Thursday, November 01, 2007
Chris Chameleon's Flight of an Extraordinary Alien
I am very excited! I have just received a copy of Chris Chameleon’s newest DVD – “Flight of an Extraordinary Alien” – released by Rhythm Records and distributed by Select Music Distribution… and it is awesome!Chris Chameleon who has always been one of Peak’s favourite artists, appeared at Mercury lounge on Thursday the 11th of last month, and the Peak’ers went off to enjoy some of his SAMA winning tracks with about 120 other eager fans. That’s because we couldn’t make the show that was recorded for the DVD, that was filmed on the 2nd of March this year in Stellenbosch. There were over 1000 fans there for the recording, and apart from a really top-notch production, I can see that it was a highlight in Chris’ performing career. He was enjoying himself!
His show, in English, but also in his language of choice, Afrikaans, was frikken awesome, real cross-over stuff, with him even bringing out some of that old alien material that made Boo! such a big name with the reworked track OOAA! I thoroughly enjoyed it!From the moment he steps on the dimly lit stage; I knew I was in the personal space of the man, Chris Chameleon. Yes, his band was in full swing too, with Warren Leicher on Bass with Kevin (not brothers) Leicher on lead and Duncan Shelwell on drums, but it is the changing colours of the man that holds us mesmerized.
He was at the centre of my stage, to take me on a journey through his songs, and his world.
He sashay’s and minces; he mimics all the expressions he feels inside; bare-chested and almost exposing his inner self, to us, out there in the darkness.
the trick is in the hips in the licking of the lips
tricks that twist the wrists
wrists of my will to resist
surrender is bliss
(Paragraph four from the track Loving Fool, off the album Shine)
My girls tell me he’s sexy… honestly, their words. And, well, I suppose I have to admit that he is. Or to put it more professionally, he knows how work his audience well!
Even the eldest member of the audience at the Mercury Lounge, 85-year old (Ouma) Mrs Joyce Wait, who after the show walked all the way back up two flights of stairs to go and get a drukkie (that’s a hug to my foreign friends) and meet Chris Chameleon – thoroughly enjoyed the show! Her granddaughter, Monica, told us that it was her first ever Rock concert, and that she didn’t want to wash the stamp off her arm till she had shown her daughter! The press release for the new DVD, “Flight of an Extraordinary Alien”, says, ”Chris performed tracks from his first solo English album “Shine”, tracks from his Ingrid Jonker album “Ek herhaal jou” and a special version of popular Boo! song OOAA. Fans of “Ek herhaal jou”, will be pleasantly surprised by the new rock versions of songs “Korreltjie Sand, Pop val Stukkend” and “Opdrag Dwaling.”
“Shine”, an album loaded with power and passion, produced various singles on national commercial radio stations and was nominated for a SAMA 2007 for ‘Best Alternative Album’.” - and live, I can only say its all good! Chris is currently overseas to perform 25 shows in 6 weeks in the Benelux countries, as well as 3 shows in London. And they are lapping up his music; Mirjam Adriaans for the Folkforum Festival in the Netherlands said that Chris was the surprise of the festival when he appeared there in August – just him and his guitar on stage – I can imagine they were blown away.
Strangely, after his show, I don’t miss Boo! so much any more. The sound is still alive is his show, it’s just become more mature.
But I would say, go and get the DVD “Flight of an Extraordinary Alien” – this is a hot example of what South Africa can do, never mind the fact that it’s another Chris Chameleon classic!
17h10 UPDATE: I forgot... apologies - I have the press release for all the Chris Chameleon shows in November, including the three in London - so I think its best that I put it out as is - just so I dont get anything wrong!
Chris Chameleon will be touring the Benelux with popular Dutch band SPINVIS from 19 October to 28 November. Chris has been to the Netherlands often in the past few years to perform at selected venues and festivals. His phenomenal solo performances have gained him many fans in Europe and at a recent festival in Folkwoods, Eindhoven, a Dutch publication wrote that “Chris Chameleon was the surprise of the festival.”
There are also three shows scheduled in London from 19 to 21 November: Chris will perform two solo shows and one show with a band.
In August 2007 Chris signed a contract with Excelsior Recordings in the Netherlands for the distribution and marketing of his new Afrikaans album “EK VIR JOU”. The fact that Chris will have a physical presence on stages in the Benelux during the next 6 weeks, together with the infrastructure in place with regards to marketing and distribution, makes it certain that this upcoming tour has everything in place to maximise the potential for Chris`s success in Europe.
Executive Director Ferry Roseboom says that Excelsior Recordings is very happy with having signed Chris Chameleon. “ We recognize the immense talent of this man and we are proud to be able to bring his work to the audiences in the Lowlands.”
With Excelsior Recordings on his side, rave reviews and a growing fanbase in the Netherlands, Chris Chameleon is set to be a pioneering force for South African music in the Benelux countries.
01.11.2007 Het Varken – Edegem (Antwerpen) B Solo show
02.11.2007 Theater De Maaspoort - Venlo NL (Support Spinvis)
03.11.2007 Theater aan de Parade - Den Bosch NL (Support Spinvis)
04.11.2007 De Kleine Komedie – Amsterdam NL (Support Spinvis)
05.11.2007 De Kleine Komedie – Amsterdam NL (Support Spinvis)
07.11.2007 – Utrecht NL Solo show
08.11.2007 De Meenthe – Steenwijk NL (Support Spinvis)
09.11.2007 Schouwburg De Kring – Roosendaal NL (Support Spinvis)
11.11.2007 Frowijn – Nijmegen NL Solo show
14.11.2007 Theater Junushoff – Wageningen NL (Support Spinvis)
15.11.2007 Stadsgehoorzaal Vlaardingen – Vlaardingen NL (Support Spinvis)
17.11.2007 Philharmonie – Haarlem NL (Support Spinvis)
18.11.2007 De Kobbe – Mortsel B (10.30 uur) Solo show
18.11.2007 Effenaar – Eindhoven NL Solo show
19.11.2007 Aardvark – London, UK Solo show
20.11.2007 Aardvark – London, UK Solo show
21.11.2007 Halfmoon – Putney, London, UK BAND show (only one in Europe!!!)
23.11.2007 Agora – Lelystad NL (Support Spinvis)
24.11.2007 Theater in de Muze – Noordwijk NL (Support Spinvis)
25.11.2007 Musicon – Den Haag NL Solo show
27.11.2007 Theater de Mythe – Goes NL (Support Spinvis)
28.11.2007 Schouwburg Amstelveen – Amstelveen NL (Support Spinvis)
Labels: Afrikaans, Boo, Chris Chameleon, English, music, SAMA, Shine
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Lark owes me a butt-kick
I want to tell you about what a ‘poephol’ I made of myself the other day, with Lark, our newest SAMA winners of Best Alternative Album for Razbliuto, the funky electronic organic fusion album that’s causing major waves. We were caught up in the frenzy of production for the SNG Peace Breaker launch, and we toying with groups to support the Nudies – when I suddenly thought about Lark!Lark, as you may already know, has been around for a few years. They’re a young, dynamic mix of artists that fuse a multitude of instruments and disciplines to dramatic effect. I first heard about them through Anton Ressel, a founder of the very cool Streetwires, who is the brother of Paul Ressel, and who I also happened to go to school with. I had done some research, & made contact, but sometimes it takes time to meet.
So I shouted to Denise to call Anton the other day, to get Paul's number to ask them if they would like to open for the Nudies at the Tafelberg Tavern? I explained to him who I am (I’m starting to sound like a bit of an ‘ou man’ now), and then Paul very graciously declined, explaining that they were going to be in Sun City on Friday, and so they wouldn’t be able to – though they would have enjoyed it!And then on Monday I realized what I had done, when I presented the 2007 SAMA winners on my own blog…
Damn… I couldn’t believe that I had been such a poephol!I wrote to them immediately, apologizing, knee’s getting indented by little stones in the dirt, and they forgave me. And told me they had sent their latest DVD and CD (SAMA winner!!) in the post. (Jasper suggested I needed my bum kicked... and Kai showed how)
I’m happy. They are VERY happy. And so to make you happy – here’s their most awesome video – Moonlight, from the award winning album Razbliuto – which was also rated as Best Video of All Time on MK89… See for yourself…
Labels: cape town, electronica, fusion, Lark, music, SAMA
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Vusi Mahlasela conquers USA
To my small contingent of American friends (want hierdie blok is meestal vir Suid Afrikaaners wat nie ‘Bos’ befok is nie, en ek praat nie van die Knysna bos nie - ok ok ok in English – South Africa has stunning nature, with lovely forests!) I would like to warn you of our newest South African Music Award winner Vusi Mahlasela (Best Solo Male Artist) whose May dates have just been confirmed.If you haven’t heard Vusi before, you have a spot in your brain that is still empty and waiting for the beautiful music that has made him this year’s top dog!
Vusi will be back on tour in the USA starting May 5. The tour kicks off at the Co-Existence Festival in New Brunswick, NJ.
05/05/07 New Brunswick, NJ Co-Existence Festival
05/06/07 Northampton, MA The Iron Horse
05/09/07 New York, NY Sounds of Brazil
05/10/07 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head Live
05/12/07 Jamestown, VA America's 400th Anniversary Celebration
05/13/07 Charlottesville, VA Starr Hill
(If you're a USA'er) Tune into your local NPR station Monday, April 16th to listen to Vusi on Morning Edition. Please visit www.npr.org to listen online or to find your local station. (Vusi's segment will be in the second half of the program and will also be archived online.) Vusi chats with Renee Montagne about his new album, Guiding Star, and discusses his upbringing in South Africa and his role in the struggle against Apartheid.Then, all my friends in Europe, these are the dates that have been confirmed so far! If you can’t be there yourself, I am sure you know someone who knows someone who will want to be there, so here are the dates:
05/16/07 Angouleme, France Musiques Metisses
05/17/07 Coutances, France Jazz Sous Les Pommiers
05/19/07 Lisboa, Portugal Casa de Musica
05/21/07 San Sebastian, Spain City Festival
Go Vusi! Another Proudly South African export!
Labels: Europe, SAMA, tour, USA, vusi mahlasela, world music
Chris Chameleon Shines!
“Chris Chameleon is just a super-cool guy” swooned Denise; “Oh he is just lovely”, said Wendy; while Lenny had to just confide in him that “Boo was one of the best things to ever come out of South Africa!”, and Chris had to agree. And then they babbled away in Dutch for the next 15 minutes. All the girls are smitten!The girls pounced on him when he arrived at the SNG Peace Breaker launch last Friday, and 20 minutes later Arno was shouting out that he had just won his South African Music Award for 7de Hemel, in the Best Adult Contemporary Afrikaans category.
Chris is really an artist who has embraced his talent and given himself the freedom to create, whether through circumstances or his own choice is not important, but few artists have straddled such vastly different styles as Mr. Chameleon. Whatever the style, his colours blend beautifully.After the national & international success of BOO, he has earned the highest award for his Afrikaans contribution to our CD rack with 7de Hemel, while Shine brings out an alternative rock style that caters to us Engelsmanne!
Chris Chameleon is also one of our most difficult artists to secure bookings for – most enquirers don’t realize that he is one Peak’s busiest artists, and is booked months and months in advance! Isn’t that a wonderful sign of how healthy South African music is?
But Chris was at the SNG launch as a fan! He gave us a wonderful shout-out – I’ve heard – but the cam somehow slipped onto memory instead of camera, and so I only got a snippet…Bribing him with a SNG t-shirt to get this was all we had to do – now I wonder what he’ll want for another take…
I hope it’s not my girls…
I suspect I’d be left with a whirlwind of paperwork in an empty office (and the neighbours do so hate wheel-spins in the driveway!)…
So here is a much shortened shout-out from the Man, with a snippet of the track Nothing from his latest album Shine (RR070).
Ahhh - but I couldn't just leave you with that! So here is a vid I found some time ago of Chris recording Op Die Vootpad, with clips from Vyf Lewens, Fragment and Lied van die Lappop from the album Ek herhaal jou, in studio. Enjoy!
Labels: Chris Chameleon, music, SAMA, shout-out
Monday, April 16, 2007
2007 SAMA winners & controversey
The week has started with South Africa’s newest SAMA winners still glowing in their glory! The nation’s 13th annual music awards ceremony, held at the Sun City Superbowl on Friday & Saturday night, has provided us with some new names to focus on in the future, while also reconfirming that some of our biggest stars, are still stars! But nothing without a little bit of controversy…I read through numerous online reports, & even 4 papers yesterday; the Sunday Times, The Sunday Independent, The Sunday Weekend Argus & City Press; just trying to find a full list of the winners, but each place I went to just highlighted their own readers presumed preferences. How are we supposed to hear about all the winners if we don’t read about them? How do you cross language barriers if not through music, and learning who is singing what?
The controversy stems from the article in the City Press, written by Japhet Ncube & Cecil Motsepe, who were at the event at the Sun City Superbowl. Their headline reads ‘Dana crowned queen of SA Music’ with the by-line ‘But drama and controversy plague ‘rigged’ music awards’.
“Controversy, drama and rumours that the event was rigged could spoil what turned out to be Simphiwe Dana’s night to shine.” And the article carries on mostly using words like ‘incredibly talented singer controversially crowned’, and about Best Newcomer award winner Siphokazi, who was nominated for 5 awards, being ‘robbed’ of the Best Female Artist award because there is doubt over the juries selection process.Nothing constructive was offered, or any direct accusation made against the awards process, to which the organizers can answer. Is this responsible reporting? Or do I smell vrot grapes? (Am sure Jon Cherry from the SA Blog Awards knows this feeling!)
I am very pleased with this years winners, as most of the artists I focused on in my ‘South Africans shining all over the world’ post are artists that we love to promote, and were happy winners on the night. And rightfully so!
snatched the Best Group/Duo award from We are so chuffed that Moreira & Mark Fransman picked up the Best Producer Award; and who can deny the talent of Chris Chameleon for Best Adult Contemporary in Afrikaans; while City Press bitch that MafikizoloTrompies and Shwi Nomtekhala (Best Selling Album), who Ncube & Motsepe say should have at least taken it home.The journo’s say that many of the judges are hand-picked by the organizers (tjommies?), and that some of them moonlight by writing artists profiles and press releases for the record labels (back-handers?), which must prejudice them. Some of the judges have not even written about the music industry in a number of years; which is a worrying factor, because even I would then be a better judge of what’s going on out there!
I just find it slapgat that this information is not highlighted & bitched about prior to the event, as there is really no need to piddle on the fireworks that some very deserved artists have happening inside their heads!
Let’s celebrate the music, encourage audiences to support and nurture that many talented people we have in South Africa, and be professional about how we assess success. Pointing fingers should be done at the right time, and in the right face – the artists, nominated or winning, have no control over the awards – they just want to do what they do best!So we would like to wish all the winners of this years South African Music Awards our heartiest congratulations, and to the runners up – there is always next year!
For a FULL list of the winners – please feel free to scroll down… Because I want you to know more!
Best Solo Male Artist: Vusi Mahlasela for Naledi Ya TselaBest Female Solo Artist: Simphiwe Dana for One Love movement on Bantu Biko Street (hopefully Gallo will be able to afford to update her website now…)
Best Duo/Group: Mafikizolo for Six Mabone
Best Selling Album: Shwi Nomtekhala
Album of the Year: Simphiwe Dana for One Love movement on Bantu Biko Street
Best Producer : Moreiera Chonguica & Mark Fransman for Moreira Chongiuca & the Moreira Project
Best Engineer: Lloyd Ross for Vusi Mahlasela
Best Compilation DVD (Single Artist): Mafikizolo for The Hits
Best Live DVD: Soweto Gospel Choir for Blessed Live in Concert
Best Music Video: Lara Hollis for Lira
Best Kwaito: Kabelo for Exodus
Best Rap: Flabba (from Skwatta Kamp) for Nkuli vs Flabba
Best R&B/Soul: Claire Phillips for Say My Name
Best urban Dance: DJ Cleo for Eskhaleni Zone 3
Best Afrikaans Dance: Kurt Darren for Lekker Lekker
Best Urban Pop: Lesego for Mymusic
Best Pop (African): Mafikizolo for Six Mabone
Best Pop (Afrikaans): Eden for Eden
Best Pop (English): Danny K for This is my time
Best Alternative: Lark for Razbliuto
Best Rock (Afrikaans): Fokofpolisiekar for Swansong
Best Rock (English): Cassestte for Welcome Back to Earth
Best Country: Fredi Nest for Hey DJ
Best Kiddies Afrikaans: Steve Hofmeyr for Laaitjies & Ladies
Pop/Rock Gospel: Mic for Snapshot
Traditional African Accapella Gospel: Thulani Manana for Impi Kasathane
African Traditional Gospel: Jabu & Sipho for Esphambonweni (Send Your Fire)
African Contemporary Gospel: Rebecca for Umthombo
Best Urban Gospel: Redeemed for Live in Soweto
Best Adult Contemporary - African: Siphokazi for Ubunu Bam
Best Adult Contemporary – Afrikaans: Chris Chameleon for 7de Hemel
Best Adult Contemporary – English: Johnny Clegg for One Life
Vocal Jazz: Simphiwe Dana for One Love movement on Bantu Biko Street
Instrumental Jazz: Bheki Khosa for Getting to Heaven Alive
Contemporary Jazz: Simphiwe Dana for One Love movement on Bantu Biko Street
Best Instrumental: Paul Hammer for Accused #1 Nelson Mandela
Best Traditional Accapella: Colenso Abafana Benkokhelo for Induku
Best Maskanda: Shwi Nomtekhala for Angimazi Ubaba
Best Mbhaqanga: Bhekumuzi Luthuli for Inkinga Ngu R7
Best Tsonga: MD Shirinda for Gama Ranshele
Best Afrikaans Traditional: Klipwerf for Hantam Kwela
Labels: controversey, SAMA, Simphiwe Dana, vusi mahlasela
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Kurt Darren & DJ Sbu showdown!
The day before a major launch like we have planned for tomorrow night, things get pretty hectic in the office! Sponsors calling to try and get extra tickets, interviews being planned (Arno will be on Maties FM from 16h30 – 17h00 & on UCT Radio from 19h30 – 20h00) and juggled around last minute rehearsals and just a general pandemonium – which is exactly what you need for it all to fall into place on the day.I spent the morning yesterday filming many of our artists who were part of a circus show currently being hosted at Bayside Centre in Table View. Aerial acts, clowns that juggle, acrobats, an escape show, uni-cyclists, knife-throwing, etc – if your kids have nothing to do this Saturday, go and check it out – it is really cool.
I was standing high up on the staircase, to be able to film from above, and had a few teenagers standing near me; the ones that are still in a pretty geeky stage of their lives, when they aren’t sure is they are coming or going, and they don’t really find anything cool – these guys were hosing themselves at all the slapstick and subtle jokes that go over the kids heads… So I feel it was mission accomplished.Musically, we are all preparing ourselves for the South African Music Awards that are happening on Saturday. It is really the highlight of the year; when musicians get official recognition for all the hard slog that they have put into their creations…
And competition for the top-spot is getting tight! Song of the year… will it go to Bok van Blerk’s Afrikaaner heart-wrenching De la Rey? And what about the very mellow What he means from Just Jinjer? Or the ‘balle tussen jou bene’ Leeuloop by Robbie Wessels? I can’t answer. But I know that Kurt Darren (Lekker Lekker) and DJ Sbu (Remember when it rained) took things to the streets the other day in a bitch-slapping-testosterone-fueled challenge… check it out…
Hope your day is just great!
Labels: circus, SAMA, sng arno carstens peacebreaker
End of Fokofpolisiekar?
News has just come in that Fokofpolisiekar’s (For the English readers: Fokofpolisiekar basically means Go away way police car translated nicely…) front man Francois van Coke is going on a national tour (jus NOT Cape Town!) playing his own material. He’s going to be joined by joined by lead guitarist Laudo Liebenberg…I read at Makesomenoise that he was touring as the VAN COKE KARTEL with Fokof Bassist Wynand Myburgh… but then the Laudo confirmation is from the horse’s mouth, so you better believe it!
Fokof had a hectic year in 2006, that saw they reaping awards; MK89 Best Band Award; 2 Blunt Best Album Awards for Swansong & Best Live Act; there is a possible SAMA for Best Afrikaans Rock Album; Swansong was the first Afrikaans track to reach 5fm’s # 1 shpot!
Hmmm… I wonder this means? Is this the break up of Fokof, now that Francois is touring? Is there confusion in the ranks? Even SAMusicblog was worried… ‘twould be donnerse shame!
4.16.07 Tings 'n Times, Pretoria4.17.07 Cafe Barcelona, Elarduspark. Pretoria
4.18.07 Back2Basix, Mellville. JHB with Warren Snaith (Soulja)
4.19.07 Steak 'n Ale, Pretoria
4.20.07 Hi-Flyerz, Boksburg. JHB FREE SHOW!!!
4.21.07 Maloneys, Roodepoort
4.23.07 Maloneys, Hatfield Pretoria
4.24.07 Waenhuis Theatre, Bethlehem
4.25.07 Mystic Boer, Bloemfontein
4.26.07 Stones, George
4.28.07 Corner Bar, Durbanville
07/04/14 UPDATE: A Best Rock in Afrikaans South African Music Award for Swansong, let's hope that this is enough of a sign to the guys that the formula is right, and that awards are meant to be collected! So congrat's guys! And keep them coming!
Labels: fokofpolisiekar, Francois van Coke, music, SAMA, tour
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
It's a SA music week!
Wow – it feels great to be revived and ready for the week ahead after a nice relaxing long weekend! And we’re going to be needing lots of energy with the Cape Town launch of the new Springbok Nude Girls album, Peace Breaker, happening at the Tafelberg Tavern on Friday night!There is so much work that gets put into a gig like this; months of behind the scenes stuff that the audience never knows about!
Len & Denise from our side, with Shelly Coetzee, Melanie (Carstens) & Mel’s mom Arlene Machattie from Arno's side have spent hours of talk-time and forests of email planning & preparing, then its over before you know it!Sitting in a brightly lit venue after the show; once the crowds have sung their way down the road, and the clean-up has to start, you're left feeling drained & elated at the same time. The music & the energy from the audience pulls you through to that point; seeing the pleasure and blood-pumping appreciation during the show, making one feel very proud to be a part of South African music.
The S.A.M.A's are on Saturday; creating new stars, celebrating old stars and hosting a great party I am sure. There are a few artists I am keeping an eye on, and so I will be doing some build-up features before we get there.
So I think its apt that I share a shout-out from one of the nurturers of our traditional music; music from the roots of this country; that real music that is the foundation of all our rhythm. Mzwandile Qotoyi, the oldest (and I say that in the nicest possible way MZ!) founding member of Amampondo, knows about taking the past into the future, as can be heard by the kick-ass sound clip, Hule Lam, by Juno Reactor & Amampondo I’ve included in it.I’ll be filming something special tomorrow – for you, all my Peakers – another exclusive shout-out by a way cool dude whose passion I want to share with you – so watch this space!
(Rouvanne shouts-out) HAVE AN AWESOME WEEK!
Labels: Amampondo, music, SAMA, Springbok N*de Girls
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
South Africans shining all over the world!
Chris Gayle was the first cricketer to lose his wicket at the 2007 Cricket World Cup being played in the West Indies – we especially installed a television in our office so that Denise and I can keep up to date with all the cricket, rugby and of course MK 89 (our MTV in Afrikaans) – well, that was my excuse anyway!Go Protea’s!!! Go South Africa! (And go Jacques Kallis! Let's hope that his recent announcement of a new love in his life, Sharmone Jardim, is going to make him want to bat and bowl like a demon!)
Then, this weekend saw the 2007 South African Music Awards nominee’s being announced, and it looks like another great mixed bag of pap, wors, scones and chilli's!
Here are the nominee’s that we have been working with of late:Simphiwe Dana - The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street for Best Female Artist, Album of the Year, Best Contemporary Jazz Album, Best Vocal Jazz Album and Best Producer for Bheki Khoza for the album.
Vusi Mahlasela - Naledi Ya Tsela for Best Male Artist, Album of the Year, Best Adult Contemporary Album : African
Mafikizolo - Six Mabone for Best Duo/Group, Best Adult Contemporary Album : African, Best Pop Album : African, Best Compilation DVD for The Hits.
The Moreira Project - The Journey Vol 1 for Best Instrumental Album, Best Contemporary Jazz Album, Moreira Chonguica and Mark Fransmar (The Moreira Project - The Journey Vol 1) for Best Producer.
DNA Strings - Live in Cape Town for Best Instrumental Album; Johnny Clegg - One Life for Best Adult Contemporary Album : English; Just Jinjer - Just Jinjer for Best Adult Contemporary Album : English and Best Rock Album : English; Chris Chameleon - 7de Hemel for Best Adult Contemporary Album and Afrikaans Best Alternative Music Album for Shine; and Kurt Darren - Lekker Lekker for Best Adult Contemporary Album : Afrikaans, Best Pop Album : Afrikaans, Best Dance Album : AfrikaansThen there is Amanda Luyt - Deel van my for Best Adult Contemporary Album : Afrikaans; Rebecca – Umthombo for Best African Contemporary Gospel Album; Steve Hofmeyr - Laaities & Ladies for Best Kiddies Album: Afrikaans (and he is a SA Blog finalist... see the circles I keep!); Fredi Nest - Hey DJ for Best Kiddies Album: Afrikaans; and it's great to see Fokofpolisiekar – Swanesang for Best Rock Album : Afrikaans
Wonderboom - City of Gold for Best Rock Album : English; Danny K - This is my Time for Best Pop Album : English and Best R&B/Soul Album; Amor Vittone - Voluit for Best Pop Album : Afrikaans; David Fourie - Kom hier na my toe for Best Dance Album : Afrikaans; and because we don't like to compartamentalise, Shana - Iyo Londaba and Dj Cleo - Eskhaleni Zone 3 for Best Urban Dance Album.
We are very excited (especially Angie) that Best Live DVD sees 1st Project - Play it to Break it (who were ALSO at the opening ceremony of the ICC World Cup in Jamaica, but credited as the Drum Cafe... tut tut) is in the running against Ringo - Ringo Live 2, Hugh Masekela - Live at the Market Theatre and Nicholis Louw - Rock Daai Lyfie Live.Best Compilation DVD also for Ringo - Love Songs and Oliver Mtukudzi – Wonai, while Ringo was also nominated for Best Producer for Ringo - Ndim Lo.
Many of MELT's videos were made by Best Music Video nominee Lianne Cox with the late Lebo's Brand New Day chosen.
For a full listing of all the 2007 South African Music Awards nominee’s, please click here!
Finally, although I must admit that I haven’t heard of them before, Gospel musics Dove Awards, are happening on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 in Nashville, Tennessee USA. Di Rosen Productions from Cape Town has been nominated in the category Long Form Music Video of the Year: Alive In South Africa; Israel & New Breed; Israel Houghton; Integrity Music… pretty cool if you ask me…
It is definitely inspiring. Inspiring because its a time when the youth get lots of exposure of their idols, and hopefully those idols appreciate this power.Last week I was at Dizu Plaatjies house, with my Dutch family and Pops Mohamed (left). That's where I got to see how much power a mentor has; younger kids would arrive at his rehearsal room at the back of his house, pick out what ever instrument they could find, and play their hearts out! They had been inspired.
Later on the adults would arrive, all students of Dizu’s traditional & cultural lessons, and show the younger ones how music is really made. It's all part of the process. The young ones looking up at the older more experienced ones, hoping that they too will one day be able to play with such ease and rhythm; hoping to be up there some day. Watch the progression...
Winning awards, or just being recognised for the efforts and passion that you put into your work; we all live in hope of that. So make sure you inspire someone today, tomorrow, when-ever, and let's support those who inspire us!
Labels: 1st project, Chris Chameleon, Dizu Plaatjies, fokofpolisiekar, Lebo Mathosa, Moreira Project, Oliver Mtukudzi, Pops Mohamed, SAMA, Simphiwe Dana, vusi mahlasela
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Mandoza - Nkalakatha
One of South Africa’s top and most successful cross-over artists to appeal to both English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa and probably all the rest of our 11 official languages, has to be Mr. Kwaito – Mandoza.Sol Kerzner got us to secure South African Music Award winner Mandoza as a surprise gift to his staff at his Klein Leeukoppie Estate family home, in Hout Bay, on New Years Eve 2005. Nestled on the slopes of the mountain, over-looking the valley, the Kerzners had invited some 500 people (I have never witnessed so much silicone before) and everyone was taking full advantage of the free bar and food – after all, it was New Years Eve.
When we first met Mandoza in the car-park, he street-hit Lenny with some totally incomprehensible kind of greeting, that if you do not come from the streets of Soweto or, just plain and simple, are white, you have no chance of understanding. So we just smiled and led him to his dressing room.
Despite some of the bad press he has received in the past, the Mandoza we saw was an awesome person to work with, and I admired how he handled the people around him.
Some of the staff had lined up on the side of the path to his dressing room, wanting autographs, pictures on their cellphones with him, and all along he obliged, giving each person a little personal attention.Even when things were abit delayed at the start of his show; we had to find Sol to personally announce his gift to his staff, Mandoza was ever the cool-cat and took everything in his stride.
Up on stage, he was just magnificent! With his hits like Nkalakatha, Tornado and 50/50 blasting out over this mostly white audience, who were packed around the stage, he brought such a real energy to the party. And it was a once in a life time chance to see jewel-bedecked prim and proper ladies kick off their high-heels to boogy on down with the Mama’s from the cleaning & ground staff, in honour of all Mama’s in South Africa.
Later on in the early morning I introduced Mandoza to Sol, and they were both raving to each other about how much they had heard of each other… so I quietly slipped away and had my first peaceful drink of 2006… satisfied with another job well done!
Nkalakatha (2001 Song of the Year and SAMA winner for Best Album) was one of the tracks that we heard played at every single ABSA and Engen athletics event held around the country; in small boere towns, to rural townships hidden on the maps of SA, to universities and school campus’s to every major stadium event hosting rugby or soccer. And even though I heard it mostly through the head of ABSA Ant (pictured right in full celebration!) or Chick-E – the beat always got my feet shuffling!A funky song I would say! And we're looking forward to more in the future!
Oh, and just a small reminder...
21h07 UPDATE: As fate would have it - I have just received news that Mandoza is going to be appearing in Australia on the following dates:
30 March @ The Convention Centre, Perth
31 March @ The Fitzroy Town Hall, Melbourne
01 April @ The Metro Theatre, Sydney
See come on expats - here is an excellent chance to see the man in action!
Labels: ABSA, Engen, kwaito, Mandoza, music, Nkalakatha, SAMA, Sol Kersner, Tornado
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The Springbok Nude Girls new release!
Denise is always feeding me interesting articles that she comes across, both online and in the normal press. So this morning I found a copy of Februaries Glamour Magazine on my desk, with an interview with Arno Carstens about the resurgence of the Springbok N*de Girls!I am not going to reword the article, as I didn’t find it that interesting, but it did get me thinking about how cool it is that the N*de Girls are back at it again. Definitely one of South Africa’s biggest Rock ‘n’ Roll bands, these 30-something-year olds are going to be giving us a much more mature look at the kind of music they can make together.
The Springbok N*de Girls, with Arno Carstens (vox), Theo Crous (guitars), Adriaan Brand (keyboards / trumpet), Arno Blumer (bass) & Francious Kruger (drums), started performing live again at the end of last year, and I have been told that they are to release a brand new album titled Peace Breaker, through SonyBMG, early this year.
It’s the first time the original line up has been together in 5 years, and they started their new presence with a headline performance at the MTV Alert event at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, in Johannesburg in September, 2006., and they then played two headline shows at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire (with Prime Circle and The Parlotones) in November 2006.Together, Arno and the N*de Girls are just magic! As a solo artist, and as the lead man for the group, he has gone platinum 4 times, he’s had 9 number 1 hit singles, won 5 SAMA’s for Best Albums – and in our local industry – that is something impressive.
07/02/22 UPDATE: Vote for Springbok N*de Girls new single “Illuminate” on the Hi 5 @ 5 by sms'ing Hi5 SNG Illuminate to 33345
07/04/09 UPDATE: We have heard that the first concert on the Peace Breaker tour was a great success, and that the Nudies had a hellova show! Now for Cape Town, @ the Tafelberg Tavern, Friday 13 April! Tickets at Computicket!
Labels: Arno Carstens, music, Parlotones, rock 'n' roll, SAMA, Springbok N*de Girls
Monday, November 20, 2006
Skwatta Kamp - The Clap Song!
I contacted Skwatta Kamp recently for a favour - they're one of my favourite SA groups with who it is always a great pleasure to do business as they're just such a professional outfit - and they immediately sorted me out. I wanted them to perform at Desmond Tutu's 75th birthday, and they offered themselves for free without any hesitation!
Since then our plans have changed, and the concert will be much smaller than we originally wanted it - Freshlyground and Vusi Mahlasela are the only artists on the bill at Spier on 07 December.
But that's spirit of this awesome Hip Hop group continuously pumping music out of Soweto, getting the whole country foot-stomping along with their tracks that have even been embraced by the countries mainstream radio stations.
Tracks like Umoya, Skwatta Karnival and the Clap Song are all hard hitting, topical, personal and in your face; because these guys speak their minds!
Their success has seen them walk away with 2 South African Music Awards for Best Rap in 2003 and 2004; a MetroFM Award for Best Hip Hop award in 2003, Best Kwaito/Hip Hop Group at the Kidz Star Awards in 2005 and the Source Award International Artist Of The Year Nomination in 2004, Best Hip Hop Video 2005 Â Channel O Video Music Awards and nominated for Best African Hip Hop at the 2005 Kora Awards.Skwatta Kamp are Bozza, Shugasmakx, Nemza, SLIKour, Flabba, Nish and Infa make up the machine that is Skwatta Kamp, and they are accompanied by the stunning Relo, whose haunting harmonies soar over and above their catchy rhymes.
The Clap song is one of my favourites. So here it is to start off your week. Go getit!
Labels: clap song, desmond tutu, freshlyground, SAMA, skwatta kamp, soweto
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Jabu Khanyile - Mmalo-We
We were away in Hermanus this past weekend taking some time out in an old family home that Wendy had arranged. Though pretty windy, it was just what we needed to regroup, relax and feel energized again. (Right - Len at De Kelders)On Monday morning I went and sat on the rocks, over looking Grotto Bay and the many whales that were frolicking in the water, hoping to catch some fish for the supper table – or at least just get a bloody bite for a change! I’d been out to buy the Cape Times earlier, and so while sitting there enjoying the fresh sea-breeze, the magnificent beauty of the whales, and feeling the sun soak into my skin, when I was suddenly shocked to read about the passing of Jabu Khanyile.
I can’t go on about how many artists we have lost, when it is what I said just a few posts ago, but it left me feeling truly shocked and stunned. What a loss.
Jabu was one of those truly special South African artists; he first made impact on the local music scene in the 1980’s with the music group Bayete which caught the attention of Chris Blackwell, who released a 'Mmalo -We' on his World Music label Mango.In 1994 Jabu earned himself South African Music Awards for Best Male performer of the year and Best Song of the year (Mmalo-We).
We had more to do with Jabu after the release of his solo album Wankolota, through Gallo, in 2003 – a track that brought him much playtime and exposure around the world.
We had negotiated on his behalf for a number of contracts, and were even forward a letter of apology from the German government from when he appeared earlier this year at the World Cup and that crazy man tried to injure the audience by driving his car into them!
We will miss him for his style and his passion for Africa, but at least we have his music to keep him alive.
Labels: Chris Blackwell, gallo, Jabu Khanyile, SAMA
Monday, October 23, 2006
Lebo Mathosa is gone!
It was with great sadness that we heard the reports this morning about the tragic passing of Lebo Mathosa.It has been reported that she was the passenger in a vehicle that lost control, rolled and skided off the road, leaving the driver with minor injuries. Lebo sustained fatal injuries.
Lebo is an icon in SA Music, from her early days as part of Boom Shaka, to her success as a solo artist, and just a few months ago she was nominated for a MOBO award for Best African Act, having previously won Best Dance Album for Dream, Best Dance Single for intro and Best Female Vocalist at the South AFrican Music Awards.
"You can't deny death, you can't fear it. I'm sure God has a better place for us, if you're a believer." Lebo said in November 2004, just after learning of Brenda Fassie's passing.
Lebo Mathosa's talent will be missed by the whole industry.
Labels: Brenda Fassie, Lebo Mathosa, SAMA
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Robbie Wessels Leeuloop
Coming from a mixed cultural background with historical ties to Germany in the 1600's, the French add-in's in the 1700's, more Germans arriving in the late 1800's, and my father arriving here in 1969 from the Netherlands, of course there is some Afrikaaner blood coursing through my veins.
I like to refer to myself as a 'half-bloedje' - half of me is Dutch and the other half filled with other halves. But I have never seen myself as an Afrikaaner, and even at boarding school in Franschhoek I was one of the Soutie's (referring to the amount of salt that collects on certain appendages that hang in the ocean if one has one foot in England and the other foot in South Africa - unlike a true Afrikaaner ancestor of mine, President Jan Brand 1823 -1888 pictured right).
So in our musical focus at Peak, it has only been the last couple of years that we have started giving attention to one of the most powerful musical forces in South Africa - Afrikaans language music - in all its genre's.
It still shocks many people at its popularity; such as at the 2004 SAMA's when comedian David Kau was to announce the Best Selling artist of the year, and on opening the envelope and calling out Steve Hofmeyr's name the audience bursts into hysterical laughter! But it was so. He had beaten all the top Kwaito, Rock & Pop acts to the top spot by selling way more CD's than anyone else. And we sat up and took notice!Robbie Wessels is an artist who has taken the country by storm, and Peak Performances secured 3 gigs with him, before we had a dispute with his management about what fee's we could charge for our services - we have since decided to part way's, and focus our attention on other artists.
So a little bit of advice to the clients out there hoping to party away to the likes of Dozi, Kurt Darren, Nicholis Louw, and all the other wonderful artists on our database - plan well in advance!
Here Robbie is featured in the Leeuloop Vodacom ad.
(UPDATE 06/10/04: It seems that Vodacom has bowed to pressure from some rather more conservative members of the South African public by pulling the Leeuloop ad from television, as there were a number of complaints. Some even went so far as to say that it is 'embarrassing to watch', and that it makes Afrikaaners seem 'common' - I find it very sad! UPDATE 06/11/23 Robbie seems to be cashing in on his Leeuloop fame - he has a tour of lots of dorpies in the Western Cape planned - read more)
Labels: Afrikaans, David Kau, Dozi, Kurt Darren, leeuloop, Nicholis Louw, Robbie Wessels, SAMA, Steve Hofmeyr
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Arno Carstens - a Peak Rocker!
Rock n' Roll South Africa. When most of us think of South African Rock, Arno Carstens is one of the first artists to jump to mind.He's the coolest; he's made his mark in the industry with the Springbok Nude girls, and as s solo artist, with 10 albums, achieving platinum 4 times in CD sales, 9 number 1 hots singles and 4 SAMA's, the highlight being the Another Universe CD released in 2003 and for which he won the Best Rock Album in 2004 and continues to set the pace for other artists to follow.
So we're always excited when we get to book Arno out for gigs - we know from experience the client is going to have an awesome time - at one of our gigs in Durban, Arno and Albert Frost sat outside drinking cocktails with the client until 3 o'clock in the morning after the gig - and was she chuffed when she called the next day!
We've got Arno & Albert performing at Buff's Club on 06 October, and then Arno will be appearing for us at Sun City on 16 November at a dinner for 500 lucky people.
But that's the cool thing about an artist like Arno - whether you needing him to rock the roof off with his full band; with guitarist Albert (Blues Broers & Frosted Orange), the legendary Brendan Jury (Urban Creep & Transky) on strings and keyboard, Kevin Leicher (Plum) on guitar, Jerome Reynard (OHM & Nine) on drums and Warren Leicher (Plum) on bass guitar; or for an intimate unplugged concert with just Arno and Albert serenading you - its just world class!I found this video of Arno, and thought that though this isn't such a great quality one, I would stick it on to celebrate! Peak's Rockin!
Labels: Albert Frost, Arno Carstens, SAMA
