Hi 22C° Low 6C° | 
The Wheel Deal
15 hours, 37 minutes ago
Pendock Uncorked
15 hours, 58 minutes ago
GabiVille
4 days, 18 hours ago
The Wanderer
6 days, 15 hours agoView all Times LIVE Blogs
The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, its spring time and once again time for Arts Alive. The month long festival has all sorts of entertainment for all types of people.
It consists of all forms of art from music concerts, theatre,comedy shows if you are in Johannesburg this month you have no reason to be bored.
One of the highlights for the festival is the Africa Unites concert which includes Nigerian artist ASA and Eric Winana it takes place on the Friday 2 September at Bassline.
The Jazz on the Lake on Sunday 4 September at Zoo lake with a line up which includes Melanie Scholtz and 340ml also promises to be a great time.
Other events to catch in the next week are Reggae night at Bassline in Newtown.If you are into Dance Season of Simplicity will be shown at Joburg Theatre from the 2 – 4 September.
Prize of Peace is a theatre show about Nelson Mandela and F.W De Klerk set in the Grand Hotel in Oslo. The show is set on the night before they won their joint Nobel Peace Prize. It will be shown throughout the month of September at Old Mutual Theatre on the Square at the Sandton Square.
The Social will be tweeting live from some of the events throughout the month. Follow us on @TimesliveSocial
Kylie Minogue with members of the Soweto gospel choir at OR Tambo International. PIC: VATHISWA RUSELO/ SOWETAN
Kylie Minogue may have tried to slip into South Africa secretly, however the joyous welcome by the Soweto Gospel Choir stopped her completely in her tracks, as she exited the arrivals area at OR Tambo International Airport.
Larger than life on screen, teeny Minogue, 43, who has entertained us for more than the last two decades, wept as she danced and sang with the choir who taught her a few of their trademark moves. Kylie Minogue may have tried to slip into South Africa secretly, however the joyous welcome by the Soweto Gospel Choir stopped her completely in her tracks, as she exited the arrivals area at OR Tambo International Airport.
Kylie Minogue at OR Tambo International. PIC: VATHISWA RUSELO/SOWETAN
Vivacious and not looking too tired from her long flight, Minogue was then escorted from the airport building by a swarm of police and security who knocked a few of the bystanders over as they acted a little too over protective.
Minogue is ending her five month 2011 Aphrodite tour in South Africa, where she will be performing three shows at Sun City and the final two at Grand West in Cape Town.
This post is Courtesy of Guest blogger & Multimedia Journalist Louise McAuliffe. Check out the video she shot of Kylie’s arrival at multimedia.timeslive.co.za/
Trey Songz performs at the 20th St. Lucia Jazz Festival. Pic: ANDREA DE SILVA/ REUTERS
It’s been confirmed that American singer-songwriter and Rapper, Trey Songz will be coming to South Africa.
Songz is scheduled to perform two shows: Durban (Wave House) on the 26th August and Johannesburg (Coca Cola Dome) on the 27th August.
According to the organizers the “sexy and seductive R N B And Soul star” will be performing in celebration of woman`s month.
Tickets are already available at Computicket.
As someone who’s perpetually cold, there are very few events that can get me excited enough to switch off my electric blanket and put on my dancing shoes. MTV Base’s Spanking New VS Brand New gig is one of them. To celebrate their first year on DSTV compact, MTV Base is taking over club Hush in Rosebank to host one hell of a party.
With headlining performances by Zakes Bantwini and Tumi And The Volume accompanied by DJ’s Vigilante, Kenzhero, Switch, Lulo Cafe, Franky and Spehectacular, I’d describe it as the best of local house and hip-hop .
MTV Base is notorious for throwing epic parties so R100 is a small price to pay.
Zaki Ibrahim at the "For Coloured Girls"movie premier. Pic: THE TIMES
Last night Canadian-born, South African based neo-soul singer Zaki Ibrahim performed at Analogue Nites in Melrose and I haven’t heard/ read a single bad review. I was at a different event (that’s for another post) but I got to meet her when she performed at the film premier of Tyler Perry’s “For Colored Girls”.
Zaki’s song “Ansomnia” features in the movie’s soundtrack, alongside music from the likes of Janelle Monae, Nina Simone, Lalah Hathaway, Sharon Jones & The Dap- Kings and Estelle.
After her performance I asked her to tell me a bit about herself and her music:
[display_podcast]
Go to TimesLIVE Multimedia for the full video of the For Colored Girls premiere.
Bonang Matheba is FHM's first black South African cover girl
Bonang Matheba held an exclusive party at Icon in Sandton, to celebrate her FHM cover and announce her new reality show B* Dazzled. At the party Bonang expressed how ecstatic she is to be FHM‘s first black South African cover girl (the first black girl was Congolese-born model Joelle Kayembe ).
We caught up Queen B* at the party and this is what she had to say:
[display_podcast]
P.S. wait for the video to buffer after you’ve pressed play now.
Pitbull PICTURE: Jerod Harris/Getty Images for AXE/AFP
US rapper Pitbull is coming to South Africa this Easter weekend.
Pitbull is performing at Emperor’s Palace, Johannesburg on Friday, at the Wave House in Durban on Saturday and at the CTICC in Cape Town on Sunday.
To get you in the mood for this weekend’s performances, here’s one of Pitbull’s greatest hits.
I just got back from the nominees party for the 17th Annual MTN South African Music Awards. The party was held at two venues, namely the La Toscana and Beira Alta Restaurant in Montecasino, Johannesburg. The event was disappointing to say the least, I’ll elaborate in my next blog post. But here’s the full list of this years nominees.
Best Traditional/African Adult Contemporary African DVD
Benjamin Dube – Worship In His Presence with Benjamin Dube
Dorothy Masuku and Friends – Live at Mandela Theatre
Stimela – Live In Concert: 30 years
Uche – Live At Lyric Theatre
Worship House – Project 7 It Is Well With My Soul
Best Urban DVD
Nhlanhla Nciza – Live At The Joy Of Jazz
Teargas 101 – Teargas 101 Live
Thandiswa – Dance Of The Forgotten Free
Best Global Chart DVD
Locnville – Sun In My Pocket: Platinum Edition
Nadine – Live In Europe
Nataniël – Cathedral
Nianell – Sand & Water – Live & More
The Parlotones – Live Design
Best Afrikaans DVD
Lize Beekman – Ek Was Al Daar
Romanz – Treffers Live
Rudi En Corlea – Ons Lieflinge/Our Darlings In Konsert
Wian Vos – Geseënde Van God
Wicus Van Der Merwe – Spietkop Live
Best Jazz/Instrumental/Popular Classical DVD
Helena Hettema – Alive
Marcus Wyatt Language 12 – Live at House of Nsako – Sept 2008
Nibs Van Der Spuy – Live at the Vagabond Cafe
Sterling EQ – Live in concert at the Artscape Opera House, Cape Town
Best Multi – Artist Live DVD
Dr. Victor & The Rasta Rebels – Live in Concert
Huisgenoot Skouspel 2010 – Huisgenoot Skouspel 2010
Huisgenoot Skouspel 2010 Plus – Huisgenoot Skouspel 2010 Plus
Songs and Psalms – Live Kwa-Mashu
Best Music Video of the Year
Freshlyground – Chicken To Change
Nomfusi – Nontsokolo
Teargas – Goodfellaz
The Parlotones – The Stars Fall Down
The Parlotones – Life Design
Best Producer
Danny K – Across the Line
DJ Kent – I Can’t Survive
Goldfish – Get Busy Living
Leanne – The Journey
Prime Circle – Jekyll & Hyde
Best Engineer
CrashCarBurn – Long Live Tonight
Freshlyground – Radio Africa
Jax Panik – I am Jax Panik
Joe Niemand – Love
Stimela – A Life Time
Remix Of The Year
Danny K – Made To Love You
Flash Republic – In The Name Of Dance (Roger Goode & Tinky’s Electro Boogie Mix)
Louise Carver – These Days (Ryan Dent Mix)
Nothende – Got to Go
Stimela – Turn On The Sun
Best Album Packaging
Die See – Die See
Nomsa Mazwai – Nomisupa
Prankster – Lay Me Down
Prime Circle – Jekyll & Hyde
Versus The Wolf – Uncovering Faces
Best Afrikaans Traditional Music Album
Die Teelepeltjies – Speel Boere-Country
Hennie de Bruyn en die Kitaarkerels – Die Kitare Praat
Manie Bodenstein – Iets Ouds, Iets Nuuts
Mooiplaas Boereorkes – Boere – Lekkerkry
Theo Erasmus – Classics Gaan Sakkie Sakkie
Best South Sotho Music (SeSotho) Album
Ea Ha Makopela Nyamatsana No.4 – Ke llela Khutso
Morusu – Morusu Vol. 2
Motseki – Motseki ka Ferene kulo (Lejoe)
Tsepo Maliela – Ke Tla Loana
Best Tsonga Music (XiTsonga) Album
G.T. The Junior Chauke – Movha
George Maluleke – Byela Kgokolo
Mhan Flow – Xibombi No.1.
Mr. Jambatani Nwa Mapfotlosela Vol. 5 – Bomba Muchangana
Thomas Chauke – Shimatsatsa No.30
Best Venda Music (TshiVenda) Album
Ndivhaleni Mundalamo – Ri Funane
Sankambe – Vhadededzi Vha Milingoni
Zozo Sangere Super Beat – Tshelede
Best Mbhaqanga Album
Impumelelo – Isihlakaniphi
Soul Brothers – Thul’ Ubheke
Themba Ngwenya – Thel’umoya
Best Maskandi Album
Bhekumuzi Luthuli – Imali Yabelungu
Ichwane Lebhaca – Omama Bengani
Ihashi Elimhlophe – Isililo
Mfiliseni Magubane – Iqhalaqhala
Thokozani Langa – Sthanda Ifamily
Best Popular Classical Album
Inette Swart – Chopin Plus
Ockie Vermeulen – Arena
Peter Martens & Luis Magalhães – Beethoven Cello Sonatas
Tygerberg Children’s Choir – Champions In Song
Zanta Hofmeyr – Cantilena
Best Instrumental Album
CT Tango Ensemble –Tango Club
Greg Georgiades, Steve Newman, Ashish Joshi – In The Clouds
Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra – The Boundless Music Of The Soul Brothers
Sterling EQ – Sterling Speel Afrikaans
Wouter Kellerman – Two Voices
Best Traditional Jazz Album
Kesivan & The Lights – Instigators of the Revolution
Kyle Shepherd – A Portrait Of Home
Lisa Bauer Quartet – Finding A New Way
Phillip Tabane – Live At The Market Theatre
Tutu Puoane – Mama Africa
Best Contemporary Jazz Album
Brigitte Mitchell – Don’t Explain
Carlo Mombelli & The Prisoners Of Strange – Theory
Heels Over Head – Could It Be
Jonathan Butler – So Strong
Ological Studies – OS Freedom
Best Adult Contemporary Album: English
Freshlyground – Radio Africa
John Manuel – Lost and Found
Karen Zoid – Terms & Conditions
Louise Carver – Look To The Edge
LOYISO BALA – FULL CIRCLE
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Afrikaans
Albert De Wet – Die Vensters Na My Siel
Gemaak In SA – Jakkie Louw
Romanz – Romanz – Live CD
Rudi En Corlea – Drome
Steve Hofmeyr – Duisend en Een
Best Adult Contemporary Album: African
Siphokazi – Ethembeni
Skipper Tshabalala – Bekezela
Stimela – A Lifetime
Thandiswa – The Forgotten Free – Live in concert
Vusi Mahlasela – Say Africa
Best Urban Gospel Album
Dominion – I’ll Run To Him
Fifty 50 Family – Kazi Kuyoba Njani
Maira – Oh How I Need You
Patrick Duncan – Worship In Colour
Simply Chrysolite – Chrysolite Volume 1
Best African Contemporary Gospel Album
Benjamin Dube – Worship In His Presence
Group – Spirit Of Praise Vol 3
Mthunzi Namba – Mercy Live In Durban
Uche – Live At Lyric Theatre
Worship House – Worship House Project 7 – It Is Well With My Soul
Best African Traditional Gospel Album
Deborah – Awunasabelo
Kholeka – Siyakuvuma
Lundi – Uhambo Lwami (My Journey)
Rebecca Malope – Uzohamba Nami
Sechaba – Thank You
Best Traditional African A Capella Gospel Album
Amadodana Ase Wesile – Ke Dumetse Ho Morena
Enyonini Mission – Ebumnandini
Macecilia A St Paul – Ngoan’A Lehlasoa
Rob Rodell – A Cappella Christmas
Vuma Zion: Original Volume 1 – Amen
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
CRC Radiation – With All My Heart
Doxology – Doxology
Joe Niemand – Love
Rivers Creative – Above The Sound
Wholehearted – Wholehearted
Best Afrikaans Gospel Album
Krisstel – Opstaan
Rina Hugo – Ek Sing Vir Hom
Romanz – Ek Sal Getuig
Wian Vos – Geseende Van God
Willie Joubert – Ek Wil Jubel
Best Kiddies Album: English
African Treehouse – African Numbers
Cathy Del Mei – Angel Tunes
Cathy Del Mei/Additional Artists – Zeal tunes
Nedine Blom – Supercool 2- Partyhits
Wendy Oldfield – In the Womb
Best Kiddies Album: Afrikaans
Alta Joubert & Minki Burger – Lollos 2 – Bons Dat Dit Gons
Carike Keuzenkamp – Carike & Ghoempie Kuier Saam Met Ghoeghoe In Kinderland Vol.7
Graeme Sacks & Erika Strydom – Goggatjie Se Tradisionele Afrikaanse Wiegeliedjies
Kobie Coetzee – Kokkelollies
Best Country Music Album
Alan Ladd – Country – Spore
Die Campbells – Keep It Country Vol. 2
Manie Jackson – Manie Jackson
Ray Dylan – Goeie Ou Country
Various – Ons Sing Kenny & Dolly
Best Rock Album: English
John Ellis – My Own Way Home
Prime Circle – Jekyll & Hyde
The Narrow – You Don’t Get To Quit
The Parlotones – Live Design
Zebra & Giraffe – The Inside
Best Rock Album: Afrikaans
Countdown To The Red Carpet – Countdown To The Red Carpet
Glaskas – Aan Die Ontmaskerde Heldin
Straatligkinders – Lank Lank Oorlede En Ses Voet Benede
Van Coke Kartel – Skop, Skiet En Donner
Van Diens Af – Dit Wat Was
Best Alternative Music Album: English
Abbott Nu Jazz – Do The Bossa Favour
Boo! – The Three Of Us
Prankster – Lay Me Down
Wrestlerish – The Rude Mechanical
Yoav – A Foolproof Escape Plan
Best Alternative Music Album: Afrikaans
Bittereinder –‘n Ware Verhaal
Die See – Die See
Die Tuindwergies – Die Tuindwergies
Foto Na Dans – Die Vloed
Les Javan En Die Delta Vastrapgenootskap – Hiervandaan
Best Alternative Music Album: African
Mwaba Na Nseka – One World
Ndzingah – 1976
Nomsa Mazwai – Nomisupa
Rudi Mbele – Celebration In The Motherland
Uju – Free
Best Pop Album: English
Danny K – Across The Line
Jax Panik – I Am Jax Panik
Locnville – Sun In My Pocket
Louise Day – Swallowed By The City
The Arrows – Make Believe
Best Pop Album: Afrikaans
Gerhard Steyn – Als Begin Eers Nou
Jay – Solo
Juanita Du Plessis – Engel Van My Hart
Kurt Darren – Oos Wes Tuis Bes
Lee Scott – Die Enigste Manier
Best Pop Album: African
Camagu – Camagu
Patricia Majalisa – Epatini
Rhythmic Elements – Bandorondoro – Ancestors
Speedy & Stoan – Second Son Rise
Theo Kgosinkwe – Grateful
Best Urban Pop Album
Chomee – Fly The Flag
Ernie B St. Clair – I Am Universal
Howza – World Premier
Kwela Tebza – Gauteng Made In South Africa/Mzansi
Ntombi Ngcobo – African Sexy
Best Sokkie Dans Album
Die Campbells – Komaan Kom Dans
Fredi Nest – Dronkverliefverslaafaanjou
Kurt Darren – Die Beste Medisyne
Ray Dylan – Ek Wens Jy’s Myne
Various – Ons Sing Boney M
Best Urban Dance Album
DJ Kent – I Can’t Survive
Giggs Superstar – Deep House Chronicles 4
Liquideep – Fabrics Of The Heart
Tumelo – Arise and Shine
Zakes Bantwini – Love, Light & Music
Best Global Dance Album
Byron Keno – Breathe In Love
Flash Republic – Killer Moves
Goldfish – Get Busy Living
Jae – Inner Voice
Best R&B/Neo-Soul Album
Blackkurrant – Urban Soul
Bryce Anderson – Music In My Life
Leanne – The Journey
TXL – Three
Verd – Verd
Best Rap Album
Amu – The Principal
Kwesta – Special Rekwest
Slikour – Ventilation Volume 3 (VV3)
Tuks Senganga – Tshwanelo
Tumi & The Volume – Pick a Dream
Best Kwaito Album
L’vovo Derrango – Irresistible
Mandoza – Real Deal
Professor – University Of Kalawa Jazmee
Sosha – 745 Mission
Thebe – Mujomba
Best Reggae Album
Denga – Reggae Hits (Sendelani)
Jah Seed – No Retreat No Surrender
Rastaman Nkushu – Mphe Sebakanyana
Rob Prophet – Jennifer
Storm – Prayer
Male Artist of the year
DJ Kent – I Can’t Survive
Loyiso Bala – Full Circle
Professor – University Of Kalawa Jazmee
Theo Kgosinkwe – Grateful
Zakes Bantwini – Love, Light & Music
Female Artist of the year
Karen Zoid – Terms & Conditions
Louise Carver – Look To The Edge
Nianell – Sand & Water – Live & More
Siphokazi – Ethembeni
Thandiswa – The Forgotten Free – Live In Concert
Duo/Group of the year
Flash Republic – Killer Moves
Kwela Tebza – Gauteng Made In South Africa/Mzansi
Liquideep – Fabrics Of The Heart
Prime Circle – Jekyll & Hyde
Tumi & The Volume – Pick a Dream
Newcomer of the year
Jay – Solo
Kwesta – Special Rekwest
Liquideep – Fabrics Of The Heart
Locnville – Sun In My Pocket
Nomsa Mazwai – Nomisupa
Record of the year
Alone – Liquideep
Breathing – Prime Circle
Bum Bum – Zakes Bantwini
Dreamer – Arno Carstens
Fire Is Low – Freshly Ground
Get Busy Living – Goldfish
Hobie Beach – Kinky Robot
Imoto – Professor
It’s A Party – Jozi
Lovesick – The Arrows
Love You Better (w/ Rue-Groove) – Crazy White Boy
Mama (w/ Ringo) – Black Coffee
Ngisemthanda (w/ Joocy, DJ Tira & Dr Duda) – DJ CNDO
Potoko (w/ Juice Matute) – DJ Mahoota
Show Dem (w/ HHP) – JR
Turn Up The Volume – Auriol Hays
Twisted – Crash Car Burn
Warrior – Louise Carver
Woza – Jaziel Brothers
Wrong For You – Loyiso
Album of the year
Flash Republic – Killer Moves
Liquideep – Fabrics Of The Heart
Prime Circle – Jekyll & Hyde
Professor – University Of Kalawa Jazmee
Zakes Bantwini – Love, Light & Music
The highly publicized split between business woman Uyanda Mbuli and designer partner Gert Johan Coetzee last year made the two a big attraction at SA Fashion Week. They may not be rivals anymore but celebs, fans and fashionista’s were looking forward to critiquing and comparing their collections.
Diamond Face Couture. Pics: SANELISIWE MALIZA
This year was the 2nd time that Diamond Face Couture, the Fashion label owned by Uyanda Mbuli was showing at SAFW without collaborative partner Gert Johan Coetzee, the man who was believed to be the talent in the partnership.
Uyanda’s show closed closed the opening night of fashion Week and I must be honest, the collection was a trip! There was no cohesive theme that stringed the collection together. The line just seemed obscure.
Her fashion label collaborated with with the sporting retail company Cross Trainer. While I understand how they were trying to create an urban and edgy look this didn’t translate as well on the ramp. Dion Chang described the collection theme on his blog as “corporate secretaries who go out for a binge night (on a school night), and come daybreak, haven’t quite come off the drugs and have to dress hastily for work.”
Gert Johan Coetzee. Pics: SANELISIWE MALIZA
Gert Johan Coetzee’s collection was dramatic with Miss South Africa Bokang Montjane and Bonang Matheba as models. Besides the dress modeled by Miss South Africa there was no sign of the signature of the Tutu skirt. While I enjoyed the collection I overheard someone in great disappointment asking for the 20 minutes of her life back.
Courtesy of guest blogger: SANELISIWE MALIZA
Zubz The Last Letta. Pic: THYS DULLAART/ © THE TIMES
Southern African rapper, Zubz The Last Letta, real name Ndabaningi Mabuye has been relatively quiet for the past 2 years. Apart from featuring in Pebbles’ new album, Phenomenal he’s been under the radar. I bumped into him at Liz Ogumbo‘s re-launch performance at our offices in Rosebank. I asked him where hes been, what hes been up to and whether hes been working on a new album.
[display_podcast]
