Femi Kuti is in the country
Maybe we’re still skittish from the Snoop debacle where the brother never showed up – maybe we just like the speed of internet as a medium – anyway we thought we’d share some photo’s to show you that the legend is indeed here. A warmly wrapped Femi Kuti attended a press conference in Parktown today along with Kinobe, one of Uganda’s top artists, Brad from the Bassline and Steven Sack, Joburg city’s director of arts, culture and heritage services. We couldn’t stay for long but heard Femi being drilled about Nigerian politics and the recent elections – his answer was “there was no election in Nigeria..” Damn – wish we could have heard more. Respec’! The man is an incredible musician and we hope that all of us African’s will be in Newtown tomorrow night to celebrate the mother of all continents. It’s going to be interesting 🙂 DRESS WARMLY!!! Represent! ...
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...
Deconstruct the Long Weekend on Monday night
Just when we thought we had it all down we remembered Tuesday is also a holiday and thought we better give the hedonists at Represent somewhere to shake your touche through Monday night too so the looooong weekend keeps on keeping on 🙂 It’s another Deconstruction party and it’s taking place at the new Kippies (awesome venue – it’s the new version of the old Songwriters club next to Fuel not far from Carfax – great loungey environment, super acoustics and a fab glass contained smoking area.) Here’s the speel and remember to dress up! or down… or downright wacky – whatever blows your hair back – the theme is Malice in Wonderland 😉 Deconstruction: Malice in Wonderland Monday the 30th April 2007 Kippies in Newtown Featuring: The Awakening (Acoustically Deconstructed) Devil’s Cartel DJ’s: Destrukto Greg Bowes The Brothers Grimm Sisters Revolution (Alexia vs. Tamian) Infidel Also: Eat Me Drink Me surprises by MissYucki Loads of CD give-aways for best dressed Artwork on display South Africa’s Suicide Girls… and more. Check it out on...
Represent Recommends: Sophiatown in Newtown
If you love Newtown like we do and want to know about what’s going down from entertainment to downtown rejuvenation, then visit the official Newtown website – subscribe to the newsletter which updates you on all the news. Click here to zoom there. Always loving Newtown! Check out the list of Newtown restaurants here. Visit the Sophiatown restaurant on the ground floor of the KAYA FM building on Mary Fitzgerald Square. Service is still getting there and the menu was still en route when we went but the decor is stunning and the vibe on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon is great. Chilling out in the city having a glass of great wine and watching people go by! Thanks to Lungi and Shereen for the intro and one of the best afternoons in Newtown. From the Newtown site: “Located at No. 1 central Place, Sophiatown is set to be another huge attraction in the Newtown Cultural Precinct. The atmosphere at Sophiatown is laid back and stylish, with Jazz and African marimba beats playing while people come together to enjoy a meal with great company or just have a few drinks in the cigar lounge. Sophiatown can seat up to 180 people and is available as a venue for functions.Sophiatown is open during the week from 10am-11.30pm, and on weekends until late. Contact (011) 836-5999 “PIC and words above: http://www.newtown.co.za/ PIC and words...
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