ART MEETS MAINSTREAM
WWW.BARCODEDMAG.CO.ZA
Issue 04 August/September 2012
Offramp Button Division Couture Soweto Fashion Week king hood
Legends
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JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: A PLETHORA OF LEGENDARY TALENT
Soundbooth
Multimedia
No.1 Hustler Hell Yeah, it’s Hypress
Uncovered Art and politics
Proudly South African
projekt 101 Jarret Eramus - Lobola cattle turned on him
AUGUST 2012
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Contents
94
6 Editorial 3 Hang Suite Phila Tyekana 4 Pol-Art-Ics Of Today Uncovered 6 Feature: Space Munna + SA Film and TV Awards Pixels 7 Jean Michel Basquiat 9 Legends Lookout 11 Soundbooth DJ Lemonka 13 Pure Art 15 The Platform Expert feature 17 Off Ramp 19 Spot On Social Commentary Forum 21 Newsflash 24 Ground Up 25 Multimedia 28 Salute 29 Projekt 101 Jarrett Eramus 30 No.1 Hustler Hypress 32 Clu We Say 34
Publisher Infin8media Editor in chief Phumzile Twala (@PHUMIT) Creative Director Paul Sishange (@PaulS_RSA) Production Manager Mbuso Mafuyeka (@youngbuu) IT Manager Brian Ntuli (@Brian_DeITWiz) Sales Nomfundo Shabalala (@angelicshabs) Khethiwe Twala (@miss_kittyred) Contributing Writers: Taryn Jones (@stylishlytaryn) Bafentsoe Dopeill Art Molete Mduza van Gogh (@MduzavanGogh) Thabo Pillz Metsing (@Pillz_1852) Laurelle Williams (@laurellewilliam) Phumzile Twala (@PHUMIT) Photography: Phumzile Nkosi Mbuso Mafuyeka Phumzile Twala For general enquiries email: info@barcodedmag.co.za For advertising enquiries email: sales@infin8media.co.za
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Editorial KEEPING
{
ART ALIVE
“To make our way, we must have firm resolve, persistence, tenacity. We must gear ourselves to work hard all the way. We can never let up.” - Ralph Bunche.
As artists our work is based on freedom of expression. It’s the free will to showcase one’s talents and potential to get reactions from people who appreciate art. Many artists have delved into the world of socio-political art in the name of drawing attention to situations affecting ordinary citizens of various nations. South Africans are accustomed to socio-political art, but not many anticipated the drama that unfolded at a Johannesburg gallery, courtesy of a painting by Brett Murray. “The Spear,” a painting depicting SA president Jacob Zuma with his genitalia showing was displayed at the Goodman Gallery. The painting drew attention from media worldwide and South African opinions were split over the artist’s interpretation of the ANC president’s political tactics and power. This inspired this particular edition. We explore the relationship between art and politics all over the world, while touching on celebrating a number of women of the arts and heritage month in South Africa. We kick things off with sassy Metro fm Producer, Phila Tyekana, who shares some of her life with us. Our Pixels feature covers upcoming movie Zama Zama: we get up close and personal with some of the stars. Spacemunna gives us insight into his documentary, due to be released soon. We salute a new age she-ro Nampusheng Sebatane, who is keeping art alive through various initiatives for the youth. Projekt101 sees us feature Cape Town talent, award-winning artist Jarrett Erasmus and we get expert advice from Yfm (Gauteng Youth radio station) CEO Kanthan Pillay. Social Commentary Forum gives us the heads up on their movement, while our Multimedia page shows some catchy art and technology mixes. Exploring this theme has been eye-opening and educational. In sharing various art we discover, we aim to do it with tenacity and we resolve to give artists a platform to share their talents and change the world, be it one brush stroke at a time, or one word at a time. With that being said, I hope you’ll enjoy sifting through the sea of words we’ve splashed on each page to give you the fourth official edition of Barcoded Magazine.
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hang suite | Phila Tyekana CONTENT CREATIVE Metro fm Breakfast show content producer, writer and art aficionado, Phila Tyekana shares some of her thoughts with us. BM: So you never really planned on becoming a radio show producer!Are you happy with the success you’ve achieved so far? Definitely! Both in high school and varsity, I’d never heard of radio producing, let alone it being a career. I’d loved radio just as a listener, nothing more. While in varsity and almost a year after I’d graduated I didn’t have a TV so radio was my major source of information. I’d always wondered then where the DJ’s would get all the info and thought aaagh, they must read a lot. Everyone knew of my love for magazines and how I was going to be the next Khanyi Dhlomo. I’m most proud because I’m one of the few producers who’ve actually made the content producer position a career by moving across stations with it. Often people see it as a stepping stone to get into radio but I truly love what I do - creating, researching, coming up with ideas and of course ordering some of the big names in our industry around, telling them what to say! (Laughs) BM: What was making the move from 60km/h Mdantsane to 120km/h Joburg like for you? Crazy! Everything was the complete opposite of home: the pace, language, people and of course although approaching the change with an open mind the struggle to wrap up all of that and adapt to it was a bit tricky. BM: You’re part of the first class of successful Y Academics. Looking back, did you ever think the programme would pave the way for your career growth in the way it has? Not at all. I’d always wanted to be in magazines and that was always the plan. In my last semester at varsity (Wits), I applied for internships everywhere I’d wanted to work, obviously magazines. Remember I had no TV then, so I’d repeatedly hear about this Y academy thing...it played over and over again on Y so I thought why the heck not, let me take my chances. It’s weird how everything worked accordingly. The Y Academy started October 2007. Before then I’d interned at Marie Claire Magazine where my internship came to an end in September 2007. They’d asked me to stay in the mag but something said I’d always wonder what would’ve happened if I didn’t take it (radio). BM:What lessons did you learn as content producer for The Yire and Room 69 (with Tholi B) on Yfm? Wow! The Yire holds a very big part of my heart. It was my first real proper job! I found my content producing feet on the show, learning each day how to give listeners what they wanted and what they needed to know. Learning in turn how to execute the content and basically learning how to take charge of a show regarding placing who and what where. Also, both shows taught me how to basically expand my creativity sucking in all that I heard, watched, and read then turning all of into content for the show. BM: Was it easy adapting to the new market you had to cater to when you made the move to Metro fm’s “The Morning Jam?” Nope, not at all. I struggled for a while to get in synch with the Metro FM audience. Yfm is strictly a youth station.
“Everyone takes their job VERY seriously! The show is never about their fame but rather about what the team delivers to the listeners which must always be on point!”
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Phila Tyekana Getting content was easier too as I was part of the station’s target audience. Metro FM on the other side is more mature with the core market 25 - 35. Going into Metro I suddenly had to wise up, become ‘older’ in a sense and think not young people and what they (and myself) wanted to hear but now how ‘older’ people thought and what they wanted to hear. It was a struggle but I soon learnt. I also had to adapt to working with not just one person but a team of 5 other people; people that had had years of experience. At first I was extremely intimidated but it soon wore off. BM: They say change is the only constant. Just as listeners were getting used to the show, it was canned. How did you manage to embrace the changes and move on? I wasn’t affected at all. It was time for the show to end and for Kenny (Maistry) to leave. I think everyone knew its fate. BM: The Goodman gallery –President Jacob Zuma spear- painting debacle sparked controversy in various countries. What’s your take on the whole issue? What’s your artistic interpretation of the painting? It was an insensitive piece of work; disrespectful to the president and his family. The thought of someone seeing you naked makes anyone cringe. So when someone puts a face to a painting where someone’s genitals are exposed without their consent, that’s very disrespectful. BM: Who are the stalwarts of your industry (radio specifically) that inspire you to keep bettering your craft? The entire “First Avenue” team. Everyone takes their job VERY seriously! The show is never about their fame but rather about what the team delivers to the listeners- which must always be on point!
BM: What do you love most about the 1st Avenue? The team: Glen, Unathi, Mel (news), Sizwe (sports) and Brandon (technical producer) - all lunatics I tell you!
BM: You’re a freelance writer and entertainment editor for Bona magazine. Where does your love of writing stem from? My grandfather and mother both love reading. There were always magazines, books, encyclopedias at home so I’d read. Also growing up as well as now I’ve always felt the need to write down my thoughts and have always kept a diary. I don’t know, but whether it’s a to-do list, groceries, prayers and anything I think, for it to make sense I have to write it down. I guess it’s always been in me
My favourite hang-out spot in Jozi is…. The Sunday Rooftop Market in Rosebank. If I weren’t doing what I love for a living I’d be… A creative director and owner of a fashion label. Life summarized into one word is… Sleepless. Art, to me, means… An expression of what’s often overlooked. What makes me proud of being an African woman is…our progression in making a mark for ourselves. By: Phumz
WHATS
HOT!!!
Hot Club SCENES Tokyo Sky Plush Diamonds Hush Latinova Vacca Matta Mibar
BM: As someone working within the entertainment/arts industry, do you think women are represented adequately in prominent strategic level management positions in the arts? I’ve never approached work as something about being a woman or man. Work is work and making money is making money - gender issues have never been something I focused on. At the end of the day you don’t say “as a woman I such and such a deal” you start the sentence with “I”. BM: Which places around South Africa make you proud of your heritage? Anywhere rural, as life there isn’t tainted by materialism. BM: What are your thoughts about the current state of art worldwide? As much as we live in an expressive and free world, our thoughts on how ‘far’ an artist may go with their creativity are still very rigid and traditional.
My all time favourite artist (any type of art) is…. Thandiswa Mazwai - her voice, clothes, hair - all beautiful art that I’ve always loved.
BM: Do you have aspirations of writing a book one day? No, I’d rather own a magazine one day and continue to write articles within it. BM: What message would you like to pass on to upcoming artists? Keep at it, your hard work will soon be recognised.
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Uncovered \\ Art and politics
POL-ART-ICS
OF TODAY
“Hail to the Thief II.”
That’s the name of the exhibition by artist Brett Murray at the Goodman Gallery in which he featured work criticising South Africa’s ruling party, the ANC. If controversy is what was Murray was aiming for, he certainly got it. Controversy in the form of impending legal action, protest action and defacement of a particular piece: “The Spear.” Inspired by the Victor Ivanov poster “Lenin Lived, Lenin is Alive, Lenin Will Live,” the piece depicts South African President Jacob Zuma with his male member exposed. The exhibition featured pieces that suggest corruption and bad governance by the ruling party. The painting sparked outrage in the ANC and among some ANC supporters. The events surrounding the exhibition drew our attention to a relationship that remains controversial to this day. Marked by cheeky displays of artistic freedom and bully tactics in retaliation by powerful politicians; we explore the relationship between art versus politics. Politically charged pieces of art such as Picasso’s Guernica in 1937 primed the canvas for modern-day protest art. Activist art uses public space to encourage debate and raise awareness by addressing socio-political issues. South African politics have almost always had a love-hate relationship with the art world.The work of world-renowned lens man Alf Kumalo is an example of how art can be used to raise awareness about social ills. Kumalo pushed boundaries using his gift of photography during the apartheid era. His images encapsulated raw emotion and conveyed circumstances prevailing at the time. The microphone was a powerful tool used by popular musicians to spread messages of hope for the then-oppressed South African black population. Sello “Chicco” Twala cleverly penned the lyrics “we miss you Manelo/ where are you?” On closer inspection, the lyrics are a subtle reference to detained political prisoner Nelson Mandela. Using a play on words and creative pronunciation, he was able to get the message across. One of the most iconic images of the 20th century is the Guerrillero Heroico, Alberto Korda’s famous photograph of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara. Taken during a rally in 1960, the image has been modified through the decades. Irish artist Jim Fitzpatrick most notably altered
slight features of the photo in 1967. He created a variety of posters and distributed them without copyright because he wanted them to be reproduced. By 1968 the image had moved from protest into the realm of fine art. Here was an image of a revolutionary hero, initially used to spread Che’s ideals that found its way on the highway to commercialization. The photographer, Korda refused to seek royalties from, circulation of the image, maintaining that this “helped it become the ultimate symbol of Marxist revolution and anti-imperialist struggle.” A clash ensued between Korda and alcohol brand Smirnoff due to the photographer expressing his belief in the year 2000. Korda didn’t want the image to be commercialized in relation to products he believed Guevara would not support. In a twist of events, Jim Fitzpatrick wanted to re-claim ownership of the renowned red and black portrait in early 2011. The Irishman hoped to donate all of the money earned to Guevara’s family and the Cuban nation. One of the world’s art stalwarts, William Kentridge remains one of the most ingenious minds today. Some of his work has been inspired by the social injustices of his country of birth, South Africa. “Casspirs Full of Love” is one such example. Casspirs were vehicles used to put down riots; vehicles of crowd control. The purpose of the casspir was to instil peace by force. Therefore by titling this work “Casspirs Full of Love” the artist illustrates the oxymoronic nature of the work. The Casspir was used as a tool to keep lower-class natives from taking colonial power and money. Here art was used to demonstrate blatant social injustices inflicted by the apartheid regime. Nowadays the art versus politics tango takes place on a floor populated by cosmopolitan audience members, who aren’t afraid to be vocal about their opinions. Modern-age society dictates that artists should be free to express their creativity unhindered. What is offensive and vulgar to one mind is the epitome of creativity to another. We’ll continue to see artists butting heads with the world of politics for the foreseeable future. The ebb and flow of relations should be interesting...
By: Phumz
STREET ART TRIVIA Frank Shepard Fairey created the “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” sticker campaign in 1989. It eventually evolved into the “Obey Giant” campaign. The artist has said of the work, “It’s intended to inspire curiosity and cause the masses to question their relationship with their surroundings.” More recently, the latest craze when it comes to street art is the elusive UK artist Banksy, whose work has managed to get people all over the world talking.
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FEATURE: sPACE mUNNA
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pIXELS
A CELESTIAL BEING IS BORN South African artist SpaceMunna briefs us about his upcoming documentary, to be released in conjunction with his latest mixtape. He documented a journey of self-discovery and edutainment in an effort to bridge the generational and geographical gap.
A
man born in Limpopo, brought up in Soweto, Diau Madisha is on a mission. Asking who this guy is gets us a comical response: “He’s the guy SpaceMunna tries to keep in the background because he does all the work and SpaceMunna takes the credit. He is Clark Kent to SpaceMunna’s Superman.” Drawing reference from one of his quotes, “I picture how snares taste and how chords add spice to the dish and words give the overall aroma” we ask whether he applied a similar recipe towards the documentary he’s working on. Spaceman tells us he used a lot of experimenting. Including artists from all sides of Limpopo was one of the main ingredients. Having travelled to rural parts as well as urban areas, he made sure he collaborated with known and unknown artists on the project. The aim was to unite the province through the medium of hip hop while allowing people to tell their stories. A curiosity about hip hop in Limpopo led to a decision to do this documentary. A lingering need to tell his story completely was the driving force. “I felt I could not really tell my story without telling the story of the province. Moreover, I wanted to bridge the gap between those who do not understand the culture and with those who do.” Finding a link between the appeal of rap and the history of African storytelling (mainly done orally) is how SpaceMunna identified his penchant for words. Rap is another tool to use to tell our stories; to record our history.” “Technically, I am Ndebele.” His infusion of his culture into his music ties in appropriately with his love of storytelling. We ask about his community’s reaction to his efforts of preserving and celebrating his culture. The general consensus is that there is a better understanding of what it is that the hip hop community does. “We aren’t trying to be American. It’s like if I drive a German car, I’m not trying to be German, I’m trying to get somewhere.” By featuring his real mom in the video for “I’m a king” he aims to illustrate that it’s okay to be you. This isn’t SpaceMunna’s first foray into the world of film; a cameo role in “Kenny Makhenzo” having preceded this experience. He mentions that Kenneth Nkosi (South African actor and director) is a hard working guy. “The knowledge I gained is the perspective that there is a space in the industry for everyone. You have to work hard to get it.”
Doing all production allowed him to personalize the story. “I felt the audience would get a more intimate story if I kept the production “staff” minimum he tells us. Producing the documentary has also opened his eyes to how powerful hip hop is, how this culture unites people from all works of life. “It showed me how some learned English through rap. It’s showed how we all go through the same struggles in the name of hip hop.” As for the process that goes into producing a documentary. Space tells us he focused on the story he felt he had to tell. Visualization and action is what was used to bring the dream to life, not forgetting sobering realities of course, namely budgets and camera equipment. Just to emphasise his belief in his work, he mentions, “none exist without the story.” We ask if he thinks controversial art has found a place in society as yet. That depends on your definition of controversial. Pictures of Kelly Khumalo’s stage performance can appear on the front page of a popular newspaper, while an album from Prophets of the City is still banned even after 1994. In the era of the internet, can you not find you place? We are global and I believe there is more than enough space for everyone.” With the pending release of the documentary, SpaceMunna aims to create dialogue among youth, to have South African hip hop do a self-introspection and evaluate and tell stories. With a larger-than-life personality, SpaceMunna throws these words into the artistic orbit: “Follow your vision to the end. Believe then be and live.” Contact: www.spacemunna.com
By: Phumz
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S.A. FILM
M
ining magnate Malcolm Phiri is forced to make a difficult moral decision when he discovers that his long lost brother is part of a group of illegal miners, known as Zama Zama miners. His reputation is at stake as he faces the possibility of being exposed as an ex-Zama Zama. Torn between business and family, Malcolm decides to immerse himself in a world of uncertainty. He explores the network of cartels in an effort to lure his brother Joseph out of the practice. Directed by Vickus Strijdom of Kokamoya Productions, Zama Zama is a human story above all else. Cast members include Lindani Nkosi, Presley Chweneyagae and Khulu Skenjana. Strijdom tells us that Kokamoya Productions felt the need to produce a film of this nature due to its relevance. Telling the story of people who mine illegally because it’s their only source of income is something they had to do. “Looking at the history of Africa and the mineral resources it possesses, these resources are the life force for the continent. So we felt it remains relevant to this day.” The director explains that the aim of the film is to open debate. As to whether it’ll have any effect on the mining industry and its stakeholders, he said, “I’m not sure. But we hope to spark a citizen’s debate and hopefully find solutions.” Challenges he faced as a director were simple, “It was very dusty and dark!” he tells us in between laughter. “We didn’t use any sets, we used real mines. So there was a lot of red tape and logistics. We had to call in a lot of favours.”
Strijdom feels that the Zama Zama problem will never stop. “If you think about it, Joburg has a lot of open shafts, so it’s impossible to control.” Asked why people should watch the film, he replied: “It’s a human story. We live in a society with a vast economic divide, so essentially we have no middle class. So a lot of people can relate to it.” Aspirant directors take note: “This was an independent film. Don’t really look at the obstacles. Every obstacle can be overcome. If you want to get your movie out, go for it. It shows how much you believe in your script. No obstacle should stand in your way.” Presley Chweneyagae tells us of his reference points in preparation for his role as Joseph Phiri, “I had some research material in the form of being able to read about Zama Zama mining in the news every day. With each film he makes he keeps learning. Each experience is different. He tells us that with this film, having to film underground was a new experience and having to adjust to different circumstances, such as being unable to use big cameras was a new experience.
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ZAMA ZAMA MOVIE
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PIXELS
pixels
Chweneyagae explains that he felt he could relate to this character in a sense, that he understands the unemployment situation is frustrating. “There are so many people with diplomas and degrees who are sitting home unemployed. I thought a lot about that when constructing my character.” Describing his working relationship with his co-stars, Presley says, “It was like boot camp. There were different energies around and we didn’t have an easy location either, but you have to cope.” The star, who hails from the North West province, advises upcoming actors to be disciplined and determined, as well as to keep informed by reading. Chweneyagae sells the film as a brilliant concept, from which one can learn a lot of things. The storyline is accurate with current events and it’s entertaining. As the interview drew to a close, Presley shares a motto he lives by, “Love the art in you, not yourself in the art.” He advises artists to learn to sacrifice for the love of art. Charming, witty and deliberate with his use of words, Khulu Skenjana plays the role of cartel boss Manto in Zama Zama. We start our conversation off by asking what he thinks drives this character. “Self-preservation. Making money, and I suppose the knowledge that he’ll never become like Malcolm.” Our next question garners an interesting response; we ask whether Skenjana in his opinion thinks the miners’ actions are excusable. Absolutely! The mining industry’s been exploited by corporate. These guys know how to mine and when they’re told that they’ve reached their sell-by dates, what should they do? Where else can they go? I believe that as much as they’re placing a great risk on their lives, it’s not much of a dent on the mining industry.” The actor who’s had roles in “A place called home” and “The Mating Game” further explains that a challenging aspect of filming was due to a small budget, which was overcome with love for his craft. Most popularly known as drug lord “Tony Ngu” in the blockbuster Jerusalema, we ask if he experiences problems of being type-cast as the “bad guy.” In a comical response, Skenjana replies, “No, not at all. It’s not a problem in my life. If people think I play the bad guy well, then hey, woza! I’m cool with being the bad guy. You’ll recall though, that I played Macbeth in “Entabeni” and I’m glad people responded well to my portrayal of that character. But if I’ve got to be the bad guy, hey… let’s go!” He doesn’t think the film will change perceptions about the mining industry. “It’s more of an emphasis on the human spirit. It’s a story that pulls on your heartstrings really. I think the zama zama element to it acts as a great backdrop though. Shooting underground, although I didn’t get a chance to, is a great backdrop to what is essentially a human story.” His playful persona shines through when we ask what art means to him. “It means life, reflection and interpretation.” As to why South Africans should check the movie out, Skenjana jokingly retorts “N’thand’izinto” (you like things.) Why shouldn’t they?” Zama Zama is due for release on the 24th of August 2012
JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT
|
Legends
JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: A PLETHORA OF LEGENDARY TALENT
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I
JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT
am not an art connoisseur. I’ll be the first to say that. I’m far from it and I’m not the only one that doesn’t really have full knowledge regarding visual arts. When the word art comes to mind most of us tend to think about people like Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Michelangelo and more recently Andy Warhol, but we never mention any black legendary artists. Black people have been doing their thing in the art world, we might have not reached that level of recognition because of so many reasons, being overlooked for example, hence that’s the reason we’ve never heard of a black painter or artist racking up millions for their paintings. There once lived a great man by the name of Jean Michel Basquiat, born in 1960 in the city that never sleeps, the big apple, New York. Basquiat was a very gifted individual, being able to speak and write in three languages by the age of eleven: Spanish, French and English. He was advised to take up art by one of his teachers and it is a good thing that he did. He was a very troubled individual. He dropped out of high school in grade 10 and lived with friends and had previously run away from home. This is the case with so many artists though; their lives are riddled with pain and you wonder if the word artist is a euphemism for “tortured soul.” Some may argue the fact that Jean was one of the pioneers of graffiti. He started doing graff in the early 70s with his friends under the moniker SAMO (I have no idea what it stood for.) Basquiat‘s career took off when he became friends with a wellknown TV presenter in America in the 80s by the name of Glenn O’Brien. He formed a band with some of his friends. Though the band never really took off, Basquiat was slowly but surely building a name for himself. He met Andy Warhol in 1980, with whom he later worked on many projects. The project that gave him recognition in the art world came in 1981, called “The radiant child.” He started showcasing his artwork alongside people like Julian Schnabel, David Salle, Francesco Clemente and Enzo Cucchi. Basquiat’s paintings were often covered with text and code consisting of words, letters, pictograms, logos, map symbols and diagrams. He and Andy Warhol collaborated a lot in ’84 and ’85 doing amazing things together. Their friendship grew to such a level that they’d party together. Of course this led to a little substance abuse, but that’s how artists do, right? Both artists developed addictions that led to their demise.
His 1983 painting “Untitled” (history of the black people) reclaims Egyptians as Africans and subverts the concept of ancient Egypt as the cradle of western civilisation. Another one of his pieces, “Irony of Negro policemen” done in 1981, illustrates how blacks have been controlled by whites. His aim was to portray how blacks have become with the institutionalised forms of whiteness and corrupt white regimes of power. He found this ironic because the black policemen would enforce laws put by the whites on his fellow black man instead of sympathising with them. How great could this man have been, tackling social issues through paintings? That is really legendary.
The most expensive original Basquiat painting fetched for $3.3 million. It’s owned by Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich and he later auctioned it for $5.5 million. In 2008 Ulrich sold another Basquiat painting at Christie’s for $1.5 million to an anonymous bidder. An untitled Basquiat painting he did in 1981 set a record for the most expensive Basquiat painting ever sold fetching for $14.6 million. I wish he could‘ve lived to enjoy the fruits of his labour. Sadly he died at the age of 27, joining the elite 27 club. He was a heroin addict, dying a few months after his friend Andy Warhol. A biopic in his memory was released in 1996 titled Basquiat. Hip hop legends like Jay-Z, Swizz Beats and Kanye have a deep appreciation for his work-referencing him in some of their lyrics. “Basquiats, Warhols serving as my muses, my house is like a museum so I see ‘em when I’m peeing...”- Illest MuthafuckaAlive (JayZ ft Kanye) “My new Basquiat, Hov know what that costs...”- That Oprah (Swizz Beats). Come on black people. We’re the original man, we invented art! Who came up with art? Us- remember the San rock art? We came up with the music. We’ve been doing great things. We can still do more. Basquiat is arguably the greatest black visual artist, painter that ever lived. Don’t argue with me.
By: Mduza van Gogh
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lookout Bart Jansen
Flying Feline
Dutch artist Bart Jansen lost his pet cat Orville, when he was hit by a car. In a twist of events, the artist decided to get the feline’s body stuffed, and wait for it... turn the cat into a remote-controlled helicopter. He initially named the cat after famous aviator Orville Wright, so it seems fitting for the cat to be turned into a helicopter. Jansen teamed up with radio-controlled helicopter expert Arjen Beltman to create the unusual piece of art, which was unveiled at the Kunstrai Art festival in Amsterdam.
Optical Illusions
Korean artists have a way of thinking out of the box- literally. The Koreans have tourist attractions in the form of Trick Eye Museums, in Seoul and Busan. The art works have parts that look like they’re coming out of the frame, thus creating optical illusions. Visitors can have fun by taking photographs of themselves being strangled by a four-headed serpent or even picking up a giant piece of sushi. The French call it “trompe I’ oeil” which means “deceive the eye.” Who said art couldn’t be fun?
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lookout |
Street art
Taking 3D painting up an avenue Leon Keer
What started out secretly due to its illegal nature, has now found itself as a global culture. Street art, which comprises of traditional graffiti artwork, ice sculptures, sand sculptures, stencil graffiti, megalithic art, sticker art and guerrilla art, is a form of unsationed art. Some people consider it vandalism or defacement of property, while some art museums and galleries have begun collecting the work. Here we feature some phenomenal street art paintings by Leon Keer. The talented artist has created great works of art.
DONTE VERSATILE AND TALENTED His electrifying presence brings a fresh sound to hip hop and Rnb. A talented producer and innovator, the youngster has been featured on the Hype Magazine Mixtape. In January 2012 his single “This Year 2012” received airplay on internet radio station Rhythm100, courtesy of DJ Clone. He’s received airplay on Vowfm and UNISA fm for his hit single “Move your body like”, released in March 2012. His next single, “Ovation” is expected to drop this September. He’s performed around Joburg and has cemented his media presence with interviews on UJ fm and Lesedi fm (SABC.) He’s also been featured on Inphase-music blog and SaluteMeMajor blog. His single “Move your Body Like” is currently number two on kasimp3.com with over 2500 downloads in the first 2 weeks. He has dreams of creating music for the whole world to hear. To connect with Donte, catch him on twitter (@DonteSA), facebook: Donte Mokoena and his blog Dontethe13th.blogspot.com.
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DJ LEMONKA
// Soundbooth
I MADE
CULTURE
COOL
“it’s rare to get real friends, you are on your own in the game and sometimes it’s not who you know, but how you know them.”
Motswako:
A way of life- DJ Lemonka’s way of describing a movement that’s taken the SA music by storm over the past few years. Of the movement he has this to say: “I remember when it was HHP, Morafe and Tuks on the scene, then Molemi and Notshi came out when was looking. Khuli dropped and stopped everything moving. JR is a multimillionaire, he said it himself. I’ve recorded 22 unknown Motswako artists on my second project. So yeah, who could have known?” Not many people are aware of Lemonka’s journey towards the point he’s reached at the moment. As a DJ and radio show producer ion Motsweding fm he’s conscious effort to promote cultural preservation. Unfortunately, arts and culture bodies have failed to recognise this. “The sad thing is I’ve applied for assistance in every department you can think of but to this day, nothing. So I’m just going to do my thing...What’s funny about this is that we’re losing our languages. Kids can’t write or read or speak their languages and government is trying to everything to restore but they’re failing. What’s worse is I have never been booked by government in my neighbourhood.” By investing in his craft through education, practice and dedication over the years Lemonka’s managed to keep evolving as an artist. How he keeps evolving is by being willing to learn, take advice and listen instead of talking. Having learnt a lesson from his previous mixtape, Lemonka recently shot and released his first music video for a track titled “I’m a king” featuring SpaceMunna and P.O. Of the release, he muses, “It’s been props from everybody. I’m glad I chose the road less travelled...I made culture look cool.” Motswakotape 2 is a development programme featuring mostly unknown rappers and producers. HHP is the only known rapper,” he informs us. He adds, “I figure what’s the point of promoting known artists while there’s so much talent out there?” We ask the question: Why should people get themselves Motswakotape 2? Lemonka replies, “Because that’s what they need in their collection. Thumping beats and storytelling is back...” For emphasis he throws in, “Plus we have club bangers without autotune.” In light of the recent art versus politics drama which unfolded in the public eye, we ask whether he thinks South Africans are accepting of controversial art forms. Lemonka replies, “Yes. 10111 featuring Molemi on Motswakotape 1 was a big track.
Everybody loved it. Until today it’s still my biggest song. Jackie Selebi is now in jail.” Of the tough lessons he’s learned over the years, Lemonka mentions that it’s rare to get real friends, you are on your own in the game and sometimes it’s not who you know, but how you know them. Looking back on the journey towards his brand, he wouldn’t change anything along the way. He believes every road was meant to be travelled and every obstacle needed to be there. The platinum Province native explains that his mom and grandmother played the mother and father role in his life. Each song he makes leaves him wondering if they would have like it if they were still alive. The DJ advises fellow artists to practise and rehearse all the time from interviews to performance. A message of hope he’d like to instil in upcoming artists: One day it will all make sense.
Spaceman and DJ Lemonka
By: Thabo Pillz Metsing
“Music is very spiritual, it has the power to bring people together.” Edgar Winter
Barcoded Magazine
13
Soundbooth // POLITICAL
MUSIC
ALBUM REVIEW
THROUGH
THE
DECADES
tHE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED
70
’s Originally recorded for his 1970 live album Small Talk at 125th and Lenox, in a stripped down version which featured only congas and bongo drums, The Revolution will not be televised was a track that was about protesting political passiveness. Considered the father of socially conscious rap, Gil Scott-Heron made an impact with this song; ’s Sam Cooke penned the 1964 re- it’s been used in various hip hop songs.
A Change is Gonna Come
60
lease A change is gonna come. The track was taken up by the Civil Rights Movement. Cooke was mostly known for his pop hits and this was his first foray into records addressing serious issues. The track achieved major success after his death and has been covered by a number of musicians over the years.
WHATS HOT!!!
Fight the Power
80
’s Fight the power is a song that appeared on the 1990 album Fear of a Black planet by hip hop group Public Enemy. It was originally written for the Spike Lee film Do The Right Thing, the track promoted integration. Founding member Chuck D has commented on the purpose of the song, saying, “It’s about fighting abuse of power.”
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Barcoded Magazine
TOP TEN
(BEGINNING OF AUGUST) 1. Nas - Life Is Good 2. Zac Brown Band - Uncaged 3. Kidz Bop kids - Kidz Bop 22 4. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange 5. Justin Bieber - Believe 6. Phil Collins - Hits 7. One direction - Up All Night 8. Soundtrack - Dark knight Rises 9. Adele - 21 10. Maroon 5 - Overexposed
Theatre
ON
| Pure Art
STAGE
Artscape Theatre Women’s Festival: Dance for a Cure
Harvey: Additional Broadway Benefit performance Market Theatre Presents: The Line The Market Theatre, in association with DFL presents The Line- a play about the nature of humans and moments in time in South Africa. It was constructed from a series of interviews with South Africans involved or affected by the xenophobic attacks that took place in May 2008. The play explores the fragility of goodness and questions how the attacks were born, who is responsible, what makes good people do bad things and how one crosses the line. Written and directed by Gina Shmukler, it’ll be showing at the Barney Simon from 18th July to the 12th of August, following its sold out premiere season at the 2012 WALE Festival. Music is by Johan Lingenfelder, Production Design by Niall Griffin and it’s starring Khutjo Green and Gabi Harris.
The Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-Winning comedy Harvey opened on June 14. The comedy tells the story of Elwood P.Dowd, a man who befriends a 6-foot imaginary rabbit. The theatre decided to have an additional performance which will benefit the Education@Roundabout program, which brings over 3500 New York City public school students to matinees each season. The additional performance is set for August 5th at 7pm at Studio 54. The show is starring Big Bang Theory actor Jim Parsons, Charles Kimbrough, Larry Bryggman, Carol Kane, Peter Benson, Tracee Chimo, Holley Fain, Angela Paton, Rich Sommer and Morgan Spector.
Top South African and international performers will pool their talent to raise funds to vaccinate children against cervical cancer. Artists from South Africa, Paris, Australia and the UK will be part of the spectacular concert showing at the Artscape Theatre. Dance for a Cure will be featuring the likes of Sibongile Mngoma from South Africa, Fem Belling from Australia, Dominique Paccaut from France and Charlie Dee from the UK. The two hour long show is taking place on the 9th and 10th of August. Tickets cost R120-00.
The Wolf on Wall Street Tony-nominated “Once” star Cristin Milidi is set to appear in an upcoming Martin Scorsese film called “The Wolf on Wall Street.” She’s set to star in the film alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Johan Hill and Jean Dujardia.
Hotspotssho’t left Durban Artisan Contemporary Gallery, Morningside Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf Harbour Jazz Cafe, Small Craft Harbour
Cape Town A Touch of Madness, Observatory A Word of Art, Woodstock Industrial Centre AmaZink Eatery
Johannesburg Arts on Main, Maboneng Precinct, JHB CBD 70 Juta str, Braamfontein Bassline, Newtown Barcoded Magazine
15
Pure Art | BOOK REVIEW THE MZANSI GAME OF
MUSIC M
any musicians would benefit from reading this book because it offers simple and effective ways of handling music careers. The authors touch on every aspect from the responsibilities an artist has towards his/her career, to the team that is involved in making a successful artist. Business acumen is advised throughout, with realistic examples. Definitions of various terms are explained in simplified ways that make it easy to relate to. The system is dissected and prodded for the benefit of the reader, in an engaging way. From Recording labels, artist and repertoire, marketing and promotions to productions each section is discussed in detail. The authors wrote it in a personal style, so the reader feels as if they have a personal guide throughout each topic. Use of a motivating quote in the first chapter is a classy touch; a subtle reminder that challenges can be overcome in the quest towards success. “Of course the game is rigged. Don’t let that stop youif you don’t play, you can’t win.”-Robert Heinlein. In a chapter called The Game Plan, Beatmaker puts it simply: “So my aim with this book is to lay down the cards for you, so at least you can create your own game plan.” He then commences to focus on specific aspects of the industry, such as product development, album and sleeve manufacturing, retail and distribution. Just as building a brand takes a number of inter-linked steps, the authors explain procedures in a systematic way. The content in the book is applied to typical South African music scenarios, while making necessary comparisons to international trends. “A marketing strategy has to kick in. We have seen the likes of Mzekezeke, DJ Cleo, Shwi Nomtekhala, Bujo Mujo and others adopting guerrilla marketing tactics to breakthrough.” Frequently asked questions are included in some of the topics and advice is provided with the intention of getting the best results for the reader. The book makes it easy for people unfamiliar with music terminology to gain a better understanding. A highly informative read, this book is the new-age portative manual to understanding the music game better.
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Barcoded Magazine
EXPERT FEATURE
RADIO I
|
THE PLATFORM
Featured expert Kanthan Pillay. Yfm CEO
n your opinion, has South African radio as a whole adapted efficiently to changes in the way consumers relate to their favourite radio stations? For example: radio stations becoming social media hubs. To a large extent, yes. Facebook and twitter especially have become very effective tools for engaging listeners. The fact is that radio is the only traditional medium that co-exists with digital. You cannot watch TV or read a newspaper while surfing the internet but you can listen to radio in the background while tweeting. In three words, what does it take to succeed in the radio industry across the board? Listeners with money. In Yfm’s case, it’s summed up by our target audience-Youth with money. For local jocks aiming to make names for themselves, how would you advise they differentiate themselves? Read, read, read. All jocks should have strong opinions but an informed jock will always earn more respect than one who is ignorant. Be controversial but never ever do something that will make an advertiser reluctant to associate his product with you. How can artists and corporate promote their products via the radio medium effectively, despite a move by stations to find sources of non-traditional revenue streams? Get involved in highly visible social responsibility projects- everyone supports someone who ploughs back into the community.
SOUTH AFRICAN RADIO TRIVIA In 1959 Radio Bantu was established and began broadcasting in african languages to ‘homeland’ areas set up to accommodate different ethnic groups to further apartheid’s philosophy of ‘separate development.’ Barcoded Magazine
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THE PLATFORM // the people
Y
Letting the youth step up and be heard Barcoded Magazine asks:
What’s your take on the President Zuma- Brett Murray- The Spear Painting debacle? Do you think South Africans are open-minded or conservative when it comes to art?
NAMPUSHENG SEBATANE
Don’t have much to say, but that is a sign of disrespect to other human beings period.
HYPRESS
I am all for freedom of speech, however there is a fine line between disrespect for an elder and what we call art. Now whether I am a Zuma supporter or not, I found the painting distasteful and disrespectful to an elder and more importantly the South African president. On the other hand, I do think we make such a big deal about it when we as a nation have bigger things to worry about on a daily basis.
PHILA TYEKANA
It was an insensitive piece of work; disrespectful to the president and his family. The thought of someone seeing you naked makes anyone cringe. So when someone puts a face to a painting where someone’s genitals are exposed without their consent, that’s very disrespectful.
YULLE NKOSI
Art is the work of creative imagination and propounds a message. To be honest,”The Spear” wasn’t art at all. Some cry FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION!! But that is a whole lot of hogwash! Freedom of expression is not absolute. I found it offensive because it’s not just a painting but a painting of God’s child someone I adore, someone I voted in power to lead and be the face of my country. Many people would be mad if the same is done to a painting of a loved one. Imagine if it was a portrait of Jesus. It should not be repeated. For me, the offence goes beyond visual senses, it strikes into my soul. South Africans are as open-minded as the rest of the world. Art is Art, sh*t is sh*t. That’s the bottom line.
Thami Thanjekwayo
As South Africans, our interest on irrelevant issues is shocking. We tend to focus on things that don’t need us to make a fuss about; there was no need for it to be blown out of proportion. It is an indication that we focus on petty matters, what’s even more surprising is that the people in power are just as shallow and narrow-minded, leader need not to entertain such. We are way too conservative, yes the painting did imply that our president is a polygamist, yet he’s not doing any better by practicing polygamy. The artist clearly expressed his view, so did the president, but there was no lie to the message, so why should Zuma feel offended? We are just not flexible enough as a country and it hinders our progress in anything that we do in the future. 18
Barcoded Magazine
King Hood
// off ramp
SUPREMEBEINGS: KING HOOD Local group King Hood clinches fashion deal with international brand A multi-instrumentalist who plays drums, piano and bass guitar, Big G has incredible vocal skills which encompass soulful RnB and old school hiphop, according to Keith of King Hood. He further explains Killa Cheeks’ role as a rapper, songwriter and producer. Also responsible for the group’s unique videos and marketing material, his multimedia design skills come in handy. “King Hood should be known because they are a fresh addition to the South African music industry.” Formed in 2008, King Hood’s sound can be described as original RnB, pop and hip-hop fusion. The muso explains that “King Hood is different because of their 21st century fashion sensibility as well as impressive choreographed and rehearsed performances, with a live band.” Describing how King Hood has adapted to the phenomenon of plummeting CD sales, Keith says, “King Hood believes that by improving on quality of music and making it cheaper and accessible via internet with vigorous promotion. King Hood will attract corporate to invest into their projects that will change the perception that South African music doesn’t sell. King Hood has already gained interest from
International Clothing Company Supremebeing that has decided to affiliate themselves with King Hood.” As Red Lion Pimpin Wear Ambassadors for 3 years, King Hood also promotes other local brands such as AWE Embrace and F-Swagg. With the success of local brands such as Butan and Head Honcho, we ask whether there is enough room for growth or if the industry will be highly saturated within the next few years. King Hood’s advice to local labels is: “Don’t fear failure and keep it going.” Keith makes an interesting point, mentioning, “Local brands tend to subordinate themselves to international brands that they compare themselves to.” The group will be working with other Africans, regardless of their languages, in order to promote rich African heritage. “As a whole, King Hood would like to work with young talented and passionate African musicians thus growing our artistry as well as helping other musicians achieve their dreams.” On the direction that South African art is taking lately, he says, “That’s a very interesting question.
More than ever before we are seeing the artists’ need to express themselves no matter how controversial. A recent example is “The Spear “by Brett Murray. Good or bad, creative artists feel the urge to express themselves. One last positive note they’d like to share is a quote by Dr Demartini: “The difference between amateurs and professionals, is that professionals practice between performances, amateurs afterwards.”
Barcoded Magazine
19
off ramp // Button Division couture
F
ashion designer, stylist, interior decorator, part-time model: a few of the many hats worn by Button Division Couture founder Pope Swankster. “I’m creative, fashionable, goal-driven and unique,” he says. He goes on to describe his world as F.U.N; his own acronym for Fashionable, Unlimited, New. “I believe I’ve been designing ever since I had logical thinking ability. I would design crafts and objects that related to my lifestyle but in general I started clothing design in 2009 and launched my brand in 2011,” the youngster tells us. The man uses mainly South African prints and African fabrics in general. “I love to embrace my culture and tradition, which makes it particularly easy for Africans to relate to my designs. As a designer I follow inspiration, so my design and fashion sense is versatile and cosmopolitan with a touch of traditional,” he explains. In terms of female designers changing the face of design, Swankster names Vivienne Westwood, Ixone Elzo and Palesa Mokubung as his women of choice. Having recently styled an artist for a music video, we ask what other business avenues his designs have exposed him to, to which he replies: “A number of fashion shows in the form of promoting the brand at local pubs an d restaurants, styling photo-shoots and beauty pageants for young upcoming models. “I’ll soon be working with Iwear Culture and I’m also participating in the UJ RAG project.” The designer describes his style as simple, effective and fashionable. He tells us to expect big endorsements in the near future as well as new, timeless trends. Fashion tips for 2012, according to Mr Pope Swank are to try new trends out which are tribal prints and retro wear, as they are fun trends to play with, promoting uniqueness. He advises collection of antique pieces that make you stand out as one of a kind. Fashion must-haves are leather shorts, skirts and waistcoats, gold accessories, printed skirts and shirts, vintage sunglasses, etc. For a splash of colour, use colourful bowties or ribbons and beaded accessories. “Art is an expression of a creative arts perspective, a platform for presenting exclusive talent or ability through hard work. Art is beauty but it’s never seen in one perspective. It’s challenging and inspiring,” he expresses. Some great advice he offers is for people to search for inspiration, adapt it to their personal style. “Trust me, if you do it well, you might set a trend. Be driven and support others around you, as life rewards you with blessings.”
Contact Details: Twitter-@Popeswank Facebook- Pope Shelington Swank Email- Sims.kubheka@gmail.com Blog- ww.Popeslifestyle.wordpress.com Cell- 078 921 2215
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Barcoded Magazine
off ramp
SOWETO FASHION WEEK 2012
Barcoded Magazine recently attended the second annual Soweto Fashion week, at the Soweto Hotel in Kliptown, Soweto.
We caught up with Founder and former model Stephen Manzini who tells us more about Soweto Fashion Week. For now, this one (Soweto Hotel and Conference Centre) is working well for us. But we’re working towards a bigger venue. [There’s a hall adjacent to the hotel to which he points.] Next year we want to fill up that hall. BM: Besides this area specifically? Orlando stadium! BM: Wow! Who does that though? Has that even been done? It’s never been done before. (Laughs) BM: You’re the founder of Soweto Fashion Week and you’ve been quoted as saying that the event is about promoting local talent and working with township designers. In your opinion, have local designers grabbed opportunities presented efficiently? Yes, they have. I would say a lot of designers are hungry for exposure. Most of them have never had such an opportunity. With this event we’ve given them a platform, making it easier for them to get their brands out there, without having to squeeze themselves into other fashion shows. BM: This year’s event is set to feature over 15 designers. How many designers do you anticipate for events in future? Next year we’re looking at getting 40 designers involved. BM: Do you envision the event moving to a different venue in future?
BM: What does an event of this magnitude mean for Jericho Events? We started it in 2010; we’ve managed to get to this point by organizing events and we’re growing. For us it’s about “working towards perfection.” BM: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced with bringing this event to life? Funding. But we’ve been able to grow as a company and develop relationships, so we’ve been able to attract good sponsorship. BM: What about in terms of getting people to attend the event? The response has been great. People are hungry for fashion! Tickets are affordable, so that’s a positive aspect. BM: Has the surrounding community been supportive of the event? Have you been able to contribute towards job creation in any way? Look at these sound guys right here [he points to two
guys offloading equipment.] They have job opportunities because of the event. We’ve also had upcoming modelling agencies involved, who’ve partnered with us by letting our designers use some of their models free of charge as part of the show. So we’re taking a step in the right direction. BM: This year’s event has InScape Design on board as a sponsor, giving away a half bursary to the value of R11500 for a design and construction course, as well as Gepardissima as the jewellery sponsor. How receptive has the fashion fraternity been to Soweto Fashion Week? Most people respect the venue, so that’s been helpful. Our financial sponsors were the most doubtful. We’ve had more support and product contributors are promising. We’ll be having a show in November as well from this year. BM: How has the event changed the lives of Sowetan youth? When we started last year we had a great response. Just being able to see the show on etv was very special. The youth are taking notice of the opportunities the show’s providing and the platform we provide. Barcoded Magazine would like to thank Grace Kadzere of Continuum Studios, Stephen Manzini as well as the Soweto Hotel.
By: Phumz
Barcoded Magazine
21
SPOT ON // Social Commentary Forum
Bringing a little Extra Extra something to the game.
OST
in Johannesburg is our venue of choice on this cold Saturday afternoon. The building is quiet in stark contrast to the buzzing activity it’s normally associated with. We get settled on the couch, while the guys share a few jokes. The interview kicks off on a high note when Dark Spark suggests we put the SCF album on the Barcoded site. And the laughter kicks in when we get front page requests. Six emcees, two producers. Zimbabwe, Queenstown, Soweto, Pretoria.
How, where, when did you guys come together to form SCF? Smerf explains that before they became a crew, they knew each other from different interactions at the watering hole of Hip Hop, the Ritual Stores. Is, Dark Spark, Addict and Shynin Armour are from the same hood. Joint Pusher brings the freestyle element to the SCF. He’s actually the first guy to have a freestyle album in Africa. Polite and Tux work at the Ritual and they bring production skills to the SCF. Is is the vocalist and handles the catering element of SCF shows with Smerf, while Shynin Armour handles the marketing. Why a forum, or collective, as you guys prefer to be called, as opposed to a crew or group? Is tells us that Social Commentary is not only based on music. It’s about trying to get out there, a manner of getting people talking. Smerf says, “It’s a place of democracy. Where you’re supposed to help yourself and the rest are there to fill in the gaps in different ways. We’re trying a whole lot of things we aren’t skilled at, but we’re growing.” This gets nods of approval from the team.
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Barcoded Magazine
SOCIAL COMMENTARY FORUM
The atmosphere is relaxed and the sound of passing cars is the soundtrack as the team opens up about the movement they have going. You guys stress the aim of “not following the norms of the music industry.” How exactly do you guys do this? Smerf takes the lead here and breaks it down for us by telling us that the music industry is just a piece of the pie. “We’re entrepreneurs. We’re not specialists in everything, but we’re going to try to do it. Is adds that the album isn’t just any hip hop album, it’s really something else. I sense the excitement building as soon as the album is mentioned, so I ask the guys to hold that thought for a moment. When you guys perform, Smerf has a special way of introducing you guys to the audience. What does each individual bring to the forum specifically? Addict starts off by introducing himself as the raw, aggressive guy with a confrontational style. Completely comfortable in front of the camera, he expresses his thoughts with deliberation. Dark Spark interjects here by exposing Addict’s past from Splash Jam gigs when he’d get into brawls, rousing bouts of laughter from everyone. Smerf paints himself as an “out of the box kind of guy.” Is delves deeper into it by explaining that he adds crossover appeal through being an emcee and vocalist. “I bring flavour,” he says. Dark Spark tells us in a staccato manner of speaking, that he’s a humble guy. Everyone bursts out laughing as he spits a few rhymes to get his point across. Shynin Armour says, “I’m like a chameleon. I’m one of those cats that like to think a lot and whatever I think about I make it happen.” Joint Pusher is absent, but SCF unanimously describe him as a freestyle specialist. Buhle is the manager. She explains that she has to make sure they’re on time for shows and interviews, after which Cotton breaks down her role as the event co-ordinator. Tux and P2daOh are the producers; “I just bring the heat. I’m the guy that adds that percentage that helps to facilitate the mood to get the best out of the guys,” says Eastern Cape native Tux. He explains the creative process methodically, his hand gestures moving in time with each word he mentions, illustrating his in-depth knowledge of the art form they choose to practise.
Social Commentary Forum Do you guys plan on using crazy new concepts in your performances? “We’ve been sitting together and rehearsing, talking about how to elevate to make it a real performance, instead of just rapping to the people. We get really technical with it, and we go line for line. We’ve been growing. In each and every song, there’s a new sequence. Is augments to the conversation by telling us about a track called Extra Extra, which is quite conceptual. “We aim to perform the track in such a way that people can picture the concept.”
laughter)” He continues, “She was thinking, oh no...My grandson is lost. Buhle echoes his words, seeming to relate to the situation. But eventually she saw the dedication and passion, and started showing me support. Big ups to her” Shynin Armour explains that he was raised by a lot of women who influenced him in a lot of ways. “They always said you could be anything. My aunt wanted me to be a pilot and my grandmother wanted me to be a preacher. For them to see that in me, made me realise that I could be anything.” Buhle reminisces about her high school days and mentions that her mother is her inspiration. “My mom and Khomotso as well. Working with a bunch of guys is difficult, so it’s great having her for support.” Cotton goes on to mention that there are a lot of women who’ve inspired her; however her mother tops her list. Tux gets into a reflective mood as he tells of how his sisters have always been there. “They never questioned me. They always told me they were there for me.”
You guys facilitate debate among audiences, about social issues. If you had a mandate to do a track about “The Spear” painting and the ripple effect it’s had on society, would you do it? Or do you guys have a limit on the topics you choose? Shynin Armour replies, “I’d say we don’t half step. If we have something to say, we say it.” There are murmurs of agreement with this bold statement. Smerf points out that SCF can sit and agree to disagree about What would the epitome of greatness be for SCF? an issue but still do a song about it. You must stand for what you believe. Addict says,” It would be us having a functioning company, with various departments so we can create a platform for upcoming talent. Just Tell us about your upcoming album? for us to be kind of a power-house.” Is throws in, “When our music’s in With excitement all around, we get remarks such as “It’s a classic.” Tux Japan! With us handling direct distribution.” “When we can say we’re mentions, “It’s going to be the illest album.” Collectively, they men- the mouthpiece for hip hop to our government. When we have mass aption they worked with Mr C (of The Federation), Alias from Botswana, peal and can influence public opinion,” Smerf says. Caveman and Dynamic. Addict explains that in comparison with other artists, who put a lot of attention on promotion before actually getting Are you involved in any community development programmes? any work done, SCF focused more on the work side. Smerf remarks that Polite walks in, amidst ruptures of “Steezy!” it’s rare to find songs that one can listen to over and over again, without Buhle tells us she works with Orlando Children’s Home. Smerf explains getting sick of them. “The songs have weight, there’s content, there are that they’re working on raising funds for patients at the Joburg Hospital concepts. The album has the ability to set a mindset and really influence Dialysis unit. Adict shows us a bracelet of “Live,” a children’s home public opinion. When people listen to the album, they’ll have a favourite in KZN that takes care of orphans affected by HIV/AIDS. “They try to or two,” he adds. direct the kids spiritually and provide support.”
What message would you like to pass on to industry stakeholders? Specifically focusing on various art bodies locally? Smerf passionately expresses his thoughts with deliberate words. “Before they cough up money to pay for different initiatives, they should know what hip hop is all about firstly, “he advises. Is points out, with a stern look on his face, that promoters should stop exploiting artists. Shynin Armour lightens up the mood when he shares his wisdom, “We’re trying to say to people, be driven. Don’t just give up because one door is shut in your face.” Do you guys think that people worldwide are more open to artistic expression in the 21st century? Or do you think most people are still conservative? Shynin Armour says, “People are responding in the weirdest way,” while Is adds that “The music we do aims to have cross-over appeal.” Dark Spark breaks it down by saying that people should keep it simple. “We never tried to be underground with this album.” Smerf says, “I don’t think we’ve spread out far enough yet, because SCF hasn’t performed outside of Joburg yet. So we’re yet to really test the waters.” Women’s month’s coming up soon. Which women have influenced your artistry on a personal level and how so? Addict commences by commending his girlfriend for the support she’s shown him by always being at their shows. “She’s constantly shown me support.” Smerf mentions an array of names, which include Nina Simone, a young Miriam Makeba, to Winnie Madikizela Mandela, whom he respects as a revolutionary. “For me, people who’ve incorporated revolutionary ideals and music together. Those are the people who’ve inspired me.” Is tells us sincerely that his mom has been a huge impact in his life in terms of singing. “She’s an artist herself, so yeah; I’d say my mom’s been that person for me.” Dark Spark brings some comic relief when he relates the story of how he told the woman who inspired him about his love for rap. “My grandmother wanted me to be a doctor or a corporate guy. Then she found out one day when I came back from school what I really wanted to do. I told her, grandmamma, I’m a rapper. (Everyone in the room bursts into
What does art mean to you? P2daOh honestly replies, “It’s a difficult question, but it’s about expressing yourself, showing what you can do.” Dark Spark’s response is succinct-“love is art.” Smerf has a more romanticised version of events. He waxes lyrical about art being magic. “I think we’re magicians. We just don’t know it.” Addict’s notion is that art is a process that works in phases. Shynin Armour compares it to life. “Waking up in the morning, you never know what to expect. Art is inspiration.” Is puts it simply by saying that art is his life. Camera shy beauty Cotton expresses her love of art by personifying it. “Art is a being that lives in any individual. Art is my soul.” Buhle relates an experience that made her recognise how art can be expressed in different ways. “Being able to touch the next person with what you’ve been given. For me, that’s art.” Tux concurs,” I can’t even put it in words. With art, you’re able to touch other people without even knowing it.”
By MduzavanGogh
Barcoded Magazine
23
newsflash //
article
Spud 2: The Madness Continues
Moving Tributes to Whitney Houston at 2012 BET Awards in the U.S.
ART Drive
Ne-yo: Realizing Every Dream RnB songstress Mariah Carey recently stunned the music world when she paid tribute to her late friend Whitney Houston, the megastar vocal power-house who died in February this year at the BET Awards. Held at the Shrine Auditorium in LA in the beginning of July, the Awards ceremony saw numerous artists paying tribute to Houston, whose death shocked fans worldwide. Carey addressed the alleged rivalry between herself and the “I will Always Love You” singer. “The first time I heard Whitney’s voice I was mesmerised, like the rest of the world. Just an unknown budding singer myself, I was captivated by the power in her range, the richness of her tone and hr unique ability to wrap a lyric in emotion.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when Cissy Houston took to the stage and sang a teary rendition of “Bridge over troubled water.” 59-year-old Chaka Khan sang her 1978 song “I’m Every Woman,” which Whitney covered in 1993. “She was a hilarious person with a cutting sense of humour. She was real and she kept it real. That’s why we got along so well and so many others feel like I do. If you really knew Whitney, you couldn’t help but love her. She inspired all of us,” Carey continued. Houston’s acting career was acknowledged by her Waiting to Exhale co-stars Angela Bassett, Lela Roclan and Loretta Devine. Other tributes on the night were for Nick Ashford, Donna Summer, Robin Gibb and Heavy D.
Actor/Director/Playwright Sello Maake ka-Ncube is the director of a new musical based on late diva Lebo Mathosa. The singer who found fame as one quarter of 1990’s super kwaito group Boom Shaka died in a car accident in 2006. Nearly six years after the tragedy, Mathosa is set to be immortalised in a musical set to show at the State Theatre in Pretoria. Leading up to putting the show together, ka-Ncube has had to tweak the script so that it’s more of a tribute to the late star. The veteran actor expressed how he was inspired by Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You as well as how their music is kept alive by turning them into musicals. Mathosa later left Boom Shaka to pursue a solo career, finding success with a number of hit singles, such as “Brand New Day.” The Daveyton born star won numerous SAMA Awards and was nominated for a British MOBO Award. Often drawing comparisons to Brenda Fassie, who died in 2004, Mathosa was a pioneer in the field of copyrights for South African artists. In an unprecedented move, especially for a female artist, Mathosa negotiated and secured full publishing rights and ownership for her work. The musical is set to show at the State Theatre in Pretoria, Gauteng from 14 August-16 September 2012.
English star John Cleese reprises his role as The Guv in the sequel to 2010 film Spud. Financed by the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Film and Video Foundation, the film is in production. Titled Spud 2: The Madness Continues, it’s produced by Rogue Star Films and co-produced by BLM Productions. “We’ve had significant support from a pool of local investors for the sequel, illustrating South Africa’s strong affection for the Spud series,” producer Ross Garland explains.
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U.S singer Ne-yo is set to release his latest album, called R.E.D. on September 18th. This marks his first release under Motown Records. He made a move earlier this year from Island Def Jam to the legendary label. Following the release of the first single Lazy Love, the singer/songwriter released the second single titled Let me love you (until you learn to love yourself) featuring Sia. The album will include tracks called Unconditional, Jealous and Should Be You. Ne-yo made a name for himself after penning the smash hit Let me Love You by Mario as well as writing music for pop sensation Rihanna and Beyonce’s Irreplaceable. He made an appearance on worldrenowned producer David Foster’s Hitman Returns 2 album and was featured on Maybach Music signee Wale’s Ambition album.
The London 2012 Festival is a UK-wide celebration featuring internationally-renowned artists from the 21st of June to the final day of the Paralympic Games on the 9th of September. For the first time ever, the ICA presents ART DRIVEBMW’s unique collection of Art Cars in the UK. The collection was initiated over 35 years ago, when various artists were called upon to use the cars as a canvas. The cars were transformed into art by various artists such as South Africa’s very own Esther Mahlangu, Ken Done, Alexander Calder, Cesar Monrique and Andy Warhol. The Great Eastern Street NCP Car Park is being used as a temporary gallery space from the 21st of July to the 4th of August.
ground up Urban Phenomenon Entertainment Presents Rapsody and 9th Wonder in Mzansi this August.
Rapsody and 9th Wonder are set to grace South African stages this August. August 17 is the Joburg edition of their visit, while August 18 sees them at ZulaBar in Cape Town. Rapsody is a female emcee from the U.S.A. A protégé of Grammy Award winning producer 9th Wonder, she’s changing the hip hop scene. She’s one of the first artists signed to Jamla Records. The show is in recognition of women’s month celebration and will feature local female emcees and DJ’s. Tickets range from R150 to R250 and doors open at 19h30pm.
A MAZE Festival The Goethe Institute presents A MAZE Interact Festival, which is going to be introduced for the first time in Johannesburg. The festival is a multimedia and gaming festival that combines workshops, a conference, exhibitions, performances, street games and music on an international level. It aims to expand on the existing media art and indie game scene in South Africa and creates a sustainable and annual platform forging artist collaborations and strengthening the cultural exchange between the European partner institutions and South African institutions. The Festival will be taking place August 28th to September 2nd 2012.
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ground up Infecting the City Public Arts Festival Call for Submission
The Africa Centre is set to host the Infecting The City Public Arts Festival in the first week of March 2013. The Festival offers a unique opportunity to bring art, music, dance and performance out of theatres and galleries and into the streets and public spaces of Cape Town’s CBD. Aspirations of the festival are to challenge audiences, breach boundaries, shift perspectives and help make sense of the public spaces we occupy. The aim is to develop a public art intervention that resonates and challenges people to connect with each other and the City, through art. Artists, whether visual or performing, are encouraged to submit works that are either completely new or have been previously been staged. Works that can be submitted can be in the form of a live performance, a visual art piece, an installation, a video, a happening, working with technology. All works should work within a public environment and should actively engage intentional and incidental audiences. There is no specific theme. To submit work, individuals or companies should submit a detailed concept document (maximum 500 words) including a full budget and a one page C.V. The submission closing date is August 15th. Thereafter a shortlist will be compiled by 1 September and finalists will be selected by 15 October. For queries, email: info@infectingthecity.com or phone 021-418-3336.
NAF Workshops
2012 Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards
ARTCSA: Looking for artists
Dates and Venues: Johannesburg: 27 July at 3pm Market Theatre Cape Town: 3 August at 3pm Fugard Theatre Durban: 10 August at 3pm Playhouse Theatre
Prize winners are to be announced on the 22nd of September. First Prize amounts to R30000-00.
Closing date is 30 August 2012. Email: info@artcsa.co.za for more details.
The National Arts Festival is set to host free workshops to assist artists and companies with their proposals to be considered for the 2013 Main Festival Programme.
RSVP by emailing: gilly@thefamousidea.co.za.
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Artists are invited to enter the Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards. Artists are urged to enter during 21-23 August between 09:00 and 19:00. The works of art must have been completed in the 12 months prior to the competition.
For enquiries, call: 011 391-4006/7
ARTSCA is looking to connect with painters, drawers, sculptors, photographers and mixed media artists to exhibit and sell their work at various events in association with Monte Casino.
ground up Sprite Uncontainable Hip-Hop Festival this September
As part of the Sprite Uncontainable Talent Search, U.S hip hop star Talib Kweli will be performing in Johannesburg, South Africa this September. The Search for the top six finalists was conducted over a number of weeks in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. Narrowed down from 18 finalists, the emcees, b-boys, b-girls and graffiti artists will get to perform on stage with Kweli. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Kweli made his underground debut in 1995. He met DJ Hi-Tek, with whom he collaborated on a number of recordings over the years. He later collaborated with Mos Def on 1998’s Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black Star. The album was critically acclaimed and had impressive mainstream success. His solo debut was released in 2002 and featured various producers, including DJ Quik and Kanye West. In September 2004 he released his second solo album, called The Beautiful Struggle, which debuted at number 14 on the Billboard top 100. In 2007 he signed acclaimed rapper Jean Grae (whose father is South African jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim.) The married father of two is also featured on a track on HHP’s latest offering (Motswafrika.) WE started small but in no time we had street cred in Khayelitsha. Early in 2008 Aylo established his record label “Purple Beats Records” and since then I’ve been active in the Cape Town hip hop scene. So it’s safe to say I’ve been at it for 9 years.
His experience at the Sprite Uncontainable Experience in Cape Town
SPRITE UNCONTAINABLE TOUR FOCUS Cape Town edition
Cape Town Emcee RAPTILE shares his experience The tour made a pit-stop in Cape Town on the weekend of the 20th of July. Raptile is a Cape-Town based artist who got a taste of the Uncontainable Tour.
The meaning behind his name
Raptile is a name that describes my character as an upcoming hip hop activist. RAPTILE is basically an acronym that describes who I am. R- Rhythm A- And P- Poetry of T- The I- ILL L- Literate E- Emcee
Where it all started
It all started when Mzambiya and Msawawa were all over the media in ’99. I would mimic Msawawa and I knew each and every song by heart. Then in early 2003 I started writing my own songs but stayed in the bedroom, until I met Ayanda “Aylo” Tywaku in 2006 who had recently graduated from Cape Audio.
The Uncontainable Finals were on point although I was expecting to see emcees that are active in the Cape Town hip hop scene. But on the other note it’s good to see new faces and fresh material that met the Uncontainable Judges’ expectations. I personally wish that events like these would happen a lot and emcees can be familiar with and I just hope that all those emcees who didn’t reach the finals pull up their socks and learn that some way or somehow hip hop is about being better instead of who’s better, and that whenever you step up make sure you go harder than before. Then there was the b-boy element, and damn, Cape Town never disappoints and the two contenders new exactly what they came to do and I was impressed for days. The best part of this event has to be the graffiti element. Wow! They both came through with totally different drawings and even Falko (graffiti judge) admitted that it’s too good for one to judge so he said the votes will do the trick. And the whole set up was top class and the dj’s (Dj ID Akio, Dj Eazy, Dj Azhul) kept the spot moving. The guest artists were on fire, from Deff Eff (Etc crew), Kanyi, Hamel Bessem- they had it going on and thanks to Sizwe Dhlomo who called me up on the spot to show the Uncontainable crowd how it was done and Dj Akio had a smile ‘cos he knew it’s boom bap time and I ALWAYS GO HARD AT IT.
On what the hip hop scene’s looking like in the Mother City at present Firstly, the only scene in Cape Town is the hip hop scene all day everyday lol...but Cape Town hip hop is still practising a major problem of race division. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we’re racist towards one another. No...in fact we get along very well, it’s just that we have bad promoters and they divide our hip hop in Cape Town and all the talent we have somehow goes down the drain, hence I want to relocate to JHB ‘cos I can’t stand the company of bad people. I mean it’s a total waste of time and effort. But Cape Town is looking fresh and coming up.
Given the opportunity to perform on the same stage with Talib Kweli, what it would mean to him as an artist
Say who? Talib? Damn that would mean I’m officially one of the best rappers ever, hailing from South Africa. It would mean that I have respect and that’s what Talib has.
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ground up Which artists he’d love to share a stage with and what each artist would bring to his artistry. Khuli Chana because he gets on stage and explodes with a positive vibe and what I like about him is that he chose respect over fame. Another artist I would like to share a stage with would be Proverb and that’s because he always has something positive to say in his music and that’s what inspires me.
On the pros and cons of being an artist in South Africa You become a role model to others without you even noticing it and just when you are about to do something crazy in public you will first think of what your loyal supporters might think and that will determine you doing or not doing whatever it is that you were about to do. The bad part of it is that people don’t expect you to make mistakes (for example Jub Jub). Look what they did to that guy.
Dj Khaled recently played Khuli Chana’s “Tswadaar” during a set. He shares his opinion on whether international perceptions of the local industry are changing at all Yes, oh yes indeed. And this is something that we shouldn’t take for granted. We need to expose more music that sounds South African. I mean Khuli’s Tswadaar sounds different to a lot of music being played on TV and radio and I’m sure what Dj Khaled liked about the jam is that it’s different, fresh and proudly South African. So if we can stop trying to sound like the international cats and start putting out original craft out there, then trust me, the whole music industry would recognize.
His message to aspiring artists
Not everyone can become a great artist but a great artist can come out of everyone. Unity is the trick-Raptile.
What Art means to him
Originality; Individuality; Chemistry; Talent; Inspiration and exhibition. For Bookings and Collaborations contact McRaptile@gmail.com or 073 743 4200 Twitter: @RaptilePBR Facebook: Rap-tile/ Rap-tile & Friends YouTube: RaptilePBR Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/Rap-tile http://thesamark.co.za/rap-tile http://Rap-tilepurplebeatsrecords.blogspot.com http://thesamark.co.za/rap-tile-feat-kiss-aylo-and-bob-ma-muzeek http://www.songcastmusic.com/profiles/RaptilePBR
SPRITE UNCONTAINABLE TOUR Johannesburg edition
What do you get when you mix Sprite with three hip hop elements? Something Uncontainable. A few months ago Sprite started an initiative to empower and uplift upcoming hip hop artists by launching the Sprite Uncontainable Talent Search. They went on a nationwide tour looking for the hottest dancers, rappers and graffiti artists and the winner is to get a chance to go to New York and work with the legendary Talib Kweli. The last Saturday of July the event had reached the business end, where the finalists had to perform to show and prove they are the best. Chilling in VIP, having a rooftop experience, caught a glimpse of the last train to Soweto leaving the city, mingling with some of Mzansi’s upcoming stars who were in attendance and the forever- present groupie trying to get VIP access to the “celebs”. I had a chance to speak to some of the finalists and get their thoughts about this whole initiative and the one thing that struck me the most is that these young people want to invest in their art and craft and at the same time give back to their communities. They all come from different backgrounds and hip hop has brought them together and given them an opportunity to change their lives and their family’s fortune.Garth is one of the dopest B-Boys from Cape Town. He is a humble guy, a religious fellow, his passion for his community and the desire to help disadvantaged kids touched me the most. Ray used to be part of Buc-Fam, one of Jozi’s best dance crews and now he is a solo dancer and my first glimpse of him was at the preliminary round in Newtown and he had the crowd cheering him on as he krumped and eventually made it through to the finals. The rappers I spoke to were Shimi (from Soweto), Blaq Rock (Yeoville) and Aby Fab (East Rand.) The common sentiment they shared was that more big companies need to invest in local talent. It doesn’t necessarily have to be hip hop, but support from them is needed. In the rap section the judges will have a tough time trying to decide who the eventual winner is; these guys are very talented. They put up strong performances accompanied by hair- raising punchlines on beats hard enough to snap your neck. SA rap legends graced the event with their presence as well; I spotted Amu, Tumi (from The Volume), Hymphatic Thabs, Reason and Osmic (from The Ritual Store) who’s also played a huge role in hip hop in this country. It was great event overall, on a chilly Jozi night, great turn out on a derby game day (Chiefs and Pirates soccer match). TV and Radio personality Siyabonga Ngwekazi had this to say “... I think there’s a lot of talent in Mzansi, but sometimes the quality of the tracks lets rappers down and they need to pay attention to the fabrique.” He also said that he felt that record labels focus more on Jozi rappers and not going out there to other places and looking for talent and he urged all big brands to follow suit and start such initiatives that support local talent. The winner will be announced in September when Talib Kweli is here and he’ll probably be leaving with the winner. Sprite has changed lives with this talent search and to all the upcoming artists that didn’t make it this far, it’s only the beginning for you, don’t let up.
work by Rekso By MduzavanGogh
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MULTIMEDIA
MultiMedia By Bafentsoe Dopeill Art Molete
Pet Lamps
Instagram Taking Mobile Photography to artistic heights
Little Sun: Art Meets Technology Olafur Eliasson in collaboration with engineer Frederick Ottesen has developed the Little Sun solarpowered lamp to focus attention on the power of solar light to improve lives. Little Sun brings light to people in off-grid locations, enabling them to work, reduce household expenses and improve quality of life. From the 28th of July, people will be invited to participate in Tate Blackouts on Saturday nights after ordinary museum hours. For 2 hours, lights will go off in the former power station and visitors can look at the works of art in the suite of galleries devoted to Tate Modern’s Surrealist collection using only the light of Little Sun lamps. The Little Sun produces 5 hours of light when charged in the sun for 5 hours. The artist behind the concept, Olafur Eliasson, born in 1967, describes the work as “experimental setups,” span photography, installation, sculpture and film. The Berlin University of the Arts professor is best-known for the highly successful “The Weather Project” (2003), part of the Unilever Series in Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, which drew over 2 million visitors during its five-month installation.
Check out these Bug Lights by Omer Inbar. Billed as Your First Pet Lamp, they’re a combination of design innovaThose familiar with the ever-evolving world of social networks tion and technology. won’t be surprised at the rapid rise of the latest trend. Instagram
Raspberry Pi Eat all you can
Developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, the Raspberry Pi computer is now available in South Africa. Connected to a monitor or TV screen and keyboard, the Raspberry Pi was developed to provide budding IT developers and programmers with a basic solution to exploit the potential of computing. It’ particularly aimed at schools and in terms of storage it requires insertion of an SD card.
has taken mobile photography to a whole new level. The application allows one to take ordinary objects, allow their phone and creativity to make something ordinary into a statement piece. The app allows one to be a photographer, photo editor and curator all at once. An example of a positive spin-off from the latest buzz is Instacanvas, which has been described as something that could be for Instagram what an online art gallery could be. It’s a place for sharing experiences and where photographers can do business. Photographers are able to earn a profit for their work. Many users of the app consider the photos they take as a form of art. A number of them have compared it to facebook, except it’s for sharing photos. Many users enjoy using the app to capture special moments and use their creativity to alter and add effects which they use as a creative outlet. Technology meets art from a refreshing angle.
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Salute //
Nampusheng sebatane
Nampusheng Sebatane NEW AGE SHE-RO
We Salute SABC 2 weather presenter, voice over artist and NGO Founder Nampusheng Sebatane. We laud her for her tireless efforts of improving the arts in South Africa. As the founder of Spoken Word Society Youth Development Organization (SWS), Nampusheng Sebatane is a woman changing the face of South African art. She describes herself as someone who is passionate about South African youth, especially those previously disadvantaged. She tells us, “SWS is an NGO which is mainly dealing with youth development and finding opportunities for young people in the arts and culture industry. Her involvement in the arts has garnered the opportunity to showcase her talents in Belgium, Australia and New York City (Broadway.) “Under African Skies” is the name of a story-telling album which she recorded with Wendy Oldfield. Using an array of skills, such as being a vocalist and a percussionist for a band called Basadi, from the drum cafe, Sebatane also collaborated with a group called First Project. Despite not receiving any form of recognition from art bodies, Sebatane (who is also a stage performer) has received support from various individuals, encouraging her to keep up the good work and never give up. Women that she looks up to, such as radio and television personality Gerry Rantseli, storyteller Gcina Mhlophe and producer, director and musician Wendy Oldfield have had a positive influence on her career. “These women taught me to dream with my eyes wide open, they encouraged me to keep on pressing on no matter how hard it is,” she says. Contributing towards preserving South African heritage is close to Nampusheng’s heart. She explains, “Through the SWS NGO I continuously host youth special events on various occasions. We also run cultural exchanges with other provinces. The events are aimed at bringing youth practitioners from different provinces in the arts, culture and heritage sector, to discuss opportunities and to talk about the role and contribution they can make towards improving the success of Mzansi’s economy.”
Nampusheng believes that art bodies should invest in the youth at an early age. This helps to prevent lack of confidence. She also suggests building of facilities for the youth to be able to practice their art forms. A woman of faith, Nampusheng recalls how she never gave up on her dreams. She advises, “No matter how difficult it is to break through into the industry, I never stopped moving forward. I never stopped praying and most of all I never stopped believing.” “Don’t stop believing!” she emphasises.
“Don’t stop believing!”
EXPRESSIONISM BY NIGHT Characterised by vivid colours and distortion, expressionism is a form of art associated with feeling. One of South Africa’s art gems is Gladys Mgudlandlu. A highly talented expressionist, she was robbed of a spot at the forefront of celebrated artists during her lifetime. Born in 1923 in the Eastern Cape in a small town called Peddie, Mgudlandlu started her career as a teacher, later training in the nursing profession. She taught art at the Athlone Bantu Community School for 15 years. What initially began as a personal activity in1952 later morphed into an inspiring career. Her grandmother’s death in 1957 served as the catalyst for her focus and drive during a time of oppression and blatant social injustices. A self-taught artist, she created her own ingenious African expressionist style using vivid colours and bold brush-strokes that depicted her Xhosa heritage. Her tools of choice ranged from oil paints, crayon, and ink to felt-tip pens. Using a paraffin lamp to light her working space, she’d paint after sunset, which led to her being called ‘Nomfanekiso,’ meaning ‘she who paints at night.’ She led successful exhibitions in the 1960s and early 70’s, even holding her own as a solo exhibitionist at the Rodin Gallery in Cape Town. She claimed “As far as I know, I am the only African woman who has taken painting seriously” (Cape Argus, 15 August 1962). Unfortunately she passed away penniless in 1978. Her work however continues to be celebrated at major art galleries nationwide. We salute this trendsetting woman of art for leading the way for expression despite trying circumstances in life. We salute mama “Nomfanekiso” whose work will forever be etched on the canvas of Mzansi art.
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We salute one of South Africa’s unsung artists: The late Gladys “Nomfanekiso” Mgudlandlu
JARRETT ERASMUS
//
Projekt 101
LOBOLA CATTLE TURNED ON HIM AWARD-WINNING ARTIST JARRETT ERASMUS BREAKS DOWN HIS INGENIOUS WORK
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JARRETT ERASMUS BM: Tell us a bit about your background. Who is Jarrett Erasmus and how are you changing the art scene?
I started out thinking I would become a graphic designer, so straight out of high school I enrolled at CPUT but later realized that I wasn’t very fond of the industry. I attended AMAC (Art and Media Access Centre) where I was able to dabble in both visual arts and graphic design. AMAC allowed for a more hands-on approach and was more informal, since it was an institution run by designers and artists. In 2007 I enrolled to Rhodes University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the beginning of 2011 and I’m now contemplating going back to do my MFA.
BM: What sparked your interest in art?
I was always interested in the arts, ever since I was really young and both my parents could identify with my enthusiasm and encouraged me to keep practicing my talent.
BM: Does your heritage influence your art work in any specific way?
Oh yes very much so. I wouldn’t say that my work always interrogates it directly but my heritage and where I come from is continually a part of the thought process behind all my ideas.
BM: What did winning the David Koloane Award mean for you?
It meant a great deal, Dr. Koloane is a great artist who has contributed so much to South African art. To be awarded that prize under his name was a real honour.
BM: “Lobola Cattle Turned on Him.” This is the title to one of your works. Tell us more about it? What inspired the title? Well the series is an interrogation into the concept of beauty and what it means to be beautiful. Today the commercial images go through so many
JARRETT ERASMUS layers of treatment i.e. Photoshop, that the final product is no longer a photograph of person but a constructed representation designed to attractively appeal to the masses. Not to mention that before these photographs go to the lab the models themselves are treated by the best make-up artists, a perfect lighting setting and a very good photographer. The pursuit by so many people to identify with these images is no different to a wild goose chase. Since the beginning of commercial printing we have been fed imagery of the same looking people over and over, and subconsciously we have now accepted this type of beauty as the measuring stick for all people. Don’t get me wrong the models consistently featured in all print media are very good looking. The problem is that 90% of them look European. So the work is trying to discover where Africa fits in between long straight hair, light colour eyes and light skin tones. If I don’t have one of these features can I not be considered pretty or beautiful? I believe the psychological impact of this type of brainwash has gone unnoticed to both men and women. So many Africans, and people all around the world today, suffer from serious inferiority complexes, and they feel they need to compensate that with artificial hair/wigs, skin bleach and contact lenses, etc. And end up having to take up a totally foreign identity. And amidst all this fakeness all people still hope to fall honestly in love. I tried creating this work outside of the conventional practice I undertake by actually working directly on the source images. Rather than simply using them as references I used them as the canvas. This practice also attributes the interrogatory nature of the work. So I simply applied the black acrylic directly onto the magazine images and eventually transposed one of these images over to a conventional canvas. The works negate and “blacks out” the false and pretence of the “beauty” industry.
BM: Do you aim for controversy in any of the work you do?
I never do, but I think when an idea interrogates a topic as sensitive as social identities and asks the viewer to dig deep within themselves then it can be interpreted as controversial.
BM: Your work has been described as that which “considers beauty, race and all its implications.” How would you describe your work in three words? Black is beautiful, hahaha!
BM: Have arts bodies in South Africa been supportive of the arts in the Western Cape? They have but I think 2011 was a very bad year in the Western Cape as far as the arts go.
BM: Which women of the arts have had an influence on some of your work?
I have had the pleasure of being temporarily under the tutelage of both Diane Victor and Tanya Poole. They have had a great impact on conceptual maturing.
BM: What are your plans for the remainder of the year? Where can one view your work? Just to keep working really. I have a blog that documents a lot of the behind the scenes processes that my work goes through or from social events. It’s still fairly young and limited in content. www.manymansionsmanysanctions.blogspot.com
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HYPRESS
// No.1 Hustler
HELL YEAH IT’S HYPRESS! Q1
“Surround yourself with people who grow your character and believe in your brand too, this will uplift you.” - Hypress. Who are the people that have helped to make Melanie “Hypress” Ramjee the powerhouse that she is today?
A
: OMG, the term powerhouse, WOW. First and foremost my mom, I am truly her child. She gave me my bubbly personality and raised me to love what I do, leading me into the PR game. I have had a few great teachers along the way who taught me all I know, namely event guru Lebo Motswenyane, PR genius Marang Setshwaelo and motivation coach Mike Finley. My brother Mpho Mpshe who kept nagging me to start my own business day in and day out helped push me to my limits and finally my hubby Inati for always believing in me. Q2 Take us back to the days of Eargasm Records and Entertainment? Was that the foundation for your career today? A: WOW, I see you did you research. It sure was my first steps into this industry yes- my foundation as you said. Eargasm Records was an idea, that come to life with my then partner Bradley ‘DJ Bionic’ Williams and I back in 1998/9. We extended it into Entertainment later down the line. We did some really great things - awesome events, put out 2 indie hiphop artists on the label. We were so young back then. Q3 You work with a lot of artists. Is it all smoothsailing? A: I used to work with artists and DJs when I first started out. Now I try stay away from working with artists. I prefer working with bigger entertainment brands where I have a bigger say in the development and growth of artists or DJs. Not to say I wouldn’t do PR for concerts or events with artists being featured, those are different and usually a once off venture. Q4 You’ve worked with the likes of the late Lebo Mathosa, Black Thought, Dead Prez and Trey Songz, among many other well-known brands. Do you only work with well-known clients? A: As previously mentioned, I used to work with artists directly, and hence was privileged to work with the great Lebo Mathosa doing her PR under her PR stable Dreamcatcher Multimedia at the time. I worked with Thandiswa Mazwai for a while. With regards to the others, I did PR for the concerts they were featured in, which was mad fun and rather exciting. To answer the question, NO, I work with anyone really, however I am very very selective of the clients I work with or represent. Q5 How would you describe the art of PR in three words? A: FUN; Educational; Innovation.
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HYPRESS Q6 As a woman and mother to baby Musa, do you have any challenges related to stereotypes within your career? A: NO. Women are the best publicists period. So I haven’t really experienced that in my workspace. Sorry did I say that out loud? Hehehe. Q7 Many people would agree with the statement that you have had a major contribution in changing the face of PR in Mzansi. What keeps you on your toes? A: It has always been the desire to succeed in life. I love what I do, so it’s always been about maintaining my happiness. I believe the day I wake up not loving what I do, I would STOP and try something new. Now it’s baby Musa to be honest. I want to offer him everything I didn’t have growing up. Not to say I will spoil him but just offer him more choices in life.
Q9 Among the many hats you wear, you also wear the hat of “published author.” Tell us about “Voices of Inspiration”? A: I worked for a company called Miles and Associates International in the early 2000’s. They were all about motivation and positive lifestyle for the youth of South Africa. They asked some of the staff members to be involved in a project called Voices of Inspirations where we shared personal stories of inspiration. I guess my story touched the editor, so my story was published in a short story type book called ‘Voices of Inspiration’. Q10 What’s your take on the recent Goodman Gallery-Jacob Zuma- painting debacle? A: Eish ya that! I am all for freedom of speech, however there is a fine line between disrespect for an elder and what we call art. Now whether or not I am a Zuma support, I found the painting distasteful and disrespectful to an elder and more importantly the South African president. On the other hand, I do think we make such a big deal about it when we as a nation have bigger things to worry about on a daily basis. Q12 What qualities are needed to survive in your industry? A: You need to be a people’s person, have the necessary experience (well this applies to any industry really), drive and determination, a great sense of humour and finally you need to be ballsy. Q13 When did you know that this is what you wanted to do for a living? What was your defining moment? A: In all honesty, there wasn’t one defining moment, it happened gradually. I was a very confused and lost teenager. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school. I had a gap year and kinda fell into it really. I was involved in entertainment and social events all through high school and tertiary so it actually made the most sense now that I look back at it. Q14 Words of wisdom for the youth? A: STAY IN SCHOOL Let not the abundance of opportunity fool you into believing it doesn’t take hard work to succeed. Pay your dues, success doesn’t happen overnight. No really it doesn’t. Q15 What does Art mean to You? A: An expression of one’s inner feelings or thoughts broke to life for others to experience.
“I envisioned myself memorising every subject and passing matric because that meant finally moving out of my gran’s house into the real world.”
Q8 You’re a social network enthusiast, but have also been quoted as saying that “traditional PR is still needed.” Has the surge in the number of individuals claiming to be PR specialists (largely thanks to social media) surprised you, if at all? A: Completely shocked me. I am all for growth and younger publicists coming out on the scene. Jeez I won’t be here forever, but when people who don’t even know what PR is or can’t even spell the word publicity claim to be publicists, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. At the end of the day, clients know who the credible professionals are in the business. Sometimes they chose the cheaper option and get burnt. But then this happens in every industry.
By Phumz
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CLU
// WE SAY
LIVING OFF HIS
PASSION ”Hoodrich” hit maker Clu shares his thoughts
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CLU
W
ho he is and how many facets there are to his artistry Clu is a Soweto-born Joburg based musician, songwriter, producer, rapper and qualified broadcast engineer. His opinion when it comes to SA politics and art as a whole. As far as politics, each person should inform themselves in order to have an educated opinion and thereafter have an active stance on issues that affect us all. The art landscape is a broad one fuelled by talent and inspiration. Our country is certainly well in access of both. Good to know artists can live off their passion.
In terms of your own work as an artist, how do you get it exposed as much as possible? A lot of artists are using social media platforms. Do you subscribe to that, or are you more traditional in your approach? I definitely subscribe to digital platforms to expose my work, but certainly can’t neglect traditional ways either. So I’ll be applying both for my album release. Who or what inspires him on a daily basis as an artist? My music. The liberation it gives me. I can be me. Do what comes natural and share it with people. The appreciation of it is a bonus. Which women of the arts have had an influence on the work he does, in a major way and how they have influenced his work? Mom played your Aretha Franklins and Letta Mbulu’s, growing up. Their rich textured voices and melodies definitely stayed in my head- some of my song writing is definitely influenced by that. Today, hearing talented ladies such as Thandiswa and Tamarsha is always good for the ear. He fuses some vernacular into the work he does. He tells us how important it is to preserve his heritage, or to even modify it I’m a musician before anything else. So I respect the music and do the best I can to translate the emotion first! With that said, heritage is important and culture can be preserved through the stories we tell despite the language. Prokid made “Soweto” with no vernac, yet embodied its heritage. So language is not an issue associated with heritage in my music. Women’s Month is coming up. In his opinion, which 5 women (in no particular order) worldwide have had the biggest impact on the art scene as a whole, be it theatre, poetry, dance etc... and why he chose these ladies specifically? Maya Angelou; Angelique Kidjo; Amy Winehouse; Miriam Makeba and Aretha Franklin. All these women speak to hearts and convey emotion.
By Laurelle Williams
TOP 10 Animated Movies of the 2000’s according to About.com
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• Persepolis-2007 • Up-2009 • The Simpsons Movie-2007 • Wall-E-2008 • The Incredibles-2004 • Shrek-2001 • Spirited Away-2001 • Beowulf-2007 • Finding Nemo-2003 • Fantastic Mr Fox-2009