Jill Scott Withdraws from Cape Town Jazz Fest

Jill Scott has announced that she will not be able to perform at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival due to a role offer for a movie that begins filming at the end of March. According to mio.co.za, a letter from Scott's management stated: “It was with great regret that we must cancel Jill Scott’s performance on 31 March 2012 at the 13th Annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Ms. Scott has been offered and accepted a movie role which begins filming at the end of this month. The rigorous taping will preclude her from travelling during this time and through the end of April.”

Could Spears Join X Factor?

Rumours are circulating that Britney Spears could be one of the new judges on the American version of X Factor. The Hollywood Reporter was first onto the story, claiming that Spears' fiancé, agent Jason Trawick, is negotiating her contact, which could be signed as soon as this week.

However, Simon Cowell is keeping us in suspense. When asked on television program Good Day New York about Spears' potential involvement in the next series, Cowell replied: "You'll have to wait and see. I can't confirm or deny anything right now. The truth is, we are talking to a number of people. It changes on a daily basis to be honest with you."

Katy Perry Offered Megabucks for Brand Book?

Pop superstar Katy Perry has reportedly been offered R14m to write a tell-all book about her time with Russell Brand.  According to entertainmentafrica.com, three publishers are said to be competing for Perry's signature to write the book.

Perry and Brand split in December after 14 months of marriage, and both have maintained a dignified silence since they parted. However, it seems that the publishers are now keen for Perry to open up. A source said: "When everything was going well, Katy couldn't stop talking about him.

"Since the split neither of them have said anything - keeping the price of a deal high."

Weezy to Launch Shoe Range

Always one for attention grabbing outfits, rapper Lil Wayne is developing a signature brand of shoes. Talking to vibe.com, the star said: "It's not a Nike or Reebok, I can tell you that much", also saying that the brand would not his clothing brand, Trukfit, either. "I do have a shoe coming out soon but it won't be Trukfit. I have a shoe with a well-known company. I just don't want to say yet because I haven't dotted the line yet. But it's done."

Spoek Mathambo's New Album to be Released in March

Spoek Mathambo's new album Father Creeper is due for digital release on 12 March and will be available in stores on 19 March. The album will be released in South Africa by Sony Music Africa on license from Sub Pop Records, who Mathambo is signed to. He is the first South African to be signed to the legendary independent label, who launched Nirvana's career.

Adele, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran Win at Brits

Adele, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran were the big winners at the 2012 Brit Awards held last night at London's O2 Arena.

Adele added to her six Grammy awards with awards for British Female Solo Artist and British Album of the Year for her mega-selling album 21, while Coldplay won the award for British Group and Sheeran British Breakthrough Act.

Blur were honoured for their contribution to British music with the Outstanding Contribution to Music award.

American poet and vocalist Jill Scott will be performing at the 13th Cape Town International Jazz Festival, as will hip hop artist Pharoahe Monch. The two will be the biggest stars in the line-up of 41 local and international acts that will perform at the festival, taking place on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Tickets for the event are R400 for a single day pass and R550 for a two-day pass and are available through Computicket and at Shoprite-Checkers stores.