Are you the next Miss South Africa?

This weekend the search to find the new Miss South Africa continues, as the nationwide search comes to Gauteng. The auditions take place at Carnival City out in Brakpan and so if you think you have what it takes to be the next Miss South Africa, then be sure to get on down there. Warning though, it wont be an issue ride. You’ll have to impress judges Sonia Raciti-Oshry, Sonia Sedibe and Kieno Kammies… but they’re not the only ones. Radio and TV personalities, Robert Marawa and Anele Mdoda join the panel and celebrity judges for this round.

If there’s one quote that sticks out in my mind, it’s Anele’s Twitter bio: “Be as interested as you are interesting.” and so if you’re auditioning this weekend, be sure to follow this wisdom
Should you make it through to the next round, you’ll join 33 other hopefuls at the Wild Coast Sun in KwaZulu-Natal for a series of workshops, set to take place between the 3rd and the 9th of September. During the workshops the girls will participate in workshops involving communication, elocution, make-up and hair, ramp modelling, health and fitness, and financial planning. They’ll then be put to the test with a bunch of tasks and the field will be narrowed down accordingly. 16 will make it through to the next round, but only 12 will make to the pageant stage, which is set to take place on the 9th of December at the Sun City Superbowl. You can catch the show on Mzansi Magic, DStv channel 107. For more information check out the official Miss SA site.

Anele leaving 5FM- official press release

In case you missed it, Anele is leaving 5FM at the end of March. The star will be heading back to 94.7 Highveld Stereo to host the drive time show. Here’s what 5FM has to say:

The popular pair, who have been a radio twosome since their university radio days, have decided to part ways. Grant, an avid Buddhist and vegan, is retiring from radio in order to further himself spiritually and Anele is joining another broadcaster.

Says Anele, “5FM is only for the fearless. I am glad they even let me through the door. I’ve learnt so much and become so much more because of the brand. Thank you for that.” Adds Grant, “It was always a dream of mine to work for 5FM. That dream came true. I’m eternally grateful for all that made this a reality. I can only hope my spiritual journey will be filled with as many helping hands and loving hearts.” Grant and Anele will reveal more regarding their plans on The Grant & Anele Show today between 12-3pm.

Says 5FM’s station manager Aisha Mohamed, “5FM has enjoyed an amazing four years with Grant and Anele. Their dedication and commitment to the station has been commendable.

5FM’s line-up changes will come into effect on 1 April 2012. We’re excited about the new line-up and will be announcing what listeners can expect on 1 March 2012 live on 5FM.”

Unathi’s delectable album listening session

Let’s break this down shall we. Unathi Msengana is:

-       A radio DJ. She’s one third of The First Avenue with Glen Lewis and Mel Bala on Metro FM

-       She’s the fairer and more beautiful part of the Idols judging panel. She joined Gareth Cliff and Randall Abrahams at the beginning of this season and she’s been nothing other than great and a wonderful addition to this show.

-       She’s a wife and a mother. Her and husband Thomas Msengana welcomed their second child into the world (a baby girl) a few months ago.

-       She’s an ambassador for Five Roses Tea and Lindt

-       AND she’s a singer, who has released two successful albums (SAMA nominated).

-       She’s an all-round wonderful person to be around. She exudes optimism, positivity, good energies. I love being around her.

Those are just some of many talents Unathi Msengana has. There are many more but she has to save a bit for us

So with all of that in mind, I was delighted when I got an invite to attend Unathi’s listening session for her new album With Love. The album will be out in stores next month (date TBC). The invite said we should meet at the Lindt shop in design quarter. A listening session at the Lindt Chocolate Studio? You know this is going to be a goodie. Off I went to the event to see Unathi and others at the shop. 5FM’s Anele was there as were my dear friends Gabi from City Press and Zinhle from Sunday Times Lifestyle. In total there were about 15 of us.

BlackBerry’s first Secret Gig to feature the UK’s Tinie Tempah

If you’re not using an iPhone chances are you’re on a BlackBerry (like me). I think I’d be officially lost without mine, but that isn’t the purpose of this post. What you’re probably more interested in is BlackBerry’s first Secret Gig. The gig will be held next weekend in a secret venue in Johannesburg and it’ll feature Hip Hop superstar Tinie Tempah.

He’ll be jetting in next Saturday for the performance and I’m told he’s shooting out the next day, so this is big, exclusive and you will want to be part of it. Here’s how:

Listen to 5FM’s Grant and Anele between 12-3 everyday until the 7^th of this month. You’ll need to listen out for the Broadcast my Life feature and add them on BBM: 231ACB18. You could win yourselves one of two Superfan VIP packages to the gig. This includes a shuttle to and from the secret venue, a meet and greet opportunity, accommodation and of course of tickets to the all important and exclusive party. Nice hey! If you’re outside of Jozi, you will win a return ticket too.

The competition runs until 8 September 2011 and only 500 people will be there. Don’ be like me and miss out on this party. It’s going to be insane!

 

Audi A1 launches in SA

One of the hottest cars to hit South Africa in recent years has to be the new Audi A1. It’s been dubbed ‘The Next Big Thing’ and in celebration of its arrival, six South African celebrities have been tasked with being ambassadors for the next six months. They are 5FM DJ and TV personality, Anele Mdoda; models Roxy Louw and Shashi Naidoo, SA swimmer Cameron van der Burgh, TV/ Radio personality Siya Ngwekazi and one of my favourite peops in the industry, the lovely Top Billing/ Top Travel presenter Jeannie D. Lucky them- they’ve got some hot cars, and for the next six months, you can expect to see a lot more from them and their new cars. We’re going to get fun, creative, interactive so stay tuned. In the mean time, here are four videos for you to see what went down pre-launch, launch, who was in attendance and the first three ambassador parties- held at Grand Central Cafe in Melrose Arch, Jozi:

Pre-launch video

Ambassadors announced at the launch:

Other famous (jealous) names at the launch:

Ambassador party- Jeannie, Roxy, Siya:

With the new season comes new TV

In South Africa, 5FM DJ Gareth Cliff will expand on his ‘empire’ by adding a television talk show to this resume tonight. The new show called The Gareth Cliff show kicks off tonight on M-Net at 8pm. I went to the recording of the show on Monday and I like. I dig Gareth, cool dude… very intelligent and sharp and I think those are the attributes one needs to pull off a successful TV show. Here are a few of those highlights for you:

Today also sees the launch of SA’s Got Talent. The show airs next week and will be presented by another 5FM jock, Anele and comedian Rob van Vuuren. That should be entertaining… let’s see. I’ll have those video highlights up later. Another interesting show kicking off soon on SA TV is Top Travel, the travel spin-off of Top Billing. The lovely Jeannie and her colleague Janez jetted off on a 26week tour of the globe. How horrible is that? Damn. Heading off to that launch later tonight and again I’ll grab all the info I can

Then of course there’s The States… and fall TV. Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, Greys, House, yoh there’s too many. Anyone in that part of the world, holler and share with us!