Celebrate Women Artists in Aug – do it girls!
Aug07

Celebrate Women Artists in Aug – do it girls!

If you have not been to the awesome ConHill in Braamfontein/Parktown yet, here is your chance, ladies and guys get your friends together and go and celebrate some of our most prolific female artists in SA.   If you go on Sunday the 11 August, you get to meet the artists’s and chat to them about their work – a rare opportunity indeed. Go Go Go. To celebrate National Women’s Month in August, an exhibition of contemporary photography and poetry by 14 South African women is being held at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg.  Titled Isis X, this exhibition seeks to evoke the spirit of the mythological Egyptian goddess and, at the same time, pays tribute to the creativity of her modern-day earth-bound counterparts. The exhibition, which can be viewed from now to the 31 August 2007, is being presented by Botsotso, a grouping of South African poets, writers and artists that has been in existence for 13 years. The four female photographers taking part in the Isis X exhibition are Neo Ntsoma, Suzy Bernstein, Riana Wiechers and Anna Varney. The latter two women will also be displaying their poetic prowess, and joining them are fellow poets elsbeth e, Sumeera Dawood, Lisemelo Tlale, Elizabeth Trew, Anet Kemp, Baitse Mokiti, Myesha Jenkins, Arja Salafranca, Makhosazana Xaba and Bongekile Mbanjwa. On display are 50 photographs and poems taken from the book Isis X, edited by Allan Kolski Horwitz and available through Botsotso Publishing. “Such an openly women-only venture might attract projections of stereotyped feminism or effeminate style,” commented poet Eva Kowalski of the book, “[but] neither is valid concerning this intelligent, varied, yet ultimately coherent anthology.” Similarly, the Isis X exhibition aims to reflect the humorous personal insights, poignant social observations and spirited expressions of anger and hope reflected by the female contributors in the book. It is hoped that visitors to the exhibition will conclude that a female artist’s pen and lens are, indeed, mightier than the sword. The opening will take place at 6pm for 6.30pm on 2 August, in the atrium of the exhibition space at the Women’s Jail at the Constitution Hill Complex in Kotzé Street, Hillbrow. Keketso Semoko (Isidingo actress and women’s rights activist) and Odette Geldenhuys (legal rights activist and documentary film maker) are the guest speakers, and several of the poets will also give readings of their work. There will be a walkabout for the public on Saturday, 11 August at 11am, during which the photographers and poets will be present to discuss their work. In addition, there will be an evening of women’s poetry at the same venue at 6pm on Friday, 24 August. This will feature...

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Represent Recommends: Sundays in Soweto
Jul31

Represent Recommends: Sundays in Soweto

It’s mosdef the place to be to forget your Sunday Blues as winter winds down towards Spring – join Levi’s ekasi at the Backroom in SO-WE-TO for the month of August…  With a line up of some of Rep’s favourite muso’s and DJ’s including 340ml, Lira, Kwani and Khenzero, the old adage of “you don’t want to miss this” rings true for four weekends in a row. Levi’s® Vintage Sunday’s moves to Soweto for the month of August In August Levi’s® Vintage Sundays moves to Soweto for the first time, taking over The Backroom every Sunday night, and giving this vibrant township even more vibe to close off the weekend.  A true reflection of our country’s diverse and inspiring musical wealth, the acts on show are bound to get the venue all heated up with their uniquely South African sounds.  It’s going to be an incredible journey into the heart of good music.  Make sure you’re along for the ride. The weekly attraction will be homeboy and hero DJ Kenzhero, the man who knows how to turn the party on and drop the tunes that we all love.  His style moves from Latin and Soul to Jazz-tinged Hip Hop, to all-out Funk and rare wonders.  He plays all over, but he’s always on the mark. On the 5th it’s all about hip hop.  T.R.U.E. get it all going with their uniquely crafted style that place as much emphasis on lucid lyricism as it does on groundbreaking beats.  The crowds adore them – and they are proud to give the love back.  Zuluboy is also up on the night, keeping true to his roots with a modern mixture of traditional rhythms and future beats.  His energy is boundless – so be prepared to be swept up by it. Albert Frost is joined by the twin talents of Selaelo Selota and Lira to take it further on the 12th.  Albert’s the master of the laidback groove, but don’t let that fool you, because his organic, intricate blues guitar compositions have been known to bewitch audiences around the country.  He’ll be doing just this at The Backroom.  Selaelo Selota and Lira take the stage as a duo, complementing each other’s powerful personas with a shared vision for live brilliance.  Selaelo’s genre-defying jazz-drenched music combined with Lira’s super-sultry, heavenly voice.  What a treat. On the 19th Echoes and Kwani Experience take the stage.  Echoes are three friends with a common passion: beautiful music.  This love is brought to life with their unique vocal melodies and guitar accompaniments.  They believe in remaining fresh and are amazingly original onstage.  Kwani Experience are the 8-piece who always give...

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Arts Alive brings on Spring
Jul30

Arts Alive brings on Spring

Spring is definitely on it’s way as more and more events fill the September calender.  Arts Alive announces a hot line-up for this years festival including the electro maestro Frederik Galliano, world music heavyweights Mory Kante and Hermeto Pascoal and a dance and film segment for some flavour on the side. Here’s more: Newtown, Johannesburg is set to come alive with the sounds and sights of the annual Arts Alive September Festival, which boasts an array of compelling artistic offerings for Joburg residents to indulge in! Kicking off on August 31st, the festivities will continue throughout the month of September, and include artistic programmes from a diverse set of disciplines – theatre, dance, film, comedy, music and the visual arts will all be part of the Arts Alive programme this year. The annual festival, hosted by the City of Joburg, has become synonymous with an exceptional, accessible and engaging artistic programme that harnesses artistic talent from various parts of the world to create an incredible smorgasbord of cultural events. Arts Alive is housed in the Community Development Department of the Joburg City. The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Community Development Nandi Mayathula-Khoza said: “Arts Alive is making a meaningful contribution towards the City’s vision where community development, personal growth and social mobility are enhanced so that challenges of poverty, vulnerability, inequality and social exclusion can be fundamentally addressed”. True to tradition, this years Arts Alive September Festival 2007 has secured the services of musical giants such as Cuba’s Omar Sosa, Frederic Galliano, from France, the world-renowned balafon playing genius Mory Kante, Vieux Farka Toure, son of the late, great Ali Farka Toure and Brazilian, Hermeto Pascaol amongst others.                                                                                                                                 “Once again, the City of Johannesburg will be home to the crème of the world’s cultural and artistic talent over an entire month period, comments Steven Sack Director for Arts and Culture. “ From Newtown right through to Soweto, Arts Alive will be providing Joburg residents an incredible array of arts and culture offerings.  We’re bringing Brazil, Mali, France, Guinea, Cuba, India, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe right to Joburg’s doorstep in the form of an incredible artistic line-up, and really encourage Joburger’s to shake off the winter blues and enjoy the festivities brought to you courtesy of Arts Alive. The programme includes a must-see visual arts tribute to Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, which will be hosted at the Hector Pieterson Museum throughout the month of September. Also on the visual arts programme is the highly acclaimed Africa Remix exhibition and the Sasol Wax Art Award held at Johannesburg Art Gallery.                                                                          Arts 02 The dance element of Arts is an exemplar...

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Represent Recommends: PARTY PEOPLE
Jul25

Represent Recommends: PARTY PEOPLE

It’s definitely one of Jozi’s monthly “must do” events for those of you craving a funked up night out with a dash of live music – Party People always features a dose of hot up-and-coming talent and you know you can rely on the soulful sounds of one of our best DJ’s Khenzero for a little soul shaking – Party People is at Roka on Saturday featuring Miss BEE – sounds interesting 😉 Hallo Party People. Thank you for coming to help us celebrate the Birthday last month…Guess what? It’s that time of the month again and this time we Go BIG with Miss Bee, a part Malawian, part Zambian, Mozambiquian, Zimbabwean born and Canadian nurtured South African singer with the big eyes stands at only 5’2” but has a voice of a chanteuse much larger than herself. Teaming up with American, French, Scandinavian as well as Canadian artists and beat makers brought her into the limelight at various competitions across Canada. Miss Bee performed at beauty pageants, gospel shows, clubs, jazz lounges and opening for Young Buck and Mario; two top selling American artists. She is now back home in South Africa with 2 features on 5th Floor, a Hip Hop outfit’s sophomore album and has performed with a local Cape Town band-Chiroscuro. So come see her live along side DJ Kenzhero and guests @ Roka – Doors Open 9PM.  R50 Gets you in!!! • Ladies come in for free before 9:30 pm • Party People Dinner guests get 10% off • Cocktail special – Buy one get one for free b4 10:30            Oppikoppi tickets Give away!!!!!      ...

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Buy the Flying Saucer House for R14m
Jul18

Buy the Flying Saucer House for R14m

We’ve always got one eye on the property market, it’s in our blood. And so we were delighted to stumble upon the Flying Saucer house on the Private Property website, a regular hangout for us.  It’s so rare to be able to peep into these weird and wonderful mansions, so here’s your chance (although they don’t show it all).  At 14 million rond for a circular 650m pozzie featuring only 3 bedrooms but 4 bathrooms and incredible views, it’s a steal!  We’ll be putting our offer in shortly 😉 ENTERING THE NEW MILLENNIUM!! While driving along the Witwatersrand mountain range on the outskirts of Johannesburg, Gauteng in South Africa, you will suddenly encounter a “real” FLYING SAUCER. This unique structure is situated at a lookout point on the Witwatersrand mountain range, running through the Roodepoort suburb of Kloofendal in the Gauteng province of the RSA. This structure, which is a private residence, is characterized by long elliptic lines formed by an uninterrupted window line that slants outwards at an angle of 60º. The very distinct aerodynamic shape with its elliptic centre dome is a stark contrast with the immediate environment. However, through a 320º view in all four wind directions over the mountain range, it establishes a balance between the fauna and flora and the development of the modern man. Approaching the “flying saucer” the enormity of its 650sqm cantilevered floor overshadows you, as you are overcome by the majestic power of ingenuity of the creator as his vision and skill turned into reality. The project commenced in 1991 and was completed in 1992. The house is based on eight columns with a ring-beam on top, keeping it in place. There are three garages, servants’ quarters with a bathroom and kitchen. The garage has its own workshop-area with toilet and hand-basin, and there is an outside toilet with a hand-basin for the gardener. The upper floor supported from the ring-beam with sixteen beams across the 550sqm floor. The diameter of the floor slab is 28m. A 100sqm tropical atrium lends privacy to the bedrooms. There are three en suite double bedrooms, each fitted with its own private bathroom. The study is also fitted with its own private bathroom and can easily be converted into a guest unit. The tropical atrium receives its natural sunlight through a 100sqm skylight dome, which also provides light into the entire open-space designed environment. The skylight is the largest dome erected over an indoor garden in a private residence. The billiard room and the Jacuzzi area are fitted with a ladies bar overlooking the north facing greenbelt environment towards OT Airport in the distance. All rooms...

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