Bonang Matheba is a star, baby!

Bonang and some of her Baby Star creations

Last night, Bonang Matheba launched her sizzling website and range of arm candy (as she calls it), under the label ‘Baby Star’.

Kudos to this chick, for real! She’s doing phenomenal things at the tender age of 22. Her site is miles ahead of anything we’ve seen from other local schlebs. It’s clean, very well laid out and the images are tasteful.

She’s taking Brand B to another level altogether.

So many stars aren’t even trying to get on social media (journo Gabi Ndebele recently tweeted that when she asked Arthur Mafokate why he isn’t on Twitter, he asked ‘What’s that?’), yet Bonang is available on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and now her own beautiful site.

Some site highlights: you can read all about Ur Gal B’s achievements in TV, Radio, as a corporate MC and fashion. Fans are also encouraged to leave messages on the site’s message board. Lelo, over at Just Curious, suggested B start a monthly blog to give her fans a more personal touch and I completely agree.

Baby Star

But the best thing about the site is that this is where fashionistas can order their piece of B – a handbag from her BABY STAR range. The cute bags range from R700 – R1200. Bonang says she’s still looking for alternative distribution, but for now orders can be made through the site. She told me the bags are made in Cape Town (yay for supporting local manufacturers!) and they really are super cute.

This bag has my name on it!

The launch was a great success. Well done PR queen Melanie Ramjee! Bonang definitely was the hostess with the mostest, clad in a gorgeous Gert Johan creation (that’s what she’s rocking in the picture).

Although it was star studded, it was a relatively intimate affair (besides the ever present camera crews and paparazzo). Young Egoliwood definitely came out to support Ur Gal B. Spotted: DJ Euphonik and Sizwe Dhlomo on the decks, the Teargas boys, B’s Live co-hosts (past and present) Andile Ncube and Touch , DJ Switch, YFM family beautiful Mpho Maboi, The Twins and DJ Sbu (looking rather dapper), Siya Ngwekazi, Selimathunzi’s Zizo Beda (the sweetest girl ever), The Internet’s Head Bitch in Charge, Mika Stefano, Wimpy’s Cheesanator girl, Boity, The Fourways Twitter Mafia Dons Khaya Dlanga and Xolisa Dyeshana … too many to mention.

Great thing, though, it seems like everyone left their egos at home to celebrate B’s latest venture. People mingled easily and spoke a lot of crap – the free-flowing Moet & Chandon was a great social lubricant!

The venue, the recently opened MiBar, was amazing and most of the fun was had in the outside area (the weather played along for once). Nibbles and drinks by the hot Liquid Chefs bartenders just kept making the rounds (and trust, I was not complaining!)

Towards the end of the evening, things started getting silly when someone (errr, Sizwe) started a decorative balls fight … all in good fun. Those who don’t know when to call it a night went to grab pizza or do whatever party animals without day jobs do.

Well done to B for her stellar work and thanks Melanie Ramjee for a flawless function.

Bonang and Melanie Ramjee

Mpho Maboi

YFM’s Mpho Maboi came out to support B. This woman is flawless – I would cut a bitch to have her skin. She’s also just one of the nicest people I’ve met in Egoliwood. Unfortunately, she had to leave early because of some or other football game she could not miss.

Sizwe Dhlomo

Sizwe on the ones and twos. He’s not bad, as a DJ, if you’re into that whole neon-colours-amakipkip-wearing-teens-jumping-around-swag type of hip hop.

DJ Switch and DJ Sbu

Siyabonga Ngwekazi

Queen of the Internet, Mika Stefano

Mokgadi Seabi

Fab socialite and City Press journalist, Mokgadi Seabi, has a pose-off with B.

Me and Ingrid Pearce

Hanging out with Marie Claire’s fierce fashionista, Ingrid Pearce.

Khaya Dlanga and Xolisa Dyeshana

Fourways Twitter Mafia (no, that will never get old for me!) represented.

Xolisa Dyeshana and Zizo Beda

Bonang’s site goes live in a few hours

Bonang Matheba

Bonang Matheba’s website goes live in a few hours. To celebrate this – and her latest business venture – the effervescent TV presenter and radio jock will be hosting a shindig this evening. Yours truly will be there to witness ‘Your Girl B’s’ entrance into the Internet age Expect pics, gossip and all the low down tomorrow.

Now excuse me while I go get fab!

Twitterati weighs in on Jub Jub tragedy

Yesterday Jub Jub was involved in a tragic accident. Read about it HERE.

Search ‘Jub Jub’ on Twitter and you’ll see errbody going crazy. Here’s a select few:

Bonang Matheba [@Bonang]
He must go to jail…he must not pass begin, he must not collect R200!! Nxa!! #ithankyou

DJ Sbu [@djsbuonline]
Jub’s ma boy.It’s all sad&done.Moral of the story..Don’t do drugs. @kabelomabalane has been tryin all these years2tell y’all anilaleli!

Euphonik [@euphonik]
Extra extra, read all about it!! DRAG RACER BECOMES DRAG QUEEN #jailstories

Zwai Bala [@ZwaiBala]
Will Jubs survive jail? He didn’t survive Survivor.

Tshepo Mogale [@ComicalTshepo]
I don’t see anyone taking this years honours from him; a rotten penis, burnt house; now this #muntoftheyear

Sizwe Dhlomo [@SizweDhlomo]
I really don’t think we should rejoice over Jub Jub’s mess up! Especially because most of YOU guys also drink & drive plus do cocaine TOO!

Kojo Baffoe [@kojobaffoe]
So is this jub jub tragedy going to change how his peers live their lives? Yeah, I mean you. Youth rallying cry: it’ll never happen to me.

Mpho Maboi [@MphoMaboi]
Who drag races ko kasi?! What did you think the outcome of THAT was gonna be?! Condolensces to the families of the lost teens.

Motlokoe Phatudi-Mphahlele [@beatmakersa]
Condolences to the families that lost their kids! May God strengthen them! To Kelly may God give you strength to be strong during this time!

And a little positivity: Thabiso Khati [@HipHopScholar] is organising a benefit concert for the victims of the accident. Bassline has donated a venue. Provisional date: 9 April 2010. Bonang and Tshepo have already volunteered to MC the event.

Thabiso’s also tweeted: FOR EVERYONE THAT WANTS TO HELP PLEASE E-MAIL; supportaccidentvictims2010@gmail.com

Stan.

Remember that (superamazingoneofthelastgreatsongsheeverproduced) Eminem/ Dido collabo, Stan? About the crazy stalker fan? Well:

There’s this character on Twitter who goes by the pseudonym Numba2fan, who is on some other … ! This person is running a game of ‘exposion’, much like that pop culture split second known as Joburg’s Most Notorious Ho’s (remember that?).

Numba2fan has been active on Twitter since 18 November, and only has 43 followers (at this moment), but has already managed to pick some Twitbeef with fashionista and socialite Uyanda Mbuli.

Some of Numba2fan’s greatest hits:

- [In reference to Bonang Matheba] Well shame but @bonang looked pretty last night, Shooo but “THE LEGS”!!! Naw, u need surgery. they are so NOT hott!! #thetruth

- [Refering to Uyanda] Gee, @uyandam ‘s RURAL cum FAKE accent shocked us today on VUZU! Advice – Spend more money on English lessons & less on Brands! Blacks!!

- [Model Precious Makgaretsa also gets trashed and Khanyi's name is brought into it] We wonda if @preshmak is still missing Eric! We thot u should know that @therealmissk is after ur ex-fiancee – for obvious reasons – CASH!

- [Precious and Babalwa Mneno] OH! @preshmak, But this ERIC also seems to be back with his ex & ur dear mentor cum friend @barbiliscious! Do u still miss him? Kisses!

- [Bonang and DJ Euphonik] We miss @bonang with those hilarious legs. We wonder if she is missing her secret lover @euphonik??!! LOL!! NOT ANYMORE

- [Miss Mbau] We discovered that @therealmissk offered her pussy to get VIP seats at an award show… HOW CHEAP IS THAT?! N.B -don ever try deny this one!

- [Nonhle Thema and Precious - again] We LV @nonhlethema, nys smile! BUT we hear she also does THOSE trips to NIGERIA, @preshmak knows exactly wat tht means, right SEXY?? *winks*

Now some of these ‘rumours’ aren’t just rumours – they’re pretty much open secrets… But obvi it’s about figuring out which ones are true, which aren’t. I wonder, though, how long it’ll take Numba2fan to go the same way as the Notorious Ho creators – that is, to fade into obscurity…

SAMAs wrap up

So Saturday night was The. Biggest. Night. In. SA. Music. I didn’t go to the event – my scruffy self tends to avoid any highly schleb populated areas like the plague – and I’m actually kicking myself. The regret started on Friday, when I ran into an old friend in Sandton who was heading there. She was last minute outfit shopping [and I kept thinking about my stunning red dress hanging in the wardrobe unworn, patiently waiting for a suitable occasion ... aaargh.. why didn't I RSVP like a good girl?] Anyways, whatevs. I might’ve missed the GALA, but SABC1 hooked us up with a live broadcast.

The true winner on the night was the MC, Trevor Noah. Damn. Dude brung it – he was totally funny, charming, professional, kept the proceedings moving despite some awkward moments. [Not to forget that dude looked seriously smooth *sigh*]. Big ups to him.

The bigger winner was mos def Miss Lira! Well done, lady, you deserve all the blessings. Not only did she scoop 4 awards (Best Female Artist, Album of the Year, Best Adult Contemporary: English and Best Remix), but she’s my pick for the night’s best dressed. A lot of the other so-called ‘starlets’ should bow down, humble themselves and prepare to be schooled by Daveyton’s own Lerato Molapo on all things style related.

She was also involved in one of the night’s funniest moments. During her backstage interview with Siya, he turned to the camera and said “Damn, Arthur, you missed out!”. The look on Lira’s face … OOOwwweeee… priceless! Props to Siya for saying what has been on everyone’s minds since Feel Good hit radio!

The unstoppable Sis Ribs took home something ridic like her 12th SAMA – stop now lady! – and used the stage time to promo her 30th album (and also: ‘Thank Gaaad. Hallelujah!’) … There isn’t a second’s doubt in my mind that she’s sitting on a couple of milli. So, why doesn’t she just get someone to dress her? Thrifty!

Other winners (in those categpries I’ve kept my eye on!):

Best Urban Dance Album: DJ Kent’s Mixing Business with Pleasure: Reloaded  beat out DJ Cleo 

Jackie (far left) looked stunning in her Abigail Betz dress. The others, not so much.

Best Pop Album: English: Jamali – 3rd Base. So happy for them. Their outfits were a bit all over the place. I know some people in cyberspace weren’t feeling it, but I loved Jackie’s Abigail Betz dress… The other two looked a bit too 90s for me.

GI's Mandla and Tumi. Love them, hate that dress!

Best Urban Pop Album: Gang Of Instrumentals – Round 3. Also, another great win. Well done. Cute – acceptance speech. Not cute – Tumi’s too-short dress that she kept pulling down on her way to accept the award. If it’s too short, don’t wear it.

Best Pop Album: African:  Theo Kgosinkwe – I Am. Well-deserved. Is it just me, or does this dude seem super cool?

Best Rock Album: English: Zebra & Giraffe – Collected Memories won in the tightly contested category (Perez, Prime Circle, The Dirty Skirts ould also have been deserving winners)

Best Rap Album: Teargas – Wafa Wafa. I really would’ve preferred Zuluboy (in my opinion, he’s the only 1 in this category who qualifies as a Hip Hop artist). But I’m glad it’s not Tippy Toes.

Best Kwaito Album: Bricks – Stop Nonsense. Am happy about this… And the little frisson (is that the word?) between Brickz and good ol’ Cleo. Oooweee! Beef. Halala!

Best Duo/Group: what a hectic category. Soweto Gospel Choir took it home (obvs. There’s no way we’re gonna let a group win a Grammy and then NOT give them a SAMA), but the other nominess (340ml, Bala Brothers, GoldFish, Joyous Celebration) were strong contenders.

Best Male Artist: Abdullah Ibrahim – Senzo

MTN Record of The Year: Rhythmic Elements – 2 By 2. Sure, Cleo came through strong (he won on downloads for Hands Up), but I just knew this was gonna be it! I actually dig this song so much..

Lifetime Achievement Award Winners: Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Anton Goosen. Well done to these two, but I think the collabo was a big mistake! SAMAs, sometimes it doesn’t pay to get creative!?!?!?

Best Rock Album: Afrikaans: Van Coke Kartel – Waaksaam & Wakker. Dig these dudes …

Best Alternative Music Album: English: 340ml – Sorry For The Delay. Yay! No xenophobe, but strictly speaking, none of these dudes are Saffas, right…? Regardless: call me, Tiago!

Best R&B/Neo-Soul Album: Bryce Anderson – Undescribable. Who?

Best Dance Album: GoldFish – Perceptions of Pacha. Yay! These guys are amazing live and I’m so happy for them.

So those are the music award winners… let’s assess the style losers.

 To be quite frank, not too many schlebs held it down in the style stakes this year. I can give props only to Lira, DJ Sbu and DJ Cleo (he even thanked Fabiani). The rest of the bold names who graced my TV screens had me sweating in my sleep. Do they just have no style? No stylists? Are they so desperate for headlines they resort to becoming ‘Fashion Don’ts’? What’s really hood, Egoliwood?

The blogosphere has been going mad about Bonang’s Diamond Face Couture dress. Whether you love it or hate it (I’m a bit ‘meh’ about it), the main issue is her legs. She’s young, she’s attractive, but some ask whether she should really be wearing something that short with those pins? [can't seem to find a good pic anywhere, but you can catch her outfit in the vid below]

Khanyi flanked by her Gay-Tourage

The second offender is Khanyi Mbau. Khanyi, Khanyi, Khanyi… Where to begin? What was that … thing … you wore? The Yellow/ Blue monstrosity is not where it’s at. If we’re to believe you (and ignore the newspaper reports that your hubby’s no longer rolling in it and defaulting on car payments), you have all the resources in the world to look superfab. Why, then, do you continue to look like a Vegas Showgirl? Also, whatever diet you’re on, stop it. Now. You’re wasting away.

It seems as though Diamond Face Couture was on a losing streak. Habitual risk-taker Uyanda Mbuli (who Sowetan calls a ‘fashion icon’), wore this. No words.

And then there was Kelly. Simply Kelly. The hair, the make-up, the 90s matric dance dress…  She claims [see vid below] that there was a malfunction with her dress and this was her last minute replacement… But surely she could’ve kitted herself out a bit better? We’ve seen her look better (and worse!) before, right?

 

Too much to talk about! Now onto the weird shenanigans and gossip roundup…

- Lekgoa/ Snotkop was the strangest comeback kid ever!

- How did the SAMAs convince KK and Khanyi to present together? It’s well known that they can’t stand the sight of each other?

- What was up with Miss Teen flirting with Hlomla onstage – strange!

- Did Sbu really dirty dance with Bonang at the afterparty… And did they leave together (read about it here)?

- Ishmael and Puff .. what’s really hood? Must SA always be the last hope for has beens?

 

 

Here’s a little video, courtesy of The Times Online, on what some of these icons of SA pop culture (psshhh!) clothed themselves in…

Pics via.

The Real Wabora’s recap show

Have to firstly apologise for being so late with this – I’ve been AWOL for a bit because of a brilliant course I’ve been attending (will let you in on this a little later).

So after Kumbul’ekhaya (don’t ask), what pops up on my screen? The Real Goboza. It was gone for quite some time, hey? Anyways, the “gossip” show was back on with all the “freshest” stale news you could ask for.

First up, they addressed the story about whether or not Live’s Bonang Matheba refused to go to townships with the Back to School campaign. Shugasmakx was in studio explaining exactly what he’d explained in last Sunday’s tabloids. Yours truly covered this story earlier this week.

Also in old news, they looked at Audi Fashion Week… nuff said.

Then there was Generations’ 15th birthday. This is what Generations founder Mfundi Vundla had to say:

‘Generations was created out of an experience I had, hanging out with young black advertisers. They created the first black advertising agency in South Africa and that was the birth of the idea’

Well, now you know!

Next up, RGB covered Khabonina’s birthday/ the launch of her talent school (don’t know if I heard all this info correctly, at this point RGB was starting to lose me!). I think I really dig Khabonina and you can read more about her here. That’s a very cute interview in City Press.

There wasn’t much to report on the SAFTAs (South African Film and Television Awards) red carpet . The only thing that caught my attention was Terry Pheto. Now, I love me some Terry. I think she’s soo lovely and has a fantastic career ahead of her. But. As evidenced at the SAFTAs (and I saw it for myself last week in Sandton City), Terry is a classic example of bad hair colour happening to a good person. I’m gonna have to agree with Shwashwi when I say it’s got to go!

City Ses’la actors were in studio celebrating their 7 SAFTA wins. Much deserved, might I add!

The J&B Met was also drier than a 2 day old Chicken Licken bone… Claire Mawisa was there in all her gorgeousness, giving other celebs some style/ fashion advice:

‘Don’t try too hard’

Will have to agree with her on that one. Sizwe Dhlomo was there repping for Carducci and the Kwela Tebza boys looked great – and ahead of the trend curve – in plaid. Bonang disappointed – the flapper idea is good in theory, but in practice her colour combo (including her weave) washed her out completely, IMO.

Marc Lottering was super funny as expected. This is what he said:

‘This is where I speak to former beauty queens who tell me about their supposed business plans’

Kwakwakwakwa!

There was also a party roundup, which checked out Dineo Ranaka’s party in Midrand. It looked… sweaty. Then they showed some footage of this strange event.

All-in-all, RGB hasn’t deviated from its original concept - stale news, recycled.

Does Bonang have divatude?

Bonang Matheba

I was quite disappointed in yesterday’s tabs – just not enough juice! Only one story got my attention – only because it aroused my finely-tuned bullshit detector.

Sunday World claims that Bonang – Live (SABC1) co-presenter and Legit brand ambassador – pulled major divatude by refusing to visit Vosloorus as part of her job as an ambassador for the Gauteng Youth Commission’s Back-To-School campaign.

All the so-called dirt was provided by a ‘reliable [obviously anonymous] source’.

The source says Matheba’s manager told GYC that she had to be picked up as she wasn’t going to drive to “some township” all by herself.
The source says she was given an alternative – to meet another group in downtown Jozi.
‘She refused and demanded to be picked up at her residence in Auckland Park. She was immediately dropped as an ambassador,’ says our source.
The source reveals that Matheba’s boyfriend Slikour has been begging the organisers to take her back.
Our source says Matheba has lost loads of money.

Bonang’s side of the story?

‘How can I be scared of going to the township?’ she asks. ‘I was called on Wednesday night and in the morning, but I could not get directions. There was a misunderstanding in this whole thing. It has nothing to do with attitude. You can ask my management.’

Lebo Mothibe (aka Shugasmakx) of Buttabing Entertainment, defended Bonang:

‘We cannot let our client drive in the early hours of the morning alone. She is young and a well-known woman. Something could have happened to her. Bonang goes anywhere in South Africa. She was eager to be a part of the GYC campaign.’

I don’t personally know Bonang, but her version -as opposed to the ‘reliable source’ – is helluva more plausable. She’s recently admitted in True Love (March 2009, p 22) that she went through the ‘oh so cool’ phase and she’s over it:

It is difficult to remain the same person. I battled with this for months, as people would say: “Shuwii, Bonang o chenchitse” (Bonang, you have changed). I did go through a stage thinking that because I presented the show I was oh so cool, but I realised that people were detaching themselves from me. I went to my mom and she said: “Bonang, rechannel; go back to the people who love you; fix your relationships and people will be willing to forgive you because you have made your mistakes”

This story really stinks. Do better, Sunday World.

Pic via.