Future of African Media?

Oct 6, 2010 |

As some may know, I have a weekly column in the South African newspaper, City Press' lifestyle supplement 7 in which I explore different aspects and thoughts on popular culture, ranging from media, music, lifestyle, art, theatre, entertainment, etc. Below is my most recent column. You can also access this and past pieces in the columnist section of their site. Mid-September. London. Tim Kring steps on a stage at Nokia World. The creator and executive producer of the TV series Heroes, he falls within the same category, for me, as TV producers and writers like Tom Fontana (OZ), Dick Wolf (Law...

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Nothing But The Truth (7)

Sep 29, 2010 |

Every generation feels this. Their time made sense. The one that has followed doesn't. As a boy, growing up, I had idols. Role models. Heroes. Examples of what I felt were positive, responsible men. I looked to them for guidance, whether first-hand or from afar. I look around me today and am both encouraged and frightened by what I see. Who do boys and young men have as their examples. Is my generation doing enough? Are my peers being enough? Am I doing and being enough? Sometimes, I can comfortably answer in the affirmative. Most times I hang my head in shame and promise myself I will do...

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To Reflect A Nation (7)

Aug 3, 2010 |

South Africa has talent. This is not just in terms of the reality show that is about to go into its second season but also from a television and film production perspective. Some years ago, I used to develop television concepts for various clients (mainly production companies) and was always inspired by the level of creativity at all levels of the production process, from directors and camera people to production managers and editors. The troubles at SABC has created a massive void and put many a creative out of work. I am hoping this situation will improve and that Mzansi Magic will add to...

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Creating African Superheroes (7)

Jul 27, 2010 |

Comic books, cartoon strips, graphic novels ... they have served as an escape for many a child (and some adults). They are filled with lessons, creativity, hope, refuge, etc. Comic book artist Alex Ross touches on this in this interview: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlC9Q8Vr90M It isn't easy to find African superheroes though and, sadly, historically, African characters in comic books have often been fringe characters. In my column in last Sunday's 7, I share my thoughts on comics and Africa ... [City Press]

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Get Off Your High Horse (7)

Jul 19, 2010 |

We are all capable of much and often wear many hats. To view another as merely a doctor or a lawyer or a singer, with all the stereotypes that come with those, is to do the individual a gross injustice. We create these boxes and then spend much time trying to ensure that all within the 'group' stay within those boxes. Being someone involved on the fringes of the arts, having come from a more business background, I always struggled to stay focused on my motives and my plan and make sense of the poet in me.... [City Press]

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Re-definition of Cool (7)

Jul 12, 2010 |

It was one of those random conversations that have a weird habit of cropping up in the most random of times. I was having a chat with a friend about something football-related - trying to outdo each other with whose team was better. We were going back & forth and we somehow end up on 'what constitutes cool'. One of the challenges of having a weekly column in a newspaper is having something remotely relevant to talk about every week. For last week's 7 in City Press, I tried to decipher cool .... [City Press]

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