21.10.14

Unathi Msengana’s third studio album





Unathi Msengana’s third studio album ‘with love’ denotes a mature and intimate sound despite the pop influences in a few of her tracks that offers an evolving Unathi. Her distinct and unique voice  works to her advantage, she stands out as a vocal artist, and it’s not easy comparing her sound to her peers. 

With Love is a “piece of my heart, the colours of my soul”. The album is a form of personal and cultural expression. As is the norm with Unathi’s previous albums, the soundtracks are fused with that ghetto-ruff feel to them, despite the constant local beat virtually present throughout her songs. Unathi is deeply entrenched in her devotion for her Xhosa tradition, in spite of her modern sophistication; she is seemingly a woman who is proud of her origin and roots, manifesting that sentimental and nostalgic sound in her productions. 

Kwa Nolali’ is the most popular in the album exhibiting her African pride and joy of being a Xhosa woman. The song is about a wedding ceremony taking place at a family village as neighbours and families gather around as a collective in a jovial celebration uniting two families together. A true affirmation to what she’s dubbed herself as a “Village girl who found gold”. Her songs are typically mellow and laid back.

 ‘Woman’ is where she collaborated with pop singer Tamara Dey and poet Lebo Mashile which is a tune dedicated to all womankind. It consists of a pop flavour and strong guitar strings – which added a very different element to Unathi’s music. Lebo’s poetry retains the locality in the song, which could have easily transitioned into a pop song.

The album comprises of nine songs; the opening one ‘Majozi’ narrates a story of a man who went to Johannesburg(Jozi) – in pursuit of wealth to support his family in the village, only to strike a deal with the devil; he became a pimp master, sold drugs, which soon dangerously backfired and left him destitute. She has a constant voice range; there are rarely highs and lows in her songs. Her voice has been said to resemble that of late singer and struggle icon Mama Miriam Makeba. Consequently she did a cover version of hers on the track titled To Those We Love, an original by Harry Belafonte and Miriam Makeba; she pays tribute to Lebo Mathosa, Busi Mhlongo and Brenda Fassie.

Kubuhlungu’ is the pinnacle of this album. She details the narrative of losing a close one and how excruciating the loss is despite maintaining stoicism. It seemed almost like a trademark on Metro FM every Sunday afternoons when the late radio personality Eddie Zondi played it throughout his show virtually every Sundays; therefore it became fitting that she was personally requested by Eddie Zondi’s wife to sing the mellow, soulful and laid back track on his memorial service. The song comprises of strong back-up vocals to complement Msengana’s mellow vocals along with a pitched jazzy saxophone playing an integral role in the production of the song.

Other artists and producers who feature in the album include the late Mama Miriam Makeba, producer Sipho Sithole, Metro FM multi-award winner Kabomo Vilakazi (Unathi’s musical director), Gift Mahlangu, Fikile Luswazi, Malambule and Tshepo Sekele.
A few tracks in the album expose the romantic side of Unathi, baring her intimacy and commitment on her marriage to her husband, 5FM breakfast DJ Thomas Msengana.
Unathi has evolved both musically and vocally. Despite being a die-hard fan of Unathi and her work ethic, she didn’t do a sterling job on the album, relatively to her previous album In-honour- which was nominated for a SAMA (South African Music Award) in its year of release. Her sound is becoming too urban and consequently losing that street savviness and ghetto-ruff feel to it.


With her third studio album under the same record label, Kalawa Jazmee, there’s no consistency to one sound. She incorporated a different fuse of instruments which consequently made it urban and slightly pop. As a judge on idols SA– her position may have possibly although not necessarily may have influenced her music style. Her lovely personality makes it easier to love her songs.

PHOTO: www.mio.co.za



31.3.14

Carol Ralefeta is leaving MetroFM



PHOTO: blogspot.com


Last night the Divine Edge "diva" announced during her show that she is parting ways with metro FM. She said she will be keeping everyone  posted on her website carolralefeta.com on what she will be venturing into next.

PR and Communications manager for the station, Happy Ngidi spoke to Daily Sun about her 
departure, “She has decided to pursue other opportunities and as much has we would have

 liked to keep her on, we respect her decision and would never have stopped her,” she said.

Happy said that the host who will be replacing Carol's show will be announced tomorrow.

“But as you all know, radio stations go through reshuffling around this time of year and we’re no 

different. It’s business as usual.”

Carol has spent three years with the station.


-Daily Sun

28.3.14

Beyonce's ex boyfriend speaks out




Well....what do you do when the person that you used to date in your teens is now a globally renowned billionaire of a superstar? You let sleeping dogs lie!

 Here's the interview clip of Beyonce's ex boyfriend Lyndall Locke dishing out on their shared teenage love affair. B must be cursing under her breath right now.....





PHOTO: youtube.com


20.3.14

The end for Metro FM’s The First Avenue?


PHOTO: all4women.co.za 

Popular breakfast show co-hosts Unathi Msengana and Glen Lewis might be on the verge of a split. Rumours have been making rounds that Glen is not happy with unathi’s “condescending” ways.
According to Sunday Sun he’s been trying to break away from Unathi for several years and the only thing keeping them together is the contract he’s signed.The legendary DJ had allegedly lodged a complaint in the past but was told he’s contract-bound to work with Unathi. This allegedly happened after Glen officially requested to be removed from the breakfast team in 2012. Apparently, he was told that his contract ends this year.

 They've had a great relationship on air for years.  Their show, The Avenue with Glen & Unathi has been an authentication of Metro FM’s reign as one of South Africa’s best radio stations.
SA gossip website Zalebs.com reports that Glen clearly feels disillusioned with his life on The Avenue at the moment, and Unathi who scored a gig as idols judge two years ago has since “changed.”
A senior staff member at the station told Sunday Sun that they might no longer work together when the new line-up gets announced in April. The tabloid newspaper reported that a producer at the station said things are tense in the studio.

 “The sad part is that Unathi won’t have The Avenue show to herself. If Glen is out, it means she’ll have to go somewhere else, but Glen feels Unathi antagonises everyone. He feels that she is rude to the listeners.
 “And even the marketing team feels that Unathi is too much,” added the producer who reported on a case of anonymity.