Tuesday, February 28, 2012

10 Things I Want To Say To A Black Woman by Joshua Bennett

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Finally got the text I could pick up from this incredibly powerful piece by Joshau Bennet. 


I watch / read it every time I slip and forget my worth... Enjoy



1. I wish I could put your voice in a jar. Wait for those lonely winter nights when I forget what God sounds like, run to the nearest maximum security prison and open it. Watch the notes bounce off the walls like ricochet bullets etching keyholes into the sternums of every brother in the room. Skeletons opening, rose blossom beautiful to remind you that the way to a black man's heart is not through his stomach, it is through the heaven in your hello, the echo of my unborn galaxy that pounces forth through your vocal chords, and melts ice grills into oceans, baptising our lips, until harsh words fade from our memories, and we forget why we stopped calling you divine in the first place.


2. When I was born, my mothers' smile was so bright it knocked the air form my lungs. And i haven't been able to breathe right since. it’s something about the way light dances off of your teeth. the way the moon gets jealous when you mock her crescent figure with the shape of your mouth, queen. you make the sky insecure. Self-conscious for being forced stares at your face every morning, and realise that the blues of her skin was painted by that symphony doing cartwheels on your tongue.

3. Who else can make kings out of bastards? Turn a fatherless Christmas into a floor full of gifts and a kitchen that smells like the lord is coming tomorrow. We must eat well tonight. I used to think my sister was a blacksmith. The way she put fire and metal and made kitchen miracles at 14. Making enough food to feed a little boy who didn't have the words to say how much she meant to him back then, or didn’t have backbone to say so the day he turned 20. 

4. Your skin reminds me of everything beautiful I have ever known. The colour of ink on a page, the earth we walk on, and the cross that held my Saviour

5. I’ve seen you crucified too. Spread out on billboards to be spiritually impaled by millions of men with eyes like nails, who make martyrs of your daughters. So I’m sorry for the music videos, for Justin Timberlake at the Superbowl, and the young man on the corner this morning. Made you just want to shed your flesh and become invisible. Never doubt, they only insults you because... men are confused. We’re trained to destroy or conquer everything we see from birth.

6. If I ever see Don Imus in public I’ll punch him in the face, one time, for every member of the Rutgers and Tennessee women's basketball teams. Then i'll show him a picture of Phylicia Rashad, Assata Shakur, Eartha Kitt, my mother, my grandmother, and my 7 year old niece who’s got eyes like fire bombs, and then dare him to tell me that Black women are only beautiful in one shade of skin.

7. You are like a sunrise in a nation at war. You remind people that there is always something worth waking up to.

8. When we are married I will cook. Do the dishes, and whatever else it takes to let you know that traditional gender roles have no place in the home we build. So my last name is an option. Babysitting the kids a treat we split equally, and our bed will be an ancient temple, where I construct altars of wax on the small of your back. We make love like the sky is falling; Moving to the rhythm of bed springs and Bel Biv Devoe, angels applauding in unison, saying this is the way it was meant to be.

9. My daughter will know her fathers' face from the day she is born. And I can only pray that this superman complex lasts long enough, for me to deflect the pain this world will aim at her from the moment she's old enough to realise that the colour brown is still not considered human most places. But my daughter will have a smile like a wheelchair, and so even when I am at my worst, when the kryptonite of this putrid planet threatens to render me grounded, the light dancing off of her teeth, will transform the shards of my broken body into heart-shaped blackbirds, taking flight on the wind that reminds me of my saviours hands, of my daughters' smile, of my mothers' laugh when I was in her womb.

10. Never stop pushing. This world needs you now more than ever.

Samthing Soweto

The love I have for this mixtape I found yesterday while trolling Reverbnation is uncontrollable.
It has now been on repeat for hours!

Let me first begin by telling you where to find this little musical heaven of 10 freaking amazing tracks - SAMTHING SOWETO! - 'This n that without Tempo' by Samkelo 

I was caught off guard by my now favourite song "Dreamin of You"  which is a fun and tormented take on falling in love with fantastically beautiful lyrics and awesome beat.
A few listens later I realised that this really is a One man band, an instrument free one man band for the most part with mouth / voice acapella creating melodic bliss. His voice is fantastic and so full of range!

When I later discovered that Samkelo is actually the lead singer of another favourite local band, The Fridge, I knew I was in good hands. Love love love.

This mixtape is the gift that keeps on giving because with every listen I discovered something new and fascinating and beautiful and each listen far exceeds the already high regard of the previous.
Jazzy, rhythmic, poetic, folkie easy listening amazement all together.

I'm not doing the music any justice, so please just go and have a listen 

I'm living on it for a while.


Monday, February 27, 2012

Adele makes me Feel

Adele's cover version of The Cure's 'Lovesong' touches me deeply
Simple lyrics, warm and pregnant voice, emotional arrangement.
It makes me believe
It makes feel
Watch her perform it Live here


Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am home again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am whole again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am young again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am fun again

However far away I will always love you
However long I stay I will always love you
Whatever words I say I will always love you
I will always love you

Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am free again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am clean again

However far away I will always love you
However long I stay I will always love you
Whatever words I say I will always love you
I will always love you

Happy

It's Monday
I'm well beyond exhausted, from the year, but most especially this weekend.
It was busy and debaucherous and fun and enlightening and filled with so much laughter that my ribs and abdomen hurt. I quite literally feel like I was hit by a truck, of enjoyment.

Over the laughs, had a really wonderful chat with my friend Dawn about happiness
We came to these conclusions


  • We really do have only one shot at this life thing, what's the point of being unhappy?
  • Happiness is a choice and once you make it, nothing can stop
  • A positive and uncomplicated outlook is certainly the best, and should be the only, option. 
  • Yes, there are ups and downs, however if we choose to be happy, we can ride the ebs and flows quite easily. 
  • If it's not adding to your happiness, let it go. 
  • The universe has too much happiness to ignore or cloud with negativity
  • Self awareness, self knowledge and self trust is key
  • Allow your gut to speak to you, and you will be guided in the right direction
Simply put - Happiness is possible

Have a great Monday... 

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Dukes and MK: Rock Wednesday

You know how much I love Dukes Burger Joint in Greenside, so I'm very excited by this!
If you don't know how much I absolutely love Dukes, read this

Towards the end of 2011, Dukes made me fall in love with them even more by introducing Rock Wednesdays.
On Wednesday evenings, they have a special menu that is brought to you in collaboration with music channel MK, the great chef at Dukes and popular South African bands. The menu items are creative, out of this world, as crazy as the bands and taste even more amazing.

Fast forward to now: A second round of band meals has been created and the reloaded Rock Wednesday Menu will be launched next week Wednesday 29 February at the burger joint. There will be music, food, fun and a rocking party! I hear some of the bands will be there to see their creations.  So, pop them an email or give em a call and let em know you're coming.

If you can't make next week's launch, then make you sure go there the following Wednesday, or the next, or just go there every day,  for the rest of your life.

Rock on!

Radio

http://www.1059thewave.com/

I remember in the late 80's early 90's, after dinner and before bedtime, my then nanny and I would sit together in the kitchen listening to the evening stories on our wireless. It was theatre of the mind, the narrator was a comforting voice taking us to another place and winding down the day. We would later talk at length about that night's drama and laugh or cry at the characters. Those are part of my happiest memories. I think it was then I decided I wanted to be the one to tell those stories, write those evening stories and craft from imagination to create something beautiful. How I ended up in advertising, I'm not too sure, but I guess in part it falls into the desire to create.

In any case, the point is that there is a power to radio that we sometimes don't realise or admit. The medium is deeply personal, subjective and in all that entertaining and educational. Radio allows you to keep walking while sound swims through the airwaves and mesmerises you. Unlike television or internet that requires so much more deliberate attention, radio captures something in you and doesn't let go. Yes, with the creation of mobile devices to deliver communication and entertainment, TV and all things Internet can move with you, but they don't quite do what radio does.
Radio envelopes you, without holding you hostage. Radio. Radio isn't dying and never will. For so many reasons. For as many reasons as people engage with it; be it the music, discussions, news, general talk, interviews, anything. The immediacy of it too will also be something difficult to ever negate. It's right now, with you, and you can engage, right now.

So last night, while doing my twitter trolling (another immediate medium), I saw the announcement that my friends Anele and Grant were leaving 5FM! I know that radio in SA changes every April and the landscape has a shift here and there, big moves, forgettable nuances, but April is that frenzy. A lot of processing had to be done in my head. Started with asking myself if I'd completely missed March. On realising I hadn't, and what I was reading was true, and announced in Feb, the thoughts swam in head.  The station is a  place G&A called home for 4 years. I was expecting that they'd be going into Breakfast slot or Drive Time together. If not, then Anele would definitely be doing Drive Time, after the stellar performance over the week she'd done Fresh's show with the Fresh Drive team. I had suspected Grant had a new path to follow, just didn't think this was the year. This was the end of their duo / partnership that had spanned almost a decade, if not more. She was leaving a national station! Then it hit me; instead of thinking of the nays, there's a moerse big Yay to shout from the rooftop! FIRST WOMAN to take the helm on a DRIVE TIME slot. Hallelujah, hooray, Fuck Yeah!

This post then came about while I was looking at all of the @mentions and the love and congratulations that Grant and Anele were receiving. Seeing, in electronic ink, the impact they've had on their listeners, fans and friends. I guess, it made me wish that back in the 80's I could have told the 'Msasazeli' (Presenter) how they were a part of my life and a part of me. It must be so incredible for radio presenters to engage with people immediately, not just on radio, but also in social media. Yes, not every single person who listens to their shows gets through on the telephone lines, or has their email read on air or even tweets or facebooks (Is that a word?), but there are those who they touch and get to engage with. What a high. What a superpower!

I must add, because of the deeply personal level that radio touches people also answers why people are so passionate about jocks / presenters and station changes.

Anyway. I love radio. I think it's an amazing medium and adds so much to life.
I am proud of my girl (and boy) and cannot wait to see what the future holds
They've shaken things up, they've raised the bar and they've opened doors and inspired.
This is going to be a great story to tell.

Halala

You can read their statement here: CIAO

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Sound Garden 25.02

Keen on checking this out on Saturday
Who can say no to music, chilling in a beautiful garden and enjoying the last of summer sun?

Friday, February 17, 2012

Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2012

It's here!
I'd almost forgotten about the annual CTIJF, then in my web trawl I saw the programme. I think time stopped.
I have to be there again this year. Come hell or high water and credit cards that may need to get cut up after.

Thoroughly looking fowards to:
Ill Skillz. My boys Jimmy Flexx and Uno!
HHP
Jean Grae
Nouvelle Vague
Goodluck
Moreira Project
Zama Jobe (Where has she been?)
James Ingram
Xia Jai Trio (just because of their name)
David Sanchez!
Lindiwe Suttle
Hugh Masekela (keep missing his shows)

I think it'll be my busiest Jazz fest ever. I can't wait. Usually my annual birthday present to myself.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

...and Lagos is the World

This absolutely made my otherwise sour day...

Mathoto tweeted a link to Africa is a country blog story of a South African Surfer dude.
A seemingly overly serious man decided to comment on the article.
In his serious tone he corrects the blog site for saying that Africa is a country, and that it indeed is a continent.
As an avid reader of the site, I had to chuckle a little at how offended this man seemed to be, because the site's premise is the fact that some people don't know that Africa is NOT a country...

Anyway. It gets better. 
Another reader commented;  "I regret to inform you that Nigeria is a continent"
Followed by an amazingly amusing comment, which was the clincher to MAKING MY DAY!

"and Lagos is the world"


I loved it!

Monday, February 13, 2012

I LOVE LOVE

Love is beautiful.
Love is light
Lipstick painting by the talented Sarah Britten
Love is an escape
Love is a safe place
and as quoted "love is dopamine"

So in preparation for the sickly sweet love day dipped in honey, here is a beautiful quote by Bob Marley


Bob Marley on Loving a Woman:
You may not be her first, her last, or her only.
She loved before and she may love again.
But if she loves you now, what else matters?
She’s not perfect, you aren’t either,
and the two of you may never be perfect together
but if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice,
and admit to being human and making mistakes,
hold onto her and give her the most you can.
She may not be thinking about you
every second of the day, but she will give you a part of
her that she knows you can break; her heart.
So don’t hurt her, don’t change her, don’t analyse
and don’t expect more then she can give.
Smile when she makes you happy,
let her know when she makes you mad,
and miss her when she's not there.

HAVE A HAPPY VALENTINES EVERYONE

Friday, February 3, 2012

Someone always has something to say

Yes, this is going to be a small rant...

I appreciate that everyone is allowed an opinion and the right to express it. I really do. However, some things have nothing to do with anyone and people need to just let go of the entitlement, and the arrogance of stating opinions on things that are none of their business.

From their sweeping statements and opinions of women with weaves, Mshoza bleaching her skin, so and so gaining or losing weight, how someone dresses, whatever. It has to be okay to just let other people be.

So anyway, I've coloured my natural hair a sort of gingery coppery red colour...
Awesome Justice took this pic

by Justice

Today a, now ex, facebook friend thought it was his place to tell me that "my obsession with American lifestyle has led me astray and now I want to look like Rihanna"

STOP THE FREAKING BUS!!!

I'm probably not calm enough to be expressing myself so publicly, but since I don't plan on using any swear words in this post, I can trust myself to rant.

So let's dissect this young man's statement:
"Obsession with American lifestyle"
Anyone who has met me, interacted with me (even for 5 minutes) could tell you that this is not true. Me? Me? Akona? I'd say my obsession lies on my continent. Can I get an Amen? please?

Actually I should have asked him which America? North America? South America? United States of America? Maybe Latin America?

I could go on, but I won't. So I'll just go straight to the part that Rihanna is the original red haired woman and the only one who can have red hair. To pull a little zap sign to the misguided young man, I present images of Maasai people with ochred hair...

via naturalhairjourney.com

via ofdc.org

via africanbynature.com
Can we just let people adorn themselves as they wish...

Cute

I bought these cuties at Mr. Price a few months ago and forgot about them. They were cheap and cute, but I didn't think I'd ever wear them. Wine and other impossible to remove stains act as though I'm an impossible to ignore target when I wear white.


So I tried on the cuties this week, and found myself just staring at the detail all day. Walking around like I was sulking looking down when I walked. Anywhoo. I like them. Hopefully I can get through another day without ruining them


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