Adilah

Adilah — the winners of the 2003 Coca-Cola Popstars — have nicely come into their own, and they've won quite a following along the way. The proof is in their self-titled debut album — and Letang, Karabo, Tumi (lucky boy, he's the sole male in the group, amidst four divas), Refiloe and Thembi have been very busy indeed.

Their sound is a funky, eclectic mix of kwaito, blended with pop, R 'n B and house beats. The five members apparently all had a major hand in the production and creative direction of the album.

While on the topic of creativity, the creative energy and vibrancy of the bunch jumps right out at you, in a most pleasing way. I quite like track four, 'Truth', while track eight, 'Something Wandafool', has a terrific beat.

Throughout the CD one can hear traditional sounds such as ululating and African-language chants. Some of the songs are also in Zulu.

I must warn, though, if you're not that big on kwaito, steer clear of this CD, as you'll be sorrowfully disappointed.

That said, it's perfect for young and funky urbanites who love grooving to booty-shaking sounds with some serious hip-hop undertones.

Each of the young Popstars' has quite a tale to tell about their lives pre-Adilah. For a start, the youngest member, Karabo, had never sung before entering the competition. Add to that Thembisile (21), whose mother passed away when she was only 12, Letang (22), who is a graduate from the National School of Arts in Johannesburg, Itumeleng (Tumi), another graduate and jazz band member, and Refiloe, who once worked in a clothing store, and you've got a diverse and winning team for sure.

Well done with the debut, guys, and good luck with the next one. I'm keen to see what they'll have up their sleeve next!