Glitz at video awards

By Stevens Muendo

Minutes to midnight, the exhilarating mood at the star-studded Carnivore City hotel in Johannesburg died. Suddenly, tears began flowing as South Africa guitar superstar Jimmy Dludlu, (a protÈgÈ of the late Ghanaian legend George Lee) and the departed icon’s fellow activist stood on the half lit podium narrating moving tales on the life and times of the jazz icon who had died two weeks before receiving the coveted Special Recognition award 2008.

After paying tribute to the departed jazz legend, the stage lit up as the charismatic Channel O VJ Kabelo Ngakane and O Honey Nonhle Thema took to the podium amidst wild cheers.

Their humour quickly restored the jovial mood all night long. Hundreds of fans had thronged the venue while millions of other fans watched the live broadcast across Africa.

The awards held in South Africa saw glitz and glamour, extravagance and elegance sparkling on the red carpet.

Pomp and colour as Africa honoured talent last week during the prestigious Channel O Spirit of Africa Awards.

One would have be excused for mistaking it for the Grammy Awards. The stars seemed not to have spared a single penny when it came to classy outfits designed by leading names in the fashion industry.

Models in gleaming golden attire ushered in the continent’s finest musicians as they strutted the red carpet. Namibians artistes Gal Level, Lady May, Sunny Boy and The Dogg also made grand entries.

Nigerian twins P Square were accompanied by their entourage that included the reigning Miss Nigeria Adaeza Igwe. 2Face Idibia, Ikechukwu, Naeto C, KC Presh and M-Thrill who all came clad in breath taking ensembles.

South Africa had HHP, Blesksem, Da L.E.S, Pro and Pro-Verb while East Africa was represented by Witness and Fid Q from Bongoland and a distinctively polished looking home girl, Amani.

Zimbabwean-born Buffalo Souljah, the surprise king of the night walked tall with heavy bling, followed by Lizha James, the latest sensation from Mozambique.

As early as 6pm, the party was already underway and after a two hour red carpet dinning and wining session, funky Nigerian group T-Thrill romped onto the stage igniting what turned out to be a night of great thrills.

That was before P Square gave an electrifying show, which had the crowd singing along to their hit, Do Me.

Showbiz kings

Witness, former Cococola popstar and Fid Q also sprung a commanding performance soon after P Square’s Exit

Poised and witty, Kabelo and Nonhle made a perfect match as other Channel O VJ’s Nzinga, Rachel, Lungsta, TJ Minx, Tana, Tia and Kenya’s Aimee Ongeso joined to carry the crowd through the night. However, the night belonged to Buffalo Souljah, the Zimbabwean king of Dancehall who clinched the Best New Comer and Best Ragga/Dancehall Video categories to the shock of many thanks to his single Bubble Your Bumz.

It was a glorious night for P Square who bagged the Best West African and the biggest award of the night, Video of the Year award, which was awarded by the event’s co-sponsors Amarula cream.

The new African showbiz kings who have been nominated in numerous awards left their Nigerian counterpart 2Face a humbled man as he left with empty hands.

"I salute all the winners. I believe tonight’s results are a reflection of how Africa voted and can only join in congratulating the winners," 2Face told Pulse during an interview soon after the event came to a close.

"The stiff competition displayed in this event is a reflection that the showbiz industry in Africa is growing and that is the real spirit behind the Channel O Awards," he added.

It was a night of pleasant surprises as Ogopa produced Gal Level from Namibia triumphed over Amani scooping the Best R&B award.

All hope for an Amani win vanished when Witness from Tanzania won the Best East Africa award.

Baffled but holding to her composure, Amani joined in congratulating the Namibians and Witness applauding their win as a deserving case.

"I must admit that that being paired with some of Africa’s top acts in those two categories was a tall order for me. Nevertheless, I am happy as the awards provided many lessons for me and can only help to make me a better artiste," Amani told Pulse.