Oh what a week! The Bay social scene is getting busier.
I kicked off my weekend at the New Brighton Ward 14 Patrollers’ Awards where unsung heroes who try to keep the streets safer were recognised. While it was a rather unusual scene for Skinners, the event was quite necessary considering how crime-ridden New Brighton seems to be becoming. The recipient of the Patroller of the Year award was a 63-year-old man who said: “Now at least at home they will appreciate me, they always mock me about this patrolling business – I am so proud of my self.” If it counts for anything, Skinners appreciates anyone who keeps the streets safer so she can party harder, and if any place needs 24/7 surveillance, it’s New Brighton. If you have not heard (or read of) of the most recent attack (robbery) on The Herald journalists over there, then in the words of Cassper Nyovest, “just buy [the paper] bruh!”
Anywho, Skinners moved on to the first Nelson Mandela Bay Music Awards at Nangoza Jebe Hall, where there were a handful of guests and the event started three hours late.As if that was not enough, the cherry on top was when Vusi Nova, said to be the guest speaker, did not pitch. Are you upset yet, my loyal readers? Because, behold, Skinners has more for you: Some of the nominated artists themselves were no-shows too. At least the MC managed to keep the few guests entertained and performances by some of the winners were the highlight of the night. Organising company 041 Events did promise to make a comeback with the event in 2019 though. All I’ll say is, good luck! We also hope the event will actually be marketed to the whole of the Bay next time around.
Sadly, Skinnerbek’s plans to make a turn at Alfred Adriaan’s Dating Life comedy show were ruined by the wasted time at the awards but I’m told the gent held it down quite well. I was impressed to hear he kept the language clean and still had people in stitches.
Your gossip gal dashed off to the Roof Garden Bar for the Home Grown Comedy Show on Tuesday where comedians like Julie Coetzee, Soso the Banker and TD Jokes proved that local is indeed lekker. The vibe was real and Skinners was impressed that TD Jokes pulled in with some new material.The show attracted the likes of well-known comedian Ntosh Madlingozi and musician Ifani and I couldn’t help but melt at the sight of nationally recognised personalities showing up for locals. Only a few may have recognised Ifani, though – I almost missed him myself in his shorts looking like he just returned from soccer practice. Does somebody want to check on him? I spotted him wandering the streets of Central just recently and got a bit worried.I also saw some local folk at the “do” like musicians Thoko Makamba and Ndu from the Clan, as well as photographer Loyiso Mali who was not there for snaps this time around.
Jenni Gault held her traditional pre-Christmas jewellery launch this week, where man of mystery Brendon Peel and Boost Creative Solutions’ head diva Niqui Cloete-Barrass entertained the crowd. For someone who is recovering from breast cancer, Jenni sure is looking all sorts of amazing and my minion who was there also thought her buddy Niqui was in great shape. Both were glowing, I’m told. Was it the bubbly or your keep fit routine working its magic there, gurrls?