Author: Prudence Chauke

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:

Big Nuz – Undisputed

BLK JK- After Robots

Busi Mhlongo – Amakholwa Believers

Selaelo Selota – Lapeng Laka

Teargas – Dark or Blue

Duo or Group Of The Year:

Aking – Against All Odds

Big Nuz – Undisputed

Jaziel Brothers – The Journey

Joyouse Celebration – Volume 13 Live at the Mosaiek Theatre, Johannesburg

Teargas – Dark or Blu

Female Artists Of  The Year:

Busi Mhlongo – Amakholwa

Cagwini – Emandulo

Lira- Live in Concert: A Celebration

Louise Carver – The Home Tour: Live

Thandiswa Mazwai – Ibokwe

Male Artist Of  The Year:

Benjamin Dube – 16 June Commemoration Live

Black Coffee – Home Brewed

Chris Chameleon – Kyk Hoe Lyk Ons Nou

Ntando – Inqubela

Selaelo Selota – Lapeng Laka

New Comer of the Year:

Culoe

Kyle Sheperd

Solly Mahlangu

The South African Youth Choir

Tshepo Mnoma

MTN Record Of The Year:

Change the World – Master Jam (w/RJ Benjamin)

Consider Me – Prime Circle

Fairytale – Liquideep

Fort Knox – Goldfish

Free – Thembi Seete

Good Music – DJ Cleo

Heartbreak Street – Jesse Clegg

I Believe – Oskido

Ingoma – Thandiswa ft Hugh Masekela

Lesson Number 1 – Rhythmic Elements

Live my Life – Winnie Khumalo

Maybe- Loyiso

Mmatswale – Malaika

Mpitse – HHP

Nka Mo Dira – Nutty Nys (w/Abe Molamu)

Nomalanga Mntakwthu – Zuluboy

Push me to the Floor – Parlotones

Umlilo – Big Nuz ft Tira

We Baba – Culoe De Song ft Busi Mhlongo

The 16th SAMA Award are schedule to take place in a high standard Award ceremony in Sun City on the 16th and 17th of April, 2010. Congratulations to all the nominees and all the best to you all!

Get  Familiar!

Founded by Sirak Getachew and Kalab Berhane, “Africology” is a Brooklyn, NYC based entertainment venture  who’s main focus is educating the world about African descent, inspired music. The main mission behind  “Africology” is to “create a multimedia enterprise that elevates African musicians and it’s artistry into the limelight with the understanding that they are merely a conduit; transporting inspiration from Africa’s belly to the world.”

“Africology” is a podium for an array string of DJs and artists such as Ethiopian beauty Sheba Sahlemariam, NYC most loved band – ”Meta and the Cornestones, Haitian native – Tiga Jean – Baptiste, Gibril Da African, New York native – Kilem, Suntoucha, Chosan, Zaki Ibrahim, A-Alikes, Victoria Bekele, Bamboo, Servantz Of  The Earth and Okai. Adding to list is DJ Moma, DJ Eddie Ed and DJ Sirak himself.

The driving force behind this brand is no child’s play but a unit with a profound mission to promote African artistry one artist and one DJ at a time, from Brooklyn to the world.

If you didn’t know now you know and you better get familiar because “Africology” is redefining things. For more on “Africology visit www.africologymedia.com  and be sure to catch an up-coming “Africology” exclusive interview, coming soon to Jamati.com.

Click here for get familiar with some of Africology’s artists: www.therealsheba.com, www.metaandthecornerstones.com, www.kilenm.com, www.zakiibrahim.com, www.aalikes.net, www.servantzoftheearth.com .

Early this year Jamati had the pleasure of interviewing Nenna Yvonne, a Nigerian born and NYC based singer/songwriter and a model with a  rich talent, that is quickly  soaring in the music industry. Nenna Yvonne is no ordinary talent and is beyond just beauty and brains, which is why she is one of the major focus in the media mainstream right now.

Everything about her is beyond her age, the maturity of all the elements of her music is really breath taking to see from a young, yet new artist. Her debut EP ”Model Citizen” is a compilation of Top 40 Pop and urban contemporary songs featuring many of the hits that have brought her worldwide attention. The album includes features and production from some of the industry’s greats and rising talents including Havoc of Mobb Depp, RIZ (Konvict/Interscope/Universal) and Space Cowboy, producer of Lady Gaga.

Voted a “Top Ten Artist” on StereoFame, this young sensations will soon be number one in so many levels, cause that’s what happens when great talent is foundation-ed by driven management that truly believe in they brand and understands what it ultimately takes to make it in the industry.

Nenna Yvonne’s debut EP album “Model Citizen” is now available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon.com and MySpace Music.

For more on this trailblazing sensation, visit www.nennayvonne.comor add Nenna Yvonne on facebook. This truly is a must, get familiar with artist and be sure not to forget her name cause I’m predicting her career is about to take an extraordinary turn. I <3 her and so will you:~)  Listen up, click to get familiar: Nenna Yvonne

The annual Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant has proven to be one of the most important African founded project in the United States, that is founded on the basis of advancing the cause for women of African descent. Ever since its launch more than 4 years ago, we’ve witnessed different groups of  African Goddesses battle it out for the ultimate title to be crowned Miss Africa USA.

The Pageant has been a major opportunity platform for all the girls, opening doors leading to they successes and carrying forth the Miss Africa USA philosophy of “appreciating the great opportunities that America has offered to them and how to use such privileges positively to advocate for the less fortunate.

Last year we witnessed South African native, Nyasha  Zimucha being crowned Miss Africa USA 2009-2010 and with the successes of her crowning Nyasha has bein a vessel for those underprivileged and soaring in her field of endeavours.

Now nearly a year later Nyasha will be handing her crown over to one of the 53 hopeful contestant. The game is on the stakes are high and the bar has been raised high by previous winners. The question on every body’s is mind is who will be this years Miss Africa USA? I guess the answer to that will be revealed at the finals, schedule to take place July,2010 in Washington DC.

Congratulations to all the girls who are still in the running and all the best to you all. See you there family and for those interested about the pageant visit www.missafricaunitedstates.com

Who is your favourite 2010 contestant?????

Well family here is another hot one from our girl Estelle titled “Freak”, a new single from her forthcoming album, “All of Me”. Estelle  dished out to MTV that the album will showcase her in a whole different level, from the singing ,performances and yes rapping.

“Freak” which features Kardinal Offishall, produced by David Guetta is a “Soul II Soul – Back to life” sample, which is infused with intoxicating electro-soul vibe, which will get your fist pumping. Although I must say that this is more of a club hit or simply that high energy track to help to kick-start one’s weekend.

Personally I’m loving it and would love to hear your thoughts and views on it.

Click here for Estelle  new single: Estelle – \”Freak\”

Brace yourself for the upcoming April cover of Ebony Magazine which features the ageless, legendary Sade. This Nigerian beauty will take the readers through her 10-year hiatus, including her love life, her personal struggles, her joys of being a mother, and, most importantly, the making of her most reccent studio album, “Soldier of  Love“.

Sade is not holding anything back but for the first time is dishing out and things that have been on her fans minds. Be sure to pick up your copy of Ebony magazine April issue and Sade’s “Soldier of Love” album which has hit number one worldwide.

Metropark Productions is a Texas-based entertainment company whose mission is to provide the best and most unique quality of entertainment that the music industry has to offer. Live on tour, Metro Productions brings you one of Southern Africa’s best Afro-pop duo, Malaika who even after the tragic passing of they third  member Jabu Ndaba, the group is still successfully elevating in the industry.

With two Kora Awards, three SAMA awards and One Channel O music award, Malaika’s journey in the music industry has been a very intoxicating one–their music has been a big part of African story telling, from songs about love and celebration, to songs about farewell and God.

With nearly ten years in the industry and still going strong with they latest album “MMATSWALE“, Malaika is still well-received worldwide. It is now the United States’ turn to experience the Malaika magic.

Malaika is schedule to perform in the U.S from the  12th of March at the House of Blues in Dallas, Texas. They will be at the Eagle Theatre in Detroit, Michigan on the 13th of March and at the SOBs in New York on the 14th of March. The tickets are selling fast for this tour and it is highly advice for fans to get their tickets asap. See you in NYC!

For more on the Malaika U.S Tour, visit  Metropark Productions’ website. You become a fan of Metropark Productions on Facebook. You can also visit Malaika’s website  for more info.

Here are two videos to get you in-tune with Malaika’s music:

The Royalty Lifestyle Group is a full service marketing and event planning New York based firm that has been redefining the African marketing and hospitality industry by consistently delivering a high-end revolutionary lifestyle and entertainment experience. The team behind this establishment are no joke, they mean business as the services they provide have proven that, by escalating them to  new and unstoppable heights.

Recently after attending one of their successful event, the “RL Experience – A launch event”, I had the pleasure of interviewing the main man behind Royalty Lifestyle success and boy, let me say I am proud to be Africa. Enjoy!

Jamati: Welcome to the Jamati stadium and thank you so much for allowing to share your journey .

RL: Thank you for the interview. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Jamati: Lets get into it! Take us through the fundamental elements of what makes up the “Royalty Lifestyle Group” ? What is “Royalty Lifestyle Group” and who is the driving source behind it?

RL: Royalty Lifestyle is a boutique marketing and corporate event planning firm based in New York City. Whilst the marketing division handles everything from creative development to brand management to distribution, the corporate event planning branch handles our clients’ launch parties, exclusive RL events and concerts. I am the Executive Director and President – Corporate event planning. And I guess you can say im the man behind the brand

Jamati: Take us through those deciding moment which lead to the birthing of Royalty Lifestyle Group, what events inspired you to venture into this business idea?

RL: We we had humble beginnings in party promotions about 5 years ago. As royalty entertainment we promoted events both on the personal/private and corporate level dealing and having success with all sorts of big name clubs from Duvet to AMALIA to Eden rooftop. After a bit of research we decided that there was no marketing firm catering specifically to African owned businesses and that is how RL was formed.

Jamati: Who would you say are your target clients?

RL: Our primary target is the new age African (Young, Professional, Learned) and all our clients are progressive African owned businesses that in essence cater to the lifestyle we promote. They are exclusive, high end and Africans.

Jamati: What differentiates Royalty Lifestyle Group from other establishments in your field?

RL:Royalty Lifestyle is a high and lifestyle brand that caters predominantly to the African elite and hence unlike any other company out now. There has been a bit of a misconception because of our background in promotions that we are a promotional group. And as much as we are thankful for the opportunities and doors that were opened, as a result of our playing in that arena, that notion couldn’t be farther from the truth. Yes, we still host events but they are mostly in representation of our clients.

Jamati: As an African native abroad what do you think is the importants of African owned businesses?

RL: Funny you should ask because a buddy and I were just talking about that the other day and he was saying that their importance lies in their gaining valuable experience here (abroad) and taking it back to the motherland for implementation. I agree with that. The concept of being able to take what we have learned here back to Africa is a very powerful one. And we see entrepreneurs like Mrs Saran Kaba Jones of Face of Africa and Ms Kargbo of Aschobi designs as well as countless other overseas based African entrepreneurs doing just that every day.

Jamati: What has  been the biggest challenge in branding the Royalty Lifestyle Group?

RL: Being that we are the first in this space, our challenges are synonymy with that of those creating a path that was non existed before. We are very excited to be creating the blue print for other companies to follow. A bit challenging also is finding companies that fit our criteria and rigid standards. At the end of the day the companies that RL represents define us as/ a brand. That said, we are constantly aligning ourselves with networks that have the calibre of clients we seek to represent.

Jamati: Personally and in business what quote keeps you going “when the going gets tough”?

RL: Don’t remember who this is by but it goes like “I get what I want, Every time” (Chuckle) and this does not come from a place of arrogance or cockiness, just a will to never give up and/ accecpt rejection. Failure is “never” an option.

Jamati: Are there anything major events coming up soon that you would love to share with us?

RL: Yes! RL will be at the Harvard Africa Business Conference in Boston. That Friday, the 19th of February, we will be hosting a soft launch for one of our clients, Afrisonore. It will be held at OM Lounge (Harvard Square), Cambridge -MA. Should be a great time.

Jamati: The future of Royalty Lifestyle, what are your biggest hopes in growing forward and branding yourself?

RL: We are in the process of building a Global high-end brand and we very excited about the possibilities. We have a couple of things in the works and are constantly being approached with more projects so we will be sure to keep Jamati and its readers in the loops as we grow forward. In the mean time you can keep abreast of what we are doing at www.royaltylifestyle.comor email Solo Nnanna at [email protected]or add me on Facebook.

Jamati: Anything else you would like to share with Jamati?

RL: I just want to say I’m very proud of what you guys are doing here at Jamati and I am  very proud to be part of the movement.

Jamati: Growing forward in all your fields of endeavors, may you be blessed with more courage and strength to escalate even further and in doing so may your spirit of humbleness be upon your hustle.

RL: Your words are kind. Thank you!

It was that time of the year again when all the who’s -who’s of South Africa gathered together all in the name of Audi Johannesburg Fashion Week 2010. Here are some crafts that were showcased at this four day event held at the Sandton Convention Center featuring some of South Africa’s greats in fashion.

  This is a man who needs no introduction in the musical stadium, I mean you can not talk about not only the South African musical history but the African house musical history without a mere mention of  Thato Sikwane best known as DJ Fresh or Big Dawg.

He is one of the most successful and worldly recognize DJ to sail from Africa, with over 13 successful albums under his belt and a portfolio only a man of his caliber can attain. This man has played in numerous platforms world wide, be at clubs or major events and he has shared stages with other greats in the industry such Louie Vega and Frankie Knuckles but what differentiate him from the rest, has always been his ability to pave and give the way to other inspiring DJs. This is one “Big Dawg” who’s bark will be heard for a generational lifetime.

Coming to New York and Miami this March is the man himself but this time around he brings with him a dazzling array of  talented DJs such as DJ Euphonik, DJ Fistaz, DJ Milkshake, Vetkuk vs Mahoota and joining him in Miami is Black Coffee, DJ Pepsi, Culoe de Song, Master Kev, Nick Holder, SheJay Zandy and a performance by Keith Thompson.

 This has become one of the most anticipated events that awaits the U.S fans of which some will be travelling from all over the coutnry  just to be part of the DJ Fresh and guest’s madness. The New York Invasion madness is schedule to take place Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the Rebel NYC, located at 251 West 30th Street (BTW 7th & 8th Avenue), Manhattan – New York. Lastly the Miami Invasion is scheduled to take place at the South Seas Hotel & Pilikia by the pool, located at 1751 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida .

You already know that the Jamati family will be there in full force and for more on the New York invasion click http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=369601650011&ref=ts and for the Miami invasion click http://miamieventswmc.ning.com/events/feu-south-african-miami?rsvpConfirm=1

In the mean time please allow me to get you kick-started and hyped up for this music madness that is about to take the U.S by storm: Dj Fresh – If you knew , Euphonik-Little Love , Black Coffee- Turn me on.

I am so super excited to share that “Driis”, the alter ego of actor Idris Elba and DJ Driis has finally released his awaited album titled “High Class Problem Vol 1″.  The album was recently released in England where Driis calls home and so fare it has been well received as it paints a different picture from the Idris Elba, the actor.

For those in the loop Driis first love has always been music, he started out as a DJ and an MC in East London before his career as an actor took off yet still despite his success in acting he always remained true to his first love.

Driis is the rare kind of dude who transition from acting to music without any contradiction and his “High Class Problem Volume 1″ proves just that. This album contains different musical elements from soul, reggae, hip-hop and jazz. This album invites the listener to a whole new world of Driis, where the purity yet very mature sound keeps you on locked down wanting to listen just a lot longer.This is one of the best album  released from the UK by fare this year.

For more on Driis and his newest offering log onto www.driis.com  or Click here to get more  low down on: Idris Elba aka Driis – High Class Problem Vol1

In the spirit of Valentine’s day and and its week, what is a better way to kickstart the week than to share with you some of Africa’s most-loved songs from it’s kings and queens.

Through the years we’ve seen more emotion through song from some of Africa’s most gifted crooners. For the most part most of us have fallen in love with their songs that remind us that despite the ups and downs of love, it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

To kicksatrt this years selction of African love tunes I had to take it back to a hit single that rocked Southern Africa by Oliver Mtukudzi and Ringo Madlingozi – Into Yam, followed by  Nigerian bad boy’s P-SQAURE – I LOVE YOU, from Congo Fally Ipupa – Chaise Eletrique , Corneille – Too much of everything from Rwanda,

It is no secret that the American industry has, and is, embracing African artistry in a massive way. Just this weekend I had a pleasant surprise of seeing one of Africa’s songstresses, Lira, have her hit single “Feel Good“ played on VH1 Soul.  The song is a very mellow yet energy boosting, with a very motivational, smooth, jazzy tune that carries a profound message that needs to be heard in today’s society.

This is an “excuses-be-gone” kind of a song; the kind of  song that leads you into that hopeful place, no matter how big or deep your situational occurrences maybe.

To you from the Jamati family, whatever you may be going through, let go and let Lira’s “Feel Good” elevate you to new horizons.

For more on Lira and her music visit her website.

 This past weekend, 22 year old Zambian-born Lukando Nalungwe was crowned the 2010 new Face of Africa, at the Eko Hotel Exhibition Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

Lukando outshined 10 other contestants to be the ultimate crown bearer and the winner of a modeling contract with “O” modeling agency; $50,000 dollars from MNET; $5,000 shopping spree from Zenith Bank; and a chance of a lifetime to take part in the New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010.

Congratulations to her, all the best!

 It would be a sin of I don’t share the intoxicating artistry of one of 2010 artist to be reckon with, Nneka. A Nigerian-German singer-songwriter who has currently taken the U.S music industry by storm.

Nneka’s latest album was released early this week, accompanied by her first U.S tour, which kick started her official release party in New York City at the S.O.B’s. Nnneka’s meets Bob Marley, meets Nina Simone, meets Erykah Badu’s, hard core yet sultry sounds, has left a big mark within the U.S and its industry. Just last night Nneka made her first US television debut on “The Late Night Show with David Letterman”. The Rolling-Stone magazine gave her album 3 and half stars and SPIN.com voted Nneka the number 8 artist to watch out for in 2010.

Nneka is definitely redefining the musical state of things right now and  her story is a story that needs to be told and they way she tells it, is what differentiates her from the rest.

 

For more on Nneka and “Concrete Jungle” log on to www.Nnekaworld.com  or Nneka uncovered and here is a something extra for all those Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and Nina Simon fans, performed live by Nneka Nneka- Confession Live .

In Partnership with Pepsi, Africa’s very own Mr Konvict has teamed up with Keri Hilson, Soweto Gospel Choir and 16 aspiring music artists from around the world, in the execution of his new hit single titled “Oh Africa”.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this Rocky City written and Prettiboifresh produced song, will go towards helping underprivileged African youth, through Akon’s “Konfidence Foundation”.

This song is now available for download now at www.konfidence.org .

For more on the song and to watch the video, click: New Akon ft Keri Hilson – Oh Africa

Well family, I’m proud to announce that the 2010 82nd Annual Oscar Nominations are in, and congratulations goes out to all the nominees but especialy  to Neil Blomkamp the ( ”District 9″ director)  and all those who were involved in the executions of the film.  “District 9″ scooped up 4 Oscar nominations for “Best Picture”, ” Best Film Editing”, “Best Visual Effects” and “Best Writing – Adapted Screenplay”.

Also nominated is Morgan Freeman for “Best Actor” and “Matt Damon for “Best Supporting Actor”  in the movie, “Invictus”. Also not forgetting Gabourey Sidibe’s nomination for “Best Leading Actress” in Precious, a movie based on the novel  ’Push’ by Sapphire.

The 2010 82nd Oscar Award Ceremony is scheduled to air Sunday, March 7, 2010. For more on the nominees log on to www.oscars.com .

Congratulations to Somi on the major success of her latest album “If  The Rains Come First” which has recently debuted number 2 on the Billboard World Music charts and number 21 on the Billboard Heatseeker Albums.

This album has been very well received in the industry, earning four stars by the “All Music Guide’ after calling it “Ethereal, Surreal, and Soulful.” The Billboard.com” calls the album “All Elegance and Awe… Utterly Captivating!” and “The Boston Globe” calls the album “Glistens With Sheen Of An Almost Impossibly Perfect Cosmopolitanism.”

For those who haven’t invested in this album trust me this is one of the best investments musically, to hear a sample of this album, like my favourite tune “Enganjyani” featuring legendary Hugh Masekela, visit www.somimusic.com .

Presented by Target, the UNCF – An Evening of Stars” tribute to legendary Lionel Richie was truly an emotional experience worth being part of. From the performances by Natalie Cole, Jesse McCartney, Stevie Wounder, Johnny Gill, Brian McKnight, Chrisette Michele, Katharine McPhee, Ledisi and Africa’s very own Akon, who performed ”Just Go” a song which he originally collaborated with Lionel Richie for his latest album.

The main purpose for this “evening of stars tribute” is to serve as a fundraiser for the United Negro College Fund so liefs can continue to be touched byhelping children in America to further they higher education.

To see Akons and Lionel Richie click: Lionel Richie ft Akon – \”Just Go\”

To see Ledisi’s perfomance click: Ledisi – My endeless love (tribute to Lionel Richie)

I’m proud to announce that the 2010 North America, Soweto Gospel Choir U.S tour is already in motion with performances taking place until the 12 of April 2010. Not only has this choir won a Grammy award and performed at the Oscar ceremony but in my opinion this choir is the most successful African choir by fare.

They have been describes as ” Meticulous and unstoppable, “spirited and spectacular”. “Moving and Inspirational”, “Amassed voices are victorious”, “Sheer jubilation, earthy and unrestrained, the rhythm of life”. The Courier Mail, Brisbane said this about them, “The stage erupted in a fiery frenzy that echoed down centuries of vital culture”.

This tour is guaranteed to be a rich and fruitful experience and I edge every to go see them in action.

For more on where they performing and how to get tickets please visit: www.sowetogospelchoir.com

To get a glimpse of the choir in action click: Soweto gospel choir in action