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When I saw the lineup for Benny Boom's directoral big screen debut, I got excited. I mean looking at names such as Mos Def, Debbie Allen, Mike Epps, Donald Faison and even Lauren London, I had hopes that it would be a great piece for the music video director.
Needless to say, I wasn't very impressed. Although it's made in a premise of a nice comedy, both actors who I've enjoyed as comedians in their respective works, Mike Epps and Donald Faison, failed to live up to what we know them for. The opportunity for this to be a great comedy was there, but somehow they all failed to capitalise on this with fresh and witty dialogue. Mos Def always adds a certain energy and charisma to his characters. He did here too, but maybe the predictable plot hindered this to shine through.
I must admit though, that he was probably the one who had a few jokes I laughed at. Always groundbreaking in his undertakings, he made news a few months ago for getting the whole cast not to use the "N" while shooting Next Day Air and even when they were on set and not shooting. That's certainly auppladable, proving yet again that Mos Def is not just your regular rapper.
Anyway, because I'm a fan of his, and also actors like Donald Faison (liked his work on Scrubs), Wood Harris (he killed it on The Wire), as well as the beautiful Lauren London (most popular for her stint alongside T.I. on the movie ATL), I jumped at an opportunity to do an advanced screening for my readers and other peeps in the industry. So, if you want to be a part of the screening this coming Thursday, drop me an e-mail at yeahbo@yeahbo.net and I'll forward you the details.
Next Day Air releases at cionemas nationwide next Friday, 03 July 2009.
So finally it happened, and I'm ecstatic about the results. My biggest movie premiere yet took place last night and what a better way to have one of the stars in the movie to be a guest.
This is how the idea came about: I learnt that Mos Def was coming to the country for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and wanted to do something with him. On the very same day, I learnt that Kenzhero already had secured a gig with him, so I got a bit more creative. I knew Mos Def is in Cadillac Records, a movie based loosely on Etta James' life, which will be released by Ster Kinekor on the 29th of May 2009. I dediced to work on that angle.
After tireless communication with Mos Def's representatives, the ball got rolling. I approached Ster Kinekor with the idea and they took to it instantly. It's great to know I managed to pull this project off, and very well too, considering the sponsors we approached failed to see this great opportunity.
Anyway, the event happened last night at Ster Kinekor in Sandton City and it was on fire. Obviously the highlight of the event was Mos Def arriving and addressing the audience through a short interview by a young lady who won a Channel O competition. In addition to that, it was very moving that Mos decided to stay and watch at least 75% of the movie (he was only supposed to make and appearance and leave). The food was delicious and drinks flowing so easily. The whole event turned out amazingly well, with celebrities gallore.
First and foremost I've gotta thank Hardy McQueen for being a man of his word. From the beginning he told me that we were going to do this and we certainly did. Thanks Hardy, I can't emphasise enough how much your involvement in this project is appreciated. Thank you Irma for keeping me in check with regards to all the requirements from Hip Hop Alive's side. Thanks to Sibongile Khuzwayo who handled the catering segment of the event, the food was devine. To my friend Sizwe Dhlomo, thank you for agreeing to MC at such short notice and for your patience and calmness to the pressures that arose. And most importantly, as I did last night just before he left, thank you to Mos Def for his time and for ensuring this was a special moment for YEAHBO Entertainmnet (YEAHBO.DOT.NET). To Ster Kinekor Head Office and their theatres in Sandton City, Sandton City Management, and Sony Pictures, your input to the event is immensely valued. And lastly, but definitely not least, to all the YEAHBO.DOT.NET subscribers and readers who have been down with me all the way. Your support is greatly appreciated.
I'm going to continue bringing you people of Mzansi all the exclusives in terms of big screen experiences. This is a great feat in the entertainmnet industry, a really groundbreaking moment. This has never happened in the country and I'm glad my name is attached to it. Until another unique and exclusive experience, keep it locked right here and at YEAHBO.DOT.NET.Photos taken by Khanya Litabe
Earlier today I had a chance of watching Cadillac Records, the new movie which is supposedly based relatively on singer Etta James' life. Having learned a lot about the movie, since I'm working on a premiere where we are anticipating Mos Def as a guest, it was good to finally witness what I have read about on the web, for myself.
The movie chronicles the rise of Chess Records (owned by Leornard Chess, played by convincingly Adrien Brody) and the colourful lives of their artists, including legendary blues and soul songstress Etta James (played by Beyonce Knowles), king of funk Muddy Waters (played by Jeffrey Wright), the distinctive and powerful-voiced Howlin' Wolf (played by Eamonn Walker), eccentric and humorous Berry Gordy (played by Mos Def), as well as talented but also troubled Little Walter (played by young Columbus Short). Narrated by Willie Dixon (played by Cedric the Entertainer), Cadillac Records is able to give you a vivid picture of how the music industry works, or at least worked then. Not that much has changed today, but some of the principals of the music business were a little different back then.
Many have praised Beyonce on this role, but I saw no progression from what she has done before, since she plays yet another singer here (by the way, she made sure she gets this role by signing on as an executive producer). I felt the male cast members did brilliantly in their respective roles. Especially Columbus Short in his role as Little Walter. He commanded the flawed character and made it his own with such ease and flair. Jeffrey Wright also excelled as Muddy Waters, displaying an amazing ability to flex his acting muscle to great potency. The same needs to be said for Mos Def, who gave the role of Berry Gordy awesome vigor and charm. And of course Adrien Brody has the ability to show different emotions just at the right moment, and a lot has to be said for an actor who is able to soundly capture whatever moment is required at that time with such precision. Worth a mention is actress Gabrielle Union, who plays Waters' ride-or-die other half Geneva Wade, also able to display her emotions very fittingly throughout the movie.
All in all, Cadillac Records was a great film. It gives you a glimpse into the workings of the music industry and the assorted and mostly troubled lives led by musicians or artists. This film also marks the 50th anniversary of the Motown era, which Gordy was very influntial in steering.
Cadillac Records opens at selected cinemas nationwide on the 29th of May 2009. But before that, like I've mentioned above, YEAHBO.DOT.NET has been granted a screening of the film on the 07th of April 2009. What makes the screening even more exciting is the fact that Mos Def (who is set to wow hip hop and jazz fans at the Cape Town Internationa Jazz Festival in about 2 weeks) will be making a appearance as a special guest. if you want to be part of this groundbreaking experience, go to YEAHBO.DOT.NET and follow the instructions.
Some time in December last year I published a post about the initial line-up for this year's Cape Town International Jazz Festival (see HERE). Yesterday I attended the press conference and launch where the rest of the artists gracing the different stages at the spectacular festival for this year were announced. Celebrating 10 years since its inception, it's promising to be another great feast of music spanning the globe. With an assortment of genres, sounds and disciplines, what a great way to celebrate a decade of this magnificent event.
The artist everybody seemed to be most excited about as event organiser Rashid Lombard went through each musician on the line up was rapper Mos Def. Known for his conscious and educational lyrics in his music, as well as his colorful acting career, it sure would be interesting to see what he brings into the festival. Other big names that caught my eye included our very own Jonathan Butler (accompanied by Dave Koz), 340ml, Sibongile Khumalo (a collaboration with Mike del Ferro and Shannon Mowday), Shakatak, Abigail Kubeka, Siphokazi, and of course other names that had been mentioned in December last year, musicians like Incognito, The Stylistics, Zap Mama, Hugh Masekela, Freshlyground, Diane Reeves, and many more.
The Cape Town Internationa Jazz Festival is taking place at the same venue, Cape Town International Convention Centre, on the weekend of the 3rd - 4th April . There are other activities though happening the week leading to the final spectacle, namely, the notorious free concert at Green Market Square, taking place on April Fools Days, as well as the signature workshops running from 28 March 2009 to 4th April 2009. For only R485 for a weekend pass and R330 for a day pass (and an extra R25 per show for the acclaimed Rosies stage), you can be part of the Mother of all Celebrations.
This is a not-to-be-missed music extravaganza so start preparing now. It's not called Africa's Grandest Gathering for nothing. Please go to capetownjazzfest.co.za for more details on the complete line-up, tickets, accommodation and other information you may need.You can also check out YEAHBO.DOT.NET for artist profiles and more as the date draws closer.
