(NEW YORK –NY) RCA Records is excited to announce the signing of Grammy winning R&B superstar Brandy in a venture with Chameleon Records. Brandy is currently in the studio working on her debut RCA/Chameleon Records album which is scheduled for release in early 2012.

Says Peter Edge, Chief Executive Office, RCA Music Group, “Throughout her career Brandy has consistently won the vote as everyone’s favorite female vocalist. I am sure that in her next chapter at RCA and in partnership with Breyon Prescott, we will record her most exciting music to date.”

Says Tom Corson, President and COO, RCA Music Group, “Brandy is a worldwide superstar, an award winning performer and a critically acclaimed talent. We are excited to welcome her to RCA Records and look forward to working with her on her new musical endeavors.”

Breyon Prescott, CEO of Chameleon Records says, “Brandy is an icon who changed the sound of R&B music, I’m proud to say she has signed with RCA/Chameleon Records to take her to the next phase of her career. She’s a blessing and music needs her again.”

“This is truly a blessing,” says Brandy. “Breyon Prescott, Peter Edge and Tom Corson believe in me and have introduced me to a home that also believes and knows exactly what to do with the type of music I’m doing. Breyon and the team at RCA/Chameleon are creative and forward-thinking and I am thrilled to be working with them.”

Brandy Norwood is a superstar actress, R&B/pop singer, songwriter, host, spokesmodel and record producer. Ranked by the RIAA as one of the best-selling female artists in American music history, Brandy has sold more than 20.5 million albums worldwide, while receiving a plethora of awards, including a Grammy, an American Music Award, two Soul Train Music Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, three Billboard Awards, four MTV Awards, six Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, two Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards and three BMI Awards. She arrived with a self-titled debut album at the age of fifteen and went on to record a series of hit CDs that established her as one of the successful R&B/pop female vocalists to emerge in a generation. While maintaining a recording career, Norwood also gained fame for starring in several film and TV projects including the popular UPN sitcom, Moesha (1996-2001), a 1997 version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, a supporting role in the 1998 horror sequel, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, and as a judge on the #1 rated talent competition, America’s Got Talent. Brandy and her brother Ray J recently appeared in the Vh1 reality series, “Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business.” Norwood has also been spokesmodel for Cover Girl, DKNY and Ultima/Kaneka brand by Brandy. A native of McComb, MS, Brandy’s philanthropic endeavors include the Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Norwood Kids Foundation, which supports music and the performing arts in public schools.

www.4everbrandy.com
@4everBrandy

In a progressive joint-venture deal concluded this week, Sugababes are announcing their new label of choice as Sony RCA.

Upon leaving their former label home of 9 years, Crown MD, Mark Hargreaves commented, “With Island Records, we enjoyed an extremely long and successful relationship, establishing Sugababes as a band whose name has for the past decade become a bi-word throughout Europe for hit records. Our decision to strike a deal with Sony came because it was important for us to treat this as a new chapter in the band’s lifespan and to factor in all of the key elements that are essential to make any signing the right one; a passion for the music, enthusiasm for the talent, and a belief in the team to deliver. In Sony we found all of these qualities.”

The decision to work again with Nick Gatfield, Sony Music’s newly appointed President of Music was a natural fit, as it was he who signed the band’s former deal while at Island back in 2001.

Gatfield commented, “When we learned of the chance to sign Sugababes, we saw a great opportunity to work with Crown and continue to build on the band’s legacy of successful hit-making. I believe we have an exciting future together operating through a new joint-venture model which incorporates the excellent creative skills of Mark Hargreaves and Sarah Stennett at Crown combined with the marketing and promotional assets that Charlie Lycett and the RCA team have to offer.”

Sugababes’ debut single FREEDOM is scheduled for release on 25th September.

Leona Lewis / Avicii

‘Collide’, a dance-pop anthem, is a departure from Leona’s signature sound and is her first new recorded material to be heard since the release of her Number 1 album ‘Echo’ in 2009. ‘Collide’ is a massive tune with a euphoric catchy chorus. Built around a staccato piano riff ‘Collide’ builds and builds into an immense anthem. Leona’s world class vocal is instantly recognisable and is a powerful reminder as to why she has enjoyed such incredible global success to date.

Talking about ‘Collide’ Leona said: “I’m excited for people to see a different side to my music. I’m a fan of so many different genres and styles. For me this song has all the great ingredients of a summer anthem. I can’t wait for my fans to hear it and to share the rest of the album.”

Marking a new chapter for the multi-platinum selling artist, ‘Collide’ is the first track to be taken from Leona’s as yet untitled third studio album, which she is currently putting the finishing touches to, due for release in November. Leona has been working with the world’s most prestigious songwriting and production talent including Sandy Vee (Katy Perry ‘Firework’, Rihanna ‘Only Girl In The World’, David Guetta ‘Where Them Girls At’), Autumn Rowe (Alexis Jordan ‘Happiness’), Ammo (Katy Perry ‘E.T’), Jonas Quant (Hurts), Chuck Harmony (Rihanna ‘Russian Roulette’), Claude Kelly (Bruno Mars ‘Grenade’) and ‘Bleeding Love’ writer/producer, Ryan Tedder. Leona has been working with incredible UK talent including Fraser T Smith (Adele ‘Set Fire to the Rain’, Florence ‘You Got the Love’), Al Shux (Alicia Keys ‘Empire State of Mind)’, Steve Robson (James Morrison, Take That), Naughty Boy and Emeli Sande. Her previous albums ‘Spirit’ and ‘Echo’ both topped the UK album chart. More news will be announced soon.

2011 looks set to be another incredible year for Leona Lewis on what has been an incredible journey so far… let the next chapter begin.

www.leonalewismusic.com

Twitter: @leonalewismusic

FB: http://www.facebook.com/#!/leonalewis

the pseudo video is now on Vevo – http://www.youtube.com/user/leonalewisVEVO

The album includes collaborations by several artists that Michael Bolton hand-picked for this release. He had this to say about working with Judith Sephuma “Judith’s voice and range is magnificent. What an honour to discover on this amazing journey such a pure voice coming from a beautiful, soulful place”.

Tight time schedules resulted in having to record their individual vocals in different countries, while technicians from their record label Sony Music Entertainment merged the two tracks. Now, the two stars finally have the opportunity meet on stage to sing their as yet to be released duet for fans.

Date 8 and 9 August 2011

Time 20h00 (doors open at 19h00)

Venue Big Top Arena, Carnival City, Brakpan

Cost R280 to R500

Tickets Available from Computicket

0861 915 8000 | www.computicket.com

Judith Sephuma is one of the country’s finest female vocalists. Hailing from Polokwane in Limpopo, her remarkable voice has become synonymous with the jazz genre. She studied music at UCT, graduating in 2000 with an Honours Degree in Jazz Performance, and majoring in jazz singing. Today, she combines traditional and contemporary jazz and African sounds, sometimes with a slight hint of R&B.

With three solo albums under her belt and several awards to her name, she has earned both local and international acclaim. The title track of her debut album A Cry, A Smile, A Dance, released in 2001, earned her several awards as well as multi-platinum sales.

Judith Sephuma is scheduled to release her fourth studio album titled I AM A LIVING TESTIMONY on 5 September 2011.

For further information regarding the shows please contact:

Jeni Fletcher on 021 426 1233 or jeni@corporateimage.co.za

For further information regarding Michael Bolton please contact:

Naomi Le Roux on 011 274 5000 or Naomi.leroux@sonymusic.com

082 307 5573

For further information regarding Judith Sephuma please contact:

Maria Hadjidimitriadis on 011 274 5000 or maria.hadjidimitriadis@sonymusic.com

082 824 2841

There is nothing more rewarding than having true talent recognized and in this case, the recognition is coming from both local and international experts in the arts.

The Soil recently returned from a series of Grahamstown Arts Festival fringe performances with a Standard Bank Ovation Award which enables them to be invited back on the main festival next year [between 28 June to 8 July 2012]. View a clip from their recent Grahamstown performance here.

No sooner had they arrived home when their publisher John Fishlock (Active Music Publishing) called confirming that ‘Sedilaka’ off the self-titled debut has just been secured for placement on an international film starring Halle Berry (Dark Tide).

The Soil’s composition ‘Sedilaka’ will feature in the body of the film for just over 2 minutes in a stills and video montage of the main character (Halle Berry) during a reflective moment, driving in her car, listening to the radio, and looking out to sea.

Dark Tide was shot in the UK and in South Africa (Simonstown and Seal Island) and is pegged for international release in November 2011.

Dark Tide movie trailer.

To stream songs off The Soil’s self-titled debut album click here

To download the album click here http://omusic.dstv.com/11979689/The_Soil/Album/The_Soil

First single ‘Joy (We Are Family)’ is now available for download here

For live performance updates go to http://www.facebook.com/thesoilkasisoul

To receive The Soil’s previous press release with headline ‘Originally from Heaven, Born in Soweto, Destined to Triumph all over the World’ – please contact maria.hadjidimitriadis@sonymusic.com

Interview requests for The Soil to be directed to:

Sony Music Entertainment Africa Tel: +27 11 274 5000

S’khumbuzo Fassie e-mail: Scooby.fassie@sonymusic.com

Maria Hadjidimitriadis e-mail: maria.hadjidimitriadis@sonymusic.com

For Booking and Management Enquiries:

Native Rhythms Productions Tel: +27 11 325 2632

E-mail: management@nativerhythms.co.za

Recording started at the renowned M5 studio at SABC in Johannesburg early 2011.

The album will be mastered by Troy Glessner at Spectre Studios in Seattle.

Glessner has worked on projects such as Death Cab for Cutie, Copeland and Anberlin.

View the Towns album EPK here:

Delivery of Towns single #1 ‘Bodies Of Water’ to all radio is currently underway and a music video for the single will follow shortly.

Wrestlerish fans are invited to participate in a unique album pre-order campaign powered by Sony Music.

Go to www.wrestlerish.co.za for more details.

‘Towns‘ Pre-Order Instructions:

Click on the pre-order link to place your order for a signed copy of the brand new album Towns on CD.

You will receive a link download an exclusive Wrestlerish live EP called ‘The Antimotion Sessions’ immediately.

Then on September 12, 2011 you will be emailed a link to download the new album Towns and a signed finished product CD copy will be mailed directly to you via registered mail.

For more information please contact:

Paul Thackwray (paul.thackwray@sonymusic.com)

Duncan Shelwell (duncan.shelwell@sonymusic.com)

Jay Jules (jay.jules@sonymusic.com)

Sony Music congratulates Carike Keuzenkamp and Andriëtte Norman on their Huisgenoot Tempo Awards which were awarded last night during a glittering occasion in Johannesburg.

Andriëtte’s third album “Vat My Hoër” won the Huisgenoot Tempo Award for the best contemporary album of the year. The Idols-finalist of 2007 had strong competitors like Steve Hofmeyr, Bok v Blerk & Romanz in the same category and was the youngest nominee in this category.

Carike’s album “Carike en Ghoempie kuier saam met Ghoeghoe in Kinderland nr. 7” won the Huisgenoot Tempo Award for the best children’s album of the year.

“I am honored to get recognition for my children’s albums. It is also a bonus for the team who worked so hard on the CD and the DVD,” says Carike.

The eighth album in this series “Carike en Ghoempie kuier saam met Ghoeghoe in Kinderland 8” will be released at the end of August and nr. 8 in the DVD-series will be available in September. A book with stories and songs in the Ghoempie-series will also be published later this year.

Andriëtte was totally overwhelmed and taken by surprise when her name was announced for the best contemporary album last night.

“I didn’t spare it a thought I would win the prize in a million years – not with big names like Steve Hofmeyr in the same category. I am honored and privileged.”

Sony Music is proud to have two talented artists like Carike and Andriëtte in their stable and wish them only success for the future in their respective careers.

CARIKE & ANDRIëTTE VEREER BY HUISGENOOT TEMPO TOEKENNINGS 2011!

Sony Music wens vir Carike Keuzenkamp en Andriëtte Norman hartlik geluk met hul Huisgenoot Tempo Toekennings wat gisteraand tydens ‘n spoggeleentheid te Emperors Pallace aan hulle oorhandig is.

Andriëtte se album “Vat My Hoër” is bekroon met ‘n Huisgenoot Tempo Toekenning vir die beste kontemporêre album van die jaar. Dit is Andriëtte, voormalige Idols-finalis in 2007, se derde album en benewens dat sy die jongste benoemde in die kategorie was, moes sy ook teen groot name soos Steve Hofmeyr, Bok v Blerk & Romanz meeding.

Carike se album “Carike en Ghoempie kuier saam met Ghoeghoe in Kinderland nr. 7” is met ‘n Huisgenoot Tempo Toekenning vir die beste kinderalbum van die jaar bekroon.

“ Dit is vir my ‘n groot eer om die erkenning te kry. Dit is ook ‘n groot bonus vir die span wat saam met my op die CD en DVD gewerk het,” sê Carike.

“Carike en Ghoempie kuier saam met Ghoeghoe in Kinderland nr. 8” word einde Augustus uitgereik en die agtste DVD in die Ghoempie-reeks is in September op die rakke. ‘n Boek met liedjies en stories in die Ghoempie-reeks word ook later vanjaar bekendgestel.

Andriëtte vertel dat sy heeltemal oorstelp en uit die veld geslaan was toe haar naam gisteraand as wenner vir die beste kontemporêre album van die jaar uitgeroep is.

“Ek het nie gedink dat ek dit in ‘n miljoen jaar sal wen nie – veral nie met sterk teenstanders soos Steve Hofmeyr in dieselfde kategorie nie. Ek voel geërd en bevoorreg.”

Sony Music is trots om twee sulke talentvolle kunstenaars in hul stal te hê en wens vir Carike en Andriëtte nog baie sukses vir die toekoms in hul onderskeie loopbane toe

Jeff Dunham is back in his much anticipated forth live DVD, with all new material and unparalleled comedy that surpasses his record-breaking specials, Arguing with Myself, Spark of Insanity, and A Very Special Christmas Special.

All the favorites are here—Walter, the grumpy retiree; furry and manic Peanut; José Jalapeño, the spicy pepper from south of the border; plus bumbling skeletal Achmed the Dead Terrorist. Dunham is also joined by two never-before-seen characters certain to unleash their own unique havoc on stage.

Dunham is an international phenomenon with sold-out stadium-sized concerts, half a billion YouTube views, and television shows that remain among the highest rated in Comedy Central history. Time Magazine calls him “the most popular comedian in the U.S.” USA Today says simply, “Spectacular.”

“Controlled Chaos” is guaranteed to deliver an unequaled number of laughs-per-minute – whether you’re a Dunham Maniac, or seeing him and his partners for the very first time.

Jeff Dunham is the top-selling international comedian in South Africa, with record-breaking sold out shows in Sun City, Johannesburg & Cape Town in 2010; and DVD sales in excess of 70,000 units to date!

Controlled Chaos is scheduled for release 26th September 2011…

Photo Credit - Guy Aroch

Leona Lewis’s incredible story continues today with the announcement of her brand new single ‘Collide’. With ‘Collide’, the record-breaking international superstar from Hackney showcases a new sound that is set to dominate dance floors across Europe this summer.

‘Collide’, a dance-pop anthem, is a departure from Leona’s signature sound and is her first new recorded material to be heard since the release of her Number 1 album ‘Echo’ in 2009. ‘Collide’ is a massive tune with a euphoric catchy chorus. Built around a staccato piano riff ‘Collide’ builds and builds into an immense anthem. Leona’s world class vocal is instantly recognisable and is a powerful reminder as to why she has enjoyed such incredible global success to date.

Talking about ‘Collide’ Leona said: “I’m excited for people to see a different side to my music. I’m a fan of so many different genres and styles. For me this song has all the great ingredients of a summer anthem. I can’t wait for my fans to hear it and to share the rest of the album.”

‘Collide’ will get its first UK radio play today on the Scott Mills show on Radio 1 (Friday 15th July – between 4 – 7PM).

The ‘Collide’ package also features a remix by the hottest DJ/producer in the world right now, Afrojack (Grammy award winner, credits include US no 1 Pitbull ‘Give Me Everything’ and remixes for Madonna, Lady GaGa, Black Eyed Peas, Tinie Tempah, Snoop Dogg). In the last few days Afrojack has already road tested his remix a couple of times in Ibiza, getting great responses with audiences demanding to know who the tune is by.

Marking a new chapter for the multi-platinum selling artist, ‘Collide’ is the first track to be taken from Leona’s as yet untitled third studio album, which she is currently putting the finishing touches to, due for release in November. Leona has been working with the world’s most prestigious songwriting and production talent including Sandy Vee (Katy Perry ‘Firework’, Rihanna ‘Only Girl In The World’, David Guetta ‘Where Them Girls At’), Autumn Rowe (Alexis Jordan ‘Happiness’), Ammo (Katy Perry ‘E.T’), Jonas Quant (Hurts), Chuck Harmony (Rihanna ‘Russian Roulette’), Claude Kelly (Bruno Mars ‘Grenade’) and ‘Bleeding Love’ writer/producer, Ryan Tedder. Leona has been working with incredible UK talent including Fraser T Smith (Adele ‘Set Fire to the Rain’, Florence ‘You Got the Love’), Al Shux (Alicia Keys ‘Empire State of Mind)’, Steve Robson (James Morrison, Take That), Naughty Boy and Emeli Sande. Her previous albums ‘Spirit’ and ‘Echo’ both topped the UK album chart. More news will be announced soon.

Since winning over the hearts and minds of the public in 2006, Leona’s incredible Hackney to Hollywood fairytale has seen her sell over 10 million albums worldwide. Her unrivalled international successes and achievements have seen her win multiple Grammy and BRIT nominations. She’s enjoyed chart success internationally with number one albums and singles, she became the first-ever British artist to debut at Number 1 in the US album charts and her single ‘Bleeding Love’ was Number 1 on over 35 singles/airplay charts. Leona has also performed live at some of the world’s most prestigious events including Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday concert and represented Great Britain at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics alongside Jimmy Page and David Beckham. Last year Leona completed her first sell out UK arena tour.

2011 looks set to be another incredible year for Leona Lewis on what has been an incredible journey so far… let the next chapter begin.

Listen To The Track here -