‘Thank Jub Jub’, and other Sama jabs

Having spent the weekend at Sun City, Therese Owen writes about some of the humorous incidents behind the scenes at the Samas.

“Mahoota, please, save the Samas, please Mahoota, please.” Those were my first words when I saw Mahoota, Vetkuk and Dr Malinga at Sun City on Friday afternoon.

We were sitting in the full dress rehearsal at the Superbowl and Toya Delazy had just finished her performance. Ho hum. Horrific.

He just laughed his gravel laugh and continued watching.

Then it was time for Lira and that dress. As she stood on the pedestal and the long lashes of fabric unfolded Dr Malinga said impressively: “Hau! Queen Elizabeth!”

Later on that night or rather, just after midnight, Kalawa Jazmee certainly saved the Sama weekend. Their party at the Shebeen was one of the highlights of the weekend.

Bruce Dope and his little dreadlocks and glasses was giddying around making click track sounds to anyone who would listen. “What are you doing?” I asked him. “That’s what the song sounds like,” he responded. Before clicking a beat and following it up with a township whistle.

The rest of Kalawa were gathered around a table with the most expensive drinks and the hottest girls in the house. Hennessy, Johnny Walker etc. Then to my surprise, Eugene Mthethwa arrived. This Trompies member left the fold to work in the Presidency but said he was very happy to be at the party.

Mafikizolo were phenomenal and received a big welcome back from the huge crowd that had gathered for this party which has been happening every year and has gained a reputation as the best party on the weekend. That’s because it is. Aside from Baby Joe, no one can throw a party like Kalawa.

Then we were in for another surprise. Trompies took to the stage and showed us why they are one of South Africa’s legends. They were phenomenal. The chemistry between Mahoota, Eugene, Jakarumba and Spikiri is still there and is what drives the dynamic kwaito crew.

Oskido was the man on the decks and when he called Bruce Dope on stage, it was time for another surprise. Brothers of Peace. Bruce Dope abandoned the click track for some honest to goodness BOP.

Earlier that night there was also beautiful music in the form The Muffinz who performed at the SABC1 party at the Cabbannas. One of the members of iScream & the Chocolate Stix, exuberant from winning Best Alternative bust in on a television interview with Robbie Malinga. Malinga and the crew just stared at him in confusion. Afterwards I asked him if he knew who that was. “Yeah, Kenny Kunene the Sushi King.” Tut tut, white boy from Cape Town.

At the Friday night show, Delazy was overheard viciously dissing absolutely errrbody who went on stage. People were getting peeved with her.

Oh, and when Kelly Khumalo was thanking God, her mother etc for winning Best Female one of the actresses from Generations was heard to mutter under her breath: “Thank Jub Jub, he was the one who made you famous.”

Oh, dear, the pretenders to the throne.

And finally on the Saturday afternoon shortly after the SABC1 braai, Mahoota opened the boot of his Kombi to reveal bottles and bottles of very expensive stuff. Kabomo walked passed: “Mahoota, this insane. What is all of that?” he asked incredulously.

“Its my drink for the weekend. Why?” replied Mahoota. I could see Kabomo’s point. Its like Mahoota thinks that all bottles of alcohol come in expensive boxes only. Kalawa do everything in style. And they certainly helped save my Samas.

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