Hi darlings! Through howling winds and heavy downpours, your dedicated gossip gal goes all the way out to bring you the juice.
As we all may have more than noticed, the past weekend rained cats, dogs and the whole damn animal kingdom and had most people tucked in bed or cuddling their heaters, whether electric, gas or human heaters ... not the point. The point is, because you already know your Skinners will brave the storm for you, so ... layered up and went where the fun was.
First stop was the Mamela Arts Festival at the PE Opera House on Saturday where the gifted showed us what they’re made of in a jam-packed lineup. The Cottonfields’ opening set a high tone for the rest of the performers who had no choice but to match the standard. The likes of PoeticSoul did not disappoint.
She was a pleasure to watch in her Ndebele blanket while she blessed us with her incorporation of music and poetry. As a known advocate for the arts, it came as no surprise that she featured some up-and-coming artists on her set. Among them, the likes of the promising Ndu From The Clan, Thandii and Songo-Songo and, boy, did they deliver magic
. Bay music event organisers had better recognise that talent because I personally need to hear more of it. Speaking of talent, your Skinners was dumbfounded by pianist Mthokozisi Mabuza’s rap skills and I definitely was not the only one.We enjoyed fired up performances from the likes of the ever-stylish Andy Ndlazilwana, Nomabotwe Mtimkulu and Edgar Muza whom, let’s just say, overstayed his welcome a bit.
The trick is to get on stage, do your thing and leave before you bore the audience to death, buddy.It seems Edgar is not the only one who doesn’t know when to stop, as I spotted comedian Tsepiso Nzayo screeching drunk. Thank the bottles his friends were there to pick him up, although it’s always best to stop them before it gets to that embarrassing point.
Anywho, your gossip gal had to move on to the Sam Jam Turns 1 celebration at Roof Garden Bar. I must say the turnout was pretty surprising for that kind of weather, but I guess when they love you, they love you in the Bay.
The oh so generous organisers offered us welcome drinks at the door as we made our way in to enjoy the hip-hop and neo soul vibe. Although Skinners was hopping between the Opera House and Roof Garden Bar, she was observant enough to spot emcee Zolisa Marawu’s denim shorts. In that weather, they surely grabbed not just my attention as people were almost queuing to take pictures with him when they weren’t having their faces painted by the multi-talented Xolela ‘Boss Lady’ Madlanga.
Skinners wasn’t the only one hopping up and down as I also spotted actress Olwethu Mdala at both events.