AKENOSI finds his Polena
We love the democratic casting process of the North West crew’s latest creative venture, Akenosi starring Presley Chweneyagae in the lead role as AK. The film production process also started off with a launch party at Roka two weeks ago, setting an upbeat tone for the crew, we look forward to sharing the film’s journey with you: The movie is based on the 1994 civil riots in Mafikeng and follows the life of a 30-year-old heroic young man called Akenosi who suffers the consequences of being involved in the Bophuthatswana riots. AK (Akenosi) is going into production in July, and we are proud to announce that it will feature our home brewed stars such as our Oscar winning North West born Presley Chweneyagae, Boikie Pholo, Zenzo Nqcobe and one of our internationally recognized lyrical genius HHP, amongst others. The Akenosi auditions held at the Mmabana, Mmabatho Drama Studio this past weekend were a huge success. Like HHP, KB, Presley Chweneyagae, Zenzo Ngqobe, Tuks etc – there is always a new star coming out of the North West! Over a 100 hopeful young women between the ages of 23-27 from all over the North West turned up to participate in the auditions for the character Polena – who would act alongside Presley Chweneyagae (AKENOSI). The auditions took two days. The producers of AKENOSI were on their way to determine who this lucky young lady would be.The session started off with screen tests where the ladies introduced themselves, then the stages became more intense when 26 of the young ladies where chosen from the lot.. then eventually only 9 where given the script to show off their raw talent. The producers watched with such awe as one by one, many a lady, displayed such innovative and varied acting abilities. This is despite the fact that almost all of these young ladies do not have any formal training in acting. In the end it was a tie between two ladies – a lot of deliberations went on among Presley Chweneyagae (Lead), Rabotho Rakgajane (Director/ Co-producer) and Joan Legalamitlwa (Co-producer). Lerato Motswiri and Lebogang Matsosi where the top two. Lerato, a young woman from Lehurutshe was raised by a group of women in the small village of Lobatleng. This young promising actress kept it together under the raving talent of Presley. The producers are now proud to introduce this talent to you. Please see attached photos of Lerato Motswiri – our Polena in the movie...
Oppikoppi Pulls out the Stops
Oppikoppi have upped their game – we’re guessing to widen the net and bring in a more diverse crowd – also as a way to fire-up their growing popularity – so guys, how can you not take up the offer and Represent. Groove Armada (wow!), 340ml, HHP, Lark, Dirty Skirts, DJ Khenzero, Violent Femmes, Harris Tweed, Kwani Experience, Max Normal Tumi, Zubz, Zuluboy, Fokofpolisiekar… it goes on. R399. 9-11 August. NW. Tempted? If not then how about “Dagga Davis” and “DJ Afro Whitie” 😉 We’ll try hook up some ticket give-aways. Oppikoppi.co.za Represent Tips: plan ahead, go in a group of chomees, take a proper tent, loads of wood, loads of whatever warms you, loads of blankets, a mattress, cash for munchies en beer, looroll, torches, energy drinks, hoodies en gloves… it’s awesome maar it can be fkn koud. Camping in comfort obligatory for full effect. BTW, has anyone else noticed the DASSIE emerging as a sub-culture icon… it’s moment is clearly here. Fabulous graphics! OPPIKOPPI: THE WAY OF THE DASSIE 9- 11 August 2007 Brought to you and us by Levis® Original Music, Jose Cuervo Tequila and MK. Dassies, Dassies everywhere! And not a drop to drink. Well sort of. Although there are many types of Dassies and most do not need that much of drink (check out Maxnormal.TV for a full list). And looking at the lineup confirmed for the festival there won’t be much time for ocean faring and other Dassies to spend at the convivial bars of the bushveld farm. Not only has some of the South African heavy weights added there hats to the annual tune extravaganza list, but for the first time ever OppiKoppi will be playing host to a day full of international and South African artists on the inaugural Ampli5 music tour. Effectively this means a whole lot more Dassie power for everyone: just like the Dalai Dassie. A full alphabetical list of the acts to perform over the course of the weekend is listed below with daily breakdowns available from http://www.oppikoppi.co.za/ soon: The Ampli5 line-up is as follows: (See mini band biographies at the end of this press release.) – Dev and the Dudes vs. Max Normal – Dorp – Fokofpolisiekar – Groove Armada – HHP – Jimmy Eat World – Love Jones – Stanton Warriors – The Loose Cannons – The Parlotones – Violent Femmes – Young Blood Brass Band The rest of the line-up for the weekend, is as follows: – 340ml – Andries Bezuidenhout – Architecture of Aggresion – Bed on Bricks – Blunted Stuntman – Bouvevard Blues – Chris Cameleon – Closet Snare – Cooper (NL) – Dagga Davis – Desmond and...
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