Category: Editorial

In my next life or, depending on your views on metaphysics, in my other life that continues parallel to this one that I am supposedly more aware of, I hope I’m a showgirl. I dream about it almost daily. The music, the costumes, the choreography, the fans, the feather boas… oh, the feather boas! That...

The thing about kwaito was that it was not universal; it was not for everyone and it had no intentions of being such. It was for the hood and only the hood and it was damn proud of the fact. Mandoza’s Nkalakatha’s crossover appeal was a flash in the pan but, kwaito was still too...

There is nothing greater in life than support, to have that extra bit of encouragement when you are tempted to give up. To be placed in a favourable or opportune position that will push you forward. We all want that, we all wish for that. Let’s be real, without someone having opened the door for...

It’s not easy going through this wondering what people might say when they find out. I had to convince myself that there was nothing wrong with it at first. I went as far as practicing the whole thing by myself standing in front of the mirror. That was my thing back in high school, practice...

By the late 90’s the storm that was the ’94 elections had ceased and gleaming a rainbow nation stood proud. The socio-economics of the country were shifting and more township folk found themselves with some serious disposable income. Patience Muyambo was yet to coin the awkward euphemism, “black diamonds” but, by and large, the coal was under...

With the euphoria that rained withthe realisation of our freedom, a lot of music in the mid 90’s was celebratory and fun. While kwaito was popping its pubescent pimples, the OG’s of jazz were still kicking it. Rex Rabanye’s Ongketsang wasn’t as much a wedding song as it was a wedding anthem. Bra Hugh’s horn had managed...

Nothing will get you further in life than a great partnership; be it a partnership in love, in business, in travel or even a partnership in ideas. As much as we sometimes believe that we can do things on our own (which we often can), it’s always that much better with friends or people we...

When I was in college my feature and review studies lecturer made us watch Sun Ra: A joyful noise. The rare short film directed by Robert Mugge, is part historical documentary and part explorative fiction. I opens with Sun ra on a non-descript rooftop wearing purple headgear, antennas sticking out. He is flanked by devotees...

I recently read an exceptional piece of writing by The Roots’ ?uestlove on “How Hip Hop Failed Black America”. I think anyone who has any type of interest in music has a duty to read this series of essays. While reading it, I couldn’t help but wonder how music had contributed in shaping us into...