Meet "Mac" Africa. Not only is this promotional Diva considered THE leading lady of LA nightlife, she also sets the bar that club promoters strive to hit. She's got 'em all in the club: Hefner, Flynt and more beautiful women than you can count. She's Good, She's Bad and certainly unlike any other.

Publicity Whore sat down to see what makes "MAC" the name to know in entertainment circles and what is coming up for the Queen of LA nitelife.

PW: So Mac, when people tell you that LA scene blows, or that it's all hype, do you agree or disagree?

MAC: I think that the night life in LA is great. The 'scene' is sometimes very 'clicky', and a lot of people can't get in to all the 'hot clubs'. But there's everything and anything going on in LA all the time. You just have to know where! And of course that's where I come in!! The only problem for me is that all clubs, restaurants and bars close at 2am. What a bummer! We all then have to go to all the after hours.

PW: What is your favorite club to promote in LA and why?

MAC: All the clubs I promote are my favorite, otherwise I wouldn't be promoting them, right! I only promote the top upscale clubs in LA. They all are great!

PW: I know you've done events with the celebs like Dennis Quaid and Jeff Goldblum, is this because you respect them musically or just know the name will bring in lots of people?

MAC: Both. They are both very talented with fantastic musicians in their bands, but it certainly does help having stars like these to help bring in the 'crowd'.

PW: Where are you from exactly & how did you get started in the entertainment business?

MAC: I am originally from South Africa and came to The United States in 1986, and got into the entertainment business October 1996. I used to throw a series of large theme parties for my friends (500 - 800 people) in clubs around town, and I guess this attracted the attention of club owners and club promoters. I had a very successful business at the time designing African jewelery (which gave me a chance to live with African Tribes in their mud huts with no electricity or plumbing for 3 months every year for 10 years ) but decided that I wanted to change my profession, (I'd had enough!) so I just thought I would like to give promotions a try. And that's how it all happened!

PW: What is the most memorable event you've ever put on and why?

MAC: There have been too many memorable events for me to find THE ONE! Ask me for a list of the top 10 and I can oblige!

PW: Were there any that were total disasters?

MAC: I have never had any disasters yet thank goodness (you never know when that's going to happen!). But that is what motivates me even more, the fact that that can happen. I have had a few scares but it has always turned out okay in the end.

PW: We heard you are into helping lots of charities with your events and contacts, a real samaritan. Have you always been this way? is it true?

MAC: Yes, I have always tried to help others in need! It makes for a better planet when people in a more fortunate position can help those who are not. The promotion business can be a great platform to promote charities, and hold fund raisers for all non profit organizations.

PW: Has there ever been a shooting or stabbing at a Mac Africa event. How do you keep those big spending, rich, hair slicked back types from starting trouble?

MAC: No, there has never been a shooting at any of my events. Once there was a bottle broken over someone's head, fortunately that has been the worst of it.. My events are happy events so situations like this rarely seem to arise. Thank goodness! In order to keep the trouble makers at bay, you try to first conduct an informal screening at the door. (Hence the guest list thing!) Secondly, the bartenders use there expertise in trying to cut off any inhibriated (very drunk I would say!) individuals, and thirdly trying to talk some sense into them. Sometimes a little difficult but we seem to manage.

PW: Is your real name Mac or do people just call you that? Any other nicknames you go by?

MAC: My real name is Marilyn, but I have been called Mac since 7th grade. People call me anything from Mac to Mackie, MacDonald, McIntosh, Macrilyn, Mackie Moo, Mackie Poo, Maxamillian, Macnifficent, Macaline, McTavish, McRae, Mac 10, (I could go on for ever!)

PW: What advice would you give to a young club promoter, so they're able to make a buck as well as put on a great event in this town?

MAC: Collect a large data base, lots of girls (60% - 70%). Don't spread yourself too thin by trying to expand to other nights before you are firmly established, and don't get despondent. Keep on trying. It's not that hard! Just a lot of work.

PW: Do you think Billy Bob Thornton has a snowballs chance in hell with his musical career and will he be making an upcoming appearance @ a Mac Event?

MAC: I have never heard his music, so it would be difficult to answer that question. He can succeed though, as long as he is dedicated to the cause. They say practice makes perfect! Sure, I'd love to have him play. Everyone will want to just SEE Billy Bob!

PW: If there was one other city in the world you'd like to be hosting events where would it be?

MAC: Ibiza. Ibiza. Ibiza. What fun!! I probably would never come back!

PW: Where have you done events before?

MAC: South Africa, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Detroit, Atlanta. Never in Ibiza though! It maybe time!

PW: What are your thoughts on sporting events in general?

MAC: Not much of a sports enthusiast, except for the SUPERBOWL, an exciting boxing match, and Wimbeldon Tennis. (I think that's it!)

PW: Anything else you'd like people to know about you you Mac, like what you currently got going on, etc.?

MAC: I am currently doing Barfly Thursday with either bands or fashion shows every week and then DJ Crash spinning with Dean Rubin live on drums, and Who's Who Land at The Gate Saturday with DJ Chris Paul from London spinning. Both great nights. I will do doing Wednesdays at Moomba starting at the end of the June and Jeff Goldblum will be playing piano with his jazz band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra every week starting at the end of June. To contact me 818 342-2171 or macafrica1@earthlink.net. It's a good idea to get on my e-mail list (the best way for me to contact you) so you can get my e-mails to find out about other events. Tuesday June 11 we did the launch party for Gene Simmons (Kiss) new magazine 'Tongue' at Barfly.

PW: And last and most importantly, what do you think of those crazy handsome devils over at Publicity Whore Magazine?

MAC: Gotta love 'em. Too cool! What more can I say!

PW: Ahhhh. You're too kind Mac!

Wanna Get a Hold of Mac?
mac@publicitywhore.com

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