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...
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...
Two Time Zones?? Makes sense to us!
So the Government is CONSIDERING the concept of two time zones for South Africa – now wouldn’t that be exciting. Seems like it may help ease the electricity crisis hence the sudden change of heart. Companies like Kulula have been championing the cause for a long time, they’ll be pleased to see their hard work and investment paying off. It will be interesting to find out what technology they will use to spread the word around the country to remote areas – this has always been one of the challenges of moving to the daylight savings plan. Our question is, who will get up first in Winter? Ct or Jozi? We’ll place our bets 😉 Read more...
Goldfish signed to Pasha
Big Ups to Goldfish, Represent wishes them all the best. After extensive negotiations Goldfish’s second album has been signed to Pacha, the worlds’ biggest club and lifestyle brand, a massive achievement and further confirmation of the duo’s destiny to take the world by storm. The new album, Perceptions of Pacha, to be released worldwide in March 2008, features 10 brand-new Goldfish tracks and includes a second disc featuring a Goldfish live performance video and remixes by top DJs from around the world. Late March sees Goldfish head for the US to launch their album at the Miami winter music conference, alongside DJ superstars Frankie Knuckles, Axwell, Sander Kleinenberg, and David Morales. From there they head to New York to perform at super clubs Pacha NYC, and then to the UK to perform at Pacha London. With tours of the US, European performances with Paul Van Dyk and Pete Tong and a 3 month summer residency in Ibiza inked for 2008, the future looks golden… For South African Bookings contact: Raymond Bloom 0836020202...
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