Twanji Kalula

The South African Story Companion Book

2011-11-16T07:35:00.006+02:00

Last year I worked on the television documentary series - The South African Story with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It saw him travel around the country - visiting each province, tracing South Africa's history and looking at some of the country's key tourist attractions. It has since been broadcast locally on SABC3 and in countries around the world.

The show was created by acclaimed journalists Roger Friedman and Benny Gool, who own the largest archive of Desmond Tutu footage and photographs in the world. They travelled around the country with the television crew, snapping photos of the journey - documenting The Arch at some of the country's most beautiful and significant landmarks. They have recently compiled their beautiful images, with the story we told in the series, to produce a beautiful companion book - 'The South African Story with Archbishop Desmond Tutu'.

It really is a beautiful hardcover book - and I am very proud to have it in my collection, and to have contributed to its existence in a tiny way. It is published by Penguin Books and currently in-store at all reputable book stores and online retailers. If you love South Africa, its history or The Archbishop your should probably add this title to your collection.

The Power Within

2011-07-30T09:06:00.003+02:00

Some good news and a quick update. The weekly inspirational magazine show, The Power within is back for a third season. It spent most of the last year in re-runs, so if you loved the show you'll be happy to know that there is some all new content now on air. I last worked on the show in 2009, so it has been a long time coming for The Spirit Sister team.

The show continues to profile some of the most inspirational women in South Africa, giving women (and men) tools to unleash the power within themselves. Its holistic approach includes exploring the latest health and well being trends, environmental awareness, creative pasttimes and wisdom to help viewers strike a mind, body and spirit balance.

It has a new half-hour format, and new host - businesswoman, entertainer and radio personality Buli G Ngomane.

Catch it every Saturday, at 9.30am on SABC3.

Hello Doctor on SABC3

2011-04-16T18:19:00.004+02:00

When I am quiet for sometime, it usually means that I am up to something....

For the last couple of months I have been working on the content team of a new television show called Hello Doctor. The show is a health and lifestyle show produced and presented by celebrated television personality, and medical doctor Michael Mol.

We are focusing on inspiring, entertaining and educating viewers - teaching them what it takes to live their best lives. Each week we chat to experts, celebs and ordinary people about how they live their best lives and maintain optimum health, always focusing on preventative health care.

I am really optimistic about this project. It has been a great learning curve, and the content is so fascinating. You can catch the first episode tomorrow evening at 5pm.

Hello Doctor airs every Sunday at 5pm on SABC3.

Travelling with The Arch

2011-02-01T07:39:00.000+02:00

Last year I got the opportunity to work on a travel documentary series - unlike anything we have seen on television before.

The show is called The South African Story, and is hosted by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Over 10 episodes we see him travel around South Africa, tracing the history of our country- and visiting the tourist highlights in each province. In hindsight, when I think of it - who could possibly tell South Africa's story better than one of its greatest living legends - who has played a part in shaping its history himself?

Quite honestly, it is one of the most gruelling professional projects I have worked on, but the visual results have been worth the 5 months we spent on it. The series had a relatively huge budget, and has had a really talented production team and crew. The results of this appear on screen. It was a great experience for me.

The show will be broadcast weekly on SABC3. Catch the first episode on Tuesday, 1 February at 8pm.

SAFTA Nomination!

2011-01-30T09:15:00.002+02:00

I got some exciting news a couple of days ago. Keeping It Real has been nominated for a SAFTA award, in the category 'Best Children's and Youth Programming'. The South African Film and Television Awards are the most prestigious awards in the industry.

I consider working on Keeping It Real as one of the definitive things I have done in my life, so it is a huge honour. Such a great team behind it... let's hope we win.

My favourite album of 2010 is...

2010-12-26T21:14:00.005+02:00

Even I didn't see this one coming! I am not a huge dance music fan. I have enjoyed a number of Kelis's tracks over the years, but never been convinced to invest in an entire album - until Fleshtone. Amazing beats, empowering lyrics and guaranteed good times.

Regardless of the mood I am in, I enjoy giving it a listen from start to finish. This album has been the soundtrack to many moments this year. Go out and get it.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T08:44:00.003+02:00

Like Stewie, I am struggling to engage with the festive season this year! It happened so soon.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Much Love,

Twanji

Expresso on SABC3

2010-11-24T21:49:00.003+02:00

I have been so quiet because I have spent the last few weeks working on a new project. I have joined the content production team of Top Billing and SABC3's new live daily breakfast show - Expresso.

The show is lifestyle focused and presented by the lovely Liezel van der Westhuizen, Katlego Maboe, Michael Mol and Ewan Strydom, with Kia Johnson and many other regular special guests.

It is rigorous, hence the radio silence, but it is important to challenge yourself to try new things and seek to increase the versatility of your skills.

You can find out more on the show's website: www.expressoshow.com

Keep me in a job, and catch Expresso every weekday morning from 5.30am-7.30am on SABC3.

Keeping It Real 5

2010-09-20T19:12:00.003+02:00

So this is a week late, but I just wanted you all to know that the new season of Keeping It Real has started. We started airing our first new episodes, in about 6 months, last week.

It is my third season of the show, and it feels good to be back. I am content producing this season, and working with my awesome team again. Noluthando Meje is still hosting, and we have big visions - so do join us.

Keeping It Real airs every Tuesday at 16:30 on SABC2.

All4Women Articles

2010-09-07T12:25:00.004+02:00

Some of you may have noticed the new little banner on the right of this site. It will take you to my archive on All4Women - a free South African online women's magazine that is updated daily. I am now one of their intern writers, so I will be contributing pieces weekly for the next few months.

I have missed writing regularly, so it's great to be back in the swing of it. Please check it out regularly to get my latest contributions. Thus far I have written 3 articles:

- Single Women, Who Aren't You Dating?

- Local Designers for Less?

- On Mating and Money

You can click here to read my contributions.

Dot Com

2010-08-06T12:09:00.005+02:00

So it's probably long overdue, but after 5 years on BlogSpot I have finally secured my personal URL.

I am happy to announce that this website can now be accessed at www.twanjikalula.com.

Expect new bells and whistles soon, and remember to keep stopping by to find out what I'm up to.

Caught In A Rad Bromance

2010-08-02T12:25:00.002+02:00

My cool friend Rebecca recently quoted me in an article she wrote for the All4Women website. If you ever wanted to know whether your man was caught in a bromance give it a read.

Check out some of their other articles - it's a pretty cool site.

'Is Your Man Caught In A Rad Bromance?'

The Pink Tongue - July 2010

2010-07-01T08:40:00.005+02:00

So after a relatively long hiatus, I am back in print, having some fun, and writing again.

Check out my first article for The Pink Tongue newspaper, called 'My Dad Is Stronger Than Your Dad' on page 18 of the July 2010 issue.

The newspaper is freely distributed around South Africa. Visit www.pinktongue.co.za to find out where you can pick up a copy.

Reading at The Bay Bookshop

2010-06-20T06:46:00.005+02:00

I will be doing a reading from 'Yes, I Am', alongside some of the other contributors, at The Bay Bookshop this week. The shop is an intimate, independent book store on Level 1 in the New Cape Quarter shopping centre in Green Point, Cape Town.

If you haven't been to a reading yet, it's certainly time you pulled through. It will happen at 5.30 for 6pm on Wednesday, 23 June - the day before my birthday. It's a beautiful venue. To RSVP email capequarter@baybookshop.co.za or call 021 421 1301.

Also, if you have visited the shop, you will now see that 'Yes, I Am' is now available at selected Exclusive Books branches. Big YAY!

Buy 'Yes, I Am'

2010-05-19T10:17:00.006+02:00

The 'Yes, I Am' experience has been so fantastic. I know that I have personally received so much positive feedback, and the publishers have also been inundated with many positive responses. Thank you to everyone who is supporting this amazing project.

Many people are asking me where they can get copies of 'Yes, I Am' - so here are the details:

Cape Town:

Clarke's Bookstore

The Book Lounge, Roeland Street

Folio Books, Newlands

The Baxter Theatre Bookshop

The Fugard Theatre Bookshop

Johannesburg:

Boekehuis

Thorold's

Pietermaritzburg:

Book World - Cascades

Postal:

If you would like to order a copy, and get it posted to you - email: info.junkets@iafrica.com

Download the E-Book:

Lulu.Com - click here

I will keep updating this list with more options, as they become available.

'Yes, I Am' - Reading

2010-05-02T14:49:00.008+02:00

Pictured with Emma Du Preez, Carmia Lureman and Tatum Strauss

The launch of 'Yes, I Am' went really well. I was overwhelmed by how many of my friends squeezed themselves into the book lounge to come and support me. It was also great to spend time with Ashraf, Robin and all the other amazing writers who made it happen. The book looks great, and received so much love on the night. Thanks to everyone who is supporting this venture

For those of you who missed out, I will doing a full reading from the book this week - with a couple of the other authors:

Date: Tuesday, 4 May 2010

Time: 6 for 6.30pm

Venue: 207 Main Road, Newlands, Cape Town

Please RSVP: email foliobooks@storm.co.za ASAP to book your place.

The Sunday Independent showed me, and some of the other authors, some love last week. All I can say is 'WOW!' Click Here to read about it.

'Yes, I Am' is currently available at the following Cape Town book stores: The Book Lounge, Folio Books, Clarke's Bookshop, The Baxter Theatre and The Fugard Theatre. I will let you know more about where you can get copies as soon as I get further info.

Launch - 'Yes, I am'

2010-04-26T09:32:00.009+02:00

'Yes, I am' - the new book compiled by Robin Malan & Ashraf Johaardien that features contributions by 43 writers, including myself, will be officially launched on Thursday, 29th April 2010. A number of the Cape Town-based contributors will be reading excerpts from their contributions at the launch, as part of a 'ping parade'. I will be there to do a little reading for y'all. See the details below:

Date: Thursday, 29 April 2010

Time: 5.30 for 6pm

Venue: The Book Lounge - cnr Roeland & Buitenkant Streets, Cape Town

PLEASE RSVP: email booklounge@gmail.com ASAP to book your place.

The book got a great review in The Cape Times on Friday. I got a special mention, which is so humbling when I consider how many contributors there are, and the calibre of their writing abilities. In her red-eye column, Suzy Bell described the collection as "an absolute gem of a collection". She goes on to say, "The contributors are established talent like the eloquent author Damon Galgut, Sir Antony Sher, the late K Sello Duiker, Pieter-Dirk Uys and wonderful emerging talent." She ends off with, "Noteworthy entries include Zackie Achmat’s ‘A boy grows up in Salt River’ and Twanji Kalula’s ‘It’s none of your business’."

Please RSVP if you would like to attend the launch. The book will be on sale at the event. I will be posting details about another reading I will be doing from the book shortly, and let you know where it will be on sale.

Sportsnite

2010-04-08T11:08:00.006+02:00

Tonight will see another show I have had the privilege of working on hit the airwaves. The show is called Sportsnite, and it is a talk show that will air weekly on SABC2 from tonight. Think of it as a Jay Leno-type late night talk show, but instead of celebrities as guests we have stars from the sporting world.

Our goal is to ease ourselves into the weekend, by meeting the personalities behind the sports stars and find out who they are and what they do in their downtime. This lifestyle chat show uses a multi-sport platform appealing to all sports fans.

Trusted with hosting the show is Mr Bouga Luv - Kabelo. The

Kora Award-winning musician recently completed the Two Oceans marathon in Cape Town, and is ready to take on this new challenge. The TKZee star is a big sports fan, and will bring his unique flavour to this decidedly different talk show. In fact he already has - he just recorded the theme music for the series.

Please join us for episode one, tonight at 21:30 on SABC2. We chat to 7's players Mzwandile Stick and Kyle Brown, street-style soccer champ Chris Njokwana and SA women's hockey captain, Marsha Marescia.

Sportsnite airs every Friday at 21:30 on SABC2.

London Road

2010-04-04T10:36:00.012+02:00

Happy Easter everyone! I have had such an amazing long weekend - and it's not over yet... After going out for two nights in a row, I opted to have a me-day yesterday and slow the pace down a little.

Yesterday evening I headed to the intimate Kalk Bay Theatre to watch London Road, a play written by my good friend; award-winning playwright Nicholas Spagnoletti. It was so worth the long drive, the show is so amazing and I couldn't be prouder of him. I have such talented friends.

On that note, the play is about friendship. The very different challenges that the two characters face ultimately leads to an unlikely friendship that is incredibly heart-warming. Robyn Scott is fantastic and funny in her role as Rosa, and the absolutely beautiful Ntombi Makhutshi delivers a great performance as Stella. The show is directed by acclaimed director Lara Bye. The production is simple, and driven purely by performance. The name of the game here is talent, and everyone involved clearly brought a large slice of it to the table.

You must see this play if you get a chance. I haven't enjoyed a theatre production this much in a while. Visit www.londonroad.co.za for more info.

Music of the Moment: It's been a while since I shared some music with you all... I am keeping it local this time. I have always loved Thembi Seete, she has such an amazing personality and spirit. Just got my hands on her latest album, Music Is My Life, and despite some of its juvenile moments, I am loving a lot of the tracks. As always she has collaborated with some amazing producers. It's a mix of House, Pop, Kwaito, and R'nB. The hit single 'Free' is probably my favourite, but I am also loving her new single, 'Get Down and Lose It' ft Denim - give it a spin kids.

Sport Relief Mile: South Africa

2010-03-20T22:07:00.004+02:00

This year has proven to be a year of new opportunities. I am working on the television production crew of the first ever Sport Relief Mile: South Africa 2010 for the BBC. Basically, it is a South African version of the amazing variety show and event that is held in the UK to raise money for charity. In the UK, this biennial event just raised 29 million pounds for charity. We're hoping we can raise a similar amount of money for Childline South Africa. The South African mile will be run in Cape Town.

The television special is hosted by the beautiful and multi-talented Tammy-Anne Fortuin, with the addition of British football legend Alan Shearer and Olympic double-gold champion athlete, Dame Kelly Holmes. The three of them are fantastic to work with - absolute stars. The special features some of the worlds top musicians, and personalities from BBC's favourite shows.

Please catch the show on BBC Entertainment Africa on Sunday, 21 March at 7.30pm and remember to donate as much as you can to this worthy cause.

Pink Tongue

2010-03-10T10:50:00.006+02:00

The release date of Yes I am is getting closer and the hype is getting bigger. The book got a great preview in the 'Book Review' section of the March edition of the Pink Tongue newspaper. To check it out visit www.pinktongue.co.za and find out where you can get your free copy.

So amazing to be published by a legendary publisher, alongside so many great writers. More details around the book and the launch to follow soon.

Yes, I Am

2010-02-15T09:25:00.004+02:00

[Just in - Yes, I Am Press Release]

compiled by Ashraf Johaardien and Robin Malan

cover by Andrew Putter

Taking its cue from ‘the first time’, this is a collage of

what it’s like to be South African, and male, and gay.

The experiences of some forty writers come together, in

stories, poems, letters, diary-entries, SMSes and emails …

Among the stories they tell are of first love in the face of

colour legislation that outlaws it, love that blossoms despite

religious injunctions against it, a chance finding of a condom

in the jacket pocket of a life partner, the sheer fun of being

young and gay in an early-morning that makes Cape Town

look gorgeous …

Brushing shoulders with a swathe of new and emerging

writers are two actor Knights (Sir Antony Sher and Sir Nigel

Hawthorne), two winners of the Alan Paton Non-Fiction

Award (Edwin Cameron and Jonny Steinberg), the

Dean of Cape Town Rowan Q Smith, novelists Damon

Galgut, André Carl van der Merwe, Gerald Kraak and

K Sello Duiker, legendary TAC activist Zackie Achmat,

theatre director David Lan, literary agent Tony Peake,

playwrights Peter Krummeck, Nicholas Spagnoletti and

Pieter Jacobs, arts journalist Shaun de Waal, imam Muhsin

Hendricks, defrocked and then reinstated DRC minister

Laurie Gaum, Delmas Treason Trialist Simon Nkoli, actor

Blaise Koch … and the alter-ego of that phantom

ex-Ambassadress Evita Bezuidenhout, Pieter-Dirk Uys.

Among the newer voices are Fabian Ah-Sing, Shaundré

Balie, Fourie Botha, Alisdair Campbell, Kyle Carson, Steve

Colborne, Peter Damm, Roger Diamond, Pieter Fourie,

Imraan Jaffer, Twanji Kalula, Kai Lossgott, Drummond

Marais, Mothusi Mathibe, Andy Mullins, Marius Roux,

Tshetlo Selebalo, Werner Ungerer, Digby Watson,

and Rahiem Whisgary.

To be published by:

Junkets Publishers 11 Winchester Road Mowbray 7700

email info.junkets@iafrica.com

Tel +27 21 448 7186 Cell +27 76 169 2789
http://junketspublisher.blogspot.com
http://playscriptseries.blogspot.com

Publication date: 29 April 2010

ISBN 978-0-520-45828-3

Soft cover perfect bound 176 pages 137 x 210 mm

Retail price R140.00

Exit Newspaper - February 2010

2010-01-25T09:04:00.007+02:00

I just found out that the first bit of publicity for a new book project I am involved in has just surfaced. The book is called Yes I am! and is edited by Robin Malan. You can find out more about that on page 2 of the current issue (February 2010) of Exit Newspaper. Get your free copy out and about in South Africa's major cities.

For more info visit www.exit.co.za

Marilyn's Musing

2010-01-17T16:54:00.005+02:00

My friend Lutho posted this quote on my Facebook Wall, and it has been lingering in my mind ever since. I don't know why I find it so profound, but I do, so I am gonna share it with y'all!

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."
- Marilyn Monroe

MCQP 2009

2010-01-05T10:30:00.004+02:00

Happy New Year everyone. I am back in Cape Town after a great break in Plettenberg Bay with my family and a few friends. I am back at work to start a new exciting project tomorrow.

Just wanted to post this photo of me at MCQP 2009 a few weeks ago. MCQP is a huge annual costume party held in Cape Town every year. After 2008's disaster my friends and I decided to give it another go. The theme was The Toolbox Project, and we went as an elite specialised chauffeur service called 'The Screw Drivers' (figure it out). It was such an awesome evening. I was with some of my best friends and one of my favourite local music acts Flash Republic performed. Tamara Dey, Craig Massiv and Ryan Dent were so awesome together, and performed many tracks including my favourites: 'Robot', 'Star' and 'Twister'.

More from me soon...

Festive Feasting

2009-12-28T15:06:00.004+02:00

[Originally written on Saturday, 26.12.2009]

So this post will only get to you a few days later, because I am on holiday in Plettenberg Bay with the family – so there is no readily available internet connection.

In the last few weeks my dedication to my gym schedule has been paying off, and I was heading in a direction worthy of a saucy magazine cover. So when I found out that I wouldn’t be able to head to the gym for two weeks over the festive period I got a little nervous because I knew that with all the food on offer all my hard work would probably melt away,

I decided to embark on a feast of a different kind, and nourish my need for literature. In addition to doing all the regular seaside holiday things, I have opted to binge on books and feast on films. While indulging in series marathons over the last few months, I just hadn’t made the time to read a good book or watch an entire film in a while. Reading has always been a pastime for me, but this year I have really read a shamefully low number of books.

Upon a recommendation by my friend, amazing make-up artist Gayle Hansby, I got hold of Julie and Julia – a movie based on a couple of books that are focused on food. It showcases part of the life of one of America’s first innovative celebrity chefs – the quirky Julia Childs – as she carves out her career in the 40s and 50s. Simultaneously it follows blogger Julie Powell as she dedicates an entire year to cooking over 500 recipes in Julia’s first classic French Cookbook decades later. I really enjoyed it, and it made me want to start writing again. I loved the parallel narratives, enjoyed the performances and really liked the film. It stars Meryl Streep, who will always be in a league of her own, and the underrated Amy Adams – who has managed to deliver a number of great performances over the years.

While watching my waistline, I decided to catch up on my reading and stumbled across celebrity chef Nigel Slater’s autobiography ‘Toast’, which was on a bookshelf of the house I am staying in. Other than selling his cookbooks when I worked at a bookstore, I don’t know him from Adam - but decided to give him a chance. It was so strange to go from watching a film, to reading a book that seemingly centered on boeuf bourguignon. I read the book in less than a day, and absolutely enjoyed it. I really liked the way he wrote it in relation to what he is best known for. I related to a lot of his childhood experiences. It was honest, it was hilarious and delightful.

So yes, I have eaten more than I should have this festive season, but less than I could have – which is a feat on my part. My advice for staying in shape over the festive season is to supplement your diet with food related non-fiction.

A belated Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Monkey Nuts

2009-12-11T11:20:00.003+02:00

I think I've written about every show they have done, but it's because they are that good. Husband an wife team Geraldine Naidoo and Matthew Ribnick are back with their new hilarious one-man show Monkey Nuts. Following the same formula as their previous hits Chilli Boy and Hoot, Matthew introduces us to an array of crazy characters as he tells the story of an anti-social guy who finds himself in need of a few friends - fast.

I find watching Matthew a bit exhausting, because he puts so much energy into the performance - and really takes you on a journey. He is such a good character actor, and seamlessly flows from one accent and demeanor to the next. Based on the fact that I loved his previous shows, when I was invited to this show I instantly said yes.

I chatted to his director/producer/writer wife Geraldine after the show. She told me that she wrote the show under pressure, and had the title before she even had a storyline. The things we never know... it's a great piece - and definitely helped ease me into the festive season.

If you are in the Cape Town area the check out Monkey Nuts at The Baxter Theatre. You can get tickets from Computicket and it runs here until the 9th of January.

FIFA Madness

2009-12-04T18:11:00.003+02:00

It's so strange, because I knew that the World Cup was coming to South Africa this coming year, but didn't realise what an impact it would have on the city. The draw is taking place in Cape Town tonight, and the entire world has descended on the city.

I worked on SABC 2's daily live youth show Hectic Nine-9 today, and we did a live crossing to Long Street - which is just down the road, where numerous festivities are taking place. It was madness, but really nice to capture the energy of the event for the entire nation to see.

I stepped out of the studio to get lunch and saw David Beckham at Nando's! I think it hit me then that this World Cup thing is real - and that it really means a lot to many people. I am not a soccer fan, but might as well roll with it. After all, it's going to change night life in Cape Town for a little while.

Off to party at the Long Street festival. It's pumping. Come if you can.

My Spirit Sisters

2009-11-29T17:58:00.005+02:00

This year may have brought along many hardships, but it has also opened up many new opportunities. One of these new opportunities has been writing the inspirational women's lifestyle magazine show The Power Within, which airs on SABC3. It has given me the opportunity to work with and learn from the women who run Spirit Sister Productions, write for a different audience and explore new content.

When the Spirit Sisters were putting together their new website, they asked me to help them out with the copy. The website is finally up-and-running, so visit www.spiritsister.co.za to find out more about these fabulous women and the work that they do.

You can catch the current season of The Power Within every Saturday morning at 10:40 on SABC3, until the beginning of January.

Staying with inspiring women, HIV-positive singer Tender Mavundla was recently interviewed for Keeping It Real. She has been one of my favourite guests this year. The episode will be airing on World Aids Day, which is this Tuesday, 1 December on SABC2 at 15:30. Don't miss it - it is such a goodie!

Strife

2009-11-24T16:55:00.008+02:00

I know that we're friends and everything, but I actually think I am going to start charging Lutho Somdyala for each mention one of his projects get on this blog. He just really has his stuff together and is dominating right now. We have both come a long way from our days of guzzling box wine in his res room - so I am always so proud to talk about what he's up to.

Hot off his gig as MC of this year's SA Style Awards, we recently attended the premiere of an AFDA Honours student film he starred in called Strife. It's a short film, with relatively high production values and an engaging narrative. It was written and directed by William Nicholson, and co-stars another one of my friends - Mandi Yengo. They both really studied their characters, and give great performances. Our friend Maqhawe and I laughed throughout the film at Lutho's ill-fitting trousers, but other than that it was 24 minutes well-spent. It is being showcased at select cinemas, and will probably be broadcast on MNET, so look out for it.

You can also catch Lutho every week on the new season of The Style Report, every Thursday at 21:00 on the eNews Channel (403 on DSTV).

On my side I am really trying to take it easy at the moment. Some big changes, new challenges and exciting projects planned for the beginning of next year, so my POA for the moment is rest, relax and prepare.

Music Monday

2009-11-16T18:53:00.008+02:00

It has been a while since I last blogged - but I swear I am going to try to do it more. I got a message from a friend, who lives on the other side of the world, and he was hating on me because I haven't written anything entertainment related in a while. I have been spending some time on Twitter <click here to follow me> and decided to use it as inspiration for this post, by holding my own variation of a #musicmonday.

I have been doing a lot of reading online, and many music fans are not happy with the amount of effort many record labels are putting into promoting their artists' latest efforts at the moment. It seems like the recession is killing publicity and marketing departments. Often coming under fire in many of the articles and blogs I have read is the Island Def Jam group. Undoubtedly geared up to promote battered beauty Rihanna's latest album, Rated R - out this week - could they be neglecting some of their more substantial talents?

It's no secret that I enjoy a large dose of RnB and Pop, among many many other things when it comes to my taste in music. Two albums that I am really enjoying have both been relatively commercially disappointing to their creators, despite being critically acclaimed. Incidentally both of them were released in the last few weeks by the Island Def Jam group, and seem to be slipping under the radar.

Amerie - In Love & War

One of the most beautiful and intelligent female performers in commercial music, Amerie first caught my attention in a bad way when she covered 'I'm Coming Out' for the soundtrack of the 2003 film Maid In Manhattan. I had never heard a voice like hers on the radio, and dismissed it as a shocking attempt at making music. Thereafter she did a couple of hip hop duets, and I slowly warmed up to her unconventional vocal abilities. In 2005 her smash hit single '1 Thing' caught everyone off guard, and even became my ring tone for a year. I then invested in her album, and have been a huge fan of her unique DC/go-go infused sexy sound ever since. It's RnB, it's Rock, it's Soul, it's Edgy, it's Amerie. Like a true groupie, I now own all the albums of the woman who has some of the hottest dance moves in the biz.

Her new album is her fourth collection, and it is great. She is an extremely underrated musician, despite the fact that she is very different from the other female artists in her genre. Her sound is distinct and the fact that she is heavily involved in the writing and production of her music is evident. What I like about Amerie is that she is a bit of a nerd. Beyond shaking her derriere, and flexing her incredibly long legs she has a business degree, and real opinions on serious world issues. She doesn't look desperate to conform to her entertainment industry peers. I am sold. Her new album is aptly called 'In Love & War'. It's a high-energy, diverse effort in my opinion. My favourite tracks include 'Heard 'Em All', 'Why R U', 'Swag Back', 'The Flowers' and 'Tell Me You Love Me'.

Mariah Carey - Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel

Okay, so you either adore Mariah Carey or you absolutely hate her. I happen to enjoy her - and her antics. I think OTT behaviour is totally acceptable if you can back it up with talent - so a toast to the obsession with butterflies, the short dresses and the ability to sing notes that most people can't fathom. Unlike the rest of the world, I was kept in the loop about this record by my good friend and kinda colleague Karl Ryan (who writes the amazing motoring blog MotorMouth). He is Mariah's biggest fan and gave me daily updates from the moment news around the first single first surfaced.

I personally find this to be one of her most engaging albums. Lacklustre on a first listen, it takes a while to appreciate what this collection of songs really is. It feels like a concept album. Gone are the bells and whistles, and what Mariah has delivered this time is a collection of good old fashioned RnB tracks, with an urban edge. It feels like a very personal album, with sincere lyrics and a lot of soul. I enjoy it from start to finish. I do enjoy all her records, in particular 'Butterfly' and 'Charmbracelet' - which are in a similar vein. Some people are calling it her best album since 'Butterfly' 12 years ago - and I am inclined to agree. The critics generally agree with my verdict. There are few stand-out chart toppers, but it is so cohesive that I feel like it deserves to be called an album. We get so confused by the world' album', because it has simply come to mean a collection of songs without necessarily having any form of an artistic concept.

Anyway, you don't have to love it, but I do. Favourite tracks include Betcha Gon' Know, Candy Bling, Obsessed, H.A.T.E.U, More Than Just Friends, Angels Cry, Languishing and her cover of Foreigner's I Want To Know What Love Is.

It may just be that music is changing, piracy is a problem and these artists are no longer meeting the expectations of the masses. Either way I respect that creative people need to experiment and explore, and sometimes we like it and sometimes we don't. Neither artist in this case needs the money, so whether it is a hit or a miss is more a concern for their labels and sales-obsessed fans. Def Jam will be releasing Janet Jackson's latest Greatest Hits collection in 3 hours. She has yet to have a huge album since she joined their stable. Let's hope that they can promote this project properly and prove that they still have what it takes to take home platinum discs.

Happy Music Monday everyone - feel free to let me know which records I just have to give a spin this summer.

The New Boy

2009-11-01T13:06:00.004+02:00

If you grew up reading and loving Adrian Mole, then you have to go and see this play. It's a good laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed it for what it was. The ladies and lady-boys also loved the male nudity in it! I definitely think that it inspired me to spend more time in the gym.

The play is based on a novel by William Sutcliffe, and was adapted for the stage by Russell Labey. Hot off its run in the UK, the local version stars Stephen Jubber, Clive Gilson, Dylan Edy and the very talented Nicole Franco. It's a great comedy about teenage angst, finding yourself etc. - we've all been there.

If it sounds like your thing check it out at The Newspace Theatre in Cape Town. It runs until 14th November.

Soul Magazine

2009-10-12T22:19:00.008+02:00

It's definitely been a while, I have been hard at work trying to make the most of the uncertain times we are in and adapt to change.

My views on the always controversial Khanyisile Mbau were recently published alongside those of a few local celebrities and readers of Soul Magazine. She has been doing the rounds lately to promote her latest antics, so I couldn't resist sharing my views when the folk at the magazine asked.

To find out what I think of South Africa's self-proclaimed answer to Paris Hilton check out on pages 20-22 in the current issue of Soul Magazine. It's available at most South African retail stores now.

KIR - SA Cinema Episode Promo

2009-10-01T09:26:00.004+02:00

This is a promo that you may have seen on TV for our Keeping It Real episode titled SA Cinema. Our motion graphics team had loads of fun making this one. If you don't blink you may see my award-winning cameo.

Please keep catching us on SABC2 at 15:30 every Tuesday.

Sindiwe Magona on Keeping It Real

2009-08-22T11:33:00.007+02:00

The great thing about doing a talk show is that you get to meet some amazing people from different walks of life. You are given the license to pick up your phone and call whoever you want. We recently recorded a show with acclaimed South African author Sindiwe Magona. She has lived an amazing life, and is such a captivating speaker and wise woman. Her first book, and autobiography, 'To My Children's Children' is still in print after 20 years and has been celebrated around the world.

Throughout the show she had the audience captivated, but she said something that was really profound during one of the breaks - when the cameras were not rolling. I want to share it with you. I am paraphrasing a bit, but I have captured the gist of what she was saying. She told the audience that they could forget everything else she said if they wanted, but they must walk away with three pieces of advice:

1) Stay in school: Get an education. Don't even consider leaving school until you have a piece of paper that says that you are qualified to do something, and entitles you to a job. Whether it is a certificate to say that you're a plumber or a degree to say you're a professor. A job is a job. But make sure you stay in school and get one.

2) Stay drug free: If you want a future, stay away from drugs. There is nothing that drugs can possibly add to your lives.

3) Stay child free: Until you are able to provide them with an upbringing in a home of your own. Every child deserves to be given every opportunity to excel in their lives, and this does not come from being raised in your grandparents house. Our children are our children. We don't have children to leave them to be raised by our parents. Make sure you have your own home, your own income and then you are in a position to give our children everything they deserve.

I know it sounds like pretty obvious advice... and it is, but given the challenges facing youth around the world it is important advice. These are the areas in which we are faltering as young people, and in doing so we are dooming our children's children. I was left so inspired by her visit to our show - you have to watch the episode.

The episode of Keeping It Real featuring her will air at 15:30 on Tuesday, 24 November 2009 on SABC2. Diarise it!

Joburg and The Durban July

2009-07-19T17:42:00.006+02:00

At the beginning of this month I took a week off from all the madness, and went up to Johannesburg. In this business, JHB is often referred to as the "place to be", so I guess I was also checking it out and seeing whether I am ready to take it on yet. I am a Cape Town boy at heart!

I went up to visit my friend Munene. She studies in Scotland, and is originally from Joburg, so she was home for the holiday. I ended up spending a lot of the time on a laptop and on the phone working.

We headed on a mini road trip to Durban for the weekend. It's a 6 hour drive. I don't generally do well on the road, but it wasn't too bad. We went down for the Durban July, which was awesome.

The Durban July is an annual horse racing event. It's always fun to get dressed up and party with gamblers, socialites and celebrities. We were in a great tent this year, which was being MC'ed by one of my favourite columnists, Kuli Roberts. The music was amazing. I will admit that I only watched one horse race, and didn't put any money down.

This year's theme was 'Games People Play', and Munene and I did a colour co-ordinated number of red, white and black inspired by the playing card. I am pictured above at The DBN July with my friends Fundi, Thobile and Ntonhle. It was great to see a lot of my friends form around the country at the event.

I spent a couple of days back in Johannesburg, and got to spend some time with my amazing friends who live there. I think half my friends are based there! I worked throughout my mini 'vay-kay', but it was festive none-the-less. Nice to get away from the busy schedule and daily routine. Helped me get into a good space again and re-evaluate what I am doing, which is always fantastic. I loved every moment, but I also really love my life in Cape Town.

The Power Within

2009-07-17T10:48:00.006+02:00

I have recently become involved in another TV project. The weekly magazine television show, The Power Within is now in it’s second season on SABC3, and I have had the pleasure of being asked to write the script for the show on a freelance basis.

Presented by the beautiful Vanessa Marawa, it is such an uplifting, inspirational show, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to spread my wings and do something different - in addition to my existing projects. It is very different being involved at this level, because I do so much more on Keeping It Real, but at the same time writing the script really gives me the opportunity to take other people’s work and put it together – which is a great task.

I have written four episodes thus far, the second of which is airing tomorrow.

Catch The Power Within, every Saturday at 11am, on SABC3.

21+1

2009-06-27T13:02:00.006+02:00

I celebrated the first anniversary of my 21st birthday on the 24th June. Apparently I am now 22 years old. After much introspection I have decided that I am as old as my state of mind. So eternally 17 it is...

Age-related crises aside, I celebrated getting older with one of my best friends Lutho Somdyala, who turned 21 on the 22nd. We had a joint celebration with all of our friends at Neighbourhood, on Long Street in Cape Town, earlier this month. Loads of people came out, and it was a great to see everyone. 22 is all about two's, so I decided that two celebrations were in order, and had a smaller more intimate gathering at Babbo in Claremont on Wednesday evening. If Paris can do it, so can I!

Thanks to all my friends around the world for the awesome birthday love, and all those of you who sent me emails, tweets and messages. I feel the love, and it's much appreciated.

And in more sombre news:

RIP Farah Fawcett - Brave till the end! What a life, what an inspiration.

RIP Michael Jackson - I was not a huge fan, but you had some awesome tracks. A true artist's genius is not measured by their temperament, but by the body of work they leave behind. You have inspired many of my favourite performers, so thank you for your contribution to music. Earth Song! My thoughts are with your children.

Promo Video

2009-06-20T20:03:00.007+02:00

You guys know I am all about Keeping It Real these days! This is the first video I have ever uploaded onto youtube (more will come).

It's our beautiful generic promo for the show - filmed in HD, which captures the spirit of our show. We shot it last year and I think we're closer to epitomising the spirit of it this year. Did you know that Noluthando Meje, the host of the show and former Idols finalist, is the female vocalist and the rap is done by Thabo Mataboge - one of our directors? "Well if you don't know, now you know ******!"

Keeping It Real - Season 4 Premieres

2009-06-06T13:12:00.004+02:00

For those of you who watch the show - you will know that this week we aired the first episode of the new season of Keeping It Real. It is my second season as the researcher/scriptwriter, and the show's fourth season overall. It's such a great opportunity to get to produce a show like Keeping it Real. I am learning so much about the industry and get to meet so many amazing and talented people. Season 3 saw the show grow develop and we are continuing to build on that success.

Due to staffing changes I have had to put a lot more of myself into the new season - and I think it is becoming more personal for me as a result. Noluthando Meje is fantastic as the host, I am really enjoying working with her. Her intelligence, vibrant personality and natural beauty are really shining through this season. We have an amazing team that help us put the show together.

So please join us for the next 39 weeks! That's Mzansi's favourite youth talk show - Keeping It Real every Tuesday at 16:30 on SABC2's Q.Base-28.

Sister Breyani

2009-05-10T11:13:00.003+02:00

I went to the opening of a fun play called Sister Breyani at the Baxter Theatre last night. It tells the story of five sisters who decide to catch up and spend some time together after not a couple of years. They travel from Durban to Joburg, where they find that underlying tension and unresolved issues quickly bubble to the surface.

It is an entertaining and moving universal story written by Malika Ndlovu and directed by Lara Bye. It stars Denise Newman, Mary Daniels, Lee-Ann van Rooi, Euodia Samson and Roxanne Blaise.

Had loads of laughs... the show ends on the 30th of May. Be sure to catch it if you're in the Cape Town area.

The Style Report

2009-04-30T16:58:00.004+02:00

Tonight I am heading to the launch of a new show called The Style Report, which is produced by Nicky Greenwall and features one of my best friends in the whole wide world, Lutho Somdyala, as one of the co-anchors. If you like The Showbiz Report, you will love The Style Report. The spin-off series is produced by Nicky's Greenwall Productions

I am so super-proud of him. He is really talented, and I am glad to see how far he has come. It is a dream come true for him - and it has been great watching it happen. I am super-excited to see his work :-)

Please support my friend Lutho, catch The Style Report on the eNews Channel tonight at 9pm, and every week thereafter.

Xolisa on Keeping It Real

2009-04-28T09:47:00.004+02:00

A few weeks ago I went to the showcase of Soul Life, a new Cape Town-based Entertainment Company, that plans to revolutionise events with a mix of DJs, artists and musicians. It's a great concept and collective and I had a great time. The event was held at concept restaurant/gym, Active Sushi, which is on Loop St. in Cape Town. I didn't get to sample the sushi unfortunately, but intend to go back very soon to indulge my love of it.

One of the show's main acts is my good friend Xolisa Mvula, a singer who calls herself a Vocal Expressionist. She has an amazing voice and is a unique talent. What is a 'vocal expressionist' you may ask, according to Xolisa it is, "An artist who is able to move crowds, to change mindsets and take her audience on a journey with her."

Luckily for you, you don't have to wait for the next Soul Life showcase to check her out. She appears and performs on this week's episode of the TV show I do, Keeping It Real, which airs today. The episode also features Zah and One1Kind of Poetry Delight, and acclaimed authors Sarah Lotz and SA Partridge.

Don't miss it, today at 16:30 on SABC2.

Twanji on TV: Hip2B2

2009-04-25T20:22:00.005+02:00

It's been a while, but I'll be making a brief television appearance on Monday, 27 April on the maths and science show Hip2B2 on SABC2.

I am playing the vuvuzela, alongside the show's hosts and Pedro The Music Man, of Kideo fame. For all of us who knew Pedro from TV as kids, it's an awesome experience, because there was a time when we would have wet ourselves with excitement at the thought of seeing him live. Playing with him is an experience in a league of it's own!

I have never played a vuvuzela before, and it's great fun to make a fool out of myself. If you can't hear me - I am the one who is out of tune.

So if you're in South Africa don't miss it: Monday at 16:30 on SABC2. It's Freedom Day, so you have absolutely no excuses.

Notorious

2009-04-10T12:21:00.005+02:00

I am not going to pretend that I am into hip hop beyond a pop level, but I do have my moments. I recently watched the film Notorious, based on the life of the Notorious B.I.G - one of hip hop's legendary heavyweights. I am not really a fan, but thought I would give it a go because he has had an undeniable impact on hip hop culture. Over ten years after he was slain amid East Coast/West Coast rivalry, his music still lives on as his lyrics speak to millions of people around the world.

Now it's not even close to being the best biopic I have ever seen, but he lived a very interesting life. The film chronicles his journey from the streets of Brooklyn to the top of hip hop. It was also interesting to see characters like Lil' Kim and P.Diddy depicted in film. While the movie is not amazing, Angela Bassett is. She plays Biggie's mother in this film - and gives such a sincere and heartfelt performance.

I found the movie really fascinating and entertaining, check it out.

Music of the Moment: My song of the moment is inspired by this movie. It is Notorious BIG - Juicy. This was his breakthrough radio hit, and sampled Mtume's hit song Juicy Fruit. The original has been sampled to death, but I absolutely love the track. I am really enjoying Biggie's rendition, especially knowing the story behind the lyrics. I listen to it numerous times everyday - it's actually a problem!

Take Note: Tristan Waterkeyn

2009-03-15T21:53:00.007+02:00

The television production company I work on Keeping It Real for also co-produce a very popular daily live youth entertainment magazine show on SABC2 called Hectic Nine-9. I sometimes help out behind the scenes on this show. On Fridays the show focuses on music, and last Friday they featured a Cape Town-based singer/songwriter called Tristan Waterkeyn. Waterkeyn also runs the music and entertainment company Overtone.

I decided to blog about him because I was fascinated by a concept he has introduced to the local music industry. He considers himself a virtual busker. Basically, he has recorded an album called Hay Day, and put it online for free. Anyone can download this album, for free, and distribute it to their friends. His goal is to get his music out there, build a solid fanbase and get one million downloads. Like a real-life busker he accepts optional donations from fans of his music, and intends to use the funds to record his next album. In a generation of piracy and declining music sales, innovative thinking like this may be the way of the future. I'll be interested to know how it works out.

He gave a great performance in the Hectic Nine-9 studio. I have downloaded the album and plan to give it a proper listen soon. From the quick listen I have had, it is very mellow and acoustic - has such a great Cape Town vibe going on. You must check out a track called 'Kathrin'. Elle Magazine are comparing him to Jack Johnson - I am inclined to agree. Check him out and download the album for free (remember to make a donation if you love it) at www.tristanwaterkeyn.co.za.

Check out Hectic Nine-9 at 4pm, every weekday on SABC2.

SA BLOG AWARDS 2009 - A couple of people have suggested that I enter this year's awards. You can nominate me by following this link: www.sablogawards.com. Awards are always festive, so let's attempt to bring one home =)

2009-03-08T21:05:00.007+02:00

My friend/colleague Celeste has a tattoo on her arm saying 'next', to remind her to move on when she gets comfortable and try new things. I may not get inked anytime soon, but I love it.

I am a firm believer that one door has to close before the next one opens, but the problem comes in when it's time to choose the next door. Considering various prospects and options at the moment, and hoping that my next major undertaking is fruitful - but ya never know. It's been so frustrating. I am going to try to ignore the financial incentives and what seems safest, and do what I love most at the moment. As one friend mentioned - I am young and it is never too late to start over.Will let you know what I decide to do next soon.

I have just signed on to Twitter. I think I have probably joined quite late compared to everyone else, but it's all new to me. Add me on Twitter to keep up with the more mundane activities in Twanji Land. I still have to "sexify" the page, but jump on board in the meantime.

Music of the Moment: I am enjoying The-Dream ft. Mariah Carey - My Love. This song is The-Dream's latest single and is a catchy mellow duet. The song is on his latest album Love vs. Money, which will be released in the US this week. Ms MC is effortless on this track, adding her signature flavour to this laid back jam.

Benjamin Button

2009-03-01T23:11:00.006+02:00

I haven't been to the movies in ages! I got caught in the fastlane, but looking forward to taking things slower right now. The economic challenges are hitting this business hard, so it is important to have a balanced life and be focused right now.

Just saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I didn't really want to, but was forced to by consensus. Absolutely loved it. Great storytelling. Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond and Taraji P. Henson are superb in this film.

I also saw He's Just Not That Into You with my friend Wendy earlier this week. We had a fun time recognising real stories in us and all our friends. By no means a brilliant movie, but it's good for a brain candy binge!

SAX Appeal 2009

2009-02-11T16:30:00.005+02:00

This year's Sax Appeal magazine hits the streets of Cape Town tomorrow (Thursday, 12 Feb), and I was invited to contribute to it again. It's an honour to have been asked to write for a third year.

If you live in Cape Town please go out and get your copy - they will be everywhere! The theme of this years magazine is 'The Saxual Revolution.' It's a great initiative and all the money raised from the sale of the magazine goes to charities supported by SHAWCO.

It was a great read last year and the first time you will see me in print this year - so please go out and get yourself a copy.

For more info visit: http://www.saxappeal.co.za

Tempest

2009-01-23T15:45:00.004+02:00

Last night I attended the opening of The Tempest at The Baxter Theatre in Cape Town. This adaptation of William Shakespeare's last play stars legendary theatre actors Sir Anthony Sher and John Kani. The ensemble cast is also great, featuring the likes of Tinarie van wyk Loots, Lionel Newton, Nicholas Pauling and others.

The show was given an African flavour with its chorus, and got a little something extra with the addition of a live music band and creative costumes and props. If you have the chance to attend this show you must. Seeing Kani and Sher share a stage for the first time is an experience that is worth having.

The show runs at The Baxter Theatre until 6 February 2009, before moving on to a UK tour.

Wisdom

2009-01-19T10:11:00.004+02:00

Last Tuesday I went under the knife, not for anything cosmetic yet, but for the extraction of 4 impacted wisdom teeth and another minor procedure relating to my jaw. As a result I have spent the last week in bed, swolen and in a daze because of all the meds I was taking to ensure that I felt nothing. Anyone who has had this procedure knows that it is a little uncomfortable, and a diet of liquids and soft foods is hardly inspiring. The price I pay for being at the top end of evolution :)

That said, I have enjoyed being in bed for a week, watching loads of TV and TV series on DVD. The irony is that I work in television, but never have time to watch TV. It's been so bad - I have watched entire seasons of numerous programmes. I have watched Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Gossip Girl, Ugly Betty, Queer as Folk, Entourage, Dirty Sexy Money, The Simple Life and Brothers & Sisters - to name a few off hand. An overdose of brain candy - thanks to my local DVD store.

The time out was also good in terms of giving me time to think about last year, and the past, and this year... It has left me feeling so optimistic about what I could do. It's all about letting go of what happened, taking the lessons we learn and moving on. I am keen to get back to work and back to life and dominate this year!

Reading Matters: I haven't spent all my time watching TV, I just finished reading Capitalist Nigger by Chika Onyeani. I had it on my bookshelf for like a year. It is such a controversial book, but provides some interesting points to think about. Nigerian author Onyeani challenges black Africans and African-Americans about the fact that black people continue to find themselves at the bottom end of the economic food chain. Read it and let me know what you think.

I have just started reading Goldie Hawn's book, A Lotus Grows in the Mud. It's also been on my bookshelf for ages. I bought it because I loved the title. It's an interesting take on writing an autobiography or memoir, because it's not chronological and more about life lessons than anything else. I am finding it a pleasant and refreshing read.

Happy New Year

2009-01-11T10:04:00.008+02:00

I know it is quite a late post, but i have been enjoying all that Cape Town has to offer over the last few weeks. I have been on leave, so it has been great to sleep in and go out and do whatever I want to do, whenever I want to, for the first time in many many months.

It has always struck me how important it is for many people to have the new year come around for the purpose of making resolutions. In the past I have been big on resolutions, but as one friend pointed out recently, we can make change in our lives at any point and should not need symbolic interval markers, like a new year or birthday, to do it. I do believe in making changes throughout the year, but have secretly been anticipating 2009, because 2008 was a rough year. I finally finished all the studying I had planned to do for the moment, I started my first full time 9-5 in the media industry and was faced with numerous personal and inter-personal challenges, which made '08 a tough, but balanced year with a large number of learning experiences.

I looked forward to 2009 because I wanted that clear break. I want to be better to myself, make better choices. I want to be more aggressive in ensuring that I am pursuing my passions and actively working on the projects I want to work on. I want to strike a balance between all the aspects of my life: my work, my social life, sleeping and de-stressing, my health and my relationships. So this year I am not committing to a list of resolutions, but I am committing to being good to myself. In the words of my friend Asanda Maku, I am ready for 'Two Thousand and Shine'.

I have no doubt it will be a bumpy ride, Happy New Year everyone.

Movies of the Moment: One of the things I hadn't done in ages was go to the cinema or write about films on this blog. It is something I really enjoy doing, so while I have been on leave I have tried to do it a couple of times. The first film I saw, not by choice, was Twilight. Surprisingly I found myself enjoying the film, despite the fact that it had some of the most shockingly bad acting I have ever seen on the big screen. I now understand why the series of books that inspired this film have become such a cult phenomenon, though I won't be scrambling to read them anytime soon.

I also managed to see Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. I love Michael Cera. I love his on-screen persona and what that brings to the tone of the films he acts in. Essentially he plays the same character in most of his films, but that's just fine! I enjoyed this movie, but I think it was purely because of its tone. The storyline is so simple and so predictable, but the cast is good enough to keep viewers entertained.

I really wasn't keen on seeing Australia last night. I had only heard negative things about it and the media was calling it Nicole Kidman's latest addition to a string of flops. I must say that I did enjoy the film overall. I think it had some great moments and was beautiful to watch - director Baz Luhrmann's trademark. That said, it had way too many climaxes and was a little too long. I felt like I had been through an experience after watching it - which I guess is what epics are supposed to do to you. Perhaps it was a little too epic. The film's stars Kidman and Hugh Jackman had great chemistry which helped carry the film. I am glad i saw it, but don't think I'll see it again.

I would check them all out.

MCQP 2008

2009-01-06T08:43:00.006+02:00

I went to this year's Mother City Queer Project, which is an annual costume party that occurs in Cape Town. This year it was held on Saturday, 20 December, 2008. It took some convincing to get me there, but I went - and as always, I am glad I did. It was definitely an experience - a very mixed experience, but we all know that life is all about new experiences.

I am pictured above (looking incredibly cheesy) with drag artist Odidiva, who performed at the event alongside CODA and Melanie Louw among others. I was impressed with some of the creativity of the costumes. This year's theme was 'Lights, Camera, Action' and there were loads of fantastic creations, with Brokeback Mountain and Playboy Bunnies being the most common ideas. A nice touch was my favourite South African TV entertainment journalist, Nicky Greenwall was even on hand, interviewing everyone on the red carpet as the entered the party, which was on a closed-off Harrington Street.

In my frantic, last-minute search for a costume I went as a KISS groupie - a poor effort on my part! It was the easiest thing to do at the time.

There was a little drama involved, which really killed the evening for me. I wrote an article about the bad experience for MyNews24 - and it garnered some very mixed responses. My article became MyNews24's Top Read article for the week, garnering over 3000 hits and 70 responses. I am just happy that it got out there and got people talking. Take a read and tell me what you think - be sure to read the readers' comments at the end of the article:

http://www.news24.com/News24/MyNews24/Your_story/0,,2-2127-2128_2445160,00.html

Okay, so I received some passionate messages about the article - I didn't respond individually - but here is a brief summary about where I was coming from. I generally steer clear from talking about anything too controversial but sometimes you have to speak up.

I am glad that the article had such a mixed response.

What strikes me most is how people feel about their race in the new South Africa, and how little is actually being said. So clearly, many people are disgruntled, but don't vocalise these things. I was addressing one experience with one individual and people used that as a platform to bring in politics, affirmative action etc. and all the other things they were facing. Things that I did not address or include at all. The most dangerous thing is walking around with these feelings and not having them out there.

Whether or not these bouncers were operating on orders was irrelevant to me. Most of the bouncers at these clubs are black males who are not South African. Ie. they have the exact same demographic profile as me.

In light of recent devastating xenophobic attacks. I was shocked and appalled that people who were so closely affected by such tragedies, both here and in their home countries, would actively carry out discrimination against an innocent person of the exact same demographic - whether it came from management or was an act of personal discretion. I was with people white and black when this incident occurred - and all were absolutely shocked an appalled.

For me it was not a race issue in the bigger scheme of the South African landscape. It was one incident - and I chose to write about it because I supposedly live in the most cosmopolitan city in Africa, and things like this still happen. I did not make generalisations about race is SA, bouncers, black people etc. I was dealing with an individual bouncer, who had chosen to behave in a manner I questioned. I know for a fact through hearing similar stories that he is not alone in his mindset, hence addressing the entire group of them.

I am not bitter. Writing the article was making light of an awkward situation. There is no shortage of venues for me to take part in recreational activity and my life moved on by the time I got home that night. The entire article is sarcastic and dripping with disdain as far as I am concerned and I had fun writing it. I was merely pointing out the irony in an event which I found ridiculous.

I am of the belief that if you stand for nothing, you fall for anything and if that bouncer was following orders, which I highly suspect, he is not standing for very much at all. He is saying that he is okay with being discriminated against, he is okay with allowing people to perpetuate stereotypes about people who are just like him and he is okay with his children, and their children living in a world in which trivial prejudice is okay.

Any 'hurtful insults' were merely pointing out the gaps in his logic. I didn't take the article too seriously, but am glad it got a wide range of opinions and will be incorporating the opinions and comments into future episode of my show. I want the youth to talk about these things and am in the great position of having the ability to provide them with a platform to do this.

Oh, and one more thing before I go: I mentioned that I love bouncers - and I do. I think they have one of the hardest jobs in the world - and so many of them do it so professionally with integrity. The article was clearly targetted at the small group of bouncers who carry the mindset that resulted in this particular incident.

Generalisations are what created this situation (because some black people are involved in crime, there was an generalisation made that all black people are potential criminals and thus i was criminalised as a result). At no stage was making a generalisation my intention. I identified the small group of people I was "speaking" to. If I was addressing hijackers, who also detract from nation building efforts, would I have garnered the same response as far as making generalisations and perpetuating stereotypes is concerned?

We need to truly get over this if we are to build a nation that embraces all the ideals of a so-called Rainbow Nation.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-25T10:22:00.002+02:00

Hope you have a safe and fantastic festive season.
We'll see you all soon :)
Be good,

Twanji

African Renaissance

2008-12-03T16:34:00.003+02:00

It was really exciting to see the first episode of Keeping It Real on TV last night, after months and months of work the core production team of the show were overjoyed. It's not perfect yet, and I can tell you that the episodes get better and better. Keep checking it every Tuesday at 16:30 on SABC2.

Last Friday I attended the launch of Cape Town-based band Coda's second album, African Renaissance. This blog is basically becoming their fan site, because I write about them so much. It was awesome to see the band, which has had slight line-up changes, perform songs from their first album, as well as the new one. This album features the already hit songs 'O Mama' and 'It's Still The Music'. Had so much fun.

I went to the first launch and interviewed them when they were promoting their first album Believe, so it is great to see one of my favourite acts going strong and doing well.

Get the album and watch my show!

Keeping It Real on SABC2

2008-12-01T11:20:00.006+02:00

This is technically my 100th post - which means that I have rambled on about life as I know and experience it 100 times over the last three years. That's staying power! Thanks to the thousands of you who have stopped by to read and let me know what you think etc.

I have been keeping my latest project to myself, but now it is time to share. I have been working as a Researcher (Content Producer) and Scriptwriter on the youth television talk show Keeping It Real on SABC2. It has been hard work, and tomorrow it will finally pay off as our first episode airs. The show has been on air for the last three years, but after a mid-season hiatus we were tasked with re-launching the show with a new presenter, new look and new edge.

It has been a challenging, but exciting experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team and you have to watch the show! I am so excited to see my first foray into television hit the airwaves. We have a group on Facebook - 'Keeping It Real on SABC2' - join it. Tomorrow, Tuesday, 2 December at 16:30 on SABC2 is our season premiere, and the show will air at the same time every Tuesday thereafter.

Here is a variation of the press release that I wrote for the show:

Faced with living in a fast-paced world, today’s teenagers have more challenges and opportunities than ever before. Keeping It Real, Mzansi’s first youth talk show, is back with a new look, a new edge and a new host. Each week, 22-year-old Noluthando Meje will tackle the hard-hitting as well as the lighter issues affecting the everyday lives of young people growing up in SA. The show aims to go beyond merely discussing problems, by giving the youth a platform to express and empower themselves.

Noluthando is a familiar face on Tube and has been on TV in various capacities since she was five. She first caught the nation’s attention as the youngest Top 12 finalist on Idols in 2003. A talented singer and actress, she has acted on numerous drama series, presented the TV shows Destination SA and What’s Your Story? and is an in-demand voice work artist.

Nolly has her fingers placed firmly on the pulse of what it means to be young in Africa, and with her vibrant personality, passion for our continent and its youth she thrives on this platform. By combining entertainment and education, this interactive show is destined to take the Keeping It Real you know and love to greater heights.

The all-new season of Keeping It Real starts on Tuesday, 2 December 2008 at 16:30 on SABC2.

Coming Home

2008-11-28T15:13:00.006+02:00

The last seven days have been quite hectic for me as a lot has been going on.

Last Saturday I headed to the Cape Town stop of the Lionel Richie - Coming Home tour, which was absolutely fantastic. He is an amazing performer, and has written some of the most classic songs over the last few decades. I only discovered Lionel recently, with his Just For You/ Coming Home phase, and then went and investigated his enormous back catalogue and there are so many songs that are just classic. He didn't play much of his new stuff, so that disappointed me a little, but he was great with the crowd. If I live to be that 'old' let's hope I have that much energy. They are playing in Joburg tomorrow night, so if you live there get yourself a ticket now.

On Sunday, I headed to the first Kirstenbosch Summer Concert of the season. It was a beautiful day. I took a risk and went to see a new band called Zebra and Giraffe. Admittedly, they don't play my kind of music, but they were actually quite cool. They have only been together for three months and have already proven so successful - with an album out and playing in front of thousands. Check them out at www.zebraandgiraffe.co.za.

In other great news, I found out that my long and painful struggle with academics is over! I got my results back and I was very pleased with them. I will be graduating with a BA Honours degree in Media Theory and Practice. This means that I will be focusing 100% on my media work in the new year. I have no plans to study any further at this point. It has been a long road, and I am glad it is over.

I am working hard, but will update soon - so keep checking!

Quick Update

2008-11-15T09:35:00.004+02:00

I have been told to increase the website component of this blog, so to the right you will see that I have added a biography of me, that was written by a dear friend (thanks) a while ago and a list of some of the media work I have done. I will do my best to keep them updated and current!

I am on African Couture on SABC3 tonight at 18:30. It is the second time I have made an appearance on SA's first fashion magazine television show. I was asked to model a great conceptual piece, that is basically looking at functional uniforms that have inspired fashion trends. I was the schoolboy-inspired look. The shoot was great fun - check it out.
click here for more on that show.

Cape Town Globalist

2008-10-18T17:43:00.004+02:00

I am back in print after months and months and months! I am featured in Volume 3, Issue 2 of the Cape Town Globalist. It is an international affairs magazine. I wrote an article on the great South African film Jerusalema.

It is distributed free at the University of Cape Town, Pick n Pay in Rondebosch and members of the Global21 Foundation around the world. My article is online as well. Check out http://ctglobalist.za.org/ for more about the magazine and click here to read my article.

More from me soon.

African Couture

2008-10-11T07:15:00.003+02:00

A quick hello! I know it's been 6 years since my last post... :)

We are really busy at the moment on this side. I hand in my thesis next week and I am very busy at work. I am working as a TV Researcher (content producing) for a TV Production company in Cape Town - so I am busy all the time.

Tonight I am on African Couture, South Africa's first magazine show dedicated exclusively to fashion, on SABC3. I love the show and catch it every week. It is slick, sexy and packed with useful style and fashion info - and it looks great because it is shot in HD. I had another opportunity to dabble in modelling (it's really funny when I think about it) on the show.

I am modelling the Top 10 must have wardrobe basics, as chosen by the fabulous style guide/ fashion writer/ personal stylist /fashionista Robyn Cooke. I got to wear some really expensive sunglasses (R12 500/ $1390) among other things - so it was good fun. It was amazing shooting with her, she is really great - and I love her blog - I visit it often. Visit it at http://styleguidecapetown.blogspot.com.

So, if you live in South Africa, catch my sexy body on prime-time - African Couture on SABC3 at 18:30 tonight.

Another a-ha Moment

2008-09-10T17:49:00.005+02:00

I know my last few posts are beginning to make this blog sound like one long Oprah moment, but for the last few months I have been having these deep and somewhat meaningful conversations with myself and I had an epiphany that I just had to share. I have been so honest about my life on this blog - I figure that if you are taking the time to read it I might as well be honest.

As you know I have been doing an internship at a TV company. It has been a huge learning experience - invaluable at so many levels. It has forced me to do some introspection. A few years ago I made the decision to face many fears that had been holding me and my career back and I yielded many positive results as a result. What I have learnt the past few weeks is that there is a fine line between facing your fears and trying to be someone who you are not.

Much success has come into my life from feeling the fear and doing it anyway. New fears and insecurities have crept in by thinking that I have to change myself in order to be successful. We live in such a self-improvement crazy world, that we are so thrown into thinking that we must constantly change ourselves, as oppose to merely just having the courage to fearlessly be ourselves.

Yes, I have learnt a lot about TV and the internship has helped me decide where I want to be career-wise, but the ultimate lesson has been that my success will lie in just simply having the courage to be myself. It's a huge task for anyone, don't get me wrong, but it's much easier than trying to be someone else and failing. Commanding attention is always better than demanding it.

Song of the moment: I know, the R'nB/ Soul gods must be angry with me right now. I am listening to the Ting Tings hit single 'That's Not My Name'. It's really fun and catchy. I have also been getting into a certain Jessica Simpson's new single 'Remember That' - lyrically it tackles abusive relationships. It's awesome, I have already made a few of my friends listen to it. It is the second single off her new venture into country music with the album 'Do You Know', which hit US stores yesterday.

On Being Genuine

2008-08-26T23:14:00.005+02:00

It's 11pm and I am exhausted, but felt like sharing a few random ramblings with you all...

I have been working hard, most of the time, and I am learning so many lessons. One thing that I am learning to appreciate is genuine people, who are much more than what they are trying to portray. Being genuine, for me, is being authentic, being emotionally honest and just being good to other people, looking beyond the superficial and making meaningful connections with individuals. I am lucky to know so many people who are genuine - in all areas of my life - I think it is an amazing quality.

I went to the Cinedans International Dance Film Festival and The 4th Annual Baxter Theatre Dance Festival last week. Dance is beautiful. I had such a great time at both events, especially the dance festival - and I wasn't expecting to enjoy it that much. It's a pity it's over.

My thoughts go out to the talented actress Christina Applegate who is recovering from a double mastectomy surgery to remove breast cancer, and to all the women who show such bravery as they face cancer. Get well soon! Y'all are such an inspiration. Christina is now 100% cancer free, which is great - after what must have been a lot of pain, but many people aren't that lucky.

Book of the Moment: I am reading Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, so I better get back to that. I am actually enjoying it a little, which is something I did not expect - I have been avoiding it for years. It is prescribed reading for a university course I am doing, so it must be done. I spent Saturday watching different versions of the movie back to back, such fun :)

9 to 5

2008-08-17T18:26:00.009+02:00

It has been over a month since my last post and a lot has changed in my life since then. Most significantly I finally left my part time job at the bookstore after three years ("my job before I was famous", as all my friends refer to it) and I am now working as a Production/ Research Intern at a TV production company in Cape Town, for a few weeks. I have never worked in a TV environment, so it is a great starting point. The company and people who work at it are awesome, and I am learning so much. I really do want to become a television producer and combine that with my skills as an entertainment journalist. Feels like I am closer to my dreams (so cheesy - he he).

I am being held back by the fact that I have to tie up the loose ends of my university career. I have a plan to finish all my thesis, coursework and assignment obligations by 17 October, and then I'll be free. I am still feeling "legally blonde" (check out that post), I had a number of humiliating experiences in my Film Adaptation class this week - I can be such a bimbo sometimes. Other than that, I really feel as though I am in the right place for right now, and that I am setting myself up for a great year next year. At the moment, I have been so exhausted as my body is adjusting to this work thing. It's like that Dolly Parton song from the 80's. Coming home and having to do so much for university just depletes me. Luckily it's only for a few more weeks.

On the entertainment journalism front, I can't say I am doing much right now. I have attended a few movies and productions here and there. Most recently I watched Don't Mess With The Zohan which was bad, but Mariah Carey made a cameo which was pretty funny. I also saw Hancock - which was worse! Just as I was beginning to get into it, it plummeted.

You'll remember that this blog had a little Paris Hilton narrative, when she was going to jail a while back. The saga continues. Now she is running for president - check this link out.

Back with updates soon - when I am not soooo tired.

Music of the Moment: As you all know, music makes my life worth living. At the moment Heartbreaker by Will.I.Am ft. Cheryl Cole is in my head - it has been there for days now. Also, I really like Ashanti's new record The Declaration, the lead single 'The Way That I Love You' has an awesome vocal arrangement. I have never been a huge Ashanti fan. It just feels like a complete album, as though she thought about it before recording track after track like most artists these days. It really feels like a complete package.

Blonde Ambition

2008-07-07T23:07:00.005+02:00

So we all know that I am obsessed with pop culture, and turning 21 recently has got me thinking about my life and my journey thus far. I was watching a clip of Jessica Simpson performing a song (I know some of you are judging me), and it's so strange but I find that very often wisdom comes in the strangest places. Anyway, so she is interacting with the audience before a song and then thanked them all for their support. She mentions the fact that she used to think that it was all about competing with everyone else, or trying to be #1, or be someone else for that matter and that success only really exploded in her life when she embraced who she was and did what she wanted to do. She was obviously referring to trying to be America's Number 1 pop princess, and as we all know she only became a huge superstar when she let that go and did a reality show, where she showcased who she was.

It really got me thinking about my own life, and the parallels in that. I have been so lucky to have friends and people who support my work encourage me to embrace who I am. I am also encouraged to go after what I want to do, and not feel obliged to follow anyone's footsteps. I used to think and feel that I had to be number one, or compare myself to others to find success. While celebrating such successes is always great, it can't define who we are - we need to guide our own happiness. Letting go of the pressure, and just being myself and doing the things that seem natural to me has proven so much more rewarding and successful in my own life. So thanks Jess, for articulating what I have been thinking, but struggled to find the words to say - and for inspiring this late-night ramble.

Encounters: I went to see the documentary YouChuse at the 10th annual Encounters South African International Documentary Festival tonight. It was great fun, I actually don't see as many doccies as I should. Check them out. The Cape Town leg of the festival runs at Nu Metro in the V&A Waterfront until 13 July 2008. Visit www.encounters.co.za for more information.

I'm Twenty One

2008-07-06T19:38:00.004+02:00

I have been meaning to make this post for about two weeks now. We have done a little re-design on this site... hopefully for the better.

I turned 21 last month on the 24th June, so I am now officially legal - whatever that means :)

Thanks to all my readers who sent me messages and wishes - it really is appreciated.

I threw a huge bash to celebrate the occasion on the 14 June and invited all my near and dear friends in Cape Town. As you can seen in the picture above, my friend Kyle gave me this huuuge wine glass and it was filled with punch and champagne the whole evening - I was on another planet by the end of the evening. The theme was Hollywood Through The Ages (obviously!!!) and it was really the most amazing party I have ever thrown - and there have been some good ones! It was really so great to have so many of the people who I love dearly there, it really reminded me how far I have come and how much I have survived to be here. I am so blessed by all the love in my life

I gave a tongue-in-cheek speech at my 21st, which a couple of people liked and have asked me to post online - so here it is:

This wouldn’t be a Twanji Kalula event, or a Hollywood themed event without an acceptance speech. I don’t know what I am winning. I am probably accepting this award on be half of my liver - the hardest working liver in Cape Town. I know I am supposed to ramble about what I have learnt and stuff, but in reality I know that this is my world and you folk just live in it, so I would like to thank a few of the people who make this fantastic life I lead possible.

I would like to start off by being unconventional by thanking myself. Ever since I can remember, I have been having conversations with myself. One of my most prominent childhood memories is a conversation I had with myself when I was maybe 6 or 7. I said “Twanji, you are going to face many challenges and people won’t always have faith in you for whatever reasons, but you can do anything and be anything you want to – you are just going to have to work really hard.” This has amazingly kept me going through many hardships. Throughout all my struggles, at the end of the day the one consistent has always been that I have been there for myself. So Twanji Kalula, wherever you are, I thank you.

Thanks to everyone for being here. It means so much to have my people here with me tonight. This event is not about celebrating the fact that my body is about to start deteriorating, it’s about celebrating the relationships I have with each person in this room. I have been blessed to achieve and do many things that people don’t get to do in a lifetime, and this is largely because of the people who stand behind me and cheer me on.

Special shout outs to my true fanatics, the people who work with me at that horrible book store. They said I could never hold down a job, almost three years on I have proved them wrong. It’s been one of the greatest things I have done – I have grown up with you kids. Thanks for making shifts fun and dealing with my erratic behaviour and excessive sarcasm. Regardless of what’s going in my life, I am always guaranteed fun with you lot. I have made some of my best friends there… you and Mr Edwards are the only things I will miss when I leave.

You know, I have learnt that life is too short not to have fun. So, let it be known that I will continue to dance on tables, stages, pool tables, bars, poles and live it up. Thank you to all the people who stand with me in these endeavours and participate. To my good friends at SAB, thanks!

Tonight we must congratulate my parents; first and foremost for the fine genetic specimen standing before you, but also for reaching 30 years of marriage this year. I personally favour the self-serving pre-nup and a quick divorce, but you show the world how marriage should be done.

I must thank my parents for teaching me the most important life lessons. You all know that I am a very independent person, and it is largely due to the values they have instilled in me - self-reliance being the top of the list. I had the opportunity to see where they grew up a few years ago, and it was only then that I acknowledged how successful they really are. No one works harder than the two of you, I appreciate the fact that you have worked 20 hour days since I can remember to ensure that your kids have no worries, will never have to face the hardships you did and have every opportunity in this world.

Dad, I have spent years being approached by people and being told how great you are. It used to drain me, but at 21 I can acknowledge that you are actually one of the greatest, hardest -working African academics of our time. You shatter all the myths about black men. You have a job. You work hard, support your kids, are always on time and don’t believe anyone owes you anything. I will never read any of your books, or know how many degrees you have, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t respect your achievements. You have taught me the importance of hard work, having dreams that are bigger than yourself and the importance of giving back. At 21, I finally understand that you work so much to keep me in luxury. My father became the warden of a residence so that he could mentor hundreds of students, in the same way he was mentored. You are far too generous, often to your own detriment. You always help a friend and never forget the people who helped you along the way – something I try not to do. One of my greatest achievements is the fact that people have stopped asking me if I am Evance Kalula’s son, and now ask you if you are related to me. How do you like it now?

Mom, I always hear about how sweet and caring you are from the thousands of people you have met and medicated over the years. Needless to say, this is not the Mrs Kalula I know. Thank you for being the epitome of the no-nonsense black parent. At the end of the day I am not on heroin. This woman does not joke around. When I was 4 you made it quite clear who the boss was when you told me that you were not my friend. I learnt to respect others and myself from you. Thanks for working all day and then coming home and ensuring that we were taken care of, keeping the family together. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.

When people have to use the Oprah’s and Bill Gates’ of this world as role models, I have never had to look further than my own parents. Beyond their achievements, they have chosen career paths and turned down many lucrative projects in order to provide their kids with some sort of stability, while re-investing their skills and resources into the development of Southern Africa. They make life better for the people who need it most. Prof and Dr Kalula are the African Dream.

To my older brother, who came down from Joburg to be here. Someday I will forgive you for always orchestrating the nonsense that got me into trouble as a kid. You taught me that a true mastermind never partakes in the crime and that we have the most entertaining parents. To my sisters, who gracefully live in my shadow. If I were you I would hate me too. I must thank my siblings for their teen angst. You continue to keep me entertained with your drama. I am not easy to live with, so thanks kids.

When I was finally convinced to have this celebration the first person I called was Kyle Carson. He was so keen to add party planner to the stars to his cv, and I’m sure you’ll agree that he’s done quite alright. He fell off a chair today and almost disfigured his face on the fireplace – that’s the type of loyalty I’m talking about. I met him two years ago, and as my image consultant, he has been an interesting and colourful addition to my entourage. Somehow you have become one of my best friends, while still finding time to gather as many unflattering pictures and videos to blackmail me with for life. Our friendship is unique, between your attempts at physical and verbal violence you find time to be the greatest friend. You give me the best advice in the world and our conversations have been some of the deepest and most meaningful I have ever had. Whenever I need help with anything, you are the first person to go the extra mile for me and do whatever you can to help. I know very few people who live with as much integrity and brutal honesty as you do - you are a source of great entertainment, inspiration and the only white person I know, who has the courage to freely make use of the term ‘Bitch Nigger’. Thanks for the shopping, tolerating my abuse, the gold dusting and all the other stuff you have done to make today happen. Kylie – I still don’t like you, but me love you long time.

Suhair Solomon, I thank you for being there for me always. Thanks for being the MC tonight. You are one of the most beautiful people I know. I first met Suhair when I started working at Exclusive Books. She was my first friend there, we clicked immediately. Thank you for being there for me at some ground-breaking moments in my life and monitoring my vocal health. I really admire and look up to you. We don’t get to spend as much time together as we should, but we certainly make up for it when we are together. Our conversation back in September 2006 will never be forgotten.

It is always privilege to have my little Trinity in the same room:

Munene Khoza, who first rose to fame as a result of her live covers of Avril Lavigne’s ‘Sk8ter Boy’ and ‘Complicated’ back in high school is here. I forgot to mention that one at your 21st, but I got ya now – you have been exposed. Thanks for flying in for today. Miss Khoza – you have redefined my idea of true friendship – you know that we are bonded forever; I have truly survived the last four years because of you. You come a close second to my mother as far as shouting at me is concerned, and that is truly something that only you can get away with. Please just play my speech at your 21st to yourself again in your private time, because I don’t have the stamina to force tears at this point. Thank you for everything you do and who you are – and for buying me my first three shots of stroh rum at the Pig and Swizzle three years ago. I haven’t looked back since.

We are blessed to have Tatum Strauss here. She is a walking brand power ad for Windhoek, Namibia. I do hate the fact that you see right through me and always kill my fun. You are truly a shining example of the resilience of the human spirit. I am so amazed at how far you, and we, have come in the last two years and how many battles you have overcome. I love the fact that we laugh through the scandals that are our lives. Your maturity, character, personality, presence and strength are far greater than your pint-size. Even though I have to look down to see you, I look up to you. I thank you for everything you did today.

No one holds me accountable to myself like Munene and Tatum, whose sarcasm, extremely brutal honesty and wit saves me from myself on a daily basis. I often feel like they believe in my dreams more than I do. The three of us will take over the world.

I want to thank everyone else who had a hand in today – Queen, Lowena, X, Natasha, Nicci, Lauren and anyone I’m leaving out.

I could go on for years about each person in this room. I have the greatest friends in the world. One of the downsides of growing up in another country has meant that I really don’t have an extended family. However, you have all made it possible for me not to even notice this – you folk have become my family. I never have to go through anything alone. I am amazed at how lucky I am to have you all on my team. Best of all, you all ensure that I always make fun of myself, and don’t take myself to seriously – clearly, given the last few minutes, I don’t.

The one thing I have learnt that sometimes people will stand by you, and sometimes they will walk away. I have experienced both. Both are equally important, but the former reflect unconditional love. I have also learnt that as long as you have people behind you, there is always room for a comeback. Thanks for standing by me – I am so grateful to still be alive - I love you all. Let’s have a party.

It really was a great evening. I had my after party for the event at Friendly Society - it's a great little club/ lounge in Green Point, Cape Town. I am actually headed there tonight to catch Odidiva performing her cabaret act with some friends.

Random Update

2008-04-10T20:18:00.005+02:00

I am truly neglecting this Blog! Naughty Twanji!

A couple of weekends ago I attended the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. It was just as great as last year. I got to interview Wanda Baloyi and Nemza of the band Skwatta Kamp for a newspaper I was covering the festival for. They were great and performed really well too. I will eventually post the transcripts of those interviews. The one with Wanda was particularly great - I think we need to watch out for her.

I managed to see many of the acts. Dutch saxaphonist and vocalist Candy Dulfer was a personal favourite. She is extremely beautiful. her music is amazing and I love her accent. I have to hunt a copy of her album, Candy Store down. I also caught Vicky Sampson's comeback show. She was promoting her first album in 12 years - and it was actually really good. She also performed 'African Dream', but I think the rest of her album is even better than her signature track. The Manhattans, Jimmy Dludlu, Oliver Mtukudzi, The Ananda Project, Zola and Sergio Mendez were also some of the amazing performers.

The highlight of the festival was walking past Jacob Zuma - former Deputy President of SA, accused fraudster, polygamist and president of the ANC. It caught me so off guard. The crowd went crazy when Mr Umushini Wami himself was pictured seated in the front row of The Manhattans show. I was on the same flight as The Manhattans as they flew into Cape Town, and for legends, they really are down-to-earth nice guys.

Today, I recorded a radio podcast for a friends radio show. I will make it available as soon as I get a copy. It went well, I really enjoyed it. I am alive - hating academia.

Saved By The Moonlight

2008-04-07T23:15:00.004+02:00

Sorry, I have been gone a while. Academic pressures have sent me into isolation. This will be a short post.

I may have no time for myself, however, I did manage to take a well-deserved break and saw the final Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert for the year. It was Louise Carver. I have mentioned before that she is one of my favourite artists. Very few musicians manage to get South African music right - in terms of marketing, professionalism etc. and she is just one of the few who sets the bar.

She played songs from her second album, Silent Scream as well as her latest album Saved By The Moonlight - including one of my all-time favourites 'Home'. I was blown away, it was just amazing to see some of my favourite songs and anthems come alive. I workout to her, I relax to her, I go through some tough times with her... he he Hundred were people braved the risk of rain to be there. Luckily it never came and everyone enjoyed picnics, with the beauty of the botanical gardens and table mountain surrounding us, while singing along.

Check her out at www.louisecarver.co.za

Other than that, I am doing just fine. I have so much I want to write about and I will soon. In the meantime, go see Juno if you haven't already.

Chicago, and All That Jazz

2008-03-19T11:54:00.006+02:00

I tend to only make posts about things that I think are good - time is precious so there is no use wasting it talking about the mediocre. On occasion I will mention something that falls nothing short of brilliant - and this is one of those occasions.

Last night I attended the opening night of the hit Broadway musical CHICAGO at the Artscape Opera House. I had seen the show when it was first staged a couple of years ago, and while at that time I did manage to have fun and enjoy it - it didn't even begin to resonate with me like last night's performance did. The energy was just totally different.

I engaged with the show so much, it was almost as though I had never seen it before. The great thing about theatre and musicals is that they have the ability to take you to greater places, for the couple of hours you spend in your seat you develop greater dreams for yourself.

Amra-Faye Wright who recently returned to South Africa after playing the role of Velma Kelly on the Westend and Broadway, reprised her role and was absolutely amazing. Samantha Peo as Roxie, Ilse Klink as Mama and Craig Urbani as Billy Flynn were fantastic leads. They brought so much life to the story. Duane Alexander, who I interviewed last year for his lead role in RENT, was also great - delivering another brilliant performance. The show was well attended, with a variety of media personalities who I really respect and admire present.

The highlight however, was heading to De Waterkant's Cafe Manhattan for a drink [the food is always great], with my friend Tatum - after the shows after party. To our surprise we ended up bumping into the entire cast there. They really seem tight and it definitely translated onto the stage. It was great to chat to a couple of them and provided a full-circle Chicago experience.

I am writing a couple of articles on the show, so I won't go into any further detail, but if you are in Cape Town you have to see this show. Tickets are available from Computicket and the show runs until the middle of April.

La Vie En Rose

2008-03-12T11:37:00.007+02:00

I have been trying to get this post up for ever, but it seems that Blogger and I have been having some relationship issues - all is back on track now though.

It has been a while since I have seen a movie that absolutely moved me. I saw La Vie En Rose a couple of weeks ago and it took me to greater places. I was absolutely blown away by Marion Cotillard's performance. I had no idea how great her physical transformation was until I saw the movie. She transformed herself from someone who looks like a Bond-girl into Edith Piaf and played her with so much passion and sincerity, that an Oscar award was inevitable.

I had barely heard of Edith Piaf before this film and I find her life quite remarkable and interesting - the funny thing is that throughout the entire movie I kept drawing comparisons to one of the current great loves of my life - Amy Winehouse. The combination of incredible talent and a tragic dysfunctional life run parallel with these two characters. Hopefully Winehouse will pull it together and avoid reaching the same fate. You have to see this film if you haven't already.

I am headed to Joburg later this week, so bogged down by the work I am trying to get done before then. Expect loads of pictures and an update soon.

Legally Blonde

2008-03-04T11:35:00.006+02:00

I said I would never go to a trance party. And I did. I said I would never go to a gay pride festival - it was not my thing, but after being coerced into going with my good friend Tatum, I did. This past weekend I made an appearance at the annual Cape Town Pride Festival, for the first time, in Greenpoint. I am glad I forced myself to go, it turned out to be a great new experience. So far my resolution to get out and do things that are out of my comfort zone is going great.

Loads of my friends were there and we had a great time. It was so colourful and vibrant. We managed to see Odidiva, a popular drag artist, perform at the street festival as well as at a really nice cocktail bar called Friendly Society. I must mention that her Amy Winehouse covers were amazing. Tatum and I had an amazing time. It turns out that she is quite the gay icon, which was fun to watch. I may not do it again, but it was definitely worth going.

I am about a month into what I hope is my final year of studying, completing my Honours year in Media Theory and Practice. About a month ago I attended post-graduate orientation at UCT, and the one thing that struck me was something said by a researcher. He spoke about the 'imposter syndrome' that plagues many students, particularly at a post-graduate level. The basic symptoms include extreme self-doubt and feeling like a fraud, in whatever area you are working

I think I am currently experiencing some form of this. Feeling like a lazy bimbo to a large extent. I suppose it comes from feeling as though everyone else in your seminars is so passionate about a subject, to an extent to which you cannot relate - purely because you aren't. You wonder why you were accepted into the particular programme and how you managed to beat people who were possibly more deserving of a place. You think you are way in over your head and need to get realistic about things before you are exposed. I suppose I am going through all these motions. It's a very weird phenomenon. I find that when talking to classmates, many people who excel feel this way. I felt like this a lot during my undergraduate study and did pretty well, so it is rather bizarre to say the least.

I can liken it to Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. Now I know many people shake their heads at this movie in disgust, but in film circles it is actually considered very good in its portrayal of the objectives outlined in the script as well as the message it sends. Every detail is so well thought out and meaningful. What resonates with me is this notion that she doesn't fit at Harvard and doesn't have what it takes to make it, and doesn't make the cut. I suppose the solution is getting the courage to follow Elle's solution as she works that much harder and goes the extra mile, to not only feel better about herself, but also feel worthy of her achievements.

I will let you know how my Elle Woods theory pans out in my own life. I am off to go see La Vie En Rose.

Just So You Know

2008-02-28T11:11:00.006+02:00

Last night I attended the farewell performance of one of my dearest friends, Emma Du Preez, at Dizzy's in Camps Bay. The great music and fantastic pizza (which I really shouldn't be eating right now) made the whole evening fantastic. I first met Emma when I interviewed her a couple of years ago for an article I wrote about young musicians. With so many mutual friends and the fact that we were studying together friendship seemed inevitable. She is an amazing singer/ songwriter and has written numerous songs, which I can only describe as touching my soul.

Her soft rock, acoustic sound has resonated with everyone who knows her and I truly believe that we are going to see great things from her in the future. She is an good singer, a great performer and an extraordinary lyricist. She is leaving Cape Town for Boston, and decided to perform one last time. She ended her set with my favourite Emma song, 'Just So You Know' and as soon as she was in tears, many of us couldn't help ourselves. On the one hand I am quite sad that this bubbly, fun, genuinely good spirit won't be just down the road anymore, but on the other I am so excited about what's to come from her in the future.

You have to check her out and listen to some of her live recordings on www.myspace.com/emmadupreez

I haven't been able to blog for ages, so there were so many things I wanted to blog about, but have now forgotten.

I am sure I've said it on this blog before, but I love watching award shows. Not only for the fact that they honour the most important achievements in the entertainment, but really because they really showcase life-long dreams coming true. The 80th Academy Awards has to be a great example. I watched them with some friends familiar to the world of blogging, while enjoying a fun pizza evening.

The only thing that wasn't great about the awards is that most of the movies hadn't been released in South Africa yet. La Vie En Rose has been on the circuit for some time, so I am definitely heading out to see that one soon. Marion Cotillard is my favourite type of Oscar winner. She looked great, played an amazing role and truly seemed to have a full circle moment as an actress. I also really liked the fact that Diablo Cody won an award for best screenplay. As a former stripper, she becomes a role model to everyone - proving that it is never to late to turn your life around and do what you really want to do. Speaking of Cody, I can't wait to see her film, Juno, starring the much-acclaimed Ellen Page.

Music of the Moment: Although her album is being panned by critics, I really like the single 'Feedback' off Janet Jackson's latest effort Discipline. I am a veteran Janet fan and I truly hope that she will produce a record reminiscent of the Velvet Rope era soon. I haven't heard the rest of the new record, but remain optimistic.

Ashley Callie

2008-02-17T16:38:00.002+02:00

I am deeply saddened by news of the passing of award-winning South African actress Ashley Callie. She truly was one of the most professional and gifted actresses in the country, having won the inaugural Best Actress in a Drama Series award at the South African Film and Television Awards in 2006 and repeatedly receiving critical acclaim and accolades. It is truly another great and tragic loss to the local entertainment industry.

In addition to her work on South Africa’s award-winning daily drama – Isidingo, Callie was also a successful business woman, with interests in the restaurant industry.

Callie died yesterday afternoon, having spent a week fighting for her life after she sustained severe head injuries in a car accident a week ago. It truly is sobering and reminds me how important it is to live a full life, with no regrets. The tragedy is magnified by the fact that her life wasn't wasted. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her since the accident took place. My thoughts are with her family, friends, colleagues and millions of fans.

For more information visit www.ashleycallie.co.za

In less sombre news, I am pleased to announce that I was featured as a Staff Writer in this year’s edition of Sax Appeal. It was released on Valentines Day and is still, available from Pick n Pay Stores in the Western Cape and can be bought online at www.saxappeal.co.za.

It’s the 75th edition of this historically significant magazine, and I feel privileged to be part of this milestone in the history of the publication. The annual magazine is published by UCT RAG and all the proceeds are donated to SHAWCO charities. It is a great project and great fun – I always love stretching myself and it is great to know that the proceeds go on to help people. I received unofficial figures that suggest that R740 000 has already been raised for charity. I wrote an article – the centre spread – on page 50 and also co-wrote a piece with Lindi Brownell. Please support this initiative.

Two Weeks Later...

2008-02-09T14:25:00.000+02:00

Once again, as always, it’s been ages since I managed to blog.

On 26 January my friends Munene, Beatrice, Tatum, Tobie and I attended the J&B Met at the Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town. It was my first time at the annual affair and predictably I had a good time. The Met is one of the most important calendar dates for celebrities, socialites, business people and the general gambling public. Everyone, who is anyone, tries to head down to Cape Town for the Met weekend, where fashion and music meets horse racing and betting. I am not a gambler at all and just bet R20. Luck was on my side, my horse – who was a random tip-odd - won and I walked away with R24 (about £1.70 or $3)… fun times.

The fashion theme of this year’s event was metallics, plum and patterns. It was really great to see all the things that people came up with. People really go all out and dress up in some really stylish and extremely creative ensembles. We were still shopping just hours before the event, struggling to find things that fit into the theme. It was worth it – we all looked hot… he he.

The real fun begun after the last race when we walked over to an after party organized by 5FM. Roger Goode and DJ Fresh were around to provide us with some great music. The real enjoyment came from spending time with my friends though – it has been ages since we were all together and things got pretty debaucherous.

On Monday I attended the opening night of the play Let’s Mix It 2 - "double the trouble, twice the spice" at the Baxter Theatre. It is really great to see this play going strong. I have seen it evolve from the first time director Rafiek Mammon debuted it. I saw the first small performance of this show at the Obz café Theatre last year, and it has just exploded since then. There were a number of technical difficulties, but the actors Gary Naidoo and Abduraghmaan Adams are truly pros and worked around them. It’s definitely worth catching and runs until the 16February 2008 – tickets are only R70 and are available from Computicket.

I am doing great at the moment. I start my post-grad studies in about a week, so I am sure the fun will come to a halt soon. I had the great experience of losing another cell phone and all the numbers on it, so if you know me personally and have my number please give me a shout so that I can get your number again.

I may be featured in this year's edition of Sax Appeal. Sax Appeal is a satirical magazine that comes out once a year and raises hundreds-of-thousands of rands for charity. I was featured last year and got some great feedback. Be sure to pick up your copy on 14th of February - it will be sold on the streets of Cape Town. You can also purchase it online - visit www.saxappeal.co.za for more.

People of the Moment: The South African Police are rocking my world at the moment. I was stopped at a road block on my way back home in the early hours of this morning and they were awesome. They just reminded me to buckle up and lock my door. They were so friendly and truly care about keeping us safe. They get a lot of flack when they mess up, but we never say thank you to them for looking after us and keeping us safe – so here is a shout-out to them!

In a Trance

2008-01-24T19:16:00.000+02:00

I had the most interesting experience of the year, thus far, last weekend. My friend Nicci finally succeeded in coaxing me to attend my first ever trance party. We attended the MMD trance-party. The over-night affair was held at a chicken farm, outside Malmesbery (about 50km outside Cape Town).

It is totally not my scene, but after a drink and setting up the tent (which involved me looking confused as Nicci worked around me), I got into it. It is such a huge sub-culture, and I had no idea how into it people actually were. It was definitely fun to see. Without the drugs that appeared to be everywhere, we got pretty tired, but everyone else around us seemed keen to party on for days. I can promise you that both Nicci and I embrace good, clean, chemical-free. fun. It was a very interesting ethnographic study - he he. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly.

I was not a fan of the flies, or the outdoor living, but it truly was a great experience. I think trying different things is always fun, so I intend to do a lot more of it this year.

Reading Matters: I am currently reading Wally Lamb's 'She's Come Undone'. It's a great novel. It is one of the first novels that are centred around such an honest and obnoxious, but likeable character I have read in quite some time. Dolores is just rocking my world. It's not the newest book, it was published 10 years ago, but smells distinctly of a timeless classic. I'll let you know how it goes.

Back to Work

2008-01-12T11:16:00.000+02:00

Okay, so I am still having internet trouble - hence the silence, but that should be coming to an end shortly.

One of my major resolutions this year is to get back to work. Last year wasn't nearly as productive as I would have liked. I got caught up in my growing pains and there were some very interesting moments. I made some mistakes, but have no regrets. I truly have learnt so much from last year's experience and will carry those lessons with me forever. I think I kind of understand what Britney Spears is going through on that level [the Britney mention is for the benefit of regular-reader Electric Orchid], and am at the point where I think that it is a potential Anna Nicole-Smith incident waiting to happen and the media needs to back off and give her space to sort it out. That said, I did manage to do a lot and graduate etc. last year eventhough I didn't do as much as I would have liked work-wise, so this year I hope to change that.

So, getting off to a good start, I am featured in YIZANI magazine. It's a university publication that is available free from Campuses around the country as far as I know, though it is targeted at UCT students. On page 3 you can catch a brief profile, with articles I contributed on pages 10 and 13, as well as me as a "model" on page 19... he he. You can a copy of the magazine online from this url: http://www.news.uct.ac.za/downloads/news.uct.ac.za/publications/yizani_2007.pdf

Speaking of models. January post-festive season sales are always interesting. One of my favourite things to do is browse CD sales, it's always a good laugh to see what didn't sell and what retailers have been able to get out of their archives. I stumbled across Naomi Campbell's 1994 foray into music, entitled 'Babywoman', which was only released in Japan. It was widely declared a flop, but at just R10 (approx $1.40 or 71p) I couldn't resist picking up a copy, along with a few other gems. The album wasn't as bad as I anticipated. It actually has some positive moments. She can sing, though no amazingly, and the production is good. It's definitely a lot better than some of the bubble gum pop we have been exposed to in the past, like model Victoria Silvstedt's pop album. If you are a Naomi fan I would give it a chance - it epitomises the music of that era - and she has mastered the art of sexy-talking.

In terms of television, I managed to check out a new TV series called The Coconuts on MNET. I actually enjoyed it - South Africa hasn't managed to have great success with local sitcoms, but this one looks like it could make it. It's like Suburban Bliss 10 years on - except the production values are much higher. Check it out!

Movie-wise, I recently saw August Rush, which I actually enjoyed quite a bit. I couldn't stand Felicity, but Keri Russell is growing into an accomplished actress. I also saw 30 Days of Night. Horror is not my genre of choice, but I did have a good time. It was mindless and not too cheesy.

That's it for now - keep watching this space - I can promise a hectic 2008 ahead.

Disconnected

2008-01-06T11:18:00.000+02:00

Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe that 2008 is here already, but I am really excited for the new start. I will post my resolutions and stuff for the new year soon.

I have been having internet trouble, so I haven't been able to get onto the web for more than 5 minutes in a while. Quite bleak. I feeel like I have been transported back to the middle-ages.

I will be back soon.

Reading Matters: My internet down-time has meant that I have had some time to catch up on some reading. Just finished reading the first thriller I have read in ages - Angela Makholwa's Red Ink. It is the first thriller ever published by a black woman in South Africa, released by Pan Macmillan last year. The story was refreshingly different and great. I love reading South African literature from time to time. It is a promising debut. I had the pleasure of meeting the author when I attended the Cape Town Book Fair last year - I am glad I finally got round to reading it.

Refreshed

2007-12-21T14:42:00.000+02:00

It has been forever since I last posted, because my schedule has been packed and I was out of town. I recently returned from a few days in Windhoek, Namibia where I had an absolutely amazing time. It was my first visit to the country and I had a really good time. I was there to visit one of my best friends, Tatum who has truly been one of my greatest blessings this year. She was having her 21st birthday party there and I just had to be there.

The country is beautiful. The people are so diverse, it really is a great place to visit and I know I'll be back. I kept telling everyone that one day I will have to go back and buy a home there. Tatum's 21st was on a boat on a damn. In true Diddy-style, she decided to have an all-white party. I looked hot until I had the great pleasure of pouring red champagne all over myself - but I partied on. When I got back to Cape Town I put some vanish on the stains and it came right off. As far as Vanish Power O2 is concerned - I am a believer.

Shortly before leaving I had the pleasure of finally graduating from UCT with my BA degree in 'Media and Writing' and 'Sociology;. It was a great feeling and a great event. I really wasn't keen to go through the ceremony, but I actually really enjoyed it. It's been 15 years in the making and it was great to share that with all the people I have studied with over the years. I am back at UCT next year, in a smaller capacity, to complete my BA honours in Media Theory and Practice. I will thus have more time to devote to getting into the industry.

I cannot believe that this year is beginning to wind down already. It has been a roller-coaster, but it has been really nice to end it off with some positive events.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and I wish you all well over the festive season.

Music of the Moment: Well, it's Christmas time so I went and added two more festive CDs to my collection. Toni Braxton's Snowflakes and Whitney Houston's One Wish joined Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas on my festive playlist. Merry Christmas is still the best-selling christmas album and the lead sing 'All I Want For Christmas is You' still charts well every year around this time - 13 years after it's official release.

More crime...

2007-12-03T21:45:00.000+02:00

I am so bleak. I really love Cape Town and can't imagine living anyone else, but I was a victim of crime for the millionth time this year today.

While at work, a car belonging to my dad's was stolen. I was borrowing it for the day while mine was undergoing some maintenance.

I feel so bleak about it. It really dampened my day... It depresses me that I have the keys in my possession, but no car. Oh well - what can we do? Where is the future going to?

Obz Fest 2007

2007-12-02T21:40:00.000+02:00

I know I have been really quiet for a bit, but so much has been going on. It's that time of year when everyone leaves university and starts venturing home, so I have attended many farewell parties and spending time with friends who were leaving Cape Town for good has taken preference. I am glad to announce that I am now a degreed individual, I will be graduating officially in a few days. I will be back at UCT in 2008 to complete my Honours Degree in Media Theory and Practice.

I went to the annual Obz Fest for the first time yesterday. Observatory is about 7 minutes away from where I live, so it was really strange that I had never managed to venture out. It is a street festival, where music meets performance art, food, alcohol and shopping. The entire main street shuts down for a weekend and it becomes a huge lifestyle festival. Observatory is notorious as liberal, artistic, culturally-rich and vibrant suburb. Most notably, the hippies come out to play, which is always interesting.

It's not really my thing, but I did have a good experience. Got to see some friends, which was good. I also saw The Rudimentals perform - they were quite good. You will recall that I blogged about their performance a few months back at the Cape Town Jazz Festival.

Otherwise everything else is good. I am still taking a bit of a break. It is a strange time - everything is winding down and winding up at the same time. I suppose it's just the effects of going through big life changes.

Cause of the moment: Let us not forget that yesterday was World AIDS Day. Last Wednesday I went to a government clinic for an HIV test and I was so surprised to see a real depiction of how huge the impact of the disease is. So many people younger than myself were there with young babies. This disease is ravaging our future generation. What is heartbreaking is the lack of education and stigma that exists. Please do your bit for HIV. Practice safe sex and get tested. Know your status.

RENT

2007-11-14T10:20:00.000+02:00

I am a total RENT-head, so seeing opening of the show in Cape Town last night was something I had been waiting for for months. You will recall that I did some pre-press for the show, interviewing the lead actor Duane Alexander, who plays Mark Cohen, a few weeks ago - the article was my last article for VARSITY.

The show was spectacular on the whole. I am a little swayed by the fact that I love the musical. It was an extravaganza in terms of energy, its brilliant set and lighting and its scale. Alexander did not disappoint in his role - he became Mark Cohen. Other actors who impressed me were stage and TV veteran Ilse Klink in the role of Joanne, Shaun V - who is destined to be a rock star with his amazing, versatile voice - in the role of Roger, Zane Gillion who plays Angel and Aubrey Poo, who played Tom Collins, has the most amazing male voice I have ever heard in a theatre - he gave me chills up and down my spine when he sang.

Unfortunately some weaker performances and accent inconsistencies detracted from the show, but it still managed to earn a standing ovation. I had a great time. 'Seasons of Love' is one of the best pieces of music ever written - and they pulled that off fantastically with ease!

The show is definitely worth catching. RENT is staged at Artscape until 16 December 2007. Tickets are available from Computicket.

On a personal note. Amid a lot of confusion, I have decided not to jump into holding a full-time media job right away as I initially planned. I am hopefully completing an honours degree, which is effectively part-time, so I will continue to dabble in a few media projects and take a little break for the year - before entering the industry full-time. I may change my mind later - but for now I think it's the best choice I can make for myself.

Book of the Moment: While we're on the subject of RENT. I read the autobiography of the original Mark Cohen - Anthony Rapp - a few months ago. The book is called Without You and serves not only as Rapp's memoir, but also a biography of the show. If you are a RENT fan you will love the book.

Freshlyground Summer Tour

2007-11-03T21:47:00.000+02:00

Just when I was beginning to feel like a has-been journalist I was invited to cover the enormously successful local Afro-Fusion band Freshlyground, for a new publication, as they embarked on their first ever local summer tour in conjunction with VW to launch and support their new and third album Ma'cheri.

Freshlyground are huge locally and abroad, and as lead-singer Zolani pointed out - it was amazing to see 5500 people turn up at the Grand West Casino's Grand Arena to support local South African music. It was probably one of the most diverse shows I have ever been to - audience members were of all races, genders and ages and came from all walks of life.

They are most famous for their smash hit 'Doo Be Doo', which brought down the crowd when it was played, but their new songs are proving just as popular. They are all amazing performers, who don't have the superstar egos that some of the performers, who have achieved a fraction of their success, seem to have. Their performance was so interactive and energetic. I am not a huge Freshlyground fan, but I seriously enjoyed myself.

This tour is definitely worth catching, it is heading to Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Durban. Visit www.freshlyground.com to find out more.

On the exam front, I am winning - 5 days until freedom!

Music of the Moment: Obviously Freshlyground - Ma'cheri! I love their new album's packaging and they have some great merchandise that I will get around to buying. Their single 'Pot Belly' is doing it for me right now - let's just say I have looked and felt better than I do right now.

Chilli Boy

2007-10-31T08:24:00.000+02:00

I am in the middle of writing what I hope are the last exams I will ever have to write, but I still managed to find time to get out of my study zone and attend The Chilli Boy, an acclaimed play at one of my favourite theatres, The Baxter Theatre. I had been wanting to see this play for years, but for some reason it had always managed to elude me.

The Chilli Boy is a comedy by husband and wife duo, Matthew Ribnick and Geraldine Naidoo. Ribnick stars as various colourful characters in this hilarious one-man show, which was written and directed by Naidoo. Ribnick is a Fleur Du Cap Award and a Naledi Award winner. Naidoo has also been honoured for her writing and directorial work.

The show is centred around a young white gangster from the wrong side of the tracks, who discovers that he is actually the reincarnation of an old Indian woman. Disturbing his friends and family, he starts wearing Saris and cooking traditional Indian meals.

The show had the audience engaged and laughing from the very beginning, with Ribnick's creative use of his body, face and accents to bring a multitude of characters to life. Naidoo and Ribnick display an outstanding understanding of South African culture, capturing all the stereotypes in a very-PC friendly and humorous manner.

The play has been playing to sold out audiences for years, alongside the duos other award-winning show Hoot, which I reviewed last year. The show has just returned from London, where it played to sold-out audiences. It is definitely worth checking out, and at just over an hour it is the right length to guarantee some brief, but great entertainment.

Catch the The Chilli Boy's limited run, which ends 1 December, at the Baxter Theatre's Sanlam Studio. Book through Computicket @ 083 915 8000 or 021 680 3989.

By the way, Happy Halloween everyone...

'Trick or Treat' treat of the moment:
This one is especially for Electric Orchid - who is a huge fan of my Britney narrative. Britney Spears' new album Blackout was released yesterday. Electric Orchid, your copy is in the mail. Funnily enough, the reviews thus far have been very positive - I wonder what the sales figures will be like... Apparently there were kids camping outside stores to get copies of the album at midnight.

A Bran' New Day

2007-10-23T10:33:00.000+02:00

I guess I was in this situation and it wasn't right,
A bad combination and the wrong type,
I completely lost my cool locked in this state of mind.
I played a wicked game
I couldn't seperate the pleasure from the pain,
Giving everything but getting no gain,
I sat down and realised that something had to change

These are lyrics from an unreleased track that was recorded by Kylie Minogue for her upcoming album 'X' shortly after she beat cancer. The album, which marks her return to music will be released on November 26th. After dealing with a little bit of scandal in my own life over the last few days and trying to recover from it, these words have been quite interesting. Rising when you fall is definitely the way forward and I am formulating my plan.

I barely have two weeks left of undergraduate education, so in the midst of some personal struggles I have a lot to throw myself into and focus on. Carving out an exciting, fulfilling career is becoming more and more important in terms of what I need to focus on for these next few weeks.

In other pop music news, Britney Spears releases her album 'Blackout' at the end of this month. It is probably one of the most anticipated albums of the last few years. The single 'Gimme More' has been a huge worldwide hit, it'll be interesting to see how the album does.

In sadder news, today marks the one year anniversary of Lebo Mathosa's death. She is one of my favourite artists and losing her has been such a sad thing for the entertainment industry. I watched a documentary on her life last night and it really showcased how much she did for the entertainment industry - she truly was a pioneer for South African and African music. Her song 'A Bran' New Day' continues to give me goosebumps to this day.

Moment of the week: Winning the Rugby World Cup was not something I particularly care about on a personal level, but I managed to go out after the game and the atmosphere was great. Everyone was out united if only for a moment. Definitely the highlight of my weekend.

New Beginnings

2007-10-09T11:12:00.000+02:00

At the moment I am experiencing enormous amounts of change, and while most of it is quite positive and exciting there is a little nervousness over the uncertainty ahead.

I finished my term as VARSITY newspaper's Arts and Entertainment Editor, which has truly been one of the most exciting things I have done. It changed my career. I graduate in a few weeks and I am basically being unleashed and emancipated from all the comfort zones I have come to enjoy over the last few years. It's really exciting, I feel like everything is ending at the right time and I am equipped to move on to bigger and better things, so watch this space...

I have a couple of freelance articles coming out in a magazine geared towards high school students in a few weeks. I will let you know how to get hold of that when it comes out.

What's Next? I hate spilling the beans before I have confirmation, but I am looking at studying for another year, while working in the industry full time... maybe something in Magazines or TV.

On the entertainment front I was dragged to the movie Knocked Up last Tuesday. I was expecting something so predictable and formulaic, but I actually enjoyed it a lot. It was really funny and I was impressed by Katherine Heigl's performance. I forgot that she was Izzy from Grey's Anatomy, which is often hard to do. It's been on circuit for quite some time, so be sure to check it out on the big screen.

I am getting more visits that ever before, so I am going to have to try to post more!

Writer of the Moment: One of my favourite columnists is socialite, personality and journalist Kuli Roberts. I read her Bitches Brew column in The Sunday World religiously. It's funny, witty and socially relevant, leaving you feeling empowered every time. Check it out: www.sundayworld.co.za

I'm It!

2007-09-28T14:14:00.000+02:00

I was recently tagged by my friend and My Crazy Life reader The Electric Orchid Hunter, so here goes. I am ending my silence. Apparently I don't share enough of myself, so here are 8 random facts about myself.

1) I love karaoke. It is one of my favourite activities and I do it whenever I can. I think it does great things for people once they get over their initial fear. Everyone is a star for a moment- no matter how bad they are.

2) I don't have a psychologist, I have a gym membership. I try to go three times a week and attend as many ab classes as possible. It's not about looking good, it's about feeling good. The solutions to most of my problems almost always come to me during my treadmill experiences. The progression of my sexy body is impeded by my fondness for food.

3) I have strange eating habits. I generally don't like seafood at all, however I have developed a fondness for sushi over the last couple of years. This is especially odd, considering that the fishy smell of the ocean makes me feel ill. Until recently I hated tomatoes, feta, olives, broccoli, mushrooms and wholewheat bread. I now enjoy eating all of the above in certain conditions.

4) I like many things that are generally panned by other critics, even when I can acknowledge their flaws. These include the movie Glitter and Britney Spears' new song, 'Gimme More'. I can't explain it - I think it may just be that I am a fan of the underdog. I have never been a huge Britney fan - in fact for most of her career I have really disliked her, but hope that she does make a comeback.

5) If I could be anything I would be a singer/ songwriter. I know that the best I can do is a Paris Hilton-esque record, so I have never pursued this. I think that music has the power to express and affect people in ways that no other medium can. Maybe one day, in a random act of violence, I will release a heavily produced single on the world.

6) The first popular songs I knew off by heart were Kylie Minogue's 'Locomation' and the Village People's YMCA when i was three. Blame my mother, she bought me a mixed party tape featuring those tracks.

7) I have an aversion to pets. I have never had a dog or a cat. I have dealt with a few goldfish though. As a result, I hate being touched and licked by animals, particularly dogs. Conceptually small dogs are just fine, but they have to keep their bodily fluids to themselves.

8) I would pose nude, though strategically covering the naughty bits if the right opportunity and amount of money presented itself... he he. It would have to be tasteful and either for a sum of no less that $100 000 or a good cause, like PETA.

I am supposed to tag 8 people, but I think everyone I am potentially interested in knowing more about has already been tagged. Please do this on your own blog if you are reading this and post your URL as a comment.

New posts coming soon!

Let's Keep It Going

2007-08-18T08:41:00.000+02:00

As you may have gathered in previous posts, I had a great time at Fashion Week. The great thing about it is that I was provided with the opportunity to examine myself in the context and re-evaluate what is most important. It was so unexpected and random, but totally worthwhile and beneficial to my cause. In the photo I am living it up with, Cameron, a good friend of mine at an after party.

Last night I went to a Rock and Roll themed 21st birthday party. I decided to pull off my best Jimi Hendrix impersonation, complete with a wig and a tie I made when I was in Grade 4. It was pretty festive. When the photos become available they will be here.

My year as Arts and Entertainment Editor of VARSITY Newspaper is coming to an end quite soon. It is proving to be rather scary for me. I have become so used to being in that comfort zone and using the job as a medium to do what I love. At the same time I have grown tremendously and need to move on to other things. It's a daunting task, but I know I have a few opportunities which should be quite exciting. Changes! I just want to maintain my momentum.

I just wanted to check in after a week of silence and tell you that I am doing fine. Have a great weekend, I know I will.

Melodies of the Moment: Without a doubt, I am in love with Louise Carver's new album, Saved by the Moonlight. I am someone who has always appreciated the power of song. These songs are amazingly honest. My favourite song off the record is 'Home'.

Cape Town Fashion Week - Day 3

2007-08-11T15:00:00.000+02:00

Though things appear to be winding down, yesterday was probably one of the better days of this year's fashion week.

I didn't attend too many shows, I attended the Ottimo and Eboka Show and The Carducci Show. I was also able to view the Cosmo Lingerie Show and Gavin Rajah's Paris collection.

Thursday's InStyle Charity event was absolutely fantastic. Celebrities like Bonnie Henna, Nicky Greenwall and Chichi Letswalo wore red-themed dresses from their favourite designers and it really was quite spectacular. Louise Carver performed an acoustic version of her latest single 'Home', which left my feeling so moved, I went out and bought both her albums. She'll be performing at the Green Dolphin at 8pm on Sunday the 26th in Cape Town, I will be there. Unathi also performed and she was pretty good as well.

Last night we attended two after parties to celebrate the success of the Cosmo and Gavin Rajah shows. The Cosmo party was held at trendy nightclub Roosevelt, on Bree Street and The Gavin Rajah party was held at The Fashion TV Cafe. It was really great. I got to hit the dancefloor with models, Gavin Rajah, David Tlale, Thula Sindi, Craig Native, Loyiso Bala and Leanne Manas. It was great.

Things are definitely still happening, so if you have time and can get your hands on a ticket, come on down.

Cape Town Fashion Week 2007 - Day 2

2007-08-09T21:08:00.000+02:00

I am coming to you, just before the InStyle Charity Fashion Show, which promises to feature many local celebrities modelling the creations of their favourite designers.

The day has been really good, I got to see some exciting shows and I am having a great time.

Loads of local personalities are coming out to support the even. Colin Moss, Doreen Morris, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, Michelle McLean and others have come out to support the local fashion industry.

One thing I am beginning to acknowledge is that the fashion industry is extremely complex. It's the ultimate meeting ground of art and meaningless superficiality. I am amazed by some of the brilliant people who come out to support our local artists and foster a growing industry, but appalled by some of the people who use the industry to hide the fact that beyond the imagery, there is nothing there.

I will update you in further detail tomorrow.

Cape Town Fashion Week 2007

2007-08-08T18:41:00.000+02:00

Greetings - it has been a while.

I am coming to you directly from Cape Town Fashion Week, where I have managed to once again take part in all the fashion-related festivities as part of my job at VARSITY Newspaper and as a freelance journalist.

I just attended the C'est Couture show, which was presented by Chivas Regal in association with Gavin Rajah. It feature successful up-and-coming local designers David Tlale, Craig Jacobs, Thabani Mavundla and Thula Sindi. There were some amazing designs, so I am glad to be back here this year. While the fashion week appears to be a lot smaller this year, they haven't compromised on the quality of the designs.

Keep visiting daily, I will be updating this site with all the latest fashion week information as it happens.

Visit the official site for more.

Mixing It

2007-07-24T23:22:00.000+02:00

I am agonising over the fact that this time next week I'll most probably be doing an assignment due for the next day... I am making the most of the last few days of my holiday.

Tuesday is half-price movie day, so I decided to go and see Reign Over Me. It was actually really good. It stars Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith and Liv Tyler. All of the actors delivered surprisingly good performances. Surprisingly good, in the sense that the movie was just really profound and really good. While the story focuses largely on the relationship between a dentist, Alan Johnson (Cheadle) and his former college roommate, Charlie Finestein (Sandler), who lost his entire family in a 9/11 plane crash and is suffering from a post-traumatic stress disorder, the film also explores various other issues.

What hit me were two things. It really opened my eyes to the fact that while 9/11 may have ended for me, it lives on and on everyday in the lives of thousands of people. I am someone who becomes very de-sensitised to extensice news coverage and often forget that every number has a family. The other thing that hit me was the power of friendship. I have said it before, but friends can heal and save you like no one else can - that's what this movie is truly about.

I got a message from the "shoe-lady" who was on Oprah a number of years ago. I had posted a post about how her moment on that show had a profoundly huge impact on me. I think about it often. It was really uplifting to get a message from her. Thank you Joni - I am moved even further. To read the post and comment click here.

I went to the Baxter Theatre tonight to attend the opening of the awesome local comedy Let's Mix It. I had a great time. I had originally see the show at the Obz Cafe Theatre when it was launched a few months ago, but this time it was much bigger and better. The audience really embraced the show and the atmosphere was great. It truly is a Capetonian show. It's directed by Rafiek Mammon, and stars the talented Abduraghmaan Adams and the versatile Gary Naidoo. I am truly impressed by this show's broad appeal.

It runs at the Baxter Theatre until the 28th July. Book via Computicket, at 083 915 8000, or the Baxter on 021 680 3989.

It was a great day. I feel like I am getting back to where and what I love.

Music of the moment: Don't laugh, but I am truly loving Country music at the moment. I think it's often lyrically superior to many other genres. Patty Griffin's 'Let Him Fly' lyrics are some of my favourite profound statements ever. Being true to my pop roots I am listening to some Carrie Underwood... My black friends can rest assured that I am not stepping too far into the dark side.

Lazy Days

2007-07-15T21:53:00.000+02:00

I am lucky enough to be enjoying a relatively pressure-free holiday. The only pressure has come from myself and knowing that I really should be updating this blog with all the various exciting activities that I have been taking part in, it's been a few weeks since my last confession, so here goes...

THEATRE:

I was lucky enough to get invited to the opening of a musical showcase at Baran's Dinner Theatre in Cape Town called Duets. Written and directed by a man I have a lot of respect for, Rafiek Mammon, this show is a showcase of some of our favourite duets by accomplished local performers - the charismatic Lu Chase and Riyaan Cornelius.

Both performers are quite well known in Cape Town and South Africa. Lu Chase is the lead singer of the huge dance revolution that is the Iridium Project and Cornelius frequently performs with various bands around the city. Both performers have amazing voices - I have seen Lu perform a few times and this show was the first time I realised what vocal depth she has. My favourite track was 'Nothing Going on But The Rent', which Lu just took to another level.

The hits were strung together by a loose storyline, in which Cornelius and Chase play a couple who have been throught the ups and downs associated with love. Hits by Maroon 5, Diana Ross, Elton John, George Michael, Nat King Cole and others. There was undeniable chemistry between the two, a little birdie mentioned that the two were locked in a room for two hours in order to make their performance as authentic as possible... hmmm.

Despite many invites, it was my first visit to Baran's, which is just off Greenmarket Square. It won't be my last - I like the Meditarranean vibe.

This past weekend I headed to the Baxter Theatre to see a play called Reach, written by Lara Foot Newton, directed by Clare Stopford and starring Aletta Bezuidenhout, who is becoming nothing short of legendary, and Mbulelo Grootboom, who seems to be becoming theatre's it-boy.

The show is an example of great, compelling contemporary theatre and deals with some important themes that many people face, though it is not a preachy piece. The story is sweet and heart-warming.

It runs at the Baxter Theatre's Sanlam Studio until the 11th August. To book call Computicket on 083 915 8000 call 021 680 3989

SPORT:

Yes, you are reading correctly... I attended a sports event. It was the 90 minutes for Mandela football match at Newlands Stadium, which was held in honour of Madiba's 89th birthday. I have to admire anyone who is still going strong at 89! My friend Lee-Ann dragged me down, and I have to say I actually enjoyed it - it was very different from watching it on TV (which I never do) and it was really a vibrant cultural experience.

MOVIES:

I had a couple of movie marathons and was given the opportunity to see some great films, which is always great. I finally saw The History Boys, like a million years later! I really enjoyed it, the acting really carried the movie.

I also saw Quinceanera. It was also a very enjoyable film. It touched me for some reason when I watched it. I went in expecing subtitles, but was pleasantly surprised with English, luckily this doesn't detract from the film's cultural interest. I had never heard of a Quinceanera, so it was great to learn a bit about them.

I caught Pan's Labyrinth, which I also really enjoyed. I was really tired for most of it and I dosed off, but that was on me, because from what I saw the movie was really good. The subtitles didn't help my alertness, but they added to the magicality of this film. I am generally anti-magical elements, but for some reason they fitted in this movie. Ivana Baquero was an amazing example of what a child star should be. I love her in this movie.

Wendy dragged me along to Die Hard 4.0. I have never been a huge action fan and usually find the mindless beating up of villains totally unnecessary. However, for some reason I was feeling aggressive and really enjoyed it. Die Hard has consistently managed to avoid becoming a cheesy franchise, because the films are well done for what they are and Bruce Willis is somewhat likeable.

BOOKS:

I work in a bookstore part-time, so I have been forced to digest Harry Potter mania for the last few days. I must say that I do admire J.K. Rowling for the success she has had with the franchise. She has managed to captivate the whole world and get an entire generation to take pleasure in reading. That is power.

I worked the first half of the run-up to the worldwide release of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows and was able to sit and sip cocktails while watching the madness unfold. I have never completed a book or a movie, it just doesn't grab me, but I figured that it may be the only opportunity I have to take part in such an event and lived through it.

My holiday is almost over. I am not quite ready to get back to work just yet - I am still feeling a little burnt out, so I will be sure to savour every moment this next week.

TV Show of the moment: I must admit that I have been giving ETV's Rhythm City a chance. Though there is still a lot of improvement that needs to take place, I am enjoying the storyline. Monday-Friday 18:30 - join me and let me know what you think.

The Best Things in Life

2007-07-02T23:27:00.000+02:00

Being on holiday has been a really good thing for me. I am beginning to slow down and start experiencing things I do so often and take for granted again. Going out is a good example. I go out almost every night, so it has become something mundane, but on Saturday I had such a good evening.

I started off at Beulah Bar in Green Point with my friend Kyle. I had never done it before, it's a really tiny, but nice club on Somerset. The DJ was good, so the dancefloor was happening. I stayed for a little while before heading through to Long Street. Long Street is Cape Town's main nightlife centre. It's a relatively boho-shopping experience during the day and the hub of nightlife activity at night.

I ended up at Joburg's, with my dear friend and party-animal-in-training Nicci, Lindsey (visiting from the USA) and fellow blogger Mike of Fuzzy Around The Edges, who was visiting his cousin in Cape Town. Unfortunately I didn't get much time to chat with him or hang out, because he had to heading to the otherside of town and I was operating on African Time as always. I had never met him in person and only knew him through visiting his BLOG, so it was pretty cool to see the person behind the talented blogger. I know I am so anti-internet, when it comes to meeting people in general, but I lived to tell the tale! Seems like a nice guy.

Joburg's is really into their Hip Hop and RnB. Nicci and Lindsey are really into their Hip Hop and RnB. They played all our jams and we danced really hard. Those girls both have got it going on on the dancefloor. They were on fire. The rest of the club were shocked by the fact that white girls could dance like that, it was amazing. Lindsey brought pulled moves, including the New York shuffle, that Cape Town just ain't ready for - what an amazing dancer.

It was a great night, looking forward to more like it.

Useless info for the day: Apparently today is Pamela Anderson's birthday. I don't really believe in astrology, but that makes her a cancerian like me. Anderson is 40 today. I have to say that the fact that she is still working at 4o is amazing. You may recall my rant about how I admire her in my post: Can I tell you a secret - Part 1 last year. Who says this BLOG isn't educational?

All Good Things

2007-06-30T15:26:00.001+02:00

Earlier this morning I had the opportunity to watch the last ever episode of Backstage - South Africa's first daily youth drama - which ran on ETV for over seven years. The show went through a high at the beginning of it's run. I am always a sceptic of things that have too much success, so I didn't ride the Backstage wave until much later in it's run. In recent years the standard of the show was pitiful and continued to drop. Like half of its other viewers, I had to give up on the show and stopped watching. Cancellation was inevitable.

The worst thing about the show's end was that it was a platform for many young actors. The show suffered from bad scripts, bad production values, ridiculous storylines and misguided young non-actors from time to time. It did however provide a platform for many young stars who have moved on to bigger and better things and showcased some of the best local music. Stars like Katlego Danke, Chippa, KB, Bonnie Mbuli, Grace Mahlaba, Pam Andrews. Clint Brink, Lorcia Cooper and O'Ryan Winter and others owe their stardom to the show, which launched their careers.

Part of me feels like an era of bad TV is over, but at the same time I think someone's dream in the entertainment industry dream is dead. It was someone's project and someone's baby and it didn't work out, that sucks. All the actors who thought they had cracked their big break are unemployed. Not cool. Hopefully this will inspire the show's replacement, Rhythm City to strive for more. Mediocrity is not acceptable.

The show ended with a gathering in the TV Show's tacky bar, while members of the cast sang an emotional 'That's What Friends Are For' and 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' - the honesty and underlying talent made up for the poor production and lack of harmony.

Speaking of good things on the other hand, Mandy Moore's new album is amazing. I managed to get my hands on a preview of the tracks and can't wait to buy the album, Wild Hope, when it is released locally. I know you think that I have lost my mind, but this is quite possibly one of the greatest music transformations ever. Mandy has graduated from B-rate pop princess to indie/ folk/ acoustic-pop songstress. I am the world's most unlikely sucker for pop music, but I promise you that this one's good.

She wrote most of the album herself and has got a great voice and powerful lyrics that will leave you going wow.The first single, 'Extraordinary' may be that, but doesn't even begin to match tracks like 'All Good Things', 'Can't You Just Adore Her', the title track 'Wild Hope' and my personal favourite, 'Nothing That You Are'.

I truly think that she hasn't even begun to taste the success that potentially awaits her - she is a good actress and shows great potential as a singer. I predict that she is going to be around a lot longer than the flavours of the week who are achieving enormous success now, she is in it for the long run and seemingly remains free from the trappings of fame.

The album is already out in the US and should be out here soon. Her new movie Licensed To Wed opens in the US on the 4th of July.

20.Y.O.

2007-06-27T12:44:00.000+02:00

For some reason, I have found that people are generally shocked when they find out how "young" I am. On Sunday I said farewell to my teens and took the plunge into semi-adulthood and turned 20. My instincts tell me that it is probably completely downhill from now on, but my faith in medical and cosmetic technology is helping to alleviate my anxiety.

I obviously wasn't going to restrict my celebrations to one evening, so I turned the process of turning twenty into a week-long celebration. After all, we are celebrating Two Decades of Twanji.

On Saturday, I had dinner with my parents at the Portuguese restaurant, Tasca De Belem at the Waterfront. I had been there previously a couple of times before and enjoyed it, but was not particularly excited by the food or the service this time.

That was followed by a small, intimate gathering at The Waiting Room, which is one of my favourite pre-drinks lounges in Cape Town. It has a really exclusive feel to it and is situated discretely above the Royale Eatery on Long Street. This was followed by a tour of the clubs on the street, including stops at Miam Miam and believe it or not, Marvel. I had a good time.

The following night - which was my actual birthday - I had a little sleepover with my people Kyle and Ayanda, like we were back in Grade 5 - I will eternally be that 11 year old kid in my mind. We ate popcorn and cupcakes at 2am in the morning, while watching Shortbus. Obviously the movie has caused quite a lot of debate, so I was watching it with my critical eye.

I thought it was more high-budget pornography than anything else. The plot and script needed more work in order to truly classify it as an art film. Some of the acting was good, so I won't discount that, but because it was so borderline I feel like they should have done more to portray a deeper storyline. We decided that we are Jay Brannan (Ceth) fans. It will be interesting to see if this role affects his acting and music careers. In general I felt like he movie was a high-budget version of Emmanuelle if that makes sense. The whole sleep over experience was fun though.

The next stop was dinner on Monday with my friends Alicia, Elroy and Lauren. Once again we ventured to the Waterfront. We went to this restaurant called Hildebrand, which specialises in Italian Cuisine. The service was amazing, the food was good, but the actual restaurant had a very dated element to it. It felt like I was in an elderly woman's dining room. It was good to see my friends again though, it's really nice to disconnect and reconnect with old friends from time to time. I was craving a cocktail at the end of dinner, so we headed to one of my cocktail heavens - Cantina Tequila post-dinner.

There were various other activities, but we are trying to keep those on the down-low and hope that pictures never surface. I had a really debaucherous and fun week. Most of all I am really happy that I got to take some time out and hang out with my friends. It was great to feel the love! Thank you to everyone who sent e-mails, text messages, gifts etc. Much appraciated!

Regular MY CRAZY LIFE reader, Fahema, pointed out that there is a Paris Hilton narrative developing on this BLOG. So for the sake of completion, I must point out that Paris was released from prison yesterday. My regular programming was interrupted to acknowledge this with a live broadcast from a helicopter following her home. There was more coverage of her release than the OJ-onthe-run case. I am glad it's over. At the end of the day it became more of a joke at her expense, than anything else - the boundaries of justice were blurred in my opinion. Hopefully celebrities will start taking the world a little more seriously. Fame costs. Paris is back!

I am finally putting the article I did with one of my favourite Cape Town-based bands, CODA on my other BLOG, My Crazy Music. Click Here to check it out or visit: http://twanji3000f.blogspot.com.

In the spirit of turning 20, The song of the moment is Janet Jackson's 'So Excited' off her 2006 album that celebrated two decades of control in her career, 20.Y.O.