Most Gifted Female in Africa

This year's Channel O Music Video Awards were held at the Sandton Convention Centre. Musicians from all over the continent graced the event. I got to finally meet the likes of Waje from Nigeria, Navio and BlaQ from Ghana and I caught up with old friends like Lizha James from Mozambique and Briget Masinga.

With Ghana's Navio

With Lizha James of Mozambique

With Bridget Masinga

The Channel O awards have a different vibe to all other awards that happen throughout the year. They are firstly unique because they are a celebration of African music by African people. We get a unique opportunity to come together as artists from across the continent and show case out talents on one stage. These awards also give us a unique opportunity to get together and arrange collaborations, touring and business opportunities. Lizha James for example has recorded at Jazzworx studios, which I have used to record all my last three albums by virtue of a meeting at the Channel O awards.

These are among my favourite awards. It's really awesome to reflect on who we are as Africans and to observe where our music is going. I feel the quality of our music video's is competitive to global music video's. This makes me proud. I salute Channel O for celebrating and uniting Africa.

I'd love to get into the performances and all but the high light for me was when the Most Gifted Female video award was announced. I was sitting there completely pressed, so mind was not even quite in the moment. My name was announced and I got the shock of my life. As I stood up to go accept the award I was thinking how amazing was, how I was not expecting it and how I had not prepared a speech and how I must hold stuff in even tho I'm about to pop! Ha ha ha!

Dressed by Sylvester Falata

I'm a little ashamed to say that the reason I did not expect to win is because I know South Africans are out numbered but what I took for granted was that all of Africa would vote. I did not consider the scores of fans that reach out to me through Facebook and Twitter and show their love and support. This blew my mind! So I'm completely humbled by this win and it means a lot to me. I have had the pleasure of performing in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana and Mozambique this year. I have also performed in Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Namibia, Angola and Kenya in previous years. It is my next mission to do an All Africa Tour. This award was very affirming and will make it easier to set the African Tour in motion. I am excited about the possibilities.

I recorded a video with Jason Von Berg to express my gratitude for your votes and continued support. I had just received the awards and I was still absorbing the moment. I did also spend the entire following day celebrating with my friends! Thank you Africa!

Video Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Byxz6InQV4I&feature=player_embedded

Dress: I opted for a simple, elegant, feminine dress that said "I am an African lady" :-) Designer Sylvester Falata whom I've worked with on numerous occasions made this dress to fit the brief perfectly. I'd even venture to say this is my favorite dress that I've had made this year.
www.sylveterfalata.com

The Full Version of the video that won me the award:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPtZJUn8sF0

The short version of the Phakade Music Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqm7XS67h14&feature=related






Last note:
I believe the next revolution will be an African Revolution. Music remains a powerful tool for transformation. I feel that as entertainers we have a responsibility to elevate everything that is beautiful about Africa. This includes our spirit as the people, ofcourse the uniqueness of our music and our rich culture. There is a need to preserve and celebrate this. These are some of the things that we can share with the world - I hope we can be mindful and purposeful with this.