Fiestagram

The new Ford Fiesta

Earlier this past week, I attended a meeting that had to do with a launch of the new Ford Fiesta.

The meeting was held in The Woodstock Exchange in Woodstock, Cape Town. This meeting was basically giving an overview of what the whole competition is all about. It was a lovely location where we all met. We had a breakfast buffet, which had tasty croissants and delicious health breakfast that consisted of muesli and yogurt topped with berries. Everyone that attended the meeting were very kind and introduced themselves to all the new people. There were more young adults at the meeting and all had cellphones with Instagram on it.

At the breakfast. We were served with delicious croissants and health breakfast.

The competition that is being held is called "Fiestagram". It is a competition that is a pre-launch for the new Ford Fiesta that is about to be launched. In the competition, there are 8 contestants that are chosen to compete against each other, one contestant that will be chosen will drive away in the new Ford Fiesta. I was told that the "Instawalk" after the meeting was phase 3 of the competition.

The contestants talking at the breakfast

The contestants had 24 hours to travel around in the new Ford Fiesta in order to get the "feel" of being in the car 24 hours (In the morning time, afternoon and night time, hence 24 hours). There were also 24 themes that had to do with the car that the contestants had to take pictures of. These pictures that were taken were uploaded on Instagram and Twitter and there was hashtags the contestants used on Twitter. An example would be "#Eco" which would show that the new Ford Fiesta is Eco-friendly, it has more power than a 1600 would and it has got great fuel consumption as well.

Everyone talking to each other, taking pictures for Instagram etc.

After everyone gathered for the meeting and ate breakfast, they then went on a "Instawalk" in the new Ford Fiesta and traveled around Cape Town.

The official launch and the winner of the new Ford Fiesta will be held on 20 February at The Woodstock Exchange. Before the official launch, the judges will first decide the winner with he best picture and then the brand manager, Tracey, will then reveal on this day the winner for the new Ford Fiesta.

At the meeting, I had the privilege to interview two members who are involved with the "Fiestagram" competition.
My first interview was with Ensly Dooms who deals with the social media for Ford.
Here are the questions and answers:
Question: What is the sequence for the Fiestagram competition?
Answer: For everyone into the new Ford Fiesta and travel to Camps Bay, Clifton, Muizenburg and Long street.
Q: Why do the contestants have 24 hours with the new Ford Fiesta?
A: There are different challenges for 24 hours. There are 24 themes and therefore, there must be 24 pictures for the competition and it is also to get the 24 hour lifestyle of the new Ford Fiesta.
Q: What will appeal to you the most about the pictures that are being taken by the contestants?
A: It must be visually appealing. What will the best capture of these 24 themes be and what is the best picture captured of the new Ford Fiesta.
Q: What date is the exhibition where you announce the winners?
A: 20 February 2013 at the Woodstock Exchange. All the pictures are taken as from 2 weeks before the exhibition. Judges decide who the winners are. The brand manager, Tracey Delate, will reveal who the winner is.
Q: Who is your target market for the new Ford Fiesta?
A: The youth. Somebody who is fun and who like super fast cars.

My second interview was with the brand manager, Tracey Delate:
Q: What will appeal to you the most about the pictures that are being taken by the contestants?
A: Must be visually appealing. The judges judge on numerous catagories. An example will be "#Kinectic" which will be the design of the car.
Q: Who is your target market for the new Ford Fiesta?
A: 25 years old and above. Somebody who is ambitious and driven.
Q: When did the Fiestagram start?
A: It started on the Ford South Africa Facebook page in October 2012.
Q: Where can you view all the pictures the contestants took for the 24 themes?
A: There will be a full gallery of the images of the Fiestagram at  the launch on 20 February 2013.

You can find out more about the Fiestagram on Ford's Facebook and Twitter page:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FordSouthAfrica?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FordSouthAfrica (@FordSouthAfrica)
The hashtag to find all the pictures that were taken of the new Ford Fiesta is: #fiestagram24
Ford was one of the first brands to use Instagram in South Africa.

Thank you to everyone who read this blog,
It is much appreciated,
Thank you!

Year 2012

WOW! Where has 2012 gone??
First of all, everyone started off with so many New Year's resolutions, meeting new people, getting married, loving new music and also buying new video games...so many events have happened this year and I must say this has been the year for me. I have finished school this year, and now I am ready for the real world out there. I know it isn't going to be the same as when I once was at school, it is going to be totally different to what school was. The life after school will be difficult and a lot more challenging!

Here are a few highlights, I can remember, that has happened during the course of 2012:

The 2012 Olympics game that took place in London which was so exciting to watch everyday after I returned from school.
Amy Lee from Evanescence winning Best Vocalist at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards. I was so happy when I saw Amy win this award, she really deserves it! She puts her heart and soul into her music and lyrics. She never ever fails to keep her fans staying faithful towards her. I praise Amy Lee for her refusal to emulate other celebrities by using sex appeal in her music or music videos.
Rascals sweets - The mischief maker's are back and full of more mischief than ever!
The Oppokoppi Festival which took place in the Limpopo.
KDay 2012 - This was my very first time attending KDay and oh my...was it just too fantastic! Outstanding artists with amazing music plus awesome radio presenters equals a perfect day out! I was even interviewed at KDay, which made it even more exciting!
Cornetto Love is in the Air festival - This was the very first time Cornetto had this festival in South Africa and all around was full of love, joy, happiness and just an absolutely terrific day out as well! I must say that KDay and the Cornetto festival was the best shows I have been to this year!
The Heineken Symphonic Rocks festival - My first time attending this show and it was out of this world! Every single one of the artist's that performed were seriously outstanding and the music was just so soothing!

Felix Baumgartner who bungee jumped from the moon to earth, which I found very brave and that must have taken a lot of guts!

One Direction - The recently biggest UK boy band who have won numerous awards already this year, and have recently won 3 awards at the MTV VMA's, in which they also performed their hit song "One Thing". 

The Twilight Saga has officially come to end with the latest release of Breaking Dawn part 2 (it really was the epic finale!).

Psy – Gangnam style has hit over 1 billion views on YouTube. (Here is the YouTube link to check out Psy - Gangnam Stayle music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0 )

The tragedy of Whitney Houston who passed away (August 9, 1963 - February 11, 2012) this year. She will always and forever be remembered in our hearts!

Lady Gaga performed for the very first time in South Africa where all her 'monsters' were waiting for her by the airport and welcoming her to South Africa.

50 Shades of Grey - Wherever I go, I always see people either talking about this book or reading the book. I haven't read the book, but a lot of people really like this series.

ChianoSky, a South African musician who has released her debut album in July this year, it is a definite must have! She also had her debut album launch which I attended with my friend and it was a huge success with so many fans, including me, supporting ChianoSky until the end! I will always be her biggest fan!

The world ending on 21 December 2012 - Yep, many people were worried the world was going to end, but let me tell you what a very lovely person told me, and I quote: "If the world was going to end on the 21st, then we wouldn't even know because it would happen so fast.".

There were quite a few new movies that were released this year. Here are some of the most popular movies released this year: The Hobbit: An unexpected journey; Pitch perfect; The Dark night rises; Dredd; Jack Reacher; Looper; Skyfall; The perks of being  a wallflower; Total Recall; Breaking Dawn; Part 2; Rise of the Guardians; Ted; The Hunger Games; The Avengers; The Bourne Legacy; Frankenweenie; The amazing spider-man; Wreck-it Ralph; Taken 2; Magic Mike; Brave; Men in Black 3; 21 Jump Street; Ice Age: Continental Drift; Dark Shadows; John Carter; Rock of Ages; Hotel Transylvania; L.O.L; Battleship; This means war; What to expect when you're expecting; Madagascar 3: Europe's most wanted; Journey 2: Mysterious Island; Wrath of the Titans; The Lorax; Funsize; Mirror Mirror; Snow White and the Huntsman; So Undercover; The Pirates! Band of Misfits; Big Miracle; Zambezia and the list goes on and on. These are just the few I have seen throughout this year. Some of these movies were action packed, some were emotional, funny and even adventurous.

Some of the movies that were released in 2012.

There were also quite a few new albums released this year by many talented music artists. Here are a few that are the most popular and the few I can remember: Epica - Requiem for the Indifferent; Halestorm - In the Strange case of...; Freshlyground - Take me to the dance; Frank Ocean - Channel Orange; The Wanted (EP); FUN - Some Nights; ChianoSky - Hungry; Carly Rae Jepsen - Curiosity (Extended play) and her studio album Kiss; Owl City - The Midsummer Station; Die Antwoord - Ten$Ion; Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded; Cody Simpson - Paradise; Lacuna Coil - Dark Adrenaline; Linkin Park - Living things; Taylor Swift - Red; Flyleaf - New Horizons; All Time Low - Don't Panic; One Direction - Take Me Home and the list of album releases go on and on. These are most of the artists I listen to, they have got some great music and I love the fact that most of these artists write their own music, I love that about music artists. I can say that even though Evanescence didn't release an album this year, Evanescence did release their new music video "My Heart is Broken" earlier this year in January. I really like the visual effects in the music video and the story line, Evanescence never fail to keep their fans happy (Here is the YouTube link to their music video "My Heart is Broken": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1QGnq9jUU0 ). This was the year I started listening to Halestorm and let me tell you, if you love heavy metal music plus a woman screaming (yes, it's awesome!) then this band is perfect for you! (Here is their first single off their second album "Love Bites (So do I)": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmkHqUwa4zg ) I did start listening to Epica's new album, but I only knew about 6 of their new songs throughout this year. Recently though, I listened to their entire album again and now I love every single one of their songs off their latest album. If you love symphonic rock, then this band is just for you! (Here is the Youtube link to their first single off their fifth album "Storm the Sorrow": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNoTvg0t52c ) If I can say something about The Wanted, I can say that their one single "Chasing the sun" has been played about 20 times in a whole week on the radio at the beginning of July this year, then the song was also played in the movie "Ice Age: Continental Drift". Everyone in the cinema were dancing in their seats to "Chasing the sun" (Here is the YouTube link to their song "Chasing the sun": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFS5N_yAGTo ). There was also a music video released this year by the SoapGirls called "Hurricane". It is a great video to watch, The SoapGirls have stated that this music video shows who they are and what they are trying to get across to their fans (Here is the YouTube link to their music video "Hurricane": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya4HmI_w3x4 ). Lastly, I would like to say that One Direction also released their second album this year, which they also released their debut album, "Up all night", last year. Their music isn't bad I must say, it's very energetic and makes you want to jump up and just start dancing. Some of their songs are a bit more mellow and quite relaxing as well. Just imagine, five boys who didn't know each at all, are put together as a group plus their absolutely amazing fans who will always and forever support them 'til the end. I just cannot believe that last year when One Direction released their debut album and their second single "One Thing", all I heard from my family was did I know that Liam Payne and I share the same birth date, month and year. That was quite shocking for me at first, now everyone I know tells me the same story over and over again. Anyway, carrying on with One Direction, if you like pop music and very energizing music, then One Direction's second album is definitely for you!(Here is the YouTube link to their first single off their second album "Live while we're young": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbPED9bisSc ).

Some of the albums that were released in 2012.

On a more personal note:

I have to say 2012 has been a huge year for me. I took a lot more steps in reaching my goal, which is to become an actress.
I have been featured in more magazines this year. Here are the names of the magazines:
I may have been featured in mostly every Seventeen magazine South Africa edition as one of the current Urban Scouts.
I have been in the "Heatarazzi" section quite a few times that I ended up winning a pair of Pierre Cardin sunglasses. I have also been featured in the Heat magazine to comment on who was the best dressed in a week's issue of Heat magazine.
My blogs have also been featured in the "Into the Sunset" online magazine a few times.
One of my comments I've written on Teenzone's Facebook wall has also been featured in the July 2012 issue.

This year, I started to be featured on TV shows and this was yet another big step for me:
This year was the very first time I have been featured on the Hectic Nine 9 show twice. The first time was when we discussed "Talents vs. Wannabe's" where in the rehearsal I spoke, but when we were shooting live, I didn't say anything. The second time I was on Hectic Nine 9 was when we were discussing about Harry Potter the movie and book series. This time, I spoke at the rehearsal and when we were shooting on live TV. (Here is a 3 minute and 42 second clip to one of the Hectic Nine 9 interviews: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsC8rVq4JUM ). I have also been on the Expresso Show with my grandmother. We were talking about Nikki's homemade baked goodies, such as cake, cupcakes and fudge. It was a lot of fun on this day, so much laughter and such nice people. Every time I watch the clip with my grandmother and I, I still crack out laughing!

This year was also the very first time I have ever in my life been in a music video. I was an extra in the Parlotones music video "Save your best bits". I couldn't believe my eyes when I received an email stating that I can be in their brand new music video, this was a huge step toward reaching my goal. This was literally the best day of my life!!
I have also met so many celebrities this past year and I appreciated meeting every single one of them. They are all such kind people and are also a lot of fun. Keri Miller even came to my school to have a chat with my class, it was so lovely and super funny! It is also very nice when celebrities remember you...with that I mean I am not a celebrity stalker or scream and cry whenever I see a celebrity, I am myself around them and I show respect towards celebrities.

Top left: Two pictures of me on Hectic Nine 9
Top right: Three pictures of me in the Parlotone's music video "Save your best bits"
Bottom left: My grandmother and I on the Expresso show
Bottom right: Me at KDay

There are just so many other events, concerts, launches, festivals etc. that has happened throughout this entire year of 2012, it will feel as if I will be writing a book about the year 2012. Everything I have mentioned are just the highlights I've focused more on during this year and the events I have attended.
I have matriculated this year and I know 2013 will be a big step for me as I need to go look for a job for now, but still take steps to reach my main goal in life. I have enjoyed my time with all of my friend throughout my life in my school career, they have all always been there for me and have taught me so many things in life. Yes, we have been through all of our good and bad times, but the positive moments will always remain in our memories. Thank you my matric class of 2012!

Overall, I have had an absolutely amazing year full of new adventurous and new experiences. I hope everyone else has also had an eventful year full of happy, sad, exciting, ecstatic and wonderful moments.
I sincerely hope that 2013 will be an exciting and adventurous year for you all!
I hope everyone has had a joyful year of 2012!
I wish you all to have an adventurous, eventful and exciting New Year of 2013!!

Superga editions launch in Cape Town

The Superga editions launch in Cape Town was launched on the 3rd of November 2012 at Canal Walk. The two artists who launched their Superga shoes were Locnville (Andrew and Brian Chaplin) and Freshleyground (Zolani Mahola, Kyla-Rose Smith, Julio Sigauque, Josh Hawks, Shaggy Sheepers, Simon Attwell and Peter Cohen). Both artists were at Canal Walk from 4pm - 6pm at Edgars and at the Superga store (4pm - 5pm at Edgars and 5pm - 6pm at Superga store). Here are what the Superga shoes look like:

Locnville Superga Edition Shoes

Freshlyground Superga Edition shoes

This day started out when I arrived at Canal Walk, meeting up with my friend, Erin. When I saw her arrive at Edgars, I could see her eyes were gleaming with excitement as this is the first time Erin would be meeting Locnville and also it will be our first time meeting Freshlyground. We both arrived pretty early as Erin just wanted to be there early in case there might have been a lot of people at Edgars already. To both of our surprises, there weren't many people. There was a table right next to the escalators with some chairs, which were for the artists to sit and sign merchandise.

It was getting closer to 4pm, so I had a chat with a lovely lady as we were waiting. She told me her son really wanted to meet Locnville as he was a very big fan and he also saw Locnville live at KDay...
I looked at Erin and her eyes were glued to who she was seeing in front of her, I turned to look and see Freshlyground, Locnville and Sarah-Jane Nicholson (Locnville's manager) coming down the escalators. All you can see in that moment was a crowd of people that came swarming in their masses, and I also saw people take out their cellphone's and camera's and started taking pictures after pictures. There was a path way where there was also a red carpet, this is where fans can have pictures taken with Locnville and Freshlyground. There wasn't much of a queue, you could just go to Locnville or Freshlyground and have a picture taken with them, but of cause it was one person at a time, unless you wanted a picture with your friends as well. As I made my through, I got the chance to meet Locnville again. They greeted me and I greeted back and got a picture with them. As I walked out of the area where the photo's were taken, there was a lady who works at Edgars that gave announcements over the microphone about the Superga shoe launch. She asked if she can interview me, I agreed to do so. She asked me what is my favourite song from Locnville and was I excited for this launch. I also received a lanyard from one of the members of Freshleyground, it was the last one left. I saw Zolani who is the lead singer from Freshleyground and chatted to her for a bit. I didn't chat to the artists so much at Edgars as there was just so many people around in a rush and wanting pictures with Freshlyground and Locnville. Erin and I made our way to the Superga store where earlier I had a massive blonde moment with one of the Superga shop assistants. I would rather not tell you what happened, but I was really embarrassed.

Erin with Zolani (left)
Crowd of people at the Superga editions launch (right)
(Both pictures are from the Superga Facebook page.)

Zolani and I (left)
Locnville and I (right)
(Both pictures are from the Superga Facebook page.)

Superga lanyard I received (left)
Me wearing the lanyard (right)

Anyway, Erin and I arrived at the Superga store, outside there were chairs and couches outside the store as well as two ladies selling Peroni beer. About 5 minutes later, I turned to see Freshlyground and Locnville making their way to the Superga store...along with a big crowd of people walking with them. 

Outside the Superga store (top)
Inside the Superga store (bottom)
(Both pictures are from the Superga Facebook page.)

Locnville and Freshleyground went inside the Superga store for some reason that I didn't know, but everyone went inside and crowded around Locnville and Freshleyground that I couldn't see any of them inside. I decided to go inside the Superga store and I could see so many people smiling and very happy. Erin and I yet again got another picture with Locnville and Freshlyground. I also got Locnville, Kyla-Rose and Zolani's signatures. I saw that Erin was just talking to Locnville as she is really a big fan! I did also have a chat with Sarah-Jane, who is a very lovely lady and she is super kind! Many of the villens (this is the name that Locnville gave to their fans) also spoke to Sarah and also took some pictures with her. To all villens, I have just one thing to say: Locnville's "James Dean" official music video will be releasing soon!

Locnville and I (left)
Locnville and Erin ( right)

Erin with Sarah-Jane Nicholson (left)
Me with Sarah-Jane Nicholson (right)

Erin speaking to Locnville (top)
Locnville signing for their fans (bottom)

I looked around to see that there were quite a few people purchasing Superga shoes. There are shoes for everyone in all sizes, for children and adults. After spending some time in the Superga store, I went outside to where all the couches were. The photographer who took the pictures of everyone at Edgars came outside as well and put some photos he printed onto the table for Locnville and Freshlyground to sign. Locnville, Zolani and Kyla-Rose from Freshlyground came outside (they made it out of the crowd!) where there was a table with all the photographs on, and they signed the photos for their fans.

Locnville Superga editions board on the table outside of the Superga store

Locnville and Freshlyground in the Superga launch

As they were signing the photos, some girls came around to where Locnville were sitting, and they asked them to sign their shoes (not Superga shoes, their own shoes). I must admit, the girls did go crazy for Locnville, but not so much as screaming and shouting is concerned...I would just say the girls were very happy to see Locnville and have photos taken with them. I can also say that it is always good to have a pen and a paper handy. Ha! I think I was asked about 6 or 7 times if I could lend my pen to people and tear a page or two out of my notebook for people.

Erin with Kyla-Rose and Zolani (top)
Freshlyground and Locnville signing photographs taken at Edgars (bottom)(Both pictures are from the Superga Facebook page.)

As Freshlyground left, Kyla-Rose handed out the Freshlyground  "Take me to the dance" album to random people, so then I said my goodbye's to Freshlyground. Locnville went inside the Superga store and Erin followed them inside, I waited outside the store for a while longer and then I went inside. Locnville also had to go, so that is where I said my goodbye's to them. I was going to interview Locnville about their Superga launch, but as they say "time fly's when you're having fun", so it was unfortunate, but there is always a next time. Freshlyground and Locnville left just before 6pm as they are very busy people.
This was the first time I have met Freshlyground, but this wasn't my first time meeting Locnville as I have met them before. Both artists are very kind people and are super nice!

Kyla-Rose Smith (vocals and violinist from Freshlyground) and I

Overall it was a fantastic editions launch I must say! This is the first time I have ever been to a shoe launch in my life. It was great to see Locnville again and to see Freshlyground for the very first time up close and personal. The fans response was absolutely phenomenal, I was very happy to see smiling faces and everyone having a good time! It is always nice to see positive attitudes from people.

I'd like to thank every single person for putting this Superga launch together, I thoroughly enjoyed this day and I hope everyone that came to the launch also had a great time as well! Thank you for a wonderful day out!

If you'd like to check out more about Superga shoes, 'like' them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Superga-SA/163242813726039?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/Supergashoes
You can also check out Superga official website:
http://www.superga.co.za/index.asp
You can also check out Locnville's and Freshlyground's official, Facebook and Twitter pages:
Locnville: http://locnville.com/
https://twitter.com/locnville
http://www.facebook.com/Locnville?fref=ts
Freshlyground: http://www.freshlyground.com/
https://twitter.com/FRESHLYGROUNDsa
http://www.facebook.com/freshlygroundsa?fref=ts

Thank you to everyone who read my blog!
I highly appreciate it!
Until next time!

Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival

I have known about the Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival for about 3 years now, but I have never been the right age to attend them (You must be 18 years and older). This year, I decided that I am going to go see the Heineken festival and why so many people speak about how amazing it is. I am not sure if the Heineken Festival has been held in GrandWest before, but this year, it was held in the Grand Arena in GrandWest Casino.

I arrived at GrandWest with my friend, Erin, who was as excited as I was to go to the Heineken Festival. Before the event, we arrived about an hour before the time, we got our arm bands and waited for a bit at the entrance door. Erin and I were delighted to have bought Golden Circle tickets (I have never been in Golden Circle before in my life), and that was a true blessing! There weren't much people at the door, but apparently people start coming through near to when the show started...and so they did.

The doors opened and Erin and I walked towards the golden circle area. Golden Circle was the only place where everyone stood, the general tickets were sitting. It was just different to see that people were sitting for a festival. I found a perfect spot right in front of the stage. Erin and I asked three people to keep our spots for us and we went to get something to drink while we waited. We walked back into the grand arena and started talking to the three people who kept our spots and also said to me that they told only told two people that this spot was taken. I learnt that the artists that are performing are only singing about 2 -3 songs of theirs and that is why the show is only 3 hours long. I have seen that F*kofpolisiekar hasn't performed at the Heineken festival and this is their first time performing. To be honest, I haven't seen most of all the artists that performed at the festival live before, I have only seen the AMA-zing ChianoSky perform about 2 months ago and Mi Casa when they performed at KDay.

The clock struck at 20:00pm and there was Richard Hardiman, a 2OceansVibe presenter, who welcomed everyone to the 2012 Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival. He was really funny on stage and asked for everyone to not have their camera's flash as the performers will get blinded by all the flashes and that we also mustn't put our camera directly in front of us as the people behind you will then view a video from your phone/camera and won't be able to view the actual performance.

I couldn't believe that there was a 65 piece orchestra on stage as well. This is my very first time seeing a live orchestra on stage, now that was a truly amazing experience to see!
First up was aKING who were absolutely mind-blowing with their performance! Everyone cheered for them and shouted and screamed for them. aKING made a great welcome to the Heineken Festival. They were really good!

Left: aKING.
Right: Toya Delazy.

Next up was ChianoSky. Wow, but is she a fantastic singer! Somebody shouted "I love you!" and ChianoSky replied in saying "I love you to!". She graced the stage with her elegant voice singing "Sick Sick", which is her debut single off her debut album "Hungry". I heard quite a few people singing along with ChianoSky as I was singing as well. Her next song she sang was "Walking Away", which is one of my personal favourite's. Her performance was truly amazing and really fantastic to watch. ChianoSky's voice is really lovely and I just know she is going to go so far in life with her amazing talent that she has! She is really talented and I absolutely love her music!

ChianoSky performing "Sick Sick".

Next up was Zolani Mahola. Her voice was absolutely amazing to listen to as well. I was so happy that she sang "Doo Be Doo" and "I'd Like". Zolani really has a unique voice, a voice I haven't ever heard before. She sang really well and her performance was absolutely amazing to watch, everyone cheered for her and sang along to all her songs she performed.
The next music group that performed was Van Coke Kartel. They are an Afrikaans rock band, who really made the crowd go wild, especially a few people in the middle of the golden circle area. They were headbanging, hands in the air, singing along and most of all having a good time! The guitarists were also jumping up and down, playing their guitar, they were all really awesome!

Zolani Mahola and Van Coke Kartel performing live.

Francois Van Coke welcomed Toya Delazy and saying that they both own the same car, just a different colour. Toya Delazy performed her two most well-known songs, which are "Love is in the air" and "Pump it on". She really made the crowd jump up and down and dance to the beat of her music. She was really amazing to see live. I have never seen her live before and let me tell you, if  Toya Delazy is performing in your city, I suggest you go and watch her perform live! She is super talented and really has a great voice!
Next up was Tumi and the Volume. They were really good, I looked around at everyone in the crowd and I could see so many people with their hands in the air, singing along and cheering for this group. They were really a great experience watching live!
Next up to perform was Ard Matthews, in which Erin went crazy for! She screamed and shouted for Ard Matthews. His songs were really good live. He came to the side where we were standing and Erin couldn't stop waving at him (literally!). Throughout his performance, he was truly amazing! His songs were perfect and he is a really good singer!
After Ard Matthews, Richard Hardiman came on stage and said there will be a 20 minute interval, so I decided to walk around the Grand Arena for a little bit, then I came back to the stage and sat until the interval was over.

Top left: Ard Matthews.
Top right: 65 piece orchestra.
Bottom left and right: Van Coke Kartel.

After the interval, Macstanley came on stage and sang about 3 of their songs. I do remember seeing Andy Mack on Thursday that week as I went to go job shadow at KFM Studios that day and I saw him arrive and he went for an interview on 567 Cape Talk. Their performance was really an eye opener (I hope that made sense.). I have never seen Macstanley perform live before and let me tell you, Andy Mack has got one great voice on him. While Macstanley performed, there were white big balloons floating in the air which has the words "Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival" written on them. In between their songs, Andy Mack interacted with the crowd of people and told us some interesting stories and more importantly, thanked the composer who sat endless nights, writing the music for this night. His name is John Walton. I remember Andy Mack saying that John Walton worked 6 months putting together all the music for the Heineken Festival this night. Oh! Did you know? Macstanley was originally named Flat Stanley? All that changed was the band's name.
Next up was the amazing F*kofpolisiekar. Just like Van Coke Kartel, everyone jumped up and down and the crowd screamed and went crazy! The only difference between Van Coke Kartel and F*kofpolisiekar is that F*kofpolisiekar were a little more mellow, soft rock than Van Coke Kartel, with the songs they sang. Francois Van Coke, in both Van Coke Kartel and F*kofpolisiekar, jumped up and down on stage and went crazy on stage, which made it even cooler!

The crowd at the Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival.

Next up was Zahara. To be honest, I had no idea what most of the lyrics were in her music, but what I can tell you is that it was really lovely to listen to Zahara's voice live for the very first time. She interacted between her songs with all the people. She also sang a verse of one of her new songs in her upcoming album. She sang with no music, just her voice and it was absolutely lovely! The crowd really cheered for her.
Next up was Mi Casa. By now, my feet were getting sore as I was standing so long in shoes I am not used to wearing for such a long time. Mi Casa started off by singing "These streets", in which my friend was completely crazy about, clapping, cheering for Mi Casa. J-Something moved his waist from side to side and the crowd just went absolutely wild!
After Mi Casa's second song, I couldn't take standing on my feet anymore, so I decided to leave the Grand Arena, I never left GrandWest Casino, I just walked outside and went to go sit down somewhere. Erin tagged along with me. I couldn't stand standing on my feet for about 4 hours straight (excuse the pun.). After a while, I did hear Ed Roland from Collective Soul who was performing in the Grand Arena.

Top left: Macstanley.
Top right: Balloons in the air between the crowd.
Bottom left: Mi Casa.
Bottom right: Zahara.

After a while of sitting, resting my feet, I saw Toya Delazy and Zahara walk past and I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to finally meet them. It was a little upsetting to see so many people come up to them and just start talking all at the same time. I introduced myself to Toya Delazy and said to her that she is one talented singer and her performance was simply amazing to see for the very first time!

Me and Erin with Toya Delazy.

Me with Jedd Kossew and Francois Van Coke.

Erin with Jedd Kossew and Francois Van Coke.

After a while, I saw Francois Van Coke and Jedd Kossew from Van Coke Kartel. Erin was shy to introduce herself, so I told her to walk up to them and introduce herself. I walked after her and introduced myself and I said that their performance was really awesome! It truly was an awesome experience to see them for the first time performing live. I would definitely go watch them perform live again!

The Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival came to an end, which all the artists went on stage and all of them said thank you for coming and the crowd cheered for every single one of them.
After all of the performers went off, we were allowed to meet the artists. I did ask to call ChianoSky if I can talk to her and the security guard called ChianoSky. All my friend wanted to meet was Ard Matthews, so she asked ChianoSky, but ChianoSky said that she couldn't find him. Erin and I got to chat to ChianoSky, saying how amazing she looks, her performance was truly an amazing experience to see and how super talented she is! ChianoSky is also super friendly to everyone, especially her fans! I am proud to say that I am her biggest Cape Town fan ever! It was also nice of her to compliment that she liked my shoes and that they looked lovely on me. ChianoSky's music kind of 'hooks' on you, once you start listening to her music, you get addicted to her songs. I am also very happy that ChianoSky signed her single "Home Sweet Home" for me. I love her message she wrote for me, it really means so much to me!

Me with ChianoSky.

Signed "Home Sweet Home" CD by ChianoSky.

Overall, the Heineken Symphonic Rocks Festival was really one of the best nights ever! This was my very first time to see a live orchestra right in front of my eyes. I was truly blessed to have met some of the artists, which I was really happy about. I enjoyed every single one of the performances from the artists on this night, they were truly AMA-zing!!!

I thank every single person who put this festival together,
I also thank John Walton and the 65 piece orchestra who performed absolutely wonderfully on this night,
Thank you to all for an absolute stunning night out!

Thank you to everyone who read my blog,
I really appreciate it!

See You Next Wednesday ft. ChianoSky at The Assembly

I picked up my friend, Erin, then my uncle took us through to "The Assembly" club. When we arrived, the queue to buy tickets was very long, but Erin and I went right to the front of the queue as I received an email a couple hours earlier from the Glamour magazine that told me I've won tickets to go to Assembly, plus I also got a bar tab and ChianoSky's album "Hungry". I thank Glamour magazine for the tickets, bar tab and ChianoSky's album.

I went in Assembly and it was a very nice club as I've never been in Assembly before. There were very comfy couches, some games like pool and there was a bar. We bumped into Deon Van Zyl who has worked with Jax Panik and we introduced ourselves. Deon is one of the photographer's for The Assembly club. When Erin and I were at the bar, we bought a "Red Bull" and we went to go sit on one of the comfy couches and chilled for a bit, chatting to each other. It was nearly 11pm, then Erin and I went to go to stand in front of the stage.

Then it was time for ChianoSky's performance, that was unbelievably amazing! To be honest, I have never seen ChianoSky perform live before. This was the first time ChianoSky has performed live in Cape Town, so I couldn't miss this event for the world.

ChianoSky started off her performance with the song "Home Sweet Home", which every single person in the club was dancing to the wonderful music. ChianoSky's music is really sexy, playful and totally 100% original. She writes her own music and has a super talented voice. Many of the people from the crowd held out their hands, took pictures, screaming with cheer and having a good time rocking it out with ChianoSky.

After a few sings, ChianoSky performed the song "Act like a man", she sat on a chair and started singing, it was so beautiful, my mind was blown away by her absolutely amazing voice. "Act like a man" is a very catchy song, very lovely and the lyrics is simply lovely!
ChianoSky also sang "Sick Sick", which to me, is a very jazzy/pop song. It's a lovely love song, it is also her debut single which was released last year (2011). ChianoSky ended off her performance with the song "Sick Sick" remix, which every single person danced to. Many of the people jumped around and boogeyed to this amazing remix of "Sick Sick", it was really a good song! The response, in my opinion towards ChianoSky's performance, was everything of what I had expected. Everyone was having a great time, dancing to the music and listening to ChianoSky's beautiful voice!

After ChianoSky's performance, we were all allowed to meet her, take pictures with her and talk to her for a bit. While we were waiting, I bumped into Kyle Lewis and Ali Wacher from "Dirty Soul Productions" and we had chatted for a bit. I was surprised that they knew who I was. ChianoSky came out and she hugged me hello. She asked me and Erin to wait for a bit as we were all going to go backstage and chat...

When we were backstage, I was going on about how absolutely amazing ChianoSky's performance was, it was really a fantastic performance! I was completely blown away by her performance. Erin was also saying how much she has enjoyed ChianoSky's performance, Erin was just smiling and very happy as this was her very first time going to a club. I have gone to a few other clubs before, but this has been the best performance I have ever seen at a club in my whole life! Erin an I got our ChianoSky "Hungry" album and poster's signed, we chatted for a bit, saying how incredibly talented she is. Erin was saying how absolutely gorgeous she is. ChianoSky is super friendly, we were all chatting about how Erin and I found out about her, her debut single "Sick Sick" was always playing one radio whenever I was walking home from my bus stop and we also got some pictures with ChianoSky.

We chatted for quite a while, talking about how much Erin and I really enjoyed her performance. After we chatted, we headed on down back to the main dance floor, I hugged her and we all said our goodbye's. Erin and I still cannot believe that all of this happened, it was truly amazing!

One of ChianoSky's inspirations comes from Amy Winehouse, and let me just say that Amy Winehouse still lives in ChianoSky. I don't know if it is just me, but whenever I hear Amy Winehouse song, I always think of ChianoSky's music and that both music genre's sound similar, which is fantastic! I guarantee you that you will be hearing about ChianoSky and her music. With a voice like hers, there is no way that her music will not go unnoticed. ChianoSky music is very lovely and meaningful.

I recommend everyone who is into jazz/pop music and who loved Amy Winehouse's music, should purchase ChianoSky's album "Hungry". There is amazing music that everyone will enjoy, I guarantee you, you will enjoy her album very much. I love all of ChianoSky's songs, but my favourite's I am listening to mostly is: "Home Sweet Home", "Walking Away", "Act like a man", "Believe" and "Sick Sick". The one song that I think is a song every single person will love is "Live out loud (LOL)", there is a message in this song that has given me motivation about my dreams and goals in life. In every one of ChianoSky's song, there lies a message that everyone can interpret in their own way.

Thank you to Assembly and ChianoSky for this event to happen,
Thank you to everyone who attended!
This was truly an amazing event!

Thanks everyone for reading my blog.

The SoapGirls

A lot of people may ask: Who are The SoapGirls?

Well, I am going to tell you exactly who they are. The word 'SOAP' stands for Sassy Outrageous And Pink. Camille and Noemie  (A.K.A Millie and Mie) make up The SoapGirls. They are sisters and they are originally born in Paris, France. They also know a bit of 66 languages, which to me is a talent. When they were younger, they used to sell their own home made soap for various causes/charities ,in Hout Bay, Cape Town, next to the fish and chips shop that is called "Marina's Wharf" . Mille and Mie discovered that they wanted to be singers at a young age.

Last year, in the year 2011, The SoapGirls released their first single "Sour" which was played on the radios. One day, when the SOAP Girls were busy being interviewed by 94.5 KFM, when they spoke, they both spoke at the same time, the exact same words (which not even my sister and I could do).

They have a Facebook  fan page called "The SoapGirls", in which case, last year (2011), I started talking to them. At first I was a little shy as I couldn't believe that I was talking to a well-known group. After a while I started talking to The SoapGirls a lot more as I have become a big fan of theirs. The SoapGirls call their fans 'Diamonds'.

Mid December last year, they released their debut album "Xperience" which is available at any CD store in South Africa. In my opinion, I think you should definitely buy their CD. From what I know, The SoapGirls have worked long and stressful hours to create such an incredible album. I love all the song tracks on their album, but the current song which I am listening to mostly is "Hurricane". As I said, all their songs are amazing, they are meaningful and very inspirational. 

My advice when you first listen to the SOAP Girls album: When you first listen to their album, close your eyes and try to understand what message they are telling you.

My review of the SoapGirls music video "Hurricane":

If you haven't watched the 'behind the scenes' of this music video, then you might not understand the meaning of the music video. If you watch the 'begins the scenes' video, the SoapGirls state that this music video is true to who they are as people and as musicians. It also shows that they are not afraid of any challenges they face. In the music video, towards the bridge of their song, in one scene, they may be baring their skin, but to me, it shows that they are not afraid of anything that comes their way. To me, if you bare your skin on a movie, TV Series or music videos, it shows that you are not afraid. Instead, you have a high self-esteem, you are confident about yourself and you love yourself just the way you are (I don't mean conceited, you are generally happy with who you are). "Hurricane" is definitely a song about love (It is almost like a metaphor about love). My advice to you is when you first watch the music video, look at it carefully and try to understand the message the SOAP Girls are conveying.

The SoapGirls have inspired me when I first knew about them. Yes, Amy Lee is my number 1 role model I look up to, but I also look up to other people like the SOAP Girls. They are motivated and tell their fans never to give up on their goals and dreams, and that's what I look up to in them.

I can tell you that I have to thank them for giving me the opportunity to meet them at the MCQP. Their performance was truly amazing! They were really funny and everyone I saw at the MCQP enjoyed their performance. During The SoapGirls performance, they played "Puppet on a String" and they said that it was especially for one of their fans (Yes, that was me.). After their performance, I got to meet them, and they signed their album for me. When I met them, they were down-to-earth girls, very kind and their personalities are so warm with care.

I have recently asked The SoapGirls via the social network, Twitter, if they could answer the following questions:

1. What inspired both of you to become singers?

TSG: "We have since the youngest age found happiness and inspiration in music and performing."

2. Who are your role models?

TSGs: "Our mom, she is very inspiring/amazing and Madonna."

3. How long did it take to record your album "Xperience"?

TSG: "9 Months."

4. How motivated are you both before a performance?

TSG: "We always amped, it's our favourite part performing live to a crowd."

5. What was it like when you shot your music video "Hurricane"? What was the experience like?

TSG: "It was amazing to be able to put ourselves physically to our song".

I am a huge fan of The SoapGirls and I am Proud to be a Diamond!

The SoapGirls are definitely my favourite pop group.

Here are the following links you can check out more on them:

The SoapGirls official website:

http://www.thesoapgirls.co.za/

You can check out the SOAP Girls facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/TheSoapGirls

Here is the link to The SoapGirls 'behind the scenes' and official music video for their song "Hurricane":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVfOcJzjOqU&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya4HmI_w3x4&feature=plcp

Thank you for reading my blog!

The warmest regards!

Review of the Brand New Locnville "James Dean" Song.

The song starts off with what sounds like and orchestra of violins. The beats then start coming in after about 10 seconds, which sounds incredible when it is combined with the violin type orchestra.

After about 10 seconds, the chorus starts and Locnville start singing.  The chorus is repeated twice, but as Locnville end the chorus part, the name “James Dean” is said in a different way, like a robot speaking. It sounds really good!

As the 1^st verse starts, Locnville start to rap for the rest of the verse, which sounds so incredible! I cannot actually describe how amazing it sounds; it is almost a little bit different to what their music on their albums is like. When the line “I'm just rolling with the punches in a jungle and its fierce” is sung, you can hear in the background a sound of a lion roar.

After the first verse, the chorus starts again and is also repeated twice. Again, you hear the name at the end of the chorus, “James Dean” in a robotic sort-of voice, but the voice’s sound is lower than what you expect of an actual robot talking, which I find very cool!

In the second verse, the music beats stop and as Locnville sing, the music beats start again and as Locnville sing this line “'cause I'mma huff and puff until this blunt burn out”, I get a visual effect of the story “The Three Little Pigs” as the wolf huff’s and puff’s and blows the two pigs houses down. I find the second verse really up-beat and just perfect!

After the second verse, the chorus starts again. After the chorus is repeated twice, you hear the sound of the music that was played at the intro of the song, almost like a violin orchestra. You also hear a woman speaking at the end, you hear the name “James Dean” after the woman speaks, then you hear a man’s voice speaking, it sounds like a quote from someone. Right at the end of the song, you hear the name “James Dean”, then the song finishes.

In my opinion, I think this is relaxing music to listen to, whether you’re driving to work or you are on a road trip, this song is perfect for anything you do.

PS: Please help Locnville to let everyone in the world listen to this inspirational song.

If you have a Twitter account and would like to share your thought about this song, please use the hashtag #JamesDean

Thank you for reading my review on the new Locnville song!

Here is the link to watch Locnville's brand new song :James Dean":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN-WQjtN6CA