Five reads to cuddle with in this weather
By Lindelwa R 1. I AIN’T YO BITCH – Jabulile Bongiwe Ngwenya “I ain’t yo bitch” I saw this title in the book store and rolled my eyes as I lifted it to read what sordid man-manipulation guide this would be. I was way off – It’s a fiction tale about a young lesbian rapper in the hustle & bustle of Joburg’s hip-hop scene. She is a talented wordsmith in an industry dominated by men who cannot stand to be outdone by a woman, a lesbian woman especially. A sad tale about the struggle of womanhood, doubled with homophobia from those around her and what it took for her to finally come into her own. The ending is a cliché, but I could not have been more fitting. 2. BLACK WIDOW SOCIETY – Angela Makholwa I’ve been waiting to read a thriller about women in an underground mafia-style scheme. It was a slow read; it was how she gradually brought the characters to life in short interwoven scenes that were a good enough to keep the reader’s (my) nose in between her pages. The story is about a group of women who ‘eliminate’ good-for-nothing husbands, rescuing the “black widows” from lives of abuse and manipulation. It unfolds dramatically when the hired gun’s personal life is affected by the paranoia he’s acquired ever since serving the society. Despite the predictable first two thirds of the book, the climax was good enough to allow for the book’s clichéd ending. 3. WHEN RAIN CLOUDS GATHER – Bessie Head I could call this one a love story, about a man learning to love himself. It is set in a village in Botswana during the time of severe drought, a South African takes refuge there to escape from apartheid in near-by South Africa. He must overcome internal conflict while also being absorbed into the drama of the village in which he settles. It’s a tale of greed, selflessness & community; it is intriguing without too much suspense. You won’t put it down until it’s over. 4. FEMINISM IS FOR EVERYBODY (PASSIONATE POLITICS) – bell hooks The mainstream media’s depiction of the socio-political idea is more radical then practical and that is why I felt it was necessary to read a sort of… beginner’s guide to feminism? Yes. She describes the beginning of feminism and the various struggles within – issues of race, class, gender relations and the power of the sisterhood. It feels boring to read but you will appreciate the enlightenment afterwards. 5. GONE – Michael Grant Gone is the first in a series of 6 books. It is a story about a...
Introducing the Power of 50
The Umuzi Team recently announced that the applications for the Power of 50 Programme 2015 intake are now open. This is a great initiative to empower young creative minds into taking part on something meaningful that can change their lives forever. The Power of 50 is a one-year tertiary programme preparing young people to become active economic participants in the creative industry. (www.umuzi.org/the-power-of-50). The successful candidates receive a monthly stipend to cover their basic expenses. They gain real work life experience by working at a creative agency, skills training by working on live client projects, masterclasses by industry experts, opportunities to network with the creative industry whist building a strong portfolio of work. Apply at www.umuzi.org/apply Aspiring ekasi creatives face a daunting gap to professional employment in the creative economy. Umuzi bridges this gap. The Power of 50 is a successful model of collaboration between Investec Bank, who make this possible by funding the programme, The Creative Circle, who facilitate the internships with leading creative agencies, Vega and Da Vinci, who help us to deliver the formal skills...
Simphiwe Dana Launches Firebrand to the World
Hot off her recent US performance at the Apollo Theatre, and followed by a red carpet invitation as nominee to NYC’s premier dance awards – Simphiwe Dana received a Bessie Award in the category Outstanding Composition for her work with Giuliano Modarelli (choreographed by Gregory Maqoma) – before hurrying back to prepare for her highly anticipated album release. Africa’s quintessential, iconic Queen of Soul, took fans by surprise yet again this weekend when she posted an announcement revealing the title of her forthcoming album. “I am a firebrand, and always have been. I am a firebrand because I do not allow society’s prisons to hold me back. I speak my truth. I am free. I love fiercely and I fight for what I love, and this is the source of my activism”. Simphiwe Dana will impress with this passion-infused album, which she intends to launch in Kenya together with Capital Fm as media partner this week, ahead of the album release in South Africa. Aptly titled, Firebrand – the new album which took two years to create – speaks to the inherent passion that emanates from the conviction carried through each song, lyric line, and melody. She will perform the new material for the first time at the diverse Koroga Festival in Kenya at the end of the week, and entice a select few to a pre-release album launch experience. Firebrand will be made available for fans to pre-order on iTunes across the continent, and around the world on 10 November 2014 to coincide with the launch in Kenya. Once back home next week, Simphiwe Dana intends to build up to a public pre-release listening session. This will take the form of a live on-air broadcast on Kaya Fm on 20 November, which will be streamed to listeners around the world. The listening session will include a select audience of hand-picked Firebrands in their respective fields, who in turn will engage in a Q&A session during the listening session with the leading Firebrand herself. Simphiwe Dana released her brand new single titled My Light last week. To Listen to My Light for a limited time period only click here – http://bit.ly/1wz60jX iTunes Single: Nzima – https://itunes.apple.com/za/album/nzima-single/id879056841 Music Video: Nzima...
Jill Scott heading to S.A for a “One Night Only” Concert
Smooth sounds of a dynamic soprano who infuses R&B, spoken word, jazz and hip hop, epitomizes the songstress that is Jill Scott. Airey Scott together with Kaya FM, Mzanzi Magic and Tsogo Sun bring us the The No.1 Lady, for one night only in Johannesburg on the 13 December 2014 at the Coca-Cola Dome. With over 4 million records sold in the US and numerous awards across music and film over the past decades, three-time Grammy Award winning singer/actress Jill Scott has proven why she is an artist personified. Before being named People Magazine’s Top TV Breakout Star of 2010 and appearing on VH1 Divas alongside Aretha Franklin, the triple threat began her career collaborating with musical icons, The Roots, Will Smith, and Common in the late 90s. In 2000, she released her much anticipated debut record, Who is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds, Vol. 1, a double platinum album that earned Scott several Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. Two more critically acclaimed albums followed, Beautifully Human: Words & Sounds, Vol. 2 and The Real Thing: Words & Sounds, Vol. 3 which garnered two more Grammy Awards and spawned multiple worldwide tours. As an actress Jill Scott has also enjoyed great success, including her appearance in the HBO TV series No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, which was set and filmed nearby in Botswana. This summer Johannesburg will be catapulted into the world of Miss Jill Scott, as she carries her fans along on a melodic live journey with her dynamic voice for one night only this December. Johannesburg audiences will be treated to the full Jill Scott experience at a seated concert at The Coca –Cola Dome. Promoters Airey Scott, known for the recent Kendrick Lamar and 2Chainz SA tours, are excited to finally be bringing Jill Scott out to Johannesburg. ‘Having only ever performed in Cape Town in the past, we felt that it was only right to bring Jill Scott to Johannesburg and offer the market this exclusive experience’ said promoter Stuart Scott. Limited tickets for the seated concert are available at Computicket now. These range from R390 to...
The age of custom-made: Pretoria designers thrive
New life has been injected into creative businesses in Pretoria since The Brooklyn Design Fair opened its doors at the Brooklyn Square parkade in Pretoria. The Fair takes place on the first Friday of every month from 16:00 until 21:00. And the locals are loving it! In response to the demand for custom-made and non-mainstream living, The Brooklyn Design Fair opened its doors on Friday, 06 June 2014 at the second floor parking at Brooklyn Square, Pretoria. Conveniently, entrance to The Fair is free of charge. Filled with beautiful design, tantalising refreshments and live entertainment, The Fair aims to give young entrepreneurs, local traders and small business owners the chance to showcase their work at a regular pop-up event. “Our goal is to create a platform where our vendors can generate leads, orders and sales,” says Beninca Steyn, one of The Brooklyn Design Fair founders. “Through The Fair we encourage Pretoria residents to be proudly local and support local businesses.” “The Brooklyn Design Fair creates a space for likeminded designers to showcase our products to the Pretoria public with an appreciation for contemporary design,” says P.G Needham, creator and owner of Needham Leather Goods. Inge-Marie Kleynhans, owner of FanFairyTastic, a children’s party and entertainment company, adds that she has not missed a single event; “The Fair has given me wonderful exposure, which has in turn generated countless add-on opportunities for my company.” The next event on Friday, 07 November 2014, themed the NovemBEER & Wine Fair, will offer a variety of craft beer, in addition to fine wine, food, fashion and design. Corlie Schoeman, Cleilap ceramics owner, says that there is only one thing she will change; “The Brooklyn Design Fair should take place more often, at least every second week, because I absolutely love it!” For more information about The Brooklyn Design Fair, please visit www.brooklyndesignfair.co.za or find it...
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