Celebrity with brains

By CEO

Last week I was in South Africa to attend the Cape Town International Jazz Festival where I basically hobnobbed with crËme de la crËme of showbiz world. And as usual there were peculiar and good moments that capped the trip.

 The most bizarre look definitely went to Verdin White, the bassist of Earth Wind and Fire. How else would you explain his long pitch-black human wig and he is over 60 years old? This coupled with feminine cut trouser, shirt and boots.

Okay, celebs can wear funny-looking stage outfits, but that lip-balm, wig and female mannerisms was depressing. The swagger is to dress according to your age and gender.

My good old pal Hugh Masekela also tried to be smart during the interview by explaining his collabo jazz album, Almost Like Being In Jazz. The last time I checked there was a jazz standard song, Almost Like Being in Love where he borrows his title from.

But the most fulfilling incident was meeting Denzel Washington. The movie star was in town to check out location to shoot his latest flick, Safe House. Denzel is as cool as cucumber on the party scene. He does not walk along with human shield of bodyguards and is just relaxed among the ordinary mortals.

Then there was Esparanza Spalding, the new jazz princess. This young girl impressed yours truly with her music and brains. It is long since I interviewed a young woman who quoted extensively from philosophers, poets and politicians. Esparanza Spalding is one of the sharpest tools in the yard.

During our talk I could not help but think of our local entertainment scene where most of the local celebrities rarely give you any statement worth quoting.