We are not sure if we will make it in time to the Drum60 birthday celebration because my sidekick – known to you as Makisto, and I, left Sandton a bit late.
Umoja opening the party
After getting lost and doing a lot of circling around OR Tambo International Airport, we finally arrive 30 minutes late to the ever entertaining Emperor’s Palace. As I look around everybody is looking all nosh and up-to-date. We walk down to the register desk and a polite lady thoroughly vets the invite list to find our names, and BANG! There we are, she directs us to the door where we receive a goody bag as big as Mashaangan Bag, all colourful, covered in the oldest DRUM Magazine covers.
Bonang and Makisto
Just as we are about to try and contain our excitement over the very heavy packed goodie bag, we are informed to find a table and sit but it shouldn’t have the “reserved tables” tag. We find a nice spot just in the middle of the floor so that we have a view of everyone coming in, going out and doing the ups and downs during the event.
Kwaaaaa @ Penny's mini-dress inside lol, we saw some thighs. In White Jacket is Arthur Mafokate and the woman is Thandi Klaasen
Five minutes upon our arrival, celebs start pouring in and my sidekick, yes, I told you Makisto is my sidekick, starts going on a picture-taking spree, capturing everyone that enters through the black carpet entrance as the red carpet was already rolled off, lol.
The party kick starts with Umoja cast opening the function with an exhilarating cover of Mirriam Makeba’s Pata Pata. Just as we are recovering from the shock of those girls being flown in the air exposing their panties, Penny Lebyane rocks up to the stage in a pink shiny number that seems to boast a mini skirt/dress inside the flowing long sheet she holds as she walks. She is the MC for the event and she looks like she is in a good mood. I’m sure this time she would have allowed us to snap her unlike at the Feathers where she refused!
Madame Gigi is set to give Trevor Noah a run for his money
Madam Gigi takes over the event in a dramatical black dress and heavy make-up. He takes a Mabbrr number dedicated to all women in the house, specifiacally Winnie Madikizela Mandela. I must admit the nigga is very funny and can hold his own stand up comedy show, Trevor Noah, watch out! Somgaga is coming to give you a run for your money.
Together forever: They even completed each other's phrases, lol
Awards were presented to the best couple, Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbuli as a Couple To Look Up To. Yeap folks, the duo have been married for 46 years now. They couldn’t stop thanking Jesus and everyone for the surprise award. I thank God mam’ Letta didn’t try to sing, oh the horror, I think her voice disappeared with apartheid! Then the very hyperactive mam’ Thandi Klaasen was honoured with another award too for Timeless Beauty. she couldn’t stop telling us how good we look and Mrs lady is waaaay too funny, she just talks and talks!
Thembi Seete received the Rising Star Award and performed with Boom Shaka. The stage looked so empty without Lebo Mathosa. However, Lebo’s background voice filled it all up!
Mam' Winnie is an Icon
Mam Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was presented with an Icon Award. She went on and on about how she is testifying for Juju at the ANC thingie. Mam Winnie is so beautiful and very humble.
Fantastic Tazteeq: Mover over Makisto, Tazteeq is in the house
Generations Creator Mfundi Vundla was presented with a Behind The Scenes Award. We can only guess it's because so many of his stars are forever on the DRUM magazine cover. The late mam Dolly Rathebe was presented with a Posthumous Award.
Khanyi Mbau et al
Khanyi Mbau and crew were at their best on the dance floor, lol and they also presented some award.
Everyone was called to the stage by Penny for a cake-cutting moment and thank goodness only relevant people went to the stage this time, lest we forget what happened at the Sport Awards! I must say Uyanda Mbuli’s dress sense is always on point, Zizo Beda must look up to you woman! Nhlanhla Nciza looked like she shopped for her Orange jacket at Pep, Wrong material girl!
Zaharifying everyone
Then Zahara gave a live performance and her DRB accent aka Deep Rural Background accent shone through each time she pronounced the word “Magazine”, leaving me lolified. Otherwise, the girl is the future of this country’s music!
Thanks Drum for the do, we had fun. Next time you have a party, don’t let my sidekick run around trying to score an invite, just invite us, ok.
More pictures from the do are available here