Represent Review: A Wet and Splashy Fen 007
We know it’s late and often we are early (well compared to traditional media) but our dear Panda has spent weeks coming down from the Drakensburg Mountains where she found herself in hippy heaven and was very tempted not to return to the real world 🙂 Sharpile Panda as always. See our pics of Splashy Fen here. There’s no better way to sample South African music than to attend a festival like Splashy Fen. Not only is there a wide variety of music and activities, it’s a great way to see that beautiful lush part of the world and catch up with long lost friends – and there’s no need for drinking and driving. Granted, not all South African music is represented and we didn’t have the biggest names in the business this time, but there’s enough music to keep your mind off any discomforts you might experience if you’re averse to mud. If I have any advice to give when going to any festival, take gumboots. You will consistently have clean, warm feet and that is more important that anything at two in the morning in the rain when you can’t see what you’re walking in…and there was plenty of rain at Splashy Fen this year. Furthermore, a fabulous pair becomes an essential fashion accessory and I was delighted to see how many people went to extra lengths to make their’s the coolest. It certainly beat’s the “packet-tied-around-the-takkie-and-knotted-at-the-ankle” look. Luckily my friends and I went up in a camper van, kindly sponsored by Maui Motorhome Rentals http://www.maui.co.za/ (thanks guys!). Hiring them isn’t as costly as you’d think either, if you compare it to other comfortable accommodation. There were times when I felt awful being so warm and dry and clean, sipping on a frosty drink from the fridge in a comfortable deck chair when a cold, filthy hapless festival goer, wobbled past our camp, slipping in their slops. We arrived on Friday around mid-day and the sun was out but weakened by a few thin clouds. The first act we caught as we ambled into the Grant Erskine Marquee was Adrian Shannon’s acoustic set followed by Roly Struckmeyer’s gentle acoustic indie-style music. When we felt like moving around, we strolled amongst the stalls which offered food to suit all tastes from boerie rolls and chips to fabulous falafels, smoothies and soups and clothes, accessories (for those who forgot gloves and scarves), beautiful jewelry, cheap trinkets and tie dye everything. There was even a tattoo parlour which, incidentally, was busy each time I walked past. Later that evening, when we were well-wrapped, we watched Somebody’s Child featuring 14 year old Zoe...
Represent Recommends: Happy holidays!
It’s Easter weekend and we’re going away! Oh yes, we’re on holiday! We’ve lined up some content every (working) day for you while we’re away but we thought we’d let you know about some solid entertainment coming up so you can make the most of these yummy warm evenings and delicious holiday sleep ins. Our last recommendation dealt with more rocky, electro, classical and hybrid styles (if we must put music in a box), this week we’re all over Afro-Funk, World, Dub and some sexy French Electro-House. Let’s start with DUB – remember our article on the underground venue Mind Yr Head “the cultural space/junction for independent thinking people”? Well it’s deep and dark down in the city but if you’re seeking out deep dark Dub, it’s your spot. Dub Vaults with Rui from 340ml on Friday 06/04 and live performance from M.O.B.I.U.S Net and DJs Hypejones on Saturday 07/04 both at Mind Yr Head. Click on the flyer above for more info. Then there’s one of our FAVOURITE bands ever – UJU, if you have not yet caught UJU live, do yourselves a favour and get to another one of the no doubt outstanding IFAS cultural events (this one is a joint initiative with ArtsAlive) it’s called AFROPHONIE – Peggy and the IFAS team work so hard at organising world class quality entertainment in SA, they deserve all the support they can get. The gigs are usually tres satisfying and well attended – MERCI! The legendary Mahotella Queens are also performing – nice one – allez-y! Uju and Mahotella are supporting BA CISSOKO the much-loved Kora player and his band from Guinea at the Bassline – BA CISSOKO is performing in SA as part of his “ELECTRIC GRIOT LAND” world tour – sounds interesting! BBC Radio describes Ba’s music as: “Their sound is a solid as the roots of one of west Africa’s huge baobab trees, and as fresh a sea breeze which wafts ashore from the Atlantic to clear out the polluted arteries of downtown Conakry.” 7 April @ 9PM Bassline Tickets R60 @ Computicket / Door Still on an IFAS tip, they’re bringing out one of the the most famous French House DJ’s Frederic Galliano so for all the dance floor bunnies in search of something fresh – Don’t miss out on great Funk, House and Garage. 13th April 2007 Moloko (Rosebank) Email peggy@ifas.org.za for more info. HAPPY...
MATISYAHU coming to SA. Irie Mon!
Have you heard of the bearded Jewish Hasidic reggae artist from the States known as MATISYAHU? He was named Top Reggae Artist of 2006 by Billboard according to his Wikipedia profile here and he is clocking up the charts with his irie music all over da world. Well he’s on his way to SA to perform in CT and Jozi (with 340ml in Jozi – can’t wait to hear the new album!).Here it is: Matisyahu is a Hasidic Jew – and America’s biggest reggae star. Named by Jewish newspaper the Forward as one of the five most influential Jews in America, he is currently America’s most popular reggae singer, bolstering lilting rhythms and quasi-Jamaican vocals with rock muscle. You can catch this unique performer in action with his band for two nights only in South Africa: Saturday 7 April, at The Sandton Convention Centre and Wednesday 11 April at The cape Town International Convention Centre. Since 2004, he has released three studio albums as well as one live album; two remix CD’s and a DVD featuring a live concert and some interviews. Last year’s breakthrough live album, “Live at Stubb’s”, sold half a million copies and his second studio outing, Youth, went in at number four on the Billboard charts. In short, Matisyahu is a phenomenon of modern music that has exploded onto the global scene, and South Arica is next in line to experience this explosion live. Backed up by a full band including drums, guitar, bass and keyboards, Matisyahu performs a unique brand of reggae that is infused with modern music influences including hip-hop, rock, Jewish themes and more. Despite his obvious self-identification as a religious Jew, Matisyahu’s message is not about Judaism or anyone religion in particular and he seeks to promote a message of peace and unity for the entire world. He seeks to improve the world the world by sharing his music and without letting ego or worldly desires interfere in that communication. “That’s what I’m aiming for,” he admits. “I don’t think I’ve fully gotten there, but that’s the goal.” Matisyahu, for two nights only, in South Africa. Come and see for yourself! The Details: Saturday 7 April The Sandton Convention centre Matisyahu with support from 340 ml R300.00 (excl ticketing fee) book through Computicket: http://www.computicket.co.za/ Doors 8pm Wednesday 11 April Cape Town International Convention Centre Matisyahu R250.oo Book through YAD on yad@ctjc.co.za or 021 464...
Netsayi Live in Jozi!
Every once in a while there comes a singer who makes you want to sit up and listen. One such singer is Netsayi. Described by the UK Observer Music Monthly as “Brave enough to stand alone and be counted”- the London based Zimbabwean singer, songwriter, Mbira player, guitarist kicks off her Southern African homecoming tour in Jozi in Feb! With her Netsayi brings her album Chimurenga Soul, billed by The Guardian as “One of the finest debut’s of 2006”. En route from Brazil via the Busara Music Festival in Zanzibar and before returning to the UK to tour throughout Europe in 2007 make sure you catch this magical music sensation in Jozi. Netsayi started playing on the UK concert circuit in 2001. Within a year she’d built a reputation as a sensitive but powerful live performer who was holding her own on some of the world’s most prestigious stages including The Royal Albert, Queen Elizabeth Halls, Barbican, the Hammersmith Apollo and WOMAD. In 2004 Netsayi set up her own record label aptly named Militant Prince. Much like her personality, Netsayi’s music defies easy labels. It is individual, articulate and unmistakably African. Her sense of vocals leans toward soulful jazz. The instruments, the rhythm and thoughtful arrangements draw from Mbira, Latin, Jazz and Rock. Her lyrics, heartfelt and unafraid, are a heady mixture of the political and the personal. Chimurenga Soul was released in the UK to critical acclaim and saw Netsayi being signed to the influential Netherlands-based label, World Connections in 2006… Now Netsayi is coming home. Netsayi is brought to you by African Synergy/Book Café an initiative working to break the cultural isolation between African countries by stimulating a network of music promoters, venues and festivals throughout Africa to provide a workable ‘tour circuit’ for African artists. Details: Thurs 15th Feb 2007 Roka, 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark 8:00pm (With the eclectic Obita!) R50 Friday 16th Feb 2007 Horror Café, Newtown 10:00pm (Featuring UK based Rwandese DJ Eric Soul of Afrogroov) R50 Saturday 17th Feb 2007 Kippies, Newtown 9:30pm R75 Sunday 18th Feb 2007 Kippies, Newtown 7:00pm (Netsayi will be launching the first in a series of soothing Sunday evening jam sessions at the legendary Jazz venue.)...
Mikanic: In From The Cold
Mikanic is back in South Africa with a number of shows in February and March, and more dates to be added soon. The Cape Town duo Mike and Nick kick off the tour in Johannesburg with two acoustic shows. Shirzad and Alex will join them for the remaining dates ending at the spectacular Oude Libertas amphitheater in Stellenbosch and the much anticipated Sons of Trout reunion show on the 24th of February at Mercury in Cape Town. Mikanic was formed in 2003, with Michael Rennie on violin & vocals and Nick Turner on acoustic guitar & vocals. Both musicians were already well known on the South African music scene having founded Sons of Trout, one of the country’s top selling acts. With Trout they headlined every major music festival in the country and toured extensively, releasing four albums and opening for a number of international artists. In 2004 Mikanic released its first album, Swimming with the Women, to great critical acclaim and popular success. The album crossed musical boundaries, established Mikanic’s characteristic sound, and provided the springboard for their departure to the USA. Now based in New York, Mikanic’s line-up features musicians from Japan (Yasuhito Sasaki on lead guitar), India (Shirzad Khusrokhan on bass) and the USA (Alex Beckmann on drums). Mikanic’s music effortlessly spans genres with influences ranging from rock, reggae and African to hip-hop and jazz. Lyrically powerful, relevant, humorous and energetic, the music has a wide appeal. With shows that feature virtuosic musicianship, funky grooves and catchy tunes, Mikanic has quickly become one of New York’s hottest live acts. In June 2005, upon returning from tours in the UK and South Africa, Mikanic released a powerful second album, The Subway Tracks, showcasing the diversity and the instant appeal of their sound. Mikanic also toured Japan with great success. Among other shows, the band played sold-out concerts at Sweet Basil and Mandala in Tokyo and at Olive Hall in Takamatsu, collaborating with some of Japan’s biggest stars, and appearing live on radio and TV. Mikanic has played many of New York City’s legendary venues including CBGB’s, Ace of Clubs and The Knitting Factory. They have also performed at the UN, Lincoln Center and at 9/11 memorial services held at Ground Zero in 2004 and 2005. Mikanic’s universal appeal lies in the sincerity and positive energy of their music. Their new single Sweet Radio is mastered and up on MySpace. Click here to listen to it. South African Tour line-up: Wed, 07 Feb 2007, Tanz Café, Brynston (Duo) Thurs, 08 Feb 2007, Kippies, Newtown (Duo) Fri, 09 Feb 2007, Kippies, Newtown Sun, 11 Feb 2007, Bassline, Newtown...
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