From hats to legs to music, Joburgers party it up

Joburgers are never afraid of a ‘Phuza Thursday’. This week their diaries were packed with everything from pretty pins to punchy paintings. Oh, and there was a pathetic music party in there too

Hats off to art

"Fun" is not a word that usually describes an art exhibition opening, unless, of course, you've been at the complimentary wine. But that's exactly what guests had, in spades, when they packed Joburg's Everard Read gallery for the launch of artist Gary Stephen's latest show, Scarf.

Conventions of muted chat, air kisses and soulful, silent artwork browsing were put aside for a loud, happy, experimental evening inspired by the artist's muses - the beautiful scarf-adorned women spotted daily around his Newtown art studio.

Stephens had requested that guests wear scarves (or hats, in the case of men) and the result was a riotous display of neon wax print, detailed shweshwe, patterned block prints and crazy tie-dye heads bobbing about among his bright art.

Weren't sure how to tie your own fabric ensemble? As one guest observed: "It was a safe space for scarf experimentation." And anyway, there were pros on hand to make sure everyone could get in on the act. An interactive exhibition is a clever idea - a sneaky ice-breaker.

One that had everyone from former talk show host Jenny Crwys-Williams to the Newtown art cool crowd, including printmakers Minenkulu Ngoyi and Isaac Zavale of Alphabet Zoo, laughing, snapping selfies and enjoying a relaxed, unpretentious Thursday night out.

Lucky legs eleven

It was a case of putting one's best leg forward as hair removal brand Veet looked to crown Miss Veet SA 2015. Holding things together with her well-heeled limbs was emcee and former Miss South Africa Melinda Bam, who is also the brand's ambassador.

The competition was held over two days, with the first day being a mixed bag of photo shoots, fitness activities and talks, including one by celebrity judge Jeannie D, who waxed lyrical on how to give the perfect interview, sashaying about in a pair of Louboutin shoes.

Come Thursday, and the programme involved "public judging" where the finalists were put through their paces in a speed-dating type Q&A session with invited guests.

We can't see this catching on at Miss South Africa as a Sun City Superbowl of guests quiz the contestants ... but for a small event, as this was, we'll allow it.

After the one-on-ones with the leggy ladies, it was on to canapés and drinks on one of the revamped Four Seasons Westcliff hotel balconies as the final scores were tallied.

Bam and fellow beauty queen Bridget Masinga hugged it out as they lamented how they had not seen each other in a while, while Leanne Manas took in the sun in a floral wrap dress.

Not to be outdone by the competition, actress Amanda du-Pont showed off her toned legs in short shorts.

Moments later it was time to announce the winner: one teary Odirile Sepeng, a BCom law student, who will probably promote world peace during her reign - one step at a time.

Nominee no-show

The South African Music Award nominees celebration was once the party for Joburg's young celebrities and the upwardly mobile crowd to be seen at. Not any more, apparently.

This year's party seemed as if it was done on a shoestring budget. There was no food, and guests were given coupons for two drinks only.

The event was held at Cocoon Lounge in Sandton and by 11pm only two nominees - singers Kelly Khumalo and Vusi Nova - had arrived, more than an hour and half late.

At one stage there were more actors and actresses in the small venue than musicians at what was supposed to be a celebration for musos.

Model and TV presenter Sinazo Yolwa (above) turned heads in a glittering gold number while comedian Tol A$$ Mo and his wife, Mome, mingled and posed for pictures on the green carpet a zillion times.

The acting posse were represented by SABC drama Skeem Saam's Mlungisi Mathe and Clement Maosa.

The few other musos who finally pitched included Musa Sukwene, singer Donald and music producer and DJ Culoe De Song.

Unsurprisingly, it was guy of the moment Maps Maponyane who was one of the most photographed celebrities on the night. Who else was there to be photographed?