Everybody’s ♡ing BLK JKS
Apr01

Everybody’s ♡ing BLK JKS

I remember the first time I saw Blk Jks was the night our *shy* little band Pesheya shared the stage with them at ROKA in Milpark early 07, we were both opening acts for the always AWESOME Uju… That night I thought *damn* these guys are crazy, their eclectic blend of rock ‘n roll madness was enough to confuse any neatly playlisted South African. Now, proudly listening to their set at SXSW, I can confirm, they are totally loopy… crazy … and loving it! The best part is, hungry for something fresh and tasty, the rest of the music world seems fascinated by these boys mashing up styles all the way from Johannesburg and are lapping them up in big dollops. Join them on their ride on and upwards – read all about Blk Jxs in this month’s Vanity Fair and listen to their mad beats at SXSW (thanks Quicy for the link). Could this be the debut of SA music on the international stage – AT LAST? REPRESENT! PS: SO UJU when is the rest of the music world finally going to get to listen to you??? We still have our money on you. *kisses from...

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Represent Competition: ‘Balkanology – The Resurrection’
Mar27

Represent Competition: ‘Balkanology – The Resurrection’

We love the intro to the Balkanology bash (on the 9th of April in Cape Town – sorreee Jozi): ” It’s the biggest Balkan party in South Africa. It’s the only Balkan party in South Africa.” If that’s not convincing enough (they even have reductions for pensioners) then maybe the thought of grooving to Dj’s and musicians playing Gypsy, Serbian, Macedonian, Bulgarian and Romanian melodies whilst not setting a foot out of the fairest Cape may do? Either way, we’ve hustled a pair of DOUBLE TICKETS (worth nearly 500 ROND) for a lucky someborry, but you’re gonna have to work for it! Here’s how: 1. Visit the Balkanology site and have a browse 2. Email us the name of ONE of the musicians in the Kolo Novo Movie Band 3. In your email – which must be sent to editor@represent.co.za, please include your name, age, ID number and your contact details (phone and email). Pensioners welcome. 4. Do this before the 2nd of April. We will announce the winner on the 3rd. AND NO discussions will be entered into, the winner will be chosen through a draw. One entry per wannabe winner please, don’t jam up our inbox. Here’s more info – GOOD LUCK! BALKANOLOGY LIVES AGAIN Date: Thursday, 9 April 2009 (just before the Easter long weekend and Second Seder, so we are featuring a full Seder Matzah and bitter stuff) Venue: Bloemendal Restaurant (follow the signs) Doors open:             19:00 Tickets:                      R220 for pre-sold, R240 at the door. Students and pensioners pay R200 Ticket bookings:       Visit: www.balkanology.co.za for a comprehensive list of ticket outlets. The most talked about cult event of the season is just around the corner. Balkanology is back on Thursday, 9 April 2009 at Bloemendal. The Balkanology parties in South Africa were first launched in June 2006 by Event Director Ma’or Harris and a distinctive, highly talented group of collaborators. After five hit parties with numbers growing from 500 to 3 000, Balkanology has created a powerful brand synonymous with zest, energy and a theatrical music experience. Balkanology is styled in the way of traditional Eastern European gypsy camps. The party is an opportunity to lose your inhibitions for a night, enjoy the madness of DJ’s and musicians performing a remixed fusion of Gypsy, Serbian, Macedonian, Bulgarian and Romanian melodies. As well as theatre performances and market. Lineup: ·  Kolo Novo Movie Band – founded by musical director, Grada Djeri specifically for Balkanology and featuring some of the biggest names in SA music ·  Top Balkan DJ, Robert Soko (of BalkanBeats) – the Croatian from Germany ·  DJ Toby2shoes – the ambassador for Balkan-gypsy-folk in...

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Represent Interview: SiJi
Mar27

Represent Interview: SiJi

Anyone old enough to shake it on a deep-house dancefloor round the mid-noughties in Jozi will no doubt remember the tender dance hit “Feels Like…nothing I have ever kno-oh-ohwn…”. We can put those  handhigh moments down to the stirring vocals that had us all smooching in mid-beat, forgetting work the next day and any other silly responsibilities… Well now is the time to put a face to the latenight blame, meet SIJI: As you know, your track Feels Like mixed by Osunlade was a massive hit in South Africa a few years back (even Editorista has the vinyl!), it’s one of those songs that transports us to a good summertime feeling, being young and free in a changing ‘everything-is-possible’ South Africa. So obviously we are delighted to hear that you’ve got an entire album coming out, no doubt music-lovers all over Africa and the world will embrace your new tracks. Tell us more. SIJI – The new album “ADESIJI” was released out here (US) in November last year and we’ve had a lot of positive feedback from it. It‘s not too far of a departure from my debut album, ‘God-given’ but it has a more cohesive sound to it and I’ve incorporated a great deal more of my African influences and vibes into the sound. Rep: I watched your video clip “yearning for home” and it resonated with me quite strongly as a born-and-bred African who is currently not living in Africa. Before we get into this, would you mind sharing with us a bit about your youth and your journey. Your British accent hints that you may have grown up in the UK for a while? Where is Siji from? SIJI – I was born in the London to Nigerian parents, both of whom headed back to Lagos upon completion of their studies taking my brother and I along with them. Growing up in Nigeria had a tremendous impact on my outlook and growth. I returned back to London in the 80’s to further my education and discovered music. I left the UK at the turn of the century to try things out in the Big Apple and haven’t looked back since. I love the vibe out here in New York, the freedom, the boundless energy, the mix and variety of cultures from around the world….. but I have a nagging feeling that it’s about time I start to look homeward (Nigeria). There’s a generational change taking place on the continent and I’d love to be a part of the new wave of returnees making a difference that counts. Rep: In the video you play the keyboards/piano, tell...

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Off the Shelf: Rooftop movie night this Sunday
Mar27

Off the Shelf: Rooftop movie night this Sunday

Catch a showcase of up and coming South African film makers in a sublime setting at Off the Shelf, this Sunday 29th March 2009. Entry R20 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm at PRIVATE PRACTICE NO. 195 JEPPE STREET (ENTRANCE ON BREE…See map below for directions) This edition features: ELALINI by Tristan Holmes. Get up close and personal with Tristan as we talk about his Oscar-winning film Elalini and life since. If you haven’t seen it already, don’t miss this opportunity. If you have, here’s your chance to pick his brain about the creative and production processes behind the film. On Target by Andrew MacDonald. A spy, gun-toting action with explosions, Matrix style bullet-time and a hot lead- all set in the Down Town Gauteng. Not to be missed. Biko’s Children by Breeze Yoko. A cutting edge documentary and visual feast. It looks dope, sounds great and has a banging editing feel. A documentary about how the image of Steve Biko is up for sale. FOLLOWED BY A Q&A WITH THE FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE. For more information: Call 011 836 8911 Cell: 072 317 5145 Email: info@coalstove.co.za Visit...

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Catch FIFI’s album launch in Tshwane
Mar27

Catch FIFI’s album launch in Tshwane

She’s got a sweet vibrato voice that winds it’s way up and down and around her tinkling jazzy notes, if you’re into sisters singing with soul, make sure to catch the launch of Fifi’s EP this first of April, additional entertainment will be supplied by the ever faithful Dj Kenzhero and Sam Simose: Miss Fifi is at it again, it’s time for the residents of Tshwane to absorb some of this little dynamite’s talent. For a mere R50, with the first 100 attendees gaining themselves a free EP, you can catch Fifi’s second leg of her EP Launch taking place at House 22 in Pretoria’s Sunnyside. If unfortunately your girlfriend (Ed: or boyfriend!) took their time in front of the mirror at home, which ultimately made you the 101st person to arrive don’t stress, you can purchase the Ep at the launch for an easy R40. Join Fifi, Dj Kenzhero and that small cat Sam Simose on April fools day, 1st April 2009. Click on the flyer for more. Read an interview with FIFI on Rage right...

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