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"...

Where there are Rhythm and Hymns there are bound to be Signs of A Struggle

Mattafix

I just have to say that I am the Biggest fan of Mattafix... I have been loyally following the group since 2005, since I heard 'Big City Life' for the first time, and for a good reason. You know as you grow up trying to find yourself, sometimes you feel like no one understands, you're lost in the world, or you are an emotional mess, the songs from Mattafix were like that inner voice that made you realise that you are not alone in this.  They might not be pop artists, and might not even be well know to many (which is a unbelievable, and such a shame), but they write music that relates to most.

Their deep and thought provoking lyrics are accompanied by well laid out acoustic/electro/soul/pop/ reggae instrumentals and that leaves you bobbing your head back and forth, and even want to dance to some degree....The point is to let you reflect while soothing you with their eclectic sound.

Unfortunately Mattafix is in hiatus, there are many varying reasons why this might be, and I wont dwell on them because just hearing that they were no longer put me on a downer for a moment and a bit. So, instead I will share some of their music and reminisce...

Passer By from 'Signs of a Struggle'

Angel on my Shoulder from 'Rhythm and Hymns'

I recently purchased a copy of Marlon Roudette's latest album, Matter Fixed. I was quite excited and saddened at the same time because its a solo album. I was rather happy though, and still in a Marlon cloud from listening to each one of his songs that I have on repeat. The sound is a bit different, but the lyrical content is still very meaningful, relatable, but more personal....

Honestly, one of the best albums of the year, but hardly anyone knows of it! there were only 9 copies in Musica they don't even stock them at Look&Listen, and it took the manager a few minutes to actually locate where they had hidden them.

Marlon Roudette

This is one of the track from this album...

Riding Home from 'Matter Fixed'

I was going to go into the depth of their music, but I think the music speaks for itself, plus I'm not going to pretend to understand what place they were coming from when they wrote their songs. Everyone relates with the words or the music differently, as it should be.

I believe that Mattafix's music will always be relevant and timeless. Do yourself a big favour, give them a listen... you'll thank me later ;)

Whats your favourite tune?

Trip to Mauritius

I recently went on a trip to Mauritius, and it was needed.  Its an Island of wonder and beautiful surprises. Thought I'd share some images from the trip, there surely will be more to come, these are just the few that I've edited thus far.... 

the sun is beautiful, no matter where you are in the world*

Camera Phone Installations

I just realised that I have accumulated a lot of pictures in my phone. I do take a lot of pictures, but who doesn't these days. I don't really like the quality of my camera phone, but some pictures I must admit came out stunning. This is a collection of some of my favourites. Some of these are random, but hey....

A beach full of Sardines, in Hout Bay

Robben Island in the distance

Table mountain in the distance from a Limo, while riding around Tableview

Full sun in Camps Bay

The water in CT is too darn cold, so I'd rather admire the tiny algae on the rocks

Another long day, waiting for the green light. This is what I get to see everyday in Newlands the Shadow of Table Mountain

'Dont mind if I do rest up on this flower' said the butterfly. Didn't move for a whole day

While waiting for a vacant toilet, the lights caught my attention

Another beautiful sun, waiting to see the sunset in Signal Hill

Navy Fest anyone?..us before boarding the German vessel in Simon's Town

A beautiful sunset in Signal Hill. Like always

Sharing is Caring........ :)

A Hope and A Dream

In April I was invited to volunteer at  Camp Hope. A weekend long camp for kids with disabilities. I was given the opportunity to interact and help out with kid who were blind or partially sighted, as a Buddy. A Buddy is there to help in the organisation of the camp, plan activities, meals, and also being paired with one of the kids for the whole weekend.

It was quite an emotional, fun and fulfilling time spent with these kids. Most of the have been lived with their disabilities their whole lives, so they were self sufficient. And because they were aged between just 5 and 16 years, there was a lot of energy going around.

I was assigned to take care of one girl, Naledi, I ended up taking on a few more kids who seems quite happy with me... These are some of them

I took care of Naledi

Laticia, a sweet child, she helped take care of her friends

AB, the mischievous

When you successfully climb up the wall, you feel like you can conquer anything. This exercise was meant for both the Kids and the Buddies. It is much tougher than it look. Well done to all the kids for completing the challenge

 There were fun and games too. the jumping castle seemed to be the most popular

 

 The Hout Bay Rainbow Dreams Group Came in one evening to sing for the kids, and later they join us for supper, where we had to eat in the dark, blind folded in respect of the blind kids. My food mysteriously went missing before I could even put a fork in...

The kids and their respective buddies were divided into groups, and we were the Monkeys. A fitting name for us, as we had very energetic kids. We also had the youngest of the whole camp, Simphiwe the little monkey, only five years old. Each group had to come up with a skit for the talent show. We were surprised when the Monkeys wanted to sing and dance to Justin Beiber's Baby song...

One of the evenings we had a serious drumming session, for a straight hour or so everyone was jamming to the beat, some of us had percussion instruments, I had the cow bell to play. The sounds of music was so magical no one wanted to stop, but alas it was bed time and we had and early morning filled with fun activities ahead of us.

At the end of the camp the kids were given presents, certificates of attendance and were given the opportunity to write tiny messages of hope, put them in helium balloons and let them fly into vast blue sky......