SWANKY – a “fagtastic” night out
Darlings, if you’re just dying to get those delightful dancing shoes out but don’t have anywhere to go, there’s a swanky party just for you starting tonight at Taboo, Sandton. Nice change from the usual gay scene that is concentrated in the Heartlands in Braamies or in a cold metal building next to a dodgy highway in the Oos. Tonight is La Fiesta Salsa Latino… sure to be fagulous and full of fun… (PS: Fagtastic copyright Swanky PR – we’re not that comfy with the word 🙂 ). So, when your friends ask you where you met that sexy new date, tell them you met him at Swanky… “the new fagtastic Friday night out at Taboo in Sandton” SWANKY la fiesta salsa latino Friday 4 May 2007 Celebrating everything Latin… Featuring a Hot, Sexy and Swanky lineup of hand selected entertainment Resident DJ Groovy Q Plus special guest DJ’s Doctor Stone, Patrick Talmadge and Sista C with percussion by Brotha Bongo, Hosted By Sharon, Ebrasia and Cleopatra. Plus the Swanky Go Go Dancers and the Sexy Salsa Duo, plus loads of give aways, free drinks, surprises and more! The first 50 people through the door on Friday night get the exclusive collectors CD, Swanky vol1 CD mixed by DJ Groovy Q http://www.swanky.co.za/ Doors open at 10pm R60.00 presale from http://www.ticketbitch.co.za/ R70.00 on the...
Represent Recommends: Who is RJ Benjamin?
In April 2005, yes that’s two years ago, we first heard about RJ Benjamin and decided to do an interview with him. Now two years later his star is finally rising as we hear his groove-filled music all over the radio. We thought it would be interesting to read the interview now: 19 April 2005 – Who is RJ Benjamin? He’s a white boy from the East side with lots of soul who looks to be our very own Justin Timberlake… He’s released his debut album WHO I AM – if you’re into soulful funk kinda stuff make sure to buy it before it slips off the shelves. Don’t forget who told you first. We caught up with the man and found out a little inside info: Where were you born and where did you mostly grow up? Born and raised in Edenvale. Where did you go to school and how far did you study? I went to school at Sandringham High. I studied contempary music for two years at Allenby and got a Diploma and then I studied Jazz for a year at Pretoria Tech What is the earliest type of music that you listened to and what was the first album that you bought? Earliest Motown Sounds, First album Bad by Michael Jackson How old are you and how long have you been in the music business? 25 going on 26, been in the industry teaching for 6years and music industry for 3 to 4 years Which musician did you hook up with first and how did you meet? DJ Cleo, while studying in Allenby Who writes your songs? Me myself and I, Who can singa song with emotion unless you’ve been there. Do you start with the lyrics or the melody first? It depends on the song, it depends on the situation and circumstances Who has been most instrumental to your success? The team working around has had real belief in me. What has been the best gig for you so far? My launch Where do you mainly record and why? No specific studio, because working with specific producers they feel comfortable with their studio, so its just moving around How come a white boy like you got so much soul??? Did you only listen to so-called “black music” growing up or were you mixing with black friends too? Early on in my life it was hard to mix with black people, later in primary school I did see that first sign of black people moving into white schools, which made it easier. Initially it was my dad who bought me up in a lot of soul...
Represent Interview: Billie Zangewa
We remember reading about Billie Zangewa when she won the Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award Exhibition in 2004 for her gorgeous handbags. We were very envious of her prize – a return ticket to Paris and a few months in the incroyable city d’amour…but at the same time we were delighted for her. Billie has been on quite a journey since then and is now holding a solo exhibit at the Afronova gallery in Newtown from Friday 4 May 07 (opening night) to Saturday 2 June 07. Email afronova@tiscali.co.za for queries. Represent caught up with Billie: So Billie, give us the short version of your backstory if you don’t mind… from birth to now, how did you find yourself where you’re at? Born in Malawi. Grew up in Gaborone, Botswana. My dad is Malawian and mom South African (Sotho from Aliwal North). I am somewhere in between. After varsity I moved to Jhb as there are more opportunities for an artist here than in Gaborone. What inspired you to become an artist? Where did you study and how long did it take? It’s a bit like it was pre-destined because I have known it since I was 9 yrs old. I got my BFA (Bachelor of Fine Art) at Rhodes university and that was a 4 year degree. How do you define and describe yourself? I am a visual artist, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, girlfriend….I am a simple person just trying to fulfill my dreams with the support of those that care about me. Have you been lucky in life, if so, tell us how? I FEEL as if I have been lucky. Because every time I have been trying to do something the “universe” has sent me an earth angel (or several) to help me. What was the last exciting thing that happened to you? This journey in general is really exciting. Being awarded a residency in Antwerp at the Dak’art 2006 was awesome. Being on the ski slopes for the first time this past December was pretty exciting too. What do you love about Johannesburg? Jhb CBD, which is full of exciting visuals. The blinding sunlight – even in winter! The level of cuisine – we can find so many kinds (Japanese, thai, Indian etc) and its all extremely good. What would you change about Jozi if you could? The crime! It’s cramping our style. What’s your ideal city to live in and why? I am eternally in love with Paris. I spent 5 months there and did not want to leave. I love French culture and you can walk around the city pretty much anytime of...
Unveilings – what do they mean?
Last week two friends of mine, one a Jewish friend and one a Tswana friend, each informed me that they were going to be attending a family unveiling. I have often heard about unveilings from my friends but this was the first time I heard about it from a Jewish friend and that there were two unveilings in one week on totally different sides of the cultural landscape in SA got me wondering. Thinking that I had loads to learn, I asked each friend to please tell me about unveilings in their specific culture so that I could understand what it’s all about… The findings were interesting. Here goes – let us know if you have more insight: Ms Mogoatlhe – the Tswana Unveiling: Mothers are creatures all on their own; I sulked when mine told me that my Dad’s unveiling was going to be on the Freedom Day weekend. One of the year’s biggest party weekends. Knowing my family, I should have leaped with joy that the ceremony was on. Unveilings to my family and in the Christian faith are a remembrance of the departed and a celebration of their life after death, symbolized by the resurrection of Jesus. Biblical symbolism aside, unveilings are always a jol. Ours started with a short and sweet church service at home. A couple of church hymns and a very short sermon was followed by a trek to the graveyard. There, we sang a bit and got down to business. The headstone has to be totally covered. The moment leading up to the unveiling started with three family members (dad’s nieces and nephews) reading a Psalm. This was followed by an older niece reading what’s on the headstone, a prayer by the minister and hymn and a recital of the Lord’s Prayer by everyone. This was followed by the best part of the ceremony. My two uncles (dad’s younger brother and their cousin) got down to leboko (praise singing). They had such energy and tight flow, taking turns with verses and so theatrical, you knew that you were at a Mogoatlhe do. We are colourful to say the least. Also damn proud of our heritage so no gathering ends without leboko. Ours includes acknowledging our lineage and his story, our family characteristics and stuff we believe in. Hearing leboko always brings back happy memories of the people the leboko is dedicated to. It was awesome and moving-though tears. This took about an hour, I’d say. Followed afterwards by brunch and a party; street bash with friends and neighbours. The jam session was another highlight. Got to see myself in my family and remembered just...
firstwednesdayfilmclub@atlasstudios.do.come
Ye old faithful Representer’s may remember the early days of Represent where we regularly profiled the free Wednesday Film Club events organised by John Barker and Ziggy Hofmeyer through 2005 at Atlas Studios (see here). Well they haven’t stopped and there’s one happening next week. Entitled FRESH DIRECTIONS, join a whole bunch of film lovers on Wednesday the 2 May and catch 3 short films at Atlas. Contact Rachel with any queries on info@atlasstudios.co.za. FRESH DIRECTIONS 2 May 2007 Join us as we screen 3 fresh short films from recent graduates: VUURDOOP – Baptism of Fire Running Time: 15 mins Afrikaans with Subtitles Genre: Comedy Format: 35mm Vuurdoop (Baptism of Fire) is a uniquely South African comedy about braai culture – about the coming of age ceremony that all South African boys go through. Today is Boytjie’s (Wehmeyer Deas) day – except for one problem… he’s a Goth and he can’t braai. Click here for more… Pinky Pinky Shot on Super 16mm (Oct 2005) Delivery format – DVD (PAL) / BETA SP Pinky Pinky is a teen horror film with comedic elements set in a private girls’ boarding school. The election for prefects and head girl is approaching and two rivals, Precious and Caitlin, have cutthroat campaigns. Click here for more… Escudo Director – Wolfgang Muller Producer – Lucia Meyer Cast – Tema Sebopedi, Yule Mabhena Fransisca, a Mocambican girl, is tired of her simple life. She doesn’t want to be like her mom: working everyday picking and selling clams for minimal wage. She knows she is different and that she is destined for greater things. She finally decides to take the leap and leave Mocambique for Johannesburg – a place she believes will help her to be great. Click here for more… DIRECTIONS: If you are coming from Pretoria, take the M1 towards Joburg, take the Empire Rd Offramp. turn right into Empire road. I think it’s the second robots, take a left into OWL rd (you go under Barry Hertzog flyover), Atlas Studios comes up on your left hand side, it’s the old Bakery building… you turn left into Frost avenue and you can’t miss the entrance. ITS FREE – only R10 for...
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