More action at the The Fast & Furious Screening in Montecasino

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.

An introspective tour through the Darkie factory

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.

Cape Town Internation Jazz Festival: Profiling Jonathan Butler and Incognito

We started a feature last week where we are profiling some of the artists performing at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, leading to the spectacular festival. Our latest profile features our very own international guitar maestro, Jonathan Butler, as well as UK's funky and jazzy outfit Incognito. I decided to pair these two bands because over the weekend I had an absolute pleasure of watching their respective live performances on their latest DVD's that should be out at stores now or soon, thanks to Sheer Music.

Jonathan Butler

Jonathan Butler needs no introduction, really. He's more than honed his skills as a songwriter, singer and guitarist for decades and this is evident in the live DVD that was recorded in South Africa towards the end of 2007, simply and aptly titled Jonathan Butler Live In South Africa. What made my watching of the DVD more special and fulfilling was the fact that I was actually part of the audience during the recording on that beautiful evening at The Venue in Melrose Arc. I even managed to spot my self for a brief half-second, but I digress. The size of the venue created a great sense of intimacy and warm ambience. The actual performance was top notch, with Butler belting out most of his history-making hits since the advent of his career.

One of the many highlights was his collaboration with Mabi Thobejane on 7th Avenue, and Mandela Bay. Mabi excelled in his role as a traditional percussionist, whilst Butler did what he is famous for on both guitar and vocals. The rest of the band equally shined, providing concrete support to Butler. There are a few skits where Butler takes us through more than just his music, in a few showing us where he grew up and reminiscing on those early humble beginnings. For years, one of my favourite songs from the Cape Town-born musical genius has been I'm On My Knees, and will probably remain so for a very long time. Therefore I was ecstatic that he performed the romantic ballad, with many others that follow in my favourites list; like Sarah Sarah, Lies and his unsullied rendition of the Bob Marley classic, No Woman No Cry.

The experience Butler's progression from young Cape Town boy to the international superlative and respected musician, get Jonathan Butler Live In South Africa. You'll indubitably be moved by the magic seeping from that wonderful moment in our arts and culture heritage where many other notable names in our different industries were present.


Incognito

Having entertained masses for a very long time, it's only fitting that Incognito present their fans with a wonderful gift of their golden sounds packaged into a live DVD. It took a show at the Java Jazz Festival staged in Jarkarta, Indonesia last year to have the benefit of enjoying their inimitable plethora of music. And to say they brought the house down is an understatement as the audience couldn't get enough.

In a band or group environment, you usually get at least 1 person that shines and overshadows others. However, that is not the case with the eccletic band made up of members from different parts of the world, including Africa (the originator and band leader Jean-Paul Bluey Maunick, affectionately known only as Bluey, is from Mauritius). Although they sound magnificent as a collective, each member is given an equal chance to shine on their solos, whether it's on vocals, or the horns or the piano or bass guitar or drums. That ability to show such remarkable presence in such a huge band takes a lot of strength and confident in your talents, therefore each and every member in the band is laudable for the great work they contribute to the British band. Not to mention the energy displayed with such comfortability and ease.

Their wholesome ability to display copious amounts of emotion in their sets also intensifies their substance as musicians. This results in an irresistible and moving repetoire, from the dynamic funky tunes, to the memorable soul ballads, to the gospel-laced numbers transformed into easy party grooves. These qualities put them above their counterparts in the jazz and soul genre. The mere knack for interpreting new music, at the same time inspiring with their versatility is really amazing.

The live DVD will be released in May 2009 in South Africa, so look out for it at the music shops. If you don't get to see them when they are here in a few weeks, this should be more than enough consolation.

Siphokazi proves humilty will take you far

The roads all lead to the Mother City for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the beginning of April. If you haven't done your bookings whether in terms of getting there or accommodation, move faster because you might just find yourself missing out on this amazing spectacle.

Leading to the festival, we shall be featuring profiles on some of the artists that are featured on the line-up for the 10th Annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Opening things up is Siphokazi, whom I had a chat with over the phone yesterday. She is one of the musicians that will be burning the torch from the Mzansi at the festival. We chatted about a few things, including what this milestone means for her and what her musical influences and inspirations are. Here is a highlight of the conversation:

What does being invited to performance at one of the biggest festivals in the world mean to you?

I am extremely excited. I'm still very overwhelmed. It's very humbling that they chose me to be part of it. Although I'm still not sure which day I'll be performing on (Friday or Saturday), I'll be sharing the stage with people I'd never dreamed I'd perform with."

What should the audience expect from your show?

A lot of nice music. I also respect people because they have shown me a great deal of respect, so I'll make sure I rehearse a lot so that I can give them my all. It's going to be much and much fun.

The rest of the write-up is at YEAHBO.DOT.NET.

Legendary Madala Kunene gives Durban a taste of his Magic

Iconic musician Madala Kunene is no stranger to the jazz music fraternity and it is with immense disappointment that we don't get see his name as frequently in the lineups of big jazz festivals and concerts. I believe though that if promoters and other organisers could give him more support, this may change, however late it may be.

The people I'm referring to are such souls as Neil Comfort, of Artslink, who has fought tirelessly to give a platform to South African musicians, mostly the ones from KwaZulu Natal, to showcase their impressive talents. One such musician is Madala Kunene who will be serenading jazz and music lovers at large, with his moving and superb talent at a concert planned for tomorrow, 06 March 2009 at The Playhouse.

Madla Kunene will be headlining a once-off show at the Zulu Jazz Lounge at The Playhouse (on Smith Street) tomorrow night. The doors open at 7pm and the tickets cost just R60. For bookings, call 031 3042373. Don't miss out, it's promising to be a sizzling show.

Final line-up and dates announced for CTIJF. It's hot, hot, hot!!!

Some time in December last year I published a post about the initial line-up for this year's Cape Town International Jazz Festival (see HERE). Yesterday I attended the press conference and launch where the rest of the artists gracing the different stages at the spectacular festival for this year were announced. Celebrating 10 years since its inception, it's promising to be another great feast of music spanning the globe. With an assortment of genres, sounds and disciplines, what a great way to celebrate a decade of this magnificent event.

The artist everybody seemed to be most excited about as event organiser Rashid Lombard went through each musician on the line up was rapper Mos Def. Known for his conscious and educational lyrics in his music, as well as his colorful acting career, it sure would be interesting to see what he brings into the festival. Other big names that caught my eye included our very own Jonathan Butler (accompanied by Dave Koz), 340ml, Sibongile Khumalo (a collaboration with Mike del Ferro and Shannon Mowday), Shakatak, Abigail Kubeka, Siphokazi, and of course other names that had been mentioned in December last year, musicians like Incognito, The Stylistics, Zap Mama, Hugh Masekela, Freshlyground, Diane Reeves, and many more.

The Cape Town Internationa Jazz Festival is taking place at the same venue, Cape Town International Convention Centre, on the weekend of the 3rd - 4th April . There are other activities though happening the week leading to the final spectacle, namely, the notorious free concert at Green Market Square, taking place on April Fools Days, as well as the signature workshops running from 28 March 2009 to 4th April 2009. For only R485 for a weekend pass and R330 for a day pass (and an extra R25 per show for the acclaimed Rosies stage), you can be part of the Mother of all Celebrations.

This is a not-to-be-missed music extravaganza so start preparing now. It's not called Africa's Grandest Gathering for nothing. Please go to capetownjazzfest.co.za for more details on the complete line-up, tickets, accommodation and other information you may need.

You can also check out YEAHBO.DOT.NET for artist profiles and more as the date draws closer.