Unite Against Malaria April 25th 2013.
South Africans invited to fight malaria in Africa while uplifting local communities “More than half a million children will be protected from malaria due to the sale of some 600 000 ‘United Against Malaria (UAM)’ beaded Relate bracelets,” says Lauren Gillis, founder of Cape-based social enterprise, Relate bracelets. One US dollar from each UAM Relate bracelet sold is donated to the Global Fund to fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria to invest in mosquito nets and treatment. Relate bracelets are distinguished from similar bracelets on the market by the inclusion of a pewter “R” bead, The “R” bead is the consumer’s guarantee that that particular bracelet has been made by Relate, a 100% not-for-profit organisation, and ensures that maximum proceeds go towards the cause, work creation opportunities and skills and enterprise development. “World Malaria Day, which falls on 25 April, gives cause to reflect on the remarkable progress made thus far in combatting this disease which kills an innocent African child every minute,” says Anna McCartney-Melstad of United Against Malaria. “However, with infectious diseases, it’s vital that success does not cause us to level off our efforts, but rather to strengthen them in order to defeat Africa’s number one killer once and for all.” “The sale of beaded bracelets in aid of the fight against malaria has enabled ordinary people to contribute.” says McCartney-Melstad. “Bracelet sales to date have protected men, women and children throughout Africa through the funding of nets and medication to Africa’s most vulnerable communities.” “The purpose of Relate Bracelets is to make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” says Relate founder Lauren Gillis, “We are delighted at the impact the sale of the UAM bracelets has made to those who are at such great risk of contracting malaria. And the impact doesn’t end there. Relate is a not-for-profit social enterprise, in which approximately one third of proceeds covers expenses, one third is donated to the cause – in this case United Against Malaria – and one third goes towards creating earning and upskilling opportunities for local bracelet-makers and supports enterprise development initiatives to uplift communities. This means that countless lives are changed with every single bracelet sold.” Malaria is still a very real disease throughout Africa and the world, even though it is preventable and treatable. “Many people in developed nations view malaria as a disease that is no longer an issue,” explains McCartney-Melstad. “And yet every year, malaria kills 650 000 mostly pregnant women and children under five which is completely unacceptable for a disease that is both preventable and treatable.” “The wonderful thing about Relate’s UAM bracelets is that it gives everyone who cares a...
eTV wants you to Step Up!
After two phenomenal seasons which uncovered the likes of the talented crews Stunners and Tembisa Revolution, Step Up or Step Out is back on e.tv for a brand new season. Always an ultimate Mzansi street dance treat for viewers, this new season will be elevated to a new exciting level; fresh talent will be introduced to increase the entertainment value. The production team is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this season will be even more exciting than the first two seasons in attracting diverse talent and dance genres. The popular DJ Euphonik will take a place at the judging table alongside the multi-talented Khabonina and the dance legend Emile XY. The deck-spinning maestro will be joined by two new faces on the show – hip-hop icon Slikour who replaces Dalen Lance as presenter; and co-presenter, the petite Y-FM powerhouse Tumi Voster. Lance, who will be moving from the show’s family to focus on the completion of his final year of MBL (Master of Business Leadership) post-graduate studies, fondly reflects on his presenting past on the show. “Being part of e.tv’s first successful dance reality show for two seasons has provided an incredible platform, a definite career highlight and an experience I will forever be grateful for. I will miss getting viewers excited with all the dancing, particularly the loyal viewers of the program but the time to temporarily focus on expanding other important area in my life has arrived” says Lance. Renowned Kwaito artist and Producer Arthur Mafokate, who has played a key role in unearthing and mentoring some of dancers who have appeared on the show over the past two years, will be missed. He will be moving on to pursue other career opportunities. Sivan Pillay, Endemol Managing Director says, “Although we will miss Arthur and Dalen’s valuable contribution to the show, we are excited to announce that Euphonik, Slikour and Tumi Voster will be joining the Step Up or Step Out journey to bring viewers the best of local street culture. We are positive that the addition of the three new faces to the team will be gladly received by viewers. Slikour will bring street cred and wit to the show whilst speaking the language of the youth. Tumi is funky, young, knowledgeable, funny and sassy. She’s got her finger on the pulse when it comes to music, dance, and fashion and is one of South Africa’s fastest rising stars. From a judging perspective, Euphonik will focus on music interpretation and overall performance value. His international exposure to music and dance puts him in a league unparalleled by many.” The two new co-presenters and the dynamic judging trio...
In concert with “Heels over Head”
All-female jazz band Heels over Head from Durban bring an extra special performance at Afriportico Bat Centre, Durban, on Wednesday 1 May. The show starts at 2.00 pm and the entrance is R50. Who are Heels over Head? They are the winners of the Yamaha Young Talent Award in 2010 and were nominated for a South African Music Award in 2011. The funky foursome released their debut album “Could It Be” at the end of 2010, which racked up popular and critical acclaim. Renowned for their suave, sophisticated and sparkling stage presence, the band has found its groove and created a smooth, watertight brand of slinky soul-kissed contemporary jazz. Thulile Zama and Nomkhosi Mazibuko on vocals are joined by Lindelwe Ngonelo on keyboards and piano and Rebekah Pillay on drums to create the easy breezy jazz-pop that has become their signature sound. At the moment the band is working on their second album. Heels over Head aims to build a platform and ask attention for females in music, they have a female manager (Marlyn Knol – iSupport Music Business) and for this performance vocalist/rapper Skye Wanda, guitarist Chillie Stent and also a second female pianist and drummer will be joining the band on stage. For more information you can contact Marlyn here:...
Zaki Ibrahim presents Every Opposite.
Recently we had the opportunity to interview Canadian-born South African singer/songwriter Zaki Ibrahim. We found out what makes her the ever soulful singer that she is and to our delight, she is one musician you’d want to spend your money on. Here is what Zaki had to say… Zaki, what was it like growing up in Canada? I lived in a small town on Vancouver Island, Canada’s westest coast. My family seemed very different from the other families on the island. We were a “bi-racial” unit or “multi-racial in many ways, with a very African percussionist and social activist Father, a blond, blue eyed school teacher Mother. We stuck out like a sore thumb. Different families from different places in the world lived with us at any given time; Korea, Russia, Japan, Nigeria, Jordan, Afganistan and Bask Country. We always had tenants that my parents “hosted” as they emigrated to Canada, as they started programmes through the local College for refugees and families seeking a better life for their children. Home life was always filled with stories from all corners of the world. As a teenager, I found it to be the most boring place on earth. But looking back, it was the bomb. Your dad Zane Ibrahim is a radio legend, what role has he played in you choosing a musical career? He’s always encouraged me to express myself, but has been wary of encouraging me to sell that expression. My Dad is very anti consumerism. He believes in humility and sensibility. I think as his baby girl, he’s always tried to strengthen me and protect me at the same time. I think my career choice as a musician was nerve wracking for him as he knew it’s something that flows out of me, but also shows vulnerability. The day he gave me his stamp of approval was the first time he saw me perform here in South Africa in 2009. About her Career. What motivated you to choose a career in music? I suppose I’ve been motivated most by the encouragement of my peers and found that music began to take over once I gave it a fair chance. I always felt that I wanted to protect the thing I loved doing most and not depend on it to live just so I could love it forever. What do you think every artist [new/old] should know about the industry you are in? The thing that I’ve found is like with anything in life, there’s something new to learn. Just when you think you know it all, there’s something else to get your teeth into. It’s worth staying open to the...
Kgafela oa Magogodi le Marabele @ Afrikan Freedom Station.
A lover of poetry you say, then do not miss this opportunity to see legendary spoken word performer Kgafela oa Magogodi. With a tagline like “In words we trust”, you can be assured the content of his work will keep you wanting more. Don’t hesitate to contact KG on this numbers for more details: 071 562 1858....
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