The best

STAR LINE

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STAR LINE

Chance the Rapper is back! Thank you for coming back to us Lil Chano. Sometimes you lose your best just so you can come back even stronger. A heck of a redemption arc, you were phenomenal since #10 Day, Acid Rap, Surf and Coloring Book but then the big day came and you flopped spectacularly. Awful album, “I love my wife, I love my wife”, you became corny, you became a meme. The big day became ironic and somehow spoiled your previous work. You spiraled out of control and your wife divorced you. You receded into the darkness, you were never heard off again. A lot of fans were disappointed in the big day but I never lost faith, you still won 3 Grammy’s independent, talent like that doesn’t just fall into obscurity. So what she left? Move forward, life goes on, some of us have been here since #10 Day.

Having Chance the Rapper at 30 is such a blessing. No one in the mainstream raps anymore, he was never mainstream, he fills the gap. Whitney Houston just came into my life and taught me the greatest love of all. Sometimes you lose your best just so you can come back even stronger.

Words and poetry are the foundation, they are everything; structure, cadence, rhymes, metaphors, similies, puns and punchlines. The beats, melodies, choir and general production serve as supporting cast members. They enhance and make better the poetry. The album is cohesive and structured, undoubtedly Chance at his best. Still unattached, unsigned and the “3” on his head. STAR LINE, when the hero comes back after adversity to redeem himself. No controversy, shock value, disrespect and tasteless clout – just words and beautiful poetry. Some of the contributors are Joey Badass, Jay Electronica and Lil Wayne. My favorite song is “High and the Lows”. It was released in 2022. I loved it back then too. That’s when I believed in Chance’s redemption arc. When I saw the tracklist, I was elated. Fantastic visuals, art, boats, words, poetry, infectious beat, spellbinding hook, the “3” on Chance’s head and Joey Badass. STAR LINE, Thank you for coming back to us Lil Chano. Sometimes you lose your best just so you can come back even stronger.

curb your enthusiasm

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Curb Your Enthusiasm

Best show ever! I swear I laughed in every episode, the only show that has ever had that effect on me. Seinfeld was great, I am a fan but I didn’t trust Larry David after the finale. The audience deserved more especially after investing so much in the show and the characters, 9 years is a long time. I didn’t want to see the gang go to jail. It left me with a negative cognitive effect. It looked like Curb was heading in the same direction but it was a mistrial and Larry walked. Oh, Thank God! They really should have ended Seinfeld like that! The last scene is beautiful as we see all the friends together in the plane heading home after the trial doing what they always do – bickering. Much better, great finale Larry. Curb Your Enthusiasm the greatest sitcom of all time. Shout-out Ted Danson, a favorite of mine and JB Smoove is funny as hell. Great cast, great fictionalized characters, funny is an understatement. Larry David is a genius. I am happy with the finale, I am happy with the whole show. I doubt it will ever be surpassed.

I choose antakalipa

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I choose antakalipa

I know aligning and associating with me is difficult. I represent everything repressed and unconscious. I am vulgar, explicit and at times offensive. My words have a lot of salt and can cut deep. It’s my sense of humor, it’s all wrong and I put bad guys on a pedestal. I understand why the industry recoils, I understand why anybody would  recoil. I challenge and dare you to look! I represent humanity’s darkside and repressions. Let’s be real, if I had a prominent seat I’d probably get cancelled. Oh yes, I am the cancelled type. Regardless, it’s my perspective and these are the stories I want to tell. I don’t want to be cool, I don’t want to be anyone’s role model, I just want to be. For me being the consciousness of culture entails telling stories in my own voice even if it makes people uncomfortable, angry or otherwise. So I am at a crossroads, try to appease the industry and hope they will accept me despite the fact that I am a long shot or carry on being the controversial, undesirable “antakalipa”. I really like “antakalipa”. I am going to choose “antakalipa” – consciously. It’s okay, the industry can turn their backs on me, I understand. Maybe I won’t be rich, maybe I won’t collaborate with industry greats, maybe I won’t get the resources, maybe I will be shunned, maybe I won’t amount to much, but I will tell my stories, I will share my perspective. I choose me and my controversial take. I choose antakalipa. I am already a long shot, I am already an underdog, I came this far, I have to carry on, I bet on myself despite everything, even if it prolongs the journey, even if I don’t succeed, I choose antakalipa. Love me or leave me alone, I am not changing for anybody. Don’t do me any favors, you can leave if you want to. I choose antakalipa.

My favorite Broadway

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Jonathan Roxmouth

At the Teatro for the Jonathan Roxmouth My favorite Broadway show. Seats so good, you stay seated when someone ahead of you is on their feet. Literally eyeball-to-eyeball with Jonathan and you can see the Maestro’s shoes. Thank you Belinda Howard and as always SamSays on the credits.

Charisma, presence, composure, calm, warmth are adjectives to describe Roxmouth. He keeps you engaged, he is captivating and the delivery masterful. Last time I was at the Teatro, I was watching “Swinging Las Vegas” – high octane show with hits galore! Came back for the Maestro and Jonathan Roxmouth for new memories. It’s ridiculous how good Jonathan is, he commands the stage, has comedic timing and spellbinding on the mic. Songs about love and a couple of ABBA classics – thank you for the music! He sings with passion, love and attention for his craft. You are at his mercy, the world stops for him. His voice melts on the pan like butter. It is soothing like a lullaby and keeps you awake like Redbull – energizing, you can listen to him the whole day. You get lost in his voice, he has the capability of making you daydream but you are lucid so you applaud after the song.

Roxmouth is joined by Maestro Adam Howard and the Egoli Symphonic Orchestra who are too great to encapsulate with words. I need to update my music vocabulary and acclimatize myself to the jargon, then maybe I’ll have a better chance of expressing myself. Then again, you play music, it was never meant to be serious. The stage has the Egoli Symphonic Orchestra concentrated in the middle and they spread to the sides. Behind the Orchestra are screens, one in the middle and one on either side. The screens provide a backdrop and themes of the songs performed. Jonathan Roxmouth changes costumes three times, different colored suits with sequins. The part where he tap-dances with the other Jonathan’s on the screen is awesome, humorous, I enjoyed that there was female representation, perfect choreography and completely in sync. Maestro Adam Howard expertly leads procedures. He is in charge, present, perfect, there is no show without him. I am with Momo, he has Maestro Adam Howard by his side, but I do recognize Kabza’s greatness.

Great show, a privilege to behold Roxmouth’s mastery on the stage. Chicago is up next!

Congratulations Jonathan Roxmouth and the whole team for a great show and a deserved standing ovation.

📷: Crowther Fourie

📷: Elena Samuels

Expelled II

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Expelled II

Charmaine Weir-Smith stopped being my friend on Instagram. Goddammit! My life was perfect just a week ago and I had to involve Mia Khalifa! A woman who was disowned by her parents and her home country of Lebanon for her despicable acts in pornography. I should have never posted those videos, I think it’s the “XXX” video that did it, could have been the “Strap-on”, it’s far too explicit, but it’s just words and it’s meant to be humorous. Sigh. But I understand, I deserve the expulsion, it’s warranted, the shock value is too high and it’s far too dirty. It’s ironic how I elevated myself above the boy in her play who got expelled for simulating rape in a video that went viral. I sat in my seat while watching the stage and called him an idiot. I even celebrated while his life was crumbling as he lost his beautiful girlfriend. I didn’t empathize with him, I felt what was happening to him was justified. Funny how life works because now I am that idiot son on the stage. That’s how you know the story on the stage was a good one because it mirrors life. Social media is the Devils playground.

Goddammit Mia Khalifa! My life was perfect just a week ago, I had my favorite actress following me on Instagram and now I am expelled like the idiot son in her play! Oh well, life goes on for the “Consciousness of culture”. These are the stories I want to tell. “Expelled” was a classic. Charmaine could never totally expel me because we are forever linked but sure, I’ll give her her space. I still love her and her work. This is the sequel to “Expelled” and I play the idiot son!

Breakfast with Mugabe

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Breakfast with Mugabe

At the Market Theatre for the opening of “Breakfast with Mugabe, Standard Bank had an influence, drinks, soup, bread and general snacks on the house. Posed for pictures with distinguished people, met the director Calvin Ratladi.

Written by Fraser Grace, ‘Breakfast with Mugabe’ stars Themba Ndaba portraying Mugabe and Gontse Ntshegang as his wife, Grace. Craig Jackson plays Mugabe’s psychiatrist, Dr Peric, while Zimbabwean actor Farai Chigudu takes on the role of Mugabe’s bodyguard. The play is about Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe’s fictional imagining of conversations with white psychiatrist Dr Peric. Initially, Mugabe is avoidant, he misses appointments and comes late. They go deep delving into Mugabe’s psyche, the struggle is unearthed, bombings comes to the surface and love of country is elevated. The characters speak in Shona for realism, the play is in English. Exploitation happens, the white farmer loses his farm. The play explores grief, healing, faith, nationalism and legacy.

The set is in Zimbabwe’s head of state, coat of arms on the wall and a portrait of a painting on the other side of the wall. Elevated slightly by a stage in the middle is a trio of chairs and a table for juice. On the ground is soil, it features at the start and the end of the play. Themba Ndaba is brilliant as Robert Mugabe, he embodies his mannerisms, the restless energy, panting, speech and demeanor. I loved Gontse Ntshegang, she is so beautiful and amazing, she stole the show as Grace. She is after your farm white man. Craig Jackson as Dr Peric is a psychiatrist whose about learn what it means to be a white farmer in Zimbabwe, he learns the hard way, he loses. Farai Chigudu as the bodyguard beats up the white psychiatrist.

Thought-provoking piece of theatre that delves into the intricacies of human nature. I know I missed so much, it’s not something you watch once. You need multiple viewings to scratch the surface. It can completely go over your head, it needs meditation and contemplation. This is undoubtedly a masterpiece.

Congratulations Calvin Ratladi and the whole team for a great show and a deserved standing ovation.

📷: SamSays

Carmen

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Carmen

At Joburg Theatre for the opening of “Carmen”, full house, mature demographic. Always wanted to go the opera since “The Godfather”. It has that appeal, the voices, drama, emotion, gusto, heritage and culture.

I love this form of storytelling, they sing dialogue, less to do with words and more about emotion, feeling and execution. Sing your heart out, be expressive and articulate, take your time, the stage is yours. The opera is sung in French and  English subtitles to translate, it helped with continuity and following the story. Don’t have the vocabulary to describe the voices, such beauty, heavenly is my attempt. The choruses are mezmarrizing, in sync, perfect delivery and immersion in the current moment. In flow and in love with what they were doing. You have to have a voicebox, good pipes and deliver high notes. Tone deaf and you don’t have a chance! Even when they were laughing, they were in tune. This is not idols, no wooden mics for untalented people. These are serious professionals, people who dedicated their whole lives to opera – music. People who can really sing. Four acts, large ensemble, orchestra, gorgeous costumes, the sets change in every act, they transport you to Seville. Love consumes, a tragic story about betrayal and love. My first experience of the opera and I absolutely loved it. Shoutout Bridget and The Buz Hive.

The story unfolds in the sun-drenched streets of Seville, where Carmen – an independent woman – refuses to be bound by anyone’s rules. Her relationships with the soldier Don José and the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo ignite a stormy love triangle of passion, jealousy, and betrayal. George Bizet on the score, some of the pieces performed are “Habanera,” and Toreador Song. The Sempre Opera Ad Hoc Choir, under the direction of Kobus Buys are perfect. Everything is perfect.

Congratulations George Bizet and the whole team for a great show and a deserved standing ovation.

Work of art

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Work of art

I am not a fighter, I am a reader, way to pretty to get in a fist fight. I am not a savage, I provide the light, alright, I am bright, way too pretty to not be on your sight. You can have the glory but keep fucking me with me and you’ll be sorry, turn you into content cause your whole vibe is just boring. Fighting over a bitch? Would never get involved like a snitch. Vibe crooked like a witch, that ain’t my craft, I am a work of art. She’s all yours, way too pretty to engage in trivial affairs. It’s not an affair, she wants me but can’t get me, life isn’t fair. Look at the skin, clear like the cloudless blue sky, no lie, glowing and radiating like the sun of God. Would walk on water if I wasn’t transfixed by my image. I am the legend of Narcissus who lived to become a poet. Work of art, number one forever, you can never get leverage. I am greatness personified, it doesn’t matter in what age. Too pretty even when I age, would never entertain your rage, too dignified like a sage, too pretty even when I age. Work of art, revered by God’s, way to major to play a minor part, way too pretty to not play the part.

The Tramp

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The Tramp

On the square to watch The Tramp. Amanda Bothma, Daniel Anderson and Paul Ferreira – devastating triple threat! Stick to the secret formula, let’s get the people on their feet cheering and clapping.

Amanda Botha on the script, good feelings, reverse engineering, biographical, sharp witted, with personality, contemplation and reflection. Paul Ferreira on piano, spotless without a blemish, backbone, the pulse silently beating to provide life and sustenance. The first time I ever saw Daniel Anderson perform, I thought “goat” and I managed to shake his hand and tell him to his face. The goat has struck again, back to back, within weeks to casually deliver another masterpiece. I maintain my stance, the greatest performer of all time, it’s amazing what he does on the stage, simply unbelievable. He has energy, expressive, animation and enjoyment on his face, he is mobile and on his feet, running, climbing on top of props, dancing, singing and telling a story all at once. Charisma so bullish, it ripples through the ceilings of charts. Fantastic endurance, breath-control and stamina. Singing and voice intonation is just world class. Captivates you from the first minute until the end, presence, commanding, enthralling. When he sang “If my friends could see me now” after Charlie Chaplin became the most famous person in the world, it connected. I loved smile.

Wonderful set design by Willem Disbergen, middle screen that provides visual cues, we see footage of Charlie Chaplin’s films, two big suitcases that are also screens and the wheelchair Chaplin reels in the show with as an old man at the start of the show. Paul is next to the steps, giving the stage to Daniel to fully optimize. Sonwa Sakuba provides the choreography, worked well with Daniel to match Chaplin’s mannerisms and movements.

Born in London, England Charlie Chaplin transcended and innovated the moving picture business and found his way to Hollywood where he was later exiled. Chaplin wrote, edited, directed, produced, starred and composed music for most of his films. He refused to work with sound films. The show explores Charlie Chaplin’s life, his ascent to the top, the construction of “The Tramp”, the silent era, his movies; The Kid, The Gold Rush and City Lights, the film with Adolf Hitler and how he became the most recognizable person in the world.

An outstanding show, Wela Kapela make me so excited. Daphne Kuhn and Theatre on the square deliver yet again, effortless.

Congratulations Amanda Bothma and the whole team for a great show and a deserved standing ovation.

The moon looks delicious from here

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The moon looks delicious from here

At the Market Theatre for the opening of “The moon looks delicious from here”. The story follows Aldo Brincat, from Malta, born in Egypt Alexandria, who immigrates to apartheid South Africa. The play explores identity, family, language, sexuality and a ever changing political landscape.

No sets, no backdrop, clear stage, no fancy lighting, just him telling the story from different perspectives, dressed in all black with linking rings in his back pocket. He is on his feet the whole time. The magic tricks with his rings are spellbinding, so illusory, one moment he is holding two rings and the next six. When you look again the rings are all tangled up to form the Audi logo, then the Olympics logo and then the circles are in singles again. It’s magic. As a magician, he dreams to perform for Nelson Mandela someday.

Amazing storyteller who literally creates magic out of nothing. He is the show. He creates something from moment to moment, no lag time. He strings you along, you are in his capable hands. He provides the tempo and enacts the characters in his story with ease. He switches in and out, switching voices and mannerisms beat by beat to create a cadence that is seamless. He is captivating and tells the story with heart. The performance has a lot of range, that’s to be expected considering the characters he inhabits. A storytelling magician, he is in complete flow the whole time. Makes it seem so easy but it’s not because he does so much, inhabing different characters under one breath. The opening scene consists of two characters, one male and one female. To illustrate the differences between the characters, he uses one of the linking rings in his hand as a hat for the male and uses the other linking ring as a fan to convey the females perspective. It is effective, he also switches voices and intonation for dramatic effect. The show has elements of physical theatre, he mimics the sounds of objects.

Solo performances are often tricky and difficult, to entertain and keep the audience invested in the storyline is no child’s play but it’s no big deal for Aldo, he seemingly does everything on his own, with just linking rings in his back pocket. It’s easy, it’s masterful, pure magic. A storytelling masterclass.

Congratulations Sjaka Septembir and the whole team for a great show and a deserved standing ovation.