Author: Prudence Chauke

This year at the 2010 BET awards its going to be mostly a battle of the Africans fighting for the Best International Act title. Nominated under this category is Hip-Hop Panstula (South Africa), P-Sqaure (Nigeria), K’NAAN (Somalia), M.I (Nigeria), Estelle (UK), Kojo Antwin (Ghana), Sade (UK/Nigeria), Chipmunk (UK), Dizee Rascal (UK) and Corinne Bailey Rae (UK).

Congratulations to all the nominees, including Idris Elba and Gabourey Sidibe who are nominated for the Best Actor and Actress category and Sade who also score a nomination for the “Centric Award”.

The Award show is schedule to air June ‘10 2010.

Photographed by Steven Klein Togolese model David Agbodji deliver-es a master piece of work for Calvin Klein’s 2010 spring campaign.

Tell me this in not a hand-full of “Yummy-ness”. Love it!

With fifteen days to go before the world will come together to witness history, as the 2010 FIFA World Cup will take place for the first time in Africa. Celebrations are in motions, and one of the latest celebration is the “Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album” titled “LISTEN UP”.

The album scheduled is said to be schedule for release on June 10, only 10 days before the big games begin. Although there has been major controversy surrounding this album, I’m glade that the team behind it was able to come to an agreement and in the process incorporate a vast line up of global artist.

Here is the “LISTEAN UP” artist and track line up:

1.R.Kelly featuring Soweto Spiritual Singers – “Signs of a Victory” ( The official 2010 FIFA World Cup Anthem)

2.Shakira featuring Freshlyground – Waka Waka” ( The official 2010 FIFA World Cup Song)

3.Nneka -”Viva Africa”

4.Matisyahu featuring Nameless – “One Day”

5.Ternielle Nelson, Jason Hartman, UJU, Louise Carver, Aya and Deep Level – “Shosholoza 2010″

6.J Pre, Wyclef, Jazmine Sullivan and B Howard – ” Ke Nako”

7. Angelique Kidjo and John Legend – “Move on Up”

8.Judy Bailey featuring UJU – “Spirit of Freedom”

9.Pitbull, TKZee and Dario G – ” Game on” (Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Mascot Song)

10.MISIA featuring M2J and Francis Jocky – “Maware Maware”

11.ClaudiaLeitte and Lira – “Mascaras”

12.Siphiwo featuring Message of Hope from Nelson Mandela – “Hope”

13.Soweto String Quartet – “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrica (God Bless Africa) ”

Here is a sneak peak at the offical anthem: R.Kelly featuring Soweto Spiritual Singers – \”Sign of a Victory\”

The 16th Annual MTN South African Music Awards Winners are………..

Male Artist of the Year: Black Coffee – Home Brewed

Female Artist of the Year: Lira in Concert -A Celebration

Duo/Group of the Year: Jaziel Brothers – The Journey

Newcomer of the Year: Tshepo Mngoma- People and Places

Album of the year: Big Nuz – Disputed

Best Music Video of the Year: The Parlotones – Push Me To The Floor

Best Maskandi Album: Umgqumeni – I SMS

Best Rock Album (English): The Parlotones -Stardust Galaxies

Best Pop Album (English): Axene – 16

Best Pop Album (Afrikaans): Bobby Van Jaarsveld – Net Vir Jou

Best Pop Album (African): Ntando – Inqubenko

Best Urban Pop Album: Jozi – Wild Life

Best Sokkie Dance Album: Die Campbells – Mamma Maria

Best Dance Urban Album: Black Coffee – Hom Brewed

Best Rap Ulbum: Teargas – Dark or Blue

Best Kwaito Album: Big Nuz – Undisputed

Best Contemporary Jazz Album: Adam Glasser – Free at First

Congratulations to all the winners:)

From her newest studio album “SOLDIER OF LOVE” Sade is set to release the new video for her second single titled “Babyfather” on May 4th 2010 which features Sade’s teenage daughter, Ila Adu on background vocals.

In the mean while Sade released the flowery-colourful single cover for “Babyfather” and  recently she performed the single on “The Dancing With The Stars” and On the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno”.

For a sneak peak on the single please click to watch: Sade – \”Babyfather\”

Thanks to the World Cup, the South African entertainment industry has been getting more traffic with more international artist gracing the country.

This coming weekend Grammy Award winning crooner, Ne-Yo will be performing gracing the motherland with two performance schedule to take place in Johannesburg at the “COCA-COLA DOME” on Saturday May 1st ‘2010 and in Cape Town at thee “BELLVILLE VELODROME” on Tuesday May 4th ‘2010.

For more information on the performances and the tickets please visit www.computicket.com

For the first time in the history of BET Sunday Best gospel talent show, the judges which include Donnie Mc Clurkin, Kim Burell, Nigerian gospel singer Muyiwa Olawaju and Kirk Franklin. Travelled all the way to Nigeria, Africa in search for one contestant to represent Africa amongst other US hopefuls. Although judging from the auditions I doubt the winner will sail from Nigeria. Although I hope as the Sunday Best talent competition continues to air from session to session, I hope they will go on to more African countries and scout for more for talent, cause it is there and a lot of it.

Click to watch the BET Sunday Best Nigeria audition and don’t forget to share your views: BET Nigeria Sunday Best Auditions……… and how can i forget to share this funniest audition of them all: BET Sunday Best Nigeria \”LMAO\” Auditon of them all .

Don’t forget to watch Sunday Best to see if Africa will miraculously step it up…. Love you in advance for your comments.

I’m proud to say that Jamati is one of the first publications to share the exclusive 2010 FIFA World Cup Hybrid T-shirt collection, designed by 54 Kingdoms, for you .

As South Africa will be the first African country to host the FIFA World Cup tournament, it has granted 54 Kingdoms the opportunity to bring it’s skills, expertise and knowledge to the global market by birthing the exclusive World Cup Hybrid T-shirt collection.

These collector’s t-shirt items for both males and females, offer an innovative product for the six African countries that have qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament.

The countries are Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast.

The pictures that are shown here are the South African men’s t-shirts which come in both black and yellow, and blue and yellow. More t-shirts for the other FIFA participating countries will premiere soon for both men and women.

For more information about these Exclusive Hybrid t-shirt Collectors items collection, please visit their website or you can e-mail your requests or inquiries to [email protected] or [email protected].  For large quantity purchases, please email their sales department at [email protected]

Nigerian born-Benin raised king of bling maker, Chris Aire is unstoppable still crafting some of the most well crafted expensive pieces of jewelleries, for some of the most great names in the world, politicians, Oscar winners, movie stars, Grammy winners and much more.

Recently Chris showcased his new limited-edition glamour collection, which is inspired by the 1930’s-1940’s Hollywood glamour as well as Nigeria, his homeland. This collection caterers to all needs, from pendants, earrings, necklaces, brooches and cuff links all made with golds and gemstones farmed in different regions of Nigeria.

Gotta love this man’s tasteful creations, pricey but worth every cent.

 

 

For more on Chris Aire, visit www.chrisaire.com

To celebrate their 10th anniversary in the UK, “Olay” the cosmetic company have chosen Thandie Newton to be the new face of “Olay” Total Effects collection. The Total Effects products focus on minimising lines, providing nourishing moisture, enhancing tone, exfoliating, refining pores, defeating anti-oxidants and firming skin.

Thandie said in a statement,” Olay is a brand I trust and I love the fact that the range offers me an all-in-one, anti-ageing moisturiser which takes care of all my skincare needs”.

Congrats Mrs Newton!

After pushing back her album release date to from February 9th to April 7th, the wait was definitely worth it. “OYO”  is Angie’s newest master piece which hits the stores today. It is a 16thtrack album infused with intoxicating rhythms, soul, jazz and Angie’s Benin trademark.

In this album Angie pays tribute to the song’s of her youth and the different style of music that keep on inspiring her. One of the stand out tracks in the album is a song titled “Move On Up” an oldie by Curties Mayfield from the early 70’s, which features BONO and John Legend. Other Artist featured on the album are Dianne Reeves and Toy Hargrove.

Like she has done with all her albums, Angelique Kidjo celebrates and embraces mother Africa, on her tracks such as “Out of Africa”, “Agbalagba” ( a Uwem Akpan inspired track from his boom “Say You’re One of Them”) and of my favourite is the re-make of one of South Africa’s historical song’s “Mbube”, which was made famous by the late Mama Mirriam Makeba. On this track Angie in her own way pays tribute to Mama Makeba by executing the song in a mind blowing way.

Don’t hesitate to get Angelique’s newest master piece and to return here to share your thoughts on it. Here is one of Angie’s master piece: Angelique Kidjo ft Bono and John Legend – \”Move on Up\”

Taking they bromance to higher heights,American-born and South African based Jonathan ‘Ziyon’ Christian and Thabo ‘Ryzor’ Shokgolo, well known as “Liquideep”. This duo have released a master piece titled “Fairytale” which features the dark and lovely ambassador and V-Entertainment host Nonhle Thema as a the leading lady.

The record is perfectly executed and deserves all the success it’s receiving. “Fairytail” is a mid-tempo house track that is very intimate but yet simply from one mans confession of his love pursuit..

This is a song for both the young and the old and hope you heart it like i do, click on the link to hear this masterpiece:Liquideep – Fairytale ft Nonhle Thema

Mamadou Diabate was born in Kita, a Malian city of the Manding people of West Africa. Inspired by his father Djelimory,  well known for playing the kora, the jeli’s venerable 21-string harp, Mamadou  followed in his fathers footstep and began his journey as a kora player, travelling his region sharing his gift at numerous events.

Now years later Mamadou is a New york based and a Grammy award winner for the 2010 Best Traditional World Music Album. Mamadou has delved into uncharted waters, jamming with all manner of expert musicians, including jazz luminaries Donald Byrd and Randy Weston, Zimbabwean legend Thomas Mapfumo, and blues master Eric Bibb and Guy Davis. Mamadou’s has also recorded with accredited artists such as Irish soloist Susan McKeown, jazz bassist Ben Allison, and legendary Angelique Kidjo.

Congratulations on Mamadou Diabete and here is Mamadou’s artistry showcase: Mamadou Diabate: Koraboloba

October 18, 2007 marked a sad day as the world learned of the tragic loss of one Africa’s most influential artist, Lucky Dube who died due to senseless crime. It is now 2010, almost three years later, and I am proud to share the coming together of some of South Africa’s influential people in the entertainment industry to fight against crime.

Danny K and Kabelo from TKZee are the brainchild behind this master campaign after reaching their saturation point with the steadily climbing crime statistics and news bulletins detailing violence and bloodshed on daily basis. Using his influence on established South African artists, Danny K recruited the best of South Africa’s music talent to record a cover of the 1980’s group, Tear for Fears’ hit, “Shout“, with the mindset of donating all the proceeds from downloads, and sales of the singles and brand collateral, to charities which support victims, and initiatives which aid in the prevention of crime.

As a South African myself, I love Danny K and Kabelo for this campaign, especially now more  for bringing great people such HHP, Nonhle Thema, Freshly Ground, DJ Fresh, Loyiso, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Lira, Hugh Masekela, Rebecca Malope, Karen Zoid, Heinz Winkler, Jamali, The Soweto Gospel Choir, Kurt Darren, Skwatta Kamp, Proverb, just to name a few.

For more on the campaign and to find out how to lend a helping to this cause, please log on to their website.

Here is the officiall “SHOUT SA” music video: SHOUT SA

After months of searching for the 2010 Mr South Africa, the search has come to an end with Denver Burn snatching the title as the newly elected Mr SA. Denver Burn is a 25 year Attorney at law from Port Elizabeth.

The first runner -up is Patrick Kasongo and the second runner -up is Ruan Groenewald. Congratulations guys!

Here is the man himself : Mr SA 2010 Live

Kelly Clarkson’s “All I Ever Wanted Tour” which kick-started February 5th in Dubai, Ireland has continued on bracing the SouthAfrican grounds with its last perfomance taking place Wednesday 17th of March at the Grand Arena, Grand-West in Cape Town.

The tour will continue on with high-energy performances that will highlight Kelly’s number one hits which includes “My life will suck without you” and “Because of you”, live in Belgium, Germany, UK, Holland, Denmark, New Zealand and Australia.

Here is a clip of Ms Kelly sharing her views about her tour:Kelly Clarkson in SA letting it all out <3

Tragic has hit, saxophonist Sam Mtukudzi son of Oliver Mtukudzi has passed on after a tragic car accident early this morning when the truck struck the rails of a bridge, killing him and his sound engineer Owen Chimhare, who was the driver.

Legendary Oliver Mtukudzi who was in South Africa when he heard the news is said to have rushed back to his home town to begin the funeral arrangement for his son.  

Gone too soon is all I can think off and I pray that this is another one of those lives awakening moment, for us a people to live like there were no tomorrow. Our prayers go out to the Mtukudzi family and we send positive vibrations, for this too shall pass.

Here is a clip of Sam Mtukudzi sharing the stage with his father Oliver Mtukudzi: Sam and Oliver Mtukudzi live

Born to a Nigerian father and a Brazilian mother, Taio Cruz is the newest African sensation to hit the U.S industry by storm, with his new video “Break Your Heart” featuring Grammy Award Winner, Ludacris.

This producerand singer-songwriter who is already a major brand in the UK, Taio Cruz has broken a seven-year-old record by taking the number one spot on the Billboard’s Hot 100 single chart in the U.S, a titles that belong to the Black Eyed Peas’ a for two-week straight.

This is major success for this 26 year old R&B singer and I’m sure will be seeing more of him within the U.S musical stadium.

Here is Taio Cruz ft Ludacris – \”Break Your Heart\”

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water”, Loran Eisley once said whilst raising awareness for the importance of water. And FACE AFRICA couldn’t be more of a profound non-profit organization that carries forth exactly that message.

Face Africa is a Boston based non-profit organization which works to identify and bring innovative and effective non-profit programs and solutions to communities in Africa that have potential to address critical needs, by supporting programs connected to water and sanitation, education and training, health and nutrition and Economic empowerment.

For the first time in history Face Africa will host its “1st Annual Gala: A Clean Water Benefit, scheduled to take place Saturday, March 20th, 2010 at the Taj Boston. The event will honour Peter Thum Founder of “Ethos Water and Giving Water”, along with honorary M. Nathaniel Barnes, the Liberian Ambassador to the United States. Those in Boston and those who are able please come out and support this event, that is changing Africa’s face, one project at a time.

For more on this prestigious organisation “Face Africa” and its 1st Annual Gala, please visit www.faceafrica.org

Here is the master mind and one of  Africa’s inspiring  women, Saran Kaba Jones, the Founder/Executive Director of Face Africa, talking about Face Africa as a whole:Saran Kaba Jones – \”Face Africa\”

 

Ladies, ladies, sorry guys but this is for the ladies especially with summer coming into play, let me say I’m proud to share that season 5  “Project Runway”  first-runner up, Korto Momulo has teamed up with www.Dillards.com, to launch a signature accessories collection.

The collections price ranges from $12 to 159, which includes earrings, horn-handled hobo bags and bold necklaces. Korto’s collection is the perfect accessories that every women needs to, to make that ”lasting” statement, “fashionably”, we’re ever she goes.

 For more on Korto Momolu’s designs, visit www.dillards.com