ABIGAIL KUBEKA
Abigail Kubeka was discovered at the age of sixteen by Miriam Makeba, when she joined her female singing group, The Skylarks and understudied her in the acclaimed musical King Kong with whom she toured Europe for several months.
Abigail’s first single was released in Nigeria and Europe in 1981. In 1986, she was awarded the Woman of our Time award. In 1992 she performed in the first Miss World Pageant at Sun City and in 1995 for Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to South Africa. Abigail performed in a musical revue in France to critical acclaim and at the opening ceremony for the All Africa Games in 1999.
Abigail Kubeka has performed in every major country in Africa, Europe and Asia. She has appeared with major stars Sarah Vaughn, Eartha Kitt, Percy Sledge, Monk Montgomery and the Jazz Professors and is an acclaimed television, film and theatre actress, having worked with top South African theatre directors.
ANDREW WAUGH
Piano & More is built around the central musical figure of Andrew Waugh, a musician with a reputation of quality and professionalism. Andrew lends his magic to special events with his unique and classically trained talent. He has played for high profile functions in some of the best venues in the country and offers a standard of professionalism that is unparalleled. His repertoire appeals to both young and old and he can play all your favourite songs.
Andrew was the resident pianist at The Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West for a year and played at The Three Ships for two and a half years. He was resident pianist at The Sandton Sun and Towers Intercontinental for four years and is currently resident pianist at Montecasino. He has received wide acclaim for his theatre and cabaret work. Andrew’s quality sound equipment and digital piano with backings ensure that your special function will be beyond your wildest dreams.
He has worked with numerous other musicians and offers his experience in the following combinations:-Andrew Waugh – solo pianist, keyboards and vocals for background music. Andrew Waugh and Michele Hill – a singer and violinist, from background to spectacular funky violin cabaret. Andrew Waugh and Lita Roberts – a singer likened by the press to Whitney Houston, background and cabaret. Andrew Waugh and Glenda Millar – the musical genius behind the all girls group Clout, rock and ballad cabaret. Andrew Waugh and Deborah Gorman – saxophone, flute and clarinet. Andrew Waugh and Nana Stapelberg – comedian and singer with stage and screen experience, cabaret of note and humour. Andrew Waug and Lucia Mthiyane – anything from traditional to Tina Turner
AYANDA
Ayanda was born in Durban in a township called KwaMashu. She grew up with her mother, grandparents, brothers and lots of cousins. She is the 2nd generation of the famous Nokwe family. Ayanda’s career started when she was 12 years old. Her talent and dedication landed her international roles.
She did the voice over of young Simba in “The Lion King” (Zulu version); sung jingles for Fredd Woods; acted in the “Sarafina” movie as Sarafina’s young sister; sang and toured with Mango Groove to Portugal and Cape Town with her mom who has been backing vocalists for the band all her life; toured with Tu Nokwe and her band to Wales, Uganda and South Africa as a backing vocalist and dancer. Ayanda was also feautured in a compilation album called “Rights Africa” as new talent- she recorded 2 tracks written by John Layden from Mango Groove. Her greatest breakthrough as a young developing artist was when she recorded with other respected artists and musicians the theme song of e-T.V.
If you want to find Ayanda, you will most definitely find her engaged in Social responsible programs and community voluntary work which she does with other students from an arts school called “Amajika Youth and Children Arts”. Amajika is a school that was founded by Ayanda’s family in the hope to target youth who have been disturbed during the uprisings of June 16, 1976. The aim of this arts school is to support young children and youth to break free in a positive way and use their talents productively and responsibly. Ayanda grew up in this school, starting of as a student, to choreographer, to co-ordinator and now training as Artistic director and Human Resources manager. Amajika taught Ayanda to ground herself spiritually and take each day as it comes as a new, much positive beginning. She toured with Amajika to Italy and U.S.A to represent the Zulu Culture through dance, music and poetry.
Ayanda recently shook South African fans and media as a controversial, intelligent and fascinating contestant in the program “IDOLS” and made it to the top 6 out of over 8000 applications.
Ayanda believes that assertiveness, seeking knowledge and wisdom from family and advisors is what made her who she is. “Being assertive doesn’t mean being arrogant. You
Must know who you are and what you are for. That makes you an assertive person.
When tings get hectic and chaotic, go in and calm down. But the ultimate is to STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF!”
Chrissy Caine
Chrissy Caine began her professional career in the UK as part of sister act “Intuition”. As a duo the two were so successful that they became backing singers for Greek star Demis Roussos and toured the world with him for three years.
Deciding upon a solo career for herself Chrissy headed for the warm weather and SA. Since coming to SA in 1983 she has become involved in many varied aspects of the industry. She ventured into musical theatre and won critical acclaim for her role in Pieter Toerien’s “Jerry’s Girls” along side Judy Page and Diane Chandler. Other musicals Chrissy has starred in are Lloyd Webbers, “Man and his Music”, Cole Porter’s “Let’s do it” and Lloyd Webbers “Music of the night”. Chrissy loves the theatre stage and is quite at home handling the acting and dancing called for in this type of show or production.
Product launches and promotion play a large part of Chrissy’s work schedule. She has been involved in shows for such companies as SAA, SAB the launch of the Ford Meteor and in the re-imaging of BP Service Stations countrywide. More recently she performed together with Alessandro at the GQ Awards and the annual sales conference for EDS at Irene Country Lodge.
She was sent flying high above Sun City in a hot air balloon for the opening ceremony of Multi Rand Forum’s conference, and whilst back on the ground, her feet didn’t quite touch the floor when she was asked to appear alongside George Benson at the 1993 Ms World pageant.
Turning her talents to song writing Chrissy co-wrote and recorded the theme tune for a voter educational programme called Make your mark, in the run up to the 1994 elections.
Adding a new string to her bow Chrissy then became a TV interviewer and got to meet and interview SA Sports starts, Baby Jake Matlala, Brian Mitchell, Pierre Strydom and Doctor Khumalo for a sporting segment on GMSA.
Chrissy’s first love however is music and her one-woman show in which she impersonates Cher, Shirley Bassey, Kate Bush and various others has made her a very popular cabaret performer.
Chrissy has worked all over Europe and has worked on Cruise Liners in the Mediterranean entertaining the passengers. She performed in Egypt for three months in early 2000 and whatever sphere of the industry Chrissy become involved in she gives her best and “entertaining” is what she does best.
CLAIRE JOHNSTON
Claire Johnston was born in England and came to South Africa at the age of three. She cut her professional teeth in the Brickhill Burke production of Annie at the age of ten, in which she sang, danced and acted. At 15, Claire won a singing scholarship with the late Eve Boswell. She joined Mango Groove in her final year of school and quickly became a household name in South Africa as the face and voice of the group. Mango Groove has had an enormous impact on South Africans and they have built a large following abroad. The band has sold over 7000 000 albums in South Africa alone.
Claire traveled widely internationally with Mango Groove, performing to sell-out shows in London, Paris, Hong Kong and Sydney to name a few. Amongst her career highlights are the satellite linked Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, the Inauguration of President Nelson Mandela, topping the bill at the Montreaux Jazz Festival and the concert celebrating the 1997 hand over of Hong Kong to China. Locally Claire has graced the covers of dozens of top magazines, she has had numerous television and radio appearances and performances with Mango Groove whose air-play has been more representative than any other group’s in South African history.
Claire’s debut solo album, Fearless was largely recorded in the UK. The album’s deliciously textured and evocative sound shows a new side to Claire. One of the album’s producers, Vic Coppersmith-Heaven, has collaborated with artists Joe Cocker, the Rolling Stones and Elton John while Marius de Vries, who co-produced Fearless is renowned for his work with David Bowie, Bjork and Madonna. He also composed and produced the soundtrack albums for Romeo and Juliet and Moulin Rouge.
Claire has become a symbol of unity for all South Africans. She was involved in the SA Olympic bid, the 1999 All Africa Games Celebrations and she sang the national anthems at the 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2001 Tri-Nations Rugby.
Claire and Mango Groove are still very much an item. A Mango Groove Greatest Hits collection has just been released worldwide.
IRIT NOBLE
As a stand-up comedienne, singer, cabaret artiste, columnist and compare, Irit Noble has performed at countless high profile corporate functions, launches, product promotions and festivals countrywide. Drawing on her extensive experience of performing at venues ranging from the Sun City Super Bowl to intimate dinner parties, Irit is able to vary her performance to perfectly suit the occasion, venue and mood. Her stand-up comedy shows are hilarious and hard-hitting while her cabarets are light hearted, elegant and custom scripted to perfectly suit your event.
Irit’s sexy and dynamic corporate cabaret shows infuse old-fashioned glamour with songs like Nina Simone’s My Baby Just Cares For Me, as well as high energy contemporary material like Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time and Tom Jones’ Sex Bomb. Irit has been described as quirky, stylish, sexy, camp, risqué, ribald, unruly, irreverent, enigmatic, acerbic, subversive, witty and wicked. She has penned, produced and performed in numerous one-woman hit shows including A Barstool Named Desire, In The Bath With Muff Diva, Bump and Grind, Boyz ‘n Ivy, Giving Lip, Apoca-lips Now! and Mouth Off. Her addictive weekly column in The Independent’s Sunday Life magazine received a big following and wide acclaim.
Irit’s most recent work includes hosting SATV3’s hit series Comedy Showcase and headlining for the Cape Comedy Collective. She has maintained her status as a top corporate entertainer with prestigious cabaret performances such as Sun City’s 21st birthday party and hosting the Stone Television and Film Awards. Irit also directs and co-scripts many shows for top South African performers including Heather Mac, Glen Swart and Graham and Christine Weir (of Not the Midnight Mass fame).
JACQUES LAGESSE
Jacques Lagesse, alias the Satin Suited Soloist, has a velvet-lined voice, which is accompanied by the mellow tones of acoustic and jazz guitars. Jacques has released two CD’s and being an audio engineer by profession, he focuses on the quality of his sound and guarantees a non-intrusive and soothing ambience.
Jacque’s repertoire consists of a popular brand of laid back jazz standards and evergreen romantic ballads. He has a strong flair for Latin rhythms and includes several Bosa Nova and Samba tunes on his list of 300 songs plus. He has recently introduced a cabaret set featuring the music of the big band swing era, which he performs to backing tracks.
Jacques has performed at many classy corporate events and private parties around the country, including for Revlon, Nokia, Total, PPC, Tiger Milling, Standard Bank, Investec, Volvo, Gensec, Spar, SAP and South African Breweries, he has spent time performing in Dubai at all the major hotels. Jacque’s classic dress sense brings to mind Sinatra in his heyday.
Aside from his full compliment of music and PA equipment, he is able to perform unplugged. Apart from the soft percussive rhythm machine, all of his music is played live. Jacques requires minimal set-up space.
JENNIFER JONES
Female vocalist Jennifer Jones grew up in the Cape Flats where she was active in the gospel scene. After her matriculation Jennifer extended her musical range and ability, establishing herself as one of the leading female R&B, soul and jazz vocalists. The Jennifer Jones Band took Cape Town audiences by storm and lead to her later collaboration with ex-Blood, Sweat & Tears trumpeter Bruce Cassidy on various recording projects.
As an up-and-coming talent, Jennifer continued to impress audiences and in 1992, she performed with local group No Strings Attached, with Tandie Klaasen at the Nico Theatre, at the Free Peoples Jazz Concert at the V&A Waterfront, and in the Night of 100 Stars at the Nico Opera House. Jennifer appeared with Duran Duran, Dr Alban and completed recording projects with Black Noise and Jonathan Selby. She performed at the opening of the Rugby World Cup in 1995
JOSEPH CLARK
Joseph Clark’s prolific career spans many years as an actor, singer and dancer in major South African productions. He has performed in almost every theatre in the country, on television and in feature films. He came to South Africa as a Principal Dancer for the PACT Ballet Company and settled in Durban in 1987 where he danced for the NAPAC Dance Company as a Principal and Guest dancer until 1993.
A small sampling of his theatrical credits include having sung, played the lead and danced in Sweeny Todd, Oklahoma!, West Side Story, Elton John – I’m Still Standing, New York State of Mind, The Piano Men Richard Loring’s Ticket to Ride and Joseph’s award winning performance in March of the Falsettos and the spectacular Queen at the Opera. He has performed in Pieter Torien’s Burning Blue, in West Side Story, Macbeth and as Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story. He appeared in three of the Jo’burg Pops concert version of Jesus Christ Superstar and has done a one-man show, called The Male Intellect at the Alhambra Theatre. Joseph has appeared on numerous occasions as a featured soloist with the Kwa-Zulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra (KZNPO).
Bigger and International Corporates, Events and organisation
Toyota Motor Corporation
Daimler-Chrysler Motor corporation
BMW
S.A.-Miller Breweries
SAA
DEMAG (Germany)
Escom (company Relaunch)
Education Africa / u.s. Embassy
SPAR International
Assegai Awards (for Direct marketing Association International)
FNB
Standard Bank
SAPPI International x 3 (Sun City)
Liberty Life
Johnson & Johnson International (Durban 2003)
World Aids Congress (Durban 2001)
Investec Bank
Miss South Africa 1994
4 National AIDS Charity performances
Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra
SABC Symphony Orchestra
KZN Philharmonic Orchestra
Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra
PACT Orchestra
Cape Symphony Orchestra
JUANITA KRUGER
Juanita Kruger made her professional debut in 1987 in It’s Better with A Band directed by the late Geoffrey Sutherland. A number of revues followed and in 1991 she shared the lead role with Kate Normington in My Fair Lady. She continued to work in musicals, pantomimes and revues for Napac as well as in corporate theatre and as a session singer and jingles vocalist.
In 1993 Juanita played the lead in the national touring version of Oklahoma! This was followed by Maria in the Sound of Music, Tropical Rhythm, New York State of Mind, Hair and the Magic of Walt Disney to name a few. In 1994 she acted in the PACT/CAPAB production Crazy For You and in 1995/96 in Pact’s West Side Story, directed by acclaimed American director, Alan Johnson. Juanita has received two Vita nominations for her roles in The Sound of Music and West Side Story respectively. In 1999 she and Joseph Clark appeared with the National Chamber Orchestra in a number of sold out concerts covering a broad spectrum of showstoppers from the musicals, movies, and pop charts. And in 2000 Juanita and Joseph Clark re-opened the Port Elizabeth Opera House with their show, A Night with the Stars, for which they received rave revues.
Juanita has worked as a soloist / guest artist with the country’s top orchestra’s including; the New Arts Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Chamber Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Kwa-Zulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra. She participated in the Pretoria Pops with Andre Shwartz (conducted by Graham Scott) and The Best of Broadway with the National Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Michael Hankinson) at their annual Picnic Proms at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens – to name a few.
Juanita is extensively involved in all aspects of corporate entertainment including performance, compilation, scripting and directing.
KATE NORMINGTON
Kate Normington’s first major musical role was in Pirates of Penzance in 1987. She performed in Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s one-woman show Tell Me on a Sunday, played Eliza Doolittle in the Johannesburg production of My Fair Lady and was in Richard Loring’s highly successful compilation show. She played Janet in the Johannesburg production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 1992 and in 1993, she played Sandy in Grease at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town. Kate has played Sheila in the Civic Theatre’s production of Hair and Grace Farrell in the 21st anniversary production of the award-winning musical Annie, in London’s West End in 1998 and toured England and Scotland the following year. She has co-written and performed the cabaret shows Pigs with Attitude and Pigs with Bottoms with Gaby Lomberg.
Kate has sung with jazz ensembles and with the National Symphony Orchestra. Her solo album was released by Sheer Sound in 2001. Most of the album’s tracks are originals written by Kate and album producer Wessel van Rensburg. Kate performs solo with pianist Wessel van Rensburg, drummer Barry van Zyl and bass player Denny Lalouette at a number of venues country-wide, including the Grahamstown Festival. She has toured with The Johnny Cooper Big Band in Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg, White River and Magoebaskloof.
Her awards include the Vita and the Fleur du Cap awards for Best Actress in her role as Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense and for Excellence in Comedy.
KEVIN FEATHER
Pianist and singer Kevin Feather has been involved in the music business for 25 years, bringing his keyboard talents to dozens of theatre shows, musical revues and corporate entertainment. Perhaps best known for his musical direction and impersonations in the Jo’burg Follies series, he is also responsible for creating The Doowah Girls and Boys.
Although his interests now extend to script writing, producing and directing, the basis for Kevin’s career rests firmly on his keyboard talents. Kevin has played piano since the age of four. He went on to win talent contests and played keyboards in dance bands for seven years. In the 80’s he moved into musical theatre as a rehearsal pianist and orchestra keyboardist. His vast experience has led to a wide repertoire of material from Pop to jazz and musical theatre to light classics.
KREESAN
Kreesan’s debut album was released in October 1993. It took just over a year for him to go from being an unknown singer / songwriter to a household name in South Africa. His subsequent albums have been equally as popular and all have attained number one hits on radio stations across the country.
Kreesan supported and toured with Via Con Dios, Richard Marx, Mike and the Mechanics and Ezio. His material has been used for the soundtrack of the film Ghost in the Darkness starring Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer as well as for the soundtrack to the controversial television program, The Line.
His performance at the Miss South Africa Pageant at the Sun City Superbowl was watched by millions of South Africans. In 1998 he was chosen as the supporting act for the Bee Gees on their One Night Only Concert. Kreesan appeared with Roberta Flack over five nights at Vodaworld where he performed for both Nelson Mandela and President Thabo Mbeki. He continues to receive extensive airplay on Highveld, Jacaranda and 5FM and is recognised as an outstanding singer and songwriter.
Lizzie
ELIZABETH RENNIE
CONTEMPORARY MUSICIAN
Violin and Viola
Lizze is from an extraordinarily musical family in Cape Town, South Africa. She started playing violin and piano at around age six, then got serious on viola in her teens. After dropping out of med school in 1989, Lizzie became the youngest member of the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra. In ’91 she was awarded a scholarship from the University of Cincinnati to study viola performance with Masao Kawasaki. During her three years in the USA, she played in many ensembles, toured Mexico, played in the Aspen Music Festival, gave recitals in New York City and graduated a year early!
Lizzie returned to SA in ’94, having graduated summa cum laude, and took up the co-principal viola position in the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra. Later she moved on to become principal violist of the PACOFS Orchestra in Bloemfontein and then in ’98 moved to Joburg to join the National Symphony Orchestra.
When the NSO closed down in 2000, Lizzie embarked on a freelance career which grew from basic survival into a richly varied experience. She has established herself as a “studio-friendly” muso in Gauteng and has contributed to recordings for top artists such as Paul Hanmer, Johnny Clegg, Anton Goosen, Johannnes Kerkorrel, Nianell, PJ Powers, Lionel Bastos, Theuns Jordaan, Jannie du Toit, Laurika Rauch, Vusi Mahlasela, Zim Ngqawana, Coleske and more. Lizzie also tasted the life of rock-n-roll as the violinist for the band Watershed, with whom she played for two years, the highlight of which was a European tour in 2002.
“Now that the Watershed chapter is over for me, I continue to busy myself freelancing and teaching, whilst enjoying developing my own contemporary solo act, encouraged by numerous requests to do something bold and new – a South African answer to the Vanessa Mae idea. I love the fact that my skills allow such a wonderfully broad range of musical projects: one day it’s Mozart and the next it’s something with a completely different groove! I truly believe that this colourful variety is a fitting reflection of current life in South Africa and I am grateful to be able to embrace music in the fullest sense possible”
LUCIA MTHIYANE
Talented singer and actress Lucia Mthiyane was born in KwaZulu Natal where she trained as a speech and drama teacher. Lucia has performed in musicals, on television series and has been a television presenter. She appeared in Richard Loring’s popular production Girl Talk in 1998 and more recently in Janice Honeyman’s Little Shop of Horrors at the Civic Theatre. In 1997 Lucia appeared in Colin Law’s production of Blues Brothers for which she was nominated Best Performance in a Musical.
Lucia sang signature songs for Soul City, the MTN African Connection Launch and for the Vodacom Traffic Copter Am2day Launch. She is a popular feature at corporate events and her corporate work includes the 1999 Gucci / Diesel Fashion Show, Hamda Ubuye for Anglo Gold, Mandela’s 1998 Birthday Celebration, Central Insurance and the 1997 MTN Christmas Party.
MARA LOUW
Mara started singing at the age of 10 with the now famously known choir, Imilonji Kantu. In 1973 she joined Caiphus Semenya’s musical, Meropa and toured Japan, Hong Kong, The Philippines, South Africa and London and sang for the Queen at a Royal Command Performance in 1975. On her return to South Africa, Mara’s solo career took her to Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland and Namibia.
Mara performed in the Mandela Concert at London’s Wembley Stadium, she sang at the Newsmaker of the Year Awards for Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk and in honour of the late Chris Hani. Mara appeared with Nelson Mandela during his visit to Glasgow in 1993 and sang at George Square and The Royal Concert Hall. In 1994 she sang at the inauguration of President Nelson Mandela and for the Freedom Day Celebrations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Mara has toured Scotland, England, Wales, Switzerland, France, Egypt and Denmark, where she performed for the Queen in 1995 and the Prime Minister in 1998.
In 2001 Mara produced the successful musical concert Surf, which featured top South African artists including Hugh Masekela. Mara translated the music of The Lion King into Zulu for the Walt Disney Corporation and performed the theme song Circle of Life in Zulu. She currently plays a lead role on the television drama Muvhango and has acted in numerous musicals, stage plays and feature films.
Mara is a popular choice for classy corporate events and special dinner functions with a band or backing tracks. Her repertoire includes Lady is a Tramp, Wimawe, the Click song, Patta Patta, New York, New York, Wind Beneath my Wings, When a Child is Born and other well-known favourites. Mara was named Best Female Vocalist by Radio Sotho and Zulu in 1984. She was nominated for an Artes Award for her album Mara and won an Artes Award for Best Performance with the National Symphony Orchestra in the Jo’burg Pops Concerts.
Melanie Lowe
Melanie was born into a family of singers, in Durban.
Life “before Idols” saw Melanie perform both solo and in various bands in Durban and for a short while in London, performing at music festivals, clubs and corporate gigs.
Shortly after her arrival in Johannesburg, she met sound engineer and music producer, Mike Varalla. After hearing her music, he expressed his desire to record her songs and put together a demo CD with which they could approach radio stations and record companies. The two also performed at private corporate functions.
At the end of 2001, Melanie was offered a job in Cape Town, which she decided to accept. A week after packing up and heading off to Cape Town, she received a phone call from the “Idols” organisers asking her to come in for an audition. With her new company’s permission, she attended three auditions upon the understanding that, if she made it through, they would have to discuss further options. She did make it through all three auditions and subsequently had to give up her new job due to the fact that no-one was sure what was going to happen. Melanie proceeded to go through many more auditions successfully and, by a strange twist of fate, became the 11th Idol. She went on to become 2nd runner up of Idols 2002.
Since Idols ended Melanie has spent the last few months doing a variety of gigs from corporate functions to music festivals throughout South Africa, even venturing out of the country to Cairo, where she performed in a 5 star hotel at a restaurant for a month. In October 2002, she released a CD single called Every Single Thing. The title track soared up the charts on a variety of radio stations and the single is currently sitting at no. 5 on the musica charts. The CD has three songs on it including a song composed by her, which has just been released to radio. She has appeared on several TV shows including Jerry Springer and Felicia. She also performed at the prestigious “Miss South Africa” pageant 2002.
Mel and Ezra Lingeveldt co-wrote and performed the theme song for Big Brother 2, Cabin Fever, which has just been nominated for a SAMA award. The song also charted on radio stations around South Africa. Melanie is very involved in a number of charities close to her heart, namely children and elderly folk. She is also frequently asked to give motivational talks at various schools and churches. During Idols her fans formed a fan club of their own accord which is still existing and which plays a very active role in her career. Visit her site at http://groups.msn.com/MLFC/home.
Melanie is currently involved in putting a show together with fellow Idol, Ezra Lingeveldt that will be showcased at Gold Reef City’s Back of the Moon. Plans for the future include a full album consisting of songs written by Melanie. She plans to continue singing and to reach as many people as she can with her music, to continue making a difference using the opportunity given her by her Idols fame and to always “live the music”.
PATRICIA LEWIS
In the more than 16 years she has been in the entertainment industry, Patricia Lewis has won 13 beauty titles, was a sought after model and television presenter and is one of the country’s most successful female artists. She released her first CD in 1992 and her second album Ek is Lief vir Jou, in 1997, the album went Double Platinum selling over 120 000 copies in one year and achieved the best sales by a female artist in the history of South Africa.
Wie Sou Jou Kon Lief hê Soos Ek achieved gold status on the day of release. In total, Patricia has sold in excess of 500 000 copies of her various releases and this unbelievable artist sets new milestones with every new venture she enters into. Music Profile Management launched the Patricia Lewis sings Olivia Newton-John Gold Hits tour, a spectacular show presenting Patricia and her vocal talents as never before. The CD with the same title is set to be a chart topper. Kurt Darren is Patricia’s special guest star on tour at shows and venues countrywide.
The popular SABC2 adventure series Bang Jan Dooie Jan, hosted by Patricia Lewis, is back on the small screen every Tuesday night for 26 weeks.
Courtesy of Music Profile Management
PAUL DU TOIT
Having done his first professional performance at the tender age six as the television and radio voice of Chappies Bubblegum Paul hasn’t been able to shake the theatre bug for almost 23 years. In that time he’s worked extensively as an actor, singer, writer and director in theatre, film, television and radio.
He graduated with an honours degree in Drama in 1996 from Stellenbosch University where he received the best actor award in 1995. During that time he worked on BOY MEETS BOY and A WINTER’S TALE for Capab and received a Fleur Du Cap nomination for most promising student in 1996.
After university followed THE DOOWAH BOYS II, Jack in INTO THE WOODS, alternating the title role in THE ELEPHANT MAN, Stephen in OLD WICKED SONGS (for which he received an FNB Vita nomination for best actor), Orlando in AS YOU LIKE IT and Guy in STRANGERS ON THE TRAIN; THE SA UFO CRASH, AFRICAN STAR: The Will Schreiner story and the part of Tom in SKIN TIGHT. OFFBEAT BROADWAY 1 AND 2, of which he was one of the creators and starred in has toured extensively in South Africa and garnered rave reviews as well as four FNB Vita nominations.
OFFBEAT BROADWAY 3, commissioned by Pieter Toerien played to packed houses and rave reviews in Johannesburg at Montecasino and is currently playing at The theatre on the Bay.
He won the 2001 FNB Vita for best supporting actor playing Cassio in OTHELLO and the role of Tian followed in Eubilus Timothy’s film adaptation. Cape Town audiences also saw him as Edgar in KING LEAR for Artscape.
Paul is probably best known as Dean the shifty personal trainer from TV’s BACKSTAGE or as Madam’s somewhat “dof” son Eric from MADAM AND EVE. He also toured the Indian Ocean islands working on board the MS Royal Star cruise liner as a cabaret singer.
He was also seen as the cat in The Laurence Olivier award-winning musical, “HONK!” for which he received a Vita nomination in the category, best performance by an actor in a musical.
Some of his most recent work includes playing the geeky Wally in GLORY DAYS as well as starring in ROCK ME AMADEUS, which he co-wrote and directed for the Barnyard Theatre in Durban.
PHINDILE SHONGWE
MUSIC PROFILE
· Studied music at the University of the Witwatersrand, 1993-1996. Tutored by Emma Renzi.
· Featured in productions by the Wits Scholl of music between 1993-1996
· Featured as Tanga in Operetta entitled “Child of the Moon” at Johannesburg civic Theatre.
· Featured as Nandi at the very first performance of Mzilikazi Khumalo’s Ushaka ka Senzangakhona.
· Have sung at concerts staged in Johannesburg and Swaziland
· Performed in lunch hour concert at Standard Bank, Simmonds Street,
· Featured as soloist at numerous choir concerts
· Have worked with and trained choirs from 1993 to date.
· Have adjudicated at school choirs and adult choirs choral competitions
· Present voice tutor :Carla pohl
Repertoire
Serious Music – solo
Estrano from La Traviata by Antonio Verdi
Ebben Ne Andro lontana from La Wally by Alfredo Catalani
Itu Che Di Gel from Turandot by Puccini
Signore Ascolta from Turandot by Puccini
Vado, Ma Dove, a song by W. A. Mozart
Oh! Mio Babbino Caro, from Giani Schichi by Puccini
Ah non Credea, from La Sonambulla by V.Bellini
Last Aria from La Traviata by Antonio Verdi
Light Music – solo
Summer time, from poggy and Bess
In other words, a song by Bart How
Born Free, a song by Don Black & John Barry
Danny Boy, a folksong
You’ll Never walk Alone, by R. Rodgers
Moon River by Johnny Mercer & Henry Mancini
Manttle of blue by Frank Bridge
Over The Rainbow by Harold Arlen
Don’t cry for me Argentina from Evita by A. Lloyd Webber
No One Like You, By Sarah Brightman
Bridge Over Troubled Water by Paul Simon
Memory by Lloyd Webber
DUETS (Soprano & Tenor)
Parigio Cara from La Traviata by Antonio Verdi
Undi Felice from La Traviata by Antonio Verdi
Love Changes Everything by A. Lloyd Webber
Time to say Goodbye by Sarah Brightman
You Are Love by Jerome Kern
Brindis (Drinking song) from La Traviata by Antonio Verdi
DUETS – Soprano & Bass Baritone
Just Show Me How To Love you by Sarah Brightman
La Ci Darem, from Don Giovanni by W. A. Mozart
All I Ask Of You, from ‘Phantom of the Opera’ by Lloyd Webber
ENSEMBLES
TRIO (Soprano, Mezzo – soprano and baritone)
So Ave Sia llvento from Cosi van Tutte by W.A. Mozart
Quartet (Soprano, mezzo – soprano, tenor and baritone)
Bella Figlia dell’a more from Rigolleto by Antonio Verdi
PJ POWERS
PJ Powers is one of SA¹s most celebrated musical sensations, known to her fans as Thandeka (the loved one), her musical career has earned her numerous awards and much international recognition. PJ’s new album, Talk To Me, is a combination of R&B meets Africa. Most of the songs were written by PJ and the album is sure to follow the successes of her previous four Platinum and 17 Gold Albums.
She has shared the stage with Harry Belafonte, Eric Clapton, Joan Armatrading, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Hugh Masekela, Divine Divas, Lord Richard Attenborough, Richard E. Grant, Sibongile Khumalo, Janet Suzman and other big names. PJ sang for the King and Queen of Spain, for Queen Beatrix of Holland and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain, all in Royal Command performances. She sang at the inauguration of President Nelson Mandela and at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. PJ collaborated with Vicky Sampson, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and M’du Masilela for the music video flighted at the United Nation¹s Assembly in Washington DC and in Greece.
In 1987, Nelson Mandela wrote a letter to PJ from the Victor Verster Prison congratulating her on the encouragement she has given to young black people. In 2000 he presented her with a commemorative limited edition gold coin. PJ has been extensively involved with the Reach For a Dream Foundation, as well as the Hamlet Foundation, and her involvement with the President¹s Children¹s Day concert included a performance on 4 November at Zoo Lake to a crowd of 50 000. She was commissioned by the President’s office to write and perform a song for the Children’s Rights Commission.
ROCCO DE VILLIERS
Well-known pianist, musical director and composer Rocco de Villiers has put together an instrumental stage show as both pianist and entertainer/cocktail maker. Roctails the show was created to accompany his recent book launch about cocktails, also called Roctails.
“this is not much different to what I was doing as a child making drinks for my parents’ guests at home and then entertain them with my piano playing… I was a legend in my own lounge at the age of 6”, says de Villiers.
Rocco and guitarist Juan Oosthuizen perform on stage and, apart from great cocktails you can expect music ranging from well known Afrikaans tunes to sexy Latin dance music as well as Rocco’s own jazzy compositions. Roctails is a unique blend of music and spirit. It is about toasting, enjoying music with friends, sharing memories but most of all about pleasure!
STEVE HOFMEYER
Successful singer, songwriter and actor Steve Hofmeyr has been in the spotlight for over a decade during which time he has had album sales of close to 8000 000 units, Greatest Hits II has already achieved gold status and is still selling well. He is known to his fans as a teen idol singer and actor and is respected as a musician and songwriter by his peers. Steve and numerous local and international artists have recorded 150 of his self-penned songs. His music career began at school when he sang in the church choir and began writing music at the age of 11. Steve went on to study drama and within a few years of graduating, became a highly sought after television and stage entertainer.
In 1997 Steve exploded on the international music scene when he recorded his duet You Don’t Bring Me Flowers with Belgian superstar Dana on his album True to You. The track was recorded in English and Flemish and charted in Belgium as No. Two on the Top 100. Dana and Steve performed together on stage to sold- out shows in Belgium and South Africa. His song, Ik En Jiy Verstaan Mekaar is a hit in Europe. He toured South Africa as the lead in the stage production Joseph And His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the Cliff Richard musical Summer Holiday and guest starred in the TV soapie Egoli.
Steve has released over 14 successful albums and the last half of 2000 saw him embark on a six months, sold-out tour entitled Beautiful Noise, the Story and Music of Neil Diamond, the CD release with the same title has already achieved sales of 80 000. Steve’s own television show Dis Hoe Dit Is Met Steve was so popular that the entire series was re-broadcast and recording of a new series of 26 programmes started in March this year. Steve’s long awaited release Engele om Ons took the country by storm in August 2000 and achieved gold status.
Courtesy of Music Profile Management
TARYN SUDDING
Theatre Includes
2002 Bombalurina in CATS – Director Jo-Anne Robinson
2001 Grace Farrel in ANNIE – Director Charmaine Weir Smith
2000 Janet in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW – Director Phillip Godawa
1999 Dorothy in THE WIZARD OF OZ – Director Phillip Godawa
1999 Soul Girl in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – Brian Hill
1998 Singer in NEW YORK STATE OF MIND – Director Brian Hill
1998 Angie in SUMMER HOLIDAY – Director Phillip Godawa
1997 Miranda in RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET – Director Trish
McKenna
1996 Anne in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES – Director Janice Honeyman
1996 Singer in HEAVEN CAN’T WAIT – Director Phillip Godawa
1995 Singer in CALIFORNIA DREAMIN – Director Sandy Dyer
1994 Sister Mary Leo in NUNSENSE – Director Maralin Van Renen
1994 Anne Frank in YOURS ANNE – Director Leonard Schach
1993 Sally/Dancer in ME AND MY GIRL – Director Lisa Kent
1993 Gertie in OKLAHOMA – Director Phillip Godawa
1992 Cassie, Diana, Maggie, Bebe in A CHORUS LINE – Director Troy Garza
1992 Frenchy/Dancer in GREASE – Director Richard Loring
1992 Jack/Dancer in JACK AND THE BEANSTALK – Director Ralph Lawson
1991 Dorothy in THE WIZARD OF OZ – Director David Matheson
1991 Dancer in QUEEN AT THE OPERA – Director Geoffrey Sutherland 1990 Alice in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS – Director Geoffrey
Sutherland
Television Includes
1999-2001 Performance Animation for TUBE – Delapse
1999-2001 Presenter on INFOKEY – DSTV
1998 Sandy in AVENUES – A & P Productions
1995-1997 Presenter on KIDEO – Louise Smit Productions
1995 Guest Singer on A O ULTWILE – SABC
1992 Supporting in STOLEN LIVES – TV2
1991 Supporting in THE GAME – TV2
Film Includes
1998 Gina in THE LITTLE UNICORN – Director Paul Matthews
1996 Annie in THE PANIC MECHANIC – Director David Lister
Commercials Include
1999 Lead in FLORO
1998 Lead in BEARES CELL PHONE – Hunt Lascaris
1998 Lead in QUIX DISHWASHING LIQUID
1997 Supporting in ROTHMANS PALL MALL – Velocity
1995 Lead in DIMENSION 2 IN 1 – Paul Thompson
Cabaret Includes
2000 Singer in MY WAY – Director Jill Gerade
1995 Singer on SYMPHONY CRUISE SHIP – Starlight Cruises
1994 Singer on ACHILLE LAURO CRUISE SHIP – Starlight Cruises
1991 Singer in MUSICAL HALL SOUVENIRS – Director Joey Wishnia
Training
ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE QUALIFICATIONS for Ballet –
Primary Grade – Senior Grade EXAMS for Modern –
Primary Grade – Advanced
INTERNATIONAL DANCE TEACHERS
INTERNATIONAL DANCE TEACHERS EXAMS for Tap –
Pre Primary Grade – Gold Higher
Special Skills
Performance Animation, Drummer (Full Drum Kit)
Awards
2001 FNB VITA AWARD NOMINATION – Best Performance in
Musical Theatre by a Female for ANNIE
1997 FNB VITA AWARD – Best Supporting Actress for – RETURN
TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET
THEMBI SEETE
A multi-talented singer, dancer and actress, Thembi Seete’s big break came when she joined the multi-Platinum, award-winning Kwaito group Boom Shaka, as one of the first female Kwaito artists. The group focused on the sexy dance moves that Thembi practiced as a child, dreaming of becoming the next Brenda Fassie. Thembi’s acting role and musical contribution on Yizo Yizo 2 played a significant role in launching her solo music career. She sang the popular Sure Ntombazana for the soundtrack Yizo Yizo 2, a song with a powerful message to young South African women living in the ghetto.
Thembi’s debut solo album, Lollipop, was produced by Gabi Le Roux (producer of Mandoza’s Nkalakhata and Godoba) KB (Zola’s creative cohort and producer of Ghetto Fabulous) and Mandla Spikiri (Pantsula For Life is among his most recent hits). Hip-hop king Amu, Wanda (ex-Ghetto Luv), Thuli Tillies, and Joyous Celebration’s Maduva all contribute their unique sound to the album. Thembi’s style is gutsy, the track Abafazi features the music from Mandoza’s Amadoda track (off his Godoba album) but where Mandoza sings about life from a male perspective, Thembi sings from a female perspective. Her vocal style is a combination of hard-edged Kwaito with powerful vocals that fuse into a sexy feminine sound.
Thembi is respected as a role model to South African youth and is a media favourite, having appeared on many magazine covers and in newspapers. Her social conscience extends beyond her thoughtful lyrics. She founded Suck the Money, an entrepreneurial initiative that aims at helping youths learn basic business skills and earn their own money.
TONY DE KING
Tony de King is an accomplished comedian and highly experienced in the international and local cabaret and comedy circuit. His show ran for seven years to audiences in the United Kingdom and he has extensive experience on British television and radio. Tony spent two years on tour in the United States where he worked with many famous artists including Willie Nelson, Jerry Lewis (his last appearance in Las Vegas) and Rick Springfield. Since moving to South Africa he has performed in a variety of television and radio shows.
Tony is a favourite of Sun International who use him for their various resorts. He recently did two shows at the Sun City Superbowl and performed extensively in Zambia for Zambian Government functions. Tony is contracted by Hooch and Cafferies Beer to do all their national promotions.
He specialises in Elvis Presley impersonations with full costume and excellent backing tracks and sings all the Elvis songs live. Tony is a professional comedian, singer and Master of Ceremonies.
TONYA KOENDERMAN
The outstandingly talented cabaret artist Tonya Koenderman was with the Doowah Girls since its inception at the end of 1990. Other cabarets under her belt are We 3 with Gordon Mulholland and Paul Andrews, as well as the Cape Town hits Juke is King, Jive to the Juke and Wurlitzer. She performed in the look-alike, sound-alike show at The Carousel called Stars in your Eyes.
Tonya has worked extensively for Sun International in extravaganzas such as Jump, Shout, Bop and Boogie and later starred in Skin Tight and Ooh la lah, both devised and directed by Brian Bester. Tonya had the honour of being the only local artist to star in the Sun City sensation, Beyond Belief, which ran for 16 months at the Sun City Extravaganza. Tonya has worked at Ceaser’s Casino as the guest artist in the dance extravaganza Dazzle as well as Celebrate! Directed by Billy Hogg and Amber Baty. She performed at MonteCasino in a duo with Anne-Marie Clulow, entitled All of Woman.
Her solo cabarets include the hits Tonya Unwrapped, Makin Whoopee, Liza with a T, Age of Aquarius and Divas to a T. Tonya has done corporate work for Standard Bank, Nedbank, VW, Gilette, Appletizer, Coca-Cola and SA Breweries to name a few. She has worked extensively overseas, most recently in the Seychelles.
VANESSA PALM
Vocalist Vanessa Palm trained as a singer in the Natal Youth Choir, the South African Choir and studied opera with South African sopranos Colleen Philp and Mim Erasmus. She has been singing professionally since 1998, when she sang at Pierre Café in Centurion for six months as part of a two-piece band. Vanessa joined Gavin Langeveldt, Joe Humpsch and JJ Brown of the band Tradewinds, which performed at various corporate functions for clients Revlon and Justine Cosmetics, in Maputo, Mozambique for the 1999 New Year’s Eve function at the Alexander Forbes year-end function and for Standard Bank at Glenburn Lodge, as well as at various weddings and private parties.
Vanessa played with Gavin and Cecil Mitchell of Lemon and Limelight for various corporate and club/bar functions, and every Friday night for six months at Tovey’s. As a solo artist, Vanessa performed at Sappi’s 1999 and 2000 year-end functions at Sun City. She sang with Cecil Mitchell and Sean Butler for the launch of the media company TBM Communications. Vanessa joined McCain for the national launch of their brand in Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg as the singer during their presentation and for the party afterwards. In September 2000 Vanessa joined Vicky Sampson, Robin Walsh and Coleske, and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Richard Cox for the Jacaranda Pops Concert attended by an audience of 9000 people at Kyalami.
Vanessa’s extensive repertoire meets the demands of barmitzvahs, weddings, corporate functions and clubs or pubs. She can sing anything from background music to party, dance and opera numbers including Sarah Brighman’s Con te Partiro, Les Miserables’ On My Own and Shirley Bassey’s Diamond’s are Forever. Amongst her classic laid back tunes are Natalie Cole’s L-O-V-E, Patsy Cline’s Crazy and more currently, Alana Myles’ Black Velvet and Paula Cole’s Don’t Want to Wait. Vanessa performs dance songs from the ’80’s and specialises in 90’s to current music covering Madonna, Shania Twain, Alanis Morisette, Cher, Desiré, Macy Gray, The Corrs, Shakira, Natalie Umbruglia, Nellie Furtada, as well as all of the basics including Gloria Gaynor’s I will Survive, the Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams and The Weather Girls It’s Raining Men. Vanessa also sings a’capela and in intimate venues and halls her strong vocals carry without a microphone.
VICKY SAMPSON
Vicky Sampson left Cape Town to work in cabaret and music extravaganzas in Bophuthatswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, Mmabatho and Johannesburg.
In 1992, Tusk Records signed her for a four-album deal. Love Will Shine On You and Walk On By were radio chart toppers off her debut album Shine. Her second album Zai was even more powerful than her first and gave her career a big turn.
Vicky has performed throughout the world and has shared the stage with Shakatak, Al Jarreau, Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Peabo Bryson, George Benson, Grace Jones, Randy Crawford, Maxi Priest, Kool and the Gang and the Stylistics, all within a space of four years. Her performances include the Miss South Africa, Miss World pageant and The Africa Cup of Nations.
Vicky’s Afrikan Dream, penned by Mango Groove’s Alan Lazar, won her Best Song, courtesy of East Coast Radio, an NTVA Silver for video, and an international MIDEM nomination for video. Vicky has been voted one of the most beautiful women in the land by readers of Ebony magazine.
WENDY TWYFORD
Wendy’s love affair with the classic jazz standards and swinging hits of earlier decades started when she was a young girl growing up in the smoky coal town of Witbank South Africa. While the seemingly insignificant ‘dorp’ could be considered a very unlikely birthplace for a jazz musician, it was the rich musicality of her parents and grandparents which helped form her musical tastes. Wendy grew up listening to the jazz classics, Sting, Billy Joel, The Doobie Brothers and Super Tramp. Although a regular participator in stage productions and dancing shows, she focused her attention on music making and at age 15 landed a gig playing piano and singing at a hometown restaurant every weekend. Her formal study of music was put on ice whilst completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, but she continued to work with various bands exploring several genres of music.
Wendy’s love for the great jazz and Blues vocalist pianists Shirley Horn, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughn, Dina Washington and Diana Krell influenced her to focus on developing a career in jazz music. She has learnt from and worked with high profile jazz musicians including Johnny Fourie, Denis Lalouette, Avzal Ismail, Neil Ettridge, Jonathan Crossley and Brendon Ross.
Wendy created, produced and directed the musical tribute to the Andrews Sisters of yesteryear, called Sisters Sentimental. This vibrant cabaret with its dynamic harmonies takes its audience on a sentimental journey back to the Second World War era with good old favourites like Lullaby of Broadway, Chattanooga Choo Choo and Boogie Woogie Bugle Box to name a few. The Sisters Sentimental Trio, of which Wendy is a part, together with a five piece band made of the country’s finest session musicians, has enjoyed adoring audiences and country-wide publicity. Wendy is a respected and recognised jazz artist who makes her presence known with her unforgettable, deep and husky voice.
WENDY OLDFIELD
While completing her training as a pre-primary schoolteacher, Wendy Oldfield exploded onto the music industry in 1982 as the lead vocalist of Sweatband. She worked with Sweatband for six years performing and touring around South Africa. They released two albums and had Number One hits with This Boy Tonight, Tonight and Shape of her Body.
In 1988 Wendy released her first solo single, Living in the Real World, which went straight to Number One on 5FM and Capital Radio. In 1992 she won the Octave Music Award for Best Vocalist of the Year and released her first solo album Beautiful World. The album enjoyed three radio hits on National stations including her Number One smash hit Acid Rain, which was subsequently released in Germany. In 1996 Wendy released the album, Ruby, which showcased her interest in World Pop music. The album combines sax, didjeridoo, djembe and chanting over a solid rock rhythm section.
In 1997 she released the six-track EP Duwayo, The single Duwayo was nominated Song of the Year at the 1998 FNB Music Awards. In 1999 Wendy released On a Pale Blue Dot in conjunction with a nation-wide tour as support act to Simply Red. Special events and corporate clients include the Dunhill Symphony of Fire, Coca- Cola, SAB, Martell, the Canadian Embassy, the Democratic Party, ABSA, MTN, a support act to Wet Wet Wet at the Sun City Superbowl in 1996 and many more. Wendy has had extensive publicity and exposure on radio, television and in print. She has appeared on magazine covers including for Talk Magazine, The Sunday Times, Top 40 Magazine, Living Africa, Student Life and Fair Lady.
YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA
Known as the Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka started out as a starry-eyed 19 year-old in 1985 with the release of her debut album I’m in Love With a DJ. The album laid a solid foundation for a successful career that has seen her emerge as a gifted artist and a determined businesswoman. Yvonne has carved herself a niche within Afrobeat and dance music but her style is diverse ranging from urban Afrobeat to folk, dance ballads, Pop and songs with a strong social message. She has largely produced her two latest albums Yvonne and Friends, released in 2000, and Kwenzenjani, released in December 2001.
Yvonne has performed for Heads of State including President Nelson Mandela, and is well know throughout the African continent. In 1992 she was one of the judges in the Miss World Pageant. A world-class singer, performer, motivator and radio presenter, Yvonne emphasizes the importance of supporting women in business, she spends a large amount of time raising funds for different Non Governmental Organisations and charities.
In Memory of DOROTHY MASUKA
Dorothy Masuka was born in Zimbabwe and spent her schooling years in South Africa. She began her recording career in 1951 singing jazz-inflected marabi tunes. Dorothy performed with Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela and in the traveling road show African Jazz and Variety and the famous South African broadway-style musical King Kong.
In the 1960’s Dorothy traveled to London with King Kong and stayed on in Kensington. Dorothy performed whenever an opportunity arose. She performed at the London Paladium and at Wimbledon. Dorothy returned to Southern Africa in 1980. She currently resides in Zimbabwe and primarily performs in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
IN MEMORY OF LEBO MATHOSA
Lebo Mathosa is one of the hottest female singers in South Africa. Her professional dance act, sexy look and unique sound, which is a fusion of R&B, African music, dance and funk, has set new standards in the local music industry.
Lebo shot to fame in 1994 as front vocalist and dancer for the multi-Platinum success story, Boom Shaka. In 2000 she launched her solo career with her debut single Intro, a track that features on her debut solo album Dream. Four weeks after the launch of Dream, the album went Gold and in 2001 Lebo won Best Dance Album for Dream, Best Dance Single for Intro and Best Female Vocalist at the coveted South African Music Awards.
In 2001 Lebo performed at the South African edition of the North Sea Jazz Festival in Cape Town, the Celebrate South Africa concert in London’s Trafalgar Square, on tour in Malaysia and Singapore and for the Malaysian queen. Back home she performed to over 16 000 people at Nelson Mandela’s 85th birthday bash, to thousands of fans on Youth Day and Heritage Day. In 2002 Lebo performed at an Aids benefit concert in Botswana and Swaziland, for the showing of The Vagina Monologues and on tour in the United States.
Most of her performances have been broadcast nationally and internationally. She has shared the stage with world class musicians and recorded tracks with local and international artists, including with Keith Sweat on his Africa only album release. Lebo is known for her acting and singing roles in top South African television shows Generations, Backstage and Muvhango. She won the 2001 Style Best Dressed Woman of the Year Award and was nominated by FHM Magazine as one of Africa’s sexiest women. Lebo has been on the cover of almost every local magazine and is regularly in the society pages of South African newspapers.
In addition to her live performances, she is sought after to perform at corporate launches and high profile private events. She owns the publishing rights for all of her albums and her deal with local record company Bula Records, has her with one album left to produce by the end of 2002.
IN MEMORY OF SIBONGILE KHUMALO
Sibongile Khumalo was a talented singer whose diversity was noted in her ability to be at home within different musical genres. Her music professor father’s multi-disciplined approach to her education, allowed for Sibongile’s exploration of a variety of musical genres.
Sibongile had many sold-out performances, notably The Three Faces of Sibongile Khumalo, 1992, which earned her the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Music in 1993. Her operatic debut was as Carmen at the Royal Albert Hall in London in a concert honouring Nelson Mandela. She has performed with opera diva Aviva Pelham and in Handel’s Messiah with the late Lord Yehudi Menuhin. In 2001, she performed with Hugh Masekela for his MAAPSA benefit concert.
Her first album was released in 1996, Ancient Evenings, it won both Best Female Vocal Performance and Best Adult Contemporary Performance at the FNB South African Music Awards. In 1998 Sibongile released her second album, a live recording of a performance, Live at the Market Theatre. The album won Sibongile Best Adult Contemporary Performance, an FNB South African Music Award for it. Immortal Secrets was released in 2000. In 1999, Sibongile was awarded an FNB Vita Award for Best Musical Performance of the Year for her collaboration with sopranos Aviva Pelham and Virginia Davids in Divine Divas. She was hailed for her FNB Vita Award winning performance in the World premier of Buchuland and her Women of Africa tour of Europe with fellow African singers.
Sibongile Khumalo’s strong sense of self and culture made her the embodiment of South Africa in all its diversity. Her prestigious awards and overseas and local performances attest to her professionalism and popularity.
In memory of Spanish Guitarist – Juan Palomo
· Born is Sevilla (Spain) in 1940. His ambition was to study philosophy and sociology at the University of Sevilla. He formed a trio from a grup of musicians at the University “La Tuna”. They were invited by the local radio station to perform in a few programs. From this group he progressed to his first professional group named “Los Texas”. He was then offered to join a top trio “Los Celtis” for a National Program on Radio Madrid.
· He was soon presented as a solo artist by Maestro Cordillo to perform in “Circo Princes” in Madrid where Estrellita Castro was doing her final performance in show business. At this stage of his career he was already composing songs and a member of the National Association of Spanish Composers. He took over the direction of La Galera Club in Madrid.
· The owners of the La Galera Club took him on contract to London where he presented his show at the Hotel Savoy. He had the honour to perform his show to the Queen at a Royal Command in 1963. Juan started to travel over the world when Lord Moyniham offered him a contract for three years. They became great friends.
· He also did a Royal Performance for the late Shah of Iran, His Royal Highness King Idris of Libya and a Royal Command Performance for Princess Margaret of England, also famous people like Dr. Chris Barnard and Moshe Dayan.
· He has performed at official openings of many Top Hotels in the world eg. The President, together with CatarinaValente and Francisco, The Sheraton Hotel – Bangkok, Enrico Hotel Manilla – Phillipiens, The New Ohalim – Tel Aviv, Holiday Inn – Durban, Copacabana – Tokyo.
IN MEMORY OF THAPELO MOFOKENG
In the more than 30 years he was an entertainer, Thapelo Mofokeng had brushed shoulders with Bill Cosby, Sammy Davis Jr, Redd Foxx and Count Basie. He was regarded by many as South Africa’s number one jazz and blues cabaret artist.
He performed with Josh Makhene and Joe Lopez in the successful play Dance Troupe, which traveled to the Far East and received a Royal performance. Louis Burke and Joan Brickhill transformed the play and called it Kwazulu, which as the first South African production to have performed to multi-racial audiences, toured the country. Thapelo toured abroad for 11 years with the musicals Ipi Ntombi and Maropa.
When Thapelo launched into a Xhosa lyric or a James Brown wailing soul deep cry, or even a Frank Sinatra ballad, he hit the soul register with his inimitable rendition. His show A Tribute to Nat King Cole was performed at Vergilius Restaurant in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Thepo was a martial artiste and third Dan karate holder and acted in numerous television and local and international movies. His international credits include Hold my hand I’m Dying with Oliver Reed and Jack Palance, Death on Safari, Red Scorpion, Sandgrass People, Rage to Kill and more.
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