Mika Stefano's Blog

The SAMA pre parties with SABC 1 and Metro FM

Mika Stefano — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:15:46 +0000

So, on the Friday evening after the industry awards and before the main event on Saturday, both SABC1 and Metro FM hosted their own Pre parties.

Both of them were pretty cool. It was nice seeing the usual faces out of the usual environments… I guess this is the night when the famous line “What happens in Sun City stays in Sun City” becomes a trending topic…

These are a few of the faces I spotted at both parties…

Sandwiched between DJ Warras and Marvin who is part of the LIVE AMP team. They filmed LIVE AMP live from Sun City on Friday night. Was cool that they filmed it in Cabanas (the cheaper of the four hotels)

Hulisani Ravele looked sexy in black…

Miza kept things simple in denim. He was also DJ-ing.

Zizo looked flawless as usual.

At the Metro FM party I spotted the trendy Toya Delazy burning up the dance floor. This chikita has dance moves for days.

JSomething from MiCasa looked rather stylish for the party at the Shebeen. But this didn’t stop him from dancing to…

Dr Duda and MiCasa’s executive producer.

Loyiso Bala looked like he was having a good time. He was flying solo. I miss seeing Jen, but I guess she was looking after their baba…

Penny without a turban…

Fashion journo and social butterfly of note, Mokgadi let her hair down…

Some of the Amstel Influencers.

Her majesty, DJ Zinhle provided a sexy soundtrack for the party that had us all dancing…

To see more pictures CLICK HERE

SAMA’s Friday Evening – Industry Party with Amstel

Mika Stefano — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:14 +0000

On Friday Evening I attended the SAMA’s Industry event. It took place in the same venue that was transformed into the Amstel Official After Party.

This is the evening where all the industry folks get dressed up to celebrate the hard work of the people who are behind the scenes, or not really on your mainstream radio stations. It is also the evening Amstel celebrated the Amstel SAMA Lifetime Achievement Winners, Dr Thomas Chauke, Sizwe Zako and the late Johannes Kerkorrel.

These are a few of the people I spotted at the Amstel bar after the awards having a sip of the new official beverage sponsor of the SAMA’s.

The oh so stylish and trendy Toya Delazy, who was already excited to have already won one award… (This was on Friday evening, before she walked away with another two….) She pulled me to one side and thanked me for all the support. She obviously remembers this article I wrote about her in January. (Top13 of 2013)
She was wearing items from her very own LEGiT range. I must say, I have seen some of the stuff and its very sexy. I love how the jeans fit, in fact I bought one of her army looking shirts…lol… It looked so cool, but I knew I couldn’t wear it to the SAMA’s, in case I bump into her wearing it too…

Its not really a clear picture, but I love her new hairstyle..

Jen Su was the lady in Red, weairing Pallu of Sandton. I kinda like the design of the red and the effect of origami.

Lira walked away with an award on the first night… I just love this lady… She was wearing her mother – in – law’s pants, from the 70′s… Teamed up with Sylvester Falata… Its simple yet stylish and clean… Looks like she used her Samsung washing machine to get those pants so white…

Weza who was also an Amstel influencer and myself having a little groupie moment… We love Lira

Weza looked sexy in animal print… She was also dressed by Sylvester Falata… You go Sylvester… Stitch away…

As for Penny…. Can concierge please get her an iron to iron that dress… All the hotels have irons…

Penny is going to teach me how to tie a turban. She has made looking like a Geni her trademark…

My darlings, Blackbyrd kept things simple. I love these girls… Just wish urban radio stations will pick up on how amazing these sisters are… They received four nominations…

Sindy Mabe looked stylish in a green dress. Very sexy chomi…

Danny K and Elvis Blue were discussing a colab… Well, I kinda suggested it when I took this picture and Elvis thought that would be a great idea… Danny just said I am dangerous. But I think he agrees with my suggestion… Make it happen nana’s…

Camagwini looked col in deep blue and gold… I just wish she would invest in a better lipstick or drink with a straw… Otherwise, I think she looked pretty cool…

Sade also looked pretty cool, rocking red skinnies and a lego neacklace in the shape of a piano.

I need this in my life…

So thats what went down at the Industry event of the SAMA’s…
To see more pictures of the Friday evening (CLICK HERE)

Meeting the Amstel Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Dr Thomas Chauke

Mika Stefano — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:03:37 +0000

On Friday night the SAMA’s announced the Amstel SAMA Lifetime Achievement Awards at the smaller Industry event.

I will blog about the Friday night in a later post, but I just wanted to mention what an honour it was to meet one of the Lifetime achievement winners, Dr. Thomas Chauke.
The amazing Dr Thomas Chauke shared the award with Sizwe Zako and the late Johannes Kerkorrel.

This award was the highlight of the evening with a tribute to Johannes Kerkorrel by Elvis Blue supported by the Mzansi Youth Choir. They performed Kerkorrel’s hit song, “Hillbrow” which made me feel so emotional. This was followed by breathtaking live performances from Sizwe Zako and Dr. Thomas Chauke that had the whole audience out of their seats, applauding for these South African legends.

Win tickets to Tony Gaskins Leadership Seminar

Mika Stefano — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:05:17 +0000

Tony Gaskins Jr – is a husband, father life coach, motivational speaker, author and film maker. He’s a jack of all trades and a master of service. Gaskins has written several books but his latest and best seller being Mrs Right. Today many may see him as being very successful at only 28 years old, but his story is vast and explains his journey to this point.

Win tickets to see him speak this Friday at the Sandton Convention Centre, together with DJ Sbu, Ms. Phuti Mahanyele, Timothy Maurice Webster and Rorisang Moseli.

Simply Email Mika@mikastefano.com and answer the following questions.
1. How old is Tony Gaskins?
2. Name one of the local speakers speaking at the Leadership Seminar?

Good luck!!!

Spotted at the 10 Over 10 launch

Mika Stefano — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:26:09 +0000

This is a delayed blog, but its best I get it out, before all the SAMA drama…

Last week was the launch of Vuzu’s 10 over 10. Well not really “launch” as they already on Season 2, but they never had a real launch, so this was both a launch, a wrap party and a celebration. Some of the commentators came out to join the production people in celebrating Season 2 of Mzanzi’s most hated TV Show… (In a good way tho…)

These were some of the famous faces I spotted at VIP in Sandton.

Carol Ralefeta and her sister.

The Tank Top DJ’s, who were also playing on the evening.Aaron and his artist…

Morale was there looking much better after his accident

L-Tido couldn’t look at me… Think it was my tight cheetah pants… (Good thing he wasn’t at the SAMA’s)

Sean Pages …. Yawn!

Two of the Fly Chix

Generations actors were in the house…

a DRAG and QUEEN… Together they make a DRAG QUEEN

Thando and Pearl kept the YFM flag waving

While Bujy was just waving…

Looking forward to seeing Sade on Season two…

To see more pictures, Click Here.

Reply to Munya Vomo’s article about me being on 10 Over 10

Mika Stefano — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:56:48 +0000

So I was a bit taken back by a recent article about me in the Tonight section of The Star. To read the full article, CLICK HERE .

Basically Munya goes on to say he thinks I am a bad choice to be a commentator on 10 OVER 10… The line that really grated me was this —> “…his clout is self- imposed and having a lot of followers on Twitter does not make one an authority on the famous.”

Well, this is my reply to Munya…

Hello Munya,

I hardly ever do this, but I was taken back by your article.

According to you, my clout is self imposed? Perhaps… You then said I have no right to say or comment on the famous. Let me ask you, what do you mean by famous? Perhaps we have two different definitions? You also said just because I party with them, I have no authority to talk about them… #Sigh, well let me educate you on why 10 over 10 picked me to be a commentator…

I started my blog almost seven years ago, when there were no South African’s blogging. My blog became the first 100% South African local entertainment blog. (Pushing local content is something I am very passionate about – hence I still blog. If you surf the net later today, look at all the other blogs and do a comparison of local vs international content between sites… Anyways.

Bonang (you may have heard of her, if you think she is famous?) said recently at the V-Entertainment dinner, that Mika Stefano is a “game changer” - the first blogger to keep local content and inspire a generation of bloggers. This is true, when I go through my inbox and read and reply to the many requests on HOW TO START A BLOG.

Mika Stefano became a brand, officially. Mika Stefano is a cc. This may seem strange to you, but ask another famous person, like Thebe Ikalafeng about personal branding. He will tell you how important it is to treat yourself like a brand. And this is why I am replying to you, because obviously you are not fully aware of brand Mika Stefano. A brand that media students at university’s study. (I was just as shocked, when I found out, but it is true…)

So back to my history. I started my blog seven years ago on Facebook, blogging about random people… Then they were random, but now they are famous (well, depending on your definition of famous)
Using the hype from the blog, it evolved into various areas of the entertainment industry; radio, TV, magazines etc.

I had people logging on from all across the globe. (Most of my readers are from outside South Africa – funny side note, when I was in Brazil recently, I had 4 people stop me in the street and ask if I am Mika Stefano – but I guess that doesn’t mean anything….)

Slowly Mika Stefano became a brand. He became the person who knew the latest local gossip and entertainment news. He would often be invited onto various TV shows and radio shows. Commenting on everything from the top 10 Kwaito artists on MTVBase to social matters on ETV’s Sunrise Breakfast.
Naturally, due to the nature of the business, Mika Stefano was seen out and about at almost every event, fast becoming a social butterfly and always ready to leave a mark on the red carpet. In addition, he hosted several of his own events, charity drives and his much loved annual birthday celebration. None of his birthday celebrations were held in traditional venues, meaning the 1400 people who were attending, were simply attending because they wanted to celebrate Mika Stefano’s birthday, not because it was another night at HUSH or TABOO, but having a crowd pull of over 1000 people means nothing I guess… At these iconic birthday celebrations Mika Stefano would have the likes of AKA (3 time SAMA winner), LeAnne (2 time SAMA winner), with top DJ’s like Milkshake, Lulo Cafe, Speedsta, Warras, Twins On Decks, MsCosmo and Capital playing. Having such good bonds with these “un famous” people means nothing I suppose in your opinion… Not mentioning the brands like Samsung, Converse, Brutal Fruit, Amstel, Veet, PlayEnergyDrinks and Wakaberry behind Mika Stefano.

Not only did Mika Stefano use his voice to comment on peoples outfits, but he also used it for good and for change. Mika Stefano spearheaded the local campaigns NOH8 and Spirit Day. Both having over 100 celeb friends take part. The likes of Khanyi Mbau, Slikour, L-Tido, AKA, Lulo Cafe, Lerato – both Lerato’s, Lalla, Dineo, SK, Gert Johan, Koyo, Amstel, Roxy Burger, Sade, Bujy, Warras and the late Reeva Steenkamp.) He was also named the ambassador of Dance4Life South Africa and the Gay South African flag standing together against corrective rape. His new campaign, PUSH PURPLE has been picked up by the Department of Basic Education to be included in all distribution nationwide.

He has been listed as one of the top South African’s to take to lunch, according to reputable newspaper, Mail & Guardian. He has also been listed as one of the top 5 bloggers in South Africa.

When he is not being the fabulous brand Mika Stefano he works at the Theatre on the Square in Sandton as the publicist and marketing manager. At the theatre I have worked with theatre greats, like Pieter Dirk Uys, Marc Lottering, James Ngcobo, Paul Slab, Judy Page, Jerry Mofokeng and Dame Judy Page to name a few… (I guess working with people like this, means I have no authority to comment on them….?)

When I am not at the theatre, I am station manager of the first digital internet radio in Africa, Trans Africa Radio, established 12 years ago. Managing over 60 different DJ’s. The likes of DJ Zinhle, Psyfo, SK, Eda Rose, Capital, Twins On Decks and Young Raph.

When I am not on Trans Africa Radio, you can catch me on Metro FM, every Saturday at 14:40 on Carol Ralefeta’s show, doing my weekly round up. (The only blogger who is on nationwide radio, weekly)

You can also catch me on TV at least once a week, be it on SABC1′s most viewed TV show, RGB, or Vuzu TV, or ETV’s Sunrise…

So after reading all of the above, I ask you to please re read this line in your article….

“…his clout is self- imposed and having a lot of followers on Twitter does not make one an authority on the famous.”

I beg to differ, in fact, I feel if there is anyone who should be a commentator on a show like Vuzu’s 10 Over 10, it should be me…
In the game for 7 years, AKA performed at my third birthday when he only had one single. Attended MiCasa’s first listening session. Partied with Da Les before he started singing. Worked in a CD store with Lulo Cafe, before he got signed. Gave MsCosmo her first big radio show, before she moved to YFM and now 5FM…

So once again, I beg to differ with you.. I suppose it is your opinion, but obviously you don’t have an internet connection to Google Who Mika Stefano Is? So I thought it’s only right I inform you… I hope that made for some interesting reading… And I hope you enjoy Season 2 of 10 Over 10, because either way, I will be on your telly for another 2 months…

Anyways, I have gone on for too long… I look forward to seeing you out and about in the near future… Perhaps I can give you a few tips on how to become a better brand… Then maybe you will be invited onto the panel for Season 3 of 10 Over 10… Then again I doubt that. They will need a strong enough air conditioning system to block out the stick that lingers around you…

Derick Watts & The Sunday Blues interviewing Justin Bieber Fans From South Africa

Mika Stefano — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:21:37 +0000

So Justin Bieber is in town and the guys from Derick Watts and the Sunday Blues made this funny video interviewing the fans at his Cape Town concert. You have to watch this. Really Funny

AMSTEL BRINGS YOU EXCLUSIVE MOMENTS FROM MTN SAMA 19 VIA LIVE WEB STREAMS

Mika Stefano — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:23:06 +0000

Amstel Lager brings the best in SA music closer to the fans via the hosting of exclusive live web/mobile streams from backstage at MTN SAMA 19 on May 11^th, and from the exclusive VIP Winner’s Party later that evening.

The Amstel Green Room will be the first destination for the MTN SAMA 19 winners as they step offstage holding their coveted awards. The intimate environment back stage will be hosted by Boity Thulo (Sowetan LIVE Mzansi’s Sexiest 2013 Woman and TV presenter of SABC1′s SkyroomLive) and Akhumzi Jezile (South African actor, television presenter and producer).

A host of SA’s hottest performers will share their first reaction to winning this life-changing award. Amstel will be bringing these exclusive moments to all the fans in real time, via live streaming. The interviews will include Winner of Best Rock, Best Kwaito, Best Adult Contemporary Album, Lifetime Achiever, Best Male and Female and Newcomer of the year.

This year’s Amstel Green Room will also be completely interactive as fans can congratulate winners and send their questions via twitter #MTNSAMA19.

The Amstel Green Room web stream commences with live coverage of the glamorous yellow carpet as all the top stars arrive. From 6PM you can tune in and see the hottest stars in the latest fashions as they arrive for MTN SAMA 19 in style.

The live coverage from the Amstel Green Room continues until the end of the awards ceremony at 10.45 PM – and then Amstel will continue with its exclusive coverage for fans with another exclusive web stream event from the invite only winner’s VIP Party.

The Amstel VIP Winners Party is the most exclusive music event of the MTN SAMA weekend, with only MTN SAMA 19 winners being invited. For the first time Amstel is bringing the party low-down to fans via an intimate broadcast which will include a star-studded panel hosted by Akhumzi Jezile which will recap their best moments of MTN SAMA 19. The panel will include top blogger & fashionista, Mika Stefano, model and Channel O presenter Weza Solange, and GQ’s Siphiwe Mpye who will be joined by some of the MTN SAMA 19 winners to discuss the fashion, the performances, the winners and all the gossip of this year’s event.

Broadcast live from the winner’s party with sneak previews from the event, this web-stream is the first and only place to get all of the best moments from MTN SAMA 19.

The VIP web / mobile stream will take place from 11.30 – 12:15pm via the Amstel digital and mobile platforms.