Checking out the talent as stars rake in awards
ATTENDED two events this week celebrating great South African talent. First up were the Naledi Theatre Awards at Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre and, later in the week, the South African Music Awards nominee party at The Sands in Sandton.
At the theatre do, loads of people came out, even though it was a Monday night. The awards, which celebrate their 10th anniversary this year, honour excellence in performance art. I loved how Naledi executive director Dawn Lindberg put it when she said the awards “make it cool to go to the theatre”.
Before the show started, guests mingled in the theatre foyer, sipping wine while waiters served beef kebabs, veggie spring rolls and what were, on the whole, some really terrible canapés.
I chatted to Nomaswazi Tshabalala, whose daughter Xolile was nominated in the category for best actress in a lead role for The Suitcase. Nomaswazi is a school drama teacher, so Xolile’s talent obviously comes from her mother.
I asked Isidingo actress Linda Sokhulu whether she missed the theatre and she said she was itching to do some stage work soon. Can’t wait!
Atandwa Kani, son of the legendary John, said he was nervous about whether he would win an award, which he did — as best newcomer. Sweet.
Socialite Carolyn Steyn, who was also one of the judges, looked stunning in Ralph Lauren, but the gigantic diamond on her ring finger stole the show. She remarried insurance tycoon and luxury hotel Saxon owner Douw Steyn about a month ago. I asked why she had decided to get back with him and we
Ilaughed when she answered: “Don’t ask why. I can’t explain.” Well, the tycoon’s personal wealth is reported to be on the rise. Coincidence?
Alan Committie was the master of ceremonies for the evening and a brilliant one at that. But I only caught a bit of the awards because, even though Committie had promised they ’ d be quick, they always go on forever. Sorry. The Sama nominee party on Wednesday was great. People were dressed to the nines and treated to live performances from Zonke, MiCasa and Lloyd Cele and Big Nuz, who had everyone on their feet. I just loved MiCasa’s reggae rendition of Miguel’s Adorn.
Drinks flowed and guests in the VIP area helped themselves to sushi, lamb ribs and fruit desserts. I chatted to five-time nominee ChianoSky, who looked striking in a Topshop dress and Melissa shoes, about her fabulous sense of style.
Can ’ t wait for the actual awards in May at Sun City. Asos, the online shopping website. No. But I wanted an orange dress and couldn’t find it anywhere but there. Definitely theatre. It’s got more flair and is so much more dramatic. Louise Sinclair. She’s fantastic and can slip into any role. She did an amazing one-woman show at last year’s National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.