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Thanks to Gugu Zulu, the experience at the Fast & Furious 4 screening was heightened by the fabulous prizes he sponsored us with through his Gugu Zulu Racing establishment.
Although we didn't have much time organising this event because of the other arrangements for Cadillac Records premiere we hosted yesterday and the Mother City trip for Cape Town International Jazz Festival, we were able to pull it off, and quite smoothly too. The turnout was amazing, the movie thrilling and the prizes we gave away even better. Amongst those were a VW Advanced Driving course, sponsored by VW through Gugu Zulu Racing; Fast & Furious hampers containing t-shirts with the Fast & Furious title treatment, 4-in-one car kits; and training vouchers from Virgin Active.
The feedback after the movie was also amazing. People like Richard Ndlela, Gugu Zulu and Stevel Marc all echoed their positive sentiments about the latest instalment of the franchise that brought back together the original cast including Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster and Michele Rodriguez.
Don't forget, Fast & Furious 4 opens at cinemas nationwide today, 09 April 2009. Go and experience the action-packed thriller as you know it. Check out our REVIEW (including the trailer) to get a taste of what to expect.
When I was in Cape Town last week I had a pleasure of touring the factory where all the Darkie magic is created. Operations Manager and model Thokozani Shezi, affectionately known as TK, had been calling me to come and check out where it all happens and eventually I got some time to brace them, with my camera in tow.
As soon as I arrived in the area of Woodstock, where Friski Clothing (trading as Darkie Clothing) is located, the sounds and smells of the industrial factories thickly lingered in the air. This was a clear sign that I had arrived where the melting pot is constantly atop the manufacturing fires. TK led me up 3 stories in a rather deserted building from the outside (I think testimony that everybody is busy sweating on the inside).
Upon entering the premises, I was instantly attracted to the huge room full of machinery, piles of fabrics and patterns, and a handful of workers busy doing their thing. I began snapping away at the workers and their tools. I chatted briefly to a few of them, who showed much enthusiasm that they had a visitor set to learn and show a glimpse of their hard work to the masses out there, not that it's not visible from the amazing clothing they produce for Darkie's two exclusive concept shops in Mzansi and many others around the world.
Leading me to the adjacent storeroom and the offices where the administration and other parts of the business are run, TK couldn't sway me away from two mannequins displaying 2 finished products right before the entrance to the reception area of the offices. I quickly snapped away, with no clue what was instore for me inside. When I entered the storeroom, I didn't know which garments to photograph first as a bevy of clothes hung across the rooms, laying on cabinets and against the walls, alongside their respective brown paper patterns. From trendy casual wear for both ladies and men, to the more sophisticated designs, it was a feat for every fashionista.
I intermittently snapped, in between my enquiries to TK and the information he shared about the clothes and the vigoruous processes they embark on each and every day to ensure that the consumer is satisfied with a Darkie design/outfit. He also showed me their corporate lines, the up-beat re-design they did for the Moroka Swallows soccer jersey, as well as funky look they upgraded for Nandos waitressing staff, amongst others. Just opposite those designs is the office with an assortment of memorabilia (including fashion magazines, books, paintings, pictures, etc), where Themba Mngomezulu (head designer for Darkie sits and plans his quest to create an already formidable and successful clothing empire).
Just below that room is where TK spends most of his time navigating the intricancies of the business where a laptop, printer, fax machine and 2 beautiful mustard cotton seaters lay. Because I was busy working on the Cadillac Rercords premiere to be attended by cast member Mos Def at the time, TK also gave me freedom to make use of these services. Oh, it was Themba's birthday but he was away in Switzerland. As he chatted to TK via facebook, making sure everything was going accordingly back home, I sneaked in a birthday message to him.
Thanks for the tour TK, it was well worth it. It was a surprising revelation about the magnitude of work involved in the creation of such fresh, trendy and extremely wearable designs. Thanks to the machinists and pattern makers for their warm and kind hearts. Thanks also to the lady that works at the Darkie shop on Long Street, she was very friendly when we went there later on; which by the way is a different atmosphere altogether when you see the finished products on display for consumption. If any one can remember, I went to the shop around the same time last year and took pictures and wrote a short piece about my experience there. Check it out HERE.
At the end of my trip, TK hooked me up with a dope maroonish long-sleeve shirt with bold black stitching and a grey cotton pants with hints of maroon streaks, which I'll be doning soon. Thanks again TK for everything. Themba, I appreciate your vision and your outstanding contribution to the fashion industry, and for constantly hooking me up with dope threads, :-).Please go to YEAHBO.DOT.NET to see more pictures.
So finally it happened, and I'm ecstatic about the results. My biggest movie premiere yet took place last night and what a better way to have one of the stars in the movie to be a guest.
This is how the idea came about: I learnt that Mos Def was coming to the country for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and wanted to do something with him. On the very same day, I learnt that Kenzhero already had secured a gig with him, so I got a bit more creative. I knew Mos Def is in Cadillac Records, a movie based loosely on Etta James' life, which will be released by Ster Kinekor on the 29th of May 2009. I dediced to work on that angle.
After tireless communication with Mos Def's representatives, the ball got rolling. I approached Ster Kinekor with the idea and they took to it instantly. It's great to know I managed to pull this project off, and very well too, considering the sponsors we approached failed to see this great opportunity.
Anyway, the event happened last night at Ster Kinekor in Sandton City and it was on fire. Obviously the highlight of the event was Mos Def arriving and addressing the audience through a short interview by a young lady who won a Channel O competition. In addition to that, it was very moving that Mos decided to stay and watch at least 75% of the movie (he was only supposed to make and appearance and leave). The food was delicious and drinks flowing so easily. The whole event turned out amazingly well, with celebrities gallore.
First and foremost I've gotta thank Hardy McQueen for being a man of his word. From the beginning he told me that we were going to do this and we certainly did. Thanks Hardy, I can't emphasise enough how much your involvement in this project is appreciated. Thank you Irma for keeping me in check with regards to all the requirements from Hip Hop Alive's side. Thanks to Sibongile Khuzwayo who handled the catering segment of the event, the food was devine. To my friend Sizwe Dhlomo, thank you for agreeing to MC at such short notice and for your patience and calmness to the pressures that arose. And most importantly, as I did last night just before he left, thank you to Mos Def for his time and for ensuring this was a special moment for YEAHBO Entertainmnet (YEAHBO.DOT.NET). To Ster Kinekor Head Office and their theatres in Sandton City, Sandton City Management, and Sony Pictures, your input to the event is immensely valued. And lastly, but definitely not least, to all the YEAHBO.DOT.NET subscribers and readers who have been down with me all the way. Your support is greatly appreciated.
I'm going to continue bringing you people of Mzansi all the exclusives in terms of big screen experiences. This is a great feat in the entertainmnet industry, a really groundbreaking moment. This has never happened in the country and I'm glad my name is attached to it. Until another unique and exclusive experience, keep it locked right here and at YEAHBO.DOT.NET.Photos taken by Khanya Litabe
