Like German reggae or Afrikaans country, music that struggles to keep it real is always easy to bash, usually for good reason. American accents, for example, are nothing new to South African music. And they’re always kak. read more…
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The Horn Man Who Died In His Sleep
August 18th, 2010 by Greg Davids
A Tribute to Ezra Ngcukana.
My first exposure to live jazz was at about 12 years old with the Henry February band who at the time boasted a frontline of Ezra Ngcukana on alto,tenor & soprano, brother Duke Ngcukana on trumpet, Winston Mankunku on tenor and later Willy Haubrich on trombone. In the rhythm section was the man, Mr Feb on piano, Kenny Jephta on guitar, my Dad, Robert Davids was on percussion, Max Diamond on drums and Basil Moses on the electric bass. read more…
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Patrice and Me
August 18th, 2010 by Rémy Ngamije, images by Simon Deiner / SDR Photo
The Convention Centre’s bright lights intuit my bank balance and dim on my entrance. Slender billionaire playboy, Patrice Motsepe, mute BEE poster boy, is arriving soon so the welcoming blaze is being saved for the real money. At the Media desk, I gush with politeness. The heavily mascara’d receptionist recognises a newbie. “Don’t worry,” she says. “It’s not like The Devil Wears Prada!“ it’s just Cape Town Fashion Week.” read more…
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Hipster Flow
August 18th, 2010 by Cassandra RowleyMahala > Music
Drowning in a sea of moving adolescent bodies – I’m awaiting the release of a build up of excitement. A build up that’s been building up for days already. It happens in the moment the crowd meets the opening of “A Devil in a Midnight Mass” with a roar. This is going to be absolutely mind-blowing. I’m glad I ignored all those “too cool for Billy Talent” hipster whispers. read more…
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Tshetsha Boys – Nwa Pfundla
August 18th, 2010Mahala > Random Shit
Pitchfork may be treating Shangaan Electro like it’s some new discovery (and to be fair, it is for them) but there are those of us that have caught taxis to Diepsloot just to get caught up in the craziness. read more…
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Demolition Day
August 17th, 2010 by Max Sleaze, images by Jurie Senekal
They are really doing it, they are taking down Cape Town’s Twin Towers. The sentinels that guard our cosy urban salad bowl from the upcountry carnivores, the tangible barriers that separate the city from the flats that extend beyond. Symbols, reminders, threats; intimidating all newcomers with the full might of what we have achieved, a link to our past and reassurance in our future. read more…
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Captain Dud
August 17th, 2010 by Ryan Govender
The moment approximately 49 million people, us, mentally stormed the opening game at Soccer City willing the ball into the net for a second goal against Mexico – Dale Steyn was standing in the Jamaican sun. Playing Test cricket. read more…
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Contraption Distoria
August 17th, 2010 by Roger Young, image by Danielle CloughMahala > Music
Gary Thomas strains his neck and clenches his teeth toward the ceiling, wringing guttural moaning sounds into his songs. He’s knocking out a beat with his foot on the stomp box, veins pop on his blurry hands as he, like a sensitive Neanderthal on Ritalin, wrestles from his acoustic guitar his cyclical, grand, wrenching and understated ur-folk. read more…
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Hello Sailor
August 16th, 2010 by Laura Steiner
Nothing like a testosterone party to celebrate Women’s Day. Though judging by the stockings, eye shadow and red lipstick – I have more testosterone than most of the lovely bros at Mercury Lounge tonight. This is one of the best parties I’ve been to in Cape Town. It had everything. Cross-dressing, gender-bending, macho emancipation and good – real good – music. read more…
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