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Liquideep won Album Of The Year and Duo/Group Of The Year for Fabrics Of The Heart. Pic: CATHY PINNOCK
Like most entertainment journalists, my colleagues and I braved the cold and made our way to Montecasino for the 17th Annual South African Music Awards. But once we got there we realised that the event was littered with organisational and logistical problems.
Firstly the signage was poor. My colleagues and I walked round and round in circles, on the slippery Monte Casino cobble stones looking for the Media/ VIP entrance. When we finally found it; annoyed VIPs were being shoved and pushed by restless fans who were only informed that they were at the wrong entrance once they got to the front of the queue.
It caused a huge safety issue but there was no crowd control appointed to resolve it. Some of the VIPs were scared that a stampede was going to ensue so they got out of the way and waited. But with only 5 minutes to go before the event commenced we bravely went against the tide.
Thembisa Madoda's tweets about the SAMA
We thought we’d survived the worst. But when we eventually got to the SAMA dome we found people sitting on our allocated seats. Apparently our seats were double booked! And we weren’t the only ones. Vuzu TV’s Lalla Hirayama was also left standing in the aisle while the ushers were busy trying to assist hoards of other guests. After 15 minutes of being ignored and being told to duck down for the camera men, we sat in the first set of empty seats we found.
We had missed an entire 35 minutes of the awards! But the production for the show was equally disappointing. The layout didn’t work: some screens were placed out of sight, presenters didn’t sound rehearsed and some award winners took 3 minutes to reach the stage.
Lira's tweet about the SAMAs
The amazing performances by artists such as Vusi Mahlase, Ray Phiri, The Arrows featuring Loyiso and Die Antwoord, were shadowed by the events poor planning and lackluster production.
Having struggled to get into the venue, we sneaked out when the final performance was taking place. But a quarter of the guests had the same bright idea. We found ourselves in the same dangerous situation but this time was worse.Pick pockets were freely roaming around as we were navigating through the crowd. I felt a hand frisking me and trying to open my purse. I caught his hand before he reached for my possessions. I asked him what he was doing and he said something along the lines of “what do you mean? You can see it’s packed, I bumped into you by mistake”. I let go of his hand once I realised that I was surrounded by his entourage. And there wasn’t a security guard in sight.
The SAMAs move to Montecasino was punted by the organisers as a way to make the awards “more accessible”. They failed tremendously at making them accessible to the relevant people and succeeded in making them more accessible to criminals. It was a hunting ground for thieves.
Musician Tamara Dey of the SAMA nominated group Flash Republic took to social network twitter after her iPhone was stolen at the after party. SAMA winner Jax Panik reportedly robbed as well.
Tamara Deys tweets about the SAMAs
All in all, they were an epic fail! You should doubt the credibility of any journalist and the motives of any celebrity that tells you other wise. I don’t know who’s to blame but someone needs to get fired.
Shugga Smaxx of Rap group Skwatta Kamp
You probably read about how the drama began before the soapie made it’s way to your TV screen. Well, I was amongst those who attended the premiere at Montecasino, where M-Net stars walked the red carpet while members of the Creative Workers Union toyi-toyied outside.
Lele Ledwaba (dressed by Gert Johan Coetzee), Ian Robert & Amber van Rensburg
But I must admit that the journalist in me was torn between attending the premiere and witnessing the protest. So much so, that I paused to do a head count and scan the demonstrators when I was driving into Monte. I spotted Tony Kgoroge and an entourage of about 20 people; Hlomla Dandala was one of them.
The amount of people that were gathered at the Montecasino Nu Metro premiere exceeded that of the people who were picketing outside.
Flashing camera’s and screaming fans greeted the cast of The Wild as they strolled down the red carpet. Every cast member paused when they got to Elana Afrika who was conducting live interviews, which were screened inside the venue.
Designer Gert Johan Coetzee
M-Net had a long list of sponsors that included designers Suzaan Heyns, Gert Johan Coetzee, David Tlale and Carlton Hair Salon, so the actresses were dressed up. But that doesn’t mean they were dressed well. The outfits that were designed for them didn’t suit their personalities or flatter their bodies.
Gail Nkoane in a David Tlale creation & Faye Peters dressed by Suzaan Heyns
I was especially disappointed with the outfit David Tlale created for Idols contestant-come-actress Gail Nkoane. But the ugly dress didn’t distract us from her beauty. Elana Afrika described her as “the girl from Idols who looks like Halle Berry”
Putla Sehlapelo & Clementine Mosimane
Tony Kgoroge’s replacement, Putla Sehlapelo didn’t let the controversy surrounding his employment reflect. I tried to squeeze it into our conversation but he just focused on the strengths of the soap and we interrupted by a frantic fan.
Champagne and canapés were in abundance. And guests helped themselves until they were ushered into the theater. The show officially began when local power couple, Connie & Shona Ferguson arrived. They both act in the soap, and they co-hosted the premiere together.
Connie Ferguson
Four episodes of The Wild were screened and the cast was also watching them for the first time. The soap is shot in HD and filmed entirely on location, on various sites, in a manner similar to South American telenovelas. The main backdrop to the story is a stretch of land that is home to a five-star game lodge.
M-Net describes it as “a story revolves around three families – the Lebones, the van Reenens and the Tladis. These families struggle to negotiate a cohesive future, but they are bound together because of their relationship to a special piece of land”
Tyrone Keogh & Briony Horwitz
If you haven’t watched it yet, then you can expect to see some wild animals, feuds, family struggles and love affairs. It took me two episodes to warm up to it and I was hooked by the fourth.
Melusi Yeni
The Wild plays on Mon-Thurs at 18:00, M-Net
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
Last week I blogged about a rumour that was doing the rounds, one about the SAMA’s relocating to Joburg. Well, it’s official! The 17th annual South African Music Awards are moving from Sun City to Montecasino. The awards will be held at Montecasino on Friday the 20th and Saturday the 21st May 2011.
While most people believe that the move is due to financial constraints, the organizers are adamant that it’s about making the awards more accessible. The SAMA oganizers say “as SA music’s biggest night, we will for the first time in its history also make SAMA even more accessible to the fans by hosting MTN SAMA17 at Monte Casino, making more tickets available to the fans to both the Friday and Saturday Awards Shows including selective VIP packages, adding more events and live performances in addition to the extensive windows and content on TV, radio, online and mobile webcasts.”
The second part of the rumour is just that, a rumour. Heineken is still a sponsor. Heineken spokesperson Jan Willem van Wensem, Brandhouse Portfolio Manager Beer says “This is Heineken’s fourth year as the official beer and after-party sponsor and we are thrilled to be a partner and supporter of this prestigious event. ”
Simphiwe Dana just after she won her Best Contemporary Jazz album, at the the 13th Annual SAMA awards that took place in Sun City.PHOTO: LEON SADIKI
When I received an email at 15:40 on Wednesday that read “Please note the SAMA Nominations Party scheduled for tomorrow night has been moved”, I knew something was up. But Joburg nightlife was on steroids last week Thursday, with 3 big events taking place simultaneously (namely Wonderbra Girl, Playboy launch and Jameson Global Party), so I assumed that it was postponed because the date wasn’t ideal.
But the email was brief, no explanation and no postponement date, just an apology. So my instincts told me to investigate but I was way too busy trying to decide which event to attend first. And now the internet is buzzing with rumours about the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) not taking place in Sun City this year.
According to Music Industry Online MIO rumour has it that the 17th Annual SA Music Awards will be held at Montecasino, Johannesburg. The site also reports that Heineken has pulled out from sponsoring the Awards.
We’re not quite sure how true this is but the Awards are supposed to take place in May and the nominees still haven’t been announced.
Life Above All poster.
Locally produced film, Life Above All, won 6 Awards at the South African Film And Television Awards (SAFTA’s), received a 10 minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, was shortlisted by the Academy Awards committee in the Best Foreign Feature Film category (but didn’t make the final list) and received praise at the Toronto Film Festival, London Film Festival and Dubai Film Festival.
So we were a bit anxious when we scored an invite to the official SA premier at Montecasino. We were anxious to see what the rest of the world was raving about. And we weren’t disappointed! Director Oliver Schmitz and his cast that includes Lerato Mvelase, Harriet Manamela, Aubrey Poolo and newcomers Khomotso Manyaka and Keaobaka Makanyane, produced an amazing movie!
In the movie, the issue of HIV/AIDS is told through the life and struggles of a young rural girl whose parents suffer with the disease and the stigma that people attach to it. But it’s multi-layered and also deals with universal issues that women face such as abuse, unemployment and raising children in poverty.
I know it sounds somber, and I suppose it is but it’s also bold and inspiring. It showcases our country’s cinematic brilliance and young, new talent. The movies lead actress, 13 year-old Khomotso Manyaka won Best Lead Actress in A Feature Film at the SAFTA’s and this was her first ever acting role. And supporting actress, Keaobaka Makanyane (13), who is also a newbie played her role convincingly, her performance was years beyond her age. We look forward to seeing what these local starlets will do next.
Keaobaka Makanyane and Khomotso Manyaka. PICTURE: @thesocialTL
The movie will be released nationally on Friday 11 March.
