The awards are being held at Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni, and the MC for the evening is Nik Rabinowitz, who is famous throughout the land as South Africa's funniest Jewish Xhosa speaking comedian. Also a host on SABC and author of "South Africa: Long Walk to a Free Ride", Nik has a strong rural background and grew up speaking Xhosa. That's why he's had audiences from every background in stitches. You can't fall asleep at the table when Nik is at the mic. His latest international exploit? He's starring alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Jeff Goldblum, Jennifer Lewis and Leonard Nimoy as a Hurricane, one of the birds of prey that keeps the skies safe for the other birds in Zambezia, the animated film by South African Triggerfish Studios about a young falcon who leaves his desert home in search of fun and excitement in the big city, Zambezi a.
Once the awards are over, there is going to be a party of note. Let's hear it for a band that needs no introduction: Mafikizolo!
One of South Africa's best loved bands, Theo Kgosinkwe, Nhlanhla Nciza, and Tebogo Madingoane immediately began winning an army of fans since 1997 with their infectious brand of kwaito inflected with blues, swing, gospel and other influences. Their irresistible rhythms deal with subjects that all their fans can relate to, from the most joyful to the most tragic - all from personal experience. When Tebogo was tragically killed in 2004, Theo and Nhlanhla dug deep to overcome the pain. Love, heartbreak, suffering, loss and redemption and joy shine through in albums like Kwela, Van Toeka Af, and Six Mabone. The last title, named after a popular 1960s car, really gives a flavour of what the Mafikizolo brand is all about. As singer Theo Kgosinkwe said, "In the 60s, Six Mabone had the same status as BMW today. And our music is enjoyed by the young and the old. We are taking our fans back and forth."
In 2012, Mafikizolo celebrated a comeback with the album Reunited. On 25 October guests of the Motlekar Holdings BBQ Awards are going to have the chance to reunite with their inner party animal - thanks to Mafikizolo!
Now in its twelfth year, the Motlekar Holdings BBQ Awards are hosted by Cape Media. To find out more, call Zama Hlekani: 021 681 7000
or email: az.oc.aidemepac@inakelh.amaz
