will be encouraged to interact with the presenters, ask questions, express their opinions and share their own experiences of wine and food pairing favourites and fiascos.The presentations will be staged at 17:30, 18:30 and 19:30 on the Friday, and at 16:30, 18:00 and 19:30 on the Saturday.

Festival Info

Venue: Rooftop @ the Gugulethu Square Mall, Corner NY 1 and NY 6, Gugulethu, Cape Town

Date: Friday 24 and Saturday 25 May 2013

 Time: 4pm-9pm (Fri); 3pm-9pm (Sat)

 Cost: R90 per person per night

 Tickets from: www.webtickets.co.za or at the door on the night.

 E-mail: info@gugulethuwinefestival.co.za

 Website: http://www.gugulethuwinefestival.co.za

What does being a mother mean to you?

Being a mother is one of the most challenging yet beautiful experiences any woman could ever go through. Watching something you  were a part of creating grow is exceptional. Each stage is like a lucky packet with something new and exciting about your bundle of joy, simply amazing .

How was your reaction when you found out you were pregnant?

When I found out I was pregnant I was in shock nothing more than shock . Hahaha.

What are the lessons your son has taught you?

My son has taught me that I am the best me and to love unconditionally.

And your support system….?

I have the most amazing support system in the form of my husband who is just amazing. He is heaven sent I swear.

What can’t you imagine your life without?

I can’t imagine my life without.. Haha my son!!! His kisses and random “mommy I love you” hugs.

Do you consider having more children?

I would like to have more other kids, I would love a little girl.

What are your dreams for your son?

My dreams for my son are for him to be the pure soul he is till he reached adulthood. That he may realize his potential and be the best he can be and live his life without limits.

What is the biggest challenge to being a young married and working mother?

The biggest challenge is being a woman I guess , but seriously ensuring my child is healthy since he started nursery school is a challenge of note.

What have been your proudest mommy moments?

My proudest Mommy moment was bringing him into the world, that was an accomplishment on its own. Apart from that I cannot separate moments , every moment is just one to be proud of. Now I know why mothers compete when it comes to their kids, a sneeze becomes the cutest sneeze ever. The first word becomes an achievement, nothing surpasses that and a few days ago I received my first gift from him… Teary:))

I thank God for……….?

I thank God eveyday for the stability of family in my son’s life.

What does being an entertainer and mom mean to you right now?

Being an entertainer means nothing at the moment, my child owns my life till I decide to go full throttle once again.

Love is……..?

Love is not easy to our into words but to show in action.

Happy Mothers day to……?

Happy Mothers Day to my mommy Bongi Mlotshwa, my mum-ncane ( aunt ) Jabu Mlotshwa and every other mother …. Mwaaaaa

@enhlembali

Mbali Mlotshwa is an Actress, TV Presenter and Blogger (www.simplyenhle.com)

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.