GABIVILLE

True Love apologises

2009-12-10T14:28:00.000+02:00

Hyde Park Xmas tree lighting

2009-11-30T19:20:00.000+02:00

Lady Gaga to feature with Rihanna

2009-11-23T16:12:00.002+02:00

Listen to the track here:

GABIVILLE HAS MOVED

2009-11-09T18:07:00.002+02:00

Hi Family it has been a great year and half since I blogged with you.

And I appreciate all the love and support you have shown me since.

I have moved to asked to write gossip and about events on my TimesLive BLOG.

Please carry on supporting me on: http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/beautifulyoungthings/

Rihanna confirms Chris Brown bit her during brutal assault

2009-11-08T11:39:00.006+02:00

When is abuse justified?

Well Rihanna has finally spoken out about her abuse from Chris Brown that was only exposed on February 7, 2009 in a bitter feud that was by far the biggest abuse scandal on 2009. Their whole fight tore Hollywood and the entertainment industry into taking sides with one or the other.

With talkshow queen Oprah going on a rampage telling Rihanna that: "When a man hits you once he will hit you again."Actor Jamie Fox said: "No man should ever put their hands on you."

And fans poured out their messages telling her she deserved better and needs to leave and not stay but to save herself from a death sentence.

Her father flew to her rescue to speak to Brown and release Riri from the situation, but in this interview it turns out that her father is not as "heroic" as the role he played in the debacle because according to his daughter "he used to abuse her mother too".

"He used to beat her, I swore never to date or be with a man like my father," said Rihanna to Sawyer.

But despite all of this, she chose to go back to the same Brown who had attepted to hit her twice before the incident, to what she said must have been an "obsession with him".

Her father is the big shock of this whole interview for me, here I thought a good dad would protect his daughter from such men, mean while he is of the same as those men while back at the ranch he was doing exactly the same thing to his woman (Rihanna's mother).

Watch the interviews with Diane Sawyer right here on Gabiville:

READ:

Rihanna has told how Chris Brown had "no soul in his eyes" on the night he left her bloodied and battered in a terrifying domestic assault.

The singer described how a row over a text message that she found on Brown's mobile phone escalated into a violent row, and the only thought in her mind was: "When is it going to stop?"

Despite her ordeal, Rihanna, 21, said she still loved Brown and wished him well.

In the second excerpt from her NBC Good Morning America interview with Diane Sawyer, Rihanna explained how events unfolded as the couple drove home from a Grammy Awards party in Los Angeles in February.

She found a message from another woman on his phone and confronted him about it.

"I caught him in a lie and he wouldn't tell the truth. I wouldn't drop it," she recalled. "I couldn't take that he kept lying to me and he couldn't take that I wouldn't drop it because obviously his back was up against the wall, the truth was right here in the text message.

"So it escalated into him being violent towards me and it was ugly."

Brown smashed her head against the window, bit her and punched her in the face, leaving her with a mouthful of blood.

She said: "That's all I kept thinking, the whole time: when is it going to stop, when is it going to stop? He had no soul in his eyes. Just blank. He was clearly blanked out. There was no person when I looked at him."

When the attack was over and Brown stopped the car, she was faced with what to do next. "I was battered, I was bleeding, I was swollen in my face. There was no way of me getting home except my next option, which was to get out of the car and start walking, in a gown and with a bloody face."

Rihanna said the couple had enjoyed a very intense relationship. "He was definitely my first love. We were best friends, we fell in love with each other. To fall in love with your best friend can be scary. We just fell really fast. The more in love we became, the more dangerous we became for each other, equally as dangerous, because it was a bit of an obsession, almost."

The singer returned to Brown after the assault but she left him eventually because she did not want young fans to see her as a role model and stay with their violent partners. Despite everything, Rihanna said she does not hate Brown.

"The love doesn't go away right away, you know. He didn't accept that very well. Obviously he didn't want us to be apart but I knew I had to make a decision for me," she said.

"No, I don't hate him at all. I actually love and care about him and I'm concerned about him doing well. I want him to do well, have a great career, have a great life and grow up and just take this as something that he had to go through to grow up and learn." - Telegraph

Joelle Kayembe called a murderour?

2009-11-08T11:10:00.005+02:00

Enter, Joelle Kayembe, one of the hottest women in Africa, with a body to die for, lips that make white women get botox and one hell a bikini shape that sed men on a frenzy.

Despite the beauty she is now tangled in a bitter court case with her lover Bongani Mbindwane, with whom she was traditionally married to. In SA courts traditional marrieges are not recongised unless registered in law, but since she did not do that with her beau, she could loose a battle where she is demanding him to pay for her house, cellphone contract, credit card and more. And there is no telling if she will get these things, since the man is fighting her tooth-and-nail for her not to get what she wants.
READ from Sunday Times:
Joelle Kayembe, one of South Africa's sexiest women, thought she was the luckiest woman on earth when businessman Bongani Mbindwane proposed. Now - just a year after their traditional wedding ceremony - Mbindwane wants her out of his life and denies they were ever married...
On September 27 last year, Joelle Kayembe ditched her trademark bathing costume for a beautiful blue traditional outfit for a customary marriage to her beau, businessman Bongani Mbindwane. "Bo" slipped a ring on her finger in front of family and friends who had gathered for the ceremony at the Sandton, Johannesburg, home of her family. Just over a year later, the fairytale has been shattered by claims of physical abuse, "murder", sabotage and a pink Salvatore Ferragamo wedding gown torn in shreds. She has filed for divorce, but Mbindwane says there never was a marriage. He has accused her of having "killed" his unborn child, which has left him devastated and in "mourning". Matters came to a head last month when the 35-year-old Cape Town businessman discovered the 26-year-old swimsuit model had terminated a pregnancy. He allegedly slapped her and called her a "murderer" who would "rot in jail". The next day Kayembe went to the High Court in Johannesburg for access to their home in upmarket Sandhurst after Mbindwane, CEO of mining company Platfields Ltd, had changed the locks. He also accused her of splurging on a credit card which was linked to one of his accounts, but she said he could "quite literally purchase a jumbo jet" on the card while she had only a R4000 withdrawal limit and a further R18000 for purchases. She wanted access to an Audi Q5 and several other items, including her modelling portfolio and passport, which she needed to travel to the UK the following day. The order was granted in Mbindwane's absence, but on Wednesday he hit back with an urgent application that is scheduled to return to court later this month. Mbindwane said in an SMS to the Sunday Times: "The matter is in court and let's allow the process to go ahead. In the meantime, I would like space to mourn the untimely ending of my unborn child's life." The fight has been nasty: bruised cheeks, her designer shoes slashed and his Audi R8 damaged after Kayembe bashed a window in a bid to open the boot of the car to retrieve her belongings.

Jay-Z vs L'Vovo Derrango

2009-11-08T10:56:00.002+02:00

Ofcourse these pics look almost identical with slight differences of that being the other is South African L'Vovo Derrango and the other being hip-hop mogul Jay-Z.

I found myself in a concersation with friends about these CD covers with friends over drinks in a restaurant and some interesting points came up.

Sure the guy did copy the heavy weight's cover and even got into trouble with Jay-Z's Universal Reocrds local distrubutors who ordered him to sack the cover or risk the chance of being sued.

REMEMBER this article:

Kwaito heavyweight L’Vovo Derrango, real name Thokozani Ndlovu, has been dealt a heavy blow for trying to be a carbon copy of US rap heavyweight Jay-Z.

According to Sunday World reports, L’Vovo’s new album The Heavyweight will be pulled from the shelves because he copied the artistic work of Jay-Z’s American Gangster on the sleeve of his album.

The decision to yank the muso’s album was sparked by a complaint sent to his record label EMI/CCP by Jay-Z’s local record label Universal Music’s local division.

According to information received, Universal Music wrote an e-mail to EMI/CCP saying L’Vovo’s sleeve resembles that of Jay-Z.

In this I sat to think why on earth they would worry about a SAn releasing something of this nature, I mean we have seen people sampling songs at a fee, but copying a picture and being sued for that I think is rather petty and unnecessary. I mean Derrango could just have been a fan of jay-Z?

What then? Do we sue all local models for posing with a pout or posing like Marlyn manroe in her famous white dress potrit?

This to me is something that was so unnecessary and personally think they must just let Derrango be, he is a fan and mybe Jay-Z is his Idol.

Miss South Africa finalists are...

2009-11-03T16:32:00.012+02:00

WIN: Tickets to attend the Jozi Launch on Firday

2009-11-03T16:27:00.001+02:00

Chris Brown releases his album cover

2009-11-03T15:14:00.002+02:00

Might not be the best over we have seen but one has to wonder what this young man has in store for us now... I would love to hear a few things from this album I must admit.

"This Is It" - tops the box office charts raking in millions

2009-11-03T14:30:00.004+02:00

WOW the Michael Jackson movie is doing amazingly well on the charts as it sweeps to number one in box office all over the world and locally. In South Africa, Michael Jackson’s This Is It grossed R3,677,446 for the opening weekend and released at 81 cinemas around the country.

Its got one more week to go and it will be off the cinemas so people if you want to see the moving flick, tickets are still available at cinemas or online at www.thisisitmovie.co.za.

READ:

Since Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT was released October 28 in theaters worldwide, the late performer’s fans everywhere have responded, already making it the highest-grossing concert film of all-time with a worldwide total of $101 million and counting, it was announced today by Jeff Blake, chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment Worldwide Marketing & Distribution. With an estimated gross of $32.5 million domestically and $68.5 internationally, the film’s worldwide take in just five days of release has surpassed the record previously established by Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds (which had a lifetime worldwide gross of $71.3 million). Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT is directed by Kenny Ortega.

In response to the tremendous interest and desire to see the film around the world, the studio has also announced that it is extending its limited engagement. In the United States, the film will play through Thanksgiving weekend. Canada and most international territories will be announcing extensions of various lengths soon.

Overseas Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT is the 5th biggest international opening of 2009, close to X-Men Origin’s $73.1m launch and well beyond Night at the Museum 2’s $49.0 international opening. Top grossing territories include: Japan $10.4 m (3rd biggest opening of the year in Japan), U.K. $7.6 m, Germany $6.3 m, France $5.8 m, Australia $3.6 m, China $3.2 m, Italy $2.9 m, and Spain $2.6 m, among others.

Playing in 3,481 domestic locations, Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT opened to #1 in North America with $21.3 million for the 3-day weekend, averaging an estimated $6,119 per screen.

The opening weekend audience was almost evenly split between 49 % males and 51% females with 62% of the audience over the age of 25.

The film received an “A” CinemaScore and is one of the best reviewed films of the year with an 80% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Commenting on the announcement, Blake said, “This film is a unique celebration of Michael Jackson and his extraordinary music. Kenny Ortega delivered a masterful tribute that shows the pure genius that Michael poured into his creative process and made him one of the best performers that ever graced a stage. In just 5 days, Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT has become the highest grossing concert film of all time and we are elated by the response to this special film by fans, critics and moviegoers from all over the world. With this kind of global response, it’s clear that the motion picture deserves an extended run and we are going to do everything we can to make the film available to everyone who wants to see Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT on the big screen.”

By a large margin, the film’s 5-day box office gross has already surpassed the cost the studio incurred to acquire the footage.

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT offers Michael Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this past summer in London’s O2 Arena. Covering the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than 100 hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing numerous songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT is the last documentation of Michael Jackson in action, capturing the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he and his collaborators move toward their goals of London, the O2, and history. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show, also directed the film, which was being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain.

Mel Gibson welcomes his baby

2009-11-03T14:18:00.004+02:00

Whoop Whoop to the proud dad number two this week as Hollywood actor and director Mel Gibson also welcomed a new born baby girl this week.

READ:

LOS ANGELES — Mel Gibson and his girlfriend are welcoming the birth of the couple's first child — making the Oscar-winner a father for the eighth time.

Gibson's publicist Alan Nierob said Monday that Oksana Grigorieva gave birth to a baby girl named Lucia on Friday at a hospital in Los Angeles.

No further details were available.

The 53-year-old "Braveheart" star has seven children with his ex-wife, Robyn. She cited irreconcilable differences in her April divorce petition to end their marriage of 28 years.

Grigorieva is a 39-year-old Russian musician. She and Gibson met while filming "Edge of Reason." Gibson is currently filming "The Beaver," directed by Jodie Foster.-AP

Rihanna will tell all in an exclusive interview

2009-11-03T14:13:00.002+02:00

Its been almost a year since Rihanna was assulted by her then boyfriend Chris Brown, and only now she will get to tell all on what exactly went down that night. Cant wait to hear her side of the story, there needs to be closure after all these months.

READ:

Nearly a year after she was assaulted by then-boyfriend Chris Brown, Rihanna is set to make her first ever TV appearance on ABC later this week, during when she will tell all about the incident. The network has confirmed her scheduled appearance on its "Good Morning America" and "20/20" through a less than one minute promo video.

Rihanna will first appear in "Good Morning America" at 7 A.M. on Thursday, November 5. Then, the following day she will come to "20/20" at 10/9c. The songstress herself hasn't addressed the report just yet.

Rihanna was battered by Chris Brown during a heated argument inside a car in Los Angeles back on February 8. The pair had since broken up. Chris, as a result of the incident, was sentenced to 5 years probation, 180 days of community labor and 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling.

He, additionally, was ordered to stay at least 50 yards away from Rihanna, except at industry gatherings when the distance is shortened to 10 yards, and not to have any contact with her, which includes phone, e-mail and text communications.

Rihanna, in the meantime, is waiting in anticipation for the release of her new album "Rated R" on date 23 later this month. She is also booked for a live performance on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas on date 19. -AceShowbiz

Khanyi Mbau claims she will be in Survivor South Africa

2009-11-03T14:06:00.002+02:00

The new season of Survivor South Africa will be recorded in November and December on a deserted island off the coast of Mozambique and will be broadcast on M-Net from 20 January, 2010.

The competing celebs are currently in the process of being contacted and cast - which is all happening very hush-hush natch.

Khanyi Mbau claims she's one of the SA celebs who will take part in the celebrity season of Survivour SA.

M-Net neither confirms nor denies this saying that they are still in the selection process.

Wheels come off for high-flyers

2009-11-03T14:00:00.002+02:00

Local celebrities are living the high life, and it is getting them in trouble with the law.

Soapie heart-throb Clint Brink and hip-hop singer Ishmael Morabe from the group Jozi appeared in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on charges of possession of drugs, while sports commentator Dumile Mateza appeared in the same court after being caught allegedly driving drunk.

It emerged yesterday that Morabe was arrested at dawn on Sunday, along with his friends Mlungisi Chakala and Aretha Sebola. Morabe was due to release a solo album on Friday.

Lance Stehr, from Morabe's recording label, Ghetto Ruff, said yesterday: "I am not worried at all. I don't think there is a strong case against Ishmael, [but] I can't speak for the other two."

He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of drugs, reckless and negligent driving and resisting arrest.

The three were nabbed in Randburg allegedly while driving from a party in Fourways.

While his pals have been in custody since their arrest, Morabe was released on R1500 bail later that evening.

Meanwhile a warrant for Morabe's arrest has been issued after he failed to appear in court as scheduled yesterday, allegedly because he had a "stomach ache," according to his lawyer.

Magistrate Kathy Mnisi, however, did not accept Morabe's excuse and issued the warrant.

The drugs allegedly found in their possession have been taken for forensic evaluation.

US R&B singing sensation Puff Johnson, who is said to be Morabe's girlfriend, was reportedly seen by sources at the Randburg police station on Sunday.

Meanwhile singer and Scandal actor Brink, who also paid an undisclosed amount of bail prior to his court appearance yesterday, was not asked to plead to a charge of possession of dagga.

The actor was arrested in Windsor, northern Johannesburg.

He had allegedly stopped to buy dagga, and was apprehended in his silver BMW shortly after making the purchase.

The amount of drugs found in Brink's car are not yet known, but he was warned to avail himself for court later this month.

Mateza, who was arrested earlier last month for drunk driving, briefly appeared in court.

The charge sheet for his case has not yet been concluded.

Jazz artist performs for just 11 people

2009-11-03T13:54:00.002+02:00

Are we that pathetic of supporters that we don't show love for our own local artists?

Why is it that when international stars grace our shores we are quick to flood the stadiums and events just to see them perform, yet when one of our own people does a show we are not even interested in going to the event? Guys lets go out there in numbers and support South African Music and the artists.

My goodness, you have to read this to believe it.

READ:

What was supposed to be a fundraising jazz gig turned into a disaster that left a bad taste in the mouth of well-known musician Abigail Kubheka, who was forced to perform for only 11 people.

The Jazz at the River event started off on a bad note at the Orient Theatre on Saturday evening when two of the headline artists – PJ Powers and Thandi Klaasen – did not pitch up because of health problems.

Then Kubheka, her band and local singer Retsi Pule were forced to wait for hours to do a sound check, which never happened.

Nico Panagio joins Survivor South Africa

2009-11-03T13:49:00.002+02:00

Multi-talented actor and TV presenter Nico Panagio will be part of M-Net’s new edition of Survivor South Africa – but not as one of the celebrity contestants. Instead, he’ll be hosting the show.

While M-Net is still keeping the identity of the celebrity competitors under wraps, channel executives have confirmed that Nico will facilitate the grueling Survivor challenges and snuff the tribe mates’ torches at the dreaded tribal councils.

The new season of Survivor South Africa will be recorded in November and December on a deserted island in the Indian Ocean and will be broadcast on M-Net from 20 January 2010.

Nico says being given the chance to be part of one of the most popular reality shows in the world is a dream come true. “I love Survivor, and even entered as a competitor in the past. I’ll never be able to test my Survivor skills, but the upside is that my presence in the show is guaranteed all the way to the end! Jokes aside, this is amazing and I’m ready for the adventure of a lifetime.”

He is known to millions of local television viewers for his previous roles in several soaps and dramas, and as the host of popular local magazine shows.

However, this rugged man is happiest when he has a chance to explore the great outdoors. Apart from surfing, horse riding and hiking, he is also an avid mountain biker and has qualified as and Advanced Diver.

This, along with his training in body guarding and paramedics, and expertise in three martial arts disciplines, equip him superbly for the job of hosting Survivor.

Helen Smit, M-Net’s Head of Local Content, says this season of Survivor South Africa puts a whole new spin on the familiar format. “The celebs are being hand-picked to ensure non-stop entertainment. They have fiery artistic spirits and Nico’s solid, calming presence will be the foil to keep them in check.”

Nico replaces Mark Bayly, who is not available, due to his commitments as host of M-Net’s weekly magazine show,All Access.

Bad boy Colin Farrell welcomes baby number 2

2009-11-03T13:45:00.002+02:00

Everyone is becoming either a daddy or a mommy seeing that the baby making weather has come and passed.

And actor Colin Farrell who is known as the "Bad Boy of hollywood" is no different as he welcomed his new born recently.

READ:

Colin Farrell is celebrating after his girlfriend gave birth to a baby boy.
The Miami Vice actor and Polish actress Alicja Bachleda - who have been dating since earlier this year - welcomed their new arrival last month, reports People.
The proud parents have named their son Henry Tadeusz Farrell.
Golden Globe winner Colin, 33, already has a six-year-old son from a former relationship.
The Irish heartthrob - who confirmed he was to be a dad again while he was attending the Toronto Film Festival in September - met 26-year-old Alicja on the shoot of fantasy drama Ondine.-AP

Tumisho Masha to wed

2009-11-03T13:30:00.002+02:00

Tumisho Masha is no longer a bachelor, so ladies cross the man off your lists.

The star who has acted in several movies both local and international such as that with Angelina Jolie, Beyond Borders, a mini-series with soul singer Jill Scott, No.1 Ladies Detective Agency and is currently presenter of Top Billing has come out and spoken of his engagement with his girlfriend of two-years Zozibini Mtongana.

"Yes, we're engaged and I'm very happy,” he revealed.

The two have been spotted in and around Joburg's A-list parties looking more radiant and as happy as always.

Congrads to the two, may they live happily ever after.

Charlize admits Mandela auction blunder

2009-11-03T13:15:00.005+02:00

To think she even went as far as to kiss a woman for this, only now she realises she made a mistake.

READ:

The Oscar-winning South African-born actress Charlize Theron has admitted to auctioning off a meeting with Nelson Mandela without getting his permission, according to a newspaper report.

Theron's publicist, Amanda Silverman, told the Saturday Star: "In an effort to raise money at a charity auction, and with the excitement of the night, Theron added a meeting with Nelson Mandela to a South African travel package without checking in advance with the former president's office".

Unfortunately, it turned out that the meeting with Mandela was not possible, added Silverman.

"The very generous donor, who successfully bid on the package, is aware and everyone is thrilled with the success of the (charity auction) evening," Silverman said.

International media reported earlier this week that Theron at a charity event auctioned off a meeting with Mandela in South Africa next year alongside a 2010 Soccer World Cup trip. She managed to get only R280,000, prompting her to up the stakes and offer the lucky bidder a kiss.

A woman, with a winning bid of more than R1 million, secured the kiss - and the "meeting with Mandela", which both Silverman and the Nelson Mandela Foundation said was not possible.

The foundation's chief executive, Achmat Dangor, reacted to the reports on Wednesday by saying a very strict process needed to be followed to get a meeting with Mandela.

"Not even the charity foundations Mandela himself established are allowed to auction off time with him," Dangor told the Beeld newspaper.-TimesLive

Heath Ledger's rap video debuts

2009-11-03T13:07:00.003+02:00

Who would have thought that the late Heath Ledger had many other talents besides the acting? Well it turns out he had more skills to offer than we all thought.

READ:

An Australian rapper who was a boyhood friend of Heath Ledger has released a music video the star directed shortly before his death.
N'fa Forster-Jones posted the 3 minute, 31 second-clip for his song "Cause An Effect" on his YouTube and MySpace pages on Thursday, along with a video in which he explains how the project came about.
Ledger, the celebrity-shy star of Batman blockbuster, "The Dark Night," and the posthumously released "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," shot a handful of videos for low-profile artists he liked. Ledger died aged 28 in New York from an accidental drug overdose in January 2008.
Forster-Jones, who had been friends with Ledger since they were toddlers in the Australian city of Perth, said the video was shot in one day in the garage of Ledger's beachside apartment.
"He gave me a call one morning, as he often did at crazy hours, and he's like, 'N'fa, I've got this idea for a video,'" the rapper says in the online posting.
"He was basically running around directing me each shot," he said. "It was a really cool day."
"Every day I count my blessings that I got to have him direct this piece of art," he said.
The video was first shown at a collection of Ledger's work at the Rome Film Festival earlier this month.-TimesLive
Check out the video:

SA shot flick will soon be out

2009-10-26T13:23:00.003+02:00

HOLLYWOOD superstar Matt Damon has to play rugby well enough to pass as former Springbok captain Francois Pienaar on screen - and it's all up to one of Pienaar's World Cup-winning team-mates.

Chester Williams, who played wing in the team - then captained by Pienaar - which won the 1995 Rugby World Cup, has to get Damon to master the sport before shooting on the film, The Human Factor, starts next week.

The film, directed by Hollywood veteran Clint Eastwood, concerns the Springboks' historic win. It also stars actor Morgan Freeman as former President Nelson Mandela.

Although he would not reveal much, Williams did say that training Damon has "been easy".

"I have been very fortunate to be training such a professional person in the game such as Matt Damon. He has a yearning to learn how to play, and has a clear understanding of the importance of the game as well," he said.

Williams has had just under a month to train the Bourne Identity star at the Gardens Rugby Club in Cape Town.

Damon, however, is not that new to the game as he also played a flank - Pienaar's position - in the opening sequence of the 2006 film, The Departed.

Rugby has not left Damon unscathed, however, as he has already sprained his ankle on the practice field. But that did not deter him from riding the Argus Cycle Tour last weekend on a tandem with his brother, Kyle.

Despite the injury, Williams said the star's training was continuing as scheduled. He also had some "final touch ups" for the big screen rugby team as some of them were still having difficulty grasping some of the sport's techniques.

"It's been an honour and a privilege for me to be part of such a great film that will show how Madiba and the game managed to make such an impact on the country. It's been a great time for me," Williams said.- TIMES LIVE

ABOUT THE FILM:

The film tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team to help unite their country. Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's rugby team as they make their historic run to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship match. Written by alfiehitchie

ENTERTAINMENT CRIMES

2009-10-26T10:50:00.002+02:00

I have never felt so dumb or literally scared in my life like when I went to Club INC on Friday night with my friends.

So its way past midnight and this guy puts his hands in my pockets, walking around us as we dance with friends and he literally tries to pick-pocket me, me being me, I ask him what he is doing.

I take one look at him he is dressed in a beautiful shirt, jeans, formal shoes, like most guys dress when going out clubbing, so he says he was just tryna dance with me and I think well maybe I am a bit paranoid.

So I dismissed him and carried on dancing until I spotted him again behind my friend who happened to have her cellphone in her jacket pocket.

So in that I start getting suspicious and I warn her to put her phone in her boobs and she immediately obliges, also telling me she felt someone doing something to her a while earlier.

Then just minutes into the dancing I see the same guy again lurking around some other unaware women who were chatting to the DJ and dancing up a storm.

To my unbelieving eyes, the most unthinkable thing happens....

The same guy places his hands in her jacket and takes her phone and stuffs it in his crotch... with me and my friend watching.

I walk over to the lady and ask her do you have a phone and she says "yes I have a blackberry" I tell her to check her pockets and her phone was GONE.

Next thing we pacing with her friends up and down the club to try spot this guy and he had vanished... We could not see him and he was really gone.

When we tell the bouncers they just so clam and tell us to bring the guy to them if we find him.

I spent the rest of the night in panic and constantly looking over my shoulder because I thought he might have seen us staring at him, causing him to make that theft his last of the night.

These questions still remain in my head:

1. Surely the bouncers would do their best to help us feel safe in the club by helping us look for the guy?

2. Why would someone take such a huge risk to steal phones when people are watching?

3. Was there really anything more I could have done to try get this guy, despite the fact that was petrified he might come after me?

4. How can I really go back to that club knowing the sort of petty crimes that go on there?

Things to keep in mind when you out clubbing:

1. Never trust anyone in a club no matter what they look like or how they seem

2. Most robbers blend in with the people so beware of the people around you when you are dancing or buying a drink

3. Carry a small bag rather than putting things in your pockets, because you get bumped so many times in a small space, you less likely to feel it when you have been pick-pocketed

4. Look out for your friends so they can look out for you too, there is no point in all of you being drunk cause you all would be easy targets for criminals

5. Stay in groups even if you going to the toilet, that way someone will know where you are and who you were last seen with if anything happens to you

6. If you can, leave your phone in your car, what calls can you really take or make in the noisy club

7. Thugs don't come with a sign on their heads they look just like everyone in the club, so be careful who you talk to, hang with and accept a drink from, even if he promises you the world... tell him you will buy your own world.

Reality is it seems no matter where we go we are most likely to get affected by crime.

But I still ask myself, what can we as citizens do to avoid being victims of this crime?

3rd Year Anniversary for Lebo Mathosa

2009-10-23T17:07:00.002+02:00

She was a great dancer, a role model to kids of the 90s, a maestro in music and a star in all the things she did...

Since her death many people have never gotten around where South African music is going to date...

But she will always be missed and loved...

I know she is in a greater place, where no man can judge her or mistake her for something she is not.

Imagine what a great place heaven is with all great people just having a great chill session she is having with people such as 2pac, Breanda Fassie, Lucky Dube, Bob Marley, Biggy, Jabu Khanyile, Mahlathini, Miriam Makeba, Jabu from Malaika, Michael Jackson and all those stars?

Wow I miss Lebo for her divaness, her spunk and style....

You may be gone but you a certainly not FORGOTTEN in my memories.

You made the 90s a great time for youth....

Much love and respect!

Daughtry is going places

2009-10-23T16:24:00.002+02:00

Daughtry Nominated for an American Music Award

Band Earns Nod for the Year’s Adult Contemporary Music Favorite Artist Award

Debuts New Single “Life After You” on Ellen Today,
Launches First Headlining Arena Tour on October 19 in Topeka, Kansas

Los Angeles, CA – October 13, 2009 – Daughtry was nominated by the American Music Awards for the year’s Adult Contemporary Music Favorite Artist Award which is scheduled to air live November 22 on ABC.

“The band is really proud of this album and honored to be nominated,” says singer Chris Daughtry. “It’s a great feeling to be part of such a talented group of artists.”

This is Daughtry’s 6^th American Music Award nomination in three years. The group won Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group in 2008 after picking up three awards in 2007, including Favorite Pop/Rock Album.

The nomination announcement comes the same week the band will debut “Life After You,” the follow-up single to “No Surprise,” the group’s fourth No. 1 hit. The new song is the second single from Daughtry’s sophomore album, Leave This Town, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 this summer.

Singer Chris Daughtry, bassist Josh Paul, drummer Joey Barnes, and guitarists Brian Craddock and Josh Steely will debut “Life After You” today on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. The song will impact radio stations across the U.S soon.

Next week – on Monday, October 19 – Daughtry will launch its first headlining arena tour in Topeka, KS. The 36-date leg of the U.S. tour will feature the band backed by a large stage production. The opening acts are Theory Of A DeadMan (http://www.theoryofadeadman.com) and opener Cavo (http://www.cavomusic.com).

Daughtry fans can locate tour and ticket information online at http://www.daughtryofficial.com.

Nicole Kidman's hubby Keith Urban checks himself into rehab

2009-10-23T10:30:00.003+02:00

This is definitely image suicide for Nicole Kidman's career as her man Keith Urban has checked himself into rehab.

I applaud him for seeking help to get rid of his habits but one can only imagine how Tom Cruise is seeing this whole thing...

Poor Nicole!!!

READ:

Keith Urban checked himself into rehab last night for drug issues. All promotional work for his new CD has been postponed.

He issued this statement saying:

"I deeply regret the hurt this has caused Nicole and the ones that love and support me,"

"One can never let ones guard down on recovery and I'm afraid that I have. With the strength and unwavering support I am blessed to have from my wife, family and friends, I am determined and resolved to a positive outcome."

GABIVILLE THINKS: Whatever the case, we need to acknowledge that the brother is atleast getting help. Kudos to you Urban...

South Africa really wants to see MJ's This Is It Flick

2009-10-23T10:07:00.004+02:00

Ster-Kinekor Theatres (SK) has broken all previous pre-sale ticket records for a film release in South Africa. With over 18 000 tickets sold to date for Michael Jackson THIS IS IT, and still 8 days to go before Ster-Kinekor starts showing this highly anticipated film from 28 October along with cinemas globally, it is expected that this number will be surpassed.

Only a few tickets are still left over for the official South African premieres of the film, exclusive to Ster-Kinekor Theatres. These events will take place in Johannesburg (SK Fourways), Durban (SK Gateway), Cape Town (Cavendish Square) and Pretoria (SK Sterland). Each will have a live satellite link to the Los Angeles-premiere of THIS IS IT, and will also include plenty of other thrills to make this an iconic Michael Jackson-experience like no other!

Ster-Kinekor Group Marketing Executive Michael Bender says, “Considering that we have already doubled the previous record of 7 500 pre-sales at local cinemas, and that we still have a two-week showing of THIS IS IT after the premiere, I am convinced that we will exceed this number and set the benchmark for others to follow in the future. What is even more remarkable is that these pre-sales prove that the cinema experience is still a viable entertainment option to escape the recession.

More importantly, it proves that Michael Jackson is a legend and will always be the King of Pop!”

Following the 2am- premieres of Michael Jackson THIS IS IT on 28 October, the film then starts showing at Ster-Kinekor Theatres nationwide for a special, limited two week-release (normal show times & ticket prices apply).

All Ster-Kinekor cinemas will join the worldwide release of the film to celebrate the pop icon’s life and work - including a Celebratory Wall at selected cinemas. Personal messages left by fans will be collected by Ster-Kinekor Theatres for a bound album to be sent to the Jackson family, in acknowledgment of the contributions he made to Africa.

INFORMATION:

Tickets cost R200, visit Ster Kinekor to book your tickets for the premiere.

South African Music Awards entries are open

2009-10-22T17:17:00.002+02:00

The 16^th Annual MTN South African Music Awards Gears Up For Its Most Explosive Showcase Yet In Recognition of the Best In South African Music

The South African Music Awards (SAMAs) have become the country’s premier annual music awards ceremony, recognising musical excellence across all genres, from traditional, to Afrikaans, to Rock and pop as well as paying tribute to the various facets of musical production including production, engineering and video production.

The SAMAs are without a doubt the Grammys of South African music, and the coveted statuette the highest accolade a musician, band or producer can be awarded with.

And so the countdown to the 16^th Annual MTN South African Music Awards, taking place in April 2010, has officially begun!SAMA 16 promises to exceed all expectations from previous years. Bigger and better, the MTN SAMAs in 2010 will expand on the platform based on a philosophy of inclusiveness that recognises, celebrates and rewards excellence in South Africa’s diverse and colourful recording industry. Entries for the 16^th Annual MTN South African Music Awards open on Monday 2 November 2009 and participants have one month in which to enter before the closing date on Friday 27 November 2009.

Once again MTN is the title sponsor of the prestigious SAMAs, making it the company’s seventh consecutive year as proud supporter of the South African Music Awards, and in association with SABC 1, MTN SAMA’s loyal and longstanding broadcast partner, the spectacular music event will be televised live from the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday 17 April 2010.

“MTN is a proud supporter of South African music and the development of local talent. This long-standing relationship with the SAMAs will see us continue to raise local and international awareness of the passion, commitment, and skills of our artists,” says Bernard Pieters, senior sponsorship manager at MTN South Africa.

Commented recently appointed SAMA CEO Jandre Louw, “In its 15 year history so far, the MTN South African Music Awards have grown tremendously,” he adds, “with SAMA turning sweet 16, we will once again take the most prestigious and important music event in South Africa to the next level with our valued sponsor MTN, as we showcase and recognise the best in South African music, creating awareness of our talent across diverse platforms, both locally and beyond our borders.”

With the exception of the categories Best Selling Album, Best Selling DVD, Best Selling Download, the Lifetime Achievement Award, Music Video of the Year, Remixer of the Year and Record of the Year, entries need to have been released between November 29, 2008 and November 27,2009 in order for them to be eligible for judging. Entries must be submitted via the online entry system which is accessible on the official MTN SAMA 16 website at www.samusicawards.co.za.

The MTN South African Music Awards has received an overwhelming number of entries over the years, and as the awards grow, an unprecedented number of entries are anticipated for MTN SAMA 16. To avoid any disappointment early entry is recommended. If you have an album that fits the criteria then log on to www.samusicawards.co.za from 2November 2009 until 27 November 2009 and make sure you enter the 16^th Annual MTN South African Music Awards, the country’s most prestigious awards ceremony!

The organisers and sponsors of the 16^th Annual MTN South African Music Awards wish to extend their very best wishes to all entrants and their earnest gratitude to the judges in anticipation of their commitment.

Jennifer Hudson will play Winnie Mandela

2009-10-22T16:55:00.001+02:00

Roger Friedman, of The Hollywood Reporter, reports that Jennifer Hudson is rumored to be in talks to star in an indie biopic about South African leader, Winnie Mandela.

Hudson, who won the Academy Award for “Dreamgirls” and was so good in “The Secret Life of Bees,” is now rumored to be in talks for an indie biopic about South African leader Winnie Mandela. Winnie was a winner during her years as wife of Nelson Mandela during his 27-years of illegal incarceration. But in later years she lost her way, getting into legal trouble and becoming a pariah. She and Mandela have been divorced for some time.
The word is that either the terrific Derek Luke or actor Idris Elba might be up for the part of Nelson Mandela. Details are still sketchy.

Jennifer performed at Denise Rich’s annual Angel Ball Tuesday night. Introduced by Clive Davis, Jennifer sang “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” with just piano accompaniment to whoops and hollers from the celebrity-filled audience.

Playing Winnie equals more Oscar-bait for Jennifer. It could be another juicy role for her.

John Legend and Keri Hilson touring South Africa

2009-10-22T14:00:00.006+02:00

Being at a concert is my big must do because I love watching people scream.

But the tables were flipped this time on me, as people probably saw me screaming at John Legend, but that was the freakiest thing ever to happen to me.

Here goes nothing.

Straight after Knocks You Down hit singer Keri Hilson performed, I stood around with friends Monde Mkhizwana and Itumeleng Motuba waiting for John Legend to come on stage. When I thought it was taking too long, I thought why not get a drink during the interval so I can sing louder with a thrist-free voice.

Then the lights went out, meaning someone was coming, and it could only be John Legend.

But I didnt turn back I just kept walking out, some guy wearing a brown leather jacket, white shirt and black tie, just touches me on my hand and says “excuse me Miss”. And as I looked back this guy was surrounded by so many guards and I though “my he looks just like John Legend” – but never did I think it would be him. I mean this guy touched me and I didnt see anything, then BAM goes the lights on…

And guess what? It was John Legend! I could have kicked myself for not having noticed him in the dark but he made me just love him even more…

The show which is hosted by Heineken which had a suite at the event that hosted VIP guests such as DJ Sbu, Bonang Matheba, Da Les, Tumisho Masha and his fiance Zozibini Mtongana, Tbo Touch, Malaika’s Tsedi Mholo, Jeniffer Su, designer David Tlale.

Others there were Fikile “Fix” Moeti, Gangs of Instrumental’s couple Tumi and Mandla, the hot Kwela Tebza brothers, rapper JR andbusinessman TT Mbha.

Must give it up to Bantu Soul and JR for such great performances on the night, they really know how to keep an audience intertained.

Come back again anyday Mr John Legend…really loved you.

TKZee's album Coming Home is ready to hit the stores

2009-10-22T13:07:00.002+02:00

On TKZee’s first studio album in eight years, Coming Home, Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala, Kabelo “Bouga Luv” Mabalane, and Zwai Bala make no secret of their thrill at being back in the studio, back in the spotlight and back on top.

“Let me tell you a thing about TKZee/it’s a brand oozing with supremacy … you want repertoire? We got it/Earning capacity? We got it/Hits back to back? We got it?,” Kabelo boldly states on the superb and eternally optimistic ‘Thata Eezy’.

It’s a sentiment that ripples throughout the album’s 12-tracks – echoing the buzz that Tokollo, Kabelo and Zwai have felt since deciding to reunite to record a follow-up to 2001’s ‘Trinity’, much to the delight of the group’s extensive and loyal fanbase.

“We told you. We told you alright, we’ll be back with a bang,” goes album opener, ‘Everyday’ and on ‘Viva la Pantsula!’, TKZee (with the help of a few creative collaborators) reclaim the enduring street cred they always had and balance it, just like in the group’s early days, with an astute sense of high-end drama and musicality.

The magic of TKZee has always had its foothold in the singular combining of the vocal and lyrical style of each of the band’s three members – Tokollo rough-hewn and streetwise, Kabelo full of swagger and smooth where required and Zwai punching in with real sonic power.

Nowhere is this more evident than on ‘Dikakapa’, a track that’s bookmarked by the piano-playing and strings (both synth and live) that TKZee managed to always find a place for in its sound. With Zwai providing the spot-on hook, it’s left to Tokollo and Kabelo to riff off each other in a song that’s full of the bounce that always made TKZee’s songs so damn irresistible.

‘Dikakapa’ may be an album standout but the interplay of the trio of vocals is on brilliant form throughout ‘Coming Home’ – especially on songs like ‘Let’s Go’, which draws in all three vocals in the seamless, flowing way that has been TKZee’s signature in the 13 years since they first impacted the South African music scene with debut EP ‘Take It Eeezy’ in 2006.

Even in the earlier days, TKZee was able to lasso some scorching hot collaborators – and ‘Coming Home’ also features a brace of top-drawer collab efforts. The horn-heavy, swaggering and defiantly celebratory Viva la Pantsula! features Gwyza, S’bu and Loyiso on a stormer of a track that also underscores TKZee’s influence on and hand in creating the careers of other key urban artists.

As you may expect from a group that’s always effortlessly displayed its versatility, not every track on Coming Home is Guz-style, upbeat, and party-ready. Towards the end of the album are several songs that reveal the maturity and spirituality of the bands members. Among these are Coming Home, featuring Joyous Celebration and Ntokozo Mbambo, as well as TKZee’s version of ‘Children Hold On’ – both songs injecting a moving emotional element to the record.

What’s strikingly evident on ‘Coming Home’ is the meticulous attention to detail in the production. In this Zwai – who takes the production reigns for the most part – has observed the intricate workings of worldclass producers like Quincy Jones.

“Nothing is left to chance,” he confides. “Everything part of every song is arranged,” adds Zwai, hinting at the effort put into delivering a top-drawer product.

With Zwai at the helm and Kabelo assisting on several songs, ‘Coming Home’ has a polish and finely honed sense of musicality that has been lacking on many other releases in similar genres. “The result of everyone’s great efforts is the sound of TKZee all grown up and I think that fans will really respond to what they hear on the album,” says Tokollo.

Also weighing in with additional production are the likes of Terry Pinana and Godfrey “Guffy” Pilane - Pilane contributing production duties on the most defiantly kwaito of all the album’s tracks, ‘Sdudla’ which is already proving a radio hit in South Africa.

Another of TKZee’s music signature’s has always been a real ability to balance programmed music with live instruments and tracks like the out-and-out Gospel song ‘Coming Home’ features a trio of brilliant musicians in Zwai on piano, Victor Masondo on bass and Lawrence Matshiza on guitars.

All of this rigorous attention to the detail of the music, the lyrics, the performances means that recording ‘Coming Home’ was as much of a challenge as an exhilaration. “The emotions were running high throughout the recording process,” admits Kabelo, adding that while it may have been draining at times, this had the effect of pouring the trio’s passion into each of the songs.

“What I think is really key is that we didn’t just decide to get back together and make an album that is simply about delivering something new for fans to listen to,” says Zwai. “We wanted to treat this album with the same love for the genre that we had right in the beginning, although obviously bringing all our different professional and personal experiences into the mix.”

The vision that drives ‘Coming Home’ then is not one based on nostalgia or a whim: as all 12 tracks prove, TKZee have once again brewed up something special in the Guz kitchen to create a scorcher of a record that more than lives up to the expectations of fans – and gives urban music a real injection of fresh, optimistic energy.

So come summer 2009, it’s time to turn up the heat and dial up the volume switch. TKZee are back. Play it loud!

Keri Hilson shows some love for young girls at Oprah School

2009-10-22T12:54:00.003+02:00

American R&B singer Keri Hilson visited the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls yesterday to join its Give campaign.

The girls of the school - who have dedicated a combined 8000 hours to community service since the launch of the campaign on Thursday - invited Hilson to entertain 100 disadvantaged children from 30 schools in Gauteng.

The singer, in South Africa on a concert tour, performed her hits Knock You Down and Slow Down to some of her biggest fans.

She took part in a "motivation" class led by academy pupils and shared a story of peer pressure she had experienced.

Hilson told the girls: "I am amazed at how profoundly you guys are speaking about leadership and peer pressure. It is true what you guys are saying about leaders - there are some negative and positive leaders in the world and they can help or break our communities.

"I have a philosophy that I think you ladies can carry in life - that there are people who will be assets and others who will be liabilities in your life."

Classes at the academy have been suspended for the six days of the campaign.

The girls have taken 50 disadvantaged children to the Kaizer Chiefs Village, south of Johannesburg, to watch the players train. They have painted a mural at a senior citizens' home and the school choir entertained the elderly residents.

Yesterday, the pupils invited girls from poor backgrounds to chat about issues such as sex education, HIV-Aids and decision making.

Academy dean Funa Maduka told The Timesthat community work had always been a priority for Winfrey, who wanted the ethos instilled in pupils at her academy.

"The school has decided to take part in giving back to communities. There is no school for six days, so girls take part in community work fully," Maduka said.

The pupils wore blue T-shirts bearing the school's OWLAG acronym and a quote from Martin Luther King Jnr, "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve."

They had the opportunity to chat to Hilson, who revealed that she had also visited a gene-testing centre that Winfrey had visited in the past in a bid to establish her African heritage.- TimesLive

LISTEN/WATCH: HHP's new music video "Mpitse"

2009-10-22T12:36:00.003+02:00

This is the same video that scooped HHP an award at the MTV Africa Music Awards this year. Love it, and must mention that some of my friends from Kwani Experience the percassionist Bafana Nhlapo and bass player Frank Magongwa are in this video.
Nice image of what people do in the toilets.
And its about time our video quality in Mzantsi gets this great, take note musos, this is what music videos should lool like now...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NONHLE THEMA

2009-10-22T12:03:00.010+02:00

WEARING teal and purple and being at Club INC last Friday was definitely the in thing to do as V-Entertainment and Global Dark n Lovely hair care ambassador the forever gorgeous Nonhle Thema celebrated her birthday.

Being invited as a VVIP guest for the event, meant being picked up by Chevrolet driver named Devon Dippenaar at my house, who drove in with a luxurious Chevy Cruz to take me to the party and drop me off back at home when I was done partying. Really enjoyed that.

The birthday girl who arrived at the plush three dance floors venue that hosted the whose who’s of TV, radio and the music industry of Jozi, was tailed everywhere by photographers as they snapped away at her with all her guests who enjoyed the drinks and yummy delights of miniature meatballs, sausage rolls, sandwiches and other foods while conversing and dancing.
Wearing a designer purple and teal tutu dress made by Gert-Johan Cooetzee of Diamond face Couture, she spent most of the night chatting to friends, family and fans who all just wanted to be snapped and she played along the whole way.

On the list of the VVIPs was the likes of Highveld Stereo DJ Pabi Moloi, businesswomen Augustine Chuene and Uyanda Mbuli, actress Sophie Ndaba, rapper JubJub, co-host of V-Entertainment Siyabonga Ngwekazi, comedian David Kau, flute hotties Kwela Tebza, City Pulse Editor Lesley Mofokeng, Egoli actor Tazz Ngida, Nonhle’s beautiful mommy Cynthia Shange and her cute brothers.

As the night flowed, so did the drinks keep popping, with the expensive champagnes such as Moet and Verve doing the rounds, it was time to sing a “happy birthday”, as singer Jamela put on his best rendition of the Stevie Wonder hit and Jub Jub sang his gospel hit “Ngikhokhlele” just to bless the night.

All the ladies looked fab in their heels, weaves and little dresses.
What a night, must say it was great hanging out with all the journos Gilda van Schalkwyk, Farrah Francis, Mokgadi Seabi and DSTV’s Neo Merafi.
And how can I forget the twitter family that kept me sane throughout the JubJub performance Lelo Boyani, Philzah, Katlego, Khaya Dlanga and Xolisa Dyeshana. You guys are amazing, thanks for Friday night…

And to Nonhle, Happy Birthday sana, you are an inspiration to many young ladies out there, keep up the great work and may you see trillions more parties to come…

TALENT: Brian Temba

2009-10-22T11:53:00.003+02:00

Have you heard the song “Dominoes” by Brian Temba?

After first meeting him at the Sarita Ball that happened in Rosebank last month, yesterday BYT attended his ”Something Better” album launch at La Toscana in Montecasino, Fourways, where he invited some of his friends, family and press to come see him do his thing. And I must say, he is too dope for words.

He has the voice of an angel, the looks to die for and the humble and friendly personality to make any woman melt, and there I was listening to him sing his songs “Something Better”, “Dominoes” and Maxwell’s “Woman’s Work”, and I thought, move over Maxwell Brian Temba is here to stay.

The man who used to play “Simba” in the Disney musical Lion King in London, returned to South Africa recently, to release his own solo project is already making waves in the music industry as he has been nominated for two Channel O awards for Most Gifted RnB Artist and Most Gifted Newcomer. And rumour has it that he might be at the Metros as well, but lets wait and see.

Some of the guest there were celebs such as Egoli actor Tazz Ngida, City Press magazine editor Lesley Mofokeng, TV personality Claire Mawisa and MetroFM’s Azania Ndoro who was also the MC for the night.

What a great evening of great music.

Brian Temba you are my new favourite singer, I am convinced you are the best thing to happen to R&B in South Africa.

Follow Him on FaceBook :www.facebook.com/pages/Brian-Temba/

Twitter: @BrianTemba

My Space: www.myspace.com/briantemba

FOR more pics check: Beautiful Young Things

CHECK OUT HIS VIDEO: DOMINOES

Mirriam Makeba concert will go

2009-10-22T11:38:00.001+02:00

Fans will get the opportunity to pace down the memory lane and harmonize along as artists from different walls of the world will pay tribute to the late legendary and South Africa’s Goodwill Ambassador Miriam Makeba. The concert that was initially scheduled to take place in August was cancelled due to cancelled due to a legal battle between the arts and culture department, the Makeba Trust and the National Heritage Council.

On the bill a spectacular array of international musicians including Manu Dibango (Cameroon), Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Salif Keita (Mali), Busi Mhlongo, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Abigail Kubeka, Dorothy Masuka, and Ntando will reprise songs like Patapata to commemorate the death of Mama Africa.

Event organizers are anticipating an overwhelming response to the three-day affair to be held from November 7 to 9. The event kick-starts with a free public concert on November 7 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

On November 8 a music workshop will be held at Dr Miriam Makeba Hall at Unisa. The fun, however, does not end with the music, on November 9 a memorial gala dinner will be held at the State Theatre (this is by invitation only). The dinner will be attended by politicians, ambassadors, business people, Makeba’s family and close friends.

Miriam Makeba, considered musical royalty in South Africa and an ambassador of music throughout the world, passed away in November 10 at the age of 76 after performing at a concert in Castel Volturno, near Caserta in Italy, a concert organized to support writer Roberto Saviano in his stand against the Camorra, a mafia-like organization local to the Region of Campania.

Makeba suffered a heart attack after singing her hit song Pata Pata, and was taken to the Piñata Grande clinic where doctors were unable to revive her. Several reports gave her cause of death as cardiac arrest.

The tribute will not only salute Makeba’s music, but her status as a true ambassador of country music. Her career spanned half century, taking her from the townships of Johannesburg to the world stage.

Born in Johannesburg Makeba’s mother was a Swazi sangoma and her father, who died when she was six, was Xhosa. As a child, she sang at the Kilmerton Training Institute in Pretoria, which she attended for eight years.

Makeba first toured with an amateur group. Her professional career began in the 1950s with the Manhattan Brothers, before she formed her own group, The Skylarks, singing a blend of jazz and traditional melodies of South Africa.

In 1959, she performed in the musical King Kong alongside Hugh Masekela, her future husband. Though she was a successful recording artist, she was only receiving a few dollars for each recording session and no provisional royalties, and was keen to go to the United States. Her break came when she had a short guest appearance in the anti-apartheid documentary Come Back, Africa in 1959 by independent filmmaker Lionel Rogosin. The short cameo made an enormous impression on the viewers and Lionel Rogosin managed to organize a visa for her to leave South Africa and to attend the premiere of the film at the Venice Film Festival.

Melanie Bala gets her own show

2009-10-22T11:34:00.002+02:00

M-Net Series, channel 110 on DStv, has been the home of many top-class international television series over the years; now it’s also giving birth to its very first local weekly series – a stylish, sexy, sophisticated talk show celebrating the quintessential woman of today. Aptly called Absolute Woman the first episode will be aired on Wednesday, 6 January 2010.

Melanie Bala will be the multi-tasking hostess of Absolute Woman, and with this sharp-witted, fun and dynamic Metro FM news anchor in the presenter’s chair you can expect a 360 degree take on all kinds of women’s issues.

The show will be shot in studio with an intimate audience and will include relevant, topical issues that women are dealing with; interviews with inspirational, iconic South African women; inserts with women from all walks of life speaking their mind; and demonstrations in studio – from Botox injections to pole dancing and cooking tricks!

Head of M-Net’s Genre Channels, Khosi Khanyile, says this new show is tailor-made for the dynamic women who tune into M-Net Series: “It’s for women, by women, about women, but steering away from any of the negativity that so many of us get trapped in, in today’s age and culture. We will celebrate all things that make us women tick and will bring excitement, laughter, tears, tips, information and real life stories to your screen.”

Melanie can’t wait to start with the recordings for the show: “Absolute Woman speaks to me and where I am in my life now. I am an information junkie, I love reading and am very curious about why people do the things they do. I'm also a little bit of a feminist, and love to challenge the status quo when it comes to how women are seen in the world. This platform offers the opportunity to share information, learn more about something you might not know too much about and accept all women, as they are, flaws and all.”

Melanie, who is currently a news anchor and contributor on “The Avenue” with Glen and Unathi, on Metro FM, started working on radio as a researcher for then Bophuthatswana Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Bop). This allowed her to mingle with a mixture of musicians. Her first exposure to a radio talk show came in 2004, on Metro FM, in which she interviewed prominent politicians, businesspeople and newsmakers.

I was at the MAMAs in Kenya

2009-10-22T11:23:00.003+02:00

WOW is all I could say about the MAMAs this year.

I wore a young designer Syvestar Falata's dress that looked absolutely fabulous and I loved the way it looked.

And I made some friends and I must thank Siyabonga Metane aka Slikour, former SABC presenter Brian Ndevu who now works for DSTV Africa, ZuluBoy and TK Dube for playing the big brother role by looking after us and making sure we are fine, on behalf on all us ladies that were with them. You guys are great South African men, I would go anywhere in the world with you again, that is for sure.

Once again CONGRADULATIONS to South Africa's HHP, Zebra and Giraffe and Lucky Dube for scooping awards this year.

EXHIBITIONS "Young Artists of Tomorrow"

2009-10-22T11:13:00.002+02:00

Exhibition of Young Artists Of Tomorrow

An exhibition of Johannesburg’s top young creative students’ award winning work from this year’s CITY Festival, is on show at Museum Africa until 31 October 2009.

Curated by Bie Venter, the exhibition includes photography, sculpture, painting and prints. Entrance is free.

Sponsored by the City of Johannesburg: Directorate: Arts, Culture and Heritage, Arts Alive and the MTN SA Foundation, the CIT:Y Festival 2009 rewards excellence across a range of creative disciplines, and provides students in the visual and performing arts with further motivation to make their mark.

Students compete in five categories: Craft and Design; Dance; Film and Broadcast; Music; and Visual Arts, with R130,000.00 in bursaries being awarded to the winning students.

Students and institutions taking part in CIT:Y Festival ’09 are: AFDA, Artist Proof Studios, Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking, Damelin (Bramley), Greenside Design Centre, the Imbali Visual Literacy Project, the Market Photo Workshop, Moving Into Dance Mophatong, NEMISA, University of Johannesburg (FADA), Vuyani Dance Theatre, and Wits School of the Arts.

LISTEN: Rihanna's Russian Roulette

2009-10-22T11:04:00.003+02:00

I must say Miss Rihanna sounds all so grown up and I love this new sound she is working with. And guess who wrote this song?

Neyo himself...

And this song has become the most talked about song on Twitter this week, there will be a video for it, so I cant wait to see it...

Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe takes a leap into helping women detect cancer

2009-10-22T10:49:00.003+02:00

I am a huge fan of women who want to make a change in the world by helping other women that cannot get help.

And that is what one of many young women' role model Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe is doing for women in townships and rural areas, to help them get tested for cancer.

She along with socialite Edith Venter, actress Terry Pheto and designer David Tlale, held a high tea at The Westcliff Hilte where they launched a Design For Life campaign that is on its second year running, that will see them selling limited T-shirts for only R188 to raise money for moblie cancer clinics.

Last year the T-Shirt that was designed by Hip-Hop proved very fruitful as it helped thousands of women get tested.

If you can get the t-shirt please dont hesitate to order them from: www.africanfashioninternational.com

You too can change a life

READ:

Doctor Precious Moloi-Motsepe has revealed how frightened she was when her mother was diagnosed with cancer, and then had to deal with her own scare.

But she also told how her mother inspired her to educate others about the disease.

Moloi-Motsepe, chairwoman of African Fashion International and of the Cancer Association of SA, told The Times that, despite her medical training and knowledge of the disease, she was overwhelmed when her mother was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago.

"When she was diagnosed, I had no idea what I could do to help her, and I'm a doctor. It came as a shock. I thought why me, why now?

"I never thought it would happen to her, but I had to face reality: it can happen to anyone," said Moloi-Motsepe.

This truth hit home again in 2007, when she had her own scare.

"I picked up a lump in my breast. Fortunately, it was not cancer," she said.

The two incidents, and a prolonged dedication to women's healthcare, inspired Moloi-Motsepe to help other women.

"There is nothing as sad as the fact that some women have no access to medical doctors who can help them detect cancer, or find out more about it. If women who are empowered can help them by just talking to them about cancer, we can make a big difference in their lives," she said.

Moloi-Motsepe said it is her aim, through her Design for Life initiative, which combines fashion and fund raising, to ensure that women in rural areas and townships are educated about cancer.

Funds will be used for holding workshops and for mobile testing clinics that travel nationally, particularly during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Moloi-Motsepe is married to mining mogul Patrice Motsepe.

KAYA FM announces new breakfast team

2009-10-22T10:37:00.005+02:00

After much debates about Phat Joe being fired, they have decided to replace him with two intelligent people that I think will change the way breakfast shows should be.

On their first day just this Wednesday, I am convinced that author of Some of My Best Friends are White and Iz It Coz I's Black Ndumiso Ngcobo and talk show host are going to do something great for the show.

I love it already...

What do you all think?

READ:

Kaya FM announced today Kgomotso Matsunyane as its new breakfast show host scheduled to take the helm on the 21st of October. Kgomotso is no stranger to Kaya FM and worked at the radio station as an executive producer between 1997 and 1998.

Matsunyane is an International Relations Graduate from Carleton College, Minnesota, U.S.A. She is also a former editor of the Oprah Magazine following which she started her TV & Film Company T.O.M. Pictures in 2003 with her friends Robbie Thorpe and Akin Omotoso.

Kgomotso will be joined on the show for special content features by Ndumiso Ngcobo - author of the best selling “Some of My Best Friends Are White” and “Is It Coz I’m Black?” Ndumiso is also the witty blogger (of the Silwane Files) on Mail & Guardian Online’s “Thought Leader”.

Kaya FM Managing Director Greg Maloka says: “We are extremely excited about our new team. Kgomotso is a seasoned professional who understands media and entertainment. She has both the intelligence and maturity to relate to the audience in a uniquely honest and sincere way. Ndumiso and Kgomotso have worked together on a number of projects and make for an exciting combination. Ndumiso is an exceptional writer and talent and will add his unique brand of charm and wit to the show.”

The show which will launch its new name next Wednesday will continue to feature the talents of Jeff Moloi, Steven “Stevie B” Bacher, Nomzamo Khumalo and Kgomotso Meso for news, sport, traffic and business information between 6 and 9am weekdays. - Statement from KayaFM

Feather Awards to be in Jozi in November

2009-10-22T10:23:00.003+02:00

So I am not allowed to tell where these awards will be but they will be happening in Jozi, with celebs that are nominated to be there to accept their awards- I will be keeping you all posted on these awards and will have pics for you all so you can see what happened.

Even though they have decided to drop Julius Malema aka JuJu-Babe or JuMa to most, the awards will still go ahead as planned. I think he is such a party pooper, I think he is a perfect candidate for these awards, a man that speaks his mind, powerful, gets people to listen and has the power to change the world even though he probably dont know it, I love him.

The nominees are:

Best Styled Female – This category is for ladies that consistently kept to their style throughout the year.
* Uyanda Mbuli
* Dr Precious Moloi Motsepe
* Nhlanhla Nciza

Best Styled Male – The men that have remained stylish throughout the year.
* Stoan Seete
* Siyabonga Nqwekazi
* Sizwe Dlomo
* David Tlale or Dion Chang or Felipe
Hunk of the Year – These men just ooze the X-factor, you look at them and you just want a strong hug.
* Lungile Radu
* Thapelo Mokoena
* Siyabonga Twala
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year – These women are who always carry themselves well and they have a strong presence.
* Lira
* Sophie Ndaba
* Precious Moloi-Motsepe

Sports Personality of the Year – People that have inspired in the world of sports
* Itumeleng Kune
* Molaudzi Mbulaeni
* Brian Habana

Role model of the Year – They never put their foot wrong in the public eye, they continue to contribute positively to society.
* Basetsana Kumalo
* Chriselda Kananda
* HHP

Cutest Couple – these are couples people adore and look up to.
* Unathi & Bad boy T
* Connie & Shona Ferguson
* Cece & Psyfo

Hot Chick of the Year – these are women who ooze a lot of sex appeal.
* Thembi Seete
* Kelly Khumalo
* Mirriam Ngomane

Fag hag of the Year – Need we say more, they never leave their home without their favorite accessories, a gay friend.
* Khanyi Mbau
* Kelly Khumalo
* Kuli Roberts

Musician – musician we love to listen to on and off stage.
* Theo Kgosinkwe
* Slikour
* Lira

Socialite – See at every opening of an envelope or an erection of a stop sign.
* Tsidi Mholo
* Iko Mash
* Khabonina Qubeka

Drama Queen – These are personalities we read about every Sunday over breakfast, their lives revolve around a lot of dramatic behavior or situation.
* Khanyi Mbau
* Arthur Mafokate
* Julius Malema

READ:

South Africa’s gay community is throwing an awards ceremony to honour inspirational and influential celebrities — including ANC Youth League president Julius Malema

Feather Award nominees include Malema (drama queen), rugby star Bryan Habana(sports personality), and socialite Khanyi Mbau (drama queen).

Malema told The Times he could not comment on his nomination: “I don’t know what a drama queen is. I am in politics, I am not in drama, how can I comment about something I don’t know about?”

Feather Awards founder Thami Kotlolo said the categories include role model, fag hag, cutest couple, hot chick and hunk of the year.

He said: “The awards are about glamour, fun — a night of sheer fabulosity where everyone can come out and have fun.”

Record label boss Arthur Mofokate has picked up two nominations, for drama queen and for fag hag — the “celeb that never leaves home without their favourite accessory, a gay friend”.

Fag hag nominees include singer Kelly Khumalo and entertainment writer Kuli Roberts.

Mbau said it would be tough to beat Malema: “He knows how to play out his drama very well but, as the only female in this category, judges must be fair,” she laughed.

The awards ceremony will be held on Sunday night. -TimesLive

Big Brother housemantes turning to sex for FUN?

2009-10-05T11:15:00.002+02:00

Jeremy and Emma getting it on in BED... Wonder if they will last?

Itai tells Paloma he will be sad if she leaves because he is inlove with her? Inlove? Am sure he meant something else but not inlove?

And Quinn kisses Mzamo who by the way was trying to lay in the bed with Hannington, so she thinks she will have revenge on him for not wanting to sleep with her. Are we getting a adventurous girl here? Hope there are plenty of condoms in that house please BB...

Phat Joe has been fired...

2009-10-02T16:59:00.004+02:00

Like I predicted last month, Phat Joe has been fired.

Just last month I called the Kaya studios asking them about these rumours that this dude was going to be fired, and they flat out denied it...even calling me almost blowing this thing out of proportion. Then it turns out its true... WTF?

This dude who was born Majota Mandlakayise Isaac KAMBULE aka "Phat Joe" made remarks last month about 800m gold medalist Caster Semenya saying:

"Does this mean that at this point she has never had a period? To some extent, she should have known that something is not 100 percent right, she was still waiting for her period perhaps? Did she cheat when she left those women (behind) in Germany? Why is it possible that she could not have known that she is not 100 percent female?"

Gabiville says: Good Ridden because he should know that its not his place to make such a nasty comment and think he's going to get away with it. And Kudoz to KayaFM for finally getting rid of this dude.

READ what the statement said:

Kaya FM 95.9 officially announced today the dismissal of its breakfast show host Majota “Phatjoe” Kambule with immediate effect following a two week suspension and inquiry into comments the presenter made regarding Caster Semenya on the station’s breakfast show – “The Phatjoe Morning Show” on Friday 11 September 2009.

The radio station received an overwhelming number of calls, direct e-mails, webmaster e-mails, SMS’s, BCCSA complaints and Facebook messages on The Phatjoe Morning Show page over the last two weeks from listeners and the general public expressing anger and disapproval on how the Caster Semenya issue, deemed a highly sensitive matter, was handled “on air” by the presenter.

The general sentiment was that whist freedom of speech is essential, the presenter was seen, as one reader’s letter put it in The Times newspaper (on the 15^th September 2009), both “immature and insensitive” in dealing with the issue. Public commentary also reached various newspapers and websites through editorial pages and letters from readers and bloggers alike. Last week, a public apology that was unsanctioned by the station and made independently by Mr Kambule was on his website Phatjoeradio.com as well as in an article in the Saturday Star.

The internal investigation however involved a deliberation and assessment of all comments received by Kaya FM versus what Phatjoe said in his broadcast. In view of the numerous complaints received by the station it was therefore part of the station’s finding that Mr Kambule had created the potential for a fair amount of risk with regard to the relationships that the station has with its listeners, advertisers and stakeholders groups. The decision to terminate does not merely concern conduct but therefore also concerns an operational management decision

Phatjoe began his residence at Kaya FM and the Phatjoe Morning Show in March 2008 with the launch of the much talked about “Two Strangers and a Wedding” campaign. The concept behind the breakfast show was to create a fresh, vibrant and well packaged mix of “infotainment” that would include music, celebrity interviews and comedy supported by regular updates of news, business, traffic and sport.

THE REPLACEMENT: Reggie Philander will be caretaker to the breakfast show in the short-term whilst the station makes a decision on the next steps with regards to a presenter for the slot.- Kaya FM

Khanyi Mbau is a diva...

2009-10-02T16:40:00.004+02:00

You gotta love Khanyi Mbau for having a never die personality that she seems to pull off really well.
She is straight forward and on point and I love that about her...

As for the new man, new boobs and new Lambo story... you gotta here what she said to me as I had a chance to speak to her about these prizes she has recently scooped and man I must say she is definately no shy girl...

P.S Her new album titled The Queen of Bing is coming out end of this month, her website is also going up around the same time and she will be starring in her own reality show that is also in the pipelines of going out...

READ:

Socialite Khanyi Mbau has spilt the beans about her new Lamborghini, her new man and her new boobs.

Mbau, 23, separated from self-proclaimed millionaire businessman Mandla Mthembu, 53, after three years of marriage, swapped her mother's flat for a penthouse in Morningside, Sandton.

But that's not all - she also got a new set of boobs and claims that she bought herself a new black Lamborghini, complete with plates MBAU GP, after the yellow one Mthembu bought her was repossessed.

Yesterday, Mbau told The Times that she was "wiser and older" and can buy her own luxuries because she "wants this life".

"I left Mandla with nothing and went to live with my mother for a month, where I had to share a bathroom with people when I was used to having my own master suite. I mean, you can imagine!" she said.

"I am a hard worker, so I decided to pick myself up by buying myself a penthouse in my old neighbourhood, because I am a Sandton girl and I love that area."

Despite several reports saying Mbau had bagged herself another sugar daddy - an unnamed married tycoon from Limpopo - she told The Times that she doesn't have a new man in her life and was "not a home wrecker".

"Why would I want to put another woman through all the drama of having your man being taken by another woman like what happened to me with Mandla?" she said, declining to reveal further details about the mystery woman she claims lured Mthembu away from her.

"I got all these possessions from working hard," she said.

"As you know I have a construction company; my album is coming out end of this month; my TV show is on a roll and I have a website to show that I can get these things myself."

Mbau said she had her old breast implants removed and a new 34D pair inserted because she "didn't want anything to do with Mandla and what he had bought me".

"The last thing I want is a man coming back to me saying 'I bought you those boobs and I want them back'.

"There is no man in my life and eventually I will date again, just not yet," she said.

"Please bear with me as I am trying to build an empire. You should know by now that divas never die."-Times Live