The usually sedate eMakhosini Boutique Hotel in Morningside was transformed into “music central” as leading local talent pumped up the jam in Durban on Wednesday night. Afrotainment Records boss DJ Tira, one of South Africa’s foremost music producers, used the live listening session to showcase well-known and “virgin” KZN voices, who entertained a packed house.Among those displaying their showmanship were popular kwaito performers Big Nuz, Duncan and DreamTeam.Ukhozi FM presenter Selby Mkhize played emcee.While some had music on their minds, others used the event to show off their style, with lots of cigar pants, cropped jackets and sky-high heels.The men, too, dressed to the nines in skinny pants, bow ties, white shirts and pointed shoes.Cropped blond hair and black-rimmed glasses were popular accessories.Dinner was a simple pap en vleis buffet with traditional Zulu bread, putu, grilled chops and steak, sheba (a tomato chutney) and mounds of potato salad — a carb nightmare for many of the slim, toned guests.Absent from the crowd was former soapie queen Sophie Ndaba, whom Afrotainment had billed as one of its VIPs.Still, there were many familiar faces, including award-winning gospel artist S’fiso Ncwane, veteran radio personality Dudu Khoza, house music DJ Fisherman, and former Idols SA contestants Kyle Deutschmann and Shekhinah Donnell. The two crooners appeared smitten with each other, fuelling rumours that they are a couple. Or perhaps they were simply united in their mutual love for music.Emerging singer Zinhle Madela was excited to be there.“I want to be part of the Afrotainment stable one day,” she said.Fashion designer Mamsie Mkhwanazi, who counts President Jacob Zuma’s wife MaNtuli Zuma among her clients, said she was in awe of Durban’s talent.The evening ended with a performance by Big Nuz and words of appreciation from DJ Tira...