Mzansi Avenue

Avenue Music: Leigh-Anne says Goodbye to Silence with Dead & Gone!  Leigh-Anne . Every artist wants to be in control of their identity in music and not just be another industry product for sales with no true relation. As some songs are the ever so pleasant radio friendly pop, they tend to contain too much sugar, which makes them feel superficial, surface level offerings that offer a nice melody yet long-term it holds no weight. Recently there's been a shift in music with songs that run for 2 minutes and are denied the classic bridge, it feels like "oh, we can't add more because the shorter the better especially for TikTok challenges" Leigh-Anne on the other is very defiant leaving Warner a record label she was part of since her solo career kicked off with an impressionable debut single to a choir connect love affair with My Love she seemed off to a solid start. Underrated rollup if you ask me, it had star quality but less stage presentation, the mark...

Avenue Music: Lauren Jauregui is Back & Sounds Rooted and Ready Official Artwork/ Attunement Records. Lauren Jauregui has been independent in the music scene for a while now, with an unexpected Fifth Harmony reunion and releasing some beautifully constructed pieces of music that are emotionally dependant in carrying the story of her ever so broad and deep engagements of romance, mental health and desires. Her EPs (Prelude & In Between) deserve to be in the Top 5 of anyone's music library.  Ego brings in a very deep and uncomfortable conversation, tackling the truths, taking in the tension like sips of quenching the thirst of uncertainty, Lauren lyrically dives right in opening up like she's in therapy or penning the ultimatum before the finale, raising the stakes as she sounds so in love, longing for answers and true to her intentions it's such a chilled sonic arrangement yet the message carries so much depth that you can't help but be compelled. We ...

Avenue Music: Hello by Sigala, Leigh-Anne & Jonita!  Leigh-Anne. Sigala & Jonita/ Cred: Sigala This song has been teased for months by Leigh-Anne and fans have been longing for its release. It's finally here. It's screaming Tropical summer, a surging with flirtatious romance bop that feels like it's the ultimate love song sure to get two lovers together. Jonita and Leigh-Anne bring in the energy sounding electric and charged up, so assured of the intentions of the guy who has their attention, letting him know he's a winner, they're already in, no need to do more. The downside is I would've loved it if the song had a bridge or they sang together some more, not seperate solos. It gets a 3.8/5 stars.  The Chorus is such a high, like a rocket taking off with rhythm and launching into affection, truly magnificent pop. "Don't go putting on a show you ain't gotta wrap me up in gold, tell you something you should know, you had me at hell...

Avenue Music: Perrie's eponymous debut studio album: Beautiful, Intimate Experiences. Personal Hits done Right!  Official Artwork/ Columbia Records . Signed to Columbia records this girl group alumni and Award Winning Artist has finally released her debut studio album which had fans long awaiting it since she first announced her solo career in music. Perrie kicked off with the Ed Sheeran penned lead single Forget About Us which is very catchy, warm and comforting, a roadtrip getaway kind of track.  Tears &  You Go Your Way followed which was well received by fans and critics, an anthemic moving on ballad that has massive power in its chorus, Perrie belts her way to freedom with this 80s inspired track.  Cute Aggression is soft rock nostalgia as Perrie gets very vocal about her love and affection for Alex , whom she loves in a way that scares her and it's such an energized song sure to give you the feels.  Rocket Scientist which was supposed...

Avenue Music: Shaun Young - A Heavy Heart Official Artwork/ Credit: Shaun Harmse Shaun Young stepped into the scene in 2019 with his debut studio album titled A   Heavy Heart . With these sentimental, heartfelt, therapeutic songs that set a euphoric and empowering tone. Songs like The Hours have a party vibe, a freedom's call anthem while the lyrics are more reflecting on moving on and keeping strong in one's darkest hours. The chorus is a highlight of insane catchiness. A sweet sing-along. A Heavy Heart the title track is a tearjerker record, we've all been in that space where we feel like everything is too much to handle and are overwhelmed. Shaun sings he has a heavy heart. Sky is Alive feels lighter and builds to a thing of beauty. It's a charged up ballad that thunders out the questions and emotions rumbling within. Before We Let Go  has a chorus which is a show stealer, truly blissful and refreshing. it’s because last night i saw the moon and the ci...

Avenue Lifestyle: Holy Maintenance - Swim Deeper, No Way You'll Drown in Christ. Unsplash Images/ Eye-Speak Welcome to the month of Spring also known as the month where we celebrate New beginnings. On Avenue Lifestyle we are opening our Bibles and searching for deeper insight into how we can definitely be Holy and what it takes to be Holy and remaining in position. Tempting offers are a thing and so are compromising contacts should you delete? Turn down? Now right? What about later?  We often find ourselves called by many things, they somehow seem louder than God's call, parental guidance and social reception. We lose a signal of good connection for one that will have us stumbling into the bad and deceitful. Why do we respond to the world? It's because it customises and shape shifts into what we desire, it's like a marketing campaign aimed at misleading you yet appears sincere, making you feel seen, cared for and most of all catered for. (For sin pays its wage death Rom...

Avenue Music: Leigh-Anne Pinnock a Review into Her Music (I Just Need Something That's Real) Official Artwork for Been a Minute. Highly established as a member of Little Mix, historic awards, acclaimed vocals and insane chemistry, they had the formula and were able to navigate into the industry that was somehow failing them? With a 10 year run and global smash hits such as Shout Out to My Ex, Wings & Sweet Melody these girls solidified themselves and withstood as most groups didn't have longevity. Now on hiatus they all took time to craft and create a sound suitable for their artistry, Leigh-Anne kicked off the journey with fans expecting some R&B driven records of course, her signing to the label thrilled everyone who had high hopes. Don't Say Love was released as her debut single and it's quite daring and bold she didn't play it safe. Leigh-Anne went for a mature yet unforgettable sound, the song is a missed opportunity we're surprised it d...

International Song Of The Week: Perrie - If He Wanted To He Would, Award Winning Pre-Chorus! Official Artwork. Columbia Records  We've all been that girl (boy) falling for potential - Perrie sings a fact in the ring of romance, broken promises and proposed picture frames that were so out of the view of reality. This song is definitely a winner. A catchy start and an electric chorus that sounds like an anthem of a wake-up call. Perrie is making a national announcement about bad boyfriends. Call her the good advice on this brimming banger.  She's in her element and you can tell this is one song she's proud to have recorded. With an accompanying visual that references iconic movies such as Mean Girls, Pretty Woman & The Holiday. Perrie gets campy and dreamy, having fun while looking radiantly gorgeous. Kudos to her stylist. very fashionable looks that stole the show. With the announcement of her long awaited debut studio album Perrie, she went back to the drawi...

Feature Of The Week: Doctor TG Rikhotso  This week on Mzansi Avenue we have an exceptional woman of God featured who truly is radiant and remarkable as she expresses herself through Christ. Never fearing or crowd shy she's able to step into position as a faithful servant to give insight as led by the Spirit of truth. Also a qualified registered counsellor with a PhD in Psychology, and is the founder of her own private practice which has a very positive impact in society, this woman not only takes centre stage in Praise and Worship but she truly embraces her role.  With her indepth knowledge in terms of human behavioral patterns and triggers she's able to give the best sound advice in roles of parenting and lifestyle changes. Redirecting people to a better space of awareness and understanding also breaking free from crippling emotional imbalances and etc. Dr. TG Rikhotso & Her Husband (Pastor TD Rikhotso) And wife to Pastor TD Rikhotso. Together they are such a delight. Hav...

Actress Of The Week: Assa Kanoute as Abby - Good Writing & An Applaud Worthy Performance! Assa on set behind the scenes. Cred: assa.maria on Instagram. Portraying Abby on BBC's hit drama now partnered with Tubi for Season 2, this girl is definitely fun to watch, she doesn't hold back and is able to give the character a broad portrayal as with each episode Abby stepped out of her shell of just being the popular girl part of a trio. The layering was well done as it was not about how pretty she is and receiving superficial storylines that are overly done on TV but she showcases variations of Abby that don't give identity crisis as to who really is Abby but it's more of she's the let loose party girl, irrational, afraid of accountability, stubborn, headstrong and supportive also bratty but means well.  She works well with the material she is given and you can't help but enjoy Abbiola even when she is being ridiculous like the scene in Episode 3 of Season 2 in ...

Pop Essentials: Ego by The Saturdays - Iconic & B-Side Delight! Official Artwork. Polydor Records. Taken from their sophomore album Wordshaker , written by Steve Mac , Ina Wroldsen and Rhys Baker . Produced by Steve Mac . Ego is definitely a dramatic dance anthem with a very glitzy so in the spotlight sonical arrangement, lyrically is about a not so team player who prefers to ride solo much to the girl's dismay. It's one of their discography signature calls because this song is sure a hit with its distinctiveness yet dashes an almost theatrical cut with strong flavour of the 80s.  Official Artwork. Polydor Records. The Saturdays definitely won with this one as it carries a completely different energy, giving you something dancy yet different. The bridge is a thriller as Vanessa bodly takes charge before the harmony packed chorus emerges. It also has the fan favourite b-side track: Flashback which is a missed opportunity for the girls, this should've ...

My Picks: Dettol Eventone Pomegranate Hygiene Soap. So I was out and about shopping when I realised I was out of bath soap so I went through the shelves and noticed Dettol's interesting range, I love pomegranates so I was like "why not?" I couldn't wait to use it, I've been having cold baths this winter, not by choice by the way but for this one I opted for a hot bath and I loved every minute of it, it's so fragrant, smells like summer, I love how I now look forward to lathering my body with soap, I noticed there's Dettol Cool and other variants which I cannot wait to try. I highly recommend it, definitely should go in your shopping cart.  Cleans and protects against 99,9% of germs Dettol Eventone Pomegranate bar soap combines Dettol’s trusted germ protection to clean and effectively remove dirt, oil and germs that cause blemishes and uneven tone, giving your skin a healthy feel - Credit ( Dettol site ) It retails for R18.99, a nice deal and yo...

Entertainment Avenue: Matlock & Elsbeth are Top 2 Television to Watch For!  Carríe Preston & Kathy Bates. Photocred: Carrie Preston on IG & CBS. We have a Double feature this week on entertainment Avenue as we chat CBS the hits! Shows like Matlock & Elsbeth both bring in some refreshing takes on crime and legal dramas. Led by two bold women who are underestimated and seen as just the eccentric lady and the grandma. Kathy Bates & Carrie Preston bring in good TV on their respective shows as the leads.  Matlock - (Based On Matlock by Dean Hargrove) Matlock Season 1 Promotional Poster./CBS Matlock is all about Madelyn Matlock who is out to uncover the truth and bring to justice the law firm that was responsible for her daughter's death. Goes unnoticed, a tight alibi or so we thought. Plays the sweet and well meaning lady till she her expertise and knack come into play, giving you an impression not to underestimate her. Renewed for Season 2 set to premiere this ...

Avenue Lifestyle: Pop Up Feed - The Journey to Purpose. Unsplash Images/ Mae Mu (The image above is more of a message of don't run on empty, fill yourself up with good things and do good works.)  Hi there and a beautiful weekend to you in Jesus name. I'm Aaron your editor in chief. I thought I'd give you another my essentials article, because why not? We all find ourselves busy throughout the week and at times it can be frustrating when it feels like we keep running to no end, those long-term goals that feel like centuries on the road. We end up exhausted because we can't dare call for a pause, a definite breather, why not fuel up? Even cars often stop for a tyre change or petrol fill up.  You need to avoid overheating and functioning on zero, use the weekend to give yourself some rest, at times we fear breaking out of good habits and finding ourselves lounging in the wrong spaces. We know that our comfort zone isn't us settling but a place where we are able to thri...

Avenue Music: Perrie plays the female bestie who cares and makes you kick him to the curb Perre, geared up for Ascot. / Cred: PerrieHQ Another promising hit from the British beauty as her fourth single is set for August 22nd. If He wanted to He could sounds like that girl get together and talk some sense into you kind of ballad with a thumping beat, that sounds like it's fresh off the country road, driving you out of bad romance or minimal effort. Her debut album has been highly awaited after a few releases that gave hints of creative direction as so far there's a cohesive take, giving us an indicator that she definitely has a vision for her solo centre stage. Perrie performed the song during her live set at Ascot and it's receiving well deserved attention from her fanbase and we're excited. You go your way found a nearly acoustic cousin, giving a complimentary come together to the rest of the tracks. Official Artwork.  If He wanted to, He would drops this c...

Avenue Music: Sugababes Are Energized In Love with Shook! Official Artwork . After the ethereal weeds, the babes are back with Shook a club engaged beat with some 80s inspiration giving you energized retro as Siobhan's verse gives us an escape alluring feel. As she vocally sways like a seductive lullaby ready to read some romance for her lover. Are we getting poetic? Shook is definitely well put together, it gives each of the women some shine before they come together and prove yet again that they are the best lineup, the harmonies are just insanely good. It's like an EDM leaning version of Push The Button. This year we're definitely in for a treat with these incoming no stopping hot on tracks hits, they definitely are Back! They definitely are redefining themselves while maintaining that artistic identity that brings in that experimental yet mainstream Sugababes sound. Their music is definitely a finer taste, it's almost as if we're in their olden days as they keep...

Avenue Music: MajorSteez & Nomfundo Moh - Angeke, Comforting Melodies and A Burning Romance! Official Artwork. While scrolling on TikTok late at night, I came across this vibrant and heartwarming record, it's very happening, in the heat of the moment sure to get you moving with a fun, mature and captivating arrangement it promises to also be a memorable release with an infectious chorus.  The song dropped a few days ago and it's definitely a blaze! They have a winner. With engaging promo clips that are doing excellent rounds, soon it'll be not just on the radio but on various playlists around the world. Why remain in the South of Africa when reach is far better than in previous eras of music? This song has the local flavour and brings flaming delivery sure to feel like a cosy up by the fireplace. Now that's something. It has this ambience to it as it opens up with the chorus, like a flame that's sparking up before it trails its way for some cuddle and chemistry....

Pop Essentials: Dagny - Heartbreak In The Making Official Artwork. It's such a dangerous flame Dagny is sparking up, knowing the consequences she is ready to embrace the pain that comes with this thrilling romance, forget caution it's more of you only live once and a guy who is a risk she's willing to take. We've all been there before, in a space where we desired a bad boy/girl who has us daring enough to not know what's good for us.  She already knows the outcome and jumps right in. Licking wounds like ice cream, the satisfaction of I knew what I was getting myself into.  As she sings "Have you ever seen? How there's always beauty in a tragedy" you'd swear she's justifying it over a very active beat as it drums with hints of nostalgia and summer sunset. The song is sweet, sugary with some buzzing guitars and it sounds like a cut from the 80s that will sure have you reminiscing over a romance. It's Fresh Pop. Written By: Dagny N...

Entertainment Avenue: Beyond The Gates - Fairmont is Fine Dining Drama! Official Promotional Poster/CBS Premiered earlier this year, February 24th 2025 starring Tamara Tunie. Clifton Davis. Daphnée Duplaix. Karla Mosley. Brandon Claybon. Mike Manning. Timon Kyle Durrett. Marquita Goings   & Trisha Mann-Grant  to name a few this CBS soap opera isn't just a history books entry but Michele Val Jean brings in some weighty storylines that aren't just in a glamorous setting of pour your drink on him for a trending moment that adds no character development. No we get the hard hitting tones that have even our favourite characters going through moments we wished they were better off without but it adds to the flavor. Herbs aren't always sweet. Set in a Fairmont Crest, these gates aren't only filled with prestige, power but they come at a price unless your surname is Dupree but can influence bury a secret? This family always finds itself exposed by the sun and scorched by sc...