Cadillac Records premiere a soaring success

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

Fast And Furious Back To Its Roots

This year sees the return of big blockbusters on the big screen. One such formidable hit is the 4th instalment of Fast And Furious, which saw serious car fantics throughout the world revel in the action-packed flick.

I had an absolute pleasure of watching it yesterday and I was bowled over by the authenticity of it all, from the acting to the stunts, to the witty dialogue. It was certainly a great and smart call to bring back the original cast from the very first instalment. Actually, after watching it, it felt like I was only watching the sequel; almost as if the second and third editions didn't exist.

Although one of my favourites,Tyrese (who appeared in the second instalment), did not reprise his role, the rest of the original cast, including Vin Diesel, Paul Walker (who I haven't seen on the big screen in a while), Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster. It was also enjoyable seeing Laz Alonso in his element as one of the bad guys. He was very impressive as he emmersed himself into a character called Phoenix.

Fast And Furious 4 opens at cinemas nationwide next Thursday, 09 April 2009. However, YEAHBO.DOT.NET has a treat for their subscribers and readers alike. United International Pictures (UIP) has granted us an exclusive advanced screening of Fast nd Furious 4 on Tuesday, 07 April 2009. To be a part of the exhilerating experience, send an e-mail with the following details to yeahbo@yeahbo.net:

Name and surname;

Contact number;

E-mail address;

Your age;

The city where you live; and

Tell us how you learnt about YEAHBO.DOT.NET or yeahbodotnet.blogspot.com.

Please note, only Gauteng readers who will be able to make it to Montecasino are eligible for free tickets (on a first-come-first-serve basis). Good luck!

To get a taste of what to expect, check out the trailer of Fast And Furious 4 below:

Cadillac Records reminds us of how music should sound

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.

Cape Town Internation Jazz Festival: Profiling Jonathan Butler and Incognito

We started a feature last week where we are profiling some of the artists performing at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, leading to the spectacular festival. Our latest profile features our very own international guitar maestro, Jonathan Butler, as well as UK's funky and jazzy outfit Incognito. I decided to pair these two bands because over the weekend I had an absolute pleasure of watching their respective live performances on their latest DVD's that should be out at stores now or soon, thanks to Sheer Music.

Jonathan Butler

Jonathan Butler needs no introduction, really. He's more than honed his skills as a songwriter, singer and guitarist for decades and this is evident in the live DVD that was recorded in South Africa towards the end of 2007, simply and aptly titled Jonathan Butler Live In South Africa. What made my watching of the DVD more special and fulfilling was the fact that I was actually part of the audience during the recording on that beautiful evening at The Venue in Melrose Arc. I even managed to spot my self for a brief half-second, but I digress. The size of the venue created a great sense of intimacy and warm ambience. The actual performance was top notch, with Butler belting out most of his history-making hits since the advent of his career.

One of the many highlights was his collaboration with Mabi Thobejane on 7th Avenue, and Mandela Bay. Mabi excelled in his role as a traditional percussionist, whilst Butler did what he is famous for on both guitar and vocals. The rest of the band equally shined, providing concrete support to Butler. There are a few skits where Butler takes us through more than just his music, in a few showing us where he grew up and reminiscing on those early humble beginnings. For years, one of my favourite songs from the Cape Town-born musical genius has been I'm On My Knees, and will probably remain so for a very long time. Therefore I was ecstatic that he performed the romantic ballad, with many others that follow in my favourites list; like Sarah Sarah, Lies and his unsullied rendition of the Bob Marley classic, No Woman No Cry.

The experience Butler's progression from young Cape Town boy to the international superlative and respected musician, get Jonathan Butler Live In South Africa. You'll indubitably be moved by the magic seeping from that wonderful moment in our arts and culture heritage where many other notable names in our different industries were present.


Incognito

Having entertained masses for a very long time, it's only fitting that Incognito present their fans with a wonderful gift of their golden sounds packaged into a live DVD. It took a show at the Java Jazz Festival staged in Jarkarta, Indonesia last year to have the benefit of enjoying their inimitable plethora of music. And to say they brought the house down is an understatement as the audience couldn't get enough.

In a band or group environment, you usually get at least 1 person that shines and overshadows others. However, that is not the case with the eccletic band made up of members from different parts of the world, including Africa (the originator and band leader Jean-Paul Bluey Maunick, affectionately known only as Bluey, is from Mauritius). Although they sound magnificent as a collective, each member is given an equal chance to shine on their solos, whether it's on vocals, or the horns or the piano or bass guitar or drums. That ability to show such remarkable presence in such a huge band takes a lot of strength and confident in your talents, therefore each and every member in the band is laudable for the great work they contribute to the British band. Not to mention the energy displayed with such comfortability and ease.

Their wholesome ability to display copious amounts of emotion in their sets also intensifies their substance as musicians. This results in an irresistible and moving repetoire, from the dynamic funky tunes, to the memorable soul ballads, to the gospel-laced numbers transformed into easy party grooves. These qualities put them above their counterparts in the jazz and soul genre. The mere knack for interpreting new music, at the same time inspiring with their versatility is really amazing.

The live DVD will be released in May 2009 in South Africa, so look out for it at the music shops. If you don't get to see them when they are here in a few weeks, this should be more than enough consolation.

Win With Friday The 13th!!!

The latest thriller to hit the cinemas today is the appropriately titled Friday The 13th. I had a chance to watch it last week. Although the intention of such movies are to scare you, this one was more gory and gruesome than scary. If you are a fan of such a genre, you should however not be deterred by my view.

To make your viewing of Friday The 13th even more scarier and exciting, UIP and YEAHBO.DOT.NET are giving away 5 hampers containing the following movie memorabilia:

• 5 Friday the 13th Blood Splat with the title treatment

• 5 Friday the 13th Moulded Mask mouse with liquid filled pad with the title treatment.

All you have to do to walk away with the above prize is answer the following simple questions:

1). What is the name of the lake where Jason, the serial killer lives?
2). Who played the character of Jason in the 1980 version of the movie?

Send your answers to yeahbo@yeahbo.net, together with the following details:

Name and surname;
Contact number;
E-mail address;
Your age;
The city where you live; and
Tell us how you learnt about YEAHBO.DOT.NET or yeahbodotnet.blogspot.com.

Good luck.