MC Ashley – Going Places

Bruinou.com member MC Ashley is one of the few truly versatile entertainers who can work the whole spectrum of the business striving for excellence in everything he tackles.

Not many entertainers can boast having two current radio hits, while at the same time being credited for composition and production on the current albums of

at least three Cape Town groups including De Ja Vu, having his own recent live show, “The Red Carpet Show” getting high rotation on Cape Town TV, being a highly sought after comedian and host MC, as well as running a production company that specializes in radio ads. Those are only some of what is currently on his plate. Being a prolific master of ceremonies and standup comic is how the name MC Ashley evolved and somehow that name stuck

Formerly known as Brother A, with quite a few radio hits and TV appearances in the early 1990’s, including his hit song God in Africa, he rose to fame working with the likes of Caramel from Organised Rhyme, Emile YX and Black Noise, as well as the famous Vicky Sampson. A few years later Ashley’s stardom started to wane as he got into all sorts of trouble, getting involved with gangsters and falling into drug abuse.

Although he was just about financially surviving doing performances, acting as a Master of Ceremonies at corporate functions and his comedy performances of absolutely brilliant impersonations of Michael Jackson, Nelson Mandela and other celebs, he was definitely not close to fulfilling his true potential.

After a run-in with the law as well as almost losing his life getting stabbed, he realized that breaking free from it all and getting his life back on track was not an option, but imperative. Ashley nowadays uses his comedy acts and public speaking abilities to address the issues of gangsterism and drug abuse from a personal experience perspective.

In 2006 MC Ashley released a promo CD called “Mix It” which not only showed off his skill as a performer but also as a composer and producer. Songs off the CD got extensive airplay on Good Hope FM and that also breathed new life into his career.

His songwriting prowess was then noticed by EMI who included the “Jake White” song he wrote for the then Springbok coach on their 2007 “Crazy Dance Hits” compilation.

Having penned the tracks Halloween and Why Oh Why (co-written by Ebrahim Inglis) on the current De Ja Vu album called Showtime, his real songwriting skill lying with very modern R&B songs even thouhg he is also able to write in a variety of other genres. He is nowadays inundated with requests for new material from a wide array of artists including an Afrikaans song destined for the upcoming Emo Adams album.

MC Ashley’s own current hit songs Can’t Touch My Love and High School Girl that will be included on an as yet unreleased album are currently enjoying airplay on at least three major Cape Town radio stations. You can hear his songs on his Bruinou.com profile page and also download them absolutely free from the links provided in this article.

In the next few weeks, besides his busy performing schedule, he will be adding the finishing touches to a brand new musical comedy “Mikaeel Jackson vannie Cape Flats” that tells the life story of a Cape Flats superstar born of an Indian mother and Xhosa father growing up as a Coloured, and how he becomes a ‘Smooth Criminal’.

Notwithstanding the fact that the play is drawing a lot of attention, that however is not the big project that is causing a buzz amongst everyone in the know.

GOING PLACES WITH MC ASHLEY is a brand new television show that already has seven episodes shot, all done in a chat show style.

The show features MC Ashley chatting and having fun with celebrities at various events that include but are not limited to entertainment industry parties and VIP backstage areas at concerts and festivals.

MC Ashley has already bagged interviews and chats with the likes of HHP, who he shared a stage with recently at the Jansenville festival near PE, as well as the three top female Idols winners from Cape Town, Jody Williams, Shasha Lee Davids and Karin Kortje who all regularly share a stage with him.

The effort and attention to detail that is being put into the production of this television show indicates that it will in all likelihood be a hit.

With broadcast dates still to be confirmed, Bruinou.com will be the first to know when the show starts airing on Cape Town TV and we will certainly keep you in the loop.

Details of the musical comedy “Mikaeel Jackson vannie Cape Flats” will also be put up on our events board as soon as the show dates and ticket prices are confirmed.

Meanwhile keep a close watch on this highly talented man who has managed to re-invent himself and lift his career to newer heights.