James Bond gets personal on Quantum Of Solace

Firstly, let me just say that I have never been to a press screening for a movie that was so packed. I even saw faces and met people I had never seen before at these screenings. That's just testimony that the new James Bond movie has been widely and greatly anticipated. Those that have seen it have pointed many fallacies, some even concluding it's the worst Bond movie they have ever seen.

I beg to differ though as I felt very entertained when I watched Quantum Of Solace this morning. Earlier this week I watched Flashbacks Of A Fool, another Daniel Craig film that releases in Cape Town this coming Friday, and was immensely amused by his performance and the feature in general. My review of that movie praised Daniel Craig for his display of flexibility, noting his vast contrast to his James Bond role in Casino Royale. Well, Quantum Of Solace proved that point again as his hardness, wit, charm, confidence (which can be construed as arrogance to many) and cander came across vividly.

Quantum Of Solace continues from where Casino Royale left off, but you won't lose the plot even if you didn't see the last instalment of the franchise. In an attempt not to give too much away here, I'll sum up Quantum Of Solace as a minefield of treachery, murder and deceit, as Bond gathers old friends to uncover the truth to Vesper's backstabbers and ultmately the death of his love. In his quest for the truth, he has to outwit the CIA, the terrorists in his midst, and even his advisor M. And, he does this in old Bond fashion with the help of the latest technology.

Speaking of technology, I've always been fascinated with spycraft and espionage stories, so maybe that's another contributing factor to my enjoyment of the movie. And of course action junkies get loads of thrills as Bond does what he does best; the car chases, the fight sequences, all the nitty gritties. I could also sense that his character possessed some sensitivity and a bit softness, maybe because he was fighting for a more personal cause this time.

Overall, I liked Quantum Of Solace a great deal. Marc Forster did a great job with the directing. The clever humour will also get the better of you. Not to mention Mathieu Amalric's sterling portrayal of the villain. It also made me appreciate his own flexibility in his roles, remembering his excellent performance on The Diving Bell And The Butterfly as Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby. He played it with such precision and flair, but I digress.

Oh, and also, when I first listened to the theme song, sung by Alicia Keys and Jack White of The White Stripes, I didn't really feel it. However, when I listened to it in the context of the opening credits, it fell right into place. I really enjoyed it.

Quantum of Solace hits cinemas nationwide next week Wednesday, 19 November 2008.

Win 2 double VIP Tickets to see The Game at The Road to the MAMA's!!!

My good peeps, I've got excellent news for you. You know that the first ever MTV African Music Awards with Zain (MAMA's) are taking place next weekend in Nigeria. Well, before all the festivities in Abuja, some of the award performers, including U.S. rapper The Game, and the nominees will be giving us a taste of it all at The Road to the MAMA's concert this coming Thursday, 13 November 2008, at Standard Bank Arena.

The organisers, Eventfull Productions and MTV Networks Africa, in association with YEAHBO.DOT.NET, are giving away 2 double VIP tickets to 2 lucky readers to expreinec the VIP treatment at Thursday's show. All you have to do is answer the following easy questions:

1). Who is the sponsor of the MTV African Music Awards with Zain?

2). Name any one band nominated for the Viewers Choice Award category.

3). Name one of the local artists/bands that will be featured on Thursday's line up.

CLUES: Please see our previous post HERE, or go to the MAMA's official website at mama.mtvbase.com.

Send your answers and you contact details to khetha@yeahbo.net. Winners will be announced on Thursday at 12:00pm.

Good luck.

Fun and awareness goes together at Levi’s® Rage for the Revolution Concert

This past Saturday saw an assortment of people enjoying themselves in a conscious and positive show dubbed Levi’s® Rage for the Revolution, spearheaded by the iconic clothing brand Levi’s®. The annual HIV/AIDS campaign withstood a few minor glitches, like the terrible rainy weather, and few technical fallaces, to a sounding success. And succeed it did as young people rejoiced and had fun whilst educating themselves about the dangers of HIV/AIDS and how to stay positive whether infected or affected. Helping spread the gospel were entertainers including Tidal Waves, Malaika, aKing, Ntando, L'Vovo, Flat Stanley, and DJ's Euphonik and Oskido.

It was entertainment galore as people of different cultures and backgrounds gathered to support an initiative that is very much needed in curbing this monster disease. Every musician that graced the stage had a message of support, sympathy, and compassion, whether relayed through their music or literal utterances. Da Les, the MC for the event, played his part too with his positive and encouraging words, even giving us a mini-performance during one of the breaks.

My highlight for the day has to be Tidal Waves (there were amazing with their authentic and smooth reggae sounds), L'Vovo (I finally got to understand why people go crazy over him and his music, he has such charm and appeal when he does his thing on stage), Malaika (wow, a world class performance from you, especially enjoyed Bongani doing Marvin Gaye's classic Sexual Healing, the brother can really sing - don't go solo though, both of you, you are fine just the way you are, LOL) and a group of brass and drum players that took the venue by storm during the breaks. It was so moving seeing the audience join these guys, singing and dancing to what was played through the horns. There were also a group of "magicians" taking turns amusing us with their tricks. The organisers need to be greatly commended and praised for that idea because we were never bored. If a musician was setting up for their performance, there was always something to occupy you, in terms of entertainment. I can't imagine what it would have been like during those glitches mentioned above if they didn't have such a contingency plan.

Overall, it was a fun-filled day. Not only about fun, but with a strong focus on awareness about a subject that has scarred the world over. Thank you Speakerscorner and Levi’s® for inviting us to share such an occasion. Melanie and Alison, you ladies are both stars shining bright (by the way, your son is so handsome Alison, and he is going to be great when he grows up, could gather from the pictures you showed me).

Continuing on the awareness trail, if you are having sexual relations, please go and get tested. It may sound like a cliche, but it's real and is the only truth, it's better knowing your status than dying in the dark. I don't mean to preach, but we have lost too many of our young potential heroes to HIV/AIDS, and we can only beat it by making a stand, just like Levi’s® is doing.

Lala Ngoxolo Mama Africa!

The world is reeling with the shocking news of the passing away of the legendary icon Miriam Makeba. Affectionately known to the world as Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba passed away early on Monday morning, shortly after performing in Italy. The first time I learnt about the sad news was yesterday as CNN ran their afternoon headlines.

The early and late evening local broadcast stations also ran the story yesterday, with a full coverage on Morning Live this morning. It is such a sad time for the music fraternity and the world at large. Mama Africa will always be remembered not only for her timeless music, but for her endless goodwill efforts throughout the world. I'm glad I had a brief glimpse into her life as a performer when I saw her doing her final public appearance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival last year. The packed to capacity venue proved her iconic and legendary status as thousands of music revellers sang along to every tune she belted out.

I also have a fond memory of her rare live DVD that was recorded in 1966 at Ben's in Stolkholm, which I presented to Bab' Themba Mkhize for his 50th birthday last year. He was very excited to get such a gift, even moreso because he is related to Mama Africa by law (Bab' Themba Mkhize's eldest son is married to Mama Africa's granddaughter and singer Zenzile).

Mama Africa, we will always treasure and cherish the legacy of universal love you have bestowed upon us. May God bless you with the peace you deserve as you become one of His Angels up above. Our condolenses goes to the Makeba family and relatives, as well as close friends.

Daniel Craig diversifies his roles very well

Many people are in greatly and widely anticipating Daniel Craig's latest flick as James Bond on Quantum Of Solace. Will he better his role from his first stint as 007 in Casino Royale? Well, before you get to find out, you will gleefully revel in a gem of another of his films that will be released this coming Friday, titled Flashbacks Of A Fool. I have just come back from watching it and was impressed with the amazing contrast to his character as James Bond.

Flashbacks Of A Fool revolves around an introspective look at an ageing Hollywood actor's life. Leading a meanless life, filled with women, drugs and all other trimmings of the famous and fortunate, Joe Scott, played by Daniel Craig, flashes back to his life as a teenager when all terribly went wrong. A tragic moment involving his teen best friend forces him to re-live a part of his life he would rather forget about, but his guilt proves too strong to dismiss a horrific and regrettable incident that ran him away from home. Realising that he would never be at peace unless his conscious is eased, he travels back home to face his demons.

Daniel Craig proves that he is an amazing actor with an amazing ability to tranform from the suave, commanding, and hard special agent to a sweet, sensitive and fault-laced gentleman. I was sold on him when I watched him do magic on Layer Cake, even before he was selected to play the latest Bond. His flawed character on Flashbacks Of A Fool in credible, evoking feelings of symphathy, compassion and understanding for his journey through life. The character development for the main charcaters here is also fantastic, resulting in a well-put-together story. Although there is a great deal of nudity in the film, it's done tastefully and greatly aligned to the characters and the story, therefore forgivable.

I was happy to see an appearance from rapper Eve playing opposite Daniel Craig, however small her part was. She played it quite well, I must say, she was very convincing in her character. Another impressive performance came from Mark Strong who I've just recently seen on Body Of Lies. His versatality shines through his role as Joe's agent who is brutally honest about his client being seen by the industry and the public as a washed up actor. Harry Eden, the young man who plays the young Joe, also sizzles in his performance.

This is an absolutely awesome film. It will make you laugh, and also make you cry; make you angry and also make you symphathise. It's really a pity that the rest of the country won't get to see it on the big screen as it only opens at cinemas in Cape Town this coming Friday, 14th November 2008. But hey, you can catch it on DVD when it is released in that format.

The Game gives Mzansi a taste of the MAMA's

We are only about 10 days away from the first ever MTV African Music Awards with Zain (MAMA's) scheduled to take place in Abuja, in Nigeria on the 22nd of November 2008. On the road to the MAMA's, MTV is staging a spectacular concert featuring some of the biggest artists that will also be giving their all at the MAMA's next weekend. Taking place this coming Thursday, 13 November 2008, at Standard Bank Arena, from 18:00, it's set to be just a taste of what to expect at the actual awards in Nigeria.

On the bill for Thursday is U.S. rapper The Game; local hip hop masterminds, HHP and Jozi; and Mzansi's rock extraordinaires, Cassette and The Parlotones. These nominees will also perform at the MAMA's, joined by other world superstars including charismatic R&B princess Kelly Rowland, and Paris-based Nigerian soulstar Asa. MTV VJ's Fix and Sizwe will be compeering for the night.

The tickets to Thursday's show, only going for R150, are available now at Computicket outlets, at Shoprite retail shops, and will also be available at the door at the Standard Bank Arena on the night of the show. Don't miss this opportunity for a taste of what to expect at the MTV African Music Awards with Zain on the 22nd of November 2008. Otherwise, you can catch the awards live on MTVbase.

And, don't forget to vote for your favourite band in the Listener's Choice Award category. You can vote at the MAMA's official website at mama.mtvbase.com, where voting is open until the 18th of November 2008. Nigeria is going to be rocking. Expect some sizzling and spectacular entertainment at the first ever annual MTV African Music awards with Zain.