Golden Globes 2010

"I come to Golden Globes weekend and I am conflicted how to have my happy movie self in the face of everything I'm aware of in the real world, and that's when I have my mother's voice coming to me: Partners in Health, shoot some money to Partners In Health, put the dress on, put on a smile and be damn grateful you have the dollars to help."

- Meryl Streep accepting the Globe for Best Actress, Comedy

Trust the lovely and eloquent Meryl Streep to sum up the dichotomy of having a glitzy awards ceremony in the midst of a neighbouring nation in crisis. Nonetheless, as they say in the biz, "the show must go on." And so, the 2010 Awards season has officially kicked off with the Golden Globes. As my fellow radio colleague Alan Silverman who's based in LA likes to say - don't take them too seriously, it's just a bunch of journalists making up the Hollywood Foreign Press who decide their favourites, and they are not always indicative of the Oscars.

I should hope so. I am holding out for one of our "SA-related" films to pick up a statue or two at this year's Academy Awards. The nominations are only out on the 2nd of February, but a girl can hope. We need to take the buzz to the next level. Losing out on the Golden Globes should not dash the hopes for Oscar glory, though it is going to be tough.

In case you missed the 3am live broadcast or the repeat on MNet, there's a list of winners here and here and also here ;)

As you can see, South Africa's Neill Blomkamp lost out on winning Best Screenplay (together with partner Terri Tatchell) to 'Up in the Air', and the Invictus stars were nudged out by the likes of Christoph Waltz (Best Supporting Actor), Jeff Bridges (Best Actor), and James Cameron (Best Director). Waltz was absolutely superb in 'Inglorious Basterds' and talk of his winning awards was already being touted around at the Cannes Film Festival last year, where the film debuted. Incidentally, he also won Best Performance by an Actor at the end of the fest too.

2-0-0-9

I wrote this before I went on holiday but kinda forgot to post it ;) I'm hoping you'll allow me one pretend-dumb-blonde-moment a year!


It's been a bit of an odd year - ups, downs, recession and hard times. But the year has been filled with many a highlight for me. Allow me to share just a few:

** SA film making waves

I loved the hype that local films got this year. Hype means people talking and sends many a curious soul to the cinema. Sure, there's the chance the hype might mean possible disappointment, but District 9 and Invictus managed to win over audiences and soon, one can only anticipate, awards too. The glimpse of upcoming local films in the pipeline that I got at the Cannes Film Festival keeps me excited. Great animated flicks and the adaptation of the bestseller Spud are just a taste of what's to come. Hitting the big screen in 2010 are the Bang Bang Club (in which I have a one-line role!) and Skin, both based on true local stories with a mix of local and international stars.

Sharlto Copley, aka Wikus van der Merwe from District 9 

** Mandela Day in New York

Some may have questioned why the first Mandela Day was held in New York, but I thought it was a fantastic way to spread the message behind Nelson Mandela, the man and his charities. One of the most heatwarming moments for me was to see groups of children from underprivileged schools in New York listen to stories from a book of Mandela's favourite folktales and learn about what he did for South Africa - and indeed, the world. Sure, he is known across the globe, but surprisingly, many people don't know exactly what he did. And the activities leading up to this day - encouraging the public to give of their time in service - helped a younger generation beyond this country know who he is. 

New York is the centre of the media world and the word was spread even further.  It was amazing to see dozens and dozens of commuters pass through Grand Central Station and meander through an exhibition of his life. I also felt such a sense of pride watching the likes of Freshlyground, Thandiswa,  Jesse Clegg, Vusi Mahlasela and Soweto Gospel Choir perform on the bill of top international artists. Okay, and I'm not going to lie, meeting Stevie Wonder, Bill Clinton and Morgan Freeman was also a highlight! 

On the Red Carpet interviewing Sipho Mabuse

** Michael Jackson's Memorial in LA

A few days after the news of Michael Jackson's death stunned the world, I was on a plane bound for LA to cover his memorial. It had been said the event was to be bigger than Princess Di's. But the decision to limit the number of people at the memorial meant that it was not going to be a true reflection of just how many fans were left grieving. I learnt the true meaning of fanatic - and controversial character that he was, it was undeniable that MJ's passing was the end of an era. Being part of the memorial where MJ's daughter Paris humanised the superstar as her father was something I will never forget. 

Outside the Staples Centre, the night before MJ's memorial

** Music high notes

Being able to watch The Killers in concert was the musical highlight of this year for me. Meeting them too, an absolute high! Meeting another music favourite Damien Rice was memorable for another reason. I realise that I had not actually captured the experience here but when I asked for a picture or an autograph (which I hardly ever do, but I am that much of a fan) he declined, saying that the music doesn't come from him, "it's like a shit, that's just there". He hugged me and then left me there, standing in the foyer of the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, stunned. Oh well, at least I finally met the guy. Glad I also finally got to meet and see my fave Greek singer Mixalis Hadjiannis in action too.

I've already mentioned the Mandela Day concert where Soweto Gospel Choir backed almost everyone on stage. They were also brilliant at the Oscars, performing the nominated song from the movie Wall-E. Snow Patrol and Panic at the Disco were great at the Oasis concert (!), while the impromptu jam at the opening of the One and Only Hotel in Cape Town, between Bebe Winans, Mariah Carey, Hugh Masekela, where Marisa Tomei, Matt Damon and Sharon Stone joined in was such fun. Ending off the Cannes Film Festival with a DJ set by Will.i.Am was pure perfection, and another highlight was the Redbull Soundclash between the Dirty Skirts and Tumi and the Volume at the Carlton Skyrink - more please!!

At Oppikoppi with Kwani Experience's PO

 Things I couldn't have gotten through 2009 without...my Sex and the City DVDs for nights when I couldn't sleep, Grey's Anatomy, Later...with Jools Holland on BBC Entertainment, music from my brother's iPod, the Garmin that came with the hired car in LA, Reese's White Chocolate Butter Cups (yum), my Nokia E71 cellphone as well as my recording equipment (heavy as it is to carry), gorgeous dresses from Jo Borkett, Twitter and Facebook, huge helpings of gusto and my fabulous frolleagues (even if we do sometimes work on each other's very last nerve!) and friends, who still get excited when they hear me on the radio.

~~Bring on 2010!~~ 

The Scoop 11.12.09

Invictus releases worldwide today – It's the big story of the week. Morgan Freeman has been in South Africa this week for premieres in Joburg, Durban and Cape Town. He is playing a round of golf in Cape Town today at Steenberg Golf Estate, to help raise money for charity. He’ll be staying on in SA next week, where special screenings will take place for children from underprivileged communities. He was very gracious and humble during interviews earlier this week.

Morgan Freeman and co-producer Lor McCreary attend the Joburg premiere at Emperor's Palace.

Charlize Theron been getting upset with local fans – I’ve heard Charlize can be a little difficult, but this is not very nice. The Star newspaper reported that a journalist was approached by Charlize and told her she was “very upset” that she had taken photos of her during an event at Silethukukhanya Secondary School near St Lucia. Charlize apparently asked that no photos be taken during the event but people had pulled out their cameras and cellphones to snap pics anyway. The journalist’s camera was taken and the images deleted. 

Miss World and Miss South Africa – these pageants are happening one after the other this weekend. Amid more controversy over how much hosting Miss World is costing the City of Joburg – it’s now gone up to R90 million from R45 million – the pageant takes place on Saturday, then Sunday sees a new Miss South Africa being crowned at Sun City. Current Miss SA Tatum Keshwar will be handing over the title a day before her 26th birthday.

The Sex and the City 2 movie poster has been released – can life get any better?! The second installment of the movie hits the big screen in May next year. I went to the premiere of the movie in London last year – which also released in May. Kim Cattrall (who plays Samantha) has lots of love for South Africa. She’s friends with playwright Janet Suzman and has been talking about coming out her to work on a production with her – wonder if that is still in the pipeline?

The Parlotones have got another huge endorsement – KFC has come on board for the band’s latest music video off their newest album, Stardust Galaxies. The music video makes its debut on TV tonight on etv before 6:30pm. The Parlotones will be heading off to the world’s biggest music trade fair next month – in France. It’s called Midem and SA is going to be a country of honour there. Around 50 other music acts will also be going – like Lira, Kurt Darren and Jozi.

The Scoop - the top entertainment stories with a local twist - airs every Friday after 4pm with Richard Hardiman on 94.5 Kfm

Glamorous Indie Rock 'n Roll

Ask a fan.

A true-blood fan.

An I-own-every-CD-and-the DVD-and-all-the-legal-downloads-too-fan.
A sell-my-soul-to-be-here-kind-of-fan.

You'll find some of them on the DVD of The Killers: Live From Royal Albert Hall. One couple quit their jobs because they couldn't get time off work to be at the recording of the concert. Another saved up for a year to travel from Spain to London for the show. Those are the kind of people you ask about the concert.

Instead I asked others - the so-so-fans. The like-their-early-stuff-only-people. Looking out at the crowd on the first night of the concert in Joburg at the Coca-Cola Dome, I felt the presence of some of these kind of "fans". Many of them just stood there - gaping, not moving much. I moved and found a much better crowd. Afterwards I still felt that I needed to see if everyone else enjoyed it as much as I did. I wanted everyone to have been as elated as I was.


Not everyone was. But then I realised I don't really care.

I don't care that many didn't get just what an inspired move it was to start with Joyride on the second night -"When your chips are down, when your highs are low...Joyride" A fitting start to an event that takes you away from the ups and downs of life.

I don't care that others ran out quickly while When You Were Young was playing and they missed the light explosion that lit up the stage and a fire in my soul.

I don't care that you got lost when they started playing songs other than 'Mr Brightside' and 'Human'.


I loved it - and I don't care if you didn't.

The Scoop 04.12.09

2010 Fifa World Cup Draw – Cape Town is a buzz at the moment with the likes of all those soccer stars. But of course, I only really care about Charlize Theron and David Beckham – just kidding! Becks has been putting on a brave face after getting the news that his grandfather died while he was in CT. He still went on to inspire underprivileged children in Khayelitsha. “Onse Charlize” has been in high spirits – pulling out an ‘Ireland’ card in a rehearsal for the Draw. It’s only fitting, seeing as her boyfriend Stuart Townsend is a gorgeous Irish guy. SA musicians are getting in on the action too – TKZee before the head off to perform in London are part of the fanfest, along with Flat Stanley, Cassette and Freshlyground.

The Killers are going to wow Cape Town – Joburg audiences have already experienced the magic of the Las Vegas group. They pull out all the stops in the show I’m still on a high from meeting and watching The Killers last night! Those going tonight are going to have a brilliant time - it's filled with soul, energy, great story-telling, goose-bump moments and the hotness that is Brandon Flowers!

Golf fans – and did you know, Mr Flowers is a big one - you can play a game of golf with Morgan Freeman. He’s going to be in town for the premiere of ‘Invictus’ next week. Next Friday he’ll be playing golf in aid of three local charities – including the Nelson Mandela Foundation. If you have R50 000 to donate to a good cause – and want to meet and play a round with an Oscar-winning star – head over to http://www.ewn.co.za/ for the details. There are also fourballs for sale for R15 000.

The Tiger Woods scandal just gets worse and worse – a number of South Africans have compared him to Joost van der Westhuizen but in a sense this is so much more salacious. Here is a world-revered icon who has kept his life very private and controlled and now things seem to be coming apart. Like Joost though, he doesn’t seem to be speaking truthfully from the start. He issued a statement saying he was sorry for hurting his family but he hasn’t exactly apologized for having an affair (or two). Oh, and the voice message he’s reported to have left on one of his mistress’s phones has been made into a You Tube hit called ‘Slow Jam.’

The Scoop - the top entertainment stories with a local twist airs - every Friday after 4pm with Richard Hardiman on 94.5 Kfm

The Scoop 27.11.09

Big exclusive! Charlize Theron is heading for the 2010 Fifa World Cup Draw next week. I had heard this might be true, but only got official confirmation from her management in New York this week. It’s not entirely clear what she’s going to be doing, but she will be involved in the draw – and there will be performances by Grammy-winners Soweto Gospel Choir and Angelique Kidjo together with Johnny Clegg. It’s going to be a busy summer – we’ve also heard now that Morgan Freeman will be in Joburg, Cape Town and Durban for premieres of the new movie Invictus, in which he plays Nelson Mandela.

Vuyo Mbuli made headlines early on this week – the Morning Live anchor, literally, it seems, got caught with his pants down. A man laid an assault charge against the TV presenter after he allegedly found Mbuli in his girlfriend’s house, getting dressed. The man, who accused Vuyo of having an affair, says the TV personality threw a vase at him, injuring his leg. Vuyo was arrested yesterday morning, after handing himself over, but the matter wasn’t pursued any further and the charge was dropped. Vuyo says he wants to put this behind him. The question is though, will this have any kind of impact on his life in the public eye -career-wise or other?

The next film in the Twilight saga, New Moon, releases officially today in South Africa – but Twihards have been filling cinemas across the country watching sneak previews. I got to speak to Robert Pattinson at the Cannes Film Festival and he told me this film actually has more in it for guys than for girls – because of the fighting and the werewolves. He also says he thinks the next one, Eclipse, is even better because the book is his favourite in the series.

Oprah is due to jet into Joburg this weekend. She often pops in around this time of year, all hush-hush, but this visit is a lot more publicized. And it’s hot on the heels of her announcement that the Oprah Winfrey Show will end in 2011. She’s here to host O, The Oprah Magazine’s reader event called ‘You Have the Power’. She’s going to be spreading some of her positivity to about 400 women – I mean, really, with all that money how can you not be positive?

And of course, The Killers will be here in a few days – I have word that they are coming a few days before the show in Joburg. I might just have to find out where they are staying too…

Pic from @TheKillers twitter page


The Scoop - the top entertainment stories with a local twist airs - every Friday after 4pm with Richard Hardiman on 94.5 Kfm

Mr A to Z

It was sometime in November in 2006. I'd been sent to LA for the first time ever to interview Will Smith for his latest movie The Pursuit of Happyness and I was sitting in the hotel room of the Beverly Hilton, unable to sleep the night before the big interview. A mix of nerves and excitement but mostly nerves. As I flicked channels, I grew more tired, but still just couldn't sleep. And then I flipped over to the Hilton channel - you know, the one that tells you "eat here, drink here, etc" and, as I was about to change yet again, he caught my eye. Or ear I should say. Jason Mraz. Mr A to Z. With a beautiful little song called Life is Wonderful. It was the acoustic version, done especially for the hotel chain and it made me feel so peaceful, so, well, wonderful. Wonderful enough to finally get some shut-eye.

It's one of my fave Jason Mraz songs - another is Song for A Friend - with words that I return to over and over again:

Climb up over the top.
Survey the state of the soul.
You’ve got to find out for yourself whether or not you’re truly trying.
Why not give it a shot?
Shake it, Take control
And inevitably wind up
Finding for yourself
All the strengths you have inside still rising

But you've got to hear them being sung - incredible!

Mr A to Z is now much more famous - and rightly so. He's brought out a fun-fuelled, energetic, thoughtful DVD, called Jason Mraz's Beautiful Mess Live on Earth, which will enable me to now "dine at the Gratitude Cafe" a little more often.

Stylish in Cape Town

Just another day at work! But it's that much more special when your office is the top of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town with a breathtaking view. That's where the first Mastercard Style in the City event was held. A mix of fashion and fabulousness, the four-day-event featured Trinny and Susannah, from the hit show What Not To Wear and their Style Academy. The duo pulled out women from the audience and gave them a few pointers on how to look their best.

Sunday Times' Lifestyle ed Lerato Tshabalala and I with Trinny and Susannah

I got the thumbs up for my lime green nailpolish but someone who doesn't need any tips is my friend Lerato Tshabala. She was one of the 8 editors who modelled red dresses designed by some top local fashionista's in aid of the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Go Red for Women Campaign. Trinny and Susannah voted her the evening's best dressed lady - yay!

In real life Trinny and Susannah are fun, fantastic and fabulous - just as we hoped they'd be. 
And they are not so mean when it comes down to it. In fact, as Susannah says, they tell women the things they do "not because we want to be cruel, but because we want to see them be the best they can be." After meeting them, I like to believe that is true. Also, their fame did not come overnight - these ladies put in the grind for a good few years before anything big happened. Plus Trinny had to shut down a multi-million-pound internet company. So they know what hard work is. Add to that, the fact that they did four workshops back-to-back each day of the event. All while wearing gorgeous heels - naturally!