Represent Review & photos: Smirnoff Legends
Reuben “the Matrix” had the time of his life at the Smirnoff Legends event this week as he colourfully tells us, he was chuffed to really get up close with a few of his gurus squeezing in an interview here and there.. Click here for our photoset of the party on Flickr.: “It’s my house!” I repeatedly found myself on the verge of exclaiming these famous house lyrics as the genre’s gallantry Grand Dukes: Joss Fresh, Vinny, Ganyani, Oskido & Christos took to the stage to showcase their eloquent vinyl mastery and reflexive agility behind the turntables! Hazeldene Hall – Parktown was truly the place to be (Wednesday 16 May 2007) for any serious nocturnal party animal. To put it mildly: The roof was ablaze, however no canister was summoned to expunge the scorching flames! There’s just something about being at a VIP event that adds some extra flair to the exclusive modus operandi (you literally get spoilt rotten by all that choice-assorted – royal treatment!): The vibrant atmosphere, unrestricted access to the Legends, well prepared & equally mouth-watering cuisine, extremely vivacious women & well groomed hunks (for the ladies of course!) and so much liquor you could literally call upon around the clock (it’s just too much pampering to ask for at a go!). Alas!, don’t be fooled! All that lavishness is minute when in direct contrast to the artistic craftsmanship of the Legends – No, The Kings of House Music. The Event kicked off with a well-organized reception populated to capacity by beautiful people and presided over by the MC – Greg Maloka. Opening the performers` line-up was the hip and happening Gang of Instrumentals with their afro-rhythm beats (enough to get the guests into a series of dance-floor frenzies). Indeed the good came to us who decided to wait as the standards were elevated by the Men of the hour, the Legends of House Music in physical manifestation: The Forefather of House Music –DJ Ganyani, The Godfather of the Airwaves – DJ Fresh, Grandmasters of the decks – DJ`s Oskido (AKA Oscar wa rona), Vinny Da Vincy and Christos wowed the audience with well-known house tracks and maestro skills. It appeared as if the thumping crowd was unconsciously drenched in melodic aphrodisiac as though heavily intoxicated by the intertwined vinyl repertoires. A young, budding and amazingly talented new star (Black Coffee) was handed the platform by the Legends to dish-out his apprentice sharpened turntable tempo reflexes – Much to the exclamation and reverence of the audience! The evening culminated in the Legends (Kings) being honored for their invaluable and pioneering efforts towards nurturing and constantly setting new trends (re-inventing the wheel) which made...
Represent Review: MoLoRa @ the Market
Sitting in the cosy enclave of the Barney Simon theatre on press night at award-winning writer and director Yael Farber’s play MoLoRa is no mean feat for an amateur. Leaning forward all around you sit wizened thespians cuddled up close to expectant theatre journo’s, whose concentrating faces you recognise from the little photo’s next to their columns. As the lights went down I felt like a bit of a fraud amongst the aficionados, for although I studied Drama and have spent a lot of my life popping in and out of theatres, I ain’t no expert. The subject is “Yael Farber’s acclaimed adaptation of the Oresteia Trilogy by Aeschylus, set in a contemporary South African context.” It’s a complicated story and somewhat unknown tale – we found it to be a challenging play to review… we’ve been struggling to eloquently word what we felt. But review it we must and review it from the POV of the everyday man and citizen journo we must do too. It’s the only way we know how. Firstly, let’s talk about the great things about Molora, starting with the the powerful soundscape provided by a group of animated and delightful older Xhosa musicians (gogo’s!). They are as much a part of the story as the lead characters, providing textured and haunting mood changes and at times a poignant, eery, mystical soundtrack through traditional instruments and an incredible split-tone guttural singing style. Watching and listening to them one is easily transported to a deep-rooted Xhosa gathering in the green hills of the Eastern Cape – their music weaving it’s tribal rhythms through the narrative… Then there’s the set which was minimalist but craftily designed around the story’s needs, with the numerous performers feeling comfortable on a small stage – the clever use of the space and it’s flexibility allowed us the freedom to fill in the gaps with our imagination. Our favourite moment was when the young muscular Oresties swings in slow motion on a handle around the stage, mesmerising… The lighting design was superb, moving from harsh neon glare to deep and intimate warm isolated scenes. The performance was highly energetic and very physical and loud – the part of the daughter, Electra was a gallant effort by Jabulile Tshabalala, who put enormous concentration and her soul into her demanding role. Sandile Matsheni played the smaller role of Orestes, wearing the emotions of his character artfully. The part that we were confused by was that played by Dorothy Anne Gould who appeared to be over-acting and over-playing her character in an almost amateur-theatre style. “Look at how cross and mad I look, listen to how deep my angry voice...
MUST SEE: More Kruger Park Madness
We hope you’ve planned your long weekend in Kruger Park (with your kids If you got some). If not, here’s some more footage shot in Kruger Park that will blow your mind and convince you to go. Regular Representers will have seen our Elephant encounter (see below) but this one takes the ‘buffalo’. Watch till the end you will not believe your eyes – a veritable animal rubgy match. Our favourite moment had to be the return of the buffaloes as one movement one animal. (Remember with YouTube the best thing to do is let the page load and as soon as the video starts playing press pause until the video is fully loaded – you can tell from the red line – then you can watch it without interruption.) [youtube]LU8DDYz68kM[/youtube] Another classic is the multi-accent commentary but our HeroRanger Homeboy “hier’s lekker action here/Listen ou’s you won’t believe there’s a big parra here between lions crocodiles and buffaloes/They just klapped a buffalo/I’m shaking” wins the oscar. Thanks to Ed H for the pointer – click here for the Battle at Kruger video. And here’s our Ele story: So there we were, cruising along the river road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie camps, all thoughts of the city, work and stress way behind us, little did we know we were about to witness a very angry Elephant on the attack. Before we tell you all, I’d like to encourage everyone to visit the Kruger Park. I was born into a family that is bush bef*k, i.e. that more than lurves wildlife, the outdoors and lapping up every moment possible of Africa’s incredible heritage. Kruger Park has been around more than 100 years and is probably one of the most affordable bush experiences in the world. There’s nothing like it – driving around in your car having a laugh, trying to “spot” the big five… a 5am wake up call followed by a greasy breakfast cooked on a skottel at a picnic spot as you watch the sun begin to rise across the sky, a cold beer at a waterhole then a dash back to the campsite to make sure you make it in time before the camp gates close… Evening’s mean it’s time for a braai outside your hut, a walk around the perimeter of the camp looking for hyenas, a frightening midnight dash to the loo…. I have heard some snobby types dismiss Kruger park as “not being as close to nature” as you are in a private reserve because you drive in your own car and stay in big camps in Kruger. Ignore them. In Kruger you are independent, not reliant on expensive game drives to...
Smirnoff Legends Party winners ready to jol
Congrats to our winners! Wesley Moses Bantse Maleka Francina Padi They’ll be partying like it’s 2010 tomorrow night – don’t forget to let us know how it goes! Become a Represent subscriber and visit us often for your chance to win tickets to enjoy the good life! It’s the bash to be at this week Wednesday – the Smirnoff Legends Party in a heritage house in the amazing, gorgeous, incredible suburb of Parktown (no prejudice of course.) No tickets are on sale, the only way you can get in is if you’re a WINNER! So we have THREE PAIRS of tickets for Representers (cos you’re such winners) – remember to enter the draw you must be a SUBSCRIBER, then email editor@represent.co.za, with your name, age, cell number and the answer to the following question (Gautengers only – tickets only as prize) : Name three Legend Dj’s that will perform at the Smirnoff Legends Party. Here’s the deal: Smirnoff® Red is bringing down the house at the Smirnoff® Red Legends Party this May. The concept, developed as a tribute to the South African legendary House DJ’s, Smirnoff® decided to pay homage to DJ’s who not only have helped establish the biggest music genre in the country, but have extensively supported the brand since its inception into the market 3 years ago, the best way they know how, by throwing them a party. With a track record of breaking boundaries in an ever competitive game, Smirnoff® presents The Red Legends Party. This exclusive event, promises the usual unexpected experiences delivered by Smirnoff®. Hand picked by various industry players and top decision makers, the list of Legends has been finalized this week: -Grandmasters of the decks Oskido (aka Oscar Warona), Vinny Da Vinci & Christos -Godfathers of the Airwaves Fresh & Glen Lewis -Forefather of House DJ Ganyani Each of these house music legends live the lives of true Smirnoff® men – clearly and original. They were there in the beginning, and are still heavily involved in growing the entertainment industry. “These house music greats have played a huge role in the success and development of the South African music industry especially House music genre as a whole. Also having helped establish upcoming local DJ’s and artists working on highly successful programmes”, says industry player Greg Maloka. Internationally they have exposed the globe to our style of music rocking dance floors, in party cities such as Miami and Ibizi, as well as bringing different forms of international music to us. Amanda Rengqe, Smirnoff’s brand managers added, “The Red Legends Party will honour these Legends in style by hosting a Smirnoff® House themed party in their name, presenting them with...
Representah! Cosmopolitan Braamfontein.
Meet another gem in our crew of exciting Represent citizen journalists – Reuben Malema, who adores his buzzing and bustling suburb of Braamfontein and certainly loves to wax oh so lyrically. Read all about what’s happening in Braamies now and see some photos here: 4pm and a deafening roar of rush hour vehicles innumerably bustle through Braamfontein’s central motorway – Jorissen Street. How this well-preserved portion of a metropolitan – long engulfed by the stench of midden-ridden urban decay – has managed to emerge the city jewel that it is today has left an aura of perplexed expressions on the faces of many a benevolent resident – who’ve all lived through it’s at times beleaguering multifaceted socioeconomic dynamics. Maybe the vexed reactions are merely unfounded hyperboles, in that Braamfontein has long been viewed as the cornerstone of premier African intelligentsia and Superior Master Brewer`s capabilities, because as far as memory can serve many a historian, it has always played host to The University of the Witwatersrand (chief among African Universities – in my opinion!) and The Corporate Head Quarters of SAB (Before the former performed a spectacular coup de `ta on Miller Breweries of the USA and subsequently relocating its African Quarters to Sandton – in order to keep up with the Jones I guess!!). Modern day Braamfontein is categorized by a true lifestyle of laissez faire: the clean streets are indefinitely littered with students and bored security guards strolling around, but a surprisingly unbefitting and very alarming factor is the stone-cold lack of a decent place to dine at (not unless you regard take-away outlets as such place of cause). This anomaly is upsetting what is otherwise a well balanced neighborhood; perfectly conducive to a relaxed student and yuppie lifestyle and an ideal place to set-up shop for aspiring young entrepreneurs. Personally, I`m extremely bewildered by the so-called youth focused industry trend setters, vis-a-vis: YFM and Metro FM – Why are they so hypocritical and so distastefully target market focused, I mean why on earth is YFM based in Rosebank and Metro at the SABC when a considerable amount of their academic listenership and merchandise purchasers (which to me is their true target audience/ perpetual spending pockets) is domiciled or at least centered around Braamfontein? Go figure! Research has revealed that YFM was at one time pitted in Yeoville (Again, when the Jones move up, you better well make sure you move up too: Wa lala wa sala Mpya!!!). Interviews conducted around the precinct have revealed scathing details about the grassroots fundamentals of the ostensibly uncompromising -xenophobic pockets which prowl the streets of this “cosmopolitan” segment of the great metropolitan (Jozi). Emotions...
More Representer’s LURVE our city of Jozi
The words just keep on flying in….there’s More and More love for Jozi. Wow – what a response. You made our day, week, our May… We’ve been showered with shimmering, glimmering, dripping words of love today – All in response to our unimportant little call for Representer’s to remind us all just why we LOVE JOBURG. You have renewed our spirit – we really needed some love so thanks. Look forward to some of our inspiring and amazing new citizen journalists on Represent… we can’t wait. Here’s a taste – we just had to share some of the words with you. SHARPILE!. (If anyone else feels like waxing lyrically, email editor@represent.co.za or write in the comments section.): Yrhiness How can I not and I bet you your R20 Gucci shades from Smal street you do too. I’ve been to China and Nigeria and back to the 1970’s to further 2010 by just taking R6 Zola budd taxi through Jozi. I came in the city naive and after a couple of back door clothing discount offers and a few card games I haven’t ’til date received any greater wisdom. Everytime I put my index finger in the air I surrender myself to the great adventure that awaits me intertwined with the culture massive that beholds this story filled city. Why I love Jozi? Do you have forever for me, to tell my love for Jozi to you? Preya I can’t say there is anything physically appealing to me about Joburg, but it’s got a pulse and soul that I just love. It is great to see how different cultures merge into sub cultures in Joburg. In just one day I can cross paths with a real McCoy Rastafarian to a koogirl all togged up in her designer wear to the up and coming business ladies who are hanging out at poetry sessions in Jozi’s Newtown precinct. “Joburgers” give this city a dynamic energy. The fast paced “Joburgers” are constantly on the move, whether they are going to work or the gym, eating out, partying till late, attending shows and the exhibitions and just moving along with the beating rhythm of Joburg. The diverse background of the “Joburgers” gives this vibrant city a culture like no other city. Leanne Jozi, JHB, Joeys, Jo’Burg, Johannesburg, Egoli, The City of Gold. This is why I love Jozi, with its multiplicity of names it also carries a multiplicity of faces. Jozi can be anything you want her to be making it easy for any person to find their niche on her busy streets and bustling sidewalks. It’s the juxtapositions of ‘walkie talkies’ available on...
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