Buying a laptop for the 1st time can be an extremely intimidating process, with so many brands and models to choose from, one can get a confused. When choosing the right laptop it all comes down to what you plan to use it for, what you are willing to spend and if you are going to go PC or Mac.

Below is a list of standard things that I suggest you look at when you are about to purchase the laptop:-
• Processor, Battery Life, Screen Size, Memory, Hard drive, Wireless Connectivity, Connectivity & Ports…I have taken the liberty of suggesting a few laptops, the pricing ranges and they are in no particular order of preference.

Mid Priced Laptops
1. HP Pavilion G6
• Well suited for daily computing, comes in multiple colours and
o Operating system –Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit
o Processor – 3rd generationIntel® Core™ i3-2370M
o Screen size – 15.6″ diagonal High Definition HP BrightView LED Display (1366×768)
o Memory – 4GB DDR3
o Hard Drive – 500GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
 Priced From: R5999-00
 www.hpshop.co.za
 Tel: 0800 11 8883

2. Dell Ispirion 3520 i3
• Get speedy performance and easy access to music, photos and videos
• Can handle all of your daily computing and multitasking needs
o Operating system – Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit
o Processor – Powered by an Intel® Core™ i3-2350M Dual-Core 2.3 GHz dual-core processor
o Screen size – 15-3520
o Memory – 4 GB of DDR3 RAM,
o Hard Drive – The 500 GB
 Price From: R5999-00
 www.incredible.co.za

3. Samsung 300ESC-T01ZA
• This laptop has Samsung’s FastStart technology which will have you booted up in seconds and also comes with their PowerPlus Battery Technology
o Operating System – Windows 8
o Processor – Intel® Core™ i5 3210M
o Screen – 15.6” HD Screen
o Memory – 4GB
o Hard Drive – 750GB Hard drive
 Priced From: R7 000-00
 www.dionwired.co.za

4. Lenovo Ideapad Z580
• The Lenovo Ideapad Z580 offers a perfect balance of affordibilty performance Offering vivid colors and offer a perfect balance of affordability performance and multimedia features.Intel Core i7-3632QM,
o Memory: 8GB,
o Hard Drive: 1TB,
o Graphics: nVidiaGeforce GT 630M (2GB),
o DVD-RW Drive,
o Windows 8
 Priced From: R8 999-00
 www.shoplenovo.co.za
 Tel: 010 590 8858
High End Laptop
5. Mac book Air
• The ultimate everday notebook.
• Thin and Light.
o Operating System – Mac OS X
o Processor – Intel® Core™ i7 Processor
o Screen – 11-inch or 13-inch Displays
o Memory – 4GB of 1600MHz DDR3L onboard memory
 Price From: R10 499 – 00
 www.zastore.co.za
 Tel: 011 535 9080

6. HP Envy 4 Ultrabook
• Thin and light and ultra-responsive, the HP ENVY is the Ultrabook™ with Beats Audio™
o Operating System – Windows 8 64
o Processor – Intel® Core™ i5-3317U
o Screen – 14-inch
o Memory – 4 GB DDR3
o Hard Drive – 500 GB SATA (5400 rpm), 32 GB mSATA SSD
 Price From: R10 999-00
 www.hpshop.co.za
 Tel: 0800 11 8883

What laptop would you like to own and why?
Article by: Thuli Sibeko
Twitter: @thulilo
Blog: www.splendidexperiences.com

It has been three years since the news of Michael Jackson’s death on the 25th of June, 2009, yet the King of Pop is still very much alive – through his music and Kenny Wizz. “Who is Kenny Wizz?” You may ask. “Only the world’s best MJ impersonator”, I say. I first met Kenny Wizz in 2011 at Northgate. It was a strange encounter. I have never witnessed hysterical fans on the prowl at such close range; this was a different kind of madness. It didn’t make sense to me at the time that people should act that way, “It’s not really Michael Jackson” I said to no avail. People’s hearts had been torn to shreds when MJ’s death was announced two years earlier and this man, a resurrection, was the closest thing to the king of Pop. And as he sat inside the mall engaged in an interview, camera’s flashing from all directions and heads poking over shoulders and waists just to catch a glimpse of this Michael Jackson, it dawned on me that Kenny Wizz was not just some MJ impersonator, he became Michael Jackson.

Opening night of Michael Jackson History II at the Joburg Theatre. Thursday, January 17th, a few minutes after eight o’clock, the theatre’s red velvet curtain is down and more and more people enter, filling up most of the seats. I take in my surroundings: the audience is like something out of a Rainbow Nation pamphlet, old, young, black, Indian, Asian, women, men, the hippies, the corporates, the couples, the girlfriends, it was amazing! And with such a crowd, some wearing the silver hats that were on sale at the lobby, and the energies rapidly building up to euphoria as we waited for the show to start, it was evident that this was going to be a memorable show.

We danced, we clapped, we waved our lit lighters, we shed a tear, we laughed. Watching and listening to Kenny Wizz sing and dance I came to appreciate not just the immense work that this man (and his team) put into the show, but for once I thought of Michael Jackson as a real person. Funny, hey? But think about it; MJ was an idol, almost a semi-god, people fainted when they saw him, they cried and shivered. And when he put on a show he danced and sang for hours. I’m sure little thought was put into how tired he must be after, sometimes during, a show. He gave us what we expected, the ultimate MJ. And Kenny Wizz succeeded in capturing the man’s spirit. Our emotions roller coasted through the show: Wizz performed the young Michael’s ABC and Ben, giving us that fuzzy nostalgia; we were then revved up by They Don’t Care About Us and Black or White; we could not stay in our seats as we sang along to Billie Jean, Beat It and Smooth Criminal. The whole theatre laughed in disbelief during Bad. Picture this: Kenny Wizz sings “And the whole world has to answer right now so I tell you once again…” then he points the microphone to a man sitting in the front row. Now, we all know what comes next, right? All the man had to say is “Who’s bad”. But he didn’t. He was given a second chance to redeem himself though, albeit what escaped his mouth was more like a question than a statement. But it was fun, we got a laugh and he took it well, too.

Just when we thought the show was over, the stage suddenly lifted and lo and behold, a graveyard appeared. A zombie walked amongst us in the auditorium, freaking a couple of people out. Open caskets, thick foggy smoke and skeletal trees, this set the scene for Thriller. The crowd went wild. I darn near hurt someone as I flung my arms in the air.

With the show regrettably over, it all seemed too soon although it was after eleven o’clock, we filed out of the theatre and joined the queue in the lobby. Behind me the queue snaked this way then that. And all this just for an autograph and picture with Kenny Wizz. But I didn’t blame them, this time around I was part of the hysterical crowd that waited more than 30 minutes to get a one-on-one with the legendary Kenny Wizz. Of this attention and adoration, Wizz commented, “It’s more difficult because my act is observed through a microscope now [Michael Jackson]’s gone – people want the closest thing possible”. And that he is. And he won’t stop until we get enough.

PS: The rest of the cast and band are remarkable, most notably there is a Slash (the famous guitarist) impersonator and he really rocks, sends shivers and tickles down your spine. Okay, that’s all, just had to squeeze that in.

Michael Jackson History II is now showing at the JoburgTheartre until 10 February 2013. To book your tickets visit www.joburgtheatre.com or call the direct ticketing line on 0861 670 670.

Amandla Kwinana

While her flamboyant and daring personality has made this stage actress a darling of the media and a sought-after guest at parties, her flashy lifestyle and relationships with older (and often married) men has made her one of the country’s most talked about woman.
According to Sowetan Live Khanyi has apparently quit her leading part in the Lebo Mathosa stage play via sms, she denies this so…I guess will see if she’s on stage for the final week of the production. It was said she wanted to focus more on promoting her “tell all” book.

In her book ‘B***h, Please! I’m Khanyi Mbau’, the Queen of Bling bares her soul as she tells of some of the hard lessons she learned and of the things she will never do again. Whether you are a Khanyi Mbau fan or not, you cannot fight the curiosity of wanting to know what went on beyond the headlines and, If this book is as sincere and genuine as books should be, then we are in for a spicy read!

As we all know, Christmas is a time for giving and getting broke but while doing so, it’s also a time for receiving, it’s a time for family and friends, braai’s and 7 coloured meals with tons of gossip and laughter. It’s also a time for buying plenty of gifts for those family members who you don’t really know but who claim to know you. It’s for getting gifts for your man, girl and chommies, whether it’s a book, jewellery, phone, games, clothes…we all have our preference. I have found that giving gadgets as Christmas gifts, always seems to be a HIT.

Gadgets will forever be something we love to play with. It’s the perfect gift for people who really want to have the latest and greatest gadgets in town. You can spoil yourself or be generous enough to buy the gadget for “that” special person. This year there are tons of fantastic gadgets to choose from and I unfortunately don’t have the space to cover them all. So I have taken the time out to list just 5 gadgets (in no particular order) that I feel will make an awesome way to seal of 2012.

1. Samsung Galaxy S3–‘Designed by humans – Inspired by Nature’
• A 4.8-inch touchscreen, 8-megapixel rear-facing and 1.9-megapixel forward-facing camera, Super AMOLED HD (1280×720) screen, 1.4GHz Samsung Exynos 4 Quad processor and runs on the latest version of Android — Ice Cream Sandwich.

2. iPador iPad Mini
• Retina display, Apple A5X chip with a quad-core graphics processor, a 5 megapixel camera, HD 1080p video recording, voice dictation, iOS 5.1,

3. Wireless Beats by Dr Dre–‘Total freedom from wires’
• Incredibly clear sound, Ten hours of battery life, Easy playback, Pair your headphones to any device.

4. iPod Touch –‘Engineered for maximum Funness’
• Brilliant new design, 4-inch Retina Display, iSight Camera, iOS 6, Earpod, Dual-Core A5 chip

5. Microsoft Xbox 360 – ‘Built for Fun’
• A choice of a Standard Console or Special Edition Bundle

I wouldn’t mind all of them, what Gadget would you like for Christmas?
Article by: Thuli Sibeko
Twitter: @thulilo
Blog: www.splendidexperiences.com

The slogan for the new Toyota 86 is “GO PLAY”! You can only understand why when you get behind the wheel of this sports car.

I got a chance to drive the car recently and the experience was fantastic. I have never been much of a Toyota fan even though I have driven a few. The new 86 however has managed to change my perception of Toyota completely and I’ll tell you why.

The Toyota 86 is an eye catcher and it does that at first glance. From the charming lights in the front, the unique 86 badge on the front fender, the stylish frame-less doors which are awesome for a sports coupe, to the sexy behind that gives it a strong muscular look; you simply cannot miss the strong presence of the Toyota 86!

The interior is also very exciting. It features very comfortable sports bucket seats for both the driver and the passenger and a small sports steering wheel which is good for a sporty drive. It has carbon fibre finish on the dashboard which is quite trendy today. Audio system: radio/CD with 6 speakers. It has aluminium pedals that match the trims on the steering, gear nob, dash and the door panels. The back seats have no leg room, suggesting that the car is just for you and your girl or mother if you are mama’s boy.

The drive was about the best of the entire experience. The Toyota 86 features a 2.0 litre boxer engine which roars when you put foot. I was in a shirt and tie and I felt like removing my tie at every single stage of the test. Thank heavens I experienced the test with the beautiful Mrs Adelaide Dadabela who helped me keep to the speed limit! It has a very rigid suspension with a slightly stiff steering which makes you feel in control when you drive. It’s a six speed which comes in manual or auto and I drove the manual with a consumption of 7.8 L/100 kilometres. The clutch is soft for the easy gear shifting; the accelerator very responsive when you press the gas, and of course rear-wheel drive completes any good car.

With the Toyota 86 the company has entered into some stiff competition in the market. The 86 is up against cars such as the Audi TT, Mercedes-Benz SLK 200, BMW Z4, Nissan 370Z and the Chrysler Crossfire. In this group of cars the 86 does quite well in terms of price and value for money and it is very good looking too. You could complain about a few things on the 86 if you don’t mind spending half a million on a SLK.

Why thumbs down? The car only comes with a 2.0 engine, manually adjustable seats, positioning of the handbrake and seats made of fabric in standard model.

Why thumbs up? Good design and car looks like a sports car, comfortable, good handling, and the 86 badge which is quite unique and the a very good price from R 298 500 – R 346 500.

Buy this car for? Yourself, your husband, your wife, your daughter, your son, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, your pastor, your secret admirer, your father in-law or your ugly boss…..basically anyone can drive this car and still feel good.

My rate: 3.5/5 Cars.

Car sponsored by: Killarney Toyota Houghton
To buy or book a test contact: Adelaide Dadabela (Sales Executive)
011 486 3612 / 084 886 9377

Web: www.toyota.co.za
Facebook: Toyota SA
Twitter: @ToyotaLive

Article by Major Milambwe

Book review- Eyebags and dimples by Bonnie Henna

I’ve always misunderstood Bonnie Mbuli now known as Bonnie Henna. I found what the media said about her attitude and coldness true in the way in which she carried herself on TV during interviews and newspaper articles. She just somehow always seemed mean and angry at life and anyone in it. Even though I thought she was so beautiful and successful, I could not think why on earth one would walk around sour faced and angry while the world ate from the palm of her equally beautiful hands.  From her presenting days alongside Glen Lewis in Technics heart of the beat, to her acting career in films like Catch a fire, Drum and Gaz’lam she came across as an ungrateful celebrity who simply had it all going for her but refused to see it. I read her book Eyebags and dimples, which like the title says describes the joys and sadness that life has given her. It gave me so much perspective on the misunderstood beauty in that she reveals her struggle with the media, her love for God, her abusive childhood, her journey through motherhood, living and struggling in the United States and her love for film and TV in Mzansi. It’s an intimate writing on the battle she continues to have as a black actress in this country, her fight with depression and the love story with her husband Tsha Tsha actor Sisanda Henna.

The book taught me a lot on how suffering from depression while being black at the same time is taboo. I learned just how and what being a celebrity in Mzansi is like which was such an eye opener to the fans. Simply put, the book is her truth and I found some of the things she said very sincere while others were simply brave and straight up daring. She is not slow to name drop those who did her wrong but also acknowledges and thanks each and everyone of those individuals who helped get her where he is. It’s worth the read.

Muvic closet shoes are the latest sensation on everyone’s feet.If you’re one of those women who live on top of the world then I suggest you do so in style with a pair of these gorgeous shoes. If you’re a peep toe kind of girl, a wedge sister like me, or simply love yourself a pair of 16 inches then this footwear is just what you wanna be rocking this December. If you’re into colour blocking, wanna keep it simple, wanna stop traffic while looking elegant then this range has exactly what you are looking for. Young Limpopo born business woman Muriel Akpabio initially began her business as a boot-boutique and has since gone on to own her own store with customers flocking in and stepping out in glitz and glam ready for the festive season. For the Diva’s, plane Jane’s and elegant  women contact Muriel for a shoe that best fits who you are.

Muvic closet prides itself with only the best,luxurious,high quality,beautiful designer shoes. You can now afford to wear comfort and still look hot and stylish while doing so. Woza December and the swag that comes with it!

Email: Muriel@muvic.co.za or info@muvic.co.za or simply holla at 0733840580

alone in the shower(1)Book Review-Alone in a shower by KC Dinoke

The title of the book got my attention and I was eager to find out what local radio stations were going on about when they reviewed it. I was a bit skeptical to read it in that the author was a young man writing about what he does when he is alone in a shower..It seriously left much to be desired, but when I first started reading the preface of the book I knew it was nothing like I had imagined it might turn out to be (Thank God!) Instead it seemed more like a feel good, positivity motivational what what type of book. I thought it would be filled with big words going on and on about how beautiful the sky and the birds are, about how we need to look for the rainbow even when it’s raining outside. It seemed to be one of those unrealistically positive books preaching just how capable we all are if “we just believe”. I rolled my eyes at the thought of reading it and when I did finally go past my single minded perceptions on the book and actually got down to reading it, I couldn’t put it down.

“Days conceived weeks, weeks gave birth to months but when I checked the belly of my pockets, emptiness was echoing insults to me. My beard was growing at lightning speed in spite of me trying to shave daily so that I can keep myself looking younger to deceive the world into thinking that I was still a child who needed to be taken care of. I didn’t want to be recognized and classified as a grown up in fear of the responsibilities and expectations that come along with being an adult”. Chapter 1 pg 16-Alone in a shower.

Alone in a shower is actually a very sincere, honest and inspiring collection of a young man’s thoughts, poems and positive energy in a time of murkiness. It’s a memoir of a man’s struggles and triumphs at success in a time of scarcity, lack and negativity. It’s a realistic hard hitting book on just how powerful your perception on life and yourself can be. The book is about being able to separate and know the difference between happiness and complete depression and how you own the key towards a path of happy living. The author refers to the “shower” as the space that one goes to in order to truly reflect on who you are and what your purpose is, he defines it as a place of comfort and self discovery in a spiritual and emotional way. It’s a mental space you tap into with the hope of charging yourself up and deciding to live your life whether happy or not.

“I wanted to be able to provide food for myself, to provide clothes for myself, to go out and have fun as much as I wanted to without being concerned about the cost, to be able to have a roof over my head that I was able to maintain, to be able to have control of my life and not living on someone else’s mercy, I wanted to realize my dreams”. Chapter 1 pg 18-Alone in shower. The book is based on the life of the author who is not shy in mentioning in detail the realities of how unemployment, depression and loneliness affected who he was as a man, citizen and child of God.

I love that the writer didn’t sit on a high chair and preach to me, he spoke to me in a way that didn’t deny the fact that life can indeed suck but it also told me that in spite of life sucking I can still come out a successful person in that “I am a pioneer”.
“It is so wonderful for me to face every adventure knowing that I am a champion even before the game starts. But I will never take anything for granted and let my over-sized ego prevent me from preparing myself and improving my skill for the fight”. Chapter 8 pg 93-Alone in a shower
The book reminds me a lot of what the Kasi times brand strives to achieve from its youth. It, in every sense represents Kasi times’ motto which is to “Inspire, motivate and empower SA’s youth”.
Would I read it again? Hell yes!
Would I recommend it to a friend? Of course yes!

To get a copy of the book email dinokebros@yahoo.com or call 084 200 5469

Blessings
Poppy Pops Vilakazi

Alone in a shower

Chocolate. The word is in itself delectable. In the words of celebrity chef, Nicolas D. van der Walt, the art of pastry, particularly chocolate, “Is magic!” And what a magical weekend it was bound to be! The second annual Chocolat Festival had its launch at Eastgate Mall recently. We were in for a treat: finger food that included succulent sweet and sour ribs, crumbed avocado and more yummy food for the tummy; two bottles of wine (dry red and white, of course), courtesy of Slent; nice and hot mugs of coffee to fight off that winter chill; and (drum roll please) la chocolat!

The chocolate festival launch started off nice and groovy with the raspy, though smooth, voice of Peter West. The contemporary music star, accompanied by our host, whom they call Beukers, took us back with some good ol’ Rock and Roll. The guests clapped along, some sang along and the shy ones managed to tap their feet. After a short talk from Justin of Slent Wines and encouragement to enjoy their wines, he set us all at ease, “Red wine with dark chocolate and white wine with white chocolate. Now that you know the rules, you can break them!” Laughter flowed and so did the wine.

Up next were the men of the moment: renowned pastry chefs Nicolas (known as Nico) and Lesley Jacobs. With their entourage of students (from their Food and Beverage Institute, or FBI, in Fourways), Lesley took us through Nico’s demonstration of moulding chocolate using a lathe (wood work equipment). This technique was a pleasure to watch; who would have thought to use a lathe in such a manner?

The symbolic cutting of the cake, commemorating the opening of the chocolate festival, took place and was followed by more music. Within a few minutes I was sitting opposite the delightful Nico. Our chat, which ended all too soon, happened as the rest of the guests enjoyed their chocolate cupcakes and wine.

Amandla:      You’ve entered tons of competitions; what role do you think your competitiveness has had on your success?

Nico:               Competitions make you work harder. They make you push yourself and prove yourself. I think it’s very important for every chef to be competitive.

Amandla:      In the year 2000, you won an Olympic gold medal in culinary. I didn’t even know there was such a competition.

Nico:               (laughs) Wow! They were the World Championships in Holland and our team won gold. Then I was announced Best Chef in the World!

Amandla:      How old were you at the time?

Nico:               I was about 22 or 23 years old. I don’t even remember how it happened; I was so shocked I had to read about it in the papers!

Chef Nico with Amandla

Amandla:      Why did you decide to focus on pastries as opposed to just ‘normal’ food like a lot of chefs?

Nico:               Creativity. With pastries and chocolate you can manipulate it and create something so beautiful. For last year’s chocolate festival I created the Mona Lisa, painted using chocolate. This year we are also showcasing the chocolate paintings done by the students (of the Food and Beverage Institute where he teaches). Creating pastries and chocolate is magical!

Amandla:      You’ve prepared and designed pastries for high society in world-class hotels both locally and abroad; how different is the experience to doing it for family and friends, if at all?

Nico:               I have been a chef at the Savoy in London, which was wonderful, and the Saxon [Boutique Hotel and Spa in Johannesburg] was the best! There was pressure to make sure my creations were Wow! But when I’m with family and friends, I’m just me. I’ll usually go for a normal thing like a braai. I don’t flash; it’s a bit uncomfortable (laughs). One thing I always forget though is to bring dessert. I get invited to dinners and you know they expect me to bring dessert… but I always, always forget!

Amandla:      You’re responsible for teaching advanced pastry students at the FBI Chef School. Would you say that students need to be artistically inclined to excel in the pastry business or is it something that can be taught?

Nico:               A lot of the students who painted these [portraits] had never painted before. They are not art students, but that artistic spark and creativity is inside them. All I do is teach them, guide them and then I leave them. And this (points to the chocolate paintings) comes out.

Chocolate paintings

Amandla:      Chocolate is one of the world’s most loved delicacy, yet such events and festivals that celebrate chocolate are few in South Africa. What’s your take on this?

Nico:   Bloemfontein has hosted the chocolate festival for the past four years and we are now in Johannesburg for the second time. Bloemfontein is lovely; there was a lot of media coverage and the people are also great. Joburg is a bit different maybe the people will warm up to [the festival] in time, especially if they know about it.

Amandla:      What is chef Nico’s favourite dessert?

Nico:               (blushes as he laughs) Passion fruit crème brûlée. Anything with passion fruit. When it comes to chocolate I love bitter chocolate, but passion fruit is an all-time favourite.

Amandla:      Passion fruit for a Passionate Chef!

Nico:               Can I give you a little something?

Amandla:      (shrugs) Ok!

I followed Nico to the stage where earlier he had demonstrated his lathe chocolate technique, and to my surprise he handed over the top part of the chocolate sculpture – an unexpected choc-ful way of concluding the Chocolat Festival launch.

During that weekend the festival was in full bloom. I came across some gorgeous flower arrangements made of chocolate and faux flowers. “They make the perfect gift. You want to give someone flowers but how long do those last? These last much longer,” Tal, the guy responsible for these delectable flowers explains to me. “They wouldn’t last long around me,” I laugh. House of Coffees was also present at the festival; guests went home with traveller plungers and bags of filter coffee. And apparently Miss Lira (yes, the songstress) also could not resist the chocolate festival; she too, had to get her fix.

If you missed the festival, worry not. Just make sure you catch it next year and make sure you have enough space in your tummy for chocolate, cake, coffee and even more chocolate.

Amandla Kwinana

The Amazing Spider-man is the fourth instalment of the Spider-man franchise. Having seen the last three Spider-man movies my anticipation for The Amazing Spiderman was through the roof.

The Amazing Spider-man is actually a reboot of the first Spider-man – it’s just with a whole new cast. Andrew Garfield is Spider-man, Emma Stone is Gwen Stacy, Michael Sheen and Sally Fields are Peter Parker’s uncle and aunt.

The predictable beginning begins with the disappearance of Peter Parker’s (that is Spider-man) parents. Peter grows up to be a well-behaved boy; a nerdy photography student who stands up for others despite his skinny figure. Yes, he gets beaten up a lot.

Peter accidently finds his father’s suitcase in the basement; in it he finds a document that leads him to a huge science corporation. He goes there and sneaks into a tour group led by none other than Gwen Stacy – his love interest. He sneaks off and enters a room where creepy spiders are building webs. Suddenly they all drop on him and he is bitten, turning him into Spider-man. Peter Parker is now ‘cool.’

Since Peter Parker is now Spiderman, he needs an archenemy, right? Enter the crazy scientist with one arm who believes he’s found a formula to grow new limbs in human beings. Inspired by the lizards which grow new limbs at will or when needed, the scientist injects himself with too much formula. He then turns into a super ugly, schizophrenic lizard. This crazy, aggressive creature wrecks havoc on the citizens of New York, but Spider-man intervenes and the battle between the two ensues. In the end the lizard is defeated and taken to jail. Again, Spider-man saves the day and becomes the hero for all New Yorkers.

The Amazing Spider-man is anything but amazing. It was good and that’s all. The CGI effects were impressive but did not take away from the fact that not one creative bone was used to make the movie. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone were cute together, but so were Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. If you don’t understand my frustration, imagine a fourth Matrix coming out that is actually the retelling of the first Matrix with a whole new cast! Not exciting is it?

The acting from all four main characters is good but the storyline is disappointing. The action scenes were superb and the chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone overflows. If you are going to watch the movie, opt for the 2D version the 3D version is not worth it.

There are moments that occur in our lives to make us realize and appreciate what we have and these need not be painful heart-wrenching experiences. Saturday became one of those days where I had the pleasure of seeing so many people enjoy the company of their family and friends. Happiness is a state of mind, they say, and I have to concur. Those people I saw had made a conscious decision to be where they are, with whom they were with and enjoy themselves. These people looked happy. They looked happy to be alive. Smiles and laughter were abundant. Happiness danced around us like drunken flies at a traditional ceremony.

Shoes available at MSC Boutique

On my arrival at the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontien on Saturday morning, I was greeted by jovial conversations and the smell of good food. Parents chased after hyperactive toddlers as young pretty things gawked at the exquisite designer clothes on offer. Pure honey, homemade bread, fresh veggies, palkan burgers (divine, I tell you) and smoothies… My eyes, and nose, overlooked all of that in their search for the most delectable delicacy: a death by chocolate muffin! Screw what anyone says, chocolate is still one of the best ways to induce ‘happiness hormones’ and I’ll never be embarrassed to get my fix.

By 11am the market was packed with hardly any space to plonk down and get your grub on. But no one seemed to mind standing while they ate their custom-made pizza or Joburger or drank their craft beers. It was all about enjoying the moment with their loved ones. Much too soon I had to head out to Melville, but not without the much-needed take-away cup of cappuccino from Post, still my favourite coffee joint in Braamfontein.

Melville. Fête de la Musique 2012. After what seemed like an hour-long walk from Campus Square (blame it on the scorching although enjoyable sun), my girls and I finally made it to the fête. The streets were buzzing with so much good energy it succeeded in getting me on a natural high. All we wanted was a glass of water, maybe a cold beer, but the activity refused to let us sit down before an investigation. Live music floated towards us from Lucky Bean, children screamed and jumped up and down in a struggle to catch Converse’s give-away T-shirts, multi-racial couples leisurely strolled down the street, and all this while we tried to find a place where we could hydrate and rest our feet. But this was no time to rest. While walking up 7^th Street, we got distracted a number of times: books, Uju’s performance, strikingly fashionable individuals, cool kiddies’ T-shirts, Tibetan neck pieces, shoes made from traditional material and heavenly elegant vintage dresses and purses.

Music reigned supreme with a rep from the BLK JKS and a rep from Post Post Entertainment

While sipping on our ice teas (water or beer forgotten), the Giant Match Puppet Parade appeared. Being as ‘high’ as I was, I hurriedly snatched my camera and squeezed my way past an ecstatic crowd to catch some images of the giant priest and witch (what a combination, I laughed to myself). As they paraded back down 7^th Street, a hilarious character joined them. I do not recall laughing so hard. His dance moves were enough to cause the ever-so-serious fashion week models to crack up. Kids wiggled in excitement as this character danced his butt off and gave the little ones high-fives. My girl, Bonnie, and I had another laugh while taking pictures with this crazy character.

The fête was too enjoyable and seeing so many people have fun made it that much more special. Thandiswa Mazwai, dressed in her usual traditional-sprinkled outfit, shied away from the media: “No, no pictures, not today.” I guess she also just wanted to enjoy the fête like us ‘normal people’ (if such people even exist). I also spotted, with the help of my girls, Tsepang of the BLK JKS and a number of actresses and producers. But this event was not about them, after all, it was about all of us. All of us being out there on a Saturday afternoon, having fun and being happy. And that’s exactly what we got.

- Amandla Kwinana

PS. Check out www.jozichic.wordpress.com to see the fashion that people rocked at the fête.

I could not possibly have conjured up a better way of concluding June 16 than the way it all turned out. We were off to Soweto, ntwana! Going back to the township where the youth marched and died for their (and now our) rights, was already in itself, a soul-satisfying moment. On the drive to Soweto, the Afropolitan Explosiv gig was still fresh in my mind and its relevance was to play out before my eyes in the upcoming hours. After all, I was off to an event that was about the youth and the Arts. I was super-psyched: Soweto Up+Rising, here I come!

Before we even parked the car, the youthful and free-flowing energies of those already inside Club Pelican throbbed out into the street. A white couple entered through the doorway and climbed up the stairs: screw the fears there may be about going to Soweto at night, the BLK JKS are performing and it’s Youth Day!

It’s worth mentioning that Club Pelican’s location is rather on the dingy side; it being the only building occupied that night. But as scary as it may have been on any other night, on this particular night it was inviting, beckoning one and all to enter. There was a sense of safety in this joint, filled with a colourful mix of youth: a variety in ethnicity and background. So many languages whizzed past my ears as my companions and I made our way to the bar… how beautiful it sounded! And to think that this simple right for one to converse in one’s own language (albeit it was at school) is one of the precious things the youth of 1976 fought for!

Motsatsing (left) with her back-up singers

As expected, even before we got to Soweto, the BLK JKS’ performance would be reserved for last. That suited us just fine. Squeezing past the crowd, I caught a glimpse of Motsatsing; I had to get closer! Her voice rung out over the packed club as she sang a number of songs in Sesotho and other indigenous languages. That’s when my mind drifted back to the Afropolitan Explosiv gig, once more. Here was a young woman making use of language in her artistic expression. Bodies jammed to her tune; black, white, coloured, Indian, whatever – it was music and they could feel it.

After Motsatsing’s performance, a young colourful girl with a truckload of energy and crazy, did her thing. This young thing, who goes by the name of MoonChild, was fresh, funky and fearless (a lot of comparisons were made to Nikki Minaj). MoonChild, supported by two members of the BLK JKS and Siya Shezi, rapped-sang with attitude and wowed the crowd with her fun I-don’t-give-a-damn dance moves. She was a delight to watch and hear.

MoonChild on stage

Keeping with the youthful vibe, another young act got up on stage. Battle Cock, a rock band with a rapper as their lead vocalist, represented our current Model C high school kids: they spoke their minds and had full-blown confidence. A lot of the older members of the youth bopped their heads and swayed from side to side (I can’t believe I’m already in that category), while the younger, fresher kids jumped up and down, hands waving and heads swinging in all directions. I feared a moshpit would erupt at any time. But I have to admit, I had a jol.

While awaiting the BLK JKS performance, I marvelled at how great this gig was. The sound was on point, the lighting was Read the full story

36 years after the Soweto Uprising and, regardless of what anyone may say on the matter, I love the direction our youth is taking – particularly those in the Arts. We are indeed The Cool Kids but not in the conventional way: we are creative, intelligent, aware and concerned about our society. The role that the Arts have in our country is immensely vital; the Arts challenge our society, encourage it, empower it and more than anything, express love for our people. Okay, let me backtrack.

Saturday, June 16 2012… and the loud hooting of taxis and women shouting across the road to each other, “Do not wake me up” (something one gets accustomed to, living so close to Bree Taxi Rank). My day has already been planned and in a couple of hours I don my cloak and brave the winter afternoon chill, making my way to the Goethe-Institut.

Nestled in a corner at Jan Smuts, the Goethe-Institut played host to an Afropolitan Explosiv gig I was invited to. Not knowing what to expect, I smiled, drew my cloak closer and stepped towards the entrance. To my surprise, there was a young man at the door offering to wash our hands: the reason behind this was to leave one’s baggage, probably preconceptions, at the door. The warm water, much appreciated, was poured over my hands and while sipping on clear apple juice under a gas heater I waited for the event to commence.

A young man (the MC), dreadlocks tucked inside a woollen hat and dressed in a thick wool jersey, informed us the event would be starting soon. And soon enough, we were out of the cold and inside the auditorium. It seemed as if this was going to be serious. Really? It’s Youth Day, for goodness’ sake, and on a Saturday night at that! “Well, I’m here now,” I thought, “let me sit back and see what this all about.” We had been informed that the event taking place was called ‘Birthing a New Identity’ and that there would be an artistic piece (a combination of dance and sound), followed by an interactive panel discussion with three intellectuals and thereafter, guests would be given a chance to voice out their views.

After a brief introduction by our aforementioned MC, the lights faded and the show began. “This is a piece about Life and Death,” the MC had said and he urged us not to clap at the end of the performance, but “be still and be one with yourself.” Okay…

Nobuntu (songstress) with one of the people in attendance

Nobuntu, a songstress, walked up to the microphone and belched out an unnerving cry that sounded as if someone was being strangled to death. The sound was so haunting, and judging by the looks of my fellow audience, I was not the only one who was a bit freaked out. As Nobuntu’s eerie voice carried across the room, the dancer, Kholisile, entered. He was graceful and violent, emotion, like his sweat, seeping through the pores of his skin. The performance was reminiscent of a visit to a sangoma. It was spiritual and while watching this, it was now evident why our hands had to be washed before coming into this space: our preconceptions of dance and music were totally thrown off. Nobuntu’s painful cries and possessing sounds had us in her spell. “Yek’ubukhanya, ngen’ebumnyama… ukheth’ubomi na?” (Leave the light, enter the darkness… do you choose to live?) Read the full story

You have got to love Soweto! Personified, she is probably a mix of that ‘Rebel Girl’ MXO sung about, and that wunderkind who, despite any challenges, comes out tops. Soweto is brimming with individuals who not only believe they are great but they know it and live it. Yeah, they may not have the resources (such as the equipment, money and support), but they do not allow such things to get in their way. The most recent case study was the debut Soweto Fashion Week that took place this past week.

The Soweto Fashion Week opened on Thursday night and much to my disappointment, I was only able to attend on the last day, Saturday. So there I was in Soweto on a Saturday afternoon, the sun was toasting my back, leaving me feeling ridiculous for wearing a black polo neck. ‘Screw that,’ I told myself and strutted towards Walter Sisulu Square, careful not to soil my bright blue platform heels. After a couple of inquiries the Soweto Hotel was soon in full view. Where were the cars and crowd of impatiently excited people outside this venue? It was morbidly quiet. Did I get my times mixed up and arrived when the event was over? No, this is Soweto Fashion Week, they reassured me. So in I went.

The Soweto Hotel, dimly lit and cosy, welcomed me in. I was led to the conference room where the fashion shows were to be conducted, and nervously took my front row seat. Then, I took in my surroundings: a magogo carrying a child, a handful of colourfully dressed gay guys, an Indian dude occupied with his phone, bubbly Grace greeting and sitting more guests, and a number of members of the male species congregated at the watering hole otherwise known as the Soweto Hotel bar.  We were all waiting for the show to begin whether or not those empty rows of chairs behind me filled up or not. And the show began.

Perfect Deluxe Collection

A few sincere words from the founder and organizer of Soweto Fashion Week, Stephen Manzini, and the Perfect Deluxe show commenced. A smooth R&B track signalled the first model’s appearance. The Perfect Deluxe outfits comprised mainly of African bridal wear, ruffles and leopard print ruling supreme. The high gloss of bigger and more established fashion weeks (such as SAFW and MBJFW) was non-existent. The carpet made for a runway, the music track was put on repeat, the designs were not immaculately constructed (loose strands of fabric hanging off a dress is plain tacky) and some of the female models had a hard time walking in their heels (thank God no one fell). Perfect Deluxe does have a way to go before they live up to their name but not to say they failed. Their creativity was well executed in their collection, particularly in a gold bottle-top tube dress that got quite a round of applause from the audience.

Pics of Egnitious collection

A short interval and on to the next show: Egnitious. This urban wear collection was one with a strong youthful edge that reminds one of our country’s Struggle Era. The military green of the material and the recurrent 3D prison bars, behind which our political heroes are drawn, made for an interesting show. Visually and intellectually stimulating, Egnitious described his collection as being “vibrant, with a mixture of art”, and it worked.

Funeka and Dejavu followed. This show was pretty biased when it came to the sexes. We were wowed by the women’s wear but the men’s designs were quite bland and the jeans, ill-fitting (a real shame). The dresses were vibrantly gorgeous, playfully cheeky and colourful. The ladybug-inspired yellow polka dot dress was one, among a few, the crowd cheered for.

Funeka and Dejavu Collection

My experience of this ‘first for Soweto’ event was bitter-sweet. The bitterness being caused by the supposed lack of interest and financial assistance (apparently Manzini raised R60,000 through the help of a number of businessmen, church fundraisers, etc.) in producing this much-needed fashion initiative in Soweto. Yes, there are quite a number of fashion weeks in SA already but this one, where township youngsters receive a platform to show the country (and the world) what they’re made of, cannot be compromised. Watching the Soweto Fashion Week I felt that it was not properly planned and executed, either. And some things, for example music co-ordination, do not require much money to be pulled off successfully and professionally. The ‘sweet’ moment brings me back full circle to the unfaltering determination of Soweto. Despite the many improvements that could have been done and the financial challenges they encountered, Soweto Fashion Week happened. With SFW 2012 over, and lessons learnt, I am confident that the next edition will have us all goo-goo eyed and more in love with Soweto and its fashion.

- By Amandla Kwinana

Twitter: @JoziChicSA