UKZN PMB students to protest

At least three protesting students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Pietermaritzburg campus were wounded by police firing rubber bullets on Tuesday, the students' representative council (SRC) said.Police spokesperson Inspector Joey Jeevan said officers used rubber bullets to disperse the crowd at 10am. "We have not yet confirmed how many were struck by the bullets, but no one was hospitalised," she said.Police arrested 18 students for participating in an unlawful gathering and for disrupting traffic flow on Alan Paton Road. The institution's SRC president, Mabandla Ndlangamandla, said three students were struck by rubber bullets without any warning shots having been fired.Hundreds of students began protesting on Monday over issues including racism, accommodation and assaults by police on students living in residences. Nd
langamandla said students also had concerns relating to two senior lecturers accused of ignoring student issues.A memorandum detailing students' concerns was handed to the university's management on Monday.Reports that lectures had been postponed indefinitely could not be confirmed. Ndlangamandla said that certain lectures were still continuing. "The campus has not been completely shut down," he said.The SRC met the university management on Monday evening but no agreement was reached."We don't know when we will meet with them again because right now we are working on getting our comrades out of jail," Ndlangamandla said. He also disputed police reports that the protest was an "unlawful gathering".

Ntsiki Mazwai’s MaMiya

Ntsiki Mazwai’s debut MaMiya is a much anticipated release that has been preceded by the hype surrounding her single, Uwrongo; the highly acclaimed spoken word track was featured on DJ Fresh’s Definition of House Vol. II.
Mazwai’s debut is riding high on the heart-skipping success of Uwrongo and will do much to strengthen her profile as a poet and musician. Her brand of floetry is exotic and not entirely unappealing, with its mellowed vibe and subtle expression.
Strong drum beats and jazzy rhythms accompany Mazwai’s natural and almost raw talent, giving the project an earthy, African feel to it. Delivered in the typically understated and somewhat expressionless manner associated with this particular genre, the overall lyrical content seems to possess a ‘deeper meaning’ than what it actually does, coming across as sombre and overly mature yet surprisingly unpretentious.
For with 16 tracks to take your pick from, one would think socially conscious topics have free reign alongside equally playful elements but not so on MaMiya. Once again, love provides the basis for much of the material on this album and to be honest, there is only so much emotion one can handle.
Why so dark and heavy, the girl? With a sun kissed voice like yours, you ought to be playing in the light a bit more. Fault does not lie with this artist’s enigmatic appeal or her incredible talent but with a debut that takes itself far too seriously.
Capable of delivering so much more than words that merely rhyme, Ntsiki Mazwai has the potential to work the South African floetry genre to a heady state of popularity. It is only but a matter of time.

From Definition of house to definition of Love

DJ Fresh comes to the UK, to grace Se-one with his unique blend filllled with Soul and Depth, fusing the percussive tech edge, so evident in his productions. Be ready to be entertained in a no compromise musical environment delivering only quality music. DJ Fresh doesn't mince his words - DJ Fresh's description of himself is "a young person on a mission to change the world, one person at a time, and not doing badly so far". Big Dawg has over 15 house albums under his belt. He has shared the DJ booth with a number of internationals, including “Little Louie” Vega, Frankie Knuckles, Armand Van Helden, Jazzy Jeff, Hoxton Whores, Terry Hunter and Dominic Spreadlove, and played in Southport in 2000 and at the legendary Pacha in Ibiza in 2001, 2005 & 2007. Earlier in 2002, Fresh was among a team of South African DJs who performed at the Masters At Work party at the Miami Winter Music Conference.
Splintering noise is going to be the name of the game here, with the big Dawg doing what he does best with some titanic offerings in the field of dance floor focused dance/house music. Supporting DJ Fresh on the London Night of vibrant intensity is three UK based DJ’s Selekta (Slickmanagent), Phenyo(Slickmanagent/Push FM) and DJ Bongz (swing entertainment) – three guys who have tore clubland with their ear shattering assaults on the origin of aural House and dance music. HAH! The UK’s local DJ’s will be tested against the flawless mixing skills of the Big Dawg himself.Well, while the actual Valentines Day will have come and gone, things would have only just begun. On Saturday 16 Feb, Fresh will be supported by Northern UK based DJ Lewishaka, who I have witnessed opening the night for South African based DJ Euphonik at some past gig. It is quite evident that the UK addicted to DJ Fresh or maybe DJ fresh is addicted to the UK…..With these words said; I think I’m safe to say….. Until we meet again! CHEERS!And what a voluptuous, vivacious Valentines spectacular it promises to be!!

Qolo Dance is the new thing says Mahoota

Mahoota has refused to let the dominating dance moves of Arthur’s Sika Lekhekhe and Thebe’s Ngwazi go unnoticed. His new dance move (Qolo) which accompanies the song in his new album Mahoota vs DJ Vetkuk 4 is dominating the clubs, shebeens and bashes in Mzantsi at the moment and has seen his album reach gold status in a short space of time."There has never been a time where I have only played it once in my DJ set," Mahoota told Theresa Owen in an interview for tonight magazine. "Qolo is a pumping track and will be as popular as Changes. What makes it huge is not only its lyrical content, but the dance that accompanies it, which people have seen on the video. It also has big names performing on it like T'zozo and Professor and Ma Willies.
"I'm not sure how the dance came about," he confesses. "We wanted dance moves to help market the song and this is what we came up with. But I firmly believe that this is gonna be the biggest thing since Sika Lekhekhe.""At the moment I am one of the busiest DJs. I play five to six times a week. I thought it was going to take me three to four years to get there, but it was much quicker."Mahoota, whose real name is Zane Sibika is a member of the South Africa’s dominating record label Kalawa records which is owned by the legendary DJ, artist and record producer Oskido (Oscar Mdlongwa).He is also a member of the group Trompies, and has been collaborating with DJ Vetkuk since 2000. Mahoota told tonight magazine that at first he was hesitant to go from artist to DJ, but it actually made him a better producer because the two art forms complement each other and the music he plays when he DJ’s motivates and inspires him.Mahoota is scheduled to DJ in the UK on a show dubbed ‘Jozi in you Easter Jams’, with fellow DJ’s Zinhle, DJ Cndo and his partner in music crime DJ Vetkuk. We say bring it on Mahoota…. The UK is waiting.

Get it all at the Rand Show

THIS year the Rand Show turns the grand old age of 113 - and it is still getting bigger and better, each year changing with the times.
"The Rand Show has adapted and changed over the years to constantly bring visitors an event that has consistently been designed for [families] to enjoy together," says Cebisa Mfenyana, the corporate marketing and communications manager of Kagiso Exhibitions and Events, owners of the Rand Show.
"The entertainment line-up has undergone a strategic revamp that places the focus firmly on the family and is reflective of the very best talent in South Africa, catering to a diverse range of visitor preferences and age groups."
There will be comedy, fashion, music, theatre, Bollywood, Disney, exhibitions, animal shows, shop-til-you-drop stalls and a funfair - everything geared for visitors to have a fabulous time.
This year's the focus is on family entertainment and, for the first time, Disney will be keeping the younger crowd entertained. Amanda Dhalluin, the director of retail sales and marketing of Disney Enterprises in Southern Africa, explains her company's involvement. "The show's theme just blends very well with our theme because we also focus mainly on the whole family type of entertainment."
DisneyThe Disney activation zone features interactive zones catering for toddlers through to teens, including The Mickey Mouse Club House inflatable; Winnie the Pooh's 100 Acre Wood bouncing castle; JoJo's Circus inflatable; Little Einstein's rocket ship; Disney Princesses dress-up parlour; Jungle Book jungle gym; High School Musical; Hannah Montana dress-up and a Pirates of the Caribbean life-sized pirate ship.
And back after an eight-year hiatus are character parades. There will be clowns, carnival performers, Cape Minstrels and Scottish pipe bands. Music has always been a favourite at the show, and this year, for the first time, Joburg's own Soweto Gospel Choir is performing. The choir has won two Grammy Awards.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for us, because there is no better place than home," says Beverly Bryer, the choir's executive producer and director. "We might have travelled around the world but performing here at home and at such a huge event is the cherry on top."
MTN, the cellphone service provider, is sponsoring the music. There will be three core festivals - Afrikaans Musiekfees, Bollywood Festival and Gospel Concerts.

Loyiso Bala is expected to make a clean sweep at the South African Music awards.
The nominee-list was released late yesterday and Bala’s name appears four times.
He has been nominated in the categories of best R&B album, best video, best producer, and best engineer.
The honours come after his latest album, Blow Your Mind, took South Africa by storm. The single I Want You was particularly well received.
Other interesting nominations include newcomer Mo Molemi, who is contending with big boys such as Jub Jub, and Prokid for the best rap album.
Mandoza could use some good news after his car accident last month, and his nomination for Best Kwaito Album should do the trick.
Hip Hop Pantsula is also one to watch because he seems to be on a winning streak.
After winning last year’s Strictly Come Dancing, he then took a Stars of Mzansi award.
The rapper has now been nominated for best male artist and best rap album.
And for the first time, the awards will acknowledge the best song available on download as well as best music DVD.
Other nominees include rock band Seether, Tasha Baxter, DJ Cleo and Freshlyground.
The awards will take place on May 3 at Sun City in North West.

Channel O awards "Best dance video"

Will of Steel productions would like to congratulate the All Star DJ Cleo for winning the award for Best Dance video for the song Goodbye. In his acceptance speech, DJ Cleo said This is my first award and Channel O has shamed the rest! DJ Cleo who is responsible for majority of the hits that have kept us dancing for past four years such Mzekezekes Sguqa Ngamadolo, Brown Dashs Puff n Pass, Pitch Black Afros Matofotofo, Brickzs Sweety my Baby, Kabelo, Mandoza, and Doc Shebeleza just to mention a few. Not forgetting hits from his own albums such as, Do it, Go On, Discolified and Goodbye. The fans have truly spoken and recognized the immense talent that we have in DJ Cleo. As Brickz would say Cleo uyiSkhokho!!!

Phat Joe is still alive

Phat Joe; Does that ring a bell? Ok when those bells stop ringing and you remember singaqala sikhulume-ke. He is not american Hip Hop cat (Fat Joe) but the very same dude owasipanela I YFM, Metro and the Phat Joe live with his larger than life attitude wabe esexoshwa. A friend of mine is telling me ukuthi he was spotted kuma SAMA Launch ephethe enye intombazane enhle. The award goes to the woman omzamile, I’m sure Mawillies you next.

Ne-Yo arrested for speeding

NE-YO has been arrested and charged with reckless driving after police in Georgia caught him speeding through Cobb County at over 100 miles per hour (160.9 kilometers-per-hour).

The So Sick singer, real name Shaffer Smith, was booked after traffic cops flagged down his Range Rover on Tuesday, the 19th of Fenruary 2008. USA online magazine TMZ reports Ne-Yo was also arrested for not having a valid license.

Not long ago NE-YO was reportedly hitting R.Kelly's promoter with a lawsuit by singer after he was mysteriously dropped from a prestigious support slot on the R&B superstar's American tour that was held in November last year. NE-YO claims he was kicked off the tour after just two shows because his opening set was getting a better response from the audience than concert headliner Kelly's headline act.At the time of the incident, Kelly's representatives claimed Ne-Yo had never signed a contract.

Rihanna and Chris Brown are together

Rihanna and Chris Brown have confirmed they are a couple by openly frolicking in a hotel swimming pool. The 'Umbrella' singer and the R'n'B star have been enjoying a romantic holiday in Jamaica and couldn't keep their hands off each other during a dip in the Hilton Kingston Hotel pool. A source told gossip website pagesix.com: "They were smooching in the pool and were really lovely dovey.

They were playfully making out and he was kissing her on the neck. "They were floating together with him carrying her and she kept saying, 'Don't get my hair wet!' She was very soft and feminine but he was like a big kid splashing all around." The couple also got matching star tattoos on their necks during their break. Rihanna was first linked to Chris earlier this month after he helped her celebrate her 20th birthday. During the bash, Chris was given a standing ovation after he sang 'Happy Birthday' to beautiful Barbadian singer

Ukhozi FM"s DJ Sbu caught speeding at 257km/h in a 120km/h zone

TS Records founder member and Ukhozi FM presenter DJ Sbu Leope is apologising for being found in the wrong of the law this week.

While driving from the Eastern Cape on Sunday, he was stopped by the traffic officials driving his Audi TT at 257km/h in a 120km/h zone.

On Tuesday, he appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court for reckless and dangerous driving. He admitted guilt and was fined by the magistrate.

DJ Sbu says: "I was driving a comfortable car and I was not even aware that I was speeding. But as a responsible citizen of South Africa, I don't condone my actions.

"I am aware that I did something wrong, but I want to urge people to be careful when they drive on the roads because speed kills. Since it is the festive season, I want to urge drivers and pedestrians to be careful on the roads."

DJ Sbu is known for the social responsibility is initiatives like the Dress A Child and Geleza 4 Life - initiatives that go to different schools across the country to give children school uniforms and highlight the importance of education, respectively.

DJ Sbu is also behind the Artists Against Crime initiative - the first one this year was held in Soweto last month where he put together prominent artists to urge youngsters of different townships not to involve themselves in criminal activities.

On Sunday, December 16, DJ Sbu will be leading the same campaign at Abrahamsrust, in Sasolburg Vaal.

The Friends Like These presenter added: "I would like to extend my apologies to the South African society for being in the wrong side of the law."

Mgarimbe

Born in Durban, a township called Umlazi. Nkosinathi Mfeka aka Mgarimbe started music in Durban the year 2000, by performing at parties that were held in December at the beach. Mgarimbe used to go to Ukhozi FM asking for a record deal and which led to a friendship with one of Ukhozi fms top Deejays, Linda Sibiya. Knowing the difficulties that artist go through in the music industry, especially new artist, Linda thought that Mgarimbe needed an education to fall back on and thus paid for his second year in Business Management, but the music bug really got to him and he dropped out to come to Joburg. When he arrived at the city of dreams, he started looking for a deal.

2003, started Mgarimbes demo moments, while working at Butter Field to survive and to gather money for studio fees. In 2003 still, he met up with Sipho Nyathela of No Doubt. Six demos later and the perseverance in 2006 Mgarimbe met with Snothi Sithole, who introduced him to the late Jabu Sithole, he started working with Jabu, writing lyrics for him on his second offering Ubuntu and then Jabu introduced Mgarimbe to Mapaputsi, he then started working with Mapaputsi on his latest album; called GROOVER MORE 2006, he worked on majority of the album, writing and featured in four of the tracks.

2006 also saw Mgarimbe working on his album solo project, which he started in February.

From the dusty roads of Umlazi, came Mgarimbe, which means Hustler with a unique sound that is unlike any other artist in the game, a boy with dreams of opening up his own business and sign his own artists. Growing up from a kwaito back-round listening to the sounds of Skeem & Chiskop.

Mgarimbe does not want to be boxed in his music he gives people what they want. His music is for the people. With hit tracks like Sister Bethina, Iwewe the boy is only destined for greater things. Lomhlaba Uyahlabais dedicated to the memory of the late Jabu khumhlope Sithole. Ayeye December Ayeye.

Bongani Fassie

The apple doesnt fall far from the tree. In Bongani Fassies' case, its testimonial that he would follow in his mothers footsteps when it comes to being an incredibly talented musician.

Bongani has released a jazz album titled MAKANA SQUARE under his own record label: FASSIE RECORDS. This is not the first time Bongani has released an album. He released his debut album at age of 10, simply titled AFRICAN BOY, then in 2002 he released an album with the group NU AGE called AMELO.
On his 18th birthday, his mother bought him a computer and he started using the piano to record his music he has composed and recorded over 300 songs since then.

My foundation is hip-hop, my platform is African and then I bring in other elements like jazz, classical, samba and even techno. I believe that to be a musician and have an
orthodox approach is limiting.

Bongani ( Bongz as his sometimes known ) has teamed up with old friends and formed a hip-hop group called ShimanE.C.T. which has also just released their debut album entitled RUNNIN BIZZ. The group comprises of Bongani, Shimane Lekoma and Lesley Mampe. Bongani produced the ShimanE.C.T double album, he also produced the track RESTLESS on RJ BENJAMINS Who I Am album

Bongani turned down offers from some major record labels and decided to start his own thing. As he told the media: I chose the independent route because I want to be in control of my own destiny as a producer and a musician. And thats what my mother always wanted to be independent.
Fassie has the right foundation and the talent to match. MAKANA SQUARE is all jazz and is out on Fassie Records.
For more information contact Ghetto Ruff at

DJ CLEO

Birth Name: Cleopas Monyepao
Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop/Kwaito/House/Reggae
Active: 2000s
Instrument: Vynils, Keyboards

Started in Johannesbeburg in 2002, WOS, has fast become one of southern Africa's brightest and hottest labels. Lead by the dynamic DJ talent of Cleopas "DJ Cleo Monyepao, WOS is now home to a selection of SA's finest new talent.

DJ Cleo, who hails from Gauteng's East Rand, began his musical career at the tender age of ten. Having Marabi styles close to his heart, and being a bass player, Cleo sought out programming and engineering skills, even doing a stint at Allenby Campus on sound engineering, as he pursued a new concept in musicianship, that being the marriage of musical instrumental skills, programming skills and engineering skills.

A fortunate meeting with Ashifa Shabba, afforded him the opportunity to work in radio at Y FM. Cleo found producing for radio a natural extension of himself, and soon was exploring the producing full music for both himself and others.

Cleo's debut recording was "Will of Steel which featured on the DJ Glen Lewis/DJ Fresh's "Gatecrasher double CD compilation. The release was in real terms a great success for Cleo, and genuinely a portent of things to come, as soon he was producing and composing more and more music for more and more people. In fact whilst it would be a while before DJ Cleo would see his own debut album released, the proceeds from "Will of Steel provided the wherewithal to start Will of Steel Productions (PTY) Ltd, his wholly owned label, production house and publisher, and many hits were first to follow.

In 2003, the first of string of other artist releases, with Cleo's compositions and production abilities in full force, hit the market. Mzekezeke (first 2 releases, S'guqa ngamadolo & Storotoro) and Brown Dash (Puff and Pass) might arguably not have achieved the heights they have without the extraordinary production and songwriting input from Cleo.

Not content to sit back, WOS began to sign it's own artists in 2004, starting with Pitch Black Afro, where he produced and composed the classic "Matofotofo", and then Brickz in 2005, releasing another smash album, with another equally classic track "Sweety my baby".

In 2004, in between Pitch Black Afro and Brickz, Cleo released his debut solo album as DJ Cleo, which was critically acclaimed, and to a certain extent was a compilation of his work to date. He then followed in 2005, with undoubtedly Will of Steel's biggest seller to date, his second solo release "Eskhaleni Ext 2". One innovation that this release brought to the SA (and world) market was the creative approach linking opera and kwaito - with "Goodbye being the result.

Many of SA's biggest contemporary artists and projects have sought out the outstanding producing and composing skills that Cleo brings to the table, Mandoza, Kabelo, Doc Shebeleza and the Coca Cola Popstars project are amongst a few.

This company certainly has the Will Of Steel and is growing to be South Africa's most sout after production stable as new Artists are being signed every year.

Mzekes Man is Back!

Mzekezeke and Kwaito fans can rejoice! After a two-year absence from the entertainment industry, the troble masked kwaito artist, Mzekezeke is finally making a comeback at a soccer event next weekend.

The comeback will surely delight all those who've been missing his hysterical ways and infectious song of the year hits S'guqa Ngamadolo, Akekh' Ugogo, Izinyoka and Ama BEE.

Mzekezeke will be launching Ekurhuleni's 2010 Business Plan Launch on March 8, 2008.

The big fan park at Germiston will feature Premier Soccer League teams Kaizer Chiefs and Free State Stars. That game will be watched live by soccer lovers and before the game begins, fans will get a chance of mingling with Mzekezeke and other stars like Nhlanhla Nciza, Lira, Skwatta Kamp, ProKid, Kabelo, Arthur, Chomee, Ihashi Elimhlophe and DJ Monde.

The event starts from 10am and that is when the fans will be entertained while waiting for the big game. The fun will continue until 8pm.

Entrance is free at the fan park. The big screen fan parks in South Africa are a new idea aimed at preparing for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In 2006 when Germany was hosting the World Cup, big screen fan parks were a major public attraction