Allow me to say the best decision I have made so far in 2019 was attending the past weekend’s Jazz Afro Sundays at the Opera House where Phila Madlingozi was the man of the evening.
Although the show started a little later than scheduled, Phila’s voice soothed all my agitation away as soon as he got on stage.
Most of us first knew of him when he was on SABC 1’s InterseXions, when he auditioned for Idols SA and later when he was on Mzansi Magic’s Isikizi.
It seems the man is now more focused on his music career but I for one am not complaining because, boy, did he rock on that stage. He was accompanied by pianist Mthokozisi Mabuza, lead guitarist Mano Smith, bassist Edgar Muzah and drummer Andile Nomjila and they all worked magic together performing a couple of cover songs including Zonke’s Feelings and Ringo’s (Phila’s father) Into Yam, finishing the evening off with Phila’s original songs.
I tell you now, anyone walking by would have thought Into Yam was being sand by Ringo himself. Although Phila has often said he did not want his father’s fame to define him, he definitely takes after him with that much talent.
Dancing the evening away were, of course, the regulars such as Yolanda Zantsi and Unathi Ngqolombe while those of us with two left feet danced only with our hearts.
Skinners spotted Dumza Maswana and Lelethu “PoeticSoul” Mahambehlala, Ntlantla Swana and Sizwe Yaze and of course there is never a shortage of drama when Zimsto Eroofini is around. The bubbly singer was stunning in a yellow jumpsuit although it seemed the girl had one too many. Also spotted looking hella gorgeous was SPAR’s advertising coordinator Roseann Shadrach who also manages Edgar Muzah and Friends.
On Monday evening, Skinners was at No5 Boutique Art Hotel for an intimate launch of Kango Wave entertainment company along with the music video of boy band GYFO’s single Sunday.
When I say intimate, I really mean less-than-10-guests intimate. Although it was not as big an event, Skinners’ attention was caught by 22 year-old singer Thandokazi who sings as beautifully as she looks.
All I’ll say is: remember the name and if you want to put a face next to it, think Nambitha Ben-Mazwi’s kind of beauty and you’ll be close enough.
Picture: LONDEKA DLAMINI
MAN BAND: Singer Phila Madlingozi, front, and his band, back from left, bassist Edgar Muzah, pianist Mthokozisi Mabuza, drummer Andile Nomjila and guitarist Mano gave a stellar performance at Opera House’s Jazz Afro Sunday last weekend
Picture: EUGENE COETZEE
WARM WELCOME: Nelson Mandela University first year students Sethu Jwaqu, 19, left, from Johannesburg and Samantha Mojela, 19, from Lesotho were among thousands welcomed by vice chancellor Sibongile Muthwa at the institution’s indoor sports centre on Saturday
Picture: LONDEKA DLAMINI
BAY TALENT: Bay artists, from left, Ntlantla Swana, Lelethu PoeticSoul Mahambehlala, Dumza Maswana and Sizwe Yaze supported a fellow artist at the PE Opera House’s Jazz Afro Sundays
Picture: EUGENE COETZEE
LEADING THE WAY: Nelson Mandela University How2Buddies, from left, Siyanda Snyman, Sinazo Olekane, Zimkhita Rune and Mikayla Boy assisted and welcomed more than 8,000 first year students along with vice chancellor Sibongile Muthwa at the indoor sports centre on Saturday
Picture: EUGENE COETZEE
YUMMY ON THE WAY: Mother and daughter Cassidy, left, and Mary Anne Chantson whip up a meal at the Chinese food market held at the Chinese Community Centre in Yokohama Streets in Morningside on Sunday
Picture: WERNER HILLS
THE OYSTER DELI: Charl Gomes from the Douglas Deli shows off some of the oysters from his stall at the Goodnight Market held on Thursday evening
Picture: LONDEKA DLAMINI
STYLISH DUO: Yonela Swaartbooi, left, and Lisa Yengeni attended Jazz Afro Sundays at the PE Opera House
Picture: EUGENE COETZEE
MARKETING MOMENT: Doné Louw and Sasha Ella were at the launch of the art tour at No 5 Boutique Art Hotel in Summerstrand this week
Picture: EUGENE COETZEE
ON THE TOURISM BEAT: Shena and Nick Wilmot were guests at the launch of a new art tour at No 5 Boutique Art Hotel in Summerstrand on Wednesday
Picture: EUGENE COETZEE
MARKET DAY OUTING: Pamela Myburgh, left, and Glenda Jurgens were at the Chinese food market at the Chinese Community Centre in Morningside on Sunday
Picture: EUGENE COETZEE
FIRST DAY DELIGHT: Nelson Mandela University first year students Vuyolwethu Nkomombini, 19, left, and Busisiwe Sibisi, 20, were welcomed into the institution by vice chancellor Sibongile Muthwa with a ceremony held at the indoor sports centre on Saturday