Mzansi Avenue

 Crush Of The Week: Leona Lewis Our Crush this week on Mzansi Avenue is British born Singer-Songwriter, Activist and Actress Leona Lewis best known for her time on the reality singing competition the X-Factor and her global smash hit Bleeding Love taken for her debut studio album Spirit, penned by Ryan Tedder which is still one of the best love songs of all time. With 5 studio albums, this singer definitely has some vocal brilliance. Topping the charts and receiving accolades from publications such as billboard for Best New Artist.  Leona Lewis/Instagram  She has served as a Judge/Coach on The X-Factor and starred on the series: The Oath as Amber Hall in a recurring role.  She's vegetarian and was named Sexiest Vegetarian by PETA in 2008.  We recommend these songs from her discography. The classic heartbreak anthem - Better In Time it's a gorgeous timeless cut. Outta My Head a more upbeat song, fun and charged up from her sophomore album: Echo. Favourite Scar wh...

Avenue Catchup: Theron Ashante Chats Women's Day. Pretty Privilege & Authenticity. We catch up with this social media star with a great influence who is growing and thriving in her own right. Theron having worked for brands such as Avon is only getting started on her journey to rocking the runway with a massive fashion statement sure to be front page cover story someday. Let's get to it: Welcome back to Mzansi Avenue How have you been? Theron: Thank you so much 😊  Been trying and hanging yourself ?? McKing: I'm good, I'm good thanks. So what have you been up to? Theron: Well same-same 9-5 job. Influencing and looking into venturing into business as you have seen. McKing: That's awesome. As someone who works with brands and is influential what have you learned about building relationships and authenticity? Theron: What I have learned with building relationships and authenticity is that don’t just build anything with just anyone and with this influen...

Monday Music Motivation: Victoria Justice - Treat Myself @VictoriaJustice Released on December 11th 2020 originally meant to be the lead single for her upcoming studio album. The song is an empowering anthem is definitely a standout as she sings "I need to treat myself better" over a pulsating massive beat that doesn't sound all too sad but groovy and feel good. Her vocal performance is really good and we'd love to hear from this amazing Singer-Songwriter & Actress best known for her role as Tori Vega on Victorious which was a hit on Nickelodeon starring alongside Ariana Grande. Elizabeth Gillies and Avan Jogia.  Official Artwork. The song celebrates self care and also addresses the mistreatment of self. A Must Listen To! We award it 5/5 stars. This kind of sonical direction makes us wonder what the rest of her album would've sounded like. The COVID-19 pandemic was a bummer as this was the perfect comeback record. It's one of her be...

 The Sunday Confessions with McKing: No Crisis In Christ.  Unsplash Images/ Brooke Cagle Happiest Sunday & God Bless ✨ No Crisis in Christ. He gives a Joy that completes us. (John 15:11)  Peace is what he left us with. (John 14:27) Do not be worried & upset.  So this Sunday we're talking identity crisis. I've been guilty of it. Ever been saved by God and made aware of who you are in Christ? Affirming it everyday confidently only to slip up, crash and think this wreckage is it.  Unsplash Images/Priscilla Du-Preez Life in Christ is eternal and we can't ever be on the losing side. When has God's will ever been a failure to mankind? We can point out the rebellion and unfaithfulness of the Israelites and try to paint God as a classic villain but we got to see that the source of creation when we depart from him, we expose ourselves to a death experience - nothing grew, if it did grow it wasn't enough or got blown away. Because only with God can we access prese...

Avenue Sports: Angelo Dawkins - Recognised Potential! @WWE Angelo Dawkins (Gary Gordon) is a professional wrestler currently signed to the WWE performing under the SmackDown brand with Montez Ford as The Street Profits, they have recently teamed up with veteran and former WWE champion Bobby Lashley. As part of the street profits he's a former 3 Tag Champion having held the NXT tag titles, SmackDown tag & Raw Tag tiles once.  WWE  Dawkins has great in-ring abilities and awareness. There's been conversation since early 2023 that if the duo would spilt he'd be sidelined and become irrelevant. I'd have to disagree. Both Montez & Angelo are amazing stars, it takes two to tango, as the Street Profits they have undeniable chemistry. They are hyped up in their matches, crowd engaging energy and moves. They definitely know how to put on a show. I feel Dawkins will surprise everyone if he goes solo someday. Look at stars like Alexa Blis...

 Avenue Music: The News & New Music Report Happy Friday and Good Music! We're back with a serve of news.  Official Artwork/ @CassperNyovest After pushing back the unspecified release date in July. Cassper Nyovest has finally revealed new information about his upcoming 7th studio album titled Solomon, set for September 15th 2023. It's already buzzing online as there's much excitement and anticipation. The artwork has us thinking it's connected to his faith, it's going to be an interest body of work we look forward to.  @SelenaGomez Selena Gomez released a Spanish EP: Revelación after her well received Rare which had some outstanding cuts such as Feel Me. Vulnerable & Boyfriend which served as the deluxe edition's lead single with a more playful catchy upbeat take. Featured on Rema's hit global single- Calm Down, which exposed her to new audiences not forgetting her hit show on Hulu Only Murders In The Building which is on its third Season. Selena is d...

Artist  Appreciation: Keri Hilson   Paras Griffin/ Getty images  Keri Hilson is one of the most amazing contributors in the music industry as a Singer-Songwriter. She has penned some of the best and most acclaimed hits for stars such as Danity Kane. Britney Spears. Ciara & others.  Best known for working with Timbaland/ The Clutch and her interesting blend of R&B plus futuristic sounds Ms Hilson always brought it good and fresh. Her debut studio album in a perfect world....is one of the best albums with songs still played today such as Knock You Down Ft. Kanye West & Ne-Yo. Energy. Return The Favor with Timbaland.  Official Cover/ Interscope Records It's a hard hitting album with strong aggressive beats while maintaining the feminine touches and poise on records such as Slow Dance, Make Love and one of my personal favourites: Alienated which feels like a summer ready romance nostalgia bop. Her vocals manage to shine with distinct energy ...

Avenue Music: The Catch Up With Intel Debird Urbanity SA Controversial, Charismatic and talented DJ/Entrepreneur Intel Debird has been promoting his chilli business which has a strong positive reception. From being featured on radio stations such as RFM and playing at live events this young man behind the decks serves good music blended so well, you'd swear he's the smoothie man. We had the chance to catch up and play a few games, here is what went down:  Welcome back to Mzansi Avenue Howzit going? What are you currently working on? Intel Debird: Currently working on a mix which is called: Birthday Mix I annually drop this content mix. McKing: Wow that's nice. Do you ever see yourself releasing music as a producer with like a recording artist in similar style to DJ Black Coffee or Sigala and collaborating with them? Intel Debird: I don't really see myself releasing music with the likes of black coffee, but I see my self as great Producer with uni...

Avenue Music: The Catch Up With Jay Cracker It's been awhile since we last spoke to Jay Cracker as he covered the October Issue of Mzansi Avenue, now he's back with us to give us the low down on his thriving new chapter in his life in the entertainment industry. Expansion at its best.  Jay Cracker welcome back to Mzansi Avenue How have you been? McKing: You celebrated your birthday this past week, what does this new era mean for you? And congratulations by the way.  Jay Cracker: I've been great and amazing. This new adveture means alot and it's a new beginning as well for life. I have been busy with being the Master of Ceremonies(MC),  McKing: That's awesome,So what else have you been up to? Jay Cracker: Promoting and working towards improving my brand to get better and better always.  McKing: Nice! What are you learning about yourself as you're exposed to new opportunities and growing your brand? Jay Cracker: What I've learned about myself is; I...

 Avenue Sports: WWE's Natalya - The Best In The Business  @NatByNature Natalya Neidhart also known as Nattie is a Canadian professional wrestler currently signed to the WWE performing under the Raw brand which airs Monday Nights on the USA network. She's a one time WWE women's world champion, the first to hold the Divas Championship and the SmackDown women's championship. A former tag team champion and best known for her behind the scenes work as the one who usually trains and helps the women with their footing.  She's been with the company for years and has worked with whatever material she was given, some of which was heavily criticised. Natalya is a team player and while she hasn't main evented WrestleMania or SummerSlam this amazing superstar is truly someone worth celebrating and appreciating for her great contribution to women's wrestling. When given the opportunity she definitely showcases she's one of the best in the business and if the chance is...

 Actor Appreciation: Nokuthula Mavuso  Having been on numerous onscreen productions Noxy has not only delivered but has won the hearts of many viewers for amazing performances on shows such as Backstage. Rhythm City. Roots. The River & Lioness On Mnet to name a few. This SAFTA Nominated creative has accomplished so much, it's beautiful to see.  Born in Soweto and raised in Soshanguve.  Her rise to the top has been nothing but phenomenal to witness. Her ability to showcase a great range is acclaimed by viewers and critics alike.  This actress knows how to really tell a story accurately stepping into someone's shoes and relating to an audience. Embracing the emotions and thrills whether it's a love to hate character such as Angelina Mthombeni or fan favorite Matshidiso Khuse on Rhythm City she brought the heat and blazed.  We are appreciating her exceptional talent for outstanding portrayal and her contribution in the entertainment industry. She's valued ...

Avenue Fashion: Winter Essentials  We're about to say goodbye to Winter as we step into August a month that's quite windy back here in Mzansi and soon the big coats, boots and other accessories to keep away the chill will be put aside as we spring into things.  We're going to share our favourite in season winter essentials for men and women:  Pexels: Roman Unsplash Images: Vin Stratton  Unsplash Images: Reneé Thompson   1. The hoodies - you can't go wrong with a hoodie or sweatshirt hoodie they definitely can be versatile and compliment even your professional look. Fashion that's classified is often denied the opportunity to interact with other items and create a stunning new look. Only the daring would dare try  Unsplash Images: Jason Leung Unsplash Images: Khalid Boutchich  2. Jeans - they're an all rounder. They never go out of season just that they don't make the best pyjamas as some are skin tight. Jeans work the weather and whether it's dar...