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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.  

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.

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)

Graeme Watkins Project (Repeat post with new video)

Graeme Watkins was one of our favorite Idols contestants and he has gone from strength to strength since the moment he was voted off the show. 

Here is his latest amazing addition to the SA music industry. 

Latest Graeme Watkins Official Music Video

Here is another clip from Graeme that was released last year. 

Innibosveld wrap-up

Innibosveld with Kurt Darren is officially over.  Some final pictures of the stars attending the show as well as some of Steve Hofmyer.
During the show, Jakkie Louw asked his girlfriend to marry him and luckily received a response in the positive.

Nicholis with Steve

Nicholis and Arno

Group Pic

Jakkie Louw - now engaged

Bobby at Kalahari Theatre

Bobby is performing tonight at the Kalahari theatre following his appearance at Kurt Darren's Innibosveld show last night.  He has a repeat performance at the same location tomorrow night as well.

Bobby van Jaarsveld

Innibosveld Pics

Kurt Darren and Heinz Winckler

Arno and Kurt

Lianie May

Bobby van Jaarsveld

Pics shared by the artists