General reinvents himself

Johannesburg- Godfather of kwaito music, The General, has promisedto drive the nation craze with his new 18-track album to be launched next week.

The General (33), whose real name is Sphiwe Sibisi, told media thatthe new album entitled Ufunimali Yami mixes all types of music rangingfrom kwaito, hip-hop, jazz, house, rhythm and blues (R&B), saying he didthis to suit the taste of all age groups.Ufunimali Yami carries songs that promise fireworks such as Siphilangazo,Masiyeni, Sesivuthiwe, Uyagoloza, Mnathufela, Life Is Beautiful, NgconoBasiyeke and Imali Seyiphelile.

The General is not new to entertainment as he joined forces way back inthe early 2000 with the likes of kwaito guru- Mandoza, Abashanti and twoother late friends - Sizwe Motau and Sibusiso Thanjekwayo - who thrilledthe nation under the group name- Chiskop.“I have taken my time to come up with this project, and I am convinced itwill drive the nation craze. I call this album cocktail music because it sfor different people in different moods or situations.“It’s value for money! I am calling upon the entire nation to support thisgem of an album.

I am sure every South African will get something fromthis album because it covers hip-hop, kwaito, jazz, house and R’n’ B,”said The General.Judging from the producers who participated in this project, it appearsthe sky will be the limit, otherwise the album will force itself onto thetop charts in South Africa and beyond its borders.

Renowned local music producers such as Galile Roux, Terry Pinama, Cypho -who acts on local soapie Generations as Ajax, Goggi Pinama, Mxo andLungelo, combined their efforts on this project.The general warned those involved in music piracy that he would not foldhis arms when “unscrupulous” people are making huge profits frommusicians’ “sweat”.“Stop piracy out there, otherwise the law will catch up with you.

It isalways good to support us because you will be giving the local musicians achance to improve on their works.“My appeal to the nation is to support whatever brand is South African, beit music, football, food or clothes. That way we will go forward as anation,” said The General.

Turning to HIV/AIDS, The General said the youths were dying in largenumbers mainly because they were not condomising.“My message to you young South Africans is condomise and escape from thewrath of HIV/AIDS. More importantly, I would like to urge you to go toschool so that you enjoy a bright future,” he said.

When asked to share his views on the perceptions that kwaito music was formusicians or singers associated with violence, The General dismissed theclaim as untrue, saying such notions lacked substance.“Kwaito is our original music from the ghetto, and was started by our ownpeople trying to change their lives.

The ghetto boys and ghetto girlsalways express their feelings through such type of music.“Kwaito was invented by South Africans and the music will live forever,”he said.The General is married with two girls - Nombuso (10) and Lwandi (six).“I am from a big family with lots of aunties, uncles, brothers andsister,” said The General.

He said he enjoyed going out for gigs during weekends, and occasionallytook time to visit friends and relatives.

Kwaito General is back with a bang

One of the biggest contemporary Kwaito artists to come out of South Africa, he is only known as General. General is General and after all these years, there’s still no one like him around.

But with a surname like Sibisi, I am sure we would all much rather just refer to him as General.
He is launching his new CD fittingly titled Ngifuni Mali Yami Cash, and General has not changed at all. He is sultry and confident with his singing as before.

And take note, he wrote all of the lyrics and collaborated with others for the melodies in this album and also co-produced with Le Roux of the Nkalakata fame.

“I have been in studio for the last two years working on this album. This is going to be the biggest album for 2009. I have worked with some of the best musicians around. I’m featuring Brickz, Black Coffee, MXO and I have also teamed up with the producer Le Roux of the Nkalakata fame,” the General said oozing with confidence.

What makes General different is that there is nothing soothing or whispery about his singing. He can belt it out big like a real Kwaito giant.

“This is the biggest album of my career. I have never enjoyed working. Music here is different and appeals to everyone, from Kwaito to Jazz, this is the album for 2009,” General said.

He is blessed with a melodious and flexible voice and can always land on the right notes. You can also add his extremely wide range, probably three octaves. One cannot help but marvel at what his vocals can do to your ears.

General will be launching on November 11 at the up market Club Inc in Braamfontein. So you can expect to see all from Kwaito generation there.

For starters, his fans will surely enjoy hearing his old songs again. Nobody sings them like he does. Again he has been away from the music scene for two years. And best of all, this is not just another “greatest hits” show by an artist from the long forgotten past - General has lots of new songs from the new album.

Opener Kwaito Lifikile is a spirited tune that echoes the big sellers and has all the makings of a hit. Homie Lover Friend, with its simple arrangement, best shows off his clear-toned singing.
Wonke Amaparty and Re Batla Monate Fela are made for dance floor. And if you want to hear General harmonize with himself, he does this very well in Buya Ekhaya.

Helping make this CD a truly impressive package are the musicians featured, all who serve to enhance the well-crafted production.

Mugabe's cronies fume over ICT bill

A draft Information Telecommunication (ICT)Bill tabled by a cabinet minister has engulfed fragile Zimbabwe Coalition government.

ICT Minister, Nelson Chamisa, has been accused by Zanu PF loyalists as trying to re-order functions of three ministries through the bill.

The Bill backed by Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) seeks to open up Zimbabwe’s media and telecommunications sector, which have been tightly controlled by President Mugabe’s cronies since independence.

The government controlled Herald newspaper, reported on Wednesday that Dr. Misheck Sibanda, the Cabinet secretary refused to transmit the bill because it wasn’t legally sound.

“We are not sure if the minister has crafted the draft as a member of this government or as an MDC functionary,” the paper said quoting a government source. “This is a political Bill.”

Another source from Mr Mugabe’s office quoted by the Herald said Mr Chamisa’s draft threatened the fabric of the inclusive government and would set a “a dangerous precedent for the coalition that is only half a year old

Six months after Mr Mugabe formed a unity government with his former arch rivals led by Mr Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Professor Arthur Mutambara of the smaller formation of the MDC, the coalition is haggling over key reforms.
Hardliners in the former ruling Zanu PF are said to be resistant to media reforms because they are afraid of opening up space to the MDC formations ahead of fresh elections due in the next 18 months.

In February, President Robert Mugabe almost caused the collapse of the coalition when he unilaterally took away the control of the telecommunications and broadcasting portfolios from Mr Chamisa and handed them to ministers from his Zanu PF.

Rude weather scare visitors in Cape Town

I arrived in Cape Town yesterday and got a rude awakening, the weather is weird, it’s weird because Iam not used to such unfriendly environment. The city is raining badly to the extent that hundreds of residents, most in informal settlements, had to be evacuated as heavy showers caused chaos throughout the city yesterday.

Major dailies in the city today reported that,City of Cape Town's disaster services, was swamped with calls with people seeking assistance. At least 1 000 people living in informal areas were flooded out.

The SA weather office has warned that very cold, wet and windy conditions as well as snowfalls are expected in high-lying areas today (mon) and tomorrow.

True hero honoured at Men's Health Awards

Last night I attended the Men's Health Best Awards in Kyalami, it was really a night of glitz and glamour. There were all kinds of people who graced the occassion to honour men that have excelled in their chosen field.

With all due respect to the winners, my highlight of the night was when a man that I have known for a year was awarded  The Editor's Choice Award. When I say 'known' him i don't mean on personal level. I first met this humble man in 2008 at Microsoft office in Johannesburg, he was sitting there but there was something about him that struck me, it was his humility.

 

later that day I enquired who he was I was told it was Zibusiso Mkhwananzi a 25 year entrepreneur who has achieved success in the ICT world with his company Krazy Boys Digital, to cut the story short I was impressed by his tenacity and drive.

 

Recently, he changed my life, he doesn't know it but he did.When he was announced last night i said to myself this is a well deserved recognition. Congratulations man you desrve it keep the good work, we need more leaders like you.

Mkhwanazi is not only the executive chairman of the country's largest digital advertising agency, Krazyboyz Digital, he has also founded a non-profit entrepreneurship academy for the underprivileged in his community of Vosloorus. His vision is to create a new breed of "ethical" South African entrepreneurs. 

Finalists were selected after a public call for nominations and direction from a panel comprised of specialists in the respective categories and finalists from previous years. These finalists were considered based on the iconic status achieved in their area of expertise, as well as the difference made in everyday life for the good of society. Winners were selected by Men's Health readers via the website and the magazine. 

 

Makwikwi goes live

Today will go done in history as the day as it the day i have launched my new plateform to communicate with the world. This blog will be about my experinces as person and professional challenges.

I will share with the world the latest news in the ICT world from Africa. My travels will also be published here.