Represent Review & photos: Smirnoff Legends
Reuben “the Matrix” had the time of his life at the Smirnoff Legends event this week as he colourfully tells us, he was chuffed to really get up close with a few of his gurus squeezing in an interview here and there.. Click here for our photoset of the party on Flickr.:
“It’s my house!” I repeatedly found myself on the verge of exclaiming these famous house lyrics as the genre’s gallantry Grand Dukes: Joss Fresh, Vinny, Ganyani, Oskido & Christos took to the stage to showcase their eloquent vinyl mastery and reflexive agility behind the turntables! Hazeldene Hall – Parktown was truly the place to be (Wednesday 16 May 2007) for any serious nocturnal party animal. To put it mildly: The roof was ablaze, however no canister was summoned to expunge the scorching flames!
There’s just something about being at a VIP event that adds some extra flair to the exclusive modus operandi (you literally get spoilt rotten by all that choice-assorted – royal treatment!): The vibrant atmosphere, unrestricted access to the Legends, well prepared & equally mouth-watering cuisine, extremely vivacious women & well groomed hunks (for the ladies of course!) and so much liquor you could literally call upon around the clock (it’s just too much pampering to ask for at a go!). Alas!, don’t be fooled! All that lavishness is minute when in direct contrast to the artistic craftsmanship of the Legends – No, The Kings of House Music.
The Event kicked off with a well-organized reception populated to capacity by beautiful people and presided over by the MC – Greg Maloka. Opening the performers` line-up was the hip and happening Gang of Instrumentals with their afro-rhythm beats (enough to get the guests into a series of dance-floor frenzies). Indeed the good came to us who decided to wait as the standards were elevated by the Men of the hour, the Legends of House Music in physical manifestation: The Forefather of House Music –DJ Ganyani, The Godfather of the Airwaves – DJ Fresh, Grandmasters of the decks – DJ`s Oskido (AKA Oscar wa rona), Vinny Da Vincy and Christos wowed the audience with well-known house tracks and maestro skills. It appeared as if the thumping crowd was unconsciously drenched in melodic aphrodisiac as though heavily intoxicated by the intertwined vinyl repertoires.
A young, budding and amazingly talented new star (Black Coffee) was handed the platform by the Legends to dish-out his apprentice sharpened turntable tempo reflexes – Much to the exclamation and reverence of the audience!
The evening culminated in the Legends (Kings) being honored for their invaluable and pioneering efforts towards nurturing and constantly setting new trends (re-inventing the wheel) which made House music the popular genre that Mzansi adores today. An award was also set aside for The Godfather of the Airwaves – DJ Glen Lewis who could not be present because of an emergency.
What was said:
“We are being honoured for our input to the industry and are preparing the entry of new talent. (So you calling it quits? – Represent). No, Not yet, there`s still more to come” < The Forefather of House – DJ Ganyani “I`m happy that Smirnoff has realized the need to honor us at such an event and we would like to state that we have always been and are prepared to support young talent though the Smirnoff House Music Academy” < The Grandmaster of the Decks – DJ Christos “This is a very good thing which Smirnoff has done today, we are being honored and are able to showcase our music and encourage upcoming talent in the process. This is truly exciting!” < The Godfather of the Airwaves – DJ Fresh “Brandhouse though the Smirnoff brand found it imperative that we support the continuous growth of house music as it appeals to our target market (Aged 23 – 29), we are also running a House music academy in conjunction with the Legends, this means that the students of the academy will be mentored by the Legends in person. The best part is that the Legends were not selected by us, but by a popular vote of the fans out there! In July we will be launching a 6 leg nationwide tour with the Legends to promote the Academy. This will obviously kick-off here in Jozi then move on to the other metros: The Cape and KZN” < Phumza Rengqe – Brand Manager (BrandHouse, For More info. Tel: (021) 442-7100) To the real Pioneers, Kings and Legends of House music: all the Representahs! and I…salute you. Pics and story by Reuben-The Matrix-Malema
