Zar to close down: the night spot being one of Johannesburg’s most popular clubs, is reportedly, closing down.

According to one source, Kunene and his business partner, Gayton McKenzie, were allegedly not able to pay the rent for their luxurious rooftop club because the pair had blown their money “giving free drinks to clients all the time”.

zar club closing down

“How can I spend R20m on a project – leasing the place and furnishing it – only to be kicked out? I even installed a private lift last year so that my clientele could go straight from the parking to the club,” said Kunene.

“We are moving our business elsewhere to a bigger space,” he said.

‘Going out with a bang’

A former ZAR employee told City Press that the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, where ZAR occupies the rooftop, was not on good terms with the club owners because the club had “cost” them their clients.

“The hotel suffered. No one wanted to go there because their wives would suspect them of going to the club. People also could not hang out in peace with their mistresses for fear that they’ll be caught on camera,” said the source.

But the Radisson’s general manager, Erica Olivier, vehemently denied the allegations. “No, no, no! There is nothing like that. ZAR is a tenant on the premises like we are. These rumours are totally not true. All we know is that the club wanted more space and the property owners could not give it the club,” she said.

Hendrik Breitenbach, spokesperson for property owners Savannah Properties, also dismissed the rumours of rental woes.

Kunene says he plans to “throw a shit party” for the closing.

The winner of 17 Billboard Music Awards, nine ASCAP awards, eight Soul Train Music Awards and five Grammy Awards is coming to South Africa. Yes Usher will set foot in Johannesburg.

Although two of Usher concerts in South Africa have been cancelled due to “unavoidable scheduling and logistical challenges”. The R&B singer was due to perform at both the Cape Town and Durban legs of the Hansa Festival of Legends tour in March (12). But now the gigs have been scrapped, officials from organisers Big Concerts announced on Monday (23Jan12).

We Just got back from watching Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Brilliant flick we must say. Compliments to Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law. Classical ending too. AT Bloogle we rate it 8/10:-)

At its core music always has a purpose. Whether you know it or not, the origination and purpose of Hip Hop music was to inspire, motivate and educate. It is essentially about the life we live, the transfer of information and to stand up for our own destiny or a cause. So with Hip Hop Heavyweight and Grammy nominee Drake performing as the featured act for one night in Mzansi at the intimate and exclusive Castle Lite Feel the Beat of Subzero Experience on Friday the 9th of December, Castle Lite is inviting the 4000 fans who attend, to stand up for their own purpose strictly dressing all in white in support for No Regret Friday.
“No Regret Friday is a movement started by SAB in July 2011, which was created to encourage South Africans to rethink their reckless attitude to drinking and driving,” comments Julian Coulter, General Manager for Castle Lite. “Music is powerful, and is able to drive a message home; we hope that by having everyone who attends the ‘Feel the Beat of Subzero Experience’ all dressed in white, we will be able to take a stand against drinking and driving.”
With a cause to stand up for, Drake as the featured artist and local performers including Kuli Chana, Mi Casa, George the Beatboxer and DJ’s Switch, Sphectacula, Naves and Naked DJ on the decks, the 9th of December is most certainly going to be totally ICE.
Notes to the Editor:
For more information regarding Castle Lite Feel the Beat of Subzero and Drake, please contact the press office below.
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Free water will be given to all fans who attend the Castle Lite Feel the Beat of Subzero Experience on the 9th of December

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Press office details:

Robyn David: robyn@capacityrelations.co.za
Simphiwe Majola: simphwie@capacityrelations.co.za
011 844 1010

With a second style based award under her belt, seems like Bonang Matheba’s star does not stop shining. Three days after her win on the Feather Awards, Bonang Matheba is still the queen of bling and style. Since her BIG Break in the entertainment industry 4 years ago, Matheba has been making waves and it seems this year has seen her bag more accolades under her name.

Sunday saw the Southern Sun Hotel in Hydepark came to a standstill as the 24 Year old superstar walked away with the Most Stylish Media Personality Award. Matheba is the face of Gert Johan Coetzee, who is also a winner of the Most Stylish Designer award, is to be applauded for Bonang’s many glorious wins in the style fraternity. The Award looks at the impact that the winner has made in the social circles though their elegant fashion sense as well as keeping up with other celebrities within the fraternity. “With style comes a lot of responsibility and hard work and I am thankful for the recognition I keep getting from the public boasts Matheba.
Capacity Relations Publicist: Shiri Reouveni
0839896258
shiri@capacityrelations.co.za

Once again, the Feather Awards rocked Jozi in an incredible display of glam, OTT, sass and humour at the celebrations held in Melrose Arch. Now in it’s 3rd year, the Feather Awards has established itself as one of the most sought-after tickets in town – a flamboyant celebration of public figures who inspire the gay and lesbian community. From businesspeople to actors, sportspeople, musicians and TV personalities – the Feather Award pays a cheeky tribute to the ‘uber-fab’ who represent style, glamour, community-spirit, talent, focus and achievement.

This years celebration included trademark features – Madame Gigi delivered her musical poison-pen letter, performing an overview of the scandals that amused and titillated Mzansi over 2010 and 2011. The hotness continued with Lebohang Toko (who played Cece in the SA production of Dreamgirls), Sibu Radebe and Donovon Yaards remixing Beyonce’s signature track , performing it as ‘Gays Run the World’ – complete with Yfm’s Bujy, Amstel and Sbu Radebe as the principle dancers. Thembesile showcased her huge vocals, in a standout version of ‘One Night Only’ from Dreamgirls, while Mi Casa stormed the stage with three sizzling performances.

As amazing as the performances were, the true stars of the night were the winners, who showed out in true Glam.R.Us style, and set The Venue at Melrose Arch on fire….

Kenny Kunene was the night’s big winner, being recognized as the Fag Hag of the Year, and as one half of the Best Couple of the Year – along with his business partner Gayton McKenzie. Nonhle Thema was crowned the Drama Queen of the year- due no doubt, to the flames she showed people on Twitter, while social butterfly Jen Su took the Socialite of the Year award.

Bonang Matheba and Siphiwe Mpye took home the Best Styled Female and Best Styled Male awards respectively, in a nod to their always being so flawlessly turned out, while Edith Venter was acknowledged as the Diva Extraordinaire of the Year.

Lulo Café is officially Mzansi’s Hunk of the Year, and representing for the ladies, Claire Mawisa is the Hot Chick of the Year. Mzansi’s incredible sporting and musical talent were also recognized – with Andile Jali being acknowledged as the Sports Personality of the Year, and breakout artist Zahara taking home the Musician of the Year award.

Rounding it off in the inspirational stakes, swimming dynamo and international champ Natalie du Toit got the nod as Role Model of the Year, and columnist and HIV/AIDS activist Lucky Mazibuko took the ultimate award- Feather of the Year.

The evening’s festivities were supported by Chevrolet, who’ve been associated with the Awards from the very first year. The Gauteng Department of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation also stepped up and partnered with the Feather Awards, as did youth radio station Yfm. SABC’s primary entertainment industry TV show The Real Ghoboza is the ceremony’s TV partner for 2011.

“We’re blessed and extremely humbled by the outpouring of support we continue to receive from our nominees, our partners and the general public” enthused Thami Kotlolo, the Feather Awards co-founder. “The Feather Awards represent a special night where sexual minorities – the gay and lesbian community – just come out and have a blast, and say ‘hats off’ to those in the public eye who keep us entertained, inspired and amused. We’re proud to be out, loud and Glam.R.Us. – and we can’t wait to do it all over again next year!”

WINNERS – Feather Awards 2011
Best Styled Female – Bonang Matheba
Best Styled Male – Siphiwe Mpye
Hunk of the Year – Lulo Café
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year – Edith Venter
Sports Personality of the Year – Andile Jali
Role Model of the Year – Natalie du Toit
Best Couple – Gayton McKenzie & Kenny Kunene
Hot Chick of the Year – Claire Mawisa
Fag Hag – Kenny Kunene
Best Musician – Zahara
Socialite – Jen Su
Drama Queen – Nonhle Tema
Feather of the Year – Lucky Mazibuko

For further information, please contact:
Tumi Rametsi, Dreamcatcher 082 727 0312 / 011 447 5655
production1@dreammultimedia.co.za
Marang Setshwaelo, Dreamcatcher082 559 1802/ 011 447 5655
Marang@dreammultimedia.co.za

Metro FM Music Awards 2011 will take place in Nelspruit on Saturday the 26th November. This show promises to be a spectacular event. Catch all the who’s who of South African music and entertainment
Metro FM Music Awards Voting lines are open and members of the public are invited to support their favourite artists by SMS-ing the exact category (e.g. Hit single of the Year: sms Single, Best R&B Album : sms rnb, Best Group : sms Group), followed by their nomination, to 34764. All smses are charged at R2.

CATEGORY 1 – BEST AFRICAN POP

• Ntando- Izaga (proverbs)
• Theo Kgosinkwe- Grateful
• Mckenzi- Poetic Genesis
• Lira- Return To Love
• Madoda-Mzizi

CATEGORY 2 – BEST COMPILATION ALBUM

• Vinny Da Vinci- Deep house sounds vol
• Glen Lewis- House avenue
• Euphonik- For the love of house special edition
• Terance- Music box (home and away)
• FEU- f.eu too ( in the club)

CATEGORY 3 – BEST PRODUCED ALBUM

• Zahara- Loliwe
• Culoe De Song- elevation
• Lira- Return to love
• Jimmy Dludlu- Tonota
• AKA- Altar ego

CATEGORY 4 – BEST DANCE ALBUM

• Culoe De Song- Elevation
• Micasa- Micasa music
• Black Motion- talking to the drums
• DJ C’ndo- finest lady of house vol
• Dj Cleo- Es’ khaleni

CATEGORY 5 – BEST FEMALE ALBUM

• Lira- Return to love
• KB- Run free ( the evolution)
• Nondumiso Tembe- izwi lami
• Zahara- Loliwe
• Judith Sephuma- I am a living testimony

CATEGORY – BEST URBAN GOSPEL

• Rebecca- ukuthula
• Tshwane Gospel Choir- Modimo wa mehlolo
• Soweto Spiritual Singers – Open heavens
• We will Worship- The movemeant begins
• William Sejake- William sejake live vol

CATEGORY – BEST GROUP ALBUM

• Micasa- Micasa music
• Big Nuz- Pound for pound
• Stimela- A lifetime
• C9ine- Sound garden
• Black Motion- Talking to the drums

CATEGORY – BEST HIP HOP ALBUM

• Amu- The principal
• HHP- Motswafrika
• AKA- Altar ego
• Morale- Smile, clap & bow
• Tuks- Tshwanelo

CATEGORY – BEST CONTEMPORARY JAZZ

• Jimmy Dludlu- Tonota
• Vusi Khumalo- Reasons for seasons
• Judith Sephuma- I am a living testimony
• Swazi Dlamini- Gospel meets jazz (live in durban)
• Kunle Ayo- Best of both worlds

CATEGORY – BEST KWAITO ALBUM

• Zola- Unyezi
• Character- The marathon
• Spikiri- The king don father
• Big Nuz- Pound for pound
• Bullistic- Hollow point

CATEGORY – BEST MALE

• Jimmy Dludlu- tonota
• Kabomo- All things grey
• Dj Cleo- Es’ khaleni
• Spikiri- The king don father
• HHP- Motswafrika

CATEGORY – BEST NEWCOMER

• Micasa
• Zahara
• Black Motion
• AKA
• Nothende
• CATEGORY – BEST R&B ALBUM
• Pebbles- Phenomenal
• Kabomo- All things grey
• Nothende- Lovelight
• Lloyd Jansen- Lloyd Jansen
• Keeno Lee- Revolution

CATEGORY – SONG OF THE YEAR

• Zahara – Loliwe
• Spikiri-Ngeke balunge
• Big Nuz – Sting Ray
• Micasa – These streets
• Theo-Thinking about you

CATEGORY – BEST STYLED ARTIST/ GROUP

• Bucie
• Theo Kgosinkwe
• Nkulee Dube
• Shota
• Somizi

CATEGORY – HIT SINGLE OF THE YEAR

• Big Nuz – Sting ray
• DJ Sbu ft Zahara – lengoma
• Character – EX
• Lira – Phakade
• Stimela -Turn on the Sun (BackCoffee Remix)

CATEGORY – BEST COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR

• Theo ft. Zonke- “Thinking About You”
• L- Tido ft. K.O. “We rollin’”
• Spikiri ft. Teargas,Brickz,Skhokho,Madluphuthu,BrownDash “ngeke balunge”
• Morale ft.Zola “Ayamaah”
• AKA – ft.Tumi,HHP,Amu, “Victory lap remix”

CATEGORY – BEST MUSIC VIDEO

• L-Tido -It ain’t my fault
• Micasa – These streets
• Theo – Thinking about you
• AKA-All I know
• Nondumiso Tembe – Just a guy

Yes it is true, Drake and Lil Wayne will be performing in South Africa!
Lil Wayne: He is hip-hop’s biggest name, its deadliest lyricist and the genre’s most flourishing touring act; he’s an in-demand performer with fan bases spanning across the globe; he’s Lil Wayne and in December he’s bringing his worldwide “I Am Still Music Tour” to South Africa.

Drake: Rap icon Drake will perform in an exclusive and intimate show for a few thousand fans@the Castle Lite Feel the Beat of Sub-zero experience on 9th of December 2011 and tickets to this event are already sold out.

Lil wayne and Drake

• Wednesday, 7 December 2011, 20h00
• Bellville Velodrome, 
• Ticket prices: R 350, R 600

Johannesburg:

• Friday, 9 December 2011, 20h00
• Coca-Cola Dome, 
• Ticket prices: R 400, R 600, R 750

Durban:

• Sunday, 11 December 20h00
• Venue, etc to be announced soon.

Tickets for the concert are available at Computicket…….

Oude Meester Reserve with Jamie Foxx: Brilliant advert by 140 BBDO. This advert campaign was done to market the utmost elegance of Oude Meester and i must say job well done…..

Creative Directors: Mike Schalit, Ivan Johnson
Agency: 140 BBDO
Director: Greg Gray
Editor: Ricky Boyd
Copywriter: Mike Pearson
Sound: Arnold Vermaak
Art Director: Ross Nieuwenhuizen
Strategy: Matt Riley
Account Management: Maretha Albertyn
Producers: Sarah Southey, Velocity, Helena Woodfine
http://www.oudemeester.co.za/

Macufe Bloemfontein 2011: Now this event is guaranteed to be a show stopper. Join a ten day feast of jazz, gospel, kwaito, hip-hop, R&B, rock and classical music, as well as dance, drama, cabaret, musical theatre, poetry, fine art and traditional arts and crafts. The incredibly popular Mangaung African Cultural Festival showcases the cream of African and international talent.

The first Macufe was held in 1997 and attracted an audience of 30 000. Macufe now attracts over 140 000 people from South Africa, the African Diaspora and the rest of the planet. The festival is presented annually in early late September and early October by Bashomi ba Africa.

And some of the most popular performers for this year includes:
- Thandiswa Mazwai
- Selaelo Selota
- Zakes Bantwini
- HHP
- Kaya
- Bhudaza
- Peter Nthwane
- Fossils
- Thomas Mapfumo (Zimbabwe)
- Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe)
- Johnny Gill (USA)
- Bebe Winans (USA)

Dates: 01 Oct 2011 to 09 Oct 2011
Location: Bloemfontein
For additional information contact
Telephone +27 (0)51 447-8169 or +27 (0)51 451 2381.