Just So You Know

Last night I attended the farewell performance of one of my dearest friends, Emma Du Preez, at Dizzy's in Camps Bay. The great music and fantastic pizza (which I really shouldn't be eating right now) made the whole evening fantastic. I first met Emma when I interviewed her a couple of years ago for an article I wrote about young musicians. With so many mutual friends and the fact that we were studying together friendship seemed inevitable. She is an amazing singer/ songwriter and has written numerous songs, which I can only describe as touching my soul.

Her soft rock, acoustic sound has resonated with everyone who knows her and I truly believe that we are going to see great things from her in the future. She is an good singer, a great performer and an extraordinary lyricist. She is leaving Cape Town for Boston, and decided to perform one last time. She ended her set with my favourite Emma song, 'Just So You Know' and as soon as she was in tears, many of us couldn't help ourselves. On the one hand I am quite sad that this bubbly, fun, genuinely good spirit won't be just down the road anymore, but on the other I am so excited about what's to come from her in the future.

You have to check her out and listen to some of her live recordings on www.myspace.com/emmadupreez

I haven't been able to blog for ages, so there were so many things I wanted to blog about, but have now forgotten.

I am sure I've said it on this blog before, but I love watching award shows. Not only for the fact that they honour the most important achievements in the entertainment, but really because they really showcase life-long dreams coming true. The 80th Academy Awards has to be a great example. I watched them with some friends familiar to the world of blogging, while enjoying a fun pizza evening.

The only thing that wasn't great about the awards is that most of the movies hadn't been released in South Africa yet. La Vie En Rose has been on the circuit for some time, so I am definitely heading out to see that one soon. Marion Cotillard is my favourite type of Oscar winner. She looked great, played an amazing role and truly seemed to have a full circle moment as an actress. I also really liked the fact that Diablo Cody won an award for best screenplay. As a former stripper, she becomes a role model to everyone - proving that it is never to late to turn your life around and do what you really want to do. Speaking of Cody, I can't wait to see her film, Juno, starring the much-acclaimed Ellen Page.

Music of the Moment: Although her album is being panned by critics, I really like the single 'Feedback' off Janet Jackson's latest effort Discipline. I am a veteran Janet fan and I truly hope that she will produce a record reminiscent of the Velvet Rope era soon. I haven't heard the rest of the new record, but remain optimistic.