Brian Temba showcases his indisputable talent

I hav just returned from La Toscana at Montecasino, where Brian Temba finally launched his critically acclaimed debut album to an inviting crowd. With a largely visible presence of the media, his family, other entertainers and the general public, the Pretoria-born crooner sizzled as he proved that he is giving Something Better, as far as music is concerned in Mzansi.

Arriving just minutes after he started performing, I couldn't help getting in the groove of things. Brian Temba performed most of the songs from Something Better, introducing each song with a short synopsis of what the song was about and what inspired it. Among these were the smash debut hit single Dominoes, Don't Let Me Fall, the title track Something Better and two of my most favourites, Early Morning and Better Then. Speaking of Better Then, he mentioned that although the song is dedicated to his late brother, it's also for everybody who has lost a loved one. I couldn't agree more as the moving lyrics resonate and remind you of the people in your life who have passed on. Sporadically, video clips would be played, documenting his journey through the process of creating Something Better.

Another great moment of the night was when he performed the only duet on Something Better called Where This Is Going, which he originally did with Sharlene Hector, this time belting it out with the beautiful and talented Durban singer Lungi Naidoo. It didn't end there as Brian Temba gave us a rousing rendition of the Kate Bush classic This Woman's Work, and I must mention that Kate would be as proud as she was when Maxwell covered the same song when he did his MTV Unplugged recording in '97. He continued to showcase his vocal prowess as he dabbled in short verses of some of his favourite songs from his favourite singers like Boyz II Men, Anthony Hamliton and Tevin Campbell, to name but a few. To show he hasn't forgotten his roots, he broke into a few gospel numbers he did in his hey days with outfits like Family Factory and Joyous Celebration. Moreover, it was sweet experiencing first-hand the view of relationship Brian Temba has with his business partner and friend Mandisa Makalima, who looked stunning by the way in a strapless knee-length frock.

Another noteworthy experience was the use an amazing 6-piece band, led by super producer Alexis Faku. Each band member did a sterling job in complementing Brian's indisputable voice. Activites for the night included a Montecasino-sponsored prize-giveaway where 3 very ecstatic ladies walked away with 3 dates with Brian; one having lunch at a restaurant of her choice at Montecasino, another taking to the air on an air-balloon, and the last one watching a movie of her choice at Nu Metro Montecasino.

It was a great night, filled with great music, great bunch of people and resulted in great memories. I must mention that Azania Ndoro did a superb job as a compeer for the evening. Something Better is an amazing body of work. Testimony is borne in Brian Temba being nominated twice at the Channel O Music Video Awards taking place in about 2 weeks (check out www.channelo.tv to vote). Speaking of music awards, the album is a beast, therefore I'm terribly scared of whoever will be nominated against Brian Temba at the SAMA's next year. The album is in stores now, go and cop yourself Something Better.

Joe Nina sizzles at the launch of his new album

Awesome music and great food were the order of the day last Friday when Joe Nina launched his latest album, Unchained. When I received an invite a few weeks ago, I didn't even know he had a new album out, which really assisted my decision in attending the event. I've always been fascinated by his vocals on any track that he sings in, since his early kwaito days.

It was a treat to see performing live such legends like Mpharanyana, Babsy Mlangeni, Steve Kekana and even Nana Coyote (Coyote and Kekana being Nina's very good friends that teamed up together for an outfit called Trio a few years ago). Their respective talents are still undisputed, hence managing to still sound great after all this time, whether tackling new music or sailing through their old and timeless gems.

To make the event extra special, we were served an array of traditional foods earlier in the evening, meals including samp and imfino, mogodu, pap, chicken feet, etc. Actually, Gallo has always prided themselves in treating their guests to such, thus showing their pride in our rich and amazing culture. The same can be said for the diverse musical genres encompassed in their versatile artist catalogue.

I haven't listened to Joe Nina's new album, Unchained, but judging from that evening, I can assure you that it's hot. It should be at stores already, so go and get your own copy.

Channel O Music Video Awards: a vast improvement from last year

Last night saw music lovers from across the continent congregate at Carnival City to celebrate our music, as well as honour and recognise those that make the music we enjoy so much. I decided to go to the Channel O Music Video Awards after a very beautiful lady invited me to accompany her late in the afternoon. Remembering last year's edition of the awards that were held at the City Hall in the Johannesburg CBD, there was a huge improvement in terms of organisation, the quality of the show and many other trimmings that made the occasion a success this time around.

The registration was pretty easy and the pre-cocktail event enjoyable, setting a tone for a fun night. The whole event went smoothly, with great performances from artists like PRO(kid) and Les (collaborating together on Les' Tippy Toes song, and joined by Bongani Fassie towards the end of the song - PRO had chatted briefly to me about their rehearsal as we made our way to the arena) ; the face-masked Bleksem, featuring Crazy Boy, aka KB Ngakane doing his thing like his appearance on the original song (and was their dancer hot or what, she can mowhat a great way to open the show); a Namibian female MC called Zero, who resembles Pebbles in appearance and reminded me of old-school female rappers like Queen Penn and MC Lyte; and many more.

The only downpoints to the awards was the fact that like last year South Africa didn't win any awards, but the Best African Southern video award which was won by Freshlyground. (I mean c'mon, Namibia took the Best Kwaito category again). Liza James beat KB and other contenders for the Best Female Video crown and the top accolade of Video Of The Year was awarded to Nigerian twin brothers dubbed P-Squared (see picture above - red jackets). What I like about other African countries though in these awards, is that they really show their geniune excitement and enjoy the moment when they win. It was no different yesterday as they shouted and danced and sang.

Nonhle Tema, compeering with KB looked ravishing with her 3 dress changes. I spoke to her after the show and she asked me which outfit I liked the most, and because she looked fantastic in all of them, I said all. Presenters of the awards included Channel O presenters Chuma, Tania, Nzinga and Lungile Radu, whom the women are crazy about. Evertime he stepped into the stage, the screams from the ladies would shutter the house down [lucky man that]. There were a few other people I chatted to that attended, including fashion designer Ephymol, some entertainment industry peeps I know, etc. It was really a fun night. Let's hope next year will be even better. Thanks for the company and great conversations Minki, had a stupendous time :-).

Photos by Thabo Moloto