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.

Another filmmaking brilliance shown by the Coen Brothers.

If you have not heard of the Coen Brothers, where have you been hiding? They have directed some of the biggest and greatest films on the big screen. One of their outstanding works is the recent No Country For Old Men, which clinged 4 Oscars last year. Another memorable film I immensely enjoyed that they excelled in was a collage of short stories, adapted into a motion picture, called Paris je T'aime.

This past Tuesday I had a pleasure of experiencing their brilliance in their latest body of work titled Burn After Reading. The hilarious comedy is about 2 gym workers who come across sensitive ex-CIA memoir notes. They try to solicit or rather extort money in return of this information to the rightful owner. The chain of events that follow are presented in such clever, unique and witty humour. Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand plat the 2 gym workers. You see Brad Pitt in a way you have never seen him before. Frances is wonderful too, impressing me more after her awesome performance on Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day a few months ago. George Clooney's character is just as different, switching up his always charming and commanding role for more normal, and rather silly character. Another superhouse, John Malkovich delivers the goods too with his more calculated humour that's relayed in a tongue-in-cheek kind of fashion.

The story and the cast are so engaging, proving a winning formula in the selection of the actors blended with the screenplay. It seems the Coen Brothers rolled in the red capert in an impressive line-up that includes 3 Oscar winners and 2 Oscar nominees. On top of Frances and Clooney as Academy Award winners is the recent victor of the statuette, Tilda Swinton, who equally empresses in her role. I have to mention JK Simmons on the same breath too as he has become one of the most notable and sterling actors of our time.

Burn After Reading is a fantastic piece of work. The Coen Brothers have taken a serious subject and whimsically turned it into a joyous journey for the audience. The ability to draw out and inspire the actors to be so un-inhibited in their characters makes for a great gift too. This is definitely one of the best films to come out this year. Go out and see Brad Pitt, George Clooney and John Malkovich like you've never seen them before. Totally hilarious.

Burn After Reading opens at cnemas on the 09th of January 2009.

James Ingram, Angélique Kidjo, and Ray Phiri & Stimela added on MACfest bill

Music lovers, there is more instore for you! Organisers of the Mpumalanga Arts and Cultural Festival (MACfest) have added United States (US) star vocalist James Ingram, reigning queen of African song Angélique Kidjo and Mpumalanga native Ray Phiri & Stimela to the lineup of musicians that will perform at eMalahleni stadium (former @lantic Stadium) on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November.

Previously announced and forming part of the lineup are US group Spyro Gyra, king of Afropop Oliver Mtukudzi, guitar maestro Jimmy Dludlu, South African songstress Simphiwe Dana, doyen of maskandi music Madala Kunene, Grammy-winning acappella jazz group Take 6 from the US, local singer Lira, male vocalist MXO from Port Elizabeth and vocal-guitar-bass-drum quartet 340ml from Mozambique.

I really wish I could be there. On top of one of my favourites, Take 6, I've always enjoyed James Ingram's music. His timeless music is always inspirational.

Please note that on both days, gates at eMalahleni stadium (former @lantic Stadium) will open 90 minutes before the music begins. There will also be ample secure public parking at the cricket and hockey club, off Lukin Street. Tickets for the festival are available from Computicket and Shoprite-Checkers stores. Tickets cost R150.00 for 1 day / R200.00 for 2 days.

Don't miss out on this intercontinental music explosion.