Alicia's album drops this December!
We all know Hova’s the new Sinatra. And now Alicia Keys has recorded her version of their collabo hit, Empire State of Mind. She uses the same hook as the collabo version, but sings her own verses on Empire State of Mind 2 (shoulda called it ‘The Empire Returns’ or something more Star Wars-y).
So I’ve been watching this damn thing all day … yet I only think to blog about it before I go to bed. [Total #blogfail]. Any-beyaki, here’s the insane, beautiful, colourful, ubersexual Video Phone remix video, featuring the ever-interesting Lady Gaga.
Now my love for Mrs Hova is well-documented, so ofcourse my take on this is total stanning a bit biased… There’s just so much going on in this video. Tarantino fans (like, um, me) will get the Reservoir Dogs reference; there’s a Betty Page wig and even a little bit of M.I.A Galang flavour (am I the only person who picked that up?). But, overall, this vid is just hella sexy. Enjoy!
Miss Solange Knowles in all her fabulosity!
We all know my love for the Knowles’ knows no bounds (phantsi haters!), so even though this here article is ancient in internets years, I still have to give Little Sis her props.
Solange is one fiesty chick and, although not always on point, her personal style is sick (yes, that rhymes). Her music’s also quite something. Her album, Sol-Angel and the Hadley St Dreams, is a staple at my place.
In her recent interview with Honey magazine, she opens up about her music, love life and her hair. Recently, the weave-a-licious Solange chopped off all her hair, causing quite the furore. She was featured on Oprah, during a story on Chris Rock’s documentary, Good Hair. Solange – and her weave-free hair – even shot up to Twitter’s number 3 trending topic at some point. This was her reaction:
The first picture of me when I cut it off — I had no idea that there was any photography going on. I was looking like someone taking their kid to school at 7 o’clock in the morning in jeans and a top and no makeup on, no earrings, no nothing. That reaction was very harsh, very negative. I think it was the initial thought of change in someone that freaked everyone out. As a society we equate beauty with the images that have been placed in front of us since we were little kids. Every Disney movie, every fairy tale, every pop star typically has a certain aesthetic and look. I think that anytime we see something different, it freaks us out. The more people warmed up to it, and they saw more images of me with it and dressed up with my earrings and a little something, something on my face, I think then people were more willing to conform and accept it. Now, it’s interesting how the first day I had it, I had nothing but negative, evil, cruel things in my inbox and then yesterday [after Oprah aired] I had 300,000 people saying ‘Oh my God, you looked amazing, so beautiful, and you made us proud.’ People were able to hear my reasoning, which is good and bad because we should be able to just express ourselves.
(Emphasis mine).
The thing I dig most about Solange is that she’s marketed as the ‘outspoken’ Knowles sister (I have no doubt that everything that family does is orchestrated) and she embraces that role with open arms. For more gorgeous pics and quotable quotes, head over to Honey (www.honeymag.com).
You can check out Solo’s Oprah appearance right here:
Youtube clip [Sorry, didn't allow embedding]
Jezebel clip
Beyonce’s new video for Ego, off her album ‘I am …’. I’m not feeling it as hard as I usually do – it’s too similar to Single Ladies. But she’s still doing her thing, though. And you know how much I love Beyonce!
I don’t know how much longer this is still going to be drifting around the Internet (you know how quick the Knowles’ are at protecting theres), but while it’s still around, enjoy!
Jimmy Flexx and Tommy Jinxx
So my people ILL SKILLZ (Tommy Jinxx and Jimmy Flexx) are bringing it! Cape Town doesn’t get enough shine for what it does best*.
If you’re in the Mother City, try to get hold of the full length album, Off the Radar, at a store near you. Okay, I’ll find out exactly where and update. Best bet is to head over to their myspace or facebook (links are all over this post) and ask the guys. Don’t worry, they’re very friendly and hungry for your money! Joburgers (and others) exercise some patience, because the distribution kicks in next month.
We gets bizzay and totally berzerk! You can also become a fan of the band on Facebook. (Yes, follow that link!)
* Hip hop, duh!
Picture courtesy of Max Mogale (dude, don’t sue me, I’m linking to you!)
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.
I will have more on this later. BUT. This. Is. Big. Ill Skillz (my homeboys!), in collaboration with DJ Kenzhero, will bring Slum Village to South African shores next month.
Well done, guys! The gigs are set to go down in Cape Town (13 March) and JHB (14 March). Will keep you posted!!!
Yes, that’s right: Mos Def is set to perform at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival this April.
This is the festival’s 10th anniversary – halala – and it looks like it’s going to be the bumpingest year yet. With 40 bands on 5 different stages, there’s something for every type of jazz lover. Some of the highlights include Hugh Masekela celebrating his 70th birthday at the event and legendary Abigail Kubeka performing a set dedicated to Mama Afrika, Miriam Makeba.
Who else will be there? Check this out:
Guitarist-extraordinaire Dr Philip Tabane, saxophonist McCoy Mrubata, Jonathan Butler and Dave Koz, Shakatak, Sibongile Khumalo, 340ml, Goldfish, Siphokazi, Zap Mama, Magic Malik, Freshlyground… The list just goes on and on and on…
So, guess where I’m gonna be on 3-4 April?
The Game: crushing a child's dream.
When American rapper The Game decided to head over to ‘The Motherland’ last year and bless us with his banal inspirational brand of hip hop, he almost, almost made a little boy’s dream come true.
10-year-old Mbekezeli Ndlovu was called up on stage with The Game during his concert at the Standard Bank Arena and completely stole the show – he grabbed the mike and schooled his idol. The Game was clearly impressed and handed the boy his diamond-encrusted chain (apparently worth $2.5 million) and gave him the name Game Boy. He then offered to take GB over to the US to tour and record with him.
But. GB and his family are still waiting by the phone. Music Industry Online report that Game Boy is ‘upset and sad’ (you think?), but his father is staying positive, saying: ‘It is still quiet but it is promising.’ (really?).
Call me a cynic (because that’s what I am), but I honestly saw this coming. The Game is beholden to whoever the hell he’s beholden to. He’s not really checking to play mentor. It’s a damn shame, though, because he’s doing his brand some serious damage. I mean, not even a courtesy call to check how he’s doing? Tsk tsk tsk. Not a good look.
‘Yoh! Lira! She’s like that kid in your class who fails all year and then gets an A for the end of year exams’
That’s what my friend, Kemong, said the first time I played her Lira’s sophomore album, Feel Good. Until then, Lira was a middling (and that’s being kind) RnB singer in Arthur’s 999 stable. One of a crop of one-name divas – think Chomee, Nestum, Purity etc – she wasn’t viewed as anything remotely special.
Then she got smart, left 999 (or was she escorted out? Can’t remember), went soul, went SonyBMG and went big. I remember the first time I heard the single Feel Good - I was like ‘who is this? I must have this’ and was just as floored as Kemong to hear it was Lira.
Her new album (ok, not that new) Soul in Mind is fire. Although she doesn’t deviate too far from Feel Good territory (if it ain’t broke…), it still sounds fresh. Admittedly, Lira doesn’t have a massive voice, but she works with what she has. It also helps that she sings with absolute conviction – she’s really into what she sings. Her sound – afro-soul, with latin and jazzy influences – is all about positivity, self-awareness and inspiration.
My fave tracks: Wa Mpaleha; Celebrating Life; It’s Alright and Rise Again. It’s really worth shelling out the cash if you wanna support local.
Another thing I dig about Lira: she just seems too damn smart. I doubt there’ll be those died-as-a-pauper stories about this one – she was clever enough to step out of that mould early in her career. She’s also good with brand extension – everything about her resonates with her music, down to the styling on her album sleeve. It shows me she doesn’t take her fans for granted by giving them slap dash shit – we see way too much of that around these parts.
Say what?