Mzanzi

Freshlyground have worked with controversial South African artist Zapiro to create their new music video, a tongue-in-cheek political comment on Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.

The video depicts an aloof Mugabe riding in the back of a chauffeur-driven presidential car and reading a newspaper, “Bob’s Times”, with the front page headline: “Glorious victory for Zanu-PF”. It cuts to Freshlyground singing in a shebeen, dancing like chickens and challenging Africa’s oldest leader to relinquish his 30-year grip on power.

At first lead singer Zolani Mahola pays tribute to the 86-year-old veteran’s part in the struggle for Zimbabwe’s independence, describing him as a “supernova”. Her lyrics continue: “An iridescent example of honour for the coming generation/ You promised always to open the doors for us/ Indeed it is you and only you who sleeps with the key/ You are chicken to change!”

Mugabe’s car comes to a sudden halt and some chicken feathers flutter in front of the windscreen. He looks out at an impoverished couple clutching chickens, but chooses to ignore them and drive on. Chickens have become used as barter trade, including as bus fares, in rural areas of Zimbabwe where cash is scarce.

At the end of the video, the Mugabe puppet transforms into a chicken with suit and spectacles intact.

The video also features puppets of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu playing dominoes, polygamous president Jacob Zuma flirting with women, former president Thabo Mbeki and other leading South African figures.

The puppets are designed by Jonathan Shapiro, alias Zapiro, a political cartoonist, whose provocative oeuvre includes an image of Zuma poised to rape Lady Justice.

Zapiro told the Times in South Africa: “I’ve been doing cartoons of Mugabe for years. Working with Freshlyground gave us the opportunity to finally add him to our cast of latex characters.

“Although I positively love this puppet, I truly hope we can retire him sooner rather than later.”

The video was directed by Thierry Cassuto, executive producer of satirical internet show ZA News. It was filmed in Cape Town with the band dressed in Zimbabwean-style 80s fashion.

Freshlyground’s seven members are a racial mix hailing from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Sarah Barnett, a spokeswoman for the group, said they “believe in freedom of speech and that people should be able to talk about topics that affect many civilians”.

She added: “The video is not an attack on Mugabe at all. It is a tongue-in-cheek challenge for him to reflect on things and become the hero he used to be, to consider his actions and surprise us. We are not afraid of his reaction. Why should we be in a democratic world?”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC VIDEO

D o you think Freshlyground went too far by comparing Robert Mugabe to a chicken in their music video???

Following in the famously buff footsteps of Mark Wahlberg and Djimon Hounsou, Lunga Shabalala is the newest hunk to represent Calvin Klein Undewear in South Africa!!!
The delicious 21-year-old Durbanite beat out hundreds of guys in a nationwide search held by the famous brand over the past few months and it’s easy to see why : He is drop-dead gorgeous!!!

The price included a trip to new york and the opportunity to represent Calvin Klein in South Africa which would definitely  jump start Lunga’s modeling career.

Congrats!!!

More pics of Lunga below!!!

The soccer Hottie has put a ring on it!!!
Kaizer Motaung junior and his german girlfriend have just gotten engaged…

The pair who’ve been dating for three year are planning a summer wedding at the end of the year…

Congrats

Socialte Khanyi Mbau and Media personality Bonang Matheba joined force to model a collection of 2010 World Cup outfits designed by top local Fashion designers. The fashion show was held at the Design District Building, Rosebank a few days ago and of course Khanyi and Bonang in all their fabulosity stole the show.Also in attendance were Tv presenter Bridget Masinga, Jennifer Su,Kgomotso Christopher and many other celebs!!!

Despite postponing his SA tour last April due to his wife giving birth to his son, the blue-eyed soul singer would still be performing in Mzanzi later this month!!!!

He is set to kick off his tour with a Charity Gala dinner, raising funds for Haiti, due to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre on Thursday 27^TH May 2010 and a concert on Friday 28^th May 2010 at the same venue.

Congratulations to Kelly Khumalo and Jub Jub!!!

The afro-pop star popped out a healthy baby boy last friday at a Sandton clinic. Controversial Singer Jub Jub who is rumored to be the baby’s father was present during the birth.

According to sources close to Kelly, Mother and son are doing fine.

Menzi Ngubane who plays Sibusiso Dhlomo on South Africa’s Top soapie Generations is being accused by an ex-girlfriend of neglecting their child…

According to tabloid reports, Menzi and the woman who now works as a stripper had the baby nine years ago after a 2 month fling, before he made it big.

She also claims that Menzi who’s now happily married started avoiding her as soon as she got pregnant and has only called once in 9 years to ask about his son. She wants him to take up his responsibilities as a father as she is sure a parternity test will confirm it.

Drama never ends with those Generations actors!!! Who’s next???

South africa ‘s notorious Platinum-digger and Beyonce wannabe just release a video for her latest single Work up on it, While we have nothing nice to say about either the song or the vid, we think she should stick to Gold-Digging!!!

Click here to watch Khanyi’s Latest Music vid

Word on the streets is South Africa’s notorious Platinum Digger and homewrecker is trying for a baby with her tycoon boyfriend…

Sources close to Khanyi have exclusively revealed to blicious that the socialite  wants a child with businesman Theunis Crous (pictured above with his wife Primrose and their two children) and she plans to start  working on that as soon as she is done promoting her upcoming CD…

Khanyi’s who’s got a daughter with ex-hubby Mandla has expressed her desire to have a child with Theunis to her pals, she claims she loves him and she will love to experience motherhood again, of course she is certain that by becoming Crous Babymama she’ll be set for life!!!

Good luck on that girl!!!

Kwaito Band Big Nuz ruled the SAMAS this year, winning the coveted “Album of the year” for their latest effort titled “Undisputed” as well as Record of the year for the song” Umlilo” and Best Kwaito Album.

SA music biggest night  took place last Saturday at Sun City’s Superbowl, with a live broadcast on SABC1,or or and was hosted by Comedian Trevor Noah.

Here are the winners below:

Album of the Year
Big Nuz – Undisputed

Record of the Year
Umlilo – Big Nuz feat\ Tira

Music Video of the Year
Push Me To The Floor – The Parlotones

Best Male Solo Artist
Black Coffee – Home Brewed

Best Female Solo Artist
Lira – Live In Concert : A Celebration

Best Duo / Group
Jaziel Brothers – The Journey

Best Newcomer
Tshepo Mngoma – People And Places

Best Rap Album
Teargas – Dark Or Blue

Best Kwaito Album
Big Nuz – Undisputed

Best Rock Album: English
The Parlotones – Stardust Galaxies

Best Pop Album: English
Axene – 16

Best Pop Album: African
Ntando – Inqubela

Best Pop Album: Afrikaans
Bobby Van Jaarsveld – Net Vir Jou

Best Contemporary Jazz Album
Adam Glasser – Free At First

Best African Traditional Gospel Album
Sechaba – Mangihamba Nawe

Best Urban Dance Album
Black Coffee – Home Brewed

Best Urban Pop Album
Jozi – Wild Life