MANDELA: Long Walk to Freedom Movie with Blondie Makhene

World AIDS Day 2013 Call-To-Action Campaign: Takalani Sesame

Takalani Sesame Invites South Africans to Help HIV-positive Muppeteer Kami and Her Friends

Make a Digital World AIDS Day Ribbon Built by the Most Participants Possible

World AIDS Day 2013 Call-To-Action Campaign: Monday, 18^th November to Friday, 13^th December

Takalani Sesame is a children’s educational series on SABC 1 & 2 and on SABC radio that has been on air for 12 years.  Much loved HIV positive character Kamogelo, also known as Kami, will commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1^st this year by staging an online multimedia campaign that invites people to build an interactive digital AIDS ribbon. People from South Africa and around the world will be invited to help their favourite muppets build the online ribbon. South Africa and the world will come together to learn about and express their love and support for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. This campaign is also a how-to for grown-ups and older siblings to speak with young children about HIV/AIDS.

Takalani Sesame, currently in its 6^th season with brand new formats for television, also broadcasts on radio as well as on newly launched multiple digital platforms. On television, episodes are in 5 languages – Tshivenda, Sepedi, isiZulu, Afrikaans and English. On radio, episodes are currently in 5 languages will be in all 11 official languages by January 2014.

Takalani Sesame is brought to viewers and listeners in partnership with Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organisation behind Sesame Street,  the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Sanlam, SABC and the producers of the show Kwasukasukela (KWK), a joint venture between Ochre Moving Pictures and Kwa Flights of Fancy. 

Please be a Participant - How to Build the Digital Ribbon

You can help Kami and her friends Zikwe, Zuzu, Neno and Moshe make the digital ribbon grow simply by sending  a message OR posting photos of you and your friends in ribbon shaped poses OR forward  images of drawings of ribbons you have made OR just by sending your name.

You can use any of the following platforms:

-             Facebook:   www.facebook.com/takalani.sesame.edu  to like, comment, post a video, or send a picture

-             Twitter: @lovetakalani   OR   #takalanisesameworldaidsday

-             SMS: 33470     Your SMS/Text must read:   WAD Your Name and Surname

(SMS cost R1.50. Errors billed.  Free Minutes do NOT apply. T&C apply)

-             WhatsApp: 073-123-4567

-             E-mail: WAD@takalanisesame.mobi

-             Website: www.takalanisesame.co.za  

By sending Kami a SMS-text, picture and/or audio-visual message via Facebook, Twitter, SMS, e-mail, WhatsApp, or the website between Monday 18^th November – Friday 13^th December, participants will be helping Kami achieve her goal of building a digital World AIDS Day ribbon with the most number of people possible. You can play your part because every interaction with Kami counts—and builds!

Please Spread the Word

We would greatly appreciate it if you would forward this announcement to all your contacts via any of these platforms:

-             Facebook:   www.facebook.com/takalani.sesame.edu  to like, comment, post a video, or send a picture

-             Twitter: @lovetakalani   OR   #takalanisesameworldaidsday

-             SMS: 33470     Your SMS/Text must read:   WAD Your Name and Surname

(SMS cost R1.50. Errors billed.  Free Minutes do NOT apply. T&C apply)

-             WhatsApp: 073-123-4567

-             E-mail: WAD@takalanisesame.mobi

-             Website: www.takalanisesame.co.za 

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation (www.tutu.org.za) have lent their support to the campaign by filming a message to encourage viewers to get involved. Actress Kristen Bell is also lending her support to Kami’s ribbon-building campaign with a special video message of her own. These video messages will be broadcast on SABC and can be viewed on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/takalani.sesame.edu  and on our website www.takalanisesame.co.za

Educating Children About HIV/AIDS

Whilst we want our audiences, the young and the young at heart, to enjoy the excitement of making the ribbon, this call-to-action is also a thoughtful campaign to educate children, inform them, raise their awareness and help bring children together for national and international solidarity. We concretely help grown-ups and older siblings engage with and or repeat/transfer ideas and facts to young children with developmentally appropriate accuracy and clarity. Takalani Sesame always uses high-quality content resources. These reputable material assets are from various arms of the United Nations, South Africa’s Departments of Health / Basic Education / Social Development, and our very own award-winning public service announcement initiative, Talk to Me – The Make A Difference Booklet.

An impact assessment of the series revealed that exposure to Takalani Sesame on television or radio was associated with improvements in 3- to 6-year-old children’s knowledge and attitudes regarding HIV and AIDS. Educators also noted improvements in HIV and AIDS knowledge among children: Before exposure to Takalani Sesame, 25 percent of educators indicated that the children had understood or heard of HIV and AIDS; after exposure, the figure increased to 80 percent (Khulisa Management Services (2005). Impact Assessment of Takalani Sesame Season II Programe. Report prepared for the Takalani Sesame Project at SABC Educational Television. Johannesburg, South Africa.)

Heels Over Head: Bring on the cheap booze and radio DJ?

Pretorians have a real passion for jazz music. The African and Jazz nights organised by the Tshwane Music Industry Co-op are a series of concerts that take place every Friday at the Rendezvous State Theatre. While most venues in Johannesburg would not dare having jazz performances on Friday nights, especially not on their own account, the State Theatre has taken a bold step to celebrate some of South Africa's best talent.

Business is about making a profit. If the State Theatre is to become a for-profit company, they too would make sure they offer cheap alcohol to Pretorians and have a radio hip hop or house music DJ play till 5am in the morning on Fridays and Saturdays. They could sell 100 times more alcohol than they would if they had a jazz band or classical ensemble performing.

Suddenly, if you are walking around the State Theatre building as a tourist, it would not be difficult finding the party. It is disappointing to note that many South African people standing by the State Theatre building do not care or appreciate what the theatre is offering if it is not a big porn party!

As a respectable establishment that anchors our cultural memory, the State Theatre is one of the only venues in Gauteng that take a bold stance and influence cultural tastes. Guess what? They have built an audience for the African Jazz Nights and one can smell the potential for growth a mile away. It's the kind of smell that can help get rid of certain kinds of pollution in the city. When businesses say, we don't care if the moral fibre gets depleted in the name of massive profits, the State Theatre says, there's more to life than just drawing crowds and potential customers to your establishment.

SA FM, Classic FM and Radio 2000 have audiences that would appreciate the productions staged at the State Theatre. To what extent do they endorse venues that showcase live music? Budgets for culture decrease by the year. Does this mean that theaters should have a business approach to the arts in order to matter to the majority or at least 70% of the surrounding community? It's a give and take situation. Who is giving? Who cares to take? Who cares to influence others to take?   

Feature on Classic Feel's Classic Woman

Cover Page

 On page 21

TLALE MAKHENE: FROM PRETORIA TO SWAZILAND

In conversation through music - the audience in Pretoria will feed Tlale's musical expression on 13 September 2013. He will share his heart with them and take this experience with him to Swaziland where on 27 September 2013, he will once again continue the conversation with all who will be at the Jazz Gallery to enjoy and embrace the sounds of sincere passion...

SA’s broke music stars

SA’s broke music stars

YONELA MNANA ARTIST PROFILE

Blind Pianist, Singer, Composer &

Music Teacher at a school for disabled children in Katlehong

Many compare this Afro-jazz genius with Stevie Wonder or Ray Charles although his singing, piano playing, composing, teaching and arranging skills are distinctly South African. He studied piano at Wits University where he obtained a B.mus degree after having received a bursary from the Dean of the school of arts and being credited as a high performing and promising student at the Wits School of Arts. He was also awarded as the top achiever among residents at David Webster Hall.

His ensembles feature his own compositions that encompass jazz, gospel, African traditional music and popular contemporary music (local and international). He usually performs with vocalist Kgomotso le Roux and/or his trio band including double bass and drummer.

Yonela is the main accompanist to the solo singers and choirs at the South African Schools Choral Eistadford where he plays classical music for the performers. He arranged and performed a crossover work between classical and jazz with the Fumana school choir.

Among many artists he worked with since 2005 is Steve Kekana, world-renowned Zim Ngqawana, Prince Lengoasa, Jimmy Mngwandi, Andile Yenana, Thandiswa Mazwai and Siphokazi.

He accompanied the Siloe School duet at national level where they got fourth position. He was the opening act for the Wits school of arts function where he performed as a soloist at the Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg.

On 27 August 2011, Yonela performed a song with the world-renowned American soul singer Frank McComb at the Joy of Jazz Festival!

He has recorded songs about anti-xenophobia with musicians from various African countries. Yonela is finally working on his album.

Being a black blind male musician in South Africa isn’t easy but Yonela makes the best of his talent as one of the greatest listeners out there. He is willing to create the required mood for any event through his music.

"A Great Day In Harlem"... YONELA MNANA pays a Jazz Tribute to Mandela

Remembering the African Rootz Rhythm Concert for Carnegie Hall Representatives

Photographer: Onkgopotsi Matlawe

From an insider's perspective, one can testify that the event was so rewarding yet highly stressful! For one, the organisers managed to pull it off with virtually no funding. Thanks to the partnership between IKS, Urban Voices, Drakensburg Promotions and Catz Pyjamas, this was an incredibly memorable event.

Ayanda Khumalo's beautiful voice and supreme elegance...

Tau ea Matsekha were supposed to perform as a trio. They decided, at the last minute, to bring 12 performers. There was much miscommunication...a classical example of "Don't listen to what I say, listen to what I mean" but when they started performing, their charm took over. Some wished they would have performed for much longer.

 

 

The organisers then had to ask Tlale Makhene to perform for a bit longer than as scheduled. Thank goodness he was prepared...he then went into a trance that sucked Sibongile Khumalo right in. Tlale Makhene and Sibongile Khumalo did an impromptu performance that was out of this world!

Wouter Kellerman blew us away with his beat-boxing/flute improvisation. People thought he would grab Tlale Makhene for rhythmical support but the man was absolutely phenominal just on his own. He really takes the flute to another level. Once you see him live, you will never look at the flute the same way again:-)

The show continued, the organisers only found out an hour before that Bheki Khoza would be willing to perform that night. They had communicated with him during the course of the week tirelessly but could not get a confirmation. Talk about adrenaline overcharge...but when he got on that stage, it was as if one was taken back to the 70's, the days of Miriam Makeba and Dolly Rathebe...hmmmmm...soothing...

 

Blondie Makhene & his band gave us their all! He sang songs of the Sangoma African traditional healers with a gospel, soulful twist that was heartfelt! Finally, he dragged his daughter Latoya Mangezi from the audience to the stage. Oh boy, she had everyone's heart on the palms of her hand by the time she was done!

 

 

As soon as Phuzekhemisi started performing. Everybody got up - fascinated and glad they had cancelled their business trips out of town for this concert. An audience member said she felt the power of music as a healing force that night.

We hope that this will not be the last African Rootz Rhythm Concert. Namaste...

PRESS RELEASE: African Rootz Rhythm Concert

African Rootz Rhythm Concert will be celebrating African Music on Tuesday 5th June at Catz Pyjamas, Melville. 

The programme is commemorating 50 years of the African Union with great music and dance that will move the body and mind with the rhythmic reflection of an African Renaissance - an Africa that is rising. From the deep rural hills of KwaZulu Natal hails Phuzekhemisi and his 12-piece band to music from the mountains of Lesotho represented by the legendary trio, Tau Ea Matsekha. Tau Ea Matsekha - known as the ‘Lion of Matseka‘ - collaborated with Paul Simon on Graceland album, which featured their music in the 'Boy in the Bubble' track.

On the Urban front we have the multi-talented and award winning percussionist and composer Tlale Makhene. Renowned guest artists included on this special African rhythm night are songstress Ayanda Khumalo (Daughter of Sibongile Khumalo), Blondie Makhene as well as flautist Wouter Kellerman.

Catch all of this and much more at 12 Main Road, Melville at Catz Pyjamas.

EVENT DETAILS:
DATE: Wednesday, 5 June 2013
Venue: Catz Pyjamas, 12 Melville, Joburg
Cover Charge: R100 at door
Time: 6PM for 7PM

More info on the Artists featured on the African Rootz Rhythm Concert:

PHUZEKHEMISI and his 12 piece band: Kwa Zulu Natal
The Legendary artist Phuzekhemisi has released over 18 albums - many of them achieved platinum status for record sales. Phuzekhemisi is considered the king of the indigenous African maskanda music. As “the people’s voice” and choosing to live in his traditional Zulu kraal in the rolling hills around Umkomaas on the South Coast, Phuzekhemisi remains among the musicians from KwaZulu Natal to draw on the social ills and joys of rural life. He has performed in various parts of the world and introduced maskanda music to thousands of people. He will be performing with his 12-piece band.


TLALE MAKHENE: Joburg
Tlale Makhene, also known as the groove master, is one of South Africa’s most remarkable drumming talents. Highly regarded by musicians and music fans alike, he is a much sought after teacher, session musician and performer. Recently, Tlale has been touring with the William Kentridge Refuse the Hour Tour for the past 2 years and performed at the Miriam Makeba Memorial Concert in Germany last year. One can sense his strength of character through his music. With many Latino influences, beautiful piano pieces and soothing African vocals. A fusion of raw talent and honed skills, blending with the traditional elements are what make these songs some of the best loved around. He will feature Bernice Boikanyo on drums, Mpendulo Nkosi on bass, Eric Paliani on guitar, Mongezi Conjwa on keyboard


TAU EA MATSEKHA: Trio from Lesotho
Popular Sotho Traditional group who gained global recognition from their collaboration with Paul Simon ``Boy In the Bubble`` from his groundbreaking Graceland album. The music features a very powerful medium-paced rhythmic groove with the bass playing lead and accordion supplying harmonic structure.
This band from Lesotho is devoted to Famo music (Lesotho popular) combines traditional a cappella singing in the Sotho language with a driving accordion and bass backing to provide a popular hybrid that flourished in the 1970s. Their name translates as "Lion of Matseka" (being Matseeka an area in Northern Lesotho). Also referred as Tau Oa Matsheha.

Guest Artists Featured at the African Rootz Rhythm Concert: 5 June 2013

BLONDIE MAKHENE
Blondie is a legend whose sound has transformed over his 30 albums from disco to kwaito, to pop, back to the traditional healers music of Sangomas through to adult contemporary music. Blondie’s electrifying performances are backed by our country’s history and creative wealth that speaks to the masses. There is wealth in simplicity and Blondie Makhene’s rich music history informed his work as a producer having worked with the icons of the music industry including Bra Hugh Masekela and Brenda Fassie.

BLONDIE’S FOLLOWING PERFORMANCE: Legend Show – Rustenburg, Tsietsieng, Mmanape High School Hall, 16 June 2013, 2pm till late

AYANDA KHUMALO

Ayanda Khumalo was born and raised in Johannesburg, to a musical and theatre dynasty. Her grandfather, Prof Khabi Mngoma, gave her her first musical lessons, teaching her music theory, violin and voice. Her parents, Sibongile Khumalo and the late Siphiwe Khumalo are well known music and theatre practitioners. Ayanda recently performed superbly at the Road to Joy of Jazz 2013. What most people love about her music is that her sincere character radiates throughout. It is only a matter of time before she becomes a household name.

WOUTER KELLERMAN: Flautist 

Wouter Kellerman’s album ‘Two Voices’ won the 2011 SAMA (South African Music Award equivalent of the Grammy) for 'Best Instrumental Album', reinforcing his status as one of South Africa’s foremost musicians. This was his second SAMA award after his 2010 award for ‘Colour live’.

A true crossover artist, he thrives on experimenting with the shades, textures and colours that his magic flute is capable of painting, and creatively blending this with other instrumentation and vocal sounds. He has been touring constantly over many years to international festivals and concerts. 

PRESS RELEASE                              PRESS RELEASE                                  PRESS RELEASE

Remembering the Musicians' Fight Against Rape and Women Abuse

PHOTOGRAPHER: ONKGOPOTSE MATLAWE

images taken at the "Musicians Fight Against Rape and Women Abuse" 

Main Artists: Tlale Makhene, Nico Phooko and Max-Hoba

Zanele Nkosi, Chairperson of the People Opposing Women Abuse addressed the audience...wise woman

Max-Hoba and backup singers

Tlale Makhene and painter Nico Phooko

Brotherhood between Tlale Makhene and Max-Hoba

Lebogang, Tlale Makhene's protegé

MAX-HOBA and TLALE MAKHENE TAKE A STAND IN THE FIGHT AGAINST RAPE AND WOMEN ABUSE

This past weekend, we celebrated Freedom day, but is there really anything to celebrate about when our mothers, sisters, daughters and grandmothers are under threat due to this surge in rape and women abuse? This is not just about financial deprivation. It is about spiritual emptiness and proof that a sizeable portion of our community is enslaved mentally.

Inspired by the  wRite Associates, IKS Consulting and Promotions joins hands with Tlale Makhene, Max-Hoba and YOU to sensitize our community through music at the next Jazzy Soulful Session.  Do spread the word. Through music, we transcend barriers to communication. It is not enough to engage with these issues in August only! We need to do more throughout the year and take responsibility as artists regarding this matter. Artists have a gift of communicating messages from the spiritual realm and these are the teachings that we need to guide us as human beings.

It is not ok to promote music as merely a tool for entertaining people because real music can do so much more than that. With that in mind, a portion of the income generated from this event will go to People Opposing Women Abuse.

Tips on Eliminating Barriers for a Successful Outdoor Event

It's always better to be prepared in case you face unwanted surprises when organising an outdoor function. Have you considered and addressed the following issues for your event?

1. A suitable programme for your guests
2. The timing of performances or items on the programme
3. The calibre and adequate venue, performers, food, displays, entertainment, stalls and merchandise
4. Accessibility of your venue (distance from expected guest)
5. Parking, traffic management and control 
6. Comfort and size of the venue
7. distance between events and venues
8. Security and safety
9. Quality of sound systems
10. Visibility of stages
11. Access to undercover areas in case of inclement weather
12. Pricing of elements or packages including food, drinks, parking and souvenirs
13. lost children area
14. Procedures to provide information, tickets etc.
15. Reaching your potential customers with the right message at the right time
16. The knowledge and courtesy of grounds staff 

SoJaZZme and IKS Join Forces for the sake of Proudly South African Music

“Jazz & Freedom go hand in hand. That explains it… And there ain’t nothin’ more to add, or remove, from it. Ya dig?!” Thelonius Monk

It is with great pleasure to announce that Ayanda Music from our very own booking agency, is one of the selected artists to perform at the upcoming SoJaZZme mini-festival to take place on Human Rights/Sharpeville Day. Ayanda Music is a concept designed by Ayanda Nhlangothi who is not only a breathtakingly fantastic singer and songwriter, but a fine keyboard and guitar player. She is at home with music as well as acting. Ayanda will take you on a cultural trip from the soul of Nquthu to the streets of Harlem virtually seamlessly – indeed, what is jazz?

Governance in Arts Organisations

on 4 and 5 March, IKS took part in the Governing Boards for Arts Organisations for the Music Managers Forum of South Africa. In the master class, Moshito, the Composers Association of South Africa (CASA), the Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association of South Africa also took part in what seemed like an arts organisation reunion.

Being in the creative industry has its benefits and challenges. One of the benefits are that the arts are easily embraced and loved by people. Music for one can make maths seem fun:-). The visual arts and design can make local products look South African and distinguishable from the rest to give them a competitive edge.

South Africans are a talented nation. However, there is much room for improvement when it comes to creating highly organised institutions with efficient systems and policies that create a strong framework for an environment that will lead to sustainable economic development.

Aluta Continua...

  

First Business Incubator Programme for Women in Arts

SABWA (South African Business Women in Arts) in partnership with CATHSSETA (Culture Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, Sport Sector Education and Training Authority) presents the First Business Incubator Programme for Women in Arts – The Business Savvy Incubator (BSI) Programme.

Participants will earn an NC in Generic Management and the necessary skills to navigate, negotiate and conduct themselves in a business situation utilizing business management skills.
(This programme is currently piloted in Gauteng Province and will be rolled out to other Provinces in due course.)
The Total cost of the programme is R25 000 (Free, full sponsored to all participants)

SABWA (founded by Ms Sibongile Khumalo, Ms Tebogo Kgobokoe and Ms Keketso Semoko) may be exactly what you need if you are an Arts Practitioner whose business needs a boost.

SABWA membership is open to all women artists of all ages (Membership registration fee is R300.00 per annum)

The (BSI) Programme is only open to female artists meeting the following criteria:

• 23 years and above
• Must have been an Arts Practitioner (ALL SECTORS) for 5 years or more
• Must be operating a business
• Must commit to the BSI Programme fully (12 Months)
• Must be able to pay commitment fee of R700.00 to attend the BSI.

Send in a copy of your CV and a 1 page essay telling us why YOU should be part of the BSI Programme to sabwa.arts@gmail.com. Alternatively call 0826371778 or find us at www.facebook.com/womeninarts - www.twitter.com/thesabwa or Contact Patrick @ 011 886 2727/2784, Cell Number 0823388358


“CREATING ACCESS – CREATING EXCELLENCE”

Please share with all woman in Arts 

From the shores of Durban to Jozi Jazzy Soulful Sessions

Bernice Boikanyo: If only they Knew

Bernice Boikanyo is probably one of the most under-rated drummers in the music scene. His self-produced and published album makes you realise just how much musicians are taking control over their careers - having the freedom of expression that is unrestricted by stylistic pressures from record companies.

Bernice is a great example of how important it is to develop and maintain good relationships with your audience and fellow musicians. Tomorrow at the Jazzy Soulful Sessions, he will perform some songs that are currently being played by:

• Radio 2000 

• SA FM 

• KAYA FM

• Coast to Coast FM 

• East Coast Radio 

• Motsweding FM 

• Gab FM 

• Jazz E radio plays it too 

• Bakgat Radio

Feel Good with Jazzy Soulful Sessions

Ayanda Nhlangothi's performance yesterday was more than just a performance. If people want to experience social cohesion and cultural democracy, Ayanda's show embodied that and more. The audience was so engaged! We are all from different cultural backgrounds but Ayanda's music unified us in song as we sang along. Although some of us were singing off key, it was beautiful:-)

This is the kind of energy that Mbuso Khoza will build on at the next Session where we will be celebrating his nomination for the Metro FM Music Awards.

Blondie Makhene Interview with Drum Magazine