dj cleo

DECEMBER IS AROUND THE CORNER ND ARTISTS R RELEASIN LIKE HELL! HU DO U THINK WIL ROCK DECEMBER............BRICKS, SHUFFLE(JABU MAHLANGU-PULE), SOUL CANDY, OSKIDO,...............LETS HEAR IT!! There's A Cure 4 EVERYTHIN, but NOT 4 AIDS...so B wISE, CONDOMISE!

Dj Abo!!! on the move

dj abo!!! will be having a tour to the Eastern Cape this festive don't miss him, with best female djs: dj sindy, dj linda and local djs

It's happening for the third year in a row, and it’s bound to be as successful as the previous two occasions. It’s Levi's® Rage for the Revolution, a live music concert that forms part of the Levi's® Red for Life Initiative, the call to action where the public get to hear core HIV messaging from the mouths of their musical heroes. The inaugural event in Cape Town at The Castle and last year’s one at the Bassline in Newtown created a powerful platform for discussion around how HIV and Aids affects South Africa’s youth. And this year’s concert (happening at a mysteriously secret and beautifully unique location somewhere in South Africa) is on the 10th of November 2007 and is destined to take this initiative even further by engaging the audience with a conscious mix of brilliant music and thought-provoking opinions.
And in a world-first, the audience at the concert will be made up entirely of people who’ve been challenged to make the effort and know their status, as the campaign consistently challenges the youth to work it out for themselves. All performing artists will be briefed by the Levi’s® Red for Life team on the truths regarding HIV and Aids, giving them the required knowledge to share with the audience. But it’s not all about being prescriptive. It’s about opening up dialogue, and the bands will be encouraged to share their personal feelings about keeping safe and well with the audience. They will also be asked to get tested as demonstration of solidarity in driving the message.
This year the campaign message will continue from where the previous years left off, making the public aware that it’s imperative to know one’s status and then use this information to plan a healthier, safer life. Knowledge in this case means the power to determine the future. Everyone who gets tested at one of the Levi’s® Red for Life/New Start mobile VCT clinics, which are travelling around the country prior to the concert, will stand a chance of winning two free tickets to Levi’s® Rage For The Revolution. Tickets will be sent via SMS, and those ‘out-of towners’ lucky enough to win tickets will be provided with travel and accommodation to attend the event.
Here they’ll get to see an incredible, diverse line-up that includes The Dirty Skirts, Loyiso, 340ml, Kabelo, Lira and The Parlotones. “We have a long and extensive history of supporting local music,” explains Mike Leslie of Levi Strauss South Africa. “Thus it makes sense to leverage that investment and partner with local musicians to drive a credible and relevant HIV and Aids message to the youth.”
But those that attend won’t be the only ones that get to see the show! To amplify the message, a 1 hour TV Special that covers the event and its build-up will be aired on SABC around World AIDS Day.
This film will use footage from the concert, combined with in-depth interviews with band members and individuals to convey core messaging from the Levi's® Red for Life initiative. 5FM will also compile a ‘highlights package’ from aspects of the campaign and air it during the course of the day, ensuring that the ‘working it out for yourself’ and knowing your status remains top of mind.

ZONGIE MTSHONTSHI

Age: 26 Birthday: 30 March 1981Any nicknames: ZongolongA bit of background on your TV career:TV Commercials, Reality TV ShowPet Hate:People that drive and talk on their cell phones Favourite food:Tripe (ulusu) Favourite form of relaxation:Hanging out with people I like Favourite Tourism destination:MozambiqueFavourite hangout:MelvilleFavourite Movie:The TerminalFavourite TV programme:City Ses’la, Live, Home Affairs Favourite actress - Local:Brenda (Home Affairs) and Keketso (Isidingo)Favourite actor - International:Anthony Hopkins Favourite music:Reggae, Hip Hop and Kwaito Favourite person:My Grandma Best advice you received:“Trust your instincts all the time”Worst advice you received:To go for a boob jobYour source of inspiration:Life and everything that surrounds us How do you keep in shape?By eating small meals often Favourite drink:Stoney and Pinakalado How did you get into presenting?I had to cast – I heard about it from the Agency. The best thing about being a presenter:Travelling and meeting peopleFavourite item of clothing:Jeans Three words to describe yourself:Spontaneous, honest, hard worker What qualities do you admire most in a person?Integrity and honesty You'd never forgive a friend who...is jealous of me.The person you SMS the most is...I hate SMS’sThe one thing that your life would be meaningless without:My family What's the most extravagant thing that you've bought?A bag that costs R4000 On what do you enjoy spending your money?ClothesDo you cook well?YesWho had the most influence on you as a child?My Grandma What was the hardest lesson you've learnt?Patience (that good things happen to those who wait)Do you speak to God often?Yes Your hobbies:Going out, reading, and shoppingMost memorable experience:A trip with friends to the States and Jamaica. Most embarrassing experience:I was driving along the highway with my friend and could not control nature’s urgent call to relieve my bladder. Message to the youth of South Africa:“Stay away from drugs and don’t do crime!” Your dream future for South Africa:That we may all be equal and every one successful in their own right. Your personal dream for your own future:To be a good role model in society. To be successful personally in order to assist my family and those around me to become a force to reckon with!

May your soul rest in peace Lucky Dube

On the night of Thursday the 18th of October 2007 the South African musical legend, Lucky Dube, lost his life in a hi-jacking in the suburb of Rosettenville.
Dube was such a powerhouse of a musician. In his early days he was a successful Mbaqanga artist in South Africa, but when he turned to Reggae he became truly international. Signed to Gallo records, he released a massive amount of music in his life-time, worked with such superstars as Michael Jackson and was indeed one of South Africa’s most successful musicians.
It breaks my heart that a man whose songs often promoted peace, hope and love had to die in an incident that is drowned in tragedy. Violent crime unsettles the citizens of this country more than anything. It is hard to remain positive about the future when senseless tragedy paints such a bleak picture.
Here I must refer to Lucky Dube’s song, Crime and Corruption, which seems so bitterly ironic now. Here is a passage from the song:
Is it the bodyguards around youIs it the high walls where you liveOr is it the men with the guns around youTwenty four hours a dayThat make you ignore the crying of the peopleFarmers get killed everydayAnd you say it is not that badPolicemen get killed everydayAnd you say it is not that badMaybe if you see it through the eyesOf the victimsYou will join us and fight this

I think to myself how can we fight this Lucky? Shall we make an ever more desperate appeal to government to take drastic action and come up with a zero-tolerance strategy to deal with it? Or should we merely ask that the government and all of SA’s citizens acknowledge that it would seem that crime has become as serious an issue here as HIV Aids. Is the root of the problem complete moral decay, a society that has lost its ethical base, or is it more complex an issue to do with poverty and equality of wealth? Who can we turn to? The government? The police force? Religion? Private security? Ourselves? We surely cannot resort to vigilantism. There is no easy answer. But one thing is for sure, we cannot hide our heads in the dirt like Ostriches. The first step must be to acknowledge that violent crime is unacceptable and can only lead to ruin.
I believe that Lucky would want us to be positive and stand together. He would not want us to become paranoid. Nor would he want us to flee the country, emigrating elsewhere to escape the fear. He, after all, sang and actively fought against apartheid and remained stead-fast until its end so he was surely a man who understood the strength needed to overcome adversity. We look to you in our prayers Lucky.
Over the passed few years too many of our musical greats have passed away tragically. Gitto Baloi, KB, Lebo, Johnny Fourie to name some. When I heard the news of Lucky’s passing, I almost felt that I would spill over with despair. It left me speechless and only now am I able to put together this article.
To Lucky’s family, friends and loved ones, all of us at MIO send our deepest sympathies and condolences during this trying time, we can only imagine how painful it must be. And to you Lucky, may you rest in peace. Your legacy will be lived on through your vast collection of amazing music for a very long time.

If you ever wondered when SAMA award winners – Revolution – might release their next project, wonder no more because the house scene is going to be set on fire this festive season!
MIO is letting the secret out of the bag by confirming that the Alexandra born twin brothers are in studio polishing their follow up album from last year's release “Another level” – which did exceptionally well in the market.
When MIO spoke to the identical twins sometime this year, they were not so sure if they were going to drop a project due to other commitments they had. But by the look of things, the bros changed their mind and are more than ready to throw their magic tunes out to the SA public.
According to George, one half of the duo, the new album can be expected to be available at music retailers in two to three weeks time.
George said that some of the tracks on the new release are songs that were supposed to be on last year's album. “Mfana, there are tracks that were supposed to built into “Another Level”. We wanted to a double CD release last year but that didn't happen, so some of those songs will be on this coming album”.
When asked about the title of the album, George said at this stage they are not sure about what to title it, but revealed that people should expect 15 killer tracks. Don't say we didn't tell you; get ready to dance because the twins are always on top of their game!

Britney Spears

Britney Spears recently filed an emergency court motion seeking to expand visitation rights with her children, according to the lawyer for ex-husband Kevin Federline. The media is concerned for Britney’s situation, and worried that if it worsens, she may escalate to…

DJ Sbu: It Was A Publicity Stunt!

I am in AWE! I went to meet him thinking it was an interview him but it ended up as one lecture I didn't want to end. He was the informed lecturer and I was the keen student. He is THE DJ Sbu and he was teaching me the ins and outs of Mzansi's Media World...WOW!Ok, let me start from the beginning. Once we had secured an interview with DJ Sbu, TVSA ran a competition where a lucky TVSA reader would get an opportunity to interview Sbu with me. Hermza was the lucky winner so the date was set and off I went to Suite 16 to meet Mzansi's Most Celebrated DJ. As I got to the Village Walk parking, I get a call asking where I am coz Sbu is waiting for me already. I panic "Oh no, I wanted him to find me there!" So I race up to Suite 16 and as I walk in, I look around and the waitress kindly informs me "He's sitting outside." I give her a surprised look coz I'm wondering how she knows me and who I'm looking for. I think "Oh well, I have been frequenting the place lately and I'm probably known as the girl who' always here with a celeb!". I walk out to the balcony to join him and there he is, sitting at a corner reading the menu. There wasn't much of a distance between the door and where he was sitting but I walked that distance like I was Naomi Campbell on a ramp. Sbu and I greet, chit chat and after a while I call our winner to check where he is and he says he's running late, I smile wickedly at having time alone with him and start the digging.

And who is DJ Terance?

It took me a while to get to know who Terance Molefe of Soul Candi is and what he does. In the past whenever I had been to visit the DJ at Soul Candi's record shop, he would be either assisting customers or chatting to other visiting DJs, which made it difficult for me to communicate with him. On the successful SoulCandi Session 3 project, Terance's name appeared as one of the three artists involved in the album, compiling and mixing disk one of the three CDs. After listening to disk one, I knew I would have to push aside the punters and DJs so that I could have a chat with the popular DJ.
Now in April 2007, Terence has finally dropped his own project titled, ‘Music Box' – which sounds like a continuation of where he left off with the triple disk. Chatting from the SoulCandi offices, he said ‘Music Box', was supposed to have been released last year but SoulCandi Director, Harael Salkow, asked him to be part of the triple CD SoulCandi Session 3 mix offering three different styles of house music. Not to throw the opportunity away, Terence agreed to be part of the project.
Back in the day Terence and a friend shared the same interest, which was music. One night they saw someone DJing on a local show called Electric Workshop and the love for being a DJ became fertile. “I used to see people DJing but never knew what they were actually doing. The first person I saw spinning vinyl was Ganyani. And from that point, I started collecting records”. The DJ said back then his first step was to collect music before he could start playing.

Oskido is back once again with a sizzling sixth instalment

Oskido’s Church Grooves – The Sixth CommandmentOskido is back once again with a sizzling sixth instalment in the crowd-hyping, best-selling Church Grooves series. And it’s another slice of pure house heaven – one that reaches new heights for the resident reverend hit-maker.The renowned Yfm jock (he’s currently preaching the dance music gospel to the masses on Gauteng’s 99.2 every Saturday afternoon from 3 ‘til 6pm) segues smoothly from hit to hook in a mix that features the freshest cuts from floor favourites - and some of Oscar’s personal friends - like Dennis Ferrer, Mr. V and Sergio Flores.Amongst Oskido’s other associates making their mark on this slick sermon are locals Mackson (aka Native) and Lloyd (aka DJ Dos Santo), and Mr. Mama, while the main man himself again lends his pulsating personal imprint to the mix by including a few self-produced, instant anthems. But his contributions are even more special this time around.They include Oskido’s first ever gospel track, ‘Modimo’, and it’s a fitting feature for a series that’s modelled around the theme of worship and religion - and that has an ecstatic religious following.Joining this hand-clapping Christian cut on the sixth in a series that just seems to get stronger is a blinding Brothers Of Peace reworking of Tracy Chapman’s ‘Talking About Revolution’, on which Oskido and production partner Bruce Sebitlo fix the perfect beat to a two-decade old conscious folk classic and turn it in to a tune altogether relevant to today’s dancefloors.As if these numbers weren’t worth the admission price of the disc alone, there are more bombs on this non-stop soundtrack to the perfect night out (or perfect afternoon in!) from some of the European house scene’s current biggest hitters, including Ame, Henrik Schwarz and Booka Shade.Once more, a clash of class basslines and cracking rhythms – it’s once again time to pray...

DjSki

Artist History / DJ SkiWho is this man?As put by LolasWorldRecords, DjSki a.k.a David Molosi, Afro Blue, David Skizo, Skizo, is a legendary producer/Dj in the modern African music fraternity. He is respected for his skill at naturally melding Afro styles with House music for funky results. His stab at house music always stands up brilliantly as well as maintaining authenticity.High school was where Skizo started deejaying at parties, creating his own style. After high school he went to college at Howard University, USA, where he came in contact with new sounds, people and atmosphere that influenced him in new and different ways. This is where he also came in contact with house music.It was during the late eighties when Ski stepped off a plane at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (Botswana) in possession of precious cargo that would change Southern Africa forever, Skizo was carrying a bag full of vinyl that was going to uplift masses and feed the need. Back then, most folks were listening to all sorts of South African bubblegum music, UK pop or on the fringes B-boys were listening to hip hop in its’ earliest forms.Everybody realized something new has arrived, every time the needle touched the wax, the party would ignite with DJ Ski at the wheels of steel. It is fair to credit Ski with being one of the early visionaries to bring house music to Southern Africa. All the young cats need to know this because this man has never been credited with having revolutionized the Southern African music scene by bringing house music into the mix. That music was the root of basically popular dance music. DjSki has played toe to toe with the current house giants, Oskido,Christos,Fresh,DaVinci, from as early as 1993 and don’t get it twisted, he still rocks!To further illustrate the level of experience in this field, the incumbent is one of the leading and most sought after music producers in Southern Africa with an extensive list of productions and collaborations with artists such as Mdu, Thebe, Bongo Maffin, TKzee, Sbu, BOP,Trompies,DjFistaz, Alaska, to name a few. Over the years, Ski has been commissioned to do production work for SONY Music, Columbia, Universal, EMI and Kalawa Jazmee Records. Dj Ski remixed the legendary Keith Thompson’s Africa in yo veins under the pseudonym Afro Blue and has some of his releases on compilations in the German and US markets.The Dj bug has never died and in 2007, DjSki collaborates with Dj Fresh for an epic release of a real and unapologetic house album. SKI’s house is house in its FRESH original form.

Freshlyground have taken the country by storm, and for good reason, it is rare to find a band that is so diverse that they have a sound that appeals to South Africans of every walk of life. Anyone who has had the pleasure of listening to their previous album “Nomvula” can tell you that their particular brand of genius is one that even the harshest critic finds hard to deny. Freshlyground’s distinctively South African sound is like a breath of fresh air despite any individual taste in music. This band understands the value in simplicity while still keeping a full sound without intruding on the powerful vocals.
“Ma’ Cheri” is unmistakably Freshlyground. While they have not strayed too far from the afro-pop of their multi platinum album “Nomvula”, each and every song on this enchanting album offers a different vibe. There is a slightly commercial feel to the album as a whole, not in a negative way though, it is well thought out in every respect. The lyrics are sometimes beautiful, sometimes ironic, but always entertaining. There is such a strong element of fun in this album with songs such as ‘Go Gorilla’ and ‘Manikiniki’. If you, like me, can’t understand Xhosa, take a look at the bands website, www.freshlyground.com, for the original and the translated versions of each track.
“Pot Belly”, the first single off the album, is the song so many people (especially women) have been waiting for to be written. It has a great melody and inspiring lyrics – a great way to create the hype that the album deserves. This band seem to be able to capture moments in time and express them musically creating a personality for each song. I’m a sucker for hidden tracks, and any album that has one gets an extra credit in my books.
Vocalist Zolani has an incredible voice and a great talent for story telling, she breathes life into every track with great charm. Not to be upstaged, the other members of the band make their presence known, and felt, with such a wide variety of instruments each song is distinctive. One of the intentions behind this album is to use it to reach a global audience, and this is where they get it right unlike so many other SA bands. Freshlyground have stayed proudly South African through and through and would be great ambassadors to the music world. Having gone multi platinum here at home, it’s time to take the next step and as our first MTV winning artists, the future is looking bright.
“Ma‘Cheri” is extraordinarily colorful and a great addition to anyone’s CD collection. The only thing that could possibly be better than listening to the album would be watching them live, which is why I am not going to pass up the opportunity to catch their countrywide tour this November.
As we are rolling into the last few months of 2007, “Ma’Cheri” is an ideal Christmas gift for all those friends and family who will need some warming up in the cold UK over the festive season and maybe make them a bit homesick, so get your order in early!

www.slide.com/r/_H1cbGhjwT9kD4oydygG7cDFDwWbDelK?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

OSCAR BACK AGAIN WITH HIS MUSIC

Oscar Mdlongwa has been given many affectionate nicknames over the years, including Oscar “Warona” (which means “ours”), “The Big O” and “Godzilla”.
His career is a fairytale one: he started out selling boerewors rolls from a stall outside Club Razzmatazz in Hillbrow. It was the early nineties, and late at night he would sneak in to the club to jam to fresh house tracks. He became fascinated with deejaying and occasionally he took over while the DJ took a break. One night, Razzmatazz’s resident didn't pitch and he was asked to stand in. He hasn't looked back…
Oscar was soon running the legendary Arena in Highoint, Hillbrow, with the late Ian Segola and doing his first production work on bassy cassettes aimed at taxis and passengers, like ‘Mixmaster’ and ‘Big Jam’. His reputation as a DJ grew and he was soon spinning at campus parties at Wits and as far away as Mmbatho, where he met his future Brothers Of Peace (BOP) partner Bruce "Dope" Sebitlo. He also joined forces with Don Laka and Christos Katsaitis to form Kalawa Records (the name a fusion of the first syllables of their surnames; Oscar was using Warona at the time).
The stable's first act, Boom Shaka (whose first CDs were sold out of the boot of a car!), birthed the kwaito revolution, and Kalawa Jazmee (as the label is now known sans Christos and Don Laka) is the biggest independent in the country, with monster acts like Boom Shaka, Bongo Maffin, Maikizolo, Trompies, Thebe, DJ Vetkuk, Spikiri, Alaska and many more on their books. Oscar has a dab hand is just about every single one of their massive releases, part of the prolific Dangerous Combination Crew production axis.
BOP are ten years old, and although their first couple of albums were overshadowed by releases from the likes of Trompies and Bongo Maffin (they did enjoy controversial hits with rude numbers like "Isidudla Sesifebe" ["Fat Slut"] and "Ibizwe Emoyeni" [a description of female genitilia], and they also crossed over into the white deep house scene with their Tamara Day collaboration "That' Imphalakho"]), they've surged forward recently – all the way into the international limelight, in fact.
Their ongoing relationship with the Masters At Work production team and label (cemented on "Little Louie" Vega's two journeys here and Oskido's sojourns to Miami) has resulted in the release of two BOP tracks ("Zabalaza" and "Victory Song") and one by Mafikizolo (the enormous "Loot"). More are no doubt in the pipeline as the Afro-house sound takes the dance planet by storm, and as the glorious vibes on records like the recent BOP "Project" albums gains more exposure.
Oskido has journeyed to the Miami Winter Music Conference the past two years – most recently with multiple SAMA winners Mafikizolo - to ensure that the overseas exposure happens, spinning his infectious and percussion-heavy deep house for a host of international dance aficionados. He's deejayed alongside the likes of "Little Louie” Vega, Frankie Knuckles, DJ Gregory and DY Yellow, and has played at just about every major club in the country.
Oscar is also one of radio's most popular personalities, having taken care of Y FM's Rap Activity Jam with Rudeboy Paul for a while and now hosting Church Grooves, a bumping grooveathon that's the only place to be on a Sunday night. The Church Grooves concept has extended into a platinum-selling range of ‘Oskido's Church Grooves’ CDs (through House Afrika Records), which have had the entire nation bumping. Their blend of fiercely contemporary fare and anthemic rhythms is rarely beaten – the third volume went gold on release.
As a producer, Oscar is leagues ahead of the competition, and he kickstarted the current trend of remixing classic South African pop hits when he and Bruce reworked Mahlatini and the Mahotella Queens’ “Melodi” into “Meropa”. He’s worked with greats like Hugh Masekela, Jimmy Dludlu, Moses Molelekwa (“Last Number” on the ‘Project B’ album was actually the last recording “Moss” made).

DJ CNDO Finest Lady Of House

Real name Sindisiwe Zungu born 1984 at Mandeni just 45mins outside of Durban next to the great river Uthukela.
While studying at Mangosuthu Technikon she developed interest in DJing and started learning how to mix at
Durbans Finest DJ Academy situated at Chilli Soul 320 West Street –
Durban. Soon as she had mastered mixing she was seen playing in every gig at Mangosuthu Technikon
mixing better than most male DJs.

In 2005 Durbans Finest saw her potential and invited her under the Durbans Finest umbrella.
After that she started playing in most Durbans Finest parties around Durban.
DJ Cndo has played at Tilt, 144, Skyybar, Exclusive Lounge, Havana, to name but a few clubs in Durban.
In 2006 Gagasi FM was launched in KZN March 13 and Durbans Finest were given a show
G Session Fridays 6-10pm, it’s a mix show playing hottest tunes which also gives update of
most happening gigs in town. As Cndo is Durbans Finest she became part of G
Session mixing on the radio live every Friday and people love her style.

You might have seen Cndo in Jika Majika as she was featured as a resident DJ for 13 episodes
when the programme was recording Durban talent. She also appeared on SABC 1
programme Seskhona when they were showing the event Durban Rocks 2006, one of
the best events that attracted more than 5000 people 16 December 2006. Her first work was seen on the
Gagasi FM compilation where she recorded a song with Professor the producer of Woze Durban –
T’zozo En prophesser. Cndo has just released her debut album Finest Lady of House Volume 1 making
her the first black female dj to release a house compilation in South Africa.
The album is currently climbing the charts in all record stores selling like hot cakes.
Dj Cndo is heading for nothing but great success.

DJ CNDO - Finest Lady Of House Volume 1
(ALBUM IN STORES NOW)

Zola’ 7

Zola Bonginkosi ‘Zola’ Dlamini, poet, actor and musician. Known for his role as the notorious gangster, Papa Action in Yizo Yizo2, he has also enjoyed success as a Kwaito superstar.
Appeared Live on Jay Leno's The Tonight Show performing "It's your life" from South African's Oscar Winning movie Tsotsi in February 2006!
He released his debut album “UMDLWEMBE” sold 180 000 copies, attaining triple platinum status. He has received four SAMA’s including “Artist of the Year - 2002” and the Metro FM 2001 Award for “Song of the Year” for “Ghetto Fabulous”.
Zola 7, became the most watched television show in South Africa soon after it started in 2003. Zola has been called the Ghetto Dream Maker, as on his show his makes peoples dreams come through every week.
What distinguishes ZOLA’s home grown sound from other kwaito artists is its challenging lyrics - and that he is by far the fastest growing brand in SOUTH AFRICA today and was also voted by public vote #21 on the Greatest South Africans List.

He is very popular in clubs around the country

He is very popular in clubs around the country having built up a good reputation as a DJ. DJ Cleo can mix Kwaito, house and hip hop with the greatest of ease. He has djayed in the USA and the UK.
He has blazed a trail on the kwaito, house and hip hop scenes producing for Mandoza, Mzekezeke, Pitch Black Afro, RJ Benjamin, Jeff Maluleke, Brown Dash, Zola, Nana Coyote, Platform One, Adilah and Doc Shebeleza.
His first artist was Pitch Black Afro whos debut album Styling Gel was produced by him and has become the biggest selling SA hip hop album of all time.

ARTHUR

ARTHUR ( Based in Johannesburg, South Africa) Arthur Mafokate a musician, producer, sound engineer, performer, songwriter, talent scout, television personality and entrepreneur is undeniably one of the country’s most loved individuals.
He is regarded as the kwaito originator by the South African society and was thus dubbed the King of kwaito. This music genre gave township youth a voice in the cultural arena and at the same time contributes positively to the economy of South Africa and thus alleviates the unemployment crisis. He also had an impact on the international market by performing in Spain and London.
He also made his mark on the modeling world having taken the Mr Soweto title and achieved runner-up status in the Mr South Africa beauty pageant.

Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige to tour SA!

METRO FM and Edgars Music Series are pleased to announce the upcoming tour of one of R&B/Hip Hop’s most celebrated artists.
“METRO FM is proud to be associated with a legend like MJB. Mary not only records music that speaks to our audience but her life and success as a person and a performing artist represents the values we as METRO FM seek to celebrate in every woman. We are confident that those who will be fortunate enough to make it to the shows will have a great time with us” said Programming Manager, Leo Manne.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of R&B Queen, Mary J Blige’s tour of South Africa. Edgars, through the Edgars Music Series, has carved out a name for itself as a serious supporter and developer of local artists, as well as keeping on trend with amazing international acts,” said Dineo Sobantu, Sponsorship and Events Manager for the Edgars Chain.
Described by the media as having a “smouldering stage presence” during her last South African concerts in April 2000, the tour saw her performing to 48 000 ecstatic fans countrywide.
The accomplished six-time Grammy Award winning R&B, soul, and hip-hop soul singer, songwriter, producer, and actress who has sold more than 34 million records worldwide, has just completed a season sweep of the "big three" major music awards, having won the American Music Award in November 2006, the Billboard Music Awards in December 2006, and the Grammy Awards in February 2007, where she took home 3 awards for her last studio album, "The Breakthrough”. The album, her seventh studio album, has sold more than 3 million copies, starting with 727,000 in its opening week – the highest ever for a female R&B singer. The lead single, "Be Without You," ruled the R&B charts for fifteen straight weeks, and the powerhouse collaboration with U2 on their classic "One" reached an even bigger audience – proving without a doubt that Blige is the pre-eminent soul singer of our time.
Blige has long been called the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul". A bridge between the R&B world and the hiphop nation, she pioneered the movement that would later become neo-soul, generating gripping songs that were also massive radio hits. She has the distinction of being the first to fully seize the narrative possibilities of rap: Her tough-girl persona and streetwise lyrics give her 1992 debut “What's the 411?” a realism and gritty undertone. The then released the more conventional R&B-ballad “My Life” in 1994, and the follow up, “Share My World” took her into the R&B mainstream, entering the Billboard charts at No.1 in 1997. Her 4th album, “Mary” came out in 1999, with a fuller, more elegant sound and classic soul style. The album made it obvious that the ghetto fabulous style and more confrontational aspects of her music were gone, while the emotive power still remained. Mary then released “No More Drama” in 2001, and “Love and Life” in 2003. A greatest hits album, “Reflections (A Retrospective)” was released at the end of 2006,
Known for her electrifying live performances, Mary J. Blige is capable of conveying heartache and happiness in a single musical phrase. Her emotional honesty reflects the great traditions of blues and soul, and has won her countless honors and a devoted, ever-growing audience around the world. Critics and fans alike are floored by her powerful combination of modern R&B with an edgy rap.

THIS THE PLACE TO BE WOZE DURBAN UZOBONA

Durban&PMB on hot spot wth best DJ'S

DJ CLEO TOUR TO KZN( PMB&DURBAN)

Durban rocks if u don't admit that "uyasala" Friday 2 Friday ziyawa eGagasini. Dj Cleo is coming to Durban this month to lounch his brand new CD plz guys come and sapport DJ CLEO @ skyybar on the 13th october 2007

EC TOUR WITH DJ ABO

Dj Abo EC Tour [23-26 November 2007]Feature: Abo, Cleo, WhatWhat, Chynaman, Bongz, Snazzy, Mel’nCue, Stibobo+ShowVenue:Coner Pecket fleet street
(EL)12th Oct & Skyview (PE)23th OctTime: Normal Clubbing Time

Dj Anonymaz

DJ Anonymaz star is rising, and he has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. At the tender age of 25 Anonymaz is becoming a household name in Jozi clubbing circles, but on meeting the diminutive ball of energy that is Africa Tshoaedi (that’s the names on his birth certificate) it becomes blatantly clear that this is just part of a master plan for this ambitious young man. Born in Kempton Park, and grew up in the Free State, Africa started DJing at house and campus parties alongside his good friends, a fellow wits university student, on the rise DJ Jawz. Anonymaz and DJ Jawz along with their obvious talents on the decks share a love for hip hop beats. His style is unique and can be classified as primarily seductive Hip Hop, which he stylishly combines with Old-Skool breaks, Reggaeton and R&B sets to create a sexy ambiance during his sets. He has played opening sets for DJ’s such as Nutty Nys, Euphonic, Oskido, all from YFM, as well as club DJ’s such as Cleo, Fresh and Paul Almeida. In 2006 played at the Yfm SAMA after party alongside the likes of Mahoota, Tokzen, and Oskido. He has been given regular slots on the YFM playground show with Nutty Nys on Saturday nights. Among his biggest influence he sites DJ Roc Raida as one of his inspirations : his ability to balance the business and the creative side of the business is what inspires him the most. As a graduate from Wits University with majors on recording arts and media studies, Anonymaz seemingly applies these clearly defined management skills to his new career. And for many respected masters in the field it is this focus that differentiates Anonymaz in a very competitive industry.

Dj Milkshake

• “Milkshake brings all the girls to the party”: these are familiar sounds echoed around Jozi when this young man starts waving his musical WAND. DJ Milkshake, AKA Kagiso Mabelane, has become a household name in Jozi’s Entertainment Circles; DJ Milkshake is well known for his dynamic ability to seamlessly mix various genres of music with ease whilst entertaining multi-cultural crowds from different backgrounds. His entertainment ability has made him popular with diverse music lovers and party goers in and around Jozi. The Soweto born DJ Milkshake is well vexed with a wide variety of music and has been actively collecting different music from an early age. It was at college that he started a DJs Society which was found to be extremely appealing amongst fellow students. This is where he gained much of his knowledge and experience alongside popular big name DJs like 'DJ Fresh' and 'DJ Vinny Da Vinci' to mention a few. Through the society he became one of the favourites in all campus events and in the inner city night clubs. Mabelane grew his music collection when he focused his endeavors on various media and formats of music. DJ Milkshake’s love of music cultivated by his ambition to be the best entertainer saw him playing at social events (birthday, graduations and weddings). He’s continued to entertain at this level with much success. His biggest influences are : DJ Fresh, Kentphonik, DJ Naked, DJ Mr. Vince, DJ Dimplez, Jazzy Jeff, Quincy Jones and DJ Green Lantern. DJ Milkshake has made the following media appearances: • 2003: Metro FM, Zak Dakile’s and Penny Lebyane’s Live Open Mic Set show • 2003: “Kraze-E” Live on E-TV • 2006:Go-TV, Guest performer • 2004-2007: Metro FM on “Rhyme and Reason”, as resident mix show DJ (Saturdays from 6pm-10pm) • 2005 to current: Channel-O on “O-Boma”, live performances. • 2003 to current: Various guest appearances on YFM • 2007: DJ Fresh’s “Fresh Drive” (5FM), mix show DJ – Tuesdays 18H:00 2007: DJ Kamza’s “The Essence” (5 FM) - Guest performer • 2007: Official mix show DJ and gig guide on Channel-O radio. • 2007: Finalist on Go-TV, National DJ Competition DJ Milkshake has performed at numerous events including: • Grahamstown International Arts’ Festival PE • Royal Show PMB • Rand Show JHB • Ukhozi FM DBN • Ligwala Gwala FM MP • Smirnoff Spin • Camel • Axe • SABMiller • Hennessy • Jack Daniels • YFM • Metro FM • Keys JHB • Club 676 JHB • Squires JHB • Capitol JHB • The Palms JHB • Taboo JHB • Bar-9 JHB • Rhino Bar JHB • Monage - Bloemfontein • The Valve CPT • Dockside CPT • Exclusive Lounge PMB • Sky Bar DBN DJ Milkshake specialisies in live DJ entertainment. For bookings please call 082 884 3087.

Vinny Da Vinci

Vinny Da Vinci is one of the most important figures on the South African dance music scene, and he has helped galvanize deep club culture in his various capacities: As a partner in the inimitable House Afrika Records emporium and producer of many of their top-selling compilations including, 4 of the "House Afrika: Deep House Sounds" series, "What's Phatt Pussy Cat Vol.1", and the "Africanism Vol 1 and 2", all of which he mixed and compiled. Vol.3 was recently released at the beginning of June 2005. As a producer alongside longtime friend and partner DJ Christos, in the groundbreaking DJs At Work projects, as a deejay on the leading edge of deep and jazzy underground house scene. He was also co-owner of one of the best clubs in South Africa, Club Carnalita from 2000 until 2003. Vinny was raised in a musically inclined family in Atteridgeville and Mabopane, Pretoria. He got a feel for compiling and mixing while preparing tapes to play at house parties and school functions – these were engineered in a cut-and-paste manner, as he had no mixer. His deejaying career took a back seat after he matriculated and he had to work in a clothing store. But he developed an even keener interest in deejaying at a club called 'Ship Ahoy' in the late eighties. Vinny began investing in vinyl after watching the legendary DJ Correy from Atteridgeville blend records together on a pair of Technics turntables, and his break came when the resident DJ of another Mabopane club, Cherry's, failed to pitch up, and he was asked to stand in. He impressed the owners immensely and landed a residency. He soon quit his day job to become a full-time DJ. Vinny then did stints at the legendary 'Club Gemini', an institution that was instrumental in breaking music by the likes of Soul II Soul, Mr. Fingers and Frankie Knuckles in the townships. Gemini was the Pretoria club until 1992 when it closed. Cherry's wasn't far behind and shut its doors in 1993. Vinny's entire record collection (sans a box he’d packed for a gig) was apparently locked up in the store room after their closing weekend and later flogged at flea market by the unscrupulous owners. Many lesser talents would have thrown in the towel there and then, but Vinny persisted, borrowing records from friends until he got himself back on his feet. He struggled on and eventually secured a residency at The Arena in Hillbrow, Johannesburg in 1995.

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Woze Durban uzobona!! We have a couple of cool galleries we are busy uploading. DJ Tira gave us a very unique entertainment concept in Durban with the Tira Live concert. The turnout was cool but the venue was massive and possibly made the event seem emptier than it was. uVinnie da Vinci ebenza ezibukwayo eSkybarr on Friday night. He remains arguably the best DJ in SA. This coming weekend we look forward to the annual Soweto Beach Party. Spring is here baby. South Western Townships is the only place to be this coming weekend. Kuyafiwa. Adawise enjoy the site this week. Moja

top dog

Brickz: Es’tokfeleni
Brickz second offering is finally out! If my mind is serving me well, the follow up project should hav...

Battle Vir Woodstock 9, Durban

Battle Vir Woodstock 9, Durban Saturday (the 13th Oct 2007) we will be rocking the Battle Vir Woodstock at Burn Night Club. There are HUGE sponsors for this event like Converse, Durex, Music Connection, Cuervo and Authentic ideas and the promise of prizes to the first 200 peeps through the door.This is a huge contest so it will be kicking off rather early... Doors open at 18:30and the bands start at 21:00. Don't forget to bring your SHEEP DOWN flier. It is the one where Sheep Down is bigger than the rest. It will get you R10 discount at the door. Yes ten rand off the entrance! Forget the Sheep Down flier and no Discount! You will pay R30. Also by bringing the Sheep Down Flier will you will help us get a good slot on the line up. The way it works is the more Sheep Down fliers there are the later we play. So there is huge incentive to get in early... drink specials, free stuff, good music and if you like sports, they will be showing the rugby!There you go, no excuses be there, and don't forget your Sheep Down flier!

Mzekezeke takes his bow, the cult grows

THE period October-December is when there is most activity in the music industry, with almost every artist releasing an album in the race for that coveted Christmas Number 1.
Those with less conviction about the quality of their CDs have often delayed the release of their albums until January, fearing competition and being savaged by music critics -- every artist's nightmare believe me.
So that season is upon us. The old and new players in the industry have flooded record bars with all kinds of music -- all seeking your attention. With this column, we will take the burden of sampling every CD from our readers and tell you exactly who deserves your hard earned cash

Tempo Of house Music in Durbs

This week sees a smaller MIO edition than usual, because next weeks gonna be big. We know many of our readers are not only interested in South African music but also the process of actually making music and we’re gonna be taking a look at some of the music production courses available in SA. Watch this space.Last week we published an article on Pretoria House, and we received great feedback. This week we’re taking a look at another local urban music genre that’s set to make waves: Durban Kwaito Music. The sound marries the tempo and energy of House music with the lyrics and street-wise swagger of Kwaito. Big name DJs such as Black Coffee are championing the sound that was born in Durbs and is being spread throughout the nation.Laurie Levine is a singer-songwriter who has just release the beautiful album, ‘Unspoken’, received much airplay for the hit, ‘Up goes the gauge’ and has received a SAMA nomination for her winning style. She’s a musician who certainly understands the diversity of South Africa music and is the author of the recently published ‘The Drumcafe’s Traditional Music of South Africa’. Speaking of diverse music, this week sees two eagerly anticipated South African albums reviewed by the MIO team. Freshly Ground’s ‘Ma’Cheri’ is not so much a local album as it is international, and its great to have SA’s best loved band back with another amazing body of work. Brikz is also back, as many might already have heard with his recent hit, ‘Left Right’, but can he live up to his 2005/6 hit ‘Sweety Ma Baby’. Read our CD reviews to find out.