Represent Review: SAMA 2008 Nominee Event
The Matrix Malema swanned about at this years nominee announcement cosying up with the stars while checking out the scene on our behalf. He brings us his take on the evening in the quintessential Matrix way – click here to see our photostory. Johannesburg’s weather might be wet and overly soggy this season, but the 2008 MTN South African Music Awards will be the Hottest summer event yet, that’s if Thursdays media gathering gets amplified to the next level for May 5th at the SunCity Superbowl. The Media event started off in a hyped-up mood, with South Africa’s Entertainment Media Personalities facing off to find the freshest scoop on who’ll be doing the outshining at the 14th SAMA ceremony. On Thursday night the up-market Tuscany Manor Mall in the Design District in Fourways was sprawling with bodyguards, beauties and guys, some stars (and some wannabe stars!) for what was dubbed – “The presiding battle horn to the Grandest of All SAMA Events”. The atmosphere, like any well-organized and respectable party in Johannesburg, featured the sounds of well-remixed turntable favorites. This time the maestro behind the decks was the ever smooth – DJ Bonks from Durban (Ethekwini !!!). Expensive perfumes swirled, divinely garnished platters flowed, and the liquor “kept on coming!” – the stars seemed to glitter brighter than everybody else as they put their best sides on show. Firstly, DJ Cleo. The ‘DJ from the north’ has optimistically stated that he foresees a very rewarding year ahead (for both record label and the fan base), particularly because his protégé – Blacksem (the masked one) will be dropping a hot new album entitled ‘Confusing the Masses’ in May. I wish them all the luck (they need it), because this new kid on the block (Blacksem – Die gemaskerde een!) looked to me like nothing more than a cheap imitation of the already tired legacy of the original masked one – Izinyoka – Mzekezeke! After sharing a word and a drink or two with my fellow media compatriots (to gather some A-list intel…”wink!”), I took a siesta moment in the official media room (this is where TV interviews and one on one’s away from the thumping vinyl sounds are secretly conducted). In the comfort of my new “Avant-Garde” space, I managed to have a one-on-one with ProKid, fresh on the heels of his latest album: Heads and Tails. Having listened to and enjoyed his music over the years, I was honoured to spend time finding out more about the person behind the performer. Like DJ Cleo, ProKid also punted a positive beat, only he was (in the Hip-Hop fashion) tres cool...
Call for Entry: Red Bull Music Academy 08
DJ’s and producers, send in your tunes to the selection panel for this years Red Bull Music Academy to be held in the fabulous city of Barcelona, Spain. The application phase for this years Red Bull Music Academy starts on 14 March and ends on the 6th May. More info below. This year, we’re planting our stakes in one of the most beloved creative metropolises to ever exist. It’s where world-class clubs pop till dawn and the terms ‘fusion’ and ‘avant-garde’ are not buzz words but techniques to be applied to everything from deconstructed orchestras to art installations overflowing on street corners. The creators who flock there know they are blessed to live where they can dip their toes both in new projects and at the beach. Barcelona is a city to be celebrated. How To Anyone interested in joining this year’s Academy in Barcelona must follow a few simple steps. Prospective applicants should download the application form here They should then send the completed questionnaire along with a mix-CD or selection of his/her own music, and two current photos to Red Bull South Africa, who will then send it to the Red Bull Music Academy Deadline May, 5th, 2008. Once the application period has ended, sixty of the most promising applicants will be invited to the workshops in Barcelona. Flights and accommodations will be covered by the Red Bull Music Academy. If invited, participants should plan on being a part of either Term 1 (September 21 – October 03, 2008) or Term 2 (October 12 – October 24, 2008). By July 14, 2008, all applicants will be notified via email whether they have been invited or not. Those who have applied previously but have yet to be invited are certainly encouraged to give it another shot. As quite a few second -or third- time applicants have learned, perseverance can certainly pay off. Make sure to check our calendar to find out about infosessions near you featuring special guest speakers. You can also keep track of further news by signing up for our newsletter, join our Facebook group and click back for regular updates and new features, covering all styles of electronic music today, by those who make and live...
CT Jazz festival looking HOT HOT HOT
We’re just reminding you: 28 Jan 08. Looks like this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival is taking Jazz to a whole ‘nother level with international superstar Sergio Mendes joining the bash! Some other notables to catch are Belgian based Tutu Puoane and her band, Japanese Jazz pianist funky chicca Hiromi London’s MUST SEE The Bays and US group the Ananda Project … not to mention the good old Manhattans! mhmm ladies… you read right! Cape Town International Jazz Festival organisers could not wait to announce the performance of the award-winning Brazilian musician Sérgio Mendes at next year’s festival scheduled for Friday 28 – Saturday 29 March 2008 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Having announced the initial 20-artists in November, the plan was to release the next batch of names at the end of January 2008. “With a musician like Sérgio Mendes we couldn’t wait until January to announce his name. Given Mendes’s calibre, we know that people that were doubtful about their attendance next year will now think twice. It’s a coup for the festival and we thought it fair to make the announcement now”, says festival director Rashid Lombard. More than any other Brazilian musician, Mendes has taken samba and bossa nova to the rest of the world. Tunes like “Berimbau” and “Bananeira” are now part of the world’s musical pantheon because Mendes made them popular. “Mas Que Nada”, a tune that Mendes released with his Brasil’66 group was the first song sung in Portuguese to reach the top of Billboard charts. Since then, renowned artists such Oscar Petersen, Hugh Masekela and Al Jarreau have done their own renditions of Mendes’s signature tune. “I’ve always tried to promote the music of Brazil all over the world. There is something very special about Brazilian music – the melodies, the rhythms, the sensuality and the joy”, explained Mendes in a recent interview with Lexus Magazine Interactive. In the four decades that Mendes has been a professional artist, he has influenced different generations of musicians. Starting his career in Niterói in Brazil, the 66-year old composer, arranger and pianist grew up listening to jazz pianists such as Art Tatum, Bud Powell and Horace Silver. This is before Mendes linked up with the greatest Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim. Jobim arranged most of Mendes’ earlier music. When he moved to the United States (US) in 1964, Mendes began his collaboration with musicians such as Herbie Mann, Stan Getz, Cannonball Adderley, Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder. Explaining his urge to explore Brazilian music, jazz pianist Kenny Barron who is also on the line-up for the 2008 Cape Town International Jazz...
Open Deck Sessions @ Trailblazers
So live music has been covered in Durbs with the new Jazzy Rainbow Lounge – what about electronic beats for those who just want to let it all go? Check out the flow of the PR below and head to the Trailblazers event on Saturday night at the classic Willowvale Hotel in Umbilo. (!) We’ve heard good things about it, we love the sound of the “OPEN DECK” sessions in the second bar – nice one! Dear after-hours meanderer & seeker of the ultimate hedonistic experience … throw down your weapons and prepare for a lesson in acoustic jiggy !! TWO live sets and some sexy-ass MINIMAL beats to remind us just why we were blessed with eardrums… The Willowvale Hotel will be subjected to a bass-fuelled evening of up-to-the-minute beats, a bad-ass PA system and the general oral-fodder that goes along with it – without which would be like the banger without the mash! Please get it all this morning with the breakfast of champions … WES (‘live’ – minimal/tech) VERANDAH PANDA (‘live’ – electro/glitch) CHEF (DIRTY DUBBIN’ / UK) ONE TRACK MIKE (electro/minimal) REX ( Afrogalactic, CT) ** and there will be an OPEN-DECK SESSION available to those itchy-fingered vinyl pushers in the second bar. A good PA system and mixer will be awaiting the abuse. Get there early and put your name down to play – anybody welcome (provide you’re not Abba’s greatest groupie) ** 2 DANCEFLOORS / 2 BARS / GREAT PEEPS, BEATS ‘n BOUNCIN’ FEET Host: TRIPHAZARD PRODUCTIONS Saturday, March 15, 21h00pm – 04h00am Location: The Willowvale Hotel, Umbilo Road,...
New Venue in Durban: Jazzy Rainbow
Every city needs fresh venues especially those that cater for serious music-lovers who seek out intimate music-listening environments. New Durban venue with a colourful name “The Jazzy Rainbow” will be kicking off a series of live music gigs with the maestro Madala Kunene on the 27 March – sounds good: The Jazzy Rainbow is currently setting itself up to be one of eThekwini’s key music venues with a series of live music sessions at the venue called “Unplugged Repertoire”. As we will all agree; there is a desperate need for such venues to showcase Durban’s finest musical talents. These music sessions will be held regularly to encourage Durban’s socialites to endeavor into something different from the monotonous clubbing style of entertainment. In an effort to achieve this, Jazzy Rainbow through Slingshot Management will be presenting the legendary Madala Kunene on the 27th of March 2008 at this stylish venue. Known to many simply as Bafo, Madala Kunene has been proclaimed as the king of the Zulu guitar. He has performed worldwide and has collaborated with some of South Africa’s most influential musicians such as Busi Mhlongo & Sipho Gumede. His catalog of works also includes international names such Max Lasser & Airto Moreira. “Madala Kunene is the perfect candidate to initiate these music sessions at Jazzy Rainbow. He will compliment the venue very well with his enigmatic sounds. The venue has such a relaxed ambience which is ideal for Bafo’s acoustic sounds as his music soothes one’s mind after a hectic day” says Fezisa of Slingshot Productions. The event will start at 20h00 with a cover charge of R60.00. The venue takes about 100 people & adheres to a smart dress code. The Jazzy Rainbow is situated on 93 Goble Road, Morningside. For more information on the event, please contact Fezisa Mdibi on 031 312...
HHP on your screens (again.)
To say that Jabba is a star is an understatement, just listening to his song JIVA brings home just how much talent this superstar oozes – keep watching HHP as everything he touches turns to gold. We’re your biggest fans. As of Friday April 4, South Africa’s top Hip Hop MC, Jabu Tsambo aka Hip Hop Pantsula, joins e.tv’s prime time drama, Rhythm City, in a starring role – as himself – for 11 episodes. This is the rapper (and dancer of note) HHP’s acting debut in a daily TV series, so he is understandably nervous. “It’s absolutely amazing to be integrated into a show I watch on a regular basis. I like the free flow of characters on the show, and the dialogue freedom they are given. It just seems so natural. My role on Rhythm City is challenging because I have to act myself, but I am looking forward to the experience,” says HHP. Here’s how it all begins: New rival venue, The Hotplate, launches its opening night with HHP as the headline act. KO Sports Palace owner, Fats (Mpho Molepo), claims to know the star from back in the day – and proves it by leading our star to home territory, namely, The Kilowatt Club, for an after party. Suffocate (Mduduzi Mabaso) saves the day – and HHP – when an attempt is made to steal the star’s swanky car. The former gangster, now owner of The Kilowatt, sends the carjackers packing, leaving HHP extremely impressed with our thug-made-good’s street sharps. The band of boys begins a series of peculiar adventures when Suffocate and Fats take HHP on a private township tour – a visit that would never, ever, be legally available to your average sightseer. They introduce him to shady characters (like Special and Toolkit), and their favourite hangouts. HHP is so inspired by these escapades that he will attempt to record an album reflecting Soweto’s hardcore city image. Suffocate and Fats start having secret dreams of changing their careers. Enter HHP’s irate manager, played by Zolisa Xaluva. A deal will be struck and there’ll be cause for celebrations. Until the incident that threatens to put everybody’s music career on hold. Most of the episodes HHP appears in will be filmed in Soweto, where The Kilowatt and The Hotplate are situated. The drama’s cast members include some of South Africa’s top entertainers, such as Kelly Khumalo, KB, and Pam Andrews. “We are very excited to have HHP in Rhythm City. His appearance illustrates a storyline that will provide viewers with an intimate glimpse of the unpredictable side of the music industry. There was no one...
We will be back!
