Wallpaper* City Guide to Cape Town out!
On our recent trip to Tokyo I was delighted to pick up a copy of the Wallpaper* guide to Tokyo “the fast-track guide for the smart traveller” (published by Phaidon). I don’t know how smart we were but we only had 5 days to check out this supacity so we needed a lot of help. It worked. We managed to see some mind-blowing spots which we would never have found without it… the Wallpaper* City Guide suggestions are so well selected that walking into one of the recommendations is like walking through the pages of the magazine, they just ooze Wallpaper* finesse and style. While we’re delighted for Cape Town to have been included in the second bunch of cities (after the first 30 cities published) to be graced with the guide, our noses are a little out of joint as to why Jozi hasn’t got one yet. Africa’s megacity! We love Slaapstad’s tasteful essence and incredible pizazz but we certainly have a number of hidden gems that would make the cut. Apparently Johannesburg’s version will be out in the next batch of books published, we wait with bated breathe and hope like hell it’s not the same writers who put together the Timeout guide – it smacked of outsider writers who clearly knew very little about Jozi. We’ve contacted the publishers and will let you know if there’s any more info. Cape Townians – any comments on the content?? For now, you can buy your CT guide from Exclusives at R97. Hang out in the Wallpaper* high...
Represent Review: 3 fresh Series – watch ’em!
It seems that the rush of being able to rent out series on dvd’s has subsided and that we’re all a bit “over” the housewives, prison break, lost et al. Well my friends are anyway. But now that winter is on it’s way back, it’s time to get back into long dvd marathons – it’s a great excuse to cuddle your way through the cold. We found out about three series which we hadn’t heard of and gave them the once over for you – in order of preference – Entourage, NightyNight and IDeal. Let us know if you know of any more new series to lap up.: Entourage We heard about Entourage from a fellow creative friendster who recommended it highly. The first two episodes had me a little doubtful as flashbacks to the shallowness of Beverly Hills 90210 wafted about. Tainted from the gripping viewing of the above-mentioned series like Prison Break, I guess we were looking for the wrong thing in the wrong place. We let go of our expectations and the comedic characters began to grow on us – by episode three we were hooked. Entourage is the story of four friends from Queens, New York, one of whom is the dishy “Vince Chase” (Adrien Grenier) who is cited as the next “it” boy in Hollywood. The other three hangers on are his brother Johnny Drama (Kevin Dillon), a struggling actor with some success, “E”, Eric Murphy (Kevin Connolly) the responsible friend and wannabe manager and “Turtle” (Jerry Ferara), a lovable and bumbling chubby dude and hustler. The guys are living it up in the ‘Wood and trying to make some moolah, all mooching off Vince’s talent and potential career take-off. Our two favourite roles are definitely played by the smooth agent Ari (Jeremy Piven) – I’ve met a few dodgy Ari’s in my time but this one takes the cake – and my personal favourite, Shauna (Debi Mazar), Vince’s PR star – icy, cutting, witty and no-nonsense – I love her goedspa. The story shows us the ‘backstage’ life of an up-and-coming star in Hollywood, which one never really gets to see and though it’s a comedy, its clear that director Mark Wahlberg has drawn from real life experience as the tale draws you in and makes you smile. Check it out here on HBO. Nighty Night We had to take a serious “cringe-break” half-way through this British ‘comedy’ series and are still not brave enough to hire out the second series as we gather our courage for the unbelievably dark and hingeing on sick storyline of this excellent show. Words cannot describe the evil intentions (and unstoppable success) of the clearly disturbed beauty-salon owner Jill Tyrell...
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...
Cricket – Final word from Alfie of YFM
Pheww, THE CRICKET WORLD CUP finally came to an end on Saturday – for me the highs & lows of this World cup were most definitely the death of The Pakistan Coach, South African Bob Woolmer, who was found murdered in his Hotel Room, GIBBS six 6’s, The South African Team’s drinking Spree, The fat wobbly comical player from Bermuda who was the oldest player at the World Cup, Australia’s unbeatan run since the 1999 World Cup, India & Pakistan’s First Round Exit & Bangladesh’s victory over South Africa. By far Australia showed that they were the best from the rest of the Cricket World when they ended the tournament unbeaten & making history by having a hat-trick of World Cup wins. The Australian Captain RICKY PONTING was right when he said that out of all the matches they played not even one of them was looked at as a close game & he was right. I think they dominated from their first game & for me the heavy rain that came down meant the end of one of the most rememorable World Cups in the History of the game – from The Unfinished Stadiums, Heavy Ticket Prices to the Death of Bob Woolmer. The World Cup Curtain has closed & we hope to catch you again in four years time… ************************* So it’s over. We urged, supported, believed and enjoyed every moment of the Cricket World Cup. We were astounded by the incredible power and strength of Australia last night as they gave us a pounding that the team will need a lot of Caribbean rum to even begin recovering from. Congrats to the Ozzies on their win. We’d like to thank the equally optimistic Alfie Phokobye for his generous and entertaining commentary throughout the series… We wish him luck as his sporting star continues to rise. Represent! Alfie: I’m normally very talkative & very chirpy. well today I dont know where to start. I mean the australians dominated in all department & if u remember properly, I said on my column yesterday that they’ve got a psychological adverntage & boy did it work. The only thing that South Africa won yesterday was the toss & it was really sad to see the likes of Smith & Kallis go out the way they did, It really showed that their game plan wasn’t working & attacking the Aussie bowlers was out of the question but they kept on using the same game plan & were rolled over by a team that I think its the best Cricket Team I’ve ever seen in my life. We must all remember that this...
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