Strutting off to LA
DURBAN-BORN music sensations Babes Wodumo and Nasty C would promote Durban on their trip to Los Angeles when they attended the BET Awards, insisted the mayor of Durban after coming under attack from opposition parties for hosting a send-off breakfast for the pair.
The breakfast was held at Moses Mabhida Stadium, which formed the backdrop for a video recorded during the event today.
Kwaito star Babes, 23, whose real name is Bongekile Simelane, is from Lamontville, and Nasty C, Nsikayesizwe David jr Ngcobo, 20, is from Illovo.
At today’s event, Babes wore a denim jacket over a black dress, with thigh-high denim boots and sported a purple hairdo. Nasty C wore a black top with a hood. Both artists will leave Durban for the US on June 20.
“I am honoured to be here today. I am preparing every aspect for the tour which includes my dress and wardrobe. I love colouring my hair. I hope to meet Rihanna and other musicians. I think I will be performing at the after-party. I want to leave my own mark on the world. I want them to know who I am,” Babes said.
Nasty C was grateful to be given a send-off and have the city behind him.
“I will use the trip to build and foster relationships in the music fraternity. I want to lay down a foundation. I will be filming parts of a music video in Los Angeles for my song titled Allow,” he said.
They were both nominated for the Best International Act: Africa category. The BET Awards would be held in Los Angeles on June 25. Babes is recognised for her song, Wololo, while Nasty C was the youngest recipient of an award at the 2015 South African Hip Hop awards, taking the best freshman award.
Durban Tourism head Phillip Sithole described the duo as Durban’s finest who came from humble beginnings and were a source of encouragement for others.
“Promote our city, its townships and venues. You are now part of the international community,” he told them.
Sithole responded to criticism over the expense incurred for the breakfast that such events had been held for other Durban acts and sporting heroes without a backlash.
Deputy mayor Fawzia Peer said the pair were children of the city and had ambassadorial roles to play. “It is a first-time adventure, so make us proud. Inspire others climbing up the ladder in the music industry,” she said.
The deputy chairperson of the economic development and planning committee, Nkosenhle Madlala, said this was the start of a good partnership to take care of and value the contribution the youth were making. He was not sure why people criticised the breakfast send-off.
Mayor Zandile Gumede said the pair would promote Durban while on their travels and the breakfast formed part of the city’s youth empowerment programme for Youth Month.