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....
City’s looking kinda Strange with New Academics
Johannesburg based New Academics launch their debut album, City Of Strange on Friday 16 March 2007 at Zanzibar in Pretoria. If you’re in the mood for what sounds like an eclectic cocktail of sound, then this is where you need to be this Friday. Released and distributed independently, City Of Strange is a moving and compelling compendium of songs. Incorporating all the bands moods, from melancholic straight t funk, right through hip hop infused tunes and hard rocking, Chili Pepper-esque numbers. Like the band it is never just one thing, but rather an exotic melange of sound, emotion and passion that takes the ears and your feet on a convoluted journey. Thankfully, one that is easily repeated by hitting repeat on your CD player. New Academics Album Launch: Date: 16 March Venue: Zanzibar, Hokaai Shopping Centre Fairy Glen, Corner Selikaats Causeway & Graaff-Reinet Roads, Telephone: 012 991 3261 Line-up: New Academics Cover: R60 entrance with album and R20 entrance without album Start Time: 8pm City of Strange is available now through http://www.oneworld.co.za/ or http://www.newacademics.co.za/ Catch them at these joints too: 1 APRIL – TEMPOS, RANDBURG, JHB 7 APRIL – OPPIKOPPI “MORE THAN SOMEWHAT” EASTER FEST, NORTHAM 8 APRIL – SPLASHY FEN, KZN 14 APRIL – MYSTIC BOER, BLOEM (R60 entrance + album, R20 entrance only) 26 APRIL – MERCURY LIVE, CPT (R60 entrance + album, R20 entrance only) 28 APRIL – MYSTIC BOER, STELLENBOSCH (R60 entrance + album, R20 entrance only) 5 MAY – BOHEMIANS, MELVILLE, JHB (R60 entrance + album, R20 entrance only) Check out their Myspace page:...
We will be back!
