The YouTube promo video for Locnville’s Sun in My Pocket video release by Kraakvars:

Get Me More is a song about drugs by Cape Town’s Chaplin twins collectively known as Locnville:

One of the Chaplin Twins, Brian in the recording Studio:

One of the Chaplin twins, Andrew in the studio.

Some of us don’t read top music blogs everyday, some of us have never heard of Zef-Rap-Rave music. Some don’t even read the front page of the Sunday newspapers, and even more shocking, some people have never even heard of African Dope.

Ninja (the artist formerly known as Waddy, Watkin Tudor Jones, MC Totally Rad, etc.) has, and his latest project ‘Die Antwoord’ is currently artillery bombing the ‘interweb’ with their new, outlandish music videos. High speed Ninja raps over DJ Hi-Tek’s zef-rap-rave beats, with Yo-landi Visser’s ghoulish vocals stabbing the in-betweens. A dash of regtige-kommon-suid-afrikaanse styling. Web. Hit.

And hit they have, hundreds of thousands of times over on their site. Even had a gansterous picture on the front page of the Sunday papers! African Dope is proud to see ‘Ninja’ being such a success, and even more proud to have been involved in Construct(us)ing his career since way way back in the day.

Yip – most people are sadly unaware of his previous incarnations, which are all in their own way as compelling and far ahead of their time as where the chameleon is today.Like 2003’s The Ziggurat – a 2CD hardcover graphic novel scifi fantasy produced in collaboration with Markus Wormstorm and Sibot. A genuine cult item, there are only 300 of the original run of 3000 limited edition, uniquely numbered copies left in the world, which you can only get in our online Dope Store.

You can still download the entire 2nd album of the Ziggurat free by following this link.

Watch the Constructus Corporation’s “How To Become A Better Person” self-help videos here. Here (Part 2). And Here (Part 3).

There’s also 2006’s raw n nasty Watkin Tudor Jones – The Fantastic Kill album, re-released in France as MC Totally Rad and DJ F*ck are F*ck’n’Rad. Nuff said. Only 80 cds left – get it on CD or Digital Album here.

Also check out the Constructus, Yang Weapon and The Man Who Never Came Back tracks on our 2002 compilation “Cape Of Good Dope Vol. 1” and also Max Normal and DJ Dope’s “Eat Meat” on “Cape of Good Dope 2”.

Hardcore junkies should also seek out the recent Max Normal.TV album on Runway Music (2008), elusive earlier Max Normal and Watkin Tudor Jones albums (Chameleon Records) and Emmanuel Rothchild sings His Favourite Songs DVD/CD, and The Original Evergreens, where it all began way back in the 90’s.

Class of Dopeness dismissed, enjoy the music.

Talk Radio 702, East Coast Radio, Algoa FM and 94.5 Kfm proudly present the return of Elton John to South Africa in March 2010 on his exciting solo tour ‘Under African Skies’. The legendary superstar will be joined in four relaxed, picnic style concerts by long-time collaborator and renowned percussionist, Ray Cooper. Be sure not to miss this iconic performance live at the Emmarentia Botanic Gardens, – Johannesburg on Sunday 21st March, Wednesday 24th March at the outer fields of the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, Friday 26th March at the NMMU Sportsfields, South Campus, Port Elizabeth and lastly at the Val De Vie Wine and Polo Estate in the picturesque Paarl/Franschhoek valley on Sunday 28th March 2010.

Elton John’s musical career spans for over four decades. He was the biggest pop superstar of the early 70’s and forty years later remains one of the most entertaining, charismatic and energetic musicians and performers on the planet. Be sure not to miss this incredible showman in a relaxed, picnic-style setting – “LIVE, Under African Skies”.

Elton John released his first album ‘Empty Sky’ in 1970, this was soon followed by the self titled ‘Elton John’ album, which included the tracks were ‘Border Song’ and the classic ‘Your Song’. This provided Elton with his first UK hit, reaching number Two on the charts, and thereby announcing the emergence of a major talent. Working with fellow songwriter Bernie Taupin they made an astonishing fourteen albums between 1970- 1976. Amongst these, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy was the first album ever to enter the Billboard Chart at Number One. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, with its string of American Number One hit singles and unbroken two month run at the top of the Billboard Top 100, became an all-time classic.

Elton John in Cape Town

To date he has sold over 200 million records worldwide and had a multitude of hits including ‘Rocket Man’, ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ and ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’. He has also had success in film when he composed ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ for Disney’s The Lion King, which won him both a Grammy and an Academy Award. Elton has gone onto compose various musical scores including Aida, Lestat and the award winning musical Billy Elliot, which has played to well over 2.5 million people in London, Sydney and in New York where it recently won 10 Tony awards including Best Musical.

In 1997 Elton John released ‘Candle In the Wind’ in tribute to his friend Princess Diana. It is still the biggest single of all time selling over 33,000,000 copies and helped to raise millions of pounds for Diana’s charities. In 1998 Elton received a knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II for “services to music and charitable services.” He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Recent reviews from the ‘Elton John featuring Ray Cooper’ European Tour had the following to say:

• London – The Times – ‘He stood and received countless ovations; a hardcore and highly impressive display of the piano man’s craft’.
• London – The Evening Standard – ‘His piano playing was powerful whilst his vocal reached master chef levels’.
• London – The Daily Telegraph – ‘The power of Sir Elton john’s solo performance reminded his audience that he is a true original’.
• London – The Independent – ‘This is Elton unplugged, unvarnished and punishingly impressive’.
• London – The Guardian – ‘Elton John and Ray Cooper together were brilliant. John’s piano playing was dazzling’.
• France – Le Figaro – ‘Music flows naturally through his veins’

Tickets to the Cape Town Show are R501.00 from Computicket.

Basil Katz, renowned for throwing the sexiest parties in town over the past two decades, is joining forces with Cape Town based boutique agency, Full Circle Model & Celebrity Management, to open the summer season with a stylish bang.

Jameson presents Basil’s Hot 1000 on Friday, 11 December 2009 at stunning Camps Bay venue, St Yves Beach Club. South Africa’s who’s who, celebrities and models, will be dancing the night away to DJ’s Garth B, Tony Smith and Basil’s beats.

Guests can expect the best of the best; a hot new venue, magnificent views, groovy tunes, beautiful people and Jameson. Doors open at 9pm and VIP tickets cost R 80 each.

To book tickets call 083 444 2428 or go to www.basilsbash.co.za

This post was submitted by Basil Katz.

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) and METRO FM have joined forces to provide summer entertainment for scores of revellers with a national tour of the most famous Tshisa Nyamas (braai and party venues) in the country.

Chevrolet Cruises Cape Town eKasi's

METRO FM DJs will drive the newly launched Chevrolet Cruze when they visit the eleven venues on the Cruzing eKasi tour. The tour will see METRO FM Djs, celebrities and artists visit nine cities throughout South Africa in the next two months starting in Bloemfontein at Mahungra on 14th November finishing off in King William’s Town at Kwa Man on 20th December. Cruzing eKasi is all about having fun under the sun while enjoying a traditional South African pastime: grooving to cool beats with friends at a Tshisa Nyama. In addition, Chevrolet dealers around the country will host smaller events in their surrounding communities.

The Cruzing eKasi Tour will hit Cape Town on Saturday 5 December when Glen Lewis & Naked DJ will rock Mzoli’s Place.

“With the Cruzing eKasi tour we want to capture the public’s attention through a different avenue. The Tshisa Nyama is a big part of township culture in South Africa where you will find socialites from all walks of life, covering a broad spectrum of income and social status, hanging out and simply enjoying being South African,” says GMSA General Manager of Marketing, Brian Olson.

Cruzing eKasi will offer party goers music by METRO FM DJs backed up by local DJs and entertainers. There will also be give-aways from Chevrolet and Darkie clothing at the live events as well as an opportunity for one lucky METRO FM listener to win a brand new Chevrolet Cruze worth R 244, 000. METRO FM listeners can enter the competition by SMSing ‘Cruze’ TO 34764. The lucky winner will be announced live on air on Christmas day.

Revellers can look forward to live music from some of South Africa’s best DJs including Adil, Glen Lewis; DJ Nutty; Fistaz and many more. “This is a 360 degree partnership that benefits the listeners and both parties involved, and most importantly taking two brands to the people whilst providing entertainment. That’s what we call an urban lifestyle at METRO FM” said Victor Koaho, Marketing Manager METRO FM.

Brian Olson agrees, “We saw this as a very exciting and fresh approach in terms of reaching out to our customers. The Cruzing eKasi tour will see the street party from the Chevrolet Brand advertisement come to life in an authentic South African context. We want to celebrate being South African and at the same time demonstrate that Chevrolet is a brand that is accessible to everyone. Chevrolet lives up to its promise of providing a vehicle for every person and purpose. From the budget friendly Spark to the brutal Lumina V8, there’s a vehicle for you in the Chevrolet family.”

Laugh it Off isn’t going to wait in line to get sued by the ANC. So while JZ finishes off all 25 cows from his hometown party, Laugh it Off and Jacana Media are throwing a satirically splendid shindig of their own.

An evening of hilarious entertainment that will proudly showcase South African satire’s resilience against increasing government censorship, legal strong-arming, and thinly-skinned politicians.

Laugh it Off and Jacana Media are rounding up the troops this Friday evening for a Skop (awesome dance party with DJ Fletcher [DOPE], Skiet (hilarious entertainment from The Most Amazing Show’s Corne & Twakkie, MC David Levinsohn, Zapiro Q&A, Freedom of Speechathon), and Donner (Medieval Tenpin Bowling where you get to knock down your least favourite politician!)

The venue for Friday’s funny festivities will be the Tafelberg Tavern in Roodehek Terrace, off the top end of Hope Street, 100m down from Gardens Centre.
Doors open at 8pm.
Entrance is R30.

There will also be a graphic exhibition featuring images from Laugh it Off’s controversial new Corpowit Calendar (photos by Obie Oberholzer), plus kif creative stuff from The Western Nostril and Jeremy Nell – as well as any aspiring artists/satirists/cartoonists who wish to display their work. The Most Amazing Show’s Corne & Twakkie will also be interviewing Zapiro about the state of satire in South Africa.

Books, calendars and merchandise will be on sale, and prizes galore will be up for grabs.
For more info call (021) 788 3226 or e-mail info[at]laughitoff.co.za

Vocalist, dancer, drummer, percussionist and songwriter Neliswa Sampi Mxunyelwa, born in Worcester in 1979, started singing at the age of 8. Her stage name, SANGE, depicts her performance presence. It means “hug” as she embraces and takes care of her audience by healing their souls through music.

Sange’s parents are from the rural areas of Cofimvaba in a village called Qamata at eMthonjeni in Eastern Cape. This is where her roots are, and where the traditional elements in her music come from (Umngqungqo). In her writing she combines traditional styles with pop approaches. Her lyrical content covers a wide social spectrum. From self-assertion to the hardship of her people’s livelihood and their most joyful experiences.

Try before you buy – Go to Sange’s Music Listing Page and download the free track Qula

Cape Town based band, Tucan Tucan are offering you their WHOLE 1st album: “Xiluva” for free download.

“Since we are busy writing for our forthcoming album we want to give you the opportunity to have, embrace, sing along and finally fall in love with our previous albums before you can decide to buy our 3rd one!”

The free download will be available from 1st MARCH to 1st APRIL at this address: http://www.tucan-tucan.com/music.html.

Tucan Tucan are the recent winners of the Golden Horn – SAFTA Awards for best music composition for film.

Muriel Marco together with Ghalik Jacobs scooped the Golden Horn Award for best composition for the film Confessions of a Gambler screened in South Africa, North America, Dubai and Spain. The Tucan Tucan tracks “Slow Jam” and “Conga Loca” were featured in this film.

And Tucan Tucan is set to feature on the German movie Glamour and Gloria this March.

Upcoming Gigs:

• Cape Town festival: Saturday 21st March @ Company Gardens.
• Constantia Waldorf Fair: Saturday 28th March. Tucan Tucan will grace the stage @ 2 pm at the Constantia Waldorf School, Spaanschemat River Road. For more information phone 021 794 2103.

Tucan Tucan performing at the J&B Met, dressed by Slate Boutique

The peoples’ festival, Cape Town Jazzathon, now celebrates more than a decade of South African music and musicians. The festival takes place at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, from 8th to 11th January 2009 and once again the show is set to unleash new talent while showcasing young and upcoming musicians.

The Cape Town Jazzathon is sponsored by the City of Cape Town, The Provincial Government of the Western Cape and The Department of Arts and Culture.

Other sponsors include Heart 104.9FM and Cape Town Tourism.

My favourite Cape Town Group, Tucan Tucan, will be performing at the Jazzathon on Thursday at 9:00 p.m. Good Luck Frank and Muriel!

Links: Jazzathon | Program | Tucan Tucan

We would like to wish you and your loved ones a HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON! May 2009 bring you joy, good health and prosperity.

If you are in Cape Town please come and join Tucan Tucan at the beautiful picnic setting at Oude Libertas Amphitheatre in Stellenbosch. The band will be performing this coming Sunday 28th December at 6:30 pm for the Oude Libertas Summer Sunset concert series.

Tucan Tucan were a finalist in the International Songwriting competition 2008 with their song “ESA MORENA”.

Contact Tucan Tucan

It is not often that someone of Christof’s eminence makes the long journey down South to blast our dancefloors. With more tracks on the hit list than most, don’t miss it.

ABSOLUM is Christof Drouillet solo project since 1996. Christof was born in Paris, France where he founded 3D Vision. Based in Ibiza, he has been involved in the music business for quite a long time, releasing his first record back in 1988 (Eighteen, MayaProd/Musidisc) in the pure New Wave style of the 80’s but seriously Electronic orientated for that time.

Producer, DJ, he started producing Psy-trance with Transwave in 1994, which was one of the most popular trance project (7 Eps and 3 albums between 1994 and 1996, on various famous English and French labels). Today, Christof is runing his artistic carreer succesfully with his solo project « Absolum » but also collaborating with other artists. He produced recently 2 tracks on the new Koxbox album released this year on Twisted Records (UK) and strikes back with Dado as famous duo Transwave. Also Synergy debut album is expected next year (collaboration with Samy CPU). His music is described as ” ..Hitek.. precision pieces of super structured, savage, searing sounds. A cranium creakin.. frenetic frenzy of hi-tonal abandonment towards total Nike meltdown…….” (Raja Ram, Tip World Records) …..Powerfull DJ sets and futuristic Hitech trance….

Projects : ABSOLUM (solo project), SYNERGY (with CPU), TRANSWAVE (with Dado Deedrah), C.R.M.B. (with Riktam, Mael & Bansi), ULTRA (with Dimitri), ABSOLUT NOISE (with Wizzy Noise), N.B.K. (with Alien Project), VIRTUAL CORP. (with Full Colordrops), ELIXIR (with Talamasca & Nomad), TIYA (with Tiya), LAGOON.

Venue: Opens on Saturday 13 December at 4PM
Directions: Forest Venue in Cape Town (Please call Alien hotline for details: 082 741 8981)

Be The Change | DONATION BOX AT DOOR: Please bring anything from a can of beans to a pair of old jeans. Alien Safari supports MyLife www.mylife.org.za

TICKETS: R1155 Pre-sale, R165 BPM Online or R180 Gate

Pre-sale tickets available from the following outlets:

*  Crystal Wizards, Observatory: 021 447 8154
*  SKA, 161 Long Street: 021 426 5025
*  Global Girl, Gardens Center: 021 461 8925
*  Call-a-Pizza, Main Road, Sea Point: 021 434 0818
*  SKA, Main Road, Kalk Bay: 021 788 7437
*  Wild Fire Piercing, Canal Walk: 021 552 8929
*  Skint Clothing, Long Beach Mall: 021 785 7777
*  Gypsy, Durbanville: 021 976 2604
*  Gypsy, Hout Bay: 021 790 1418
*  In the Mix, Cavendish: 021 674 6844
*  Trendy, Cape Gate: 021 982 1779
*  Gypsy, Stellenbosch: 021 886 7157
*  Dragon Tattoos, Somerset West: 021 852 8066
*  Funky Vibes, Hermanus: 028 312 1446