Afro Z

Afro Z are the group that was formed in 2002, made up of the five runners-up - Lois Du Plessis (22), Ernest St Clair (21), Nigel Morkel (23), Naseera Timm (19) and Richard Hala (24) - in the Coca Cola Popstars talent search contest (the winners were called 101). These five were hot favourites with viewers during the final stretch of the show - and their combined singing, performing, dancing and songwriting ability earned the group a contract with EMI South Africa. Richard was born in Wellington and raised in a small township called Mbekweni, Nigel hails from Ottery, Cape Town, Ernest was raised in Grassy Park, Naseera grew up in Mitchell's Plain and Lois spent her youth in Middelburg. For their debut album, Afro Z worked with Gabi Le Roux (of Mandoza fame) at his studio in Fish Hoek early in 2003. Le Roux was also the creative force behind 'Phenomenal', the debut single from the group, which was released last year and is still in high rotation on radio stations throughout the country. 'Phenomenal', with its Mbaqanga and kwaito threads and urban edge is obviously included on 'Ain't It Funny'. The song was sourced through Zomba Publishing in the United Kingdom and was penned by Michael Power, Connor Reeves and Raf Walters. Other album highlights among these 13 tracks are 'Playin' With My Mind', 'My Coldest War', and 'Don't Lie To Me'. 'Ain't It Funny' also features the very beautiful song, 'Condition of my Heart', which was penned by global star, Brian McKnight.