Q&A: Mind Your Head
Mind Your Head is about providing a cultural space/ junction for independent thinking people; those who go against the grain of popular/ mainstream trends, not for the sake of being ‘different’ but for asserting their existence outside the mediocrity that is constantly fed to people everyday in broadcast, electronic and print media. Mind Your Head is about minding one’s head in every respect.
Those are words straight from the horses’ mouth, Seed and CAP of Mind Your Head are this weeks Q&A and they shed light on what the establishment is all about…
RR: When was Mind Your Head (MYH) established?
MYH: As far as the conception of the idea; around January 2006, it officially opened doors on the 1st of September 2006.
RR: What is in the name?
MYH: The name is a consultative comment on our information- crammed 21st century culture; one can- as most are- be easily swallowed in trend- excesses and lose sight of the little things that matter. We are merely advocating the cautious consumption of everything: be it food, music, knowledge, etc- although our primary trajectory is culture. It really has to do with being aware of that which you put in your head; art, belief, politics, etc.
That the main entrance is a small door way, that is only incidental, but the pun nonetheless is welcomed.
RR: What is the concept of MYH?
MYH: In the guise of a music lounge and cocktail bar, it’s about people genuinely interacting, sharing a good laugh, conversation to the sound of funk/ jazz/ hiphop/ ska/ dub/ soul etc… The broader picture has to do with developing a hub for artistic innovation and giving a platform to musicians, fine artists, photographers and filmmakers who have yet to display their mantle to larger audiences. They may not necessarily be up-and-coming but thrive on the margins.
RR: Who are the people behind the concept?
MYH: The ‘MYH team’ is a mesh of artists and professionals essentially on a course of pop-culture transcendence. N Masondo; founder/ filmmaker, N Mngadi; founder/ photographer, M Buthelezi; graphic designer and D Koetle; PR consultant.
As well as others who work and assisted in varying degrees, from putting pen to paper, picking up a paint brush or giving moral support towards the idea and the work that comes with it. No names, they know who…
RR: Which are the best days for people to go through?
MYH: That depends on what your preference is, our calendar includes fortnightly film screenings, dub nights, live jazz/ soul, hip-hop performances, art exhibitions, cocktail nights and other events, all of which you can check out on: www.myspace.com/transcendpopculture. Nothing’s ever the same and it’s all good.
RR: What types of bands have been hosted at MYH in the past?
MYH: Live music performances by Blk Jks, Evagrn, Dr. Badela, Bhubesii, Levi Pon The Mic, Fifi, Uju, Ben Sharpa, Witchraft, Soulah System, 3RD World… the list goes on.
RR: What makes MYH different from any other place in Jozi?
MYH: This is where we’re supposed to pull out the PR document right? Sorry, but on this one, you gotta check it out to find out, and that’s nuff said. You heard?
RR: What’s in the future for MYH?
MYH: 2007 will see some more Cape Town artists and acts grace the stage, and maybe an international act or two before the year ends.
We also have a number of surprises planned, just keep your ears on the ground, there’s a rumble in the basement…
RR: Where can people check you out, virtually?
MYH: www.myspace.com/transcendpopculture
RR: What should people do if they would like to host an event at MYH?
MYH: Call: 072 576 9259 or Email: blakboximprint@gmail.com
Mind Your Head is at No. 2 Delvers Street, JHB, CBD it opens Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm… and it’s available for bookings on other days of the week. The bonus is that there is no cover charge, which makes for a refreshing, penny saving change.
