Something to Share

Since moving to Cape Town, I have been doing a lot of what the locals do. Go to the beach, exercise, laze around. I frequent a lot of the markets that seem to have taken this place by storm,even became a foodie for a bit... One of the things I have really enjoyed is live music... I have been to electro performances, spoken word, rock bands, in different kinds of lounges, bars and clubs. Even once went to a show in a house  (you can actually rent out your house turn it into a concert venue - it happens).

By far my favourite performances has been by three groups. The first was D7 (now going by the White Collar Club), a vocal group that just seems to have taken the west by storm and the rest of the country. An electrifying ensemble of dynamic guys that sing old school acappella... they are just plain amazing! I told one of the guys that I would become their biggest fan...... but on budget ;). Their popularity has seen their shows become quite pricey, well deserved in any case.

D-seven now the White Collar Club

Jeremy Loops, has also be come a sensation in his own right. Its been really great watching his musical career sky rocket from when he would just perform on campus. He is now heading to America to spread his music. The first time I heard him I couldn't believe that he was creating all this music by himself.  Its not about the fact that he is plays on a loop pad, but its the fact that he can play so many different instruments, and well, plus his song writing abilities are just spectacular. He is a folk musician, and makes really inspirational tracks that leave you feeling good, while you dance under the sun. The one man band can rock out!

Jeremy Loops, and oh he is co-founder of Greenpop 

In recent weeks, I went to an album launch for Rosemary Townsend. I was invited by the drummer in the group, and so naturally with people I know, I am always skeptical when they say they have a band. I went in expecting your typical kind of band performance and sound, but whoa! was I blown away... They're music was great, their energy on stage infectious. All I wanted to do is sing along and jump around with them, so did everyone else. It was rock n' roll! They have a bluesy rock/alternative/indie/classic rock type of vibe... Aunty Rose is fine by me.

Rosemary Townsend

I am not a music critic or expert or claim to know a lot about music, thought I should share my some of my favourite music.... I just plain love music... 

White Collar Club: http://whitecollarclub.net/ 

Jeremy Loops: http://www.jeremyloops.com/

Rosemary Townsend: Rosemary Townsend FB page

I woke up quite excited today, and of late... I have a vision for my home, my community. This is it, this is what I have been figuring out for a while but now I think I am able to start putting pen to paper, and then words to action. There is a lot that I would like to do and see happen for my community back on Pretoria. I started Tshegetso Community Projects for that reason. I am tired of handouts and outsourcing of many NGOs that attempt to better my community.. I have been struggling with that a lot, because there is no sense of sustenance a real long-term gain for people in the community...  Tshegetso is meant to be a youth development structure that aims to look at what is lacking or needed within the community and identify local skills to deal with it, and at the same time revitalising the spirit of our community.Also aims to form a network of community based organisations and projects, as well as local business and government  to create a well-oiled community oriented machine of creativity and development. The past few years has seen me go out and learn of what is out there, what people are doing and what community engagement looks like. I hope that with this continued journey I am able to use what I have picked up to create what I envision with other people back home for my home.

Im not going to get into specifics until I get something solid and tangible, but sho! the future is looking mighty bright :). Its a scary undertaking, but as they say if your dreams scare you then you are moving the right direction, or something like that...

Things are getting a little bit more serious, and I hope that there will be others joining in on the ride...

In the long silence I have been out in the world learning about my own world. I vowed together with two of my closest friends that this year would be the year of knowledge. Knowledge of self, and of others. Learning and then sharing...
With so much going on in South Africa of late, I felt that I needed to take a step back, so that I can look at the situation we are facing at a different perspective. Too much anger, too much hostility on the ground. So I did what any sensible person would do I bought a few books... decided to educate myself on my beloved (South) Africa...

In the words of Neil DeGrasse Tyson, I would like to... "know more today about the world than I knew yesterday, and lessen the suffering of others. You'd be surprised how far that gets you"...