Wednesday, November 29, 2017

JAZZART EMBODIES MOVEMENT

JAZZART EMBODIES MOVEMENT 

Safiso Kweyama is the Artist director of Jazzart Dance Theatre at the Artscape in Cape Town. Jazzart's creative process is an emodiment of a movement langauge based on improvisation and provides inventive platform for world class performances that reflect the changing socio-political environment of South Africa and the world.

Safiso is originally from Durban. He left Jazzart to freelance and returned as an artistic director of the place since 2015. The company is 44-years-old, it all started back in 1973 by a lady called Sonje Mayo, and has had five different directors after that. The company's main purpose is to train young artist, to become dancers, professional choreographers and teachers in various art skills. They currently have a training program with 13 students mainly from the Western Cape, but some of them come from the Eastern Cape and others come all the way from Wellington and George. They all meet at the Artscape where it based.

The main genre they work with is contemporary dance, which Safiso calls african dnace, but they teach their youth different styles. Twice a week they'll have ballet classes, hip hop class are provided, african dance, pansula, jazz dance and also traditional african dance. The duration of the  training program is 3 years, Monday-Friday from 9h00-17h00. They have a couple of sponsors the, The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, The Lotto, HCI and The National Arts Council.

The next auditions will take place next year September/October and then January 2019 they will start training. The current trainees will be graduating next year July. The auditions happens over a period of 3 days in which the individual must attend everyday. The student must have matric. They look at various things like your punctuality, when they say take a break, do you really take a break or go over the movements in which you're struggling with.and the different discipline that they've taught you. If you are able to do contemporary dance can you do ballet or hip hop. If you are weak at a certain genre, it is ok, they will work on the other genre with you and help you to improve so that you are able to get jobs in everything. In the end they have a show where the dances get to perform and showcase what they've learnt.

His goal is to see his current trainees to end the program well skilled, having the body well oiled and ready for the outside world, so that can economically sustain themselves. For 2018 he would like to shift the focus from theme which was remembrance. Remembrance of the history people that surpassed Jazzart and remembering the women. The focus will be on recycling and reusing, it is part of saving. He is looking at reusing old costumes and not buying new ones.

From next year they will have open classes which will take place on Saturdays and also evening classes for adults. Classes on Saturdays will range from the ages of 7-15. 'If you think you can walk then you can dance" says Safiso. It all starts with a heart beat.

Contact Details

Tel: 0214109848
Website: www.jazzart.co.za

Presenters and Producers: Khusi Veto, Michaela Muller and Tyler Layman


By: Michaela Muller

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Subz Organisation Takes A Stand In Menstruation Problems

Subz Organisation Takes A Stand In Menstruation Problems

About 7 years ago when Sue Barnes found out that 4 million girls in the the country miss school because they are mentruating and have no sanaritary, she created Subz in response to a request for the donation of washable sanitary pads and panties for the under privileged girls in her area. Subz are panties to which sanitary pads can be clipped. The panty is made of 100% cotton knit, (130 – 140g) which allows the skin to breath. This is also a eco-friendly/green solution.

This was to help females not miss school or work because of something that is so natural. Women should not be compromised, they need an equal chance.There is the issue of the cost of ladies sanitary wear. Underprivileged ladies have to use what’s available to them in their habitats. Name: packets tied around them filled with sand and leaves, waste paper, news paper, old cloths and rags. The virus appears in the menstruation blood when a woman has aids.

She states that the menstrual cup was a good idea. It is a little plastic cup that you insert into the vagina when you have your period and it connects the blood. When it's filled, you will have remove it, wash it and reinsert it. The washable panties and sanitary pads can be purchased at Clicks or on their web page.

Their goal is to try and get many girls as possible to stay in school and get education. They want to give as many packs of sanitary towels to the girls and get funding so that packs could be made and delivered. They also offer an education programme, so the girls can learn about their bodies and the changes that takes place within their bodies, their rights and the empowerment just to be a woman.

Contact Details:
Web page: www.subzpads.co.za

Presenters and Producers: Khusi Veto, Michaela Muller and Tyler Layman


By: Michaela Muller

Dance takes place as a second nature for Lorenzo Eden

Dance takes place as a second nature for Lorenzo Eden

Lorenzo Eden takes us 13 years back into his life when he first discovered that he has an interest in dance. He Cedar High where he took dance as a subject and started off with contemporary.

After he moved to Steenberg, his dancing career took flight. After matriculating from Steenberg High, he took a risk not going to study but instead perused dancing professionally. The first crew he joined was Kingdom Rated under the leadership of Byron Benjamin in 2014. Exposure followed the young gentleman from there. From there Himself and a few of his friends formed Empire, which did not seem to work out in the end and everyone went their separate ways. He ended up in Paradigm, who is one of the best crew in Cape Town.

His second video dropped yesterday which features him dancing on a song of Nasty C. It will be on various social media's. This was his second project that he wanted to do. This is his way of building and expressing himself and overcoming his challenges. He is part of Love Dance Agency which is under the leadership of Didi Moses. Lorenzo thanks  Densley Carolissen also known as Lyrical Deezy, who asked him to do a movie with the agency. He he then signed with Love Dance there after. He landed his second gig with Adidas straight after the movie and was able to buy his own vehicle.

The challenge that he overcame being in the dance industry is beef between dancers. The thing he noticed that most dancers do not, is that if you want to become better and claimto love dancing, you need to put in the work and hours. Lorenzo looks forward to being one of the best choreographer and to feature in commercials and music video's.

"There will be times that you will struggle, nothing will go your way, there will be tough times but that is the times that should motivated you to push forward says Lorenzo.

Contact Details:

Facebook:@Lorenzo Eden
Instagram: @Lorenzo_Eden

Prsenters and Producers: Khusi Veto, Michaela Muller and Tyler Layman


By: Michaela Muller

The Next Big Thing In Line

The Next Big Thing In Line

Jason Johnson goes by his rap name Jesse Reignz. He moved to Cape Town 5 years ago, completing his studies here and his also been rapping for 7 years now. He is originally from Delmore, Johannesburg. Jesse goes around to communities similar to Delmore to do charity work, outreach programmes, foundations and fund raisers.

He got the opportunity to be part of The NXT LVL. Hot New Music Show Ready To Take Talent To The Next Level. The music show dubbed THE NXT LVL,  gives DJs, singers, rappers and bands the platform to learn the ins and outs of the music biz from some of South Africa’s music giants. 5 talented artists takes part in a 10 week master class that will see one of them become the NXT big thing on the SA Music scene. Stay tuned to find out who the 5 talented artists are.

During this time he was mentored by Euphonik arguably one of  South Africa’s most sought after Dj’s, DJ Zinhle, Metro FM and SAMA Award nominee DJ Zinhle, Riky Rick, who began at a recording studio session with Bongani Fassie,  Danny K, an artist best known for his SAMA award-winning hits and Big Nuz who is well-known and highly celebrated Durban-based kwaito group under the Afrotainment record label. Jesse Reignz is currently the only rapper on the show. It plays every Wednesday at 21:00 on Mzanzi Magic, Dstv and the show is busy with it's last two weeks before they announce the winner. Voting lines do open tomorrow at 29 November at 21:30 and close at 10:30 on 06 December.

His new song payslips is a collaboration that he done with Ricky Rick and is one of his favorite. 'Brown Cages' is one of the songs that is really close to Jesse. It tells a story about a coloured boy who is affected by gang violence, drug abuse, domestic abuse. It wanted to use the platform of THE NXT LVL to tell the story of the coloured people and what they experience in the communites insted of the conventional turn up music just talking about models, women and money. He released 2 songs in the last two weeks 'Brown Cages' being one of them which is available for downloads, streaming and for purchase on iTunes, Spotify, Sound Cloud and Audiomack. The other song that he released called 'Rain Maker' is a free download which is available on Sound Cloud or Audiomack.

He recently registered his own company Summer Rain International. All of the money that his been making from YouTube and performances will be invested into the company. The company will initiate developments in the coloured communities and around South Africa.

To votes for Jesse send an sms 'Jesse' to 33575. Sms cost R1,50. Voting opens at 21:30 on 29 November (tomorrow night) and closes at 10:30 on 06 December. People can vote as many times as they like.

Contact Details:

Twitter: @jessereignz
Instragram: @jessereignz\
Facebook: @jessereignz
Soundcloud: @jessereignz

Presenters and Producers: Khusi Veto, Michaela Muller and Tyler Layman


By: Michaela Muller

Thursday, November 23, 2017

AJ LIX SHOWS PERSEVERANCE IN PERUSING HIS MUSIC CAREER

AJ LIX SHOWS PERSEVERANCE IN PERUSING HIS MUSIC CAREER

Ashton January also known by his rap name AJ LIX hails from Belhar Cape Town. AJ is an acronym for his name Ashton January and LIX stands for Life In Extreme.

His been doing rapping for a while now. Ashton comes from her musical family. Some sing and the others play instruments. His true inspiration comes from all of his friends. He use to pump to all of the tracks, he knew every word and from there his friends encouraged him to peruse it. His lifestyle that he lives, reflects in his music.

His been pushing his new single 'Power' which will be the leading track off his EP 'Green Carpet: No Ryalty'. AJ LIX is a versatile artist and his album will have something for everybody he says.

Contact details:
Social Media
IG: @ajlix
Twitter: @AJ LIX
Facebook: ISRC code: ZA-21T-17-00001 SAMRO, memeber ship number: 2278008

Preseners and Producers: Khusi Veto, Michaela Muller and Tyler Layman.


By: Michaela Muller

Ethnique

Ethnique

Ethnique always wanted to be a singer since a young age. Her singing is inherited by her mom.
She recorded her first album 'Echoes Ezaeth' which is available o iTunes, Google play and spotify. She use to singopera in her house all the time and she started taking music seriously 3 years ago. She describes her music as neo soul, r&b and hip hop.

Ethinique (Nicole Leonards) likes Jay Something from Micasa and Beatenberg, not forgetting about David van Vuuren. These are the three acts that should would love to open for with her whole life. Internationally it would be Erykah Badu, her dying wish.

A police officer, veterinarian fire fighter would have been her choices if she were not to sing. She use to play a little bit of the guitar but has not seeked much interest in it. She stuck to what she knew best which was music: writing music and her vocal abilities. One of her hidden talents is Art(painting) and she'd like to think that she could dance but says her manager would disagree.

Beneath The Surface was produced by Despicable B, Bevan Martin. She works really well with him. Her solo career is slowly taking off, knowing that only great things will happen from here onward.

Bookings
ethniqueezaeth@gmail.com

Social Media
Instagram: @ethnique_za
Facebook: Ethnique_za

Presenters and Producers: Khusi Veto, Michaela Muller and Tyler Layman


By: Michaela Muller

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Leska Beukes Sets An Example To The Youth

Leska Beukes Sets An Example To The Youth

Leska Beukes (age 18) ,is the founded and director of Know Your Worth Project. She describes herself as a loud and energetic person, she's also a people's person and adores children.

She began her journey since the age of 14 and volunteered at several communities/projects namely: Restoring Hope, PPC church, Hephzibah community church, City of Council, soup kitchens, old age homes, holiday programmes and volunteered most of her time to her community (Grassy Park).

Casts in Stoans is an events company runned by Morne Herman. He asked It's The Beukes Sisters to market the event The Arts Of Strings. It is one stage for tow days with plenty of talent. The show features various musicians (guitarist). It allows solo guitarist to get recognition, after all they do play in a band where most people do not focus just on them.

The show will take place on the 29th and 30th November 2017 at the Jamrock Theatre, Brackenfell. Doors will be opening at 7pm and showtime starts at 8pm. Admission is R150 per ticket and bookings for tickets are allocated on the night.
The year 2018 will be her year to enlarge her territories.


For tickets bookings or enquiries contact: 0790453 2370

Presenters and Producers: Khusi Veto, Michaela Muller and Tyler Layman 


By: Michaela Muller