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...
Support Michaelis 4th years CT tonight.
Lovers of art in Cape Town support the next breed of artists coming through the ranks by attending the 4th year of Michaelis School of Fine Art students at their “early friday pub” fund-raising and networking endeavours. There’s one tonight which is so early for a Friday it’s on a Thursday! Click on the flyer for more but here’s the scoop: We’re the 4th years of Michaelis School of Fine Art, it’s our final year and we need to raise money for a catalogue of essays and student’s work to be published at the end of the year. For this reason we have picked up on something that was started by graduates of a previous year – the early friday pub – which provides students, the art community (and anyone and everyone else, 18 and over) to network, party and shake their rump. Every week since the beginning of March Early Fridays have featured a different theme of music, DJs, dress code and other specials, while the tequila raffle has become a returning feature – lately forming part of an established artist’s special edition series (a future investment?!). We’ll continue Early Fridays throughout May, and possibly right till the end of the year. Upcoming Fridays are: Thu 26/4 – Early Early Friday: New Media DJs & VJs, bottle by James Webb. Fri 4/5 – Early Friday Art Stars: DJs Joao Ferreira (tbc), Suzie Bell and Ed Young. Featuring polaroid booth Fri 11/5 – Early Friday Sexy Death (rock night): assorted DJs and dress up Fri 18/5 – Early Friday Karaoke with competition, dress up and more Always 4-8pm, always The Waiting Room 273 Long Street, always...
Thembi Ngubane – sharing her HIV journey
Represent would like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY today to Thembi Ngubane from Khayelitsha, a brave and courageous young HIV+ South African woman who is telling her personal story both digitally and through touring both the US and SA to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Thembi turns only 22 today and judging from her story, has single-handedly done more for the fight than many corporates or businesses have through her Radio Diaries project. She spent a year recording her life and experience of living with HIV/AIDS, her haunting words can be heard at the AIDS diary Project. Be strong sisi, we love you. From Thembi’s blog: My name is Thembi Ngubane and I come from a township outside of Cape Town in South Africa called Khayelitsha. I look taller in these pictures than I really am. I am currently doing a tour of my country speaking about what it is like to live with HIV and AIDS. This all started with an audio diary that I began to keep in 2004 to be broadcast on National Public Radio in the United States. At first I wanted to keep my identity anonymous. But I began to love the diary and it became part of me. At the same time people around me were dying of HIV and AIDS so I felt that I had to disclose. I was invited on a five city speaking tour in the US in 2006 presenting to high schools, colleges, community centers and even for places like CNN and MTV. At this point I saw people”s positive response and I decided that this documentary must also reach people South Africa. Reaching people with my story in South Africa is the most important thing I have done. This is because in my country everyone is either infected or affected by this disease. This blog is a recollection of this two week tour of my...
Emdeni Children’s Home Soweto
Yesterday we were invited to attend the Ghett Ruff PR event at the Emdeni Children’s home in Soweto. The occasion was a handing over of two vehicles – a big combi and a food van donated by Cell C. The project was spearheaded by Zola who has been involved with the home since the age of 16 according to Ghetto Ruff. All the bands in the GR stable came along to celebrate the moment, performing to delighted kids who partied up a storm despite the slight drizzle. MXO, DJ Cleo, Jozi, Brickz, Brown Dash, Malik and more were all there, unfortunately Morafe couldn’t make it. Jozi definitely got the loudest reception, with the kids eventually storming the stage to touch, hug and dance with their heroes who gave the love right back. Big ups to everyone involved, see our pics of the day here. We leave you with the question… “What will I do today to make a difference to South Africa.” Leave a comment and share your ideas. Thanks to Adi Loveland and the kids of Emdeni for the pics – we will try post some video’s...
In Honour of Mama Tambo!
Representers as you may already know Mama Adelaide Frances (Tshukudu) Tambo has passed away at the age of 77. Mama Tambo was an anti- apartheid activist and a hero of the liberation struggle who fought against racism in all forms. She was also a recipient of the Order of the Baobab in Gold- one of the highest honours in our country. The order is named after the baobab tree, which was chosen as a symbol because of its endurance and tolerance, its vitality, and its use as a meeting place in traditional African societies. The Represent team would like to pay tribute to Mama Tambo – we send our condolences to the Tambo family during this sad time. This is your platform to do the same or send any dedications to her honour… simply leave a comment. “Hamba Kahle Mama!”Picture courtesy of South African History Online. Click here to read a short profile of Mama Adelaide Frances (Tshukudu) Tambo. Picture courtesy of South African History Online. Click to read a short profile of Mama Adelaide Frances (Tshukudu)...
Fashion Icon, Gavin Rajah joins the Paris elite
As you already know Represent is a big supporter of local talent and we track them down anywhere in the world! Like our very own Gavin Rajah who showed his Spring /Summer collection last week during Paris Fashion Week at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée to a VIP audience of celebrities, dignitaries, media and fashion buyers. He’s also doing his bit for charity so that’s a big pat on the back from us! UNICEF and Rajah announced their partnership in championing the rights of children and in particular their development and protection. Having achieved local international success, Rajah felt the time was right to give something back to the community. A percentage of all the Gavin Rajah clothing and accessory sales will be donated to UNICEF. Rajah joins celebrities such as David Beckham, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Robbie Williams, Sarah Jessica Parker, Yassou N’Dour and Roger Federer in their commitment to supporting UNICEF. The Rajah collection was designed and created by a team of South Africans in his atelier in Cape Town. Gavin Rajah was inspired by the eclecticism and oriental occidentalism of the 1970’s, reflecting the Maharishi cults of that era, when new-age thinkers flocked to the Far East in search of the meaning of life. Rajah played with proportions and volume in a new way. Rather than an obvious use of masses of fabric, Rajah created volume by cutting on the bias and layering fabrics, which add volume and mystery; complemented by the use of hosiery. The collection, alive with colour, proportion and rituals, reflected psychedelic reverie. Rajah joined forces with Cameo, South Africa, to manufacture unique hosiery that adds to the mood of the collection. Bamboo linens have been laminated with a metallic finish together with silk mousselines and finely beaded tulles and laces, ranging from almost Baroque detailing to earlier Gothic. Exotic skins such as crocodile and ostrich add intrigue, mystery and an edge to the collection. Despite his international success, Rajah remains true to his South African roots and will bring his couture collection back to share with South Africans at the Audi Joburg Fashion Wek on the 17th February 2007.The Gavin Rajah store is now open at Cavendish Square, Cape Town (Ground Floor, next to Mugg and...
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