INTRODUCING SOUTH AFRICA'S GOSPEL SENSATION - DR. TUMI

Words cannot describe the gifts and talents bestowed on today’s generation. In the last five years or so, many artists have emerged particularly from the motherland. Some have left a lasting impression by hitting notes we never deemed possible, while some have also given us goosebumps from the second we pressed play. Every so often, you stumble upon one who embodies everything I’ve described plus more. That is the case for Dr. Tumi – an amazing vocalist and true worshipper.

I stumbled upon his music while listening to Ntokozo Mbambo’s music this morning, and I became an instant fan. NOTHING WITHOUT YOU is a single off of Dr. Tumi’s Love & Grace album. I strongly recommend this album. It’s one guaranteed to bless every true worshipper.

ABOUT DR. TUMI

Dr. Tumi writes songs that are in synch with the Lord’s move of the season. A former lead singer for award winning gospel group – Intense, Dr. Tumi composed all the songs for the group's album – Heart2Heart, save one. He also wrote all 16 tracks of his debut album - Heart of a King, which won Best RnB Gospel Award at the SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards in 2012, where he was also nominated in four categories.

Dr. Tumi's inspiration for song writing is derived from fellowship, the word and experiences in his

day to day journey with the Lord. His songs transcend generations, cultures and times as they are riddled with the word, which is always in season. Dr. Tumi reveals that song is the primary language that connects him with the Giver of gifts, who has endowed him with unparalleled song writing abilities.

Dr. Tumi is fast becoming a sought after songwriter for contemporary gospel. He has written songs for a number of gospel artists in South Africa. Dr. Tumi, who is also a medical doctor, wants his word based prophetic songs to change lives by ministering healing, inspiration, hope, new meaning, revival and experience of God on another dimension. So anointed are Dr. Tumi’s song that he is often inundated with testimonies from those whose lives are touched and impacted by the richness of the substance found in his songs. Like many artists, Dr. Tumi, who is a producer, songwriter, instrumentalist and vocalist, kicked off his music career in Sunday school decades ago. Dr. Tumi just released his latest live offering called Love and Grace, a 15 track album packed with fresh new songs that he all wrote and produced. The album has reached gold status within two months of its release.

Visit Dr. Tumi’s website for more info. 

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SHOCKING NEWS: AN 8 YEAR OLD BOY MARRIES A 61 YEAR OLD WOMAN AFTER ANCESTORS TOLD HIM TO TIE THE KNOT.

An eight-year old schoolboy has married a 61-year old woman because the ghost of his dead ancestors told him to do so, DailyMail of London reports. Dressed in a bow tie and tiny silver suit, little Sanele Masilela exchanged rings with Helen Shabangu, who is already married and a mother-of-five, in front of 100 guests and even kissed the bride. Masilela, who is from Tshwane, South Africa, the youngest of five children, said he had been told by his dead ancestors to wed and his family, fearing divine retribution, organised the wedding for him.

They paid £500 for the bride and a further £1,000 for the wedding, which was organised in just two months. It’s already shocked the community but the family has defended the ceremony, saying it was just a ritual and not legally binding. Given away: Sanele walks to his wedding with his mother as people look on. The ceremony shocked some people in the community Sanele’s 46-year-old mum, Patience Masilela, said: “This is the first time this has happened in the family.’Sanele is named after his grandfather, who never had a white wedding before he died so asked Sanele to get married. He chose Helen because he loves her. “By doing this we made the ancestors happy.

If we hadn’t done what my son had asked then something bad would have happened in the family. I didn’t have a problem with it because I know it’s what the ancestors wanted and it would make them happy.” The widow, who works at a recycling centre, added: “ I would say that this is not wrong. Sanele was fine and he was happy about the ceremony and it was what he wanted. He was happy to get married and very excited.” Sanele and his bride did not sign a marriage certificate and do not have to live together. Both have gone back to their normal lives.Sanele said he hoped he would have a proper wedding to a woman of his own age when he was older. He added: “I told my mother that I wanted to get married because I really did want to. I’m happy that I married Helen but I will go to school and study hard.When I’m older I will marry a lady my own age.”

Despite being old enough to be his grandmother, bride Helen, whose children are aged between 37 and 27, was happy with the arrangement. Helen, who also works at a recycling centre, said: “I’m married and have five kids of my own, but I know that this is what the ancestors wanted and now they are happy. It is a ritual. We are just playing now, but it is a sign that he will get married one day.” Her husband of 30 years, Alfred, 65, said: “My kids and I are happy. We don’t have problems with it but some of the community members were shocked.”

click to enlarge image(s)

 

Source: 247Nigeriannewsupdate

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BASKETMOUTH TO HOST COMEDY CENTRAL’s STAND UP SHOW IN SOUTH AFRICA

Comic genius Basketmouth is to become the first Nigerian to host prestigious comedy gig and TV show Comedy Central Presents…Live at Parker’s. 

Basketmouth (@Basket_Mouth) has been snapped up by Africa’s only 24 hour comedy channel to helm and headline his own edition of the show in Johannesburg, South Africa on 24 April alongside well-known South African comedians.  Basketmouth will bring his own inimitable brand of comedy to the live gig at legendary comedy venueParker’s Comedy & Jive (@ParkersComedy), followed by a special telecast of Comedy Central Presents Basketmouth Live at Parker’s, airing exclusively on Comedy Central (DStv Channel 122) on Friday 14 June at 07:55 WAT/08:55 CAT.

Commented Basketmouth, "I am really buzzed to be reppin’ for Naija at Comedy Central Presents…Live at Parker’s in April!  So watch out: the Nigerian invasion has begun!”

Commented Evert Van Der Veer, Head of Comedy Central, Africa, “It’s been our long-held ambition to include Nigerian comedians and comedy in our programming lineup - and what better way to start than with Basketmouth - the king of Nigerian comedy himself!”

Basketmouth), a.k.a. Bright Okpocha, is the leading light of the Nigerian comedy scene, making waves around the globe with his free-flowing storytelling and enthusiastic comedic performances.  Basketmouth’s profile has never been higher, with huge demand for his comedy gigs both at home and internationally, including an upcoming tour of Europe in April 2013.  When he’s not touring, you can regularly find Basketmouth presiding over the comedic chaos at MTV Base’s late night TV show,The Big Friday Show (MTV Base, DStv Channel 322), a joyous mash up of music, comedy, celebrities, pranks and news.

Launched just over 12 months ago, Comedy Central (DStv Channel 122) has successfully lured South Africa’s top comics into hosting its regular monthly stand-up gig.  Among the many brilliant funnymen and women to grace the stage at Parker’s Comedy & Jive have been Chris Forrest, Kurt Schoonraad, Tumi Morake, Al Prodgers, Joey Rasdien, Barry Hilton, Loyiso Gola, Tats Nkonzo and Stuart Taylor.     

For further information about Comedy Central Presents Basketmouth Live at Parker's, please go towww.comedycentralafrica.com, www.facebook.com/comedycentralafrica or www.twitter.com/comedycentralAF.  To voice your views on Basketmouth’s participation in Comedy Central Presents…Live at Parker’s, please add #CCLAP to your tweets.    

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L'Uomo Vogue releases May 2012 Africa issue featuring UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and South African vocalist Lira

The May issue of L'Uomo Vogue is entirely dedicated to Africa, a Continent with great potentialities and a strong will to redeem itself.

What does it mean? It means that Africa is a Continent that has countless assets, unexpected possibilities and most of all is a young Continent with a strong desire to assert itself and give dignity to women and men in equal measure. A continent under construction that is constantly evolving and always trying to improve its life conditions. Africa needs to rebuild a new image, far removed from the one the media usually convey reporting on wars and famines that, although actually occurring, are not the only side to show.

L'Uomo Vogue decided to underline the positive side of this young continent from all points of view that is showing the willingness to succeed in fields such as the textile and the oil industry, from agriculture to the growing of cotton, coffee, cocoa, to tourism and cinema, as shown by Nollywood in Nigeria that produces 200 films every year. Education and health are the two main points the various governments are founding their battle on, building new schools, universities and well-equipped hospitals.

It’s a new representation of Africa - positive, creative and trusting its own assets: this is Africa evolving, that has already brought great changes.The whole issue is a string of portraits of local personalities: Presidents, First Ladies, Queens, but also artists, singers, musicians, actors, fashion designers, writers, models, always portrayed in a positive, joyful way. They have all accepted to be featured in this issue because conveying a positive image of this Continent means bringing everyone’s attention on a world that so far has been "left out", with the exception of a few African countries that have become a tourist destination.

Conveying a new image is fundamental for Africa also to give hope to the young and to the people who are working hard on their homeland’s economic growth. "Africa does not need charity. Africa needs investment and partnership. Joining forces with civil society and private sector, including non-traditional players, like the fashion industry, has become indispensable. Sustainable development is my top priority", stated UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon who appears on the cover. Other spotlights include multi-platinum award winning South African vocalist Lira who has already achieved mass success in her homeland and is ready to be introduced to the international market.

L’Uomo Vogue‘s Africa issue comes at a time when more and more people, the fashion industry included, are looking to the continent as a fresh source of inspiration and innovation. Fashionista contributor and founder of Africa Style Daily Zandile Blay said. “From fashion to film to politics, the continent is in the midst of a total makeover so Franca Sozzani and L’Uomo Vogue are right to document it.” This new issue also solidifies Sozzani as an editor who is passionate about promoting diversity in fashion – the same woman behind the groundbreaking all black Vogue Italia back in 2008.

Pick it up on newstands today!

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MULTI-PLATINUM AWARD WINNING SOUTH AFRICAN SUPERSTAR LIRA PREPARES RELEASE OF DEBUT NORTH AMERICAN ALBUM RISE AGAIN

Sony Music Africa recording artist LIRA is following in the footsteps of the legendary Miriam Makeba & Letta Mbulu, releasing four platinum albums and a triple platinum Live in Concert DVD making her the highest selling musical artist in South Africa today - the Afro-Soul vocalist makes her entrance into America and Canada with her 14-track LP Rise Again featuring the hit single "Feel Good".

Elegant. Soulful. Radiant. Few words come close to describing the rich, silky sound of South Africa’s preeminent female vocalist of the 21st century, LIRA. Widely regarded as South Africa's top adult contemporary artist, LIRA has racked up an impressive series of achievements since launching her musical career nearly a decade ago, blazing a trail of accomplishments

that few artists in the history of the continent can lay claim to like releasing the first blu-ray, gracing the covers of an infinite number of fashion and lifestyle magazine and maintaining the largest Facebook following of any African born musician, with over 325,000 fans. Her flawless dossier boasts a multitude of accolades and nominations from South African Music Awards, MTV Africa Awards, Channel O Awards and MOBO Awards as well as Glamour Magazine South Africa's "Woman of the Year" - all of which have left an indelible impression on Africa-at-large.
LIRA is already a beloved superstar in her homeland, where her first five albums and her first live DVD have achieved platinum and multi-platinum status. Now, with the North American release of her new album Rise Again, the charismatic songbird is ready to introduce new ears to her elegantly yet earthy Afro-soul fusion. LIRA is excited by the prospect of conquering America. "Within South Africa, I almost feel like I've done everything, I need to spread my wings and fly. I'm thirsty for it. I'm enthusiastic about it. I almost feel like I needed to take this long to get ready, to grow as a musician and a performer. Now I feel like I have something to offer." In recent months, American media outlets have been taking notice, with Essence magazine naming LIRA one of "Five Unique A

rtists Set to Change Music" in its December 2011 issue.

Reared on a steady diet of American soul luminaries LIRA’s music is a glowing testament to her immense growth, eschewing poignancy and despair for lyrics replete with hope, love, and a

profound sense of interconnectedness. One listen to Rise Again will confirm why LIRA has been enthusiastically embraced by audiences around the world. The multi-lingual young artist's distinctive, effervescent song craft combines breezy melodicism, irresistible rhythmic drive and uplifting, personally-charged lyrics that allow such memorable tunes as "Feel Good," "Believer," "Valley of Darkness" and the album's title track—all of which have already been hits in South Africa—to fulfill her goal of making music that's "beautiful, uplifting, empowering and celebratory."

Rise Again—whose songs are drawn from LIRA's massively popular South African releases—

offers a persuasive testament to the human spirit's ability to transcend in the face of obstacles and seemingly insurmountable odds, and her confident and vibrant, inspired performances bring the songs' upbeat lyrical sentiments to life. While LIRA's music reflects her abiding love for such seminal influences as Miriam Makeba, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone, and sits comfortably alongside the contemporary work of such performers as Sade, Maxwell and Lizz Wright, but LIRA's singular voice and deeply personal perspective make her a one-of-a-kind recording artist, as well as a top-flight concert attraction - selling out venues across Africa and Europe.

As part of a new cadre of African artists making waves stateside such as K’Naan, Nneka, and Ayo, LIRA sees herself as an ambassador of the new Africa: a land where, despite a recent history filled with obstacles, a future brimming with infinite possibilities lies. LIRA feels that this pressure to thrive outside of convention has bred a unique brand of ingenuity that will propel her and her fellow artists to the world stage.

“We're proud of being African, but there’s also a desire to be a part of the world. Part of the way we can raise the consciousness back home is when people see us rise on the world stage. We don’t do it for the individual, we do it for the entire group.”

LIRA has yet to take her eyes off one of the main objectives of her plan: to conquer the world with Afro-soul.

Exclusive shots of Lira on Olamild Ent.

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Mandela charity's fashion line makes runway debut

JOHANNESBURG — A fashion line launched to raise money for Nelson Mandela's AIDS charity made its runway debut Sunday, with high-fashion incarnations of the vivid shirts that he often wore as president.

The clothing created for 46664, the anti-apartheid hero's prison number which is now the name of his charity, appeared on the catwalk for South Africa Fashion Week, with everything from salmon-coloured suits for men to full-length flowing gowns for women. "What is exciting about this range is that pretty much most people can find something in the range," said Wayne Bebb, CEO of Brand ID, which manages the 46664 label.

"Someone who is quite fashionable would love some of the colours, someone who is little bit more conservative is going to find a very interesting shirt and a pair of denim," he told AFP.
Many of the clothes used prints inspired by the loose shirts that Mandela himself wore after taking office in 1994 as South Africa's first black president.

A few more muted pieces included slates and charcoals, but pink, green, orange and purple were the order of the day -- whether in patchwork shorts for men or smartly tailored suits for women. Between seven and nine percent of the revenue generated by the clothes will go to Mandela's foundation, which is committed to battling the spread of HIV and AIDS.
The organisation once used mega-concerts with stars like Bono and Annie Lennox to raise money for its work, but 46664 head Ruth Rensburg said the charity now needed other ways of fundraising.

"46664 currently implements Nelson Mandela international day, it takes responsibility for the global coordination and implementation of it around the world," she said. "What we will do going forward is look for projects that take forward Mr Mandela's work."
Mandela Day is observed on July 18, the Nobel Peace Prize winner's birthday, when he asks the public to perform community service.

Mandela was given the number 46664 upon his arrival at South Africa's Robben Island prison in 1964, where he remained until 1982. He spent time in various prisons on the mainland until his release in 1990 and was elected president following South Africa's first-ever free vote in 1994.

Source: AFP

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AFRICAN YOUTH HOOK UP WITH HUGH MASEKELA ON MTV BASE MEETS…WITH MTN

The latest edition of MTV Base Meets…with MTN (MTV Base, Monday 22 August, 20:30 CAT) sees young African creatives in conversation with legendary musician Hugh Masekela.

Many albums, hits and live performances all over the world later, at 72, Masekela still has an extremely active music career and is in touch with the latest music trends (he’s worked with Black Coffee, Lira, Zwai Bala, Thandiswa Mazwai). He had plenty to say about politics, music and African heritage in his chat at Johannesburg’s scenic Moyo restaurant at Zoo Lake.

Bra Hugh, as he is affectionately known, picked up his first trumpet at 14 and was part of the legendary Sophiatown era in South Africa, before going into exile in America; living in West Africa; touring the world and releasing countless international hits including his Grammy
nominated 1968 US number 1 Grazin In The Grass. Hugh’s voice and music were instrumental in the struggle against Apartheid, and he returned from exile after Nelson Mandela’s 90s release from jail. In 2003 he released his best-selling autobiography Still Grazing: The Musical
Journey of Hugh Masekela, which covered his loves, including ex wife Miriam Makeba, his drug and alcohol addiction and being a musician.

Engaging with Masekela on MTV Base Meets…with MTN are Zimbabwean rapper Zubz, South African blogger, columnist and fashion store owner Milisuthando Bongela, Nigerian musician Adey Omotade, South African stand up comedian and student Mojak Lehoko and Congolese stylist and journalism student Patricia Muauka Muembo.

In each episode of MTV Base Meets…with MTN, African youth get to meet face to face with the influencers and leaders of Africa and ask them probing and provocative questions. It’s a no-holds-barred interview with politicians and prominent figures such as UK businessman Richard Branson, Nigerian media mogul Ben Murray Bruce, South African politician Julius Malema, Liberian President Madame Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

MTV Base Meets Hugh Masekela with MTN will be shown on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) on Monday 22 August @ 20:30 CAT, Wednesday 24 August @ 22:15 CAT, Thursday 25 August @ 18:30, Sunday 28 August @ 15:00 and Monday 29 August @ 16:00 CAT.

Further influencers still to come in the MTV Base Meets…with MTN are Nigerian entrepreneur Aliko Dangote (29 August) and R&B diva Alicia Keys (5 September).

For more information on MTV Base Meets…with MTN, go to www.mtvmeets.com or http://mtvmeets.mobi or follow the campaign on Twitter at #MTVMeets@MTVbaseAfrica.

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Nelson Mandela’s Charity Launches Fashion Line

Nelson Mandela’s AIDS charity 46664 is launching a fashion line, 46664 Apparel, which will consist of brightly colored gulf shirts, jeans and button-downs in traditional African prints, as well as belts and other accessories. A spokeswoman for the charity says that the line will also include special collections by both local South African and international guest designers.

46664 Apparel will launch in South Africa in August, and will be available worldwide in 2012.

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About da L.E.S.

Leslie (aka Les) J. Mampe Jnr., also known as the Da L.E.S (i.e. Leslie Equals Success) to his many fans, was born in the US in Washington DC, lived in Texas, but the person who he has become was carved in the Motherland by way of South Africa. Da L.E.S is by no means a new entrant to the entertainment scene, in fact his first claim to fame came courtesy of his dancing abilities where he featured on shows like Sasco Sam and KTV.

Da L.E.S’s music exploits came into fruition when he hooked up with long time friend and Brother from another mother Bongani Fassie. Bongani and Da L.E.S’s first musical endeavor came in the form of collaboration with Shimane, titled Runnin Bizz in 2004. Fast forward to 2007 and Les became a household name due to his participation with Jozi. Les forms one third of ultra super hip hop crew Jozi, of the Muthaland Crunk fame. This release went on to be nominated for a SAMA award, 4 Metro FM awards and a Channel O spirit of Africa award, in categories such as best group and best Hip Hop. The group was also afforded the opportunity to perform at the most recent 46664 concert held in December 2007.

In doing so the album launched the careers of three individuals with distinct personas who contributed different musical elements, which were infused to create the Muthaland Crunk sound. Da L.E.S through Jozi has become recognized as one of the best emcee’s in the country. As Da L.E.S explains, “rapping is something that lives within me continuously, let me just hear a beat and I automatically want to just start rhyming.” With that in mind Da L.E.S solo offering came off the back of him being in studio, with his producer/ band mate and long time friend Bongani Fassie. “What was meant to be a lyrical exercise, ended up becoming a 13 track feature album called, Fresh to Def”, as Leslie emphasises. This project essentially opened up the opportunity for Da L.E.S to create set of songs that showcase his lyrical versatility and his eclectic sound, which best represents his own personality and influences that in turn define his rapping style. Fresh to Def is woven out of a lyrical introspection of Les’s desire to continually enhance and refine his ability as an emcee. As Les explains, “my personal style from rapping, to dressing has to be FRESH!” .

He is definitely a swagger boy as the ladies would attest. This album is not Les breaking away from Jozi but represents Les’s mission to deliver good music and explore his own capabilities as an artist to ensure growth. For Les this album is directed at the youth, as he feels he is a proud ambassador and role model of the youth. This is also seen by his venture into TV where he is a presenter on Craz-e’s hip hop show Shiz Niz. So ladies and gentleman a man, who needs no introduction, present you, Fresh to Def

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DA L.E.S. to represent South Africa

South Africa’s hip hop king Da L.E.S. has been booked to rock the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain (MAMA) in Kenya on 10 October 2009.

Also added to the lineup of performers are Lizha James from Mozambique – a hot contender for the Best Female trophy - plus Fally Ipupa from DRC, A.Y. from Tanzania (Best Hip Hop nominee) and Ugandan gal trio, Blu*3 (nominated for Best Group, Best Performer).

Da L.E.S. – a.k.a. Leslie Mampe – is fast becoming one of South Africa’s hip hop elite – having previously achieved critical acclaim as one third of award-winning hip hop crew, Jozi, who took home the Best Live Performer category at the 2008 MAMA Awards in Nigeria. The release of Da L.E.S.’s first solo album, Fresh To Def, early in 2009 marked a new direction for the charismatic hip hop MC, showing his effortless command of slick beats and rhythmic flow in tracks such as ‘We Are On Fire’, ‘Fresh To Def’, ‘Candy’ and ‘Respect’.

Da L.E.S. is honoured with two nominations as a solo artist in the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain – for Best Male and Best Video.

Da L.E.S, Lizha James, Fally Ipupa, A.Y. and Blu3 join previously announced performers Wyclef Jean, Wahu, Lira, M.I. and Samini at the second annual MAMA awards, taking place at the Indoor Arena, Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, and airing to a potential TV audience of 1 billion viewers around the world.

The MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain, Road To MAMA and What Went Down TV shows will be aired on MTV base and partner TV stations in October 2009.

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