Anthony Bila: The man behind the lens
By Lindelwa R 1. Let’s pretend you’re not the creative genius we’re interviewing, what would be the one thing you can’t live without? Well you’re very generous for saying that, I would have to disagree though, I’m no creative genius. One thing I can’t live without? I think we should all be able to live without material tethers or anchors, they in themselves can trap us into certain ways of thinking, so besides food, water & shelter, I can’t think of a single thing I can’t live without, really. 2. What’s the book you’ve read which changed your life? The book is one that took approximately 1,600 years to write. The book had 66 different writers over that time period who wrote from different vantage points, they were from different walks of life and different social classes and countries even. Yet, this book is flawless, infallible even in the way that it carries the secret to true enlightenment, happiness and understanding our purpose. That book, of course is one inspired by a higher power, it’s the most published book in history despite many attempts to thwart its proliferation, and this book is the Bible. 3. This next question is a becoming a cliché but, how do you think art can encourage a revolutionary way of thinking, in the youth specifically? I think art, the truest form of it questions all our beliefs, and it interrogates them. One should always ask “why?” And asking “why” isn’t a sign of anything except curiosity and wanting to be more enlightened and gaining understanding to me. So yes, if art is there to express an emotion, to question a system or even to subvert it, art is often a catalyst for change. And art can take so many various forms, music, writing, painting, even the way one lives their lives can be art, it’s everything and anything that is done with a certain finesse, a certain je ne sais quoi. 4. What do you think us youths need more of from ourselves? We need to be honest enough to say what we really feel, unafraid and brave enough to voice our thoughts about everything and driven enough to act. All to often we as young people we just don’t take enough initiative to change the status quo. South Africa has a 52% population under the age of 23, and that means we are the future but if we do not demand better representation and opportunities of the system and of ourselves, nothing will change. We have to be revolutionaries, and assert change to benefit us since we are the ones that the future...
McCoy Mrubata on his musical Journey
Saxophonist, flute player, band leader and composer McCoy Mrubata, who is based in Johannesburg, will be going to KwaZulu Natal to head up a quintet consisting of Durban-based talents Neil Gonsalves on keys, Paki Peloeole on drums, Sibusiso Mkhize on trumpet and Ildo Nandja on bass. For the performance at Tatham Gallery Mrubata will perform with a trio consisting of Neil Gonsalves and Paki Peloeole. The exciting band will perform lots of music from Mrubata’s forthcoming album titled: The Brasskap Sessions Volume 2. It is a special treat for the people of Kwazulu Natala because the album is not officially released yet and the audiences will be getting a little preview plus the album will be available for sale at the shows. 1. You will be in Durban performing music from your forth coming album: The Brasskap Sessions Volume 2, tell us more about the album? I started recording The Brasskap Sessions Volume 2 In 2012 and it’s the second one of the Brasskap series after the 2008 release. The Idea of these series is to bring together generations of musicians and make a rich sound that will appeal to the young and old. The series also helps the young to get accustomed to recording sessions early in their careers. 2. What can your fans expect from it? The Durban fans can expect music that is rich, full of emotions. Most of the songs that we’ll be performing are on the forth coming album and inspired by day to day experiences. 3. How is it different from your other projects? This album is deferent from the previous albums simply because it’s produced by a young producer and pianist, Luyanda Madope. Luyanda brings out a fresh energetic and emotional McCoy sound. 4. Who did you work with on this project? The Brasskap Volume 2 features : Feya Faku , Prince Lengwasa , Jabu Magubane , Paul Hanmer , Tlale Makhene and Louis Mhlanga , the great and a legend Moses Ngwenya , Peter Sklair , Vuli Yeni , Sipho Ndlovu , Mthunzi Mvubu , Mbuso Khoza, Linda Mzimela , Senzo Sikhakhane , Sthe Bhengu from the band H3 , Lindiwe Mxolo , Thembinkosi Mavimbela , Lwanda Gogwana , Ayanda Sikade , Sisonke Xhonti and Sandile Gontsana. 5. You will be performing with Neil Gonsalves and Paki Peloeole, what are you most looking forward to? Performing with great musicians like Neil Gonzavles, Paki Peloeole, Ildo Nandja and Sbu Mkhize is going to be good as I enjoy different Interpretations of my music especially when the musicians are outstanding like these gentlemen. 6. How do you think music has evolved from the days you started to now? The...
Celebrating African Music with MTV
Last week Wednesday all roads led to The Sands, in Sandton for the MTV Africa Music Awards nominees announcement party. The event was star studded, as expected and the atmosphere at the event was phenomenal. Guests were entertained by artists like AKA, Mafikizolo, Professor, Oskido, Yuri Da Cunha just to name a few. It goes without saying that people like free alcohol, which is a good thing because it looks like people have more fun when it is an open bar event. The biggest and brightest contemporary artists from across the African continent were nominated in 14 separate music categories including Best Male, Best Female, Song of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Group, Best Lusophone, Best Francophone, Best Hip Hop, Best New Act, Best Live, Best Pop, Best Alternative, Best Collaboration & Best International. Broadening the scope of the MAMAs franchise, achievement in non-music fields will be recognised in three new lifestyle categories: “Personality of the Year”, the “MTV Base Leadership Award” and “Transform Today by Absolut”. The MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal will be taking place in South Africa for the first time on 7 June 2014. Due to be held at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC). The event was a success, look forward to the award...
Pharrel Williams’ “Happy” Johannesburg
Last week in an interview with Oprah, we saw Pharrel Williams overwhelmed by the remakes of his hit single, “Happy”. It was videos from all across the continent and different countries except for South Africa. Now there’s a cool video out, made in Joburg by School Of Thought. Watch the video below and be “happy” Crew and sponsors Equipment Sponsorship — Glow (www.glowhire.co.za) Directors: Motse UnbrandedCow and Lungi Molefe Producers: Motse UnbrandedCow, Themba Mbelu and Lungi Molefe Editing: Themba Mbelu DOP – Paul Shiakallis and Threshen Bisetty ( www.behance.net/shizetty) SOT team: Motse UnbrandedCow, Lungi Molefe, Jacques Bezuidenhout and Maxzene Morgan. 1st Camera Assistant – Blessing Ndlovu and 2nd Camera – Masimba Sasa. Photo Credit: http://ind.pn/1f0GrSE...
25th Battle of the Giants All Styles Dance Festival.
Let the energy and rhythm of dance captivate you at South Africa’s premier dance event, the 25th Battle of the Giants All Styles Dance Festival between Friday 11 April and Sunday 13 April at Sun International’s Sun City Resort. Under the aegis of the South African Dance Teachers Association Stage Branch, the event presents a kaleidoscope of dance forms attracting amateur, championship and professional dance entrants from around the country. Dancers will compete in Freestyle, Slowdance, Ballroom and Latin, Hip Hop, Showdance, Street Dance Show, Disco Dance, Jazz, Breakdance and Electric Boogie. The Stage branch has opened a para category for disabled competitors as well. The audience can expect to see a visual feast of colourful, glamorous costumes, dramatic make-up and the dynamism, passion and energy of dance, coupled with expert choreography and dancing. The high calibre judging panel reflects the importance of the Battle of the Giants on the dance calendar. Judging this year’s contest are Kirsten Dan Jensen from Denmark who serves on the Presidium of the International Dance Organization, along with a leading panel of South African judges including David Jones, Rudi Smit, Diana Moore, Pacou Mutombo and Craig Bullock to name a few. The Festival is also a springboard for talented entrants who go on to achieve even greater recognition. The current World Freestyle and Slowdance Champion Kalon Badenhorst is one such example. According to Bev Wood of the South African Dance Teachers Association Stage Branch, “We encourage each and every participant to reach their goals and strive to reach new heights in their dancing achievements. I know that the dancers will create another spectacular and successful Battle of the Giants and at the same time, climb the ranks of World dancing.” Each day of the Festival dancing will begin at 9am. Tickets are available from Computicket at R75 per person per day, and R80 for the Grand Final on Saturday evening. Discounts are available for children under 12. For more information about Sun City’s special accommodation packages contact Dreams on (011) 217 5555, or E-maildreams@suninternational.com or log into www.suninternationaldreams.com. DATES Friday 11 April to Sunday 13 April 2014 TIMES From 07h00, dancing starts at 09h00 daily. Grand Final at 19h00 on Saturday 12 April 2014 VENUE Sun City Superbowl TICKETS Booking at Computicket. Tickets from R75 daily, R80 each for Saturday night, discounts are available for children....
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