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The Social

Their business is your business and it’s our business to get it to you.

Pharrell Williams and N*E*R*D are ready to rock

By Fifi | 2011-02-12 19:09:12
Shay and Pharrell. PICTURE: FIFI THE SOCIAL

Shay and Pharrell. PICTURE: THE SOCIAL

The weekend that music lovers (and groupies) have been waiting for has finally arrived. As we all know hard core rock group Ramstein played yesterday, N*E*R*D (commonly known as Pharrell William’s band) is playing tonight and U2 will be rocking tommorrow. It seems that every genre and generation is catered for.

We scored an invite to a an exclusive press confrence at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sandton where a jet lagged Pharrell Williams and Shay Hayle tried their best to answer questions. Topics ranged from what legacy N*E*R*D wanted to leave behind, how they make their music; to Pharrell’s style and beauty tips.

The forever young looking (38 year old), Pharrell greeted by saying “Good morning” even though it was already 2pm. He also struggled to answer some questions “I can’t answer that” was his response to a journalist who asked a lengthy 5 part question. He jokingly added: “Don’t be mad at me it’s the jet lag. When (camera) lights are flashing and you’ve been traveling and you don’t know what the time is…”

Another question he avoided was one relating to his love life. When a male journalist asked him to discuss the women he’s dated and the one’s he’d like to hook up with, he responded by saying “Girls don’t like guys that kiss and tell”. One woman he did mention was Naomi Campbell, he says the iconic model has taught him how to appreciate taking care of his skin.

Pharrell Williams. PICTURE: FIFI, THE SOCIAL

Pharrell Williams. PICTURE: THE SOCIAL

But sex and style weren’t the only topics on the agenda. Pharrell and Shay spoke about how music is constantly evolving and how it has changed since they entered the industry. Even though Pharell did most of the talking, Shay had the best business advice on how to have staying power in the music industry “Don’t take things personally, protect yourself, save your money and pay your taxes” he said.

We were disappointed to see that the third member of the group, Chad Hugo was not there and he will not be performing tonight because he is at home with his family. But Pharrell and Shay promise that N*E*R*D puts on a great performance, with and without him.

Some of the musicians from the Hansa Legends in the Making tour were also there and spoke of how they have what it takes to share the same stage with international stars.

Blogger, Vuyiswa with the Hansa Legends. PICTURE: FIFI, THE SOCIAL

Blogger,Vuyiswa Mutshekwane with the 'Hansa Legends'. PICTURE: THE SOCIAL

It was a casual conference, with a balance of seriousness and fun and guy candy! Later blogosphere, we’re going to get all dolled up for this once-off exclusive concert.

Bongani & Tshidi from Malaika. PICTURE: FIFI, THE SOCIAL

Bongani & Tshidi from Malaika. PICTURE: THE SOCIAL

TV/Radio personality Sizwe Dhlomo. PICTURE: THE SOCIAL

TV/Radio personality Sizwe Dhlomo. PICTURE: THE SOCIAL

Writter, Janine Jellars and blogger, Mika Stefano. PICTURE: FIFI, THE SOCIAL

Writter, Janine Jellars and blogger, Mika Stefano. PICTURE: THE SOCIAL

Mpho Maboi and Boogy Maboi. PICTURE: THE SOCIAL

Mpho Maboi and Boogy Maboi. PICTURE: THE SOCIAL

Jacob Zuma State of the nation address drinking game

By Fifi | 2011-02-11 09:28:43

ANC President Jacob Zuma. PICTURE: ROBERT BOTHA

ANC President Jacob Zuma. PICTURE: ROBERT BOTHA

It seems South Africans will turn any occasion into a drinking experience – if tweets during Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation address are anything to go by.

Earlier this week we saw 5FM DJ Gareth Cliff tweet: Excited about #JZStateOfTheNation Drinking game… any suggestions for rules?

I was actually quite surprised when I saw a few of my friends attach their own rules to the game which received its own hashtag – #JZSOTNDrinks

I’m not entirely sure if the game was because the address fell on what is now commonly referred to as Phuza Thursday or, if a drink or 10 would make it more bearable and help getting through this very important and long speech.

The rules seemed to take from Zuma’s charateristics. When he clears his throat, take a shot! When he says ‘Absolutely’, take a shot! When he pushes his glasses up on to the bridge of his nose, take a shot!

shutterstock_14_4c_1543664a

This is what some people tweeted:

@Tamz1n
Decided to stay sober for the #JZSOTNDrinks but thanks to @GarethCliff I watched the whole thing! Such a creative idea*** Big up @5fm

@edeni
Thanks @GarethCliff and #JZSOTNDrinks for keeping us ABSOLUTELY entertained and educated at the same time x

@actortumi1
Big up to @GarethCliff I’ve never been interested in the SOTNA until this #JZSOTNDrinks

@madamejojobar
First #sona I’ve ever sat through! Thanks to @GarethCliff! #JZSOTNDrinks

@CelaniGabuza
Astrounding speech Mr.Jacob Zuma.. #ProudlySouthAfrican #SONA2011 102 sprite sips #JZSOTNDrinks Its been GREAT Credits to @5FM @GarethCliff

@bashhar
You heard it from your president, we need to learn the anthem, and sing it properly! #sona #JZSOTNDrinks

@Justineweiner
going to watch my first #SOTN speech tonight and couldnt be more excited! Thanks @GarethCliff for making it interesting!

People might think of the game as disrespect, but I think it actually got a whole lot more people to watch the speech, and it also had the South African twitter community engage in politics, something they wouldn’t necessarily have done. And the fact that #sona trended worldwide, doesn’t hurt either.

And whether they’re talking about their hangovers or not this morning, the address is still on people’s minds and a discussion point for the weekend.

P.S. are you having a phuza face Friday?

Did you watch Nonhle goes to Hollywood?

By Fifi | 2011-02-10 13:10:19
Nonhle at her laucnh party. PICTURE: Vuzu tv

Nonhle at her launch party. PICTURE: Vuzu tv

The much anticipated pilot of Nonhle goes to Hollywood premiered on Vuzu. Despite being a trending topic in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, the show received mixed reactions, if tweets and blogs are anything to go by.

Having watched so many international reality shows like Keeping up with the Kardashians, The Hills and Kimora: Life in the fab lane; their target market knows that storylines are scripted. But there was too much acting on Nohle’s show. The scenes dragged on for way too long and it was way too dramatic. There was too much acting and not enough reality. We all know that Nonhle IS going to Hollywood, but on last nights episode she still hadn’t ‘decided’ if she is going and her bags still haven’t been packed.

We were also disappointed at how poor the production was. The sound was terrible: there were times when the background music was louder than the dialogue. Some of the camera angles were questionable. Why didn’t they edit her cars number plates and why did they zoom in on Nonhle’s publicists cellphone number? On the plus side, we didn’t know reality tv was so educational… there is such a thing as Venezuelan weaves?

This is what some tweeters said about the show:

@MissAlichi said: Watched the premiere of #NGTH (Nonhle Goes to Hollywood) with @NonhleThema tonite…..Looove it! So proud of my girl!!♥

@Youla302ec said: Big fail for me @MbauReloaded (Khanyi Mbau) should please give us a REAL reality show, unscripted! First she sold us relaxers when she had a weave, now this!

@pimpassdaddy said: Judging by the tweets, I think #NGTH is gonna be the new show to diss! Ayeye #generations

We agree with @pimpassdaddy who said: “Judging by the tweets, I think #NGTH is gonna be the new show to diss! Ayeye #generations”.

The show is definately a “Youth markets Generations”. You know how we complain about the soapie being  bad but still tune in religiously, even if its to mock and criticise it.

P.S. Did you watch it? What are your first impressions?

Faithless and Cell C gave Red Bull wings

By Fifi | 2011-02-09 18:07:09

Mazi Jazz of Faithless. I can't beleive he's 54!

Mazi Jazz of Faithless. I can’t believe he’s 54!

If your into social networking then you already know that Red Bull Mobile was launched last night, and Faithless was the surprise act at the event. The invite only event was attended by a mixed bunch of celebrities. For the first 2 hours the VIP looked like a Miss SA reunion; with Claudia Henkel, Cindy Nell and Vanessa Carreira posing for pictures together. Then the Hip Hop heads, techno geeks, TV and radio personalities arrived.

Vanessa Carrera and Phuti Khomo

Vanessa Carreira with Phuti Khomo and friend

The Beat Bangaz, Goldfish and Black Coffee warmed up the crowd but Faithless made the party hot. The launch was held at the Turbine Hall in Newtown, it’s a great venue which worked well with the installations and projectors that decorated the space. And I think Jozi is getting tired of attending events at Randlords, it’s a great club with a scenic view of our sky scrapper city but it’s over used.

Ready D and his crew, The Beat Bangaz

Ready D and his crew, The Beat Bangaz

I commend Red Bull and Cell C for throwing such a memorable party, it was almost perfect. The only thing missing was a rent a crowd/ party starters, most of the guests were too pretentious to dance and kept hogging the bar. Just before 10, some of the organisers walked around telling the guests that they can and should invite their friends to come join the party. I think they could sense the lack of ambiance.

Guests watching Faithless perform

Guests watching Faithless perform

P.S. I’m suffering from Red Bull overload, I’m about to shut down

You can view more pictures at TimesLive Multimedia

What is celebrity, really?

By Fifi | 2011-02-08 17:34:03

The nature of celebrity is changing all the time. Sometimes I feel like we use the term too liberally and I’m not the only one. Someone tweeted “Listen up South Africa: we have no real celebrities besides sportsmen and government (like Mandela). Oh and Charlize” referring to the cast of Celebrity Survivor.

Nelson Mandela and Charlize Theron. PICTURE:

Nelson Mandela and Charlize Theron. PICTURE: tribuneindia.com

I don’t entirely agree with the statement but I don’t always understand why some people are called celebs. What makes someone a real celebrity? It’s been said that a celebrity is someone that’s easily recognisable in society or pop-culture but if that’s the general definition then people who are famous by association are also celebrities. That means the sister of a popular DJ, the boyfriend of a movie star and well known entertainment journalists are also celebs.

If it was pre Y2K then I’d say talent and exposure. But we’re living in the digital age, with cyber celebrities, bloggers and reality tv stars. What’s your definition of celebrity? Is it constant coverage at parties, online and newspapers? Popularity? Talent?

Our dear friends at ArtFuse (an audio show on TimesLive) seem to know the answers, they created a satirical podcast about the art of being a celeb/socialite:

Nonhle Thema goes to Hollywood

By Fifi | 2011-02-08 16:00:57
Nonhle Goes to Hollywood

Nonhle Goes to Hollywood

TV host, producer, model and brand ambassador, Nonhle Thema has added the title of ‘Reality TV Star’ to her list of accolades. If you’re a regular Vuzu viewer then you may have noticed that she kept a very low profile on the channel last year. Well, she’s been in Hollywood trying to become the next big thing in Tinseltown and it was all caught on camera.

“I feel totally blessed and nervous to be the first South African personality to have her own reality show in the country or should I say continent on Vuzu. I feel honoured to be given this torch to break boundaries and start something new and bold in South African television. Someone needed to take the first plunge and I am taking the bullet for all other personalities who will soon have their own reality shows. It’s all about making history and opening doors for others, through this show I have learnt just how brave and fearless I am…this is my destiny,” says Nonhle Thema.

Last week she held an open bar party at a ‘secret’ location in Sandton to launch her show. Seeing as the channel caters for the youth market, the event was attended by starlets, bloggers, people who are famous by association and a few personalities that want to stay forever young.

Siyabonga Ngwekazi. PICTURE: SIBUSISO MSIBI

Siyabonga Ngwekazi. PICTURE: SIBUSISO MSIBI

Reality TV personality, Mome Nale of 'Cream Cartel'. PICTURE: SIBUSISO MSIBI

Reality TV personality, Mome Nale of 'Cream Cartel'. PICTURE: SIBUSISO MSIBI

Ismael of 'Jozi'. PICTURE: SIBUSISO MSIBI

Ishmael of 'Jozi'. PICTURE: SIBUSISO MSIBI

Designer & socailite, Uyanda Mbuli. PICTURE: SIBUSISO MSIBI

Designer & socailite, Uyanda Mbuli. PICTURE: SIBUSISO MSIBI

Nonhle goes to Hollywood premiers on Wednesday, 9 Febuary on Vuzu.tv at 19:30

Joan Rivers shocking Superbowl advert

By Fifi | 2011-02-07 15:44:30
Joan Rivers. PICTURE:

Joan Rivers. PICTURE:GETTY IMAGES

Joan Rivers doesn’t need to tell us that she’s a plastic surgery addict; her face says it all. The self obsessed 77-year old has  openly discussed her 14 cosmetic procedures in the past, she’s even included them in her stand-up acts.

So when she appeared in a GoDaddy.Co ad in a pair of leather hot pants and tank top; revealing to the world that she has the body of a woman in her 20s; people assumed that it was fake. But she insists that it’s her body and she had no computer enhancement help.

Joan tweeted “Yes, yes, yes, it’s my body in the @GoDaddy ad. The New York Knicks can’t be the only ones to share in this pleasure”

Joan's hot bod

Joan's hot bod

Apart from the speculation about her body, the advert is generally shocking but it’s Joan Rivers! She’s the only senior citizen I know that can get away with wearing booty shorts and playing on sexual innuendo’s.

You can watch the advert here

Khloe Kardashian has sold her Gert Johan Coetzee dress

By Fifi | 2011-02-07 14:20:29
Khloe Kardashian. PICTURE: MICHAEL BUCKNER/GETTY IMAGES

Khloe Kardashian. PICTURE: MICHAEL BUCKNER/GETTY IMAGES

In early January, we blogged about how Gert Johan Coetzee (GJC) gave dresses to Kim and Khloe Kardashian when they were in the country (you can read it here). The local media and fashion industry congratulated Gert and the Kardashian’s when Kourtney wore one of his designs to the People’s Choice Awards.

Now Cyberspace is buzzing and fashionista’s are furious after news that Khloe has sold her GJC  dress on ebay for $132, 50 (about R964.106). A total of 34 people bid for the dress and Khloe’s ebay account states that proceeds will go to charity.

Khloe's Gert Johan Cotzee dress

Khloe's Gert Johan Cotzee dress. PICTURE: ebay

I know selling clothes online is a common practice oversees but isn’t it too soon to sell it? Should celebrities even sell gifts? And we don’t even know if she wore it.

Views regarding Khloe’s gesture are divided. Some people think it’s tasteless and tactless while others think that it’ll help boost Gert’s international profile. What do you think?

Christina Aguilera fumbles at the Superbowl

By Fifi | 2011-02-07 13:12:14

Christina Aguilera. PICTURE: JEFF HAYNES/ REUTERS

Christina Aguilera. PICTURE: JEFF HAYNES/ REUTERS

Remember Ras Dumisani, the Reggae singer who tunelessly sang our national anthem before a rugby test match? Well he’s not the only musician who’ll be remembered for a poor rendition of an anthem. Christina Aguilera fumbled a line of the American national anthem at the Superbowl.

Instead of  singing”O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?” she sang, “What so proudly we watched at the twilight’s last gleaming?,” her own variation of a line she already sung.

Unlike Ras, Christina sang on tune. But what’s worse: messing up the lyrics or singing the anthem badly?

Our national anthem has a remix ( 4 languages) so I suppose I’d be a bit lenient on a singer who fumbled our lines. But we all know how patriotic Americans are, so I’m  not surprised that she’s getting criticised.

At least her wardrobe didn’t malfunction, right?

Click here to view a gallery of the Superbowl

First South African Sweet 16 Party Host

By Fifi | 2011-02-03 16:59:57
This is Nina. PHOTO: Maverick Television

This is Nina. PHOTO: Maverick Television

A few days ago I blogged about MTV’s new reality show, My Super Sweet World Class (you can read it here).

Well, if you’re as nosy as I am ,then you probably want to to know more about Nina and her party. Will it be extravagant enough to compete with the international parties we’ve seen? Oh, and who are her parents? How can they afford and enable her to splurge on such an ego-infused coming of age celebration?

I finally got some answers:

How did you get involved in My Super Sweet World Class?

I was appearing in the Miss Teen World South Africa pageant when I was approached by a woman who worked for Maverick (My Super Sweet World Class production company) and asked if I would like to feature in the show.  Originally I thought it was a scam and ignored it, but then realised it was legitimate, I asked my dad if I could, he said yes, and the rest is history!

What do your parents do?

My dad lives in South Africa and has his own company (Interactive Security) and places security guards at residential areas, concerts, festivals and so on. My mum, who lives in the US, works in an insurance company and has a regular office job.

What theme did you choose for your party?

I chose the theme “Bedazzled Africa” because I wanted to be able to bring the two different sides of my life together – my glamorous social life and my Africa heritage and culture.

Nina on set of her episode. PHOTO:

Nina on the set of her episode. PHOTO: Maverick Television

Why were wild animals involved in the party?

To announce the party, I took some friends to an elephant reserve in South Africa and revealed all about the party while riding on an elephant (my first time).  During the party we had a runway show catwalk show – with me and best friends doing the modeling plus some male models.  I had to hold a baby leopard but it didn’t really like the noise and music and the lights so it jumped out of arms in to the crowd, which got a bit scary!

If I give away more information , I give away the whole show. Her episode airs on MTV base at 23:00 on Monday  7th of February

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