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Showing posts with label dj nwaiza. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dj nwaiza. Show all posts

Friday, September 5, 2008

Dj China

As some of you might know, Mbuso parted ways with SoulCandi and has established his own independent label, Phezulu Records. Starting afresh, House Kollectives mixed by DJ China is the first installment coming out of this independent label. Being so in touch with all the work that Mbuso has done in the past, my anticipation was overwhelming and I was convinced that this album was going to be the real Phezulu representative. But some of the songs proved to be otherwise! The first track, Double Trouble done by Bongani and Xolani Msongani is for me another re-produced Revolution song, The Anthem. Putting these two tracks on the play, I realized that both songs sound the same. The difference will be of course that the twins' song – ‘The Anthem' was released in 2004 and ‘Double Trouble' this year. As a result of this, I am disappointed that an independent label lead by Mbuso could simply allow itself to be associated with copycat songs. I don't know if it is a remix or new version of the old Zulu song ‘Bayethe' but nevertheless, the song was not done right. Again, ‘Rhythmic Motions' is another track that lacks the real feel, but what seems to be another problem in this song is the usage of the wrong instruments.Starting with ‘Pearl-Blackwhole' – track seven on the album, the producer did some real magic. As soon as the track opens, you can tell that it is one of those mellow songs that flows on the river banks. With the aggressive bassline, soft keyboards and percussion – this song is a good remedy for party goers! Ayoooo! Ong'ketsang… ‘Feelings' by Terrance Mathe promises to dis-prove those who undermine locally produced house. Though there's nothing much happening on the track, the very few instruments on play are solid. Again, I find this song unique because the producer played around with the beats in a very interesting style. Coming up with fire! ‘Dancing in China ' produced by Kentphonik, is a hit and is going to shine! Honestly I'm beginning to feel the presence of the Kenphonik team. The three boys are not making Mickey Mouse music and they seem to be on a mission to rule the local house scene. Hier die mense are just on the right track and I can tell that they're aiming high! With thirteen tracks, this release has nice and bad songs… Who knows, it might do well in the market.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

The winners in the Non-Broadcast Categories are...

Friday the 2nd of May at the 14th Annual MTN SA Music Awards was an occasion for invited guests and nominees in the Non-Broadcast categories to get together and celebrate the depth and diversity of local musical talent. Held in Sun City, it was an evening filled with vibrant performances, surprise winners and musical accolades. And as much as there was an incredible variety of music being recognised, there was a shared feeling that Mzansi’s musicians are creating world-class, original music, regardless of genre or style.
The evening kicked off with cocktails before guests were ushered into the ballroom for the awards ceremony. The awards were hosted by comedian, TV and radio personality Trevor Noah. Flautist Wouter Kellerman set the tone with a mesmerising performance. Then it was time to end the suspense and name some winners. A host of music industry players were recognised, from engineers and producers to a broad range of artists. Jeff Maluleke played an unplugged jazzy set in the middle of proceedings before Loyiso closed the affair with a powerful medley of his own music. But it didn’t end there. Guests were invited up to the Palace of the Lost City where they could attend one of four spectacular Star Parties, each featuring a different SAMA 14 nominee. Attendees could choose to party the night away to either Jimmy Dludlu, Camagwini, Flat Stanley or Slikour.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Will of Steel Productions

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) 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.Tel: +27 11 484 7263

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Married in The Summertime

17 April : Kwaito bad-boy wants to be good
Mavusana is giving up his unhealthy kwaito star ways for a life of wedded bliss and clean living with long time love and mother to his two children, Ouma Congolo. The singer will profess his eternal commitment to Congolo on his birthday, December 18 this year after lobolo has been paid and he’s bought the house they’ve eyed out for their new life together. The wedding is planned to take place in their new home.Sunday World reports that Mavusana, who embarrassed the music industry by performing at a festival in a state of undress four years ago, says plans to pay the dowry for Congolo are at an advanced stage.Congola, a committed Christian, has moved out of their shared home in Pretoria until the wedding saying that: “I want him to do the right thing (marry her first) before I move in with him.”

Thursday, April 10, 2008

King and Queen Of kwaito Buddies again

Kwaito king Arthur Mafokate has finally swallowed his pride and opened the doors of reconciliation to his former girlfriend, Afro-pop star Queen Sesoko. Sunday World has it on good authority that the former lovebirds are now on speaking terms. Sesoko is the mother of Mafokate’s daughter, Owami. But she was allegedly barred from visiting their child after she moved out of Mafokate’s mansion in Midrand after their love fizzled out. Sesoko confirmed on Friday that she and her former beau have made friends. She says: “I am happy that we’ve finally resolved our differences. We now talk almost daily about our daughter and her progress. “The fact that Arthur has poured his heart out and we have started afresh means a lot to me. I now understand what he went through. “I hope that Owami will soon be visiting me frequently.” Sesoko says she is tired of the negative coverage that she has been receiving in the media. “The media has portrayed me as a bad and irresponsible mother. “My daughter is growing up and people will tell her those things. ” Sesoko also revealed that she is releasing her new album, Sweet Little Things, with a new record company. And her first single Umafavuke will be sampled on radio stations next week. “I was never fired from my previous record company but I resigned in January this year because I wasn’t happy with some things I won’t mention. “But at the same time I needed a fresh start.” Sesoko says she is excited about her new album and she hopes to reclaim her crown in the music industry. “It’s a dance album and has something new. I know people will enjoy it,” she adds. Mafokate confirms he and his ex are now talking more than before. He says: “We are now talking for our daughter’s sake.” The self-proclaimed king of kwaito adds that he is excited that Sesoko has a new album. He says: “I know she is a strong person with great talent. “She is here to stay, despite what she has gone through in her life.”

Friday, March 14, 2008

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!!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Stars of mzansi


Wow, the first month of the year is almost over and it's only now that I'm getting a topic I'm excited enough to write about. AWARDS, CELEBRITIES, AWARDS, MZANSI....it don't get better than THAT!

Alright South Africa, we have been forwarded the list of the first ever Stars Of Mzansi Awards, which aims to highlight the creme de la creme in South Africa’s Egoliwood.
One thing you’ll notice on the list is that its full of SABC actors and DJs, and our sources tell us that Primedia and E-TV wants to pull out their stars out of the awards.
The Awards will be held at the State Theatre, Pretoria on the 29th of February. They will be brodcast live on SABC 20h30.Here’s the list:

Mzansi Sports Star
Bryan Habana,Makhaya Ntini,Teko Modise and Benni McCarthy
Mzansi Star Actress
Nthati Moshesh,Brenda Ngxoli,Ashley Callie and Lucia Mthiyane
Mzansi Star Actor
Menzi Ngubane,Robert Whitehead,Sello Maake Ka Ncube and Zane Meas
Mzansi Club DJ Star
Tira,Roger Goode,DJ Fistaz and Ryan Dent
Mzansi Star TV Presenter
Nicky Greenwall,Jeannie D,Kabelo Ngakane and Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu
Mzansi Star Comedian
David Kau,Loyiso Gola, Marc Lottering and Krijay Govender
Mzansi Star Fashion
David Tlale,Asanda Madyibi,Marianne Fassler and Gavin Rajah
Mzansi Star Radio
Breakfast With Thomas on Metro FM,The Rude Awakening With Jeremy Mansfield,Ezasekseni Breakfast Show with DJ Sbu and Gareth Cliff - 5FM Mornings
Mzansi Star TV Show
Isidingo,Generations,Carte Blanche and Zola 7
Mzansi Star Music
Hip Hop Pantsula,Karen Zoid,Freshlyground and Lira

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Andile Ncube's new CD

In the beginning SABC created ONE and gave it multiple presenters. And the SHOW was without form, and void; and boredom was at the face of each viewer. And the weeping of the viewers moved upon the ears of the producers. And a voice said, “Let there be light” and there was ANDILE!
No, you’re not reading Genesis, Chapter 1; just Chapter 1 of my interview with Andile Ncube. Yes, the same one who has as much grandmas in his admirers list, as he does young chicks. The mama’s want him as their son in law, the chickitas want him as their baby daddy and the brothas want him as their adviser. They want to know how he does it. “How does he exude so much respect and yet look so sexy?” “How does he manage to keep the fun loving youth of Mzansi sitting down for a full hour on a Friday NITE?” How does he do it? They wanted to know and my mission was to find out. This is only Part 1 of what will most probably be, your first real look into The Man That Is Andile Ncube: I know that the day I went to meet Andile was one of my luckiest days because so many wonderful things happened to me throughout that day and the first thing that I saw when I got to Urban Brew to see him, con
firmed that the day was gonna end exactly as it started. Knowing Mzansi celebs (Khanyi & Kelly excluded), I had been stressing about the possibility that he may not want to talk openly about his “affair” with “Kenneth Mashaba’s wife” and that was one of the things I wanted him to talk about SO.....the sight of the petite beauty dropping him off in a snazzy black Beemer as I drove in, was definitely one of the highlights of my evening. I was like “Ya! Ndanibhaqa!” (Gotcha!) Ag shame, I should not have stressed. He is anything but secretive about his love for the talented actress.