Lira Announces USA Tour Dates + New EP

Okayplayer in conjunction with Okayafrica is very proud to announce the upcoming North American debut of Lira AND the release of the LIRA EP on August 8th! These are but the first volley of warning shots to get your attention, America. A 14-track album, Feel Good, will be released on January 31, 2012 and the song of the same name will be the first single at radio. Lira is a boned-afied superstar in her native South Africa, where her four albums and one DVD release have all gone platinum (or better!).  We are definitely excited to be a part of her team as she embarks on what promises to be a wildly successful career here, too.

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Marlon Wyans to host MTV Africa Music Awards

The 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards, which take place on 7 June at the Durban International Convention Centre, will be hosted by US actor, producer, stand-up comedian, writer and film director Marlon Wayans.

The awards are presented in partnership with KwaZulu-Natal Province, Absolut Vodka, the City of Durban and South Africa Tourism.

Wayans was discovered on the TV sketch comedy show In Living Color, along with Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx. He also co-starred in the comedy sitcom The Wayans Brothers, a largely autobiographical show based on the brothers' real relationship and personalities.

As a stand-up comedian, Wayans continues to sell out in venues across the US and serves up urban comedy from established and emerging comedians, writers and actors through his website, WhatTheFunny.com.

Alex Okosi, SVP and MD of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa commented, “Marlon Wayans is a hugely popular entertainment figure known and loved by African audiences from The Wayans Brothers and his various movie roles. His irreverent humour and infectious energy will definitely make him a great host for the 2014 MAMA.”

Celebrating musicians and achievers who have made the most impact on African youth culture throughout the year, MAMA 2014 will, for the first time, premiere live across Africa on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130) at 21h00.

The 2014 MAMA will feature performances from African and international artists, including R&B superstar Miguel, hip hop game changer French Montana, Nigerian sensations Davido, Flavour and Tiwa Savage and South African hit makers Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Oskido and Professor.

Nominees from sub-Saharan Africa are represented in the nominations for this year’s music categories, including: 2Face, AKA, Amani, Amr Singh, Anselmo Ralph, Arielle T, Beatenberg, Big Nuz, Burna Boy, Chidinma, Clarence Peters, Danny K, Davido, Diamond, DJ Buckz, DJ Clock, DJ C'ndo, DJ Ganyani, DJ Kent, The Arrows, Donald, Don Jazzy, Dr Malinga, Dr Sid, Efya, Espoir 2000, Fally Ipupa, FB, Ferre Gola, Flavour, Fuse ODG, Gangs of Ballet, Goldfish, Heavy K, Ice Prince, JD, KCEE, Khuli Chana, Kyle Lewis, LCNVL, Lizha James, Mafikizolo, Matthew Mole, May D, Mi Casa, Michael Lowman, Nakhane Toure, Nelson Freitas, Olamide, Oskido, P Square, Professor, The Parlotones, Phyno, Radio and Weasel, R2bees, Sarkodie, Sauti Sol, Shortstraw, Stanley Enow, Tiwa Savage, Toofan, Uhuru, Wizkid, Youssoupha, Yuri Da Cunha and Zakes Bantwini.

In the newly introduced lifestyle award categories, Chimamanda Adiche, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Trevor Noah, Lupita Nyong’o and Yaya Toure are nominated for Personality of the Year.

Public voting for the MAMA can be done via the MTV Base website until midnight on 4 June 2014. Voting for Song of the Year continues up until the show on 7 June however, the winners of the MTV Base Leadership Award and Best Video are chosen exclusively by MTV Base.

Tickets are on sale at Computicket.
Seated tickets cost R450,00 (incl. VAT) while general access (standing) tickets are R200,00 (incl. VAT).

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Donald Moatshe arrested

Award-winning singer Donald Moatshe was arrested after he was caught
speeding on the N2 in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, traffic police said on
Sunday.

Donald Moatshe
"He was driving a silver Audi Q3 and was caught driving at 182 km on a
120 km zone," said road traffic inspectorate spokesperson Zinhle
Mngomezulu.

Moatshe was with a couple of friends from Swaziland, she said.

The musician was granted a R2,500 bail.

He is expected to appear in the Umhlali Magistrate's Court on Monday.

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Maggie Benedict (Akhona) arrested for Shoplifting

Actress turned Thug?

User @Tumacious told popular blog, Just Curious that she spotted Maggie Benedicts (known as Akhona from popular soapie Generations) being dragged into a police van at Cresta Shopping Mall in Johannesburg.

Linden Police confirmed that a 32 Year Old well known actress had been arrested and that her identity will be revealed when ready. The actress was arrested for allegedly stealing headache tablets.

To keep in mind, Maggie Benedict was born in 1981, 10 February. Ewn reported that the brother of the actress says he suspects his sister was set-up and that they are trying not to make her spend the night in Jail.


Follow: @PhreshentZA

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Gone but not Forgotten, RIP Tata Madiba

Freedom fighter, prisoner, moral compass and South Africa's symbol of the struggle against racial oppression.

That was Nelson Mandela, who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead his country out of decades of apartheid.

He died Thursday night at age 95.

His message of reconciliation, not vengeance, inspired the world after he negotiated a peaceful end to segregation and urged forgiveness for the white government that imprisoned him.

"As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison," Mandela said after he was freed in 1990.

Mandela, a former president, battled health issues in recent years, including a recurring lung infection that led to numerous hospitalizations.

Despite rare public appearances, he held a special place in the consciousness of the nation and the world.

"Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father," South African President Jacob Zuma said. "What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves."

His U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama, echoed the same sentiment.

"We've lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this Earth," Obama said. "He no longer belongs to us -- he belongs to the ages."

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Ja Rule Is Now Gay?

"He wrote all them love songs and still don't know how to treat a b*tch" Responded Aisha Atkin's rapper Ja Rule's wife in an opening statement during her MTV exclusive "Married Life After Prison" set to air later this month.

"We spent 10 plus years building our marriage but it only took him two to decide he'd rather suck a d*ck than be with his wife" Ja Rule was sentenced to two years in jail for a gun charge and released earlier in 2013 when he presumably returned to life with his family, but according to Aisha that is simply not the case.

"He returned home alright; To get his shit and leave" She claims that Ja Rule real name Jeffery Atkins simply told her that he was sleeping with his personal trainer and not until later did she find out that not only was he a man, but his prison cell mate.

Aisha admits that she hopes this is just a phase, but is now convinced that the whole 50 cent thing was not just a silly rap feud, but more than likely a crush.

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RIP Paul Walker

Paul Walker, the star of the "Fast & Furious" movie series died Saturday afternoon in a car crash that killed him and his friend, north of Los Angeles. Paul had just recently celebrated his 40th Birthday.

Reports say Walker was a passenger in the friend's car and that Walker was in the area to attend a charity event for his organization, Reach Out Worldwide. True hey, Bad things happen to Good People.

The LA County Sheriff's Department said that Deputies found a car engulfed in flames when they responded to a report of a collision in the community of Valencia. Two people who were found in the car were pronounced dead at the scene.

A red Porsche crashed into a light pole and the car burst into flames.

Walker was working on "Fast & Furious 7" at the time of his death. He also stared in the suspense drama, "Hours", Which is set for release this month.

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Samsung Collaborates With Danny K

Samsung Electronics South Africa has partnered with music maestro Danny K on the release of his new album 'Good Look'. The multi-award winning artist's latest album will be available from 25th of November, and Samsung GALAXY smartphone users will have direct access to the album through the Danny K Good Look app, at no cost. This initiative makes Danny K the first South African musician to launch an album through a mobile application.

"Technology has changed the way people interact, discover and listen to music and Samsung is proud to be at the forefront of the mobile experience that pays tribute to local artists," says Craige Fleischer, Director of Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics SA.

Samsung SA has purchased twenty thousand copies of 'Good Look' and loyal music fans are able to download the full Danny K album for free, exclusively to their Samsung Galaxy devices for one month. This is Danny K's sixth album, including hits such as Brown Eyes - that rocketed to the top of the 5FM, YFM, MTV and Trace charts in South Africa.

"Not only will this innovative launch set the backdrop for upcoming collaborations, but similarly break new ground in the way music is embraced and consumed in South Africa," concludes Craige.

Danny K Good Look app is compatible with GALAXY smartphone devices that run Android 4.0 (Ice-Cream Sandwich) and above. Data charges may apply, as determined by local operators and service providers. T&C's apply.

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L-Tido Releases New Album

After a long wait, L-Tido has finally dropped his awaited new album All of me which is inspired by personal circumstances and situations that his friends and family have gone through in the last year. He laced the current hip hop sound with his African heritage which gives the sound a bit more longevity and variety.

L-Tido is no longer a newbie in the music industry after hit singles such as ‘We Rollin' ft K.O from Teargas and ‘Calling' ft. Teepee which won a Channel O Video award solidified his relevance in the market.

His sophomore album includes stand out tracks: ‘Who you lovin', 'We aint leaving' Ft. DJ Dimples and 'Steve Kekana' which samples the Doc Shebeleza classic 'Sget Sgetza'.

All of me dropped last week on iTunes and is also available in all good music stores nationwide.

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Jack Daniel's Music Scouts 8 Finalists

Jack Daniel's Music Scouts announce hot new talent - first 8 finalists revealed.

From over a whopping 1300 entries, eight finalists in the national JD Music Scouts talent search have been announced and competition is stiff. The eight artists are Velvet Suite Lounge, E.S.T, Lection, DJ Seg-t, Betasweet, Gigi, Gearboxx and iSesh. With just 4 more finalists to be announced, a total of 12 talented artists will be battling it out for a place at the finale party on 7 December in Turbine Hall, Newtown.

Hailing from KZN, Joburg, Mafikeng and Pretoria, the eight finalists have been nominated from a combination of public votes via the Jack Daniel's Facebook page and valuable input from the JD Music Scouts themselves - T-Bo Touch, DJ Vinny da Vinci and Mandla ‘Spikiri' Mofokeng. The search for authentic South African talent is well underway

Visit www.jackscouts.co.za from a mobile device for more information. Follow the progress on Facebook at JackDanielsSA, #Jackscouts. The winning artists, as selected by the JD Music Scouts, in addition to receiving exposure through the campaign, will win a trip to the US to discover the history of hip hop and house music.

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Kendrick Lamar tour dates change, AGAIN.

RAPPER Kendrick Lamar has moved his South African tour dates again.

The Poetic Justice muso was initially supposed to perform in November this year as part of Airey Scott and Miller Genuine Draft promotional event dubbed Miller Boomtown, but was moved to late February in an announcement made in two months ago. Lamar’s reason for rescheduling then was due to his agreement to support rapper Kanye West in his tour that ends in December – which would have coincided with his scheduled SA tour.

This time though the promoters sent a statement stating that they have moved concert dates to 7, 8 and 9 February, which is three weeks earlier than the second dates that were announced. But no reason was stated for the change.

Lamar will perform at Durban’s Wave House in Gateway on February 7, in Johannesburg Stadium the following day, February 8, before jetting off to Bellville Velodrome in Cape Town on February 9.

Fans can rest assured that tickets they have already purchased will still be valid and need not be exchanged.

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Instagram Beta Is Now Available for Nokia Lumia Smartphones on Windows Phone 8

Nokia has been on a roll. After successfully releasing Vine for Windows Phone 8, it has now made Instagram Beta available to all its Lumia smartphones running WP8. As expected, the download is free.

Here's the official press release from Nokia:

One of the world’s favorite apps – with over 150 million users – Instagram lets you quickly transform your pictures into works of art and share them with your friends and family.
Simply select a picture from your Photos hub, choose a filter to change its look and feel, and then you can post it instantly to Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Foursquare, and Instagram itself.
The app comes with a variety of free, custom filters designed to make it easy to put the "art" into "smartphone." Enjoy experimenting with XPro-II, Earlybird, Rise, Amaro, Hudson, Lo-fi, Sutro, Toaster, Brannan, Inkwell, Walden, Hefe, Nashville, 1977, and others. There are other treatments and effects you can apply, too, such as Linear and Radial Tilt-shift blur, allowing you to add extra depth of field to your pictures.

You can also use Instagram to see, like and comment on your friends’ images right inside the app. Every time you open Instagram, it’s refreshed with their latest shared pictures.
The Windows Phone Instagram app supports both the rear and front-facing cameras, so you can make yourself look beautiful, as well as the world around you.
Grab it from the Store – it’s free and works on all Windows Phone 8 smartphones.

Source: Nokia

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Kwetsa's Dakar Album -Artwork, Tracklist & Free Streaming

The wait is finally over, Da King of Afrikan Rap, Kwesta, has announced the official release date for his sophomore album DaKAR as the 25th of November 2013. As a build up to the main event he has made the full album available for free streaming to give fans a chance to preview it, review it and hopefully spread the word.

Album Tracklist

1. Thank You. 
2. All About w/ Calvi
3. High On Life w/ Tia Black 
4. Find A Way w/ Kruna & Soweto Gospel Choir 
5. Suster
6. Radio w/ Charles Mchunu
7. Balloon (Remix) w/ Jimmy Nevis
8. Make You Go
9. Boom Shaka Laka w/ Kid-X
10. Thul' Ujayive w/ Kid-X & Zakwe
11. The Future
12. Hood Rich
13. No Competition 
14. Johnnie w/ Crash Car Burn & Maraza 
15. Pray Hard w/ Reason
16. Family Matters

Follow Kwetsa on Twitter for more details

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Jeannie in a Bottle

Jeannie in a Bottle

The entertainment world’s favourite girl has decided to branch out and do what very few local celebrities have done; launch her own fine fragrance.

Jeannie D joins an elite list of celebrities with their own fragrance ranges worldwide like Katy Perry, Fergie and Taylor Swift, to name a few.

Sophisticated oriental floral. These words perfectly explain the soon to be launched fragrance by Jeannie D, called Jeannie In A Bottle.

“This is an absolute dream come true for me. I just love the jasmine-floral profile of this fragrance and have no doubt that others will absolutely adore it too”, added Jeannie D.

Developed by fragrance house Luzi Switzerland and packaged by Creighton Products in Durban, Jeannie and her partners at Forma Consmetics went through over 50 different combinations in 4 sessions with the Swiss-based company before settling on the scent.

Jeannie In A Bottle’s  fruity and citrusy top notes are seductively infused with sophisticated floral and spicy-woody middle notes, with a base note of amber, musk, tonka bean and vanilla.

Jeannie In A Bottle is available online at www.forma-cosmetics.com from R329.99 and will be available exclusively at Clicks stores on the 1st of December 2013.

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Watch Rihanna "What Now" (Official Video)

While Rihanna was in Thailand she was doing much more than just checking out freak sex shows and the local scenery. She was also taping the music video for her track “What Now.” Taking a look at the slow ballad visuals, expect some surprises as the track eventually hits a peak where Rihanna seems to have become possessed in the song’s finale.

The track comes off her new album Unapologetic available now.

Check out her new music video below:

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Russell Brand SA tour cancelled

Comedian Russell Brand was forced to cancelthe South African leg of his latest show Messiah Complex, after he was denied access to SA.
Publicist Debra de Souza said Brand was refused permissionto fly to the country because his passport didn't contain the mandatory numberof empty pages.

Brand tweeted on Friday evening: “Banned from SouthAfrica. Here ready to go. Refused entry. Hope I can come soon.”

Promoter Tony Feldman of Showtime said "We aresorry for any inconvenience caused to Russell Brand’s fans and thank them fortheir continued support. We are hoping to reschedule the dates for mid2014".

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DATES ANNOUNCED: Kendrick Lamar SA Tour in February 2014

Tour promoters Airey Scott and Miller Genuine Draft announced on 9/13 that Kendrick Lamar’s SA dates have been postponed so that Kendrick can support Kanye on the upcoming Yeezus tour. The Kendrick Lamar SA tour has been rescheduled to late February/March. Tickets can be returned for a full refund or exchanged for the new dates at a Computicket outlet.

Updated February/March dates:

• Wavehouse, Durban, 28 February 2014
• JHB Stadium, Johannesburg, 1 March 2014
• Bellville Velodrome, Cape Town, 2 March 2014

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Mi Casa goes No 1 in UK

Mi Casa’s hot single ‘Jika’ has featured at No 1 on the UK charts.

Not only has ‘Jika’ been the most played song for 12 weeks in a row on South African radio stations, but now they have topped the charts on BBC’s Radio 1 Xtra.

‘Jika’ has also dominated the airwaves elsewhere.

It has seen Mi Casa feature in pole position on Trace TV’s 30 Urban Hit, on MTV Base and on radio stations 5FM, Metro FM, Y-FM, Ukhozi FM, Highveld Stereo and Gagasi FM.

Having toured all over Africa for the last few months since the release of Su Casa in August, Zimbabwe and Nigeria will finally get their share of Mi Casa this November.

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Kirk Franklin and Joyous Celebration Live at the Diamond City Revival 2013

Northern Capes’ gospel fans should prepare for a musical extravaganza as South
Africa’s favourite ensemble, Joyous Celebration and 2012 SA Idols Winner, Khaya Mthethwa, joins forces with international gospel musician Kirk Franklin on the 8th December 2013 at the Griquas (GWK) Rugby Park.

For only one day the multi-talented Kirk Franklin who has produced some astounding gospel hits such as “Bread of Life” will take the stage alongside the award-winning Joyous Celebration and lay out some brilliant gospel tunes that will have fans worshiping and praising at the top of their voices.

This once in a lifetime gospel concert which is part of the inaugural Diamond City Revival, hosted by Maverick State and the Northern Cape Provincial Government will also be graced by performances from one of SA’s most celebrated talent, Khaya Mthethwa performing with the Gospel Alive Choir from his new TV show. With 3 gospel giants in one stage, this will surely be 2013’s most acclaimed gospel event.

“We are looking forward to sharing the stage with one of the world’s best gospel stars, which has produced hits that have inspired us in our gospel journey” Says Jabu Hlongwane co-Founder of Joyous Celebration.

Do not miss an opportunity of witnessing history in the making book your tickets now via Computicket or any Shoprite outlet, tickets priced from R180.00. Show starts at 12 and gates open at 10am.

For more information and updates logo onto the Computicket website.

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Up and close with Jason Willemse

It's been a while since I did an interview for yall. And this time I got the new hunk on the block, Jason Willemse who plays Cameron on Scandal. Born and raised in a small town caled Ladismith, in the Western Cape, Jase is sure one to look out for.

What inspired your love for acting?

I want to make a difference and inspire people with our own stories in South Africa.

How did you get involved in the acting industry?

I studied in Cape Town Drama at Northlink College which was a link to Tshwane University of Technology where I was one of seven students out of 40 to be chosen to further their studies in Pretoria in Drama.

Do you miss Cape Town?

Just my family mostly, but I have been in Johannesburg ever since and I love the City of Jozi.

What is it that you love about Jozi?

The people here are very friendly, the pace, buildings and it is a city where dreams come true.

Getting the role of Cameron on Scandal, How did that change your career?

I have done a lot of acting stuff before but the role of Cameron has given me more exposure and it also helped put my name out there cause it it my first big break.

What was your reaction upon receiving the news that you got the role?
I was very happy and I burst into tears.

Which actors do you look up to?

I look up to actors such as John  Kani who is a legend in South African Theatre and Television, also newer zctors like Sharlto Copley from the movie District 9  and the A-Team.

Have you ever done Theatre? 

I come from a theatre background so it is in my blood. I have studied the craft at Northlink College and TUT doing shows almost all the theatres in Pretoria. I have done a lot of Children's theatre also. Around the country all over.

What aspects would you like to improve as an actor?

That is a difficult question to answer but the best way for me to say is one must always improve all the time in our craft.

How is Cameron similar to  Jason?

We both nerds [laughs]. We like reading and thinking stuff over.

With Scandal, do you think you have matured as an actor?

Yes I have matured a lot. It has made me a better and more well groomed actor.

Learnt any lessons while at Scandal thus far?

I love "Scandal."

What motto do you live by?

Be humble and thank God for my blessings.

I'm sure the ladies want to know, is Jason taken?

[laughs] yes I'm taken. Getting engaged next month to my beautiful Queen.

What advice would you give to upcoming actors?

Be humble and stay grounded. Surround yourself with positive friends.

How can people get hold of you?

Twitter: @Jason1Willemse and on Facebook it's Jason Willemse. And I recently joined the instagram family also where you can find me @Jason1Willemse. For bookings: Jason1Willemse@gmail.com

Phresh Ent | Mclushian | Twitter | Facebook

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