Represent Review: Soweto Gospel Choir DvD Launch
Our indefatigable team of Represent reporters Reuben ‘The Matrix’ Malema and Nkateko “Agent Katz” Siweya headed off to the glittering Maponya Mall in the heart of wonderful Soweto for the launch of the Soweto Gospel Choir’s new DVD… See our photostory here. Thursday 25 September 2008. Maponya Mall – Soweto. A fair weathered evening at this once termed “ambitious White Elephant” (excuse the pun) of township real estate. Today, not only is this elegant mall proudly standing in the heart of black economy, but Maponya Mall is home to the most famous retail, franchise, boutique and chain store outlets of Mzansi’s cherished brands like: Woolworths, Pick ‘n Pay, News Café, Primi Piatti and many more. The Ster Kinekor is of top notch quality, complete with a nice and spaciously designed food court for Africa! Tonight, our entertainment hunting noses have lead us to the Grammy Award winning Soweto Gospel Choir’s launch of their signature DVD: African Spirit. I like the Soweto Gospel Choir, as a matter of fact I prefer their melodic inspirational tunes over that of Joyous Celebration. In sharp contrast to the former, Soweto’s humming choristers beautifully blend a selected collection of staunch church choruses with a number of smooth and equally uplifting melodies. This, I believe is the very reason why they gained international appeal, superstardom stature and all round affection which will surely stand them in good stead for many days to come. The legion of Mzansi’s “want to know it all” daily columnists aka paparazzi, were treated exceptionally well (obviously!) and accorded the kind of decorum fit for royalty. However, a bit of over estimation on the part of the organizers meant that the nice to gobble stuff far outlasted the number of attendees, but sadly on my part, the green bottle from Amstel Brouwerijen of Amsterdam was strictly kept at bay…sad, very sad!!! A makeshift stage was erected in front of Tuscan BBQ adjacent the Ster Kinekor movie theater. We were treated to famous Sunday choruses like “Ke Na Le Modisa, Woza Meli Wami, Bayete” and many more, however the song that most inspired the audience to a point of uncontrollable, compulsive sing along hums was the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games Theme song: World in Union. I was at a loss for words… After the live performances, we were escorted into the movie theater (Popcorn and ice-cold Coca Cola in hand) for a sneak preview of the magic as recorded in front of a live audience at the Nelson Mandela Theater – Civic Theater – Braamfontein and now beautifully packaged in a collectors DVD which is available at all good music stores nationwide....
Share your favourite DVD’s with us!
Do you suffer from the DVD shop blank stare? You know, when you go in and find yourself agonisingly mesmerised by the totally uninspiring shelves? When you feel like you’ve seen it all and can’t bear to repeat-view? When you think that Scandal may make a better option than film? Rather depressing. So we think it’s time we share the love a bit and let everybody know about those gems that are really worth watching. Please help all fellow uninspired dvd shoppers and let us know what’s worth watching. To kick off, we discovered two brilliant series at a DVD shop last week: THE WORST WEEK OF MY LIFE – BBC – 2004 – Comedy Featuring: Ben Miller, Sarah Alexander, Alison Steadman Anyone with any sense of humour, except of course the cheesy US sitcom type, will enjoy this series. It’s highly entertaining, excrutiatingly nail-biting, frustrating and absolutely exhausting. The series takes us through the 7 days in the run up of Howard’s marriage to his darling Mel who comes from a rather ‘poash’ family. This poor dude just cannot get it right with his in laws, everything he touches falls to pieces and despite his best intentions, he is a disastrous son-in-law to be. The first few days are the strongest and funniest, as you feel totally frustrated by his hapless and painful well-intentioned stuff ups and stumblings… A much see for a good laugh. EXTRAS Another classic BBC comedy, this time from the team behind THE OFFICE, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Gervais plays ANDY, an extra who just wants to be an actor and his extras mate MAGGIE, who constantly puts her foot in it but somehow always manages to come right each episode – with the boys that is. It’s a brilliant look at the mundane life of an Extra, anyone who has had the pleasure will tell you just how awful it can be. This series captures that almost depressing desperation suffered by many a wannabe ‘actor’ but is lightened by the guest appearance of famous face in each episode including Ben Stiller, Samuel L Jackson and Kate Winslet. Super-high cringe factor and Andy and Maggie put their foot in it in nearly every episode. Apparently Series 2 is out – can’t wait to devour it. Ricky Gervais rocks! PS: If you haven’t seen OFFICE and you enjoy this, make sure to watch the OFFICE...
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