SAUTI SOL TO PERFORM IN BBA

SAUTI SOL,Kenyan boy band or, as they now prefer to be called, Kenyan Man Band, will be the star attraction this Sunday when they hit the Big Brother Africa stage. Currently riding high with their hit single 'Gentleman', the band is going places. They broke the news through their Twitter announcement. We are happy for the boys as they will show the rest of Africa what we all know - they are a very talented bunch of musicians. We hope no Kenyan will be up for eviction as we want Prezzo, Alex and Malonza in the House longer, if not to the very end.

P-SQUARE SIGNS DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH UNIVERSAL RECORDS

Kenyan Boys Choir ditched them but Naija twins P-Square have penned down a deal with Universal Records. P-Square (Paul and Peter Okoye)  has signed a distribution deal with Universal Music, South Africa. The deal was signed and sealed this afternoon, 31st May 2012 at a press conference in Johannesbourg, South Africa. The music label will be releasing past and future projects with them; and handle all their digital and CD sales all over the world.

Fashion Police In Rosebank

DSTV invited a few of SA’s celebrities and socialites to celebrate the extension of the E!’s Fashion Police to 1 hour. The Fashion Police Lunch session was held at The Zone in Rosebank, one of Johannesburg fashion districts.The new full hour “Fashion Police” began in March and includes the old and new features including: “Street Style,” where the panel examine celebrity looks in their everyday environment, like when they are grabbing coffee or hailing a cab; and “Guess Me By My Style,” a game where Joan and the panel try to guess who the celebrity is as things about their personal style are revealed.   Joan is also taken out of the studio for even more fashion comedy as she visits designers in their showrooms, hangs out backstage at fashion shows and pops up wherever there is a celebrity in need of fashion advice.

CAMP MULLA, WIZKID, LIRA NOMINATED FOR BET AWARDS

Kenya's CAMP MULLA, NAIJA'S Wizkid and Ice Prince have been nominated in the 'Best International Act: Africa’ category at the 2012 BET Awards. Other nominees in the category are: Lira (South Africa), Mokobe (Mali) and Sarkodie (Ghana). Camp Mulla have been rising and rising and have put Kenyan music on the global scene.

CAMP MULLA FOR BBA7?????

Talented hip hop group Camp Mulla, are going places if not platinum. The hip hop group will be performing alongside American Grammy nominee J Cole at the premier of Big Brother Africa 7 on May 6^th. The other artistes expected to grace the occasion are Davido from Nigeria and South African based in Malawi E’Face. The BBA 7 will be aired in 47 African countries, where as the participants must double up to compete. Liberia and Sierra Leone will also be joining the house for the first time, but the sad news is that Ethiopia will not participate in this year’s competition.

UGANDA'S BILLIONAIRE DIVA LAUNCHES REALITY SHOW

South African based Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan launched the first reality show in East Africa on Tuesday April 03, 2012 that will be airing on Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC). Zari - The Boss Lady is a fourteen week reality television show that will feature Zari's life as a mother, wife, entrepreneur, role model and an artiste.
So many women, young and old alike have written to me expressing their admiration for me as a wife, mother and so on and therefore admire the way I balance my roles in every field I'm involved in. Iam a source of inspiration, motivation and a symbol of financial independence to many. Zari said in a statement to the press.
The statement added: "Many people have a misconception of me as a socialite, spendthrift and and attention-seeking celebrity.
I have never, at any one moment, lashed out to any member of the public and never have I ever involved myself in girlish altercations that I have been dragged into time and again. My reality show will tell everyone that Iam a mature and responsible woman, as actions speak louder than words."
Zari concludes that the reality; show Zari-The Boss Lady is not a publicity stunt, neither is it a show-off strategy. That was Zari's statement as far as the reality show that starts tonight at 8:30pm and will last for 30minutes.
During the launch Zari was with the UBC Public Relations Officer Jane Kasumba and Sylvia Owori whom Zari said they've been friends since she was 17. She took a moment off to apologize to all her followers for the bad commnets she had made and promised not to utterany of those cooments again.

SOUTH AFRICAN DIVA WANTS A COLLABO WITH ERICK

Eric Wainaina

South African singer Lira who was Kenya for Blankets and Wine spoke of her desire of on day recording a swahili song with Eric Wainaina. She said that one of the things she must do as an artiste is sing in Swahili and has been “engaging” Eric Wainaina for the project but “time wise it has been impossible”.

Lira said she has three of Eric albums and has her “heart set on Eric for so long and I love his writing and sensitivity. I love his writing and for him to assist in portraying the message (of my song) in Swahili, would be exciting.”

IS ZARI HASAN LESBIAN?

Sylvia Owori and Billionaire singer Zari Hassan kissing and cuddling.....

City socialite Zari Hassan has done it yet again and she will stop at nothing in her bid to have a good life. The South Africa based self styled philanthropist put on a raunchy show with city fashionista Sylvia Owori as hubby Ivan and toyboy Malik cheered them on. This happened on Easter Monday during a boat cruise on L.Victoria as booze took its toll on them. A source said; “They were totally lost in their own world not caring what was going on around them. They were all over each other the whole evening.”

However, when temperatures reached boiling point, the two city socialites started touching, groping and snogging in the full of view of their hubbies. “It was a deep kiss and they did it with eyes closed,” a source added.

The boat cruise which was organized and funded by Zari for friends and family set off at around 4:00pm from Kampala University shoreline for K Palm beach on the Island. The boat had a total of 70 people that included a bevy of curvy Queen Dancers who provided raunchy entertainment that included lap dances to horny lads.

Owori made tongues wag around town in 2010, while watching the World Cup, when she French kissed motor mouthed journalist and Independent Magazine boss, Andrew Mwenda. That picture went viral when it was published. The two later claimed they have been friends and did that as a ‘civilised’ way of greeting each other.

JOYOUS CELEBRATION CHOIR TO LAUNCH 16TH ALBUM

OK..To God be the glory. This is my favorite gospel choir and God knows it. Well, South African holy spirit inspired gospel choir JOYOUS CELEBRATION is set to launch their 16th album. The 16th album, which was recorded at Carnival City in Johannesburg, will be released to commemorate a national tour from 05 April to 11 August 2012.. The Joyous 16 album (CD and DVD) is titled ‘Royal Priesthood’ which means ‘the chosen race, a holy nation and God’s very own possession.’
They have also announced that they will be having auditions for those who want to become members of MTN Joyous Celebration will be held again this year.  This year’s auditions will include mini workshops on the music industry that have been designed to educate candidates who take part in the audition process. These mini workshops will also provide tangible pointers for the auditions, dates will be announced later on.
Dates for MTN Joyous Celebration 2012 Tour
Venue: South African State Theatre in Tswane
Date: 05 to 08 April.
Tickets: R200 to R300 via Computicket and bookings are open.
Time: 19:30, with additional matinees on the Saturday and Sunday, starting at 14:00 PM.
At the core of this choral outfit’s outstanding success is the charismatic leadership of Mthunzi Namba, Jabu Hlongwane and the maestro, Lindelani Mkhize. As the group’s co-founders they have provided their charges with the technical expertise and artistic experience to reach greater heights in this tough music industry.

Oprah fete with first graduates of SA school

US talk show queen and media mogul Oprah Winfrey (C) poses with the first graduates of the Oprah...

US talk show queen Oprah Winfrey was in tears on Saturday as the first graduates of her South African girls' academy thanked her for her effort to turn a handful of impoverished girls into elite leaders.

Beaming, in a turquoise dress, with the 72 graduates sitting behind her in white, Winfrey, whose rise to stardom and an estimated fortune of $2.7 billion followed a deprived childhood in Mississippi, spoke of why she decided to open the school with a $40-million investment in 2007. "I know that education is the door to freedom," she said.So I want to do that for girls who come from backgrounds like my own, who have disadvantaged circumstances but no disadvantaged attitudes or brainpower or spirit. I want to give them the chance that I was given."

Winfrey, 58, told the story of how she mentioned to Nelson Mandela over tea at his house one day that she was interested in building a girls' school in South Africa.

Speaking at the idyllic campus of the school, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls -- which boasts computer and science laboratories, a 600-seat theatre and a 10,000-volume library -- Winfrey defended the idea of investing lavishly in a small group of promising young women. The school has faced criticism for focusing on a select few in a country that struggles to meet basic education needs.

"We are in the leadership building business. We are in the business of creating assets for girls so they don't have to just use their bodies but they go out into the world and use their minds," she said.

ASHAWO STAR TO LAUNCH ALBUM IN SA

Flavour’s album, ‘Uplifted’ will be available in South African music stores this November, Lolhiphop Records has announced. The hunky Nigerian singer has captured the hearts of music lovers in South Africa with seductive dance moves and banging hits such as Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) and Adamma.
Lolhiphop Records President Wax Dey said the release is a move to quench the thirst for Nigerian music in South Africa.
“Over the past few years, Nigerian music has achieved significant underground success in South Africa.  But In 2011, Flavour has set a precedent by gaining mainstream recognition in South Africa, with high rotation on major stations such as Metro FM and 5 FM.” “This popularity is helping the local industry tremendously. We are seeing more collaborations and new fanbases across the continent for South African artists. It has also raised the bar for local video production, making South African music more competitive and globally successful.In addition, Nigerian artists spend a significant amount of money in South Africa, producing music and first-class videos. This is a healthy relationship that must be encouraged,” said Wax.
Flavour’s album is only the first of several such releases to come from Lolhiphop Records. The label is expected to announce more releases from top Nigerian artists in March 2012. Born Chinedu Okoli, Flavour began his music career in 2002 at the age of 19. He joined the band Enugu as a drummer and pianist. He went solo in 2004 and released the album Nabania in 2008. In 2011, Flavour teamed up with Godfather Productions in South Africa to release the music video of the single ‘Nwa Baby”. It became an instant international hit, and a popstar was born.
Flavour has since become one of the continent’s most sought after artists. He is set to perform in Botswana and South Africa this November, before going on tour in Europe and the United States.
He will also perform at the upcoming Channel O music video awards, for which he has two nominations.
The album UPLIFTED (International GOLD Edition) was billed for release during Easter 2012, but massive public demand has driven a soft release in music stores this year. This means that music lovers will be able to buy the album in South Africa from 15 November.

TIMBALAND,CIARA,FAT JOE TO HEADLINE ZIM CONCERT

INTERNATIONAL music stars continue to flock to Zimbabwe – and this time it’s the turn of American hit maker Timbaland, rapper Lil' Kim, RnB star Ciara, Fat Joe and DJ Scratch.
The stars are penciled in to perform in Harare on May 27 at an open-air festival at the Borrowdale Racecourse – part of the first anniversary celebrations of the South African entertainment company, ZAR Empire, which is owned by millionaire, Kenny Kunene.

Kunene, popularly known as Mr Sushy in South Africa where he owns several upmarket nightclubs, announced the tour on Monday. “Timbaland will be touring Zimbabwe and South Africa with us to celebrate our birthday at the end of May. There will be a host of great stars performing with him who include Ciara, Fat Joe and Lil’ Kim. So get your lighters ready,” Kunene said. Kunene’s ZAR Empire is said to be launching a Zimbabwean subsidiary called ZAR Ent.

From Zimbabwe, the stars travel to South Africa for dates at the Convention Centre in Cape Town on May 2; the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg on May 3 and at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on June 4 – the main event on the tour. Dubbed the “ZAR-Fest”, the Zimbabwean gig is set to launch ZAR Empire in Zimbabwe, to be followed by the opening of a trendy night club.
Tickets are set to go on sale on Wednesday at Nando’s outlets in Avondale, Chisipite, Marimba and Newlands – with fans expected to part with a minimum US$50 for ordinary tickets, and US$100 to be closer to the stage.
Over the last three years, Zimbabwe has hosted major international stars including Joe Thomas, Sizzla, Luciano, Kingston, Sean Paul and Akon.

UGANDA'S SHOWBIZ QUEEN BUYS ANOTHER CRIB

Zarinah Hassan is living large and has added another house. The diva who owns a house in Capetown did not disclose where her second crib is located. She posted on facebook 'Bought me a 2nd crib in Sa, so gud for my boys to enjoy the space and serenity. 2011 doesn't look bad at all. I like! Zarinah who also owns Brooklyn College in South Africa also drives several fuel guzzlers .

LIZ OGUMBO TO FILM MUSIC VIDEO IN NAIROBI

South Africa based Kenyan designer and musician Liz Ogumbo will be in Nairobi next week. The skinny and exquisite damsel who lives in Johannesburg will be filming parts of her music video in the Kenyan capital. Speaking exclusively to Showbizxklusivs from Mzansi she said she said that the single is part of her upcoming album. 'Coming to shoot another music video in Kenya next week and may also pull off my typical “FASHION Meets MUSIC” show..will let you know once I finalize my plan.'  Last week ,Liz pulled of lovely fashion show at Design Indaba where she got to showcase three of her different summer collections.It was a wonderful experience as I performed and strutted the runway to introduce each range.'she added. It is rumored that she is signed to Gallo records.

EXCLUSIVE: U2 IN KAMPALA

It's fitting that one of the most politically plugged-in rock bands is in Kampala after debuting its world tour in South Africa on the anniversary of Nelson Mandela's first major rally after being released from prison, and at the same stadium where the anti-apartheid icon enthralled tens of thousands.
The U2 band are in Kampala and showbizxklusivs has learnt that they may be performing in the land of bananas. However,our Kampala reporter did not give details.
Guitarist The Edge told reporters in SA that he only learned the day before that Sunday's concert fell on a historic day. "It's such a beautiful, poetic day," he said.
Lead singer Bono noted that history was being made at the other end of Africa. "This continent is on fire," Bono said, adding he hoped Egypt would benefit from leadership as visionary as Mandela's.
The Edge added: "The real hope for Egypt is that it actually will become more democratic after this."
Bono said Mandela and retired Cape Town Archbishop Desmond Tutu — who makes a virtual appearance in U2's current show — have inspired his global campaigns against AIDS and poverty. Bono was planning to visit AIDS projects in South Africa between Sunday's concert and a second one in Cape Town on Feb. 18. U2 last played in South Africa in 1998.
The band may also visit Mandela, who is 92, ailing, and retired from public life. Bono said he had been in touch and learned Mandela was doing well after being hospitalized last month with an acute respiratory infection. Bono said a visit was possible, but he would not push.
"The last thing you want to be is the visit that the great man has to endure," he said.
The band discussed their musical and well as political heroes with reporters Friday. Bassist Adam Clayton said he would like to work with the Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, an opening act for their South African shows. Bono spoke of an early dream of having John Lennon produce their work, laughing at their naivete in their teens.
The band members, together three decades, said the secret to their longevity was friendship.
"We actually started out as friends, and then became a band," The Edge said. Check us out for more details...