The Media Decides? (CP)

Mar 12, 2011 |

The influence of the media and entertainment on society is unquantifiable even as those sectors endeavour to reflect society. They guide the discussions through what they put out. In Africa, we have often talked of how it is the West that determines the perception of us. This is not totally the case. The power bases on the continent – like South Africa and Nigeria – do so as well through the programming created on and for channels like MTV Base and Channel O. Because these spaces, based in SA, determine what is put out as being representative of Africa, can we comfortably say, this is the full picture?

read more

Creative Ambassadors (CP)

Jan 16, 2011 |

Written on September 15th, 2009 Music is an amazing creature. It caresses the heart. It strokes the spirit. It inspires the intellect. It has served as soundtrack to a multitude of souls since the dawn of mankind and it continues to provide refuge, comfort and happiness. Despite the millions of songs created, across countless genres, through the centuries, artists continue to lay their creativity and souls on the line, mirroring our lives. As former President Thabo Mbeki said, in 2006, “As life is like a kaleidoscope that is dynamic and ever-changing, music follows suit. Yesteryear's music...

read more

In The Beginning (CP – 08.09.2009)

Jan 3, 2011 |

Late in 2009, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to write a column for City Press' City Pulse, which is what the entertainment and lifestyle supplement was called - it is now called 7. It is always interesting for one to go back and revisit thoughts and ideas expressed and, as a result of that process, I will be posting some of those past pieces starting with the first in September 2009. These are the unedited versions. These are dated when I wrote them as to when they were published. This is the first. This has probably been one of the most nerve-racking pieces of writing I...

read more

Win Public Enemy’s Apocalypse 91

Nov 25, 2010 | ,

In Johannesburg, next week, is an event that is momentous and will go down as one of those life-defining moments. Public Enemy will be performing at the Alex Theatre in Braamfontein on December 3rd & 4th. They will be in Cape Town on the 7th and 8th of December. The Public Enemy South Africa tour is being organised by Showtime Management, 206 Productions and Keep Music Live, in association with Kaya FM, MTV Base and Good Hope FM and features Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff and the Security of the First World. Public Enemy, in particular Chuck D, has contributed much to my...

read more

What Have You Done With Your Flag?

Jul 15, 2010 | ,

I really don't know how I feel about this. In the lead up to the World Cup, South African flags became all the rage. Before, you would only see them on government and other official type buildings and spaces. Just before, the flag was on cars, in windows, on t-shirts, etc. It did feel a bit strange but it was heartening to see a certain pride being taken in nationhood. Sadly, as we journeyed deeper into the tournament - and after Bafana Bafana was knocked out - the flags seemed to become fewer and fewer, particularly on cars. Now. With the World Cup only a few days behind us, I have not seen...

read more

Another Official Song For The Football

May 19, 2010 |

It is getting confusing keeping track of all the official songs for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and now FIFA and Sony Music Entertainment have announced a new one written and produced by R. Kelly. The song Sign Of A Victory (<-- click on link to listen) will be performed by R. Kelly and the Soweto Spiritual Singers choir at the opening ceremony of the World Cup at Soccer City on June 11th. The Soweto Spiritual Singers is a 27-member ensemble which performs gospel and traditional music. The proceeds from the song are said to be going towards assisting ‘African charities’...

read more