Represent Interview: SiJi
Mar27

Represent Interview: SiJi

Anyone old enough to shake it on a deep-house dancefloor round the mid-noughties in Jozi will no doubt remember the tender dance hit “Feels Like…nothing I have ever kno-oh-ohwn…”. We can put those  handhigh moments down to the stirring vocals that had us all smooching in mid-beat, forgetting work the next day and any other silly responsibilities… Well now is the time to put a face to the latenight blame, meet SIJI: As you know, your track Feels Like mixed by Osunlade was a massive hit in South Africa a few years back (even Editorista has the vinyl!), it’s one of those songs that transports us to a good summertime feeling, being young and free in a changing ‘everything-is-possible’ South Africa. So obviously we are delighted to hear that you’ve got an entire album coming out, no doubt music-lovers all over Africa and the world will embrace your new tracks. Tell us more. SIJI – The new album “ADESIJI” was released out here (US) in November last year and we’ve had a lot of positive feedback from it. It‘s not too far of a departure from my debut album, ‘God-given’ but it has a more cohesive sound to it and I’ve incorporated a great deal more of my African influences and vibes into the sound. Rep: I watched your video clip “yearning for home” and it resonated with me quite strongly as a born-and-bred African who is currently not living in Africa. Before we get into this, would you mind sharing with us a bit about your youth and your journey. Your British accent hints that you may have grown up in the UK for a while? Where is Siji from? SIJI – I was born in the London to Nigerian parents, both of whom headed back to Lagos upon completion of their studies taking my brother and I along with them. Growing up in Nigeria had a tremendous impact on my outlook and growth. I returned back to London in the 80’s to further my education and discovered music. I left the UK at the turn of the century to try things out in the Big Apple and haven’t looked back since. I love the vibe out here in New York, the freedom, the boundless energy, the mix and variety of cultures from around the world….. but I have a nagging feeling that it’s about time I start to look homeward (Nigeria). There’s a generational change taking place on the continent and I’d love to be a part of the new wave of returnees making a difference that counts. Rep: In the video you play the keyboards/piano, tell...

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Off the Shelf: Rooftop movie night this Sunday
Mar27

Off the Shelf: Rooftop movie night this Sunday

Catch a showcase of up and coming South African film makers in a sublime setting at Off the Shelf, this Sunday 29th March 2009. Entry R20 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm at PRIVATE PRACTICE NO. 195 JEPPE STREET (ENTRANCE ON BREE…See map below for directions) This edition features: ELALINI by Tristan Holmes. Get up close and personal with Tristan as we talk about his Oscar-winning film Elalini and life since. If you haven’t seen it already, don’t miss this opportunity. If you have, here’s your chance to pick his brain about the creative and production processes behind the film. On Target by Andrew MacDonald. A spy, gun-toting action with explosions, Matrix style bullet-time and a hot lead- all set in the Down Town Gauteng. Not to be missed. Biko’s Children by Breeze Yoko. A cutting edge documentary and visual feast. It looks dope, sounds great and has a banging editing feel. A documentary about how the image of Steve Biko is up for sale. FOLLOWED BY A Q&A WITH THE FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE. For more information: Call 011 836 8911 Cell: 072 317 5145 Email: info@coalstove.co.za Visit...

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Catch FIFI’s album launch in Tshwane
Mar27

Catch FIFI’s album launch in Tshwane

She’s got a sweet vibrato voice that winds it’s way up and down and around her tinkling jazzy notes, if you’re into sisters singing with soul, make sure to catch the launch of Fifi’s EP this first of April, additional entertainment will be supplied by the ever faithful Dj Kenzhero and Sam Simose: Miss Fifi is at it again, it’s time for the residents of Tshwane to absorb some of this little dynamite’s talent. For a mere R50, with the first 100 attendees gaining themselves a free EP, you can catch Fifi’s second leg of her EP Launch taking place at House 22 in Pretoria’s Sunnyside. If unfortunately your girlfriend (Ed: or boyfriend!) took their time in front of the mirror at home, which ultimately made you the 101st person to arrive don’t stress, you can purchase the Ep at the launch for an easy R40. Join Fifi, Dj Kenzhero and that small cat Sam Simose on April fools day, 1st April 2009. Click on the flyer for more. Read an interview with FIFI on Rage right...

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First Wednesday Film Club: White Wedding
Mar27

First Wednesday Film Club: White Wedding

The First Wednesday Film Club proudly presents a FREE VIEWING of Jann Turner’s feature directorial debut: “WHITE WEDDING” 1st APRIL 2009 7:30pm STUDIO 4 Genre:  ROMANTIC COMEDY/ROAD MOVIE STARRING: Kenneth Nkosi, Rapulana Seiphemo, Joddie Withaker, Zandile Msutwana and Fanie Van Zyl. A feel-good movie about love, commitment, intimacy and friendship and the host of maddening obstacles that can get in the way of a happy ending. STORYLINE: Elvis sets off from Johannesburg to travel the 1800 kilometers that lie between him and Ayanda. his bride to be. They are to be married on Saturday.  First stop is Durban by Greyhound, but of course he misses the bus, misses his bachelor party and then things get worse… Director and Cast in Attendance. Format:  HD Dolby 5.1 Length:  93 minutes Year:  2009 Country:  SOUTH AFRICA Language: English, Zulu, Afrikaans, Xhosa Exec Producer: Ken FOLLETT Director:  Jann TURNER Writers:  Kenneth NKOSI, Rapulana SEIPHEMO, Jann TURNER Producers:  Kenneth NKOSI, Rapulana SEIPHEMO,  Jann...

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Represent ♡’s Kalimba Beatbox
Mar19

Represent ♡’s Kalimba Beatbox

Probably the most poignant video we’ve seen (and heard) on the web in a long time. Carlos plays the Kalimba and makes soulful sweet jazzy sounds with his mouth… Some kind of beautiful. Just wish it didn’t...

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