Legendary Madala Kunene gives Durban a taste of his Magic

Iconic musician Madala Kunene is no stranger to the jazz music fraternity and it is with immense disappointment that we don't get see his name as frequently in the lineups of big jazz festivals and concerts. I believe though that if promoters and other organisers could give him more support, this may change, however late it may be.

The people I'm referring to are such souls as Neil Comfort, of Artslink, who has fought tirelessly to give a platform to South African musicians, mostly the ones from KwaZulu Natal, to showcase their impressive talents. One such musician is Madala Kunene who will be serenading jazz and music lovers at large, with his moving and superb talent at a concert planned for tomorrow, 06 March 2009 at The Playhouse.

Madla Kunene will be headlining a once-off show at the Zulu Jazz Lounge at The Playhouse (on Smith Street) tomorrow night. The doors open at 7pm and the tickets cost just R60. For bookings, call 031 3042373. Don't miss out, it's promising to be a sizzling show.

Lalah Hathaway is Daddy's Little Girl all the way through

Last week I heard some rumblings that Lalah Hathaway might be coming through to the country for some type of music festival. It was in the same breath that I was given an opportunity to conduct an interview with her. The plans went full swing in motion, and this morning, I got the chance to speak with the beautiful, sultry and velvet-voiced songstress. Here is some of what we chatted about:

As soon as someone mentions your name, your father springs into mind. I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of people too saying you remind them of your great late father. How does that make you feel?

It is a great honour to be mentioned in the breathe as my father. There is nobody else I'd rather be associated with. That actually makes me very happy and gives me a sense of pride.

One of your songs that further cemented your position in the music industry was your rendition of the Luther Vandross classic, Forever, For Always, For Love. Knowing Luther as one of the most prolific and outstanding vocalists to ever brace this world, were you at all nervous about pulling it off?

I was very concerned about making it feel good. I wanted it to be a personal love letter to him, as one of my influences. Of course, I was nervous initially, but I take pride in what I do. So many people ahve covered songs before and most of the time it doesn't work because it's sometimes hard to apporach such great songs. However, if there is enough conviction and passion, it's easier to accomplish what you want to achieve.

I just heard last week that you might be coming to the country and this week your inclusion into the line-up was confirmed. Have you ever been to South Africa before? If not what are your expectations?

Not that I know of. Nobody has approached me yet, but I would love to do it. I have heard many positive stories about South Africa, but have never been there before.

To see the rest of the interview, please go to YEAHBO.DOT.NET.

Seth Rogan is his usual goofy selft on Zack And Miri Make A Porno

It wasn't until Knocked Up that I took notice of Seth Rogan as a fair comedy actor. He has this allure about his jokes that's very refreshing and unique. However, after seeing him on more movies, like Step Brothers and Pineapple Express, there was no more variation, just the same range. Apparently his character was different in Fanboys (which is slated for release a day after my birthday :-), 20 March 2009), but I can't give my insight since I haven't seen it yet.

If that is indeed true, I believe he has a potential to show his versatality more. Yesterday I watched his latest movie, Zack And Miri Make A Porno. Although he was his usual goofy self, there was something more deep and relatable about his character. He pulled off the blending of the seriousness of the story with his comic relief routines. He plays the character of Zack, an unumbitious coffee shop worker who lives in the same apartment with his long-time friend Miri (played by Elizabeth Banks), who they have been friends with since kindergarden. Although he fantasises about hooking up romantically with her, the thought that they are like brother and sister stands in his way. That is until they find themselves in a dire financial situation and face being evicted.

They conjure up this idea of making a porn film after an interesting experience at their high school re-union. The deliberating process of making the film helps them realise and reveal the feelings they have kept bottled up for each other for years. Although things get shaky in their quest for the undertsanding of each other as lovers, the foundation of their friendship helps them overcome those impediments and they ultimately get married. To ensure they never face such financial difficulties again, they go into adult film production permanently, creating porn films spoofing some of the biggest movie blockbusters.

I couldn't help but notice that Seth has used the acting ropes of Chris Robinson, who he also worked with in Pineapple Express alongside James Franco. In the opening credits I was excited to see Tisha Campbell-Martin (of Martin and My Wife And Kids fame), but after realising she only appeared briefly in one scene, I was kinda disappointed. I was also not happy at the steroetypical role of an angry black woman with sagging boobs she played. SMH. Oh, and Justin Long was hilarious as a gay lover to one of Zack's former schoolmates who Miri used to have a crush on. I enjoyed his stint on He's Just Not That Into You.

Anyway, although the film is not that hardcorde in terms of adult entertainment, it does have a great deal nudity, so it's definitely for adult viewing. Zack And Miri Make A Porno is funny and goofy, but also touches you with the emotions it evokes. It opens at cinemas nationwide on the 08th of May 2009.