Feet feet, fabulous feet...

During a recent dance class we were asked to focus on our feet, to notice how they support us, keep us balanced and always catch us when we fall. And of how being barefoot connects us to the earth, reminding us how to embrace the feeling of trusting our feet fully.

I loved this concept and it got me to thinking how feet are such a fundamental yet overlooked element of our being. My mind then drifted to musicians who have mentioned feet in their music, and as it goes, my brain library accessed a few SA feet references...

1. Beautiful Feet - the gorgeous title track and name of the first international album of the gentle, humble and awe-inspiring guitar soloist and singer, Nibs van der Spuy. Just today he released a duo album 'In the shade of the wild fig' together with fellow guitar-maestro and friend, Guy Buttery.

2. Barefoot Hope - a beautiful song, tinged with a gentle African reggae beat, by Trenton and Free Radical shot in a township in Cape Town. The soft light and footage in the video is also wonderful. Watch Barefoot Hope here.

3. Incredible feet - five South Africans have just finished their epic barefoot climb of Kilimanjaro in Kenya, an article in The South African called it 'Climbing Kili Kaalvoet'!

So give some thought to your feet, acknowledge them, appreciate them and mostly, use them! 

Rock on being barefoot,

x

Snow. Sun. Dance. Sugar.

On this, the same day it was said that the 'Blood. Sugar. Sex. Majik.' boys will be in SA in 2013, so too was there a standing ovation for the 'Snow. Sun. Dance. Sugar' man, an American man known and loved mostly by South Africans...

Amidst the Friday morning snow of the Sundance Film Festival, 'Searching for Sugar Man' (Snow. Sun. Dance. Sugar, geddit!?), was one of the opening documentaries at the annual American film festival. 

The story is one which most South Africans know. Music that made it across an ocean and into the tapedecks of teenagers and other anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, the music of Rodriguez was a sort of soundtrack for anti-establishment expression. As were the hippy happy drug-tinged references of Mary Jane and Sugar Man! Not to mention the one song that most associate with Rodriguez...

"And I wonder, how many times you've been had... and I wonder how many plans have gone bad.  

I wonder how many times you've had sex, and I wonder do you know who'll be next...   

I wonder, I wonder I do..."

The story itself is about the mission set upon by a couple of South Africans who spent a few years looking for Rodriguez back in the nineties - and then how they not only found him, but brought the living legend to South Africa!

A legend he is indeed - I will never forget when I had the opportunity (and how I excited I was!) to interview Rodriguez ahead of his first London show in 30 years! In 2004, albeit telephonically - on a very clear line from London to Cape Town - I felt like I was speaking to a channeled spirit, a voice of wisdom and knowing!

And I couldn't help wondering how he must be feeling at the age of 63 (and the same age as my dad at the time), to be reaching the fame he never had in the 70s! And like my dad, Rodriguez will this year be turning 70!

How fabulous that this story of the great search has made it to more people, his music reaching more minds and the 'Great Rodriguez Hunt' (conducted by Stephen Segerman and captured by Brian Currin), proving the power of the internet and getting the extra mileage for the good they did!

Read the Sundance review on TheWrap.com...

Rock on Rodriguez forever,
x

Are you a South AfriCAN, or a South AfriCAN'T...

Up until a few minutes ago, I was the latter. And as a Capetonian, I've been driving past posters on lamposts in the last week which are counting down the days left to vote for Table Mountain as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature - a global campaign to select seven symbols of heritage and nature! 

As is often the beauty, and bane, of deadlines, the pressure pushes us to do something at the last minute! Well, you have 11 days to make your vote count before 11/11/11 when voting closes! So if you are SA proud, and think Table Mountain is terrific, get voting (link below)! 

Whether you are from SA or not, many have visited the beloved and majestic Table Mountain, stood on its 1,086m platform of awesomeness, experienced its city bowl embrace, seen its overflowing wispy white table cloth and felt its presence, forever watching over a very special city.

The mountain the Dutch first saw when they neared the Cape. Imagine what they must have thought. Think of all the people who have lived under it. Known which way to drive because of it. Or walked it, admiring its viewpoint of the peninsula and out across the ocean. We all have our own memories and reasons of what Table Mountain means to us!

Today, I finally made my vote count.

Upon voting, it prompted me to vote for seven finalists - yip, you cannot just vote solely for the beloved Table Mountain. And in doing so, I learnt a few facts about our astounding earth, including some cool facts about Cape Town's coolest icon!

Did you know?

• Table Mountain is the only natural site on the planet to have a constellation of stars named after it - Mensa, meaning 'the table'
• Table Mountain boats numerous rare and endangered species and hosts the richest, yet smallest floral kingdom on earth with over 1,470 floral species

There are 28 finalists from which to select your top seven, and its quick to get voting, so head here to be wow'ed about our wonderful world...

In closing, I'll never forget sitting next to a foreigner on an international flight into Cape Town a few years back as he turned to me and asked in all sincerity, "is that the famous Table Top Mountain?"

It made me so proud to say yes and watch him turn back to the window to watch in awe.

Call it what you will, but vote for it!

Rock on rocking rock formations,
x

It's been a while...

IKHYSLSM or I Know How You Screamed Last Scary Movie... a new play by Vulture Productions. Even the production company sounds ominous. Yet it still took me a while to make the connection as to how perfectly timed this Cape Town play was...

On arrival at the Theatre in the District, my first time at this quaint Woodstock venue, I was distracted by the unique design features of the building. From the arched wooden roof to the immense Phantom-of-the-Opera-esque central chandelier, the space was delightfully engaging. The seating cascaded onto the stage making it look like we would literally be a part of the set ourselves! But I digress.

Only when I was standing in the bar queue (which was behind the stage, making it feel even more accessible, intimate and exciting), did I notice the overly pronounced display of American Halloween paraphernalia... a spider-web covered coffin, some bright orange pumpkins and a selection of Halloween masks and props to play with! And a photographer to capture your Halloween moment.

That's when I marvelled at the ultimate marketing power behind this play being put on this weekend, and next. It runs for six days on either side of Halloween. Have I been oblivious to all the orange items and witches hats displayed in windows across Cape Town of late? Now that I think of it, no I haven't. I just cannot believe that it is the end of October already.

But I digress again. I Know What I Did Last Night.

I watched the opening night of this locally-produced eight man play! Produced by Antoinette du Preez, and written and directed by Jeremeo Le Cordeur, a City Varsity graduate, this play is his third production! And he also acts in it!

Its ultimately a comedy, a spoof of the classic horror movies of years past. And the audience demographic confirmed this, with an average age of 28 years 8 months (on average)! It was indeed a tribute, and a test of the memory, to all the scary movies that this generation has been subjected too. Some scary, some more of the comical type...

Do you know your 'Scary Movie' and your 'Scream' from your 'I know what you did last summer'? Your 'Idle Hands' from your 'It', 'Saw' from 'The Shining', 'Poltergeist' from 'The Ring'? And an extra 10 points if you know the name of the guy who possessed Chucky in Child's Play. And then an added bonus if you can work out the scene were Grey's Anatomy is immortalised in SA theatre!

Oh, and how could I forget another key concept and theme trailed through this horror playground, the three South Africanised characters named, and cast with similar looks, from the Twilight saga. Brilliantly clever cross-overs and cross-references!

Jeremeo is clearly a child of the Movie Generation with his extensive knowledge to have scripted such a synergetic blend of classic scenes. In fact, I'm surprised no one had done it before! Or is there a movie of similar direction? It was a parody begging to be produced! And Jeremeo was quick off the mark to capitalise on our horror-inspired mindsets at this time of year!

For a night of horror movie reminiscing, laughter and quality acting (plus free popcorn and a yummy Lindt chocolate on arrival), click here!

Catch IKHYSLSM tonight, tomorrow and then 3-5 November as well!

Rock on reminiscing about scary movies,
x

Today I am so very proudly Capetonian...

Don't get me wrong, I am proudly Capetonian always... But as a recently returned Cape Town raised being, today I am doubly extra proud of the vision and hard work behind Cape Town for World Design Capital 2014 - a prestigious platform which we were awarded this morning!

Today I experienced Cape Town with fresh eyes and an excited sense of endless possibility as I looked around at the blend of people equally enlivened by the energy and future of Cape Town, of the power of design thinking as a transformational mindset shifter - and of the city itself as a living breathing functioning design being!

Today I woke at 4:45am.
Today I went to the Fringe before work.
Today I drank amazing free coffee from the Field Office.
Today I celebrated with fellow design enthusiasts at the crack of dawn.
Today I witnessed history, streamed live from the IDA Congress in Taiwan.
Today I was part of the celebration of Cape Town as World Design Capital 2014.

Today I spoke to the Cape Talk presenter Africa Melane.

Today I chatted to the film crew of SABC's Special Assignment.

Today I wrote my wish for Cape Town at the design collective, The Bank.

Today I shared the excitement with the bid committe and Cape Town Partnership.

Today I helped spread the news of this epic achievement putting Cape Town on the map.

Today I ate slup chips for breakfast, because I am Capetonian.
Today I walked through the parade market and felt connected to the city.
Today I strolled past the vibrant station flowersellers of Cape Town, and smiled.
Today I caught the MyCiti bus and marvelled at the clean, friendly and efficient service.
Today I celebrated and appreciated what it means to be part of the the City of Cape Town.

Rock on creative vision,
x

Na na na...

What do the three n's of Knysna, Nibs and November have in common? ...a fourth 'n' of course - a new album coming soon!

And the live Nibs magic will be unfolding even sooner at one of London's most special acoustic venues, the home away from home for most SA acoustic acts on a visit to the UK's capital city!

November sees the launch of a purely acoustic project from one of South Africa's most talented folk storytellers, entitled Morning Star, an acoustic album which was recorded in Knysna in one day!

He is a man who spends more of his time abroad where audiences bend over backwards to experience the Nibs van der Spuy magic... Over half of his year is overseas, mostly Europe, where the Kwa-Zulu Natal guitarist has a serious following. Particularly in Italy, France and Germany! Currently on one such tour, he is playing two UK gigs before heading back to home shores where he doesn't need a jersey, nor hat.

Ahead of his Halfmoon show in south west London tomorrow night, Heather Walker, editor of The South African newspaper, chatted to the musical magician about genres, influences, upbringing and career highlights! Read the story here...

His support act is someone I've not heard of before, a Dave McMillan, and at times like these, despite sitting in the centre of the mother city - with access to all sorts of SA music - I miss these little gems of SA music in the middle of London's over-saturated all-access options! Always a treat to catch a Nibs show!

Rock on as always the amazing Nibs van der Spuy, we look forward to the new album,
x

Pink is the new colour of rock 'n roll...

It would be the kinda place you'd expect to find Elvis hanging out. Tucked away, living the simple life at the seaside, taking afternoon strolls on the promenade. Or perhaps Nick Cave is a more likely potential Pelirocco patron... He already lives in Brighton after all!

On arrival we originally overlooked the subtle Pelirocco sign on the front of the very plain terraced building in the square opposite the long since burnt down, and well known, West Pier in Brighton...

But once we spotted it, we were quick to dash inside and out of the rain. Being indoors was a welcome relief from the diagonal sheet rain that had pelted us all the way from the rail station about 15 minutes walk away. But in the spirit of it being summer, we'd decided that a bit of water couldn't harm us!

The warmth of the all pink Hotel Pelirocco reception put instant big fat smiles on our faces! We were given our key and shown to the staircase, where we ascended and made our way past all the paraphenalia and photos and artworks on the wall and down a tiny corridor until we found our door...

This might be a rock 'n roll hotel, but it felt somewhat like an Alice in Wonderland or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory adventure lay ahead! 

And then the grand moment! As we wiggled the key in the lock of room no 9, we had an idea of what to expect, but as we swung the door open, what awaited us was bolder and more brilliant in real life!

Also boasting bright pink walls, a giant orange-tinged sunset with a palm tree silhouetted against it formed the centre point, and soul, of our room.

Each of the rooms at this boutique hotel have unique names, though I shall let you find out for yourself just what our little bright pink sweets-from-heaven style boudoir was called...

It was perfect! We even had a sideways view of the sea if we stuck our heads out the window! Plus there were some cool chairs and a cosy flourescent pink quilt, perfect for people who have just been walking in the rain and need to warm up!

And in case you forget where you are, the canvas artwork on the walls (all of which is for sale I believe), is of candy coloured beach inspired signage specific to the Brighton seaside tourist town feel, from fish 'n chip shops to ice cream sellers, beach huts to deck chairs and carousels!

The next morning we wound our way down the quaint cluttered spiral staircase to the breakfast room, back in the pink interior of the reception. An ala carte menu offered us all sorts of delicious favourites, including a healthy eggs royale on a wholewheat muffin and a good full English with Portabello mushrooms too!

Pelirocco will put back the twinkle back in your smile and it will open your eyes to the smaller details that surround us in every moment! Its amazing what one night away from London can do for the soul!

And why am I not surprised to know that this rock 'n roll hotel even has a radio station of its own!


Or perhaps you wish to indulge your own inner rockstar with some Singstar karaoke! There is so much to discover and explore at Pelirocco - including the story behind its namesake! So check out the coolest rock 'n roll hotel an hour south of London and get booking for that boutique beach weekend escape!

Rock on little rock 'n roll discoveries,
x

PS. And on 19 October, Pelirocco is launching a new room - Do Knit Disturb - bringing the total of unique rooms to 20! Keep up to date on the Peli on Facebook!

Counting the daisies down...

One festival, two festivals, three festivals, four... That is one festival for each of the months left of the year, starting today as September, then October, November and December! 

And what more does one need to start preparing for summer holiday mode than a festival to truly get that let go feeling, to kick back and kick off the shoes and just learn to be at one with nature and live meal-to-meal, enjoying the sunshine and mostly concerned with which epic band to see next!

Starting with White Mountain Festival from today in KZN, to Rocking the Daisies next weekend for the Capies and those along the west coast, followed by Synergy at the end of November (also for those in Western Cape), and the new one day Drake Festival in KZN on 17 December!




Rocking the Daisies has a stellar line up on Saturday in particular! I think I'll find myself a permanent viewing possie from 2pm onwards:

• SATURDAY
• 10:00 The Brother Moves On
• 11:00 The Rescu
• 12:00 Peachy Keen
• 13:00 IScreamStix
• 14:00 Jeremy Loops
• 15:05 Yoav
• 16:10 Belleruche
• 17:15 Tumi & the Volume
• 18:20 aKING
• 19:45 Prime Circle
• 21:10 Civil Twilight
• 22:55 Band of Skulls
• 00:30 Lark

And yes, that's two UK bands on the Saturday line-up - electronic / soul band Belleruche for the post-lunch chill and then the main alternative rock headliner Band of Skulls who will take us over the midnight threshold!

Even the Sunday line up is worth sticking around for! I recall last year how we stayed til Nibs van der Spuy at the very end, and despite it pissing it down with rain, we were so pleased we stuck it out!


SUNDAY

• 10:00 Hot Water
• 11:00 Jon Savage and the Nomads
• 12:00 Shadowclub
• 13:05 Graeme Watkins Project
• 14:10 Just Jinjer

Rock on counting down the days til Daisies,
x

1x SA singer songwriter pizza please...

When I first heard the name Malory Torr, my mind jumped to images of Natural Born Killers and odd rock formations. You see, it is not common to hear of a girl named Malory these days... (and I randomly recall the word 'tor' from school geography)

But Malory is neither a serial killer side-kick nor a rock, she is a talented seventeen year old UK-based South African singer songwriter, who like many other overseas South Africans, lives in Wimbledon!

And she is in the running for an exciting UK Jamie Callum inspired Pizza Express 'Big Audition' competition! From something like 10,000 entrants, Mal has made it into the top 50! And she needs your vote to get her into the top 10! With voting closing today, 28 September 2011, have a listen and vote for her here!

Now this young girl sure must be talented, as she also made it into the grand finals of the Live and Unsigned competition two months ago, performing at the O2, also out of a massive 10,000 entrants!

And talent runs in the family it seems, as Malory is the cousin of the uber talented SA-based singer songwriter Josie Field!

Mal may only have just finished her GCSEs, but she has already performed at venues across London, including the Trouboudour and Halfmoon.

As for her influences, she says, "My music is indie folk with a twist of humour and influenced by Regina Spektor, Laura Marling, Lilly Allen, Josie Field and Joni Mitchell. I also love Jack Johnson and Bob Dylan!"

Now go watch her audition video, hear about why Malory wants to be a celebrity and a slut! And may I also make a suggestion, that when next The Brothers Streep are in England, or Malory in SA, that they do a little male/ female challenge in the form of a comedy-sing-off!

Rock on young SA talent making the Pizza Express top 10,

x

Super bok...

I learnt a new word a few weeks ago, and while it was a rather under-stated explanation related to the event, it has never-the-less stuck in my brain!

The word is 'bok', to be used as an expression of something which is super cool. As in, "Ja, that's bok!" 

'Bok' is also the name of a group of guys who put on the pop-up music event on Spin Street in Cape Town a few weeks ago. In a non-music venue, there was a second-hand clothing sale and a small balcony, a selection of basic beers, plus rum and coke. In line with the stripped back set up, they'd even made a budget sign out of brown paper!

A bunch of guys having fun by creating an afternoon gig, in an unusual setting, with good bands, just because! Now that's bok in my books!

Other variations that come to mind are 'bok befok' and 'super bok'. And besides being a Portuguese beer sold at Nandos in the UK, I think super bok could have some traction in our local is lekker lingo!

Then there's the rugby world cup. South Africa's Boks are super bok for having won all their games to date! And much like the comraderie in rugby and sport, Cape Town band The Rescu recently spoke about their desire for a similar music culture of support and allegiance to develop in SA! Patriotism in SA music, supporting SA music regardless... hell yeah!

To me this would be going to gigs where you don't know what to expect (much like watching Japan v Canada, as unfolded yday in an interesting 23 all draw) or trying out new mixes of bands (like going to watch SA v Namibia even though you'd usually support a SA v Wales game) and also viewing each performance as a 'match' in that players have good days and bad days, perhaps even recognising a certain muso as the MVP of the gig!

So this concept of a developing a music culture is an easy one to start... It begins with a shift in mindset. Are you up for the shift to encourage national support and appreciation of SA music?

And on that note, if you spot a band called Supercancer, make the effort to see them soon! They were one of the bok event bands. Whooooaaa! Bok befok! Super bok!

(And while we're on about what's musically hot, later that same bok night we got to see Desmond & the Tutus at Assembly (and I just love their Facebook logo - their name in toast).

Now these Joburg guys are no newbies and are already well liked (I was their most recent 3,770th fan today!) But if you haven't seen them yet, add it to your bok bucket list!

In comparison, I was Supercancer's 370th fan - so a band with 10% of the fans of Desmond - for now! (And FYI - Bok van Blerk has 10 times the fan base of Desmond, with 37,323 fans!)

• Supercancer: 370 fans (Super bok!)
• Desmond & the Tututs: 3,770 (Jozi bok befok!)
• Bok van Blerk: 37,323 (100% bok hahaha)

ZAmmm! shall return with more Facebook fan counts and other such useful facts in the near future!

Rock on all things super bok!
x

A decade since *that* date...

Fast approaching 9/11 and this year 11/9/11, this is the topic of many documentaries and news briefs. Ten years on from the Twin Towers attack that shocked the world! 

Its one of those days where you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing...

I was watching Blade, with Wesley Snipes, a slightly gruesome blood 'n guts type film, and with lots of action. We paused the film so I could top us up on supplies of coffee and popcorn. I came back to a building billowing with smoke, and remember saying to my friend "why did you continue the movie without waiting..." If only it was just a movie!

But here at ZAmmm! headquarters, we are not celebrating 10 years of heartache, but rather ten years of happiness! And so it is with delight, that this September it is 10 years since Madame Zingara first released their magic on the mother city! And now they're back with shows from September to January 2012!

Also boasting 10 years of wonderful life, is Vida e Caffe - roasting fabulous coffee, and singing joyously while doing so! Yip, its been 10 years this week since the first Vida opened its doors on Kloof Street in Cape Town!

And as if by magic coincidence of synergetic decade-ness - both of these local SA brands that I love so much - each have a separate, but connected side project on the go. And both of which, ironically, have used the concept of 'hood'. As in neighbourhood.

Because in this week of all things Creative Week Cape Town, and with a name like the mother city, how can it not be the nurturer of all creative talent!

• Madame Zingara's latest project - "I (heart) my hood Available at "This is not a post office". Who knows what you might find inside the latest MZ venture - both at the physical venue and on the holding page of the site (go see if you remember the theme tune being played ;) So yes, you will just have to make sure you visit when next you're on Kloof Street (next to Cafe Paradiso). But one thing you will find for sure, are hoodies, t-shirts and stickers with this simple, yet super "I (heart) my hood" brand!

• Vida e Caffe's latest staff t-shirts - "Name your hood" Check it out online. Join in. Get creative. Or get voting! Its your city, contribute!

And in keeping with all things ZAmmm! let's also send some love out to London-based Joburg-born rockers, Starseed. This being their 10th year since the band began. Same goes for self-named drunk punkers Half Price, as well as the well travelled piano-ballad bunch of Watershed!

Rock on 10 years of celebrations and innovations,

x

Flex the creative box of your brain...

I feel like a kid who has woken up on Christmas morning before my parents. I have all the excitement in me of something cool about to happen, and yet with no one to share it with, it feels kinda like its not even actually Christmas at all!

Except of course its not Christmas! Its Creative Week Cape Town that is getting me all exciteable! Oh how times have changes from the single digit ages of three to ten, now in my early thirties I am absolutely thrilled by the idea of an entire week that celebrates creativity in the mother city!

Starting today, from 9-18 September, Creative Week Cape Town creates a platform, or a magnifying glass-effect perhaps, to profile all the cool creative stuff going on in Cape Town. A chance to get creatives talking and interacting and even a little bit of boasting.

Because there is lots of cool stuff going on! Be sure to check out the calendar tabs at the top of the Creative Week site to see what is happening around Cape Town each and ever day of Creative Week, including the Loeries weekend 16-18 Sept. And all this follows perfectly in the wake of the World Design Capital bid for which we are still awaiting an announcement - and which I am hoping the judges are waiting too for this very week in which to announce the awesomeness that is our city will be the ambassador in 2014 for how a city uses design for social, cultural and economic development.


As with creative things, often we don't immediately get what they're about. As with art.  And often music too. Creativity is what you envisage it to be! And as with one of the many aspects of the Creative Week Cape Town, these F_ _ _ the box posters are a great idea...

Flex the box I say. Feel the box. Find the box. Fill the box. Fool the box. But whatever you do, be part of it. Stretch those creative mind muscles and keep an eye open around the city of Cape Town, or online, for what else pops up this week ahead!

And if you're in London, you too can celebrate and support African-inspired culturalness at the 9th London African Music Festival!

Rock on inspired creativeness!
x

The Cousin you want to know...

I still remember the first time I saw Barry Hilton live. It was the year 2000 and the venue was the River Club in Cape Town. I soon learnt about Barry's 'crowd-engaging style' as I was personally picked on, at the tender age of 20 when I blushed when made to be the centre of attention...

I chatted to Barry after the show. I remember even being bolshy enough to say to his manager slash marketing guy that one day I would be doing Barry's publicity! (I was studying public relations at the time!) Ever since then, Barry and I have been buddies. 

A year later, in 2001, I moved to the UK and took with me my travellers cheques at an exorbitant exchange rate of R16.75. Soon after, Barry brought his show to the UK too. The cost to his show was £20 (and ten year's later, the price is still the same!). At my rands rate, I ended up paying R335 to see The Cousin on that cold March day in the UK, compared to R80 from my first experience a year before! And worth every penny!

I have since seen Barry Hilton every time he's come over to the UK. I go just for the facial expressions. He has one of those classic malleable faces that morphs and mutates into all manner of hilarious expressions. And its classic Barry Hilton every time. Not to mention the apt and accurate observations on life with the humourous and light-hearted twist. If only more people saw the world with less-seriousness!

Plus you feel like you know his family as he has spoken about his kids over the years, growing up from small boys to absolute adults now. (Though Bazza does have a new addition in the form of another little one... maybe he needed more comedy inspiration to keep the stories flowing!)

This 'Serial Comic Tour' to the UK for Barry is a milestone for me - it is a decade since I've been supporting his shows in the UK. Alas, I am not there to enjoy that very specific South African feeling of being at a Barry Hilton gig amidst other South Africans who just get it! But since I now live back in the land that Barry himself calls the best country in the world, I know I will get to see him more than most!

Although he has been a busy man of late as he is currently on his world tour (which he should have called The Cousin World Cup) having just completed 20 shows in 25 days in New Zealand, warming up South African spirits ahead of The Other World Cup. After this he heads to Doha and Dubai and beyond!

So its two weeks to go until The Cousin rocks the Clapham Grand in London town on 22 September, and Friday 23 September in Bournemouth ahead of Heritage Day on 24th!

Whether London is closer for you, I would also suggest a little road trip to Bournemouth. Its cheap on a coach, and quick on a train - only just over an hour away! And it has beaches, yes - real sandy beaches! So why not combine a little bit of comedy with a Heritage Day beach day!

You've been warned. The Cousin will be in town. The perfect way to kickstart a weekend / a winter / a way of life!

With 29 years of comedy under his belt, I say long live the Serial Comic / The Cousin / The Savanna Ad Guy (making Savanna ads cool since 1999)!

Rock on Barry Hilton and cheers to a decade of trips to the UK in my time,
x

Its good to be home...

It may be rainy in Cape Town today (although still with a dash of monkey's wedding sunshine!), and it still feels like the best place to be right now!

Yes, I am one of those recently returned South Africans who is beaming with happiness at my decision of returning to the place I grew up!

And with pride, fondness and utter delight at some of my recent Cape Town discoveries (or introductions to be grateful to those who have shared their special places) - I wish to share 8 things that are making me excited about being in Cape Town right now...

1) A perfect panoramic birdseye view of the Western Cape on arrival - I flew into Cape Town on a 1Time flight from Joburg. And without prior thought upon boarding, I asked the air hostess if passengers were ever allowed in the cockpit. 'If you don't ask, you'll never know' my mom always says! Much to my amazement, the response was positive! And so I was invited into the cockpit a whole half hour before landing, complete with personal commentary and pointing out towns and mountain ranges, courtesy of pilot Ian Bruce and his co-pilot Rudi van der Merwe! Many thanks to you both!

2) All the Madame Zingara magic floating around Kloof Street and beyond - I'm talking about the exotic outdoor tented theatre dining experience which started in the mother city many moons ago! And is now celebrating 10 days of Madame Zingara magic. Plus all their hippy / trendy / comfy / zooty restaurant creations of wonder! But more on this soon - it deserves magic mention of its own...

3) The increasing number of discount sites and bargain deals - One of the things I distinctively recall when the UK braced itself for recession mode, was that the restaurants and bars stayed just as busy! And not just because people were drowning their sorrows or living in  false sense of all-will-be-fine. But because the restaurants and bars got smart! And I am thrilled to see Cape Town intertwined in this trend.

Monday half price, Tuesday 20%, Wednesday mid-week-wonder-deal, Thursday stay-and-drink-your-body-fluid-in-booze and so on! Between Groupon, UCit, CityMob and more - there are also daily deals to suit every pocket, palette and preference!

4) Cape Town Magazine's 100 days to summer vibe - not only can you win a prize every day, but its the countdown to summer part that I love! In a city that had warmer days scattered throughout its winter patch than some of London's potential summer days, I just love the anticipation of an entire city waiting for the epic summer ahead! And as a now permanent Capetonian, I can confirm that this feeling is tangible... I already feel it too! Excitement is in the air, come on summer, come on!

(Now the last few will be brief, because its Friday and you've read this far... so another four reasons why CT is rocking my world, stimulating my grey matter and inspiring my creative node!)

5) It wouldn't be ZAmmm! without mentioning the music - Oodles of it. And all SA music of course! The Assembly. Zula Bar. Mercury. The list is endless. Each weekend - and week day - brings a smorgasbord of indulgent aural selection!

6) The Hub. The Fringe. The place to be - its as simple as that really. Cape Town is the ka-shizz-nik of places to be right now if you're in / on / under / at the creative scene. Coolness and innovation is unfolding all around. And anyone can be part of it!

7) The World Design Capital 2014 - ok, so we're shortlisted. One of three. And I thought that we'd be celebrating come this weekend. But it seems the people at Selection Headquarters are holding out on us still. Either way, we deserve it most. Cos Cape Town most certainly is just awesome in so many ways like that!

8) Creative Week Cape Town - if no 6 and 7 weren't enough to peak your intrigue in Cape Town's creative buzz... then how about this week long series of awesomeness. Actual people putting on actual events to show just how creative and awesome and collaborative they can be! All over Cape Town from 9-18 September, including the famous advertising awards weekend of the Loeries from 16-18th!

Rock on Cape Town inspiring my world,
x

Taking over the world, creatively...

Would you believe me if I told you I could fill nearly every day of the coming month with some sort of creative South African event or occasion around the world!?

Well, you better believe it - because as spring hits SA and the Indian summer days delight those in the northern hemisphere, South Africans on the creative and cultural scene are active the world over this heritage month!

ZAmmm! brings you a bunch of cool things which South Africans all over the world are involved in this September - ZA music, movies and more!

• 1 Sept: Goldfish (Ibiza) - the electro duo play the famous Blue Marlin as part of the summer residence. And FORR 2011 'Fellowship of Rock 'n Roll' (Mozambique) where many SA bands will be playing at  at a long weekend festival in Ponte Malongane!

• 2 Sept: Casual day (SA) - in aid of those with disabilities, come to work dressed like a rockstar or a musician from your favourite musical era!

• 3 Sept: Dream Mapping Workshop (SA) - a creative outlet to explore the potential and passions inside you, lead by the fabulous Fairy Godmother in Cape Town!

• 4 Sept: Sam Horwill (UK) - this Brighton-based SA singer songwriter does a Sunday solo show at the Horsham Folk Club!

• 5 Sept: National Book Week (SA) - 5-10 Sept, promoting the joy of reading with a theme of "The book that changed my life"...  Which book changed your life?

• 6 Sept: Mashasha & Sam (UK) - two Zim musos will be showcased in Chiswick for those in London wanting to experience this unique African drum 'n bass duo!

• 7 Sept: The last day of Arbour Week (SA) - Hug, or plant, a tree today for the last day of Arbour Week, 1-7 September.

• 8 Sept: Ryan Koriya (Zimbabwe) - the talented bassist, albeit technically a Zimbabwean, he originally hails  from SA/Zim band Mann Friday, and he will be sharing his own songs as a solo act on home ground in Harare!

• 9 Sept: Creative Week Cape Town (SA) - a city-wide initiative from 9-18 Sept to encourage and promote work of CT's creative practitioners!

• 10 Sept: SA v Wales (NZ) - the first South African game for the 2011 World Cup!

• 11 Sept: London to Brighton Cycle Challenge (UK) - in aid of the SA charity Starfish Greathearts Foundation, raising funds and awareness for HIV and Aids.

• 12 Sept: Private Practice (SA) - an episode airs on Mnet at 21:30 in which Durban singer songwriter Farryl Purkiss has a track featured on the show, 'Pennies in the snow'.

• 13 Sept: (hmmm... a day of rest from all things South Africa :)

• 14 Sept: (consider it a weekend off for South Africans entertaining around the world!)

• 15 Sept: TEDx Mfuleni (SA) - based on the spirit of TED's 'Ideas worth sharing', this independently organised event will be held in Mfuleni, 40km from Cape Town, providing a platform for phenomenal locals to share ideas, stories and skills.

• 16 Sept: Cancer Vive (SA) - a group of cancer survivors are driving through South Africa on motorcycles. Join them or support them!

• 17 Sept: SA v Fiji (NZ)

• 18 Sept: (any South African Sundayness or just a day of post-rugby rest?)

• 19 Sept: International talk like a pirate day (the world) - Aaaaaaar, ok, so its not entirely South African - but any good South African worth their salt will join in this ship shape date to celebrate all things shiver me timbers and ahoy matey!

• 20 Sept: (any mid week Saffa stuff going down on this Wednesday?)

• 21 Sept: Nibs van der Spuy (UK) - the acoustic KZN legend performs at the intimate Greennote in Camden!

• 22 Sept: Barry Hilton in London (UK) - catch the Cousin live in London at the Clapham Grand as part of his Serial Comic world tour! And SA v Namibia. And the Golden Rhino Film Festival in London (UK) - the inaugural Mapungubwe Golden Rhino Film Festival

• 23 Sept: Barry Hilton in Bournemouth (UK) - if you missed him in London, or live a little further south along coastal UK, then this is your second chance to catch the cousin!

• 24 Sept: Heritage Day (SA) - also known as National Braai Day, this is a public holiday in SA and a reason to fire up that braai and celebrate with friends and family!

• 25 Sept: Breakfast run and picnic (UK) - a Starfish Greathearts Foundation fundraising event for their 10th anniversary, join them for a 5km or 10km run followed by a breakfast picnic on Clapham Common!

• 26 Sept: (know of anything happening this day?)

• 27 Sept: Full moon (the world)

• 28 Sept: (watch this space...)

• 29 Sept: White Mountain Festival (SA) - the first of a four day acoustic music festival in the picturesque Drakensberg mountains in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

• 30 Sept: Lake of Stars (Malawi) - the start of the annual volunteer-run festival held on Lake Malawi, featuring SA's Freshlyground! And SA v Samoa.

Rock on creative SA September,
x

ps.  In my excitement of spring arriving this morn, I texted and bb'ed loads of friends - including some in London - wishing them a happy spring day! ...only to get a sweet reply from one of my dearest saying 'Autumn here, spring there ;)" So here's wishing an inspired and awesome September to all! 

Do as I say, not as I do...

I am currently easing myself back into the blog world after a near month and a half hiatus of part holiday and other part hectic work stint abroad. Half written posts of inspired brilliance are just waiting to be ZAmmm!ed! So watch this space... 

While I know that inconsistency is the ultimate faux paux in blogging life... and that large gaps of time between posts are also not PC, it is still our human-ness which drives us to write. And oh, the self-applied pressure to deliver quirky, fresh insightfulness!

But, that said - I do believe that flow is the best way of living one's life. And by this, I mean that we should live to our natural pace and follow our intuition and 'cake crumbs' as we spot them, so that we can move forward at the perfect pace for the path we're travelling on!

So this is in fact the perfectly timed - and themed - blog post for me right now! (And not just cos its loosley, and deliberately centred, around the new film 'Bad Teacher' - which is, yes, a direct attempt at scoring two free tickets to see the latest Cameron Diaz movie!)

I said it at the start, do as I say and not as I do. Although, I actually believe in acting in accordance with one's own in-built GPS system. Because if we all take responsibility for our beings and listen to our innate intuitive guidance and live our lives at their optimum flow - we will be our healthiest and harm-free fullest, able to see and appreciate every day with gratitude and joy and living in alignment with ourselves, and others!

If we each listen, and act on, what our inner sat nav intuitively guides us to do (aligned to our awesomeness and openness), we'll all live our most fabulous lives!

So back to the movie. Bad Teacher. As with all Hollywood films these days, especially one with the smokin' sultry blonde lead actress such as Cameron Diaz - even the most random of storylines always has a a message, plus a dash of humour and normally a love story for good measure too!

Watch it to find out - its on at Ster Kinekor - 'your happy place'! (I just love the new SK slogan!) And place your bets here - 'cos most often its the worst experiences that teach us the most! And I predict a positive outcome in Bad Teacher...

Rock on life long learning,
x

Rocking London the Munkin way...

Wearing nail polish, interviewing world famous drummers, playing at London’s largest indoor festival and why music rocks his world – Travis Marc du Plooy chats to ZAmmm! about this and more!

A brother duo of South African blood, combined with British guitarist James Mattocks, makes up the London-based indie rock, skater punk 'munkin rock' outfit known as Munkinpure! And performing in London this weekend at Live Fest they will be!

Says Travis ahead of this big gig, “My brother Darryl and I are the Saffers in the band and our British guitarist James has been a dear friend for years, and one of the best guitarists on the scene at the moment!”

After battling it out in live heats across the UK and beating 10,000 acts, Munkinpure are to play Live and Unsigned National Final at The O2 on Saturday 23 July at Indigo2, one of the main stages of Live Fest Festival. 

Q1. I’ve seen you wearing nail polish, what else makes your style unique and quirky?

Yeah sometimes I wear nail polish, I also wear some strange pants which most people wouldn't be caught dead wearing, haha. However, the part that makes Munkinpure unique or quirky is that I am the drummer and lead vocalist, which is something you don't really see that often anymore. We combine indie and rock and make a pretty cool mixture of music!

Q2. As a drummer yourself, how has it been to interview other drummers?

I've interviewed quite a few famous, and not so famous drummers for a website called UKDrummer.com and a magazine in South Africa called 'SA Drums and Percussion'. I love the drums and feel very fortunate about that I've been able to meet and talk with some of my drumming heroes. To date I've interviewed Jonathan Moffet (Micheal Jackson), Karl Brazil (Robbie Williams), Johnny Rabb (Bio Diesel) and even Ian Paice (Deep Purple) to name just a few. I find it really inspiring and love how drummers in particular always seem so willing to share their knowledge and ideas.

Q3. Why do you love what you do?

I love music because it makes me feel everything that I think one should feel in order to feel alive - love, hate, anger, happiness, compassion, jealousy - everything. I think music is the greatest gift you can give someone. It's like a religion to me and I couldn't live without it.

Q4. Where did your love of drumming begin?

I started drumming when I was in my teens, I was a huge Dave Grohl fan (still am) and loved the programmed beats on most of Michael Jackson’s records so basically started trying to imitate those grooves while using as much energy as I could to emulate Dave's drumming, before realising that other drummers actually existed. Now I'm really into Keith Moon, Tommy Lee, Barker and Danny Seraphine. According to my parents (who are super supportive) I would apparently hit anything and everything while growing up. Eventually I won some money off of a radio station, bought some drums and the rest is history.

Q5. How did you end up in London?

We felt that we had explored a lot of the possible avenues that our genre could explore back in SA and decided that we should try and expand our horizons. We love SA and we feel that it will always be home, we want to try and take our music internationally and are happy knowing that our fellow Saffers are proud of what we seem to be achieving thus far, we'll never forget our roots! 

We wish Munkinpure all the best tomorrow night - as well as another South African singer songwriter known as Malory Torr - the cousin of SA-based singer songwriter Josie Field. To book a ticket for Live Fest at The O2 visit www.livefest.co.uk

Rock on Munkinpure and Malory Torr,

x

Spread the Madiba magic...

On this day, Mandela Day, as Madiba celebrates his 93rd birthday, one of his last few on this earth, we have to start thinking of his legacy while he's alive!

And thinking too, about how each of us can embody the gracious empathy and gentle encouragement for others which he has lived over the years!

A wonderful example, from Nelson Mandela Bay itself (aka Port Elizabeth), is a little video we came across recently! This is a classic example of how doing some amazing for others (and combined with music of course), can make such a difference to those around us!

From the very African opening of Shosoloza which is sure to inspire a bit of nostalgia and homesickness, it rolls into so many more little pop-up acts unfolding around the shopping centre, distinctly South African with the Steers and Wimpy logos blazing in the background! The little medley includes a cool re-creation of Katy Perry's Firework set against a Glee-esque beat, as well as a funky version of  Grease's 'You're the one I want'!

At first I wasn't sure who's behind this little impromptu burst of shopping centre inspiration, perhaps a drama school, a local church group or maybe just a bunch of friends? But then all is revealed at the end - and what a clever approach to attract attention for their cause and service! But what I do know is that the reactions on the unsuspecting faces as this little acapella performance unfolds is worth the watch more than finding out who put the video together!

How can you spread the Madiba magic, today and everyday!?

Do something for someone, hell - do something without anyone knowing - something that will make someone smile! Cos afterall, what's life about if not to share the magic!

Rock on Madiba magic,

x

Abra-ca-da-bra-ZAmmm!...

There is great power in writing things down. We all know it, have been told it a trillion times, and yet, how often do we actually write down what we want, or write about - and talk about - what we truly believe in! 

I've been writing a lot more things down recently. Lists, blog posts, letters. And even The List. Cos writing matters, and makes a difference! Both for ourselves, and to those we share our writings with. And with the online reach to all corners of the world, never has it been more powerful to write about things that matter right here on ZAmmm!

And that's why I keep on writing about SA music. Because it really matters, and bit by bit, it reaches new ears as musicians continue creating and sharing their magic, and we all do what we can to spread the word, and amazing sounds, that come out of South Africa! So South Africa proud am I!

So yes, there is great power in writing things down. There is great power in dreaming, and believing too! Magic happens when you believe it can!

I've also recently been a runner up in the Amarula cocktail competition, with my cocktail - as described here on ZAmmm! - being photographed today and soon to be published on Amarula's website! Other exciting news received a few weeks ago - also written about here on ZAmmm! - is that Cape Town has been shortlisted, from 56 cities, to be in the top three for the World Design Capital 2014. And I believe that it is ours!

I am very Cape Town proud too, as you can tell from reading ZAmmm! From the Mr Testicles trip to the Mother City in May and our incredible stay at The Grand Daddy Hotel on Long Street (complete with photo essay of his visit with a Page 3 girl), to the buzz that is everywhere in the city, from music to design!

So, as a shortlisted city for World Design Capital 2014 alongside Dublin and Bilbao, it is now down to us to spread the word even more! No matter how many friends I tell, it is delightful news to them all! So please do share the exciting news! And with this as one reason alone, I am so excited to be back living in the Mother City, albeit that I am currently enjoying the London summer for a few weeks!

But back to all things creative in Cape Town - two months from now, Creative Week Cape Town 2011, kicks off! Do you have anything to add? I have been plotting some ideas for my return to the Mother City...

There sure is great power in writing things down. Amazing things come our way when we know what we want, combined with a little bit of faith and a whole lotta love!

Rock on writing things down,

x

Celebrating Mama Africa...

In following the graceful style of Mama Africa, four South African musicians play tribute, in London, to the soulful jazz legend who introduced African music to America and the world!

Its been two years and eight months since the death of Miriam Makeba... but her music lives on!

As part of the Barbican's Blaze festival, two special shows take place on 10 and 11 July at Hackney Empire in London! The legendary SA trumpeter - and former husband to Makeba - Hugh Masekela heads up the group consisting of Vusi Mahlasela, Thandiswe and Lira.

Masekela was always younger than Makeba, at 71 now, compared to Miriam's 76 years when she passed away in 2008. Both Masekela and Makeba were outspoken activists for civil rights in South Africa.

While Masekela has just shy of 14,000 Facebook fans, Makeba - known for her famous song 'Pata Pata' - has close on 12,000. Thandiswa, previously of Bongo Maffin, has about half of each of them, with 7,600 fans, whereas in stark comparison, the young soulful songbird Lira has 315,000 Facebook fans!

A fabulous line up indeed and well worth the trip to honour Mama Africa! Tickets from £15!

Rock on remembering legacies and legends,
x

A- for Ashtray, A++ for aKING...

One of the benefits of living in South Africa is that I get to see SA music nearly every weekend, and sometimes twice in a weekend and even during the week if I'm up to it!

So it was with disappointment that since being back in Cape Town for two and a half months (and going to quite a few gigs), I have had my first 'bad' SA band experience...

But maybe its a good thing. If everything shone brightly, we wouldn't really notice - or appreciate - those who truly stand out! For this reason I give Ashtray Electric's album launch this weekend past an A- and aKING's video launch the weekend before, an A++!

Ashtray Electric have all the elements to be amazing, yet for an album launch it was a massive let down... On opening, Ashtray filled The Assembly with an incredible intro of lights and sound that surrounded you with synthed pre-recorded keyboard sounds. We were in for something good. Or so we thought. And then the opening track lost my interest not even half way through. Followed by a second track which didn't hold my attention at all. They then bantered between themselves a bit, after which they played an old track off their debut album titled Bonjour.

Well, hello and goodbye it is for me and Ashtray alas. We spent more of the night in the bar area, and in fact left the venue earlier than normal because the atmosphere was flat. The Assembly's heightened magic of my past three gigs there had been deflated. And it wasn't only us. The crowds were scarce and scattered, and standing very still. No one was rocking out. Well, besides the one guy behind me, but there is always one! I feel for Ashtray Electric, as part of the recent Bellville scene, its like they are the once-removed second cousins who didn't quite make it to the party.

I couldn't help but feel that their second album name might just be a self-fulfilling prophecy too - 'Measured in Falls'. Hmmm.

As we stopped at the obligatory 'Party Engen' on Orange Street on the way home, we spotted an advert for their album launch. It had been painted onto a wall just opposite the Engen. Painted. How much does one pay for such an advert? Hmmm.

In contrast, the weekend before had blown me away as I've come to expect from gigs at The Assembly. It was aKING's video launch for 'Catch Alight' off their recent third album release, The Red Blooded Years! Watching the video felt like history in the making as a bunch of band members literally just f*cked each other up - punches, hair pulling, proper caught-on-camera-up-close nose breaking as it skewed in slow motion into a shape that noses shouldn't ever experience. It was kind of like Jackass SA style, but made for MK!

It was an excellent gig all round, and the crowds and hands-in-the-air were testament to that!

The only other thing I can say for Saturday past was that luckily I didn't actually pay the steep R60 entry. I had entered a competition on a really cool site called Social Contract and had won a pair of tickets! Social Contract collates all the gig posters for shows going down in that particular week.

And it reminded me just how many different aspects of the music industry there are, including these talented designers who output all manner of artwork for the gig posters we too often only see in postage stamp size on a Facebook event page! 

And this reminded me too of Cape Town's World Design Capital 2014 bid (of which the three shortlisted cities will be announced in the next week or so) - and the fact that design is so very alive in the Mother City!

Social Contract is doing a great service in collating such designs, and creating a platform to increase awareness for SA's talented designers, in an area of art that is way too under-appreciated in SA! I think gig posters might just be the next big collector's item in fact, especially after speaking to Stephan who started the site! People just need to open their eyes to this incredible artwork right in front of them! And who doesn't love a poster eh! This is just the more grown up version of those Pulp Fiction and YOU posters you had on your walls as a kid! Social Contract is a site worth bookmarking...

From the SA music poster emergence to A++ for aKING, SA music was also proudly flying the flag in London this weekend - from DJ Fresh at Egg on Friday to Just Jinjer and Goldfish kicking it on Clapham Common alongside INXS at Southern Sounds!

Rock on SA music that really shines above the rest,
x

Nude Girls back on a stage near you...

With the summer of SA music love in London this June, what would the SA music in London scene be without the original SA 'super' bands from back in the day...

Yes, we're talking the Just Jinjers and Springbok Nude Girls of the SA music scene! And they're both making appearances in London imminently!

We caught up with Arno Carstens of Springbok Nude Girls ahead of their London show on Saturday 4 June at the Shepherd's Bush Empire! Arno, who has been based between the UK and SA for the last three years, is currently on tour with SNG's around the UK...

1. When were Springbok Nude Girls last in London?
I cannot remember exactly when that was, but it was awesome. Prime Circle were with us. This tour started on 31 May up in Scotland, and we've played Glasgow, Newcastle and Sheffield so far!

2. What can we expect from the London show?
We will be doing songs that made us popular and also some stuff from Peace Breaker, the last album we made together!

The Empire is our favourite venue in London, we had awesome shows there! We are sharing the stage with Van Coke Kartel who are in peak condition, and amazing live! Velvetines will also be inspiring to watch - really looking forward to it!

3. So what is going on with SNG?
SNG is slowly starting to work on another body of work. We start next week, so let's see how it goes! We have done a lot of work together and now recognise a certain magic as a whole, something you take for granted when you are busy having too much fun. We are in a good place now, we do SNG for the love of music on our own time when it suits us.

4. And as Arno Carstens?
I am half way through putting a new album together, which I feel good about. Then there is also talk of a solo DVD that might be recorded end of July.

5. What was SNG's last gig, and the next one after the UK tour ends on 7 June?
We played in February with U2's 360 Tour in South Africa! And we are looking forward to the Isle of Wight festival next weekend where SNG will be playing Big Top next Saturday (11 June) and adds Arno, "I'll be watching Foo Fighters and Kings of Leon, can't wait!"

Rock on SA music rock shows at the Shebu Empire,
x

Like flies to the Fokof dancefloor...

Anyone's who's been to an Afrikaans South African concert in London knows that whether you speak the language or not, the second you walk through that door and get stamped, you become Afrikaans!

Paul Walsh, UK-based South African music lover, sound engineer and guitar player, headed down to the Clapham Grand on Friday 27 May to catch Fokofpolisiekar live in London...

It seems only fitting tonight for the first time in five years, that the band responsible for making Afrikaans 'cool' again, as well as opening the door to a storm of fresh Afrikaans talent, Fokofpolisiekar is back in London! But this time round they've brought friends.

First to hit the stage is London-based cross-over band, The Spindle Sect. They came on a bit earlier than expected, so the venue hadn't quite filled up, but they managed to keep the crowd entertained whilst warming everyone up for the night ahead!

Since Fokof's last outing to London, they've been on a hiatus, formed a couple of side projects, reformed again, released an EP and also released a documentary. One of the more successful of the side projects, Francois Van Coke and Wynand Myburgh's Van Coke Kartel, have accompanied Fokof on their London / Amsterdam leg. Whilst the remaining members of Fokof are flying home after the Amsterdam show, VCK will be staying for an additional week and supporting the Springbok Nude Girls on their 'last tour ever'! If you missed them, be sure to catch them and witness a piece of history (see gig guide for London SNG dates!)

Van Coke jumped onto the stage with enough energy to make you think "How the hell is he going to be able to pull this off for the next two hours!?" But he and the rest of the Kartel managed to keep it consistent! They opened their set with a brilliant rendition of 'Ondier kom', whizzed through old classics such as 'Verdoof vergiftig verskoon my' and 'Voor ons stof word' and generally rocked the house.

Ironically, the song that turned the crowd into one voice was the English cover that they did of Michael Sembello's 'Maniac'. Unfortunately the set went past very quickly, but that could only mean one thing: It was time for the main event!

Fokofpolisiekar took to the stage, and the crowd took to the floor like flies to the light! Francois substituted his guitar for a simple mic that allowed him to explore every inch of the stage, and boy, did him and Wynand make the most of that stage! 

Opening with 'Prioritiseer', not one of their most well known songs, it seemed to be the right song to get the evening started. Very surprisingly, they threw out their most well known song, 'Hemel op die platteland', way too early. Nevertheless, these guys know what they're doing and played hit after hit, making it clear that the Clapham Grand belonged to them!

Generally, Fokofpolisiekar isn't a band that I would associate with moshpits, but with the atmosphere that was emanating from the middle of the pit, even I couldn't resist throwing myself into the action, and it wasn't long until Francois followed suit, microphone and all! The band played a very successful set, and after they left the stage, there were chants for an encore, but unfortunately that was all for the evening! They came to entertain, and they did a damn good job of it!

On behalf of ZAmmm!, many thanks to Paul Walsh for the photos and great review!

Rock on SA music showing London how its done,
x

6 degrees of SAMA 2011 separation...

Its been a while since we did a good 6 degrees of separation, and in the spirit of the recent South African Music Awards, we bring you some SA music trivia in this fun format...

Are you ready to read all about it...?

1. I really should write more about Yoav, the Israeli-born, Cape Town-based, world travelling musician who won 'Best Alternative Album English' at this year's SAMAs.

I once met Yoav (right) at Zebra & Giraffe's album launch in Stellenbosch at the end of 2010 - he was the support artist - and a very lovely guy!

We also met Z&G's lead singer Greg Carlin (below), a very friendly guy and possibly the tallest SA muso I've met (ok, so maybe just shy of Kurt Darren's 6.4)

2. Zebra & Giraffe, who I adore, performed 'The end of the road' at the SAMAs, a track off their latest album 'The Inside' (which was nominated for Best English Rock Album, but which was won by Prime Circle).

3. Amongst the other live acts at the SAMAs, was a SAMA special combo act - two artists who both had one of their songs nominated for Record of the Year. One part was the Durban girl group The Arrows with their successful radio single 'Lovesick' combined with SA's R&B crooner, Loyiso Bala and his popular radio hit 'Wrong for you'!

4. Next up, what would the 2011 SAMAs be without acknowledging the band who dominated the interweb in 2010. And if their name was in English, it would sound similar to the 'Lovesick ladies' (The Answer / The Arrows - geddit?). With Ninja singing on stage and Yo-landi floating above the audience much like a ninja-styled butterfly, it was apt as she sung 'Ai-i-ya-i-ai.. I am your butterfly!'

5. Ninja, the main man from Die Antwoord, on accepting the 'International Achievement Award', said (and I paraphrase) "I'd like to thank all the people in the overseas who helped Die Antwoord with their first SAMA!" When collecting the award, Ninja was wearing a very unique patterned suit, and with no shirt underneath, you could see his washboard stomach and the array of seemingly homemade tattoos for which he has become famous. (And Yo-landi, for what its worth, was dressed in an orange, over-sized fluffy bear outfit thing!)

6. And talking about 'the people in the overseas', just to say that to everyone reading ZAmmm! - there will be more plenty more insights on artists like Israeli-born, Cape Town bred (and according to some sites, London-based), or at least 'world-based' Yoav. I know he was abroad for a while, maybe he too is home now. But as with all great SA musicians - have SAMA, will travel :)


Rock on SA artists coming to London, and being recognised for their work,
x