Some words. Some images. Mosaic of all things Copacetic
Yours truly on the cover and wrote one of the feature articles. The theme of this edition is The world we know. A collection of stories, images and thoughts to inspire, educate and entertain! Truly an amazing magazine highlighting passion and making dreams happen.
Download your own copy now! Show some love and spread the word!!
Kudos to founder Gorgeous George, the contributors and all the people who helped make it happen!
Check it: www.studio83.co.za
Tumi and The Volume will be performing for the Cape Town masses tomorrow night at Party People, brought to you by DJ Kenzhero.
After a short tour in Europe recently, this is their first show since their return; so you best believe it'll be off the hook. As well as the fact they haven't graced Kaapstad with their unforgettable sounds in a minute!
Zula Sound Bar
Friday 26 June
Do not miss this one
P.S. For those that don't know what Party People is, worry not, Mosaic will school you soon enough...
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| Gauteng youth radio station YFM has announced a nationwide search for its next radio star – a young white male. The radio station which broadcasts from Rosebank, Johannesburg, currently reaches more than 1,4 million listeners in the greater Gauteng area has been as a springboard for most of the radio stars now dominating the national airwaves: DJs such as Fresh, Phat Joe, Oskido, Bad Boy T, Rude Boy Paul, and DJ Sbu, have all been groomed by the station. Says marketing manager Tamaria Motsepe, "In a move bound to attract comment from the race- and gender-sensitive brigade, the station says it “fervently believes in affirmative action” and rejects “tokenism” and is therefore looking for a “hot white boy” to add to its lineup."" YFM programming manager Tumelo Diaho-Monaheng, says “Urban youth culture and the popular lifestyle associated with it attracts a diverse audience. And although still predominantly black, the lifestyle proposition, particularly the music, cannot and should not be categorised along racial lines...We have seen an emergence of young white people who listen to our station and come to our parties. But the new white DJ will be chosen not just for being white, but because of his unique talent and the ability to connect with our audience,” said Diaho-Monaheng. He adds that “Applicants will be put to the test on air and will need to be able to hold their own interacting with the station’s robust and predominantly black male audience.” The new Y DJ must meet the following criteria: • White Male All applications must be submitted through YFM’s website www.yworld.co.za |
Begging for excitement...
Those who know me know I won’t say no to a good time. I enjoy going out and trying new things. But see, going out in Jozi these days doesn’t feel like anything new. I’m dying for a new experience, something eye opening, something mind blowing, something worth remembering – I speak specifically of soiree’s and bars here.
For some reason it seems satisfying to most people to just have DJ’s and alcohol at a venue. Sure that can be fun with the right company or if served in a cool way, but what else is there to take pleasure in? Before I bitch too much, let me open your eyes to a few spots or events I’ve been to… then tell me that I shouldn’t want more.
Once upon a time I trotted the globe in search of originality in nightlife on a world tour called Smirnoff Experience, so I guess I know what I’m talking about when it comes to nights out. Here is just a taste of ‘different’. I’ll put up more soon.
Bangkok Thailand:
Just off the famous Khoa San road, where there are still a few hidden gems to find in the tourist infested area, an old Shell Garage / petrol station turned into a chilled drinking stop. Located around the corner from the bigger clubs and bars but far enough not to have to hear the doof-doof of whatever noise the party animals are headbanging to.
Also on the weird and wonderful tip in Bangkok, found a Kombi (as Saffers call it) mobile bar decorated hippy style literally next to a large main road, located walking distance from the upmarket Gazebo Shesha bar and lounge is an uber cool unassuming pavement bar with an impressive menu of over 100 cocktails, served in plastic cups ofcourse.
Sometimes it’s not all about the super lavish or the swanky> Just a taste of different can make it special. One day I will find the Jozi gems and share.
"Ibrahim's latest is exactly what you'd imagine - a well-rounded, unclassifiable, genre-defying mix of innovative music. Somehow, Ibrahim manages to move from organic to electronic seamlessly in only a handful of tracks. This is an artist daring enough to erase boundaries that never should have existed." -- Okayplayer
Born in Vancouver, BC and raised between South Africa and Canada’s West Coast, Zaki Ibrahim spent her life moving between two culturally diverse worlds, culminating in her debut album, Eclectica (Episodes In Purple). Zaki's music is captivating and vibrant. It's thick with poetics and steeped in a delicious mixture of earnest emotion and social commentary.
The songs on Eclectica start with free-writing poetry and abstract pieces of writing, playing with words and couplets. On “You Choose” there is a lyrical message capturing the concept of directing your life and taking responsibility for your choices. It features samples, melodies, vocal stylings and lyrics from influential artists like James Brown, Sly and The Family Stone and more. In addition to collaborating with famed DJ/producer King Britt on “Money,” Zaki worked with Nick Holder on “Love/Like.” Zaki explains that on “Love/Like” she, “wanted a different sound and the harmonies somehow reminded me of water. I had never worked with water instruments before, like a Rainstick and the Udu, and it brought an ancestral/tribal tinge to the song.”
With a full length album in the works, Zaki will continue to break new ground, challenge assumptions and step outside her comfort zone. Her philosophy of making connections based on a mutual admiration for expression, creativity and the power of words, directs Zaki’s path. Expect the unexpected as Zaki continues to grow as an artist.
Zaki Ibrahim
Eclectica (Episodes In Purple)
Red Ink Music
Album * Out Now
Check out her site
bookCLUB; We go hard!I was kind of cyberstalking my new favourite artist of the moment, and bumped into something so amazing and special my heart got a little tug. I found this gorgeous pic of Somalian rapper / poet / singer K’naan … his hat caught my attention soon after his eyes and lips (okay stop salivating) and I googled the words hoping it was something good. Thankfully, it was. Drum roll please…. Write on Africa
Write on Africa is an initiative brought to us by Word of Art productions - working together with established as well as up and coming graffiti artists and painter alike to create beauty in otherwise not so beautiful places. But here's the catch, they don't just do it for their own praise, but also to inspire others and have develop impoverished communities.
Write on Africa was started in 05 to support the sometimes vilified art form of graffiti. Showcasing deserving and spectacular work to help change the stereotypically negative view some may have on graffiti.
This initiative touched me for the way in which they create platforms for artists as well as opening up doors that some people may have never known were even there.
The Write on Africa ‘event’ with a live street art auction in an attempt to raise money for a township mural campaign is something I would have loved to experience. It happened in April of this year and basically artists created masterpieces that went on auction – money from that going toward creating beauty in and around Cape Town townships with wall murals. The murals have a kind of butterfly effect: ‘On many past experiences we have had kids sit around all day and admire the magical worlds that unfold as we create before their eyes, and when completed they take the initiative to collectively clean up the area surrounding the mural’
Their vision is about creative inspiration and urban rejuvenation through special events, initiatives and Art in public space – If you’ve ever been to a township you’ll fully understand how thirsty for beauty the streets are, you’ll fully appreciate what a project like this can do to quench those parched roads.
Artists: Rasty (love love love), Mak1one, faith47, black koki, senyol, 351073
All Write on Africa initiatives are documented and exposed internationally on the website.
www.writeonafrica.com
I’m itching to get involved.
Labels:
auction,
black koki,
faith47,
graffiti,
k'naan,
mak1one,
rasty,
senyol,
street art,
township,
write on africa
Photo: Reuters
Inaugural Africa Fashion Week 2009 to draw world attention
The African fashion industry will be scoring the winning goal during the upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup in June, with the announcement of the inaugural Africa Fashion Week taking place in Johannesburg in June.
African Fashion International (AFI), which runs Cape Town, Joburg and Durban fashion weeks, will present an eight-day showcase of the continents’ leading designers from 12 to 19 June 2009 at the Sandton Convention Centre, culminating with the African Fashion Awards. Africa Fashion Week will replace the more localised Joburg Fashion Week on this years spring/summer calendar.
"Global attention will be firmly focused on Joburg during the Confederations Cup, and Africa Fashion Week will afford the continent's top design talent the opportunity to attract world's attention, says Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, AFI chairperson. " It is our mission to take African fashion to the world and this Pan-African showcase is a fulfilment of that aspiration."
Dr Moloi-Motsepe added that African Fashion Week would benefit the South African textile industry, inter African trade as well as capitalise on global interest in the continent as a creative source.
The Levi's® Vintage Sundays gigs are currently underway in Johannesburg, taking music to the people in the intimate setting of Crazy 88 in Norwood. Now in its 5th season with an incredible line-up of a selection of South Africa’s most recognized artists; these weekly gigs have proven extremely popular due to the close-up and personal feel of the events which offer a wide range of diverse performances. This past Sunday 10th May included the legendary Pops Mohammed, Kwani Experience and Tumi live and unplugged.
Kwani Experience brought the house down with tribal rhytms with soul and creativity. They also collaborated with Paps Mohammed (Whom I’d never heard of before). Pops started the night off, but it didn’t quite do it for me. Sounded like something you’d hear to soothe and relax during a spa day somewhere far away. Maybe he is an acquired taste.
On Sunday 17 May, Levi's® Vintage Sundays will be in full swing once more featuring a combination of the acoustic local band Apple Ann and traditional vernacular folk musician Bongeziwe. Recent SAMA winners and crowd favourites 340ml, will also join the bill this week.
Mozambican boys 340ml, recent SAMA winners are back on the scene with a brand new album, appropriately entitled "Sorry for the Delay". Their music is a mixed formula of various musical genres, from Dub to Jazz, Afro to Rave, Polka to Rock, and the list goes on, but the end product always sounds like 340ml
In the past five years the iconic jeans brand has hosted an incredible 160 shows all over the country and in May 2009; Levi’s® Vintage Sundays will enter its sixth year. There have been many legendary performances, surprise collaborations; rock ‘n’ roll moments and eye-opening antics. Our musical royalty, from across genres, has taken this opportunity to give some of their most memorable shows. And it has always been for free, proving that the Levi's® brand is committed to keeping Mzansi in touch with its musical icons, and ensuring that these stars connect with their fans.
Thanks Levi's
(Sunday's are special again)
So Mr. ‘I’m too cool for school’ and I don’t answer questions at press conferences Akon is in town
He’s either on his way to Angola or back from there, but he’s here anyway. The highlight if his visit to South Africa is the sassy Lady Gaga accompanying him (or so they say.) Word on the street is that he’s also supposed to be launching a clothing line. Whatever.
So the convict who likened his ‘grand theft auto’ incarceration to that of struggle icon’s, Nelson Mandela, incarceration on Robben Island attended a party in his honour last night. Yeah right buddy. Unless you were stealing that car to get Obama out of trouble, I don’t think so.
Anywhoo, The Akon party sans performance required fans to pay R150 to get into the lavish club Inc in Braamfontien to stare at the artist. I’m sure champagne was popped and the star-blinded sheep were dancing and singing along to Akon auto-tuned tracks and hoping to get a whiff of the superstar and hope to be remembered. He is after all the ‘Prince of Africa’
Here’s the funny part – yesterday afternoon I got an email from MTV at 10am telling me (and many others) that we should rush to Soweto to be a part of Akon’s video shoot and ofcourse get a free concert (Starting at 11am)
Wait one minute folks… did ya’ll find out only yesterday that this would be happening? A source tells me that the shoot only started at 4pm, with fans having waiting all that time for their own shot at fame.
It is said that he’ll be singing the official 2010 Soccer World Cup anthem – cue auto tune. Save our ears!
No that you’ve read the whole Akon bashing saga; the only highlight of this post is that every time I type his name, I mistakenly add an additional ‘a’ which then spells my name. Akon+a= Akona. (even spellcheck wants me to spell my name)
cheerio
This month we celebrate Africa Day. Unlike most special days that I don’t take this too seriously, because some of the things celebrated, if are important to you should be a part of your life everyday. Africa Day is a little different I guess, because it is celebrated in different ways around the world – All things African brought to the forefront and embraced and basically a showcasing of the continent’s history and culture through the arts. Lets just hope someone somewhere is learning a little bit more about ‘this far off place’ as Anderson Cooper calls it.
Other artists include Senegalese hip-hop pioneer Awadi, Benin’s Gang’be, South Africa’s own Gang of Instrumentals, the Soweto Gospel Choir and The Parlotones as well as some Lusophone flavor provided by Angolan, Yuri da Cunha.
And in other news: In recognition of another monumental African milestone, Africa Day will also serve as a countdown to the upcoming Confederations Cup, which is set to kick off in South Africa on June 14th – 28th. For 9 days during that period, Mary Fitzgerald Square will be transformed into the only official Confederations Cup Public Viewing Site, where soccer lovers can catch the matches on big screens and enjoy performances from local and international artists, for free, courtesy of the City of Joburg. The coincidence is especially meaningful in light of the fact that these soccer events are taking place on the African continent for the first time, and represent an opportunity for Africa’s humanity and intertwined heritage and future to shine. Soccer is a sport that every African nation has in common – it a huge unifier, and South Africa proudly declares ‘Ke Nako!’ It’s our time to host the world most prestigious soccer events! Thanks ArtZone
The Africa Day show on Mary Fitzgerald Square (Saturday, May 23rd) and is free to the public.
Forgive the sudden and unexplained hiatus, but if you hold on just a little longer Mosaic will be back, hotter and more exciting than ever
Working on a few topics to get you thinking, get you laughing and continue to be a mosaic of everything creative.
'Aint nothing to it, but to do it'
Keep shining
Two of my favourite artists will be the subject matter today. Both spiritual beings, who don't follow the norm, believe in individuality, are well versed and poignant, sometimes go against the grain to challenge mediocrity and well, are just such amazing musicians.
I love their music and will forever be a fan, but what I’d like to talk about are their coincidentally (dare say otherwise) similar latest album covers.
Both with such deep stories illustrated on them, and in a way, a preview to the mindset and probably what to expect. Clearly got a lot on their mind. Check this:
This album is part one of four of this series, and her fifth album to
date. This album was almost titled 'Kahba' which is the middle part of her name and surname put together. We love her for her realness, her personal and political lyrical content, how she makes her sounds carry you to far off places in wonder, crash you against sharp cliffs and dive down to deepest darkness places in your soul, blending hip hop and a few soul genres in her quest to express.
and then we have, South Africa's very own queen of roots.
Thandiswa Mazwai - Ibokwe
Her second solo album; nine track offering composed and produced almost entirely by Miss Mazwai herself. Thandiswa, to me, is the sound of South Africa and speaks to me even more as a young black Xhosa woman. Ibokwe is a spiritual journey, her voice taking you with her, channeling ancient wisdom and opening her soul up to the world. Even without understanding isiXhosa you can feel in every cell in your body the reverberating passion and love and individuality.
Both albums call you to invest time and explore the journey they take you, in no rush. Feel, they say, live they say, and let us show you the world!
One cover may have been inspired by the other or whatever, either way, on the illustrated cover front, this is my fav! Dudley& Georgia
Labels:
afro,
album cover,
Erykah Badu,
Ibokwe,
illustrated,
Music,
Thandiswa Mazwai,
The new Amerykah
Got this idea from fellow blogger Miss N-tertainment, who was tagged by someone else to do this. (I'm guessing recalling a memorable celeb meeting)
New York - October 2008 my girl Hypress and I were out and about on our last Friday night in the the most amazing city in the world. After checking out a cool party held at the Museum of Natural History - apparently where Night at the museum movie was shot - we decided we needed hip hop in our lives. The trance electro vibe with expensive drinks behind a long queue at the bar just would not cut it for us. Our prayers were answered and a tip came our way to experience legend that is Qtip on the decks was our saving grace.
The club was Santos Party House in downtown Manhattan. A place we had heard nothing about before that very night, but I'm so very glad we went anyway. So took the subway, got off somewhere, walked about ten minutes (without fear of anything untoward happening) and were met with a long ass muh fuhking line.
We reluctantly stood at the back and waited, the weather turning a little nippy and sexy outfits not holding up very well.
Next thing we see a gorgeous pearl white Bentley pull up further ahead towards the door, followed by a black town car. Gorgeous women with legs that only God created with passion walked out with I'm only guessing here a big shot of some sort. They went straight to the door and disappeared into this place we weren't even certain was happening. (Yes, we had our doubts)
Anywhoo, Hypress decides we need to do something about this, and we go ahead toward the entrance as if we own the city. To our surprise, the only way in is if the bouncers or whoever decides thinks you're good enough to get in. Not that you can't get in at all, just not immediately. Reminiscent of the high class bourgeois clubs of Moscow! In any case the hotness that is Hypress accompanied by little ol me are let in - we pay the $10 and navigate out way through the space.
The first area was all things reggae - now there I have nothing against that, but that night I wasn't looking to get down and diiiiirty like that. Reggae / Ragga can get a little crazy.
After looking around for a bit and finding the right door, we stepped right into heaven!!
Hip Hop heaven that is - and as promised QTIP was on the decks.
I'd love to go on about everything, but must keep the story moving. I'll skip meeting all the great DJ's of the 90's and 80's we met like Bobbito, taking a pic with Q himself, seeing Busta double my usual size Rhymes, us sneaking into the VIP section and having the time of our lives!
What I will say though is bathroom breaks are essential kids - not for the obvious reason though.
During one of the bathroom visits, things changed a bit; people were moved off the VIP area for a special VIP's arrival. We ofcourse had no idea this had happened, so returned to our cushy dancing area, barely noticing the change of faces around us.
