Jay du Plessis - Anthem@Trinations

Jay du Plessis made so many South African's prioud with his delivery of the national anthem before the NZ vs SA Tri-nations kick-off.  

Just another reason to love this artist who went solo after being a part of the hugely successful band Eden.  

Here is another song of his that turned out to be a great hit; and he is not done!  Always waiting in anticipation for any project Jay is involved with.  

Picture from Corne Oosthuizen on twitter

Big Brother Winner!

So Wendell ended up as one of the winners.  Can't say that we are disappointed (did not follow the show to the T, but we are happy for him)

Wendell - Bigbrotherafrica.com

It seems that the more 'cheap', 'easy' and 'sleazy' a contestant is, the better their chance of getting the votes; making one wonder about the general morality out in Africa right now... and with this being said it was a real surprise that 23 year old Wendell from Zimbabwe actually walked away with $200K!


Congrats to him.  Here is how the voting was spread out for the contestants as reported by codewit.com:  


Karen: 6 country votes – Nigeria, Angola, Rest of Africa, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania
Wendall: 4 country votes – Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya
Luclay: 2 country votes – South Africa, Botswana
Lomwe: 1 country vote – Malawi
Sharon O: 1 country vote – Uganda
Hanni: 1 country vote – Ethiopia
Vina: 0 Country Votes


Why some people can't accept the outcome of the votes (that they cast), no one will know.  Controversy has started on twitter with viewers asking how Wendell won...sad to be a sorry loser.  From us, a hearty congrats to Wendell for making it and we feel it was well deserved!  

Interestingly enough, South Africans are asking for a South African Big Brother and that BBA should "go away!"


See a poll done by justcurious.co.za

We can now just wait and see what our favorite SA channel is going to do next...

Thanks to bigbrotherafrica.com, justcurious.co.za and codewit.com

SA Idols 2011 - season 7 bad talent?

It's not just me saying it, but the talent pool we have for idols this year is really low caliber.  Of all the guys that auditioned  these are not the best list of contestants the judges could have come up with and now the public is tasked with choosing a winner from a difficult list of singers...


Top 10 quality American style is the likes of  

and SA Talent to the likes of 

Like for like, the all of the guys in the top 10 would out-perform each and every one of the SA contestants.  It is embarrassing to listen to someone like Miss J singing Fireworks by Katy Perry and Dave having a 'fit' on stage (yes, he has passion but I won't buy his CD!).  

I can't imagine these guys even making it in theater week if they should have been put up against the US contestants to audition! The SA guys can't even stay within key!  

The worst singers were Nolly and Miss J and the best performers last week were Erin, Dene and Crushanda and they only marginally got close to the talent level the US guys are on.  I am interested to see what the SA public makes of this when voting!  

Pictures thanks to dstv.com and americanidol.com

Some interesting SA facts

• South Africa’s Rand is the second best-performing emerging market currency of the 26 monitored by Bloomberg in 2009
• With two gold medals and one silver medal, South Africa ended the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Athletics in ninth position on the medals table, ahead of the likes of Australia, Cuba, China and France.
• South Africa sold $1.8 billion worth of cars to the US last year, putting us ahead of Sweden and Italy as suppliers to the US market.
• In 2009, Time magazine named two South Africans in their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
• The International Monetary Forum‘s World Economic Outlook ranks us in the top 10% of counties in respect of Real GDP Growth Projections for 2010.
• Three South African cities were voted amongst the world’s top 100 Most Liveable Cities in a study conducted by Mercer Human Resource Consulting. Cape Town was ranked in 85th place, Johannesburg 90th and Port Elizabeth 97th.
• Johannesburg has been ranked as the eighth cheapest city in the world for expatriates, according to the most recent Cost of Living Standards Survey from Mercer Human Resource Consulting.
• South Africa ranks 57th out of 157 countries in the world in terms of economic freedom, ahead of Italy (64), Brazil (101), the United Arab Emirates (63), Greece (94th), India (104th) and China (126), according to the Index of Economic Freedom 2007

Courtesy of SAgoodnews.co.za

Elvis Blue supports James Blunt

Last season's Idols winner, Elvis Blue, will be supporting James Blunt when the Brit superstar's Some Kind of Trouble World Tour hits SA in August 2011.

As revealed today by journalist and blogger Clayton Morar, Elvis will join Blunt at gigs at the ICC Durban Arena on Wednesday 24 August, at the Coca-Cola Dome Johannesburg on 26th August, at the Vodacom NMMU Indoor Arena in Port Elizabeth on Sunday 28th August, and in Cape Town at the Grand Arena, Grand West, on 30 August.

After winning Idols in 2010, Elvis Blue released a self-titled debut album in November of of that year that broke multiple records, including reaching Gold status within 29 days of release. The first two singles off the album, “Things My Father Said” and “Lighthouse” were massive hits, while third single “Save Me” is currently play-listed on radio stations across the country.

James Blunt’s first album, Back to Bedlam, catapulted him to worldwide superstardom on the strength of massive songs like “You’re Beautiful,” “High” and “Goodbye My Lover”.

His second album, 2007’s All the Lost Souls debuted at No. 1 in 10 countries and sold nearly 5 million copies globally. He's received numerous awards and accolades, including two Brit Awards, two World Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, an MTV European Music Award and five Grammy nominations.

His latest album, Some Kind of Trouble, includes key tracks like "So Far Gone”, “Superstar” and “Stay the Night”, on which Blunt joins songwriting forces with OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder. He's a huge fan of playing his material live, and following the release of his latest he was heard to say, “Put the album out and get me on tour. We’re going to have the time of our lives playing these songs.”

Elvis responded to being chosen to support James Blunt by saying, “Being able to do what I love is something I am very thankful for and being able to perform on the same stage with great, international artists makes me realise how truly privileged I am. Saying that I am excited about performing on the same night as James Blunt would be a tremendous understatement. A year ago I could never have imagined this. I am thrilled and I look forward to the show.”


More on DSTV.com

Ryk Neethling Swimming School

Ryk has started a franchise with the purpose of teaching the youth to swim.  He currently has two branches, one in Faerie Glen and one in Val de Vie with a third one on its way in Mooikloof, opening mid May 2011.

You can visit the website here

Imagine having the best teach your child to swim; and it is such a fun and healthy sport!

Heinz new song - You and I

Heinz recently did his music video for the new song, 'You and I'

Here it is courtesy of Heinz himself, posted on Youtube.
Nicely done Heinz and Charlize!  This is on our list of favorite songs.

Kumar visit to SA

Vincent Ebrahim is in South Africa.  A lot of people did not know who this man was, but you should know if we tell you he is the father in the hit BBC show, The Kumars at no 42.

Interestingly enough, this famous man is actually a South African born actor that went over the to the UK in 1976 already.  He visits South Africa often and still know a little bit of Afrikaans!

His sister is also famous in SA and plays the role of Charmaine in 7de Laan on SABC 2.  Strange how we seem to have so much South African talent abroad that we never know of.

Picture courtesy of Sam Cowen

Huisgenoot Musiekfees-bootvaart

Huisgenoot is hosting another amazing event - these guys just keep on coming up with very creative (and lucrative) ideas around entertainment in the Afrikaans music industry.  


The brand is widely known for its 'Skouspel' and 'Skouspel Plus' concerts, and now they bring us the 'Musiekfees-bootvaart' 


This unique event is on-board the MCS Symphonia and tickets sold last year already.  

Some of the famous South African names to join in the festivities are Nicholis Louw and Bobby van Jaarsveld (two of our favorites), as well as Ray Dylan, Jennifer Zamudio, Karlien Husselman, Charlize Bergh, Christiaan Botha, Quentin Prinsloo, MarNet, Charne Grabie, Willem Botha, Albert de Wet, Karen Ferreira, Jaycee Crause, Jay and Viljoen Retief.

Drakensberg Boys Choir Joins SHOUT

The Drakensberg boys choir representatives confirmed that they will be a part of Danny K's Shout campaign for a safer South Africa and they actually spent the day in the recording studio with Loyiso and co working on the new song.

We can't wait to see the contribution this youngsters brings to the new masterpiece.

Picture courtesy of Antbear

Jacques Survivor Maldives

We are rooting for Jacques as he is one of our favorites to win the competition this year.  Below is his extended profile and then we have also shared a little something special that he did with MXO on the island.

You're the man Jacques, so make us proud.

Beyonce in SA

Heat SA stated today that the latest rumor tells of Beyonce visiting sunny South Africa.  Anyone lucky enough to spot her are requested by the magazine to let them know on twitter @heatSouthAfrica.

Picture courtesy of lightbox

Project album launch tonight

Graham Watkins' Project album launch tonight  at Tanz was a huge success and he has received praise from the likes of Heinz Winckler and Jason Greer.  

Picture courtesy of Helen O'Grady

Getroud met Rugby Premiere

The exclusive premier for the movie was held tonight in all its glory!  Izak Davel plays a lead role and we also loved Heinz Winckler in this one.  
Heinz also attended the premiere earlier tonight. 

Story Sinopsis

Reghart Venter (Izak Dave) is a mechanic from the wring sides of the tracks. He was a promising rugby player but lost his way. After several charges of fighting and assault he gets a final warning – pull yourself together or go to jail.

Regharts sentence is to do community service – practicing rugby with a fallen hero of the Stryders Rugby team, Fafa Beltrame (Altus Theart). “Fast Fafa” was once the fastest wing in the country en a hit among the ladies. Fafa lost his way after he and his wife Kiki (Hannah Grobler) seperated after losing their daughter. Fafa seeks his refuge in drink and in the process alienates everyone who ever cared for him.

When Reghart, unwillingly, is dragged to Potties Place (the local Stryder Rugby Team bar) by his friends he meets Lize (San-Marie Nel). For the first time in his life there is something he cannot fight against. His heart.

Through the metaphor of rugby the two broken men inadvertently helps one another to find their way again.

Website: GetroudMetRugby

Danny K buyers remorse?

DSTV launched their Jumbo remote last year and Danny recently admitted to purchasing one.  He does not sound to sure that it was a good purchase, but perhaps consumers should check it out.  You never know if maybe it was made 'just for you'!  


The DStv Jumbo Universal Remote has been constructed by MultiChoice since the pay TV platform says certain subscribers asked for an easier-to-operate remote. The buttons on the DStv Jumbo Universal Remote can perform all the functions on a DStv PVR decoder, doesn't need to be pointed towards the DStv decoder to work, and is compatible with all DStv decoder models. 

Danny K's DSTV Jumbo remote

Picture shared by Danny K

Jacques on ROER!

Our favorite Jacques was interviewed by Tammy for the TV show ROER showing on Kyknet.  We heard about all the practice runs, making the perfect curry and now we get to see it on our screens.

Don't miss the show!  

Tammy and Jacques - Roer!

Picture shared by Jacques

Breakfast Xpress back to normal

From tomorrow morning the breakfast xpress will be back to the normal broadcast from Sandton SA.  The crew seemed to have really enjoyed their time in LA and have seen things that a lot of 'normal' people would just dream of.

Darren

Picture courtesy of Heat.co.za

ATKV Handevat!

David Fourie visited the Inness Thabong school where Duo Dexa assisted with the building of classrooms for toddlers.  

Doel van die projek
Projek Handevat se doel is om ‘n skool uit ‘n bevoorregte gemeenskap te motiveer om ‘n
opbouende, volhoubare projek aan te pak saam met ‘n skool uit ‘n minder bevoorregte
gemeenskap.  Die projek wat gesamentlik deur die twee skole aangepak word, moet ten
uitvoer gebring word in die minder bevoorregte gemeenskap en tot voordeel van die
minder bevoorregte gemeenskap wees.  Hierdie projek moet ‘n langtermynoogmerk hê.

You can learn more about this initiative by visiting their website ATKV-Projects

Danny K Oyster Box Lunch

Danny K is at the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga for lunch.

Danny K at Oyster Box Hotel

Oyster Box Hotel View

Facebook vs Twitter

In the South African society many of my piers expressed that not many of their friends use twitter, but most of them use Facebook.  Between us, only 0.5% of the friends we have listed on FB also makes use of Twitter.  


With this discussion in the back of my mind, I have found the following story by Mashable.com about the US market very interesting.  

A new report from eMarketer finds that most adult Americans with Internet access use Facebook at least once a month, and a full 42.3% of the entire American population was using the site as of this month.

By contrast, Twitter‘s penetration rate was much lower, sitting at around 7% of the total population and 9% of the Internet-using population, according to the report.

Oscar backstage with iPad

The 83rd Annual Academy Awards will be held in just over a week and in preparation for the big night, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC have created an Oscar companion app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

The Oscar Backstage Pass [iTunes link] app is designed to give Oscar lovers an inside look before, during and after the big show. The $0.99 app is part of the Academy’s growing investment in digital media. Like the Grammy Awards, Oscar is fighting a battle to stay relevant in an always-connected, multi-screen, live-streamed world.

In the days leading up to the show, the app offers users access to interviews, behind-the-scenes video clips and key Oscar moments from the past. The real action starts with the red carpet arrivals before the big night on February 27. The app will let users access multiple live streams of celebrity arrivals and switch cameras and camera angles.

Arno engaged

Arno Jordaan popped the question yesterday at The Palms in Atlantis, Dubai yesterday.  Not a lot of pictures about this one, but we did manage to get a picture of the ring.

Pictures by Arno

Sean Kingston - Highveld

Sean Kingston visited the Highveld studios today.  Here is a picture of him with one of my favorite peeps, Ricci.

Ricci with Sean Kingston

Paul with Sean Kingston

Jason Greer from Mnet's All Access is also interviewing him this morning in Kempton Park.  This will most probably be on the show next week Friday.

Picture by Ricci and Paul respectively

MK Awards this weekend

The MK Awards is the biggest rock event of the year. Only the hottest South African artists and international acts will walk away with the coveted MK Award. Boasting thirteen categories and 61 nominations, the voting lines closed on 31 January 2011. And if you voted, you stand the chance of winning the fabulous Hyundai i10!

With the Awards just around the corner, book your ticket now to see Foto na Dans, Zebra and Giraffe, Die Heuwels Fantasties ft. Thieve, Jack Parrow ft. JR, Prime Circle, Locnville and the Best Live Act  - as voted for by the fans. And if that’s not enough, Corne and Twakkie promise to keep you in stitches.

Cape Town, 26 February 2011 at the CTICC. Your ticket also gives you access to the hottest after party Cape Town has ever seen so come dressed for the part and show your face at the MK Awards 2011!

The categories are: 

Danny K upcoming show

Danny K will be launching his new album at the MAX institute of Fasion in KZN on Friday, 25 February.  Max is a unique concept store, and a one of a kind destination in Durban aimed at promoting the world of fashion.  Tickets still available for the show.  

You can learn more about MAX here

Sean Kingston in SA

Gauteng’s entertainment mecca, Emperors Palace in association with MXit and Omusic.com and 94.7 Highveld Stereo presents superstar, Sean Kingston live for 2 shows on 25 and 26 February 2011 in the Centre Court.

Sean Kingston

Breakfast Xpress Hollywood update

As everyone knows, Dr Rey visited South Africa at the end of last month.  With the crew going over to Hollywood for their daily broadcast earlier this week, they got treated for lunch by the famous doctor.

Dr Rey with Sam

This picture was shared by Darren today.  

Here are some of the pictures from the highveld website taken during Dr Rey's visit to their studio.  

Ryan Reynolds at U2 CPT

I don't think a lot of people realized this, but Ryan Reynolds attended the U2 concert in Cape Town last Friday. Oceans2vibe got these pictures of him in the crowd.

Jay's Plans for Feb

Jay recently performed at the Innibosveld concert with Kurt Darren and many other Afrikaans artists.  He is doing a show with Lianie May in Cape Town on Friday, 25 February, Heidelberg on 26 February and then he is off to the FM Burger show.

Cover of Jay's Solo CD

Find out more about Jay on his band's website here

Ryan Reynolds in SA

[One of my favorite actors] Ryan Reynolds hit South Africa to kick off principal photography for "Safe House" and he has been pictured shooting his scene on Sunday, February 20. Donning a striped shirt topped with a green jacket, he hopped a motorcycleand rode it behind the movie's crew on De Waal Drive on Cape Town. 

Heinz Winckler Workshop

Heinz is hosting session to assist Idol contestants to prepare for their auditions.  These will be held on 3, 10 and 24 March at R500 per hour for one-on-one sessions.

The candidate will also be video recorded so they can see themselves in action.  I think this is awesome for some of those funny guys that really believe they can sing but actually can't.

You can email Heinz at heinzwincklerworkshop@gmail.com if you are interested.

Heinz also assists people not going for additions and shares advice on how to make it in the music industry in South Africa.  With his achievements over the last few years, Heinz is really well positioned to be of great help to new rising stars.  

Breakfast Xpress in Hollywood

Darren Simpson and Sam Cowen are hosting their show live from Hollywood each morning.  They arrived on 19 February and have already shopped till they dropped and got a rental car not worth mentioning (picture below).
Sam had some trouble deciding what to take with her

So far my packing for LA consists of matching underwear, killer heels and a GHD. Which would be fine if I was going to be poledancing.... Sam Cowen

 They have shared some of their pictures from LA thus far and it seems pretty interesting.  I am sure they will send a lot more in the next few days.

Rental car on tight budget... mmmm

Darren in LA Studio

Willem in PE

Willem Botha is in PE at the moment and has stumbled upon an amazing sand sculpture on the beach that he shared with his fans earlier today.  Normally we would not share this type of thing, but the sculpture is really awesome!!

Arno - Afrikhaki 2

Arno Jordaan left the shores of South Africa yesterday and has arrived in Dubai for the show.  Following this trip he is going to London before heading back.

Here are some of the pictures he has shared thus far.

Heinz - Innibosveld pics

Some more pics sent by Heinz Winckler earlier today.  I like the pictures he uses as they are often of good quality.

Kurt Darren's Innibosveld 2011

Heinz performing

David and Jay

Heinz

Bobby, Ray and Heinz

David, Jay and Heinz

Thanks again to Heinz for always sharing!

Stefan Ludik Music

Two songs shared by the artist can be found at the below links.  I am quite impressed by his music.

Some interesting background information:  

Mambaonline:  

"Stefan Ludik first came to our attention thanks to his turn as a housemate - representing Namibia - in Big Brother Africa in 2003. Without a doubt, the best looking man to inhabit the Big Brother house in South Africa, his blonde good looks, contagious smile and easy nature made him an instant favourite of any admirer of the male specimen. For many, there was little point in continuing to follow the show after he was tragically voted out.
Stefan next showed up in the daily M-Net soap Egoli, as the lawyer Werner Kranz. And while the show is not particularly demanding on the thespian front, Stefan has shown a natural ease with the camera over the last few years.

TV.com

"Stefan Ludik thrilled audiences on Africa's Satelite Channel DStv's version of the popular Big Brother phenomena. Stefan's quirky personality and interesting views entertained while his toned physique was something for the eye.  Stefan is now playing the straight-talking legal eagle Werner Krantz in South Africa's Longest running soap opera, "Egoli - Place Of Gold". 

In 2009, Stefan was also announced the Cleo Magazine's bachelor of the year!  He also represented the Namibian u/19 cricket team at the World Cup in Sri Lanka just after he matriculated.  He is doing very well for himself and has put away quite a few awards throughout his career.  

Best Actor - People Magazine's Crystal Award

S.A.'s Favourite Male Actor - You/Huisgenoot Spectacular

S.A.'s Sexiest Male - You/Huisgenoot Spectacular

S.A's Hottest Hunk - People Magazine's Crystal Award

Sexiest Man of 2006 - Mambaonline.com

You can buy his music either in MP3 format here per track, or Kalahari.net for the full album currently for R84.96 or eB850.  (Prices subject to change by Kalahari.net)