Initial artist line-up announced for Cape Town International Festival

Jazz and overall music lovers, you'll be excited to learn that the first part of the 2009 Cape Town International Jazz Festival line-up has been announced and boasts an impressive assortment of artists from aroung the globe already. To this end, this is your cue to start preparing for this jazz music spectacular that lights up Cape Town annually in the first quater of the year. And what with the festival celebrating 10 years of success in the staging of the world-renowned production.

Aleardy confirmed on the bill for what is dubbed as Africa's Grandest Gathering are artists such as Zap Mama, Dianne Reeves, Hugh Masekela, Freshlyground, Peter White, Ringo Madlingozi, The Loading Zone and Incognito, to mention just a few. From looking at this short list I can already see who I'll definitely be flying to Cape Town for. I've been a great fan of Incognito, Dianne Reeves, The Stylistics and of course Hugh Masekela and Freshlyground. Please go to www.capetownjazzfest.com to see the full list of the first part of the line-up, the festival dates, as well as ticket pricing details.

The buzz will be in the air soon, so I can't wait for the excitement that comes along with that buzz. And not to forget seeing the Mother City coming alive during the festivities. Keep it locked right here and on YEAHBO.DOT.NET as the time approaches. You know YEAHBO.DOT.NET will hook you up with the exclusive interviews and reviews of the different shows that we will cover. This is promising to be the best Cape Town International Jazz Festival yet already, so you know you can't miss it.

Darkie clothing arrives in Jozi.

Over the years I have become a huge fan of the clothing line Darkie. Back when I started writing for YEAHBO.DOT.NET, the label head designer and creater Themba Mngomezulu was one of the first people I interviewed (check the interview HERE). This was way back when he was still based in Durban. The clothing label has gradually grown from strength to strength, rejuvenating itself with fresh and original ideas.

Fast forwarding to 2008. Earlier this year when I was in Cape Town for the annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival I got to hang out with one of my friends TK (see first picture with guy in brown pants above), who works very closely with Themba, at a Darkie shop on Long Street (read about the the encounter HERE). The shop has since moved to Kloof Street in a form of a new refurbished Darkie Concept shop. Whilst launching this shop, Themba reached out to me to help with his plans in branching out to Jozi as well. Being a great fan of his work, as well as a friend I took to the challenge which has seen an opening of a new Darkie shop this past Friday. The Jozi shop is located on 7th Street in Mellville. The opening of the shop last Friday was really dope. Of course I was there with a few other people that came through to celebrate one of Themba's milestones.

On our way from the airport last Friday, Themba told me that there are plans for Durban to get their own exclusive Darkie shop as well. So Durbanites, your own shop will be opening soon. Check out www.darkieclothing.co.za for details on that front. In the meantime, Jozi and Cape Town are basking in the enjoyment of shopping for exclusive pieces of clothing from the Darkie summer collections. You'll be bowled over by the quality of design and craftmanship that goes into each and every item.

Please also note that Themba is bringing back the Darkie Recycled clothing (example on the first photo) that made him popular when he began working on his passion for fashion design. Watch the space for this development and more details.