Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Freshlyground's World-class performance at Bassline

We hate to sound like a broken record but who more deserving than Freshlyground to win that MTV EMA?

As most of you know by now, the talented seven-piece SA gem has been spreading their magic all over Europe on tour (for the longest time) and just a few weekends ago brought home an extremely coveted (and very prestigious) MTV European Music Award from Copenhagen, Denmark .

Judging by their performance this past weekend (on November 18th) at Bassline, Johannesburg, Freshlyground brought home more than just their trophy. They couldn't stop mentioning how excited they were to perform on home turf again, and just to show it they put up an award-winning performance that will sit on the audience's event mantelpiece for a very long time.

The last time I have seen the Bassline so packed was when internationally-acclaimed Zimbabwean musician, Oliver Mtukudzi was in the country early this year. Mtukudzi is one of Africa's most renowned musicians, with years of experience and a vast fanbase. Now, Freshlyground - being as fresh as they are in the industry and having had very little publicity around the once-off gig - packed the Bassline to capacity (about 1 200 people seated and standing) and possibly exceeding that!

Moreover, their performance was undoubtedly mind-blowing!

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Monday, November 13, 2006

Legendary 'Mmalo-we' musician, Jabu Khanyile has died

Afro-Jazz vocalist, Jabu Khanyile, died at the age of 49 at his Dobsonville (Soweto) home on Saturday night.

His name Jabu (possibly short for Jabulani) means 'Be Happy' and his surname Khanyile means 'He shone'. Jabu Khanyile brought joy to many fans around the world with his music and shone his light on the beauty of SA music. South Africa has lost yet another incredible performer, dedicated musician and patron of South African culture.

Lindelani Mkhize, of LME Entertainment, the record company that worked with Khanyile told The Star that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and had been undergoing radiation therapy for the past five months. He also suffered from sugar diabetes.

Mkhize said Khanyile's last performance was in July in Germany during the World Cup handover and that the singer was due to record an album educating men about Prostate Cancer.

The singer was married to Phindy Dlamini and Khululiwe Sithole and had seven children.

May his soul rest in peace.

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