Glitz and Glam at the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards
A star-studded line up of African and international talent rocked the Africa continent tonight at the fourth edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal last weekend. The 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards is a stunning pan-African celebration of music, youth culture and lifestyle, brought to you by KwaZulu-Natal Province and supported by Absolut and the City of Durban. South Africa Tourism is also a key partner to the awards. Check out the red carpet looks and tell us which one is your favourite. Pictures by Al...
Your UberVAN is arriving this Saturday!
When there’s too much #UberLOVE to fit into a luxury 4-seater, they’ve got you covered! They’re bringing you even more choice with UberVAN on-demand! #Awesome Yip, from this Saturday you’ll be able to request a 7-seater ride through the Uber app. Here’s how it works: From 3pm this Saturday (14/06), open up the Uber app and request an ‘UberVAN’ (right at the bottom of the screen). UberVAN will get you 75% more space and will only be 50% more expensive than a regular Uber ride. Why not give it a try when you’re headed to the airport with your whole family? Or when heading out for a ladies’ night or to a concert with your best friends? A ride from Sandton to The Coca-Cola Dome will cost between R325-R425 for up to 7 people*. Don’t forget to split your fare with your friends and your ride will be even cheaper! Vehicles will include stylish Mercedes VITOs or awesome Hyundai...
Youth Lab June 16 – The Next 20 Years of Democracy
Youth Lab in partnership with Gracefully Consulting invite you to celebrate 20 years of democracy by casting vision for our future with young South Africans Recognising that South Africa in 2014 celebrates the 20th year of our democracy and the great excitement that comes with reflecting on where we come from; Youth Lab has embarked on a ‘Next 20 Years Campaign’. Launched on Freedom Day, this initiative includes poster quotes from iconic South Africans and essays from young South Africans on how they imagine the next 20 years of the South Africa of their dreams. In partnership with Gracefully Consulting, wish to extend this campaign to include a Youth Day, June 16 event that focuses on an inspirational vision sharing session by 4 young South Africans and a general open discussion with the audience of young Sowetans. The day will also host and feature author Thando Mgqolozana – author of ‘Unimportance’. The day will culminate in an entertaining celebration, with DJs and refreshments served after the discussions end. Other guests include: Xhanti Payi – Economist Reuben Phasha – Constitution Hill Ndumiso Ngcobo – Author and Radio personality Thando Mgqolozana – Author of Unimportance The goal of the event is to inspire young people to begin to project and articulate the vision they have for South Africa. The next 20 years are ours to create and ours to determine. We invite and young people involved with your organisation to join us in sharing your ideas about the next 20 years of democracy. Please find the event synopsis and provisional program below. Date: 16 June Venue: Phefeni Senior Secondary School Time: 12:00 –...
Sounds of democracy at Standard Bank Joy of Jazz
In the year in which South Africa celebrates 20 years of democracy, Standard Bank Joy of Jazz will be paying tribute to composers and artists who have used their music to highlight awareness of political injustices under apartheid. Sounds of Democracy – featuring exciting, young performers Bo Manamela, Brian Temba, Malik, Max-Hoba, Presss and Samthing Soweto – forms part of this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz which takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre from September 25 to 27. As well as performing their own compositions, the Sounds of Democracy artists will do their versions of songs such as Not Yet Uhuru (Letta Mbulu); Jikela Emaweni (Miriam Makeba); I Got You Babe (Lucky Dube); Life Saver (Ozila featuring Nana Motijoane); Baby I’m Missing You (Blondie Makhene) and Now Or Never (Sankomota). Leading the pack of these remarkable compositions is the famous Xhosa ditty, Jikela Emaweni, which brought international recognition to the late Miriam Makeba (1932-2008). It was composed by Joe Mogotsi, Nathan Mdledle, Rufus Khoza and Ronnie Sehume – all members of the trailblazing Manhattan Brothers. It was first recorded in 1954 and went on to become a popular standard in the great South African songbook. Makeba recorded the song in May 1960 in New York with The Belafonte Folk Singers under the English title, The Retreat Song. With lyrics couched in metaphorical language and steeped in the Xhosa folk tradition, it is a song that advocates freedom but at the same time tells of subjugation in a country under the grip of apartheid rule. It gave voice to liberation movements around the globe. Another of these celebrated songs was composed and sung by Nana Motijoane, popularly known by his stage name, Coyote. Titled Life Saver – I Am Suffering; he sang it with a pop group called Ozila. It was cloaked in metaphorical language, but in the politically charged climate of the State of Emergency in the mid-1980s, its powerful appeal for personal redemption resonated with the disenfranchised majority. Sankomota’s Now Or Never track from the 1987 Dreams Do Come True album is a clarion call for Africans to stand up and do things for themselves if they hope to achieve self-reliance. The album’s theme of hope and black aspirations in the face of unrelenting racial oppression struck a chord with a young audience of firebrands in the townships and villages across the country – this despite their banned status in South Africa. Reggae music is essentially about redemption songs, in the words of one of its pioneers and brightest stars, Bob Marley. When Lucky Dube switched from maskanda and embarked on a glittering career as a reggae...
ProVerb chats to Represent about fatherhood and music
You’re one of the few rappers that tell authentic stories using music, was that a conscious decision? Absolutely, I’ve always believed that music should serve a purpose beyond just to make you dance. I am of the school that music should inspire, build and intrigue all while entertaining you. It is for this reason that I share stories, opinions and ideas through my music all in the name of leaving an impression on the listener. What’s your creative process? I have no particular formula or process for that matter. Each concept has it’s own unique inspiration whether personal or otherwise, then the writing and recording process also depends on unique elements. At times I create or hear the music first and these yield an idea or inversely I have a concept in my mind then create or seek the best sound on which to relay and convey. What does music mean to you? Music is a vice a tool and a bridge between our subconscious and our conscious. It’s a manifestation of our thoughts, fears, aspirations, opinions, ideas and experiences. Music is also an escape and a transfer or feelings. Music to me is life. Which international artists would you like to work with? Given a chance I’d love to work with a legend like Quincy Jones. You presented Channel O before you became a rapper, have you always wanted to be in entertainment? Without a shadow of a doubt, I believe entertainment is my calling and for along time I wanted nothing else. As a youngster, I didn’t think of entertainment as a career and always thought I would be a doctor and then do some entertainment on the side. Only when I was exposed to it that I realised I could make this my life and I haven’t looked back since. If you had an opportunity to say something to your younger self, what would it be? I’d reassure myself to just relax, stop being so anxious, you turn out alright. Tell us more about teaching children to save? TCTSSA – Teach Children to Save SA is a wonderful initiative by the banking association of South Africa, which strives to cultivate the culture of Saving amongst young people. It’s an initiative that I not only endorse but also subscribe to being a father myself. I think it’s imperative that we empower youngsters with the necessary set of tools to create an economically sound society in this future and hence I gladly lend my voice and face to help spread the teachings of this campaign. Can you share 5 top tips on saving with our fans? Pay all...
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