Posts Tagged ‘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!!!

Despite a highly-publicized breakup a few weeks ago, Notorious Gold Digger and attention whore Khany Mbau is back in the arms of her married lover Theunis Crous who’s an even Bigger attention whore than his on-off mistress.
According to reports , Miss K and her man headed on a romantic break in Europe (France and Italy) last week and as usual, she couldn’t wait shove it on her Facebook and twitter profiles. The socialite was treated to some serious shopping and expensive spas during her fabulous vacation.

The romantic reunion comes a few weeks after Theunis trashed Khanyi in the media and revealed that he had dumped her for good after catching her using Umuthi (traditional Charms ) and performing rituals on him while he was asleep.
Ain’t it nice to see that Khanyi who reportedly suffered a nervous breakdown from the break up has such a kind forgiving heart???

Wonder how his puppet wife Primrose will react this time….Does the poor woman has any dignity left?

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

Ne Yo who was in Mzanzi recently for a few shows , took some time off between his concerts to play with the animals at Joburg’s Lion Park.

The Rnb Singer got to feed Giraffes and Lions and ostriches…

Looks like he had fun!!!

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.