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GO!Durban starts moving towards its delivery of the IRPTN.

The GO!Durban project which will provide a fully integrated rapid public transport network for the people of eThekwini has started to roll-out ahead of major milestones in the first quarter of 2014. The City’s future vision to be one of Africa's leading metropolitan areas by 2030 will soon revolutionize and modernize the way of life for all citizens, tourists and business people travelling through our City.

The award of 6 construction contracts to the value of R 3 billion for the C3 (Pinetown to Bridge City) corridor will take place shortly. The 7th contractor is already on site. Tenders for construction on corridors C1 (Bridge City to CBD) and C9 (Bridge City to Umhlanga) are scheduled to be advertized before the end of the financial year. Tenders for the Integrated Fare Management Services (IFMS) and (Intelligent Transport System (ITS) have already been advertised, and should be awarded by May 2014. The commencement of construction, consolidation of the ”Muvo” card (the cashless card system), engaging with community stakeholders, businesses and the eThekwini citizens, as well as the launch of a mobile marketing bus will drive the project in early 2014.

The roll-out of GO!Durban is based on a “wall to wall” plan, which details a network of 9 trunk corridors supported by feeder and complimentary services covering the whole City, with different modes of public transport (rail, bus and taxi) integrated to provide seamless, efficient and affordable service. Phase 1, which consists of C1, C2 (Bridge City to Umlazi – rail), C3 and C9 corridors, is planned for completion by 2018.

The Phase 1 network will accommodate approximately 25% of the City’s public transport demand on corridors C1, C3 & C9, with a further 40% being accommodated on the C2 rail corridor, as part of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) implementation plans. This approach ensures a recognisable benefit to the maximum number of users in the shortest period of time.

Construction on the C3 corridor will see construction of dedicated median bus lanes, as well as platforms for transfer stations, which will be built under a separate contract. On some sections of the corridor, like through the Pinetown CBD, the road will be rehabilitated, strengthened and widened, as necessary, and current traffic problems in the area addressed.

The commencement of construction activities will also mark the start of the implementation of the GO!Durban Empowerment Charter, which promotes participation of priority business entities in all contracts, subcontracting to local contractors , and sourcing of materials from local suppliers. The Charter also promotes the utilization of local unskilled labour, skills development, employment of unemployed graduates, and corporate social investment.

Negotiations with existing minibus taxi and bus operators with regard to their participation in the GO!Durban system will be crucial for the success of the system. Consultation between the ETA and operators has been ongoing for quite some time. The primary aim of this consultation has been to achieve in principle support for the new system, as well as set out the framework and principles to guide the negotiations around service delivery contracts to be signed with operators. Memoranda of Agreement between the City and the operators are planned for signing in the near future.

PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) continues to drive the improvements along the C2 Corridor, with approximately R1bn being earmarked for upgrade of their stations as part of the National Modernization Programme. Additional investments will go toward upgrading the signalling system and infrastructure on the corridor, as well as the acquisition of new rolling stock, with delivery of new train sets expected to start toward the end of 2015.

The GO!Durban activation bus has been launched which provides a mobile promotional and information platform to engage with communities, schools and public forums from meetings to events to disseminate information about the project. The bus was launched at the ETA by His Worship The Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo and Head of ETA Mr Thami Manyathi.

“As GO!Durban will have a significant impact on every single one of our citizens,  we  wish to extend our communication into the heart of as many communities as we can.” said Cllr Nxumalo, “While we will have an information centre at our project office in Morningside, and we have numerous engagements planned with stakeholders, we want to be able to speak to as many people as we can, to inform them about  the project, to help them understand the benefits of the new system, and to get them excited about their future, living in the city. This activation bus will mean that we are mobile, and accessible to an optimum number of the people in the city.”

The vehicle was used for transport between the Airport and Moses Mabhida Stadium for the World Cup and has been customised to provide information screens, a Muvo card machine and mobile PA system for interactive and experiential promotions in all environments. The Bus will activate information days to communities and schools prior to the roll out of the GO!Durban system.

Access to more information on Tender Applications, Construction, Information Days, Community engagement and other public forums or engagements can be found on the GO!Durban website www.godurban.co.za

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Flatfoot Dance Company Auditions

Award winning African contemporary dance company, Flatfoot Dance Company, will be hosting auditions on Saturday, 25 January from 13:30pm – 16:00pm at the Dance Studio 2 located at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College Campus for prospective full time dancers who would be interested in joining the company.

 

Based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus the Flatfoot Dance Company are looking for a female dancer (over 19 years of age) who would be interested in joining the company on a full-time professional contract (35 hours a week) as of 1 February 2014. The company has a full time annual programme that includes performance season both in and out of South Africa, dance education and development programmes, and schools/university dance education work. Working in a contemporary idiom based on Hawkins, Graham and Release Technique and also do a weekly ballet and pilates/yoga class. All flatfoot dancers form part of the administration of the company and its programmes and, as such, the new company member will need to be able to write reports (guidance is always offered!) and assist with negotiated administrative tasks.

 

Applicants must have a minimum of two years full time or part-time contemporary dance training or professional dance work, proven dance or arts education experience (formal or non-formal education will be considered). Only applicants over the age of 19 will be considered and must be computer literate and must have a valid South African Passport. Drivers licence is not a must but will be advantageous for applicants.

 

For more information on the auditions and to pre-book an audition please contact the flatfoot dance company manager Clare Craighead on (082) 875-6065, applicants are also required write a maximum 3 page CV and e-mail it to flatfootdancecompany@gmail.com more information on the auditions is available on www.flatfootdancecompany.webs.com/whatsonwhatsnew. 

AFDA Durban Campus Awards


South of the West, a first year student’s Western Film took home Best First Year Film Award at the inaugural Durban AFDA year end awards on Campus last Friday.

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The awards ceremony was an intimate celebration of the pioneering group of first year students who enrolled in AFDA’s Durban campus at the beginning of this year. Excellence was acknowledged in the following categories: Best First Year Film, Best First Year Animation, Best Television Production, Best Song, Best Group Document Pitch, CLVA Award (student representative body) and most Dedicated Student. “All the students’ awards were nominated through the marks they received for the projects or individual work for the individual awards.  The CLVA award is for the student who is on the CLVA committee who has shown the values of AFDA and voted for by the students in the council” said AFDA Durban Campus Dean, Franco Human.

The keynote speaker at the Awards was AFDA co-founder and CEO, Mr Bata Passchier who congratulated the students on their difficult and enjoyable journey as the pioneering group of students at the Campus. He also went on to thank staff members at the campus along with the parents of the students by saying, “The task of an excellent teacher is to stimulate seemingly ordinary minds into unusual effort and guide them to their success, and it is no easy task.  After a short journey we all sit here this morning overwhelmed with pride and I would like to congratulate the staff and students for getting this far.  A special thanks and congratulations need to be extended to your parents.  Without their support none of this would be possible”. 

Lloyd O’Connor, Head of the Performance School commented by saying “Bryce Courtney, the author of The Power of One, once said, ‘Winning is a state of mind that embraces everything you do’. Reflecting on this I think to one degree or another all the students are winners but those who won awards had an extra edge. What it means to win for a performer in any discipline is nothing short of a self-actualising experience.”
In his first year project straight out of the Wild West, Nathan Rice, first time director and writer wanted to pay homage to the great Hollywood Westerns, but with a distinctly South African subtext. Our hero, played by Zwakele Majozi enters what seems to be a “whites only” bar, he asks for Whiskey. Super bad cowboy played by AFDA student Charles Matthews, confronts him and a shoot- out ensues. Our hero shoots  dead the bad cowboy and his two cohorts. He again asks for Whiskey, and Whiskey comes in the door - turns out she’s the local good time girl  - and they leave the bar hand in hand, watched by a bemused barman. “The film is slick, well shot, great production design and almost flawless continuity in lighting, shot selection and performance. These disciplines along with the editing, VFX and sound design have set a bench mark for first year films” said Lecturer Richard Green, Head of the Film School.

Other winners on the night were Man In a Box for Best Group Pitch, Kryptoheight for Best First Year Animation, 031 Pulse for Best Television Production, Do Not Disturb for Best Stage Performance, Lauren Flockhart for Best Song, Anja Schuulst for the CLVA Award and Temara Prem for Most Dedicated Student.

Applications and registrations for AFDA’s first year students for 2014 are open. To apply, register for enrollment or find out more information contact Milena on milenag@afda.co.za.
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Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) calls for entries 2014

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) will celebrate its 35th edition from 17th to 27th July 2014 with over 250 screenings of cutting-edge cinema from around the world with a special focus on films from South Africa and Africa. The largest of Southern Africa’s film festivals, and the most important film festival in Africa, DIFF has a film competition component and also presents screenings in township areas where cinemas are non-existent.  

The festival will consider films completed in 2013 and 2014, and there is no charge for entry. All submissions must be entered via the Eventival online system at http://vp.eventival.eu/cca/diff2014. In order to submit a film you will need to create a free visitor account (if you have not already done so in previous years), then follow the online process. Finally, send us your DVD screener before the deadline. We are accepting submissions of both short and feature length fiction and documentary films. The deadline for all entries is 28th March 2014.

“We look forward to once again receiving a wealth of top quality films from around the globe,” says festival manager Peter Machen. “We also welcome input from and engagement with current and potential partners who support the development of the film industry on the continent. It is through collaboration that we can offer film-makers and the public a festival of brilliant film and a worthwhile industry development programme.”

Specific streams of programming for 2014 will include a focus on 20 years of democracy in South Africa, as well as films that explore architecture in various ways. This latter stream of programming acknowledges the World Congress of Architects, which will take place in Durban in 2014 the week after DIFF.

DIFF 2014 will also offer extensive seminar and workshop programmes, which will feature local and international filmmakers and industry professionals. These include the 7th Berlinale Talents Durban (18th to 22nd July), in cooperation with Berlinale Talents, and the 5th Durban FilmMart (18th to 21st July), in partnership with Durban Film Office.

For more information visit: www.durbanfilmfest.co.za or email diff@ukzn.ac.za. Follow the festival on twitter: @DIFFest.

The festival is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and is supported by the National Film and Video Foundation, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the City of Durban and other valued funders and partners. The CCA is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter, in the College of Humanities at UKZN.

The Legend of Blue Mamba a graphic novel created by N.D. Mazin - Durban launch December 6 at KZNSA

To be launched at the KZNSA Arts Café in Bulwer Road, Durban, on Friday 6 December at 6pm, The Legend of Blue Mamba a graphic novel created by N.D. Mazin (aka Andy Mason) is a wild and wacky look at the South African surfing scene, wrapped up in a horror comic about a legendary surfer’s valiant struggle against the exploitation of surf culture by big business and the not-so-secret plundering of our coastal resources by international mining companies. 

The story began in the mid-1990s when Andy created his own Blue Mamba surf brand for his pre-teen sons and their surf-mad friends, but soon found its way into a Durban surf mag, before becoming an underground comic series published in the Durban fanzine Mamba Comix. The strip then morphed into the web-comic Azaniamania on the surfing website wavescape.co.za, before taking its final shape as a colourful graphic novel in which all of these previous strips are collected alongside a substantial addition of new material.

Drawn in the classic underground comix style pioneered by Gilbert Shelton and R. Crumb, the book documents the rise and fall of Blue Mamba, a homeless urchin who becomes a wave-riding champ and legendary soul surfer before being lured by Y.T. Sharke, the Mephistophelian CEO of Toxacorp (Pty) Ltd, into selling his face to be used in the branding of their toxic products.

When he tries to back out of this Faustian pact, Blue’s face is literally “ripped off” and he is left faceless and bleeding in the gutters of a sleazy Durban precinct known as Nu Babylon. Determined to get his face back, he becomes SubCommandante Mamba of the World Revolutionary Ecological Combat Kabal (WRECK) and mounts a fierce but ultimately doomed “armed struggle” against Toxacorp.

According to Andy, “Blue Mamba is a chameleonic repository of our deepest hopes, fears and contradictions. I suppose in the end the book asks the question: how can we live as authentic beings in a world where our heroes become brand ambassadors for corporate enterprises motivated purely by greed, our most treasured beliefs are trashed by cynical manipulators, and our everyday lives are a constant involuntary participation in the reproduction of more toxic garbage? What can we as individuals do to sort out this terrible mess?” 

Now living in Muizenberg, Cape Town, Andy has been producing underground, alternative and educational comics since his “Vittoke in Azania” series first appeared in student newspapers in the late 1970s. His strips still feature many of the same characters, including The Vittokes, a new-age Durban family headed by a hippie surfer and a fanatical nudist.

Over the years, Andy has produced a cartoon history of South Africa, a series of illustrated Street Law manuals and numerous educational comics, has written a book on the history of South African cartooning and published a number of anthologies of local comix and political cartoons, and promoted the use of cartooning in popular education. While in Durban he co-founded Artworks Communications, and established the Durban Cartoon Project and Mamba Comix, where a new post-apartheid generation of South African cartoonists first saw their work in print. More recently he co-founded the Centre for Comic, Illustrative and Book Arts (CCIBA) at Stellenbosch University and continues to organise collaborative cartooning events and publications.

Now, keen to get his comix out to a more mainstream audience, Andy has embarked on the self-publication of The Azaniamania Trilogy, a collection of 30 years of underground cartooning work, of which Blue Mamba is the first book. The book, along with Blue Mamba merchandise including posters and T-shirts, will be on sale at the launch and at the KZNSA shop.

Guest speaker for the launch on Friday, December 6 at 6pm is Andy Davis, publisher of Mahala.co.za and Zigzag Surf Mag, and music will be provided by Chappy and the Chunemungers, featuring Andy’s close friends Chris Chapman, Ilan Lax, Rick and Gill Andrew, with special guest Alan Judd.

Copies of the book can be purchased online from readersden.co.za or blankbooks.co.za, and is available in Cape Town from Readers Den, The Book Lounge, Clarke’s Books and Blank Books. It will soon also be available from selected bookshops in Durban and Johannesburg. Visit www.ndmazin2.wordpress.com for more info.

AFDA Annual Film Festival November 22, 23 and 24 – Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg

The AFDA Annual Film Festival, which showcases 3rd year, 4th year and master's graduation productions, will take place in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg the last weekend in November.

 

The festival is also a platform to promote the young professionals who will soon enter into the mainstream film and television industry. Students are required to conceptualize and produce their graduation films that, while of an artistically high standard are also commercially viable. At the festival a panel of industry professionals assesses the films and there are also opportunities for audiences to give feedback. The festival sees many industry professionals; alumni and general public gathering to celebrate the exhibition and promotion of these young film makers and their films at Ster-Kinekor in their commercial cinemas.

 

Last year student films such as ‘Kanye Kanye’ directed by Miklas Manneke, ‘Jean Pant’ directed by Rowen Smith, ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ directed by Thea Small and ‘The Brave Unseen’ co directed by Duan Myburgh attracted attention from major festivals such as the 34th Durban International Film Festival,  the New York City Picture Start Film Festival and others.

 

In addition the Cape Town AFDA campus will also showcase the work of the third and fourth Year School of Television students on November 18 at 17:00 for 18:00 till 22:30, food and beverage will be available. Working within the genre of the telenovela, third year students have written, produced and edited two stories. These projects are entirely the students’ own work: from conceptualizing the storyline, creating characters, set building and design, to the final product. Guests will have the opportunity to view a live broadcast of these two offerings on CTV Channel 263 on the DSTV.

 

Also in Cape Town the fourth years’ work takes on the form of the Documentary.  And once again these stories were conceived, set-up, scripted, shot and edited entirely by the students.  The film makers have approached issues and topics ranging from the despair of drug addiction and the sometimes successful search for hope and regeneration (Turning Point), to accepting the “call” to be a sangoma in the modern day post-Apartheid South Africa, (Isilawu), as well as attempting to address the sticky issue of informal settlements set against the backdrop of the fundamental right to own and protect one’s property (Isiqalo).

 

“This year’s festival will be just as exciting as in previous years,” says Garth Holmes, AFDA Chairman and co-founder, “Students have really put everything into their projects and I look forward to seeing their work on the big screen in a formal cinema and with a willing audience.”

 

The Film Festival takes place in Johannesburg at the Rosebank Cinema Nouveau on Friday and Saturday 22 and 23 November, in Cape Town at the V & A Cinema Nouveau on Saturday and Sunday 23 and 24 November and at the AFDA Durban Campus at 2A Highdale Road, Glen Anil in Glenashley on Saturday, 23 November. Tickets are R20 per screening in Cape Town, R25 in Johannesburg and R20 once-off festival entry in Durban.

 

For more information contact AFDA Johannesburg on (011) 482-8345, AFDA Durban on (031) 569-2252, AFDA Cape Town on (021) 448-7600 or log onto www.afda.co.za. The student films will be available on line on the website after the festival.

 

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Go Durban! IS ON TRACK TO MOVE THE PEOPLE OF ETHEKWINI

Go Durban! is the name of the integrated rapid public transport network (IRPTN) that aims to provide a flexible, safe, cost effective, seamless transport experience for the people of eThekwini.

 

This was revealed at the brand launch held in the City today which was attended by the eThekwini Mayor Councillor James Nxumalo, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison Mr Willies Mchunu, Deputy Mayor Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala, City Manager S'bu Sithole, Acting Deputy-Director-General: Public Transport Mrs Khibi Mbuse, EXCO members, City officials, business leaders and stakeholders along with Head of eThekwini Transport Authority Mr Thami Manyathi.

 

Go Durban! promises to promote transport that is universally accessible to all of Durban’s citizens. World-class cities know that infrastructure investment is critical to the sustainability of a region, and the standard of living for its citizens. Go Durban! is identified as one of the key pillars integral to the stimulation of economic growth in the region. Initially citizens will see the development of high quality public transport linkages between Bridge City, Durban Central, Pinetown, Umlazi and Umhlanga. The aim is to provide seamless transfers across transport modes, by creating ease of access at stations and precincts, and by using electronic ticketing and providing passenger safety and security. The design of the IRPTN stations and station precincts will create a focal point for communities, as well as for new, and more sustainable economic development.

 

The initial programme includes the design stage for the stations, station precincts and park and ride facilities and includes the planning and design in each station precinct such as improved lighting, signage, landscaping, street furniture and sidewalk and road design. The design also makes provision for facilities for universal accessibility.

 

Go Durban! will see nine transport corridors linked by various modes of transport (bus, rail and taxi) across eThekwini by 2027. The provision of transport is intrinsic to the creation of a vibrant, liveable and sustainable city in line with the City’s vision which is that by 2030, eThekwini Municipality will be Africa’s most caring and liveable city. The real purpose of transport planning is the provision of access to work, social facilities such as education, hospitals, as well as including goods and services. Go Durban! is aimed at providing affordable and accessible public transport to eThekwini citizens and to not only connect different areas around the city but also to provide transport services to areas which have previously not been serviced to fully incorporate a sense of community in the City.

 

Go Durban! aims to deliver:

 

• Upgraded fleet, facilities, stops and stations

 

• Extended hours of operation (16-24hrs)

 

• Peak frequencies (5-10min) – Off peak frequencies (10-30min)

 

• Full Universal Access (special needs and wheelchair access)

 

• Safe and secure operations monitored by a Control Centre

 

• Electronic fare integration when making transfers

 

• Integrated feeder services including walking / cycling and taxi networks

 

• Integration with metered taxi services and long distance intercity services

 

• Car competitive options and alternatives – to enable strict peak period car use management.

 

Phase 1, which is prioritised around four critical corridors including rail, is expected to be completed by 2018. It will comprise three Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes and one rail corridor. The three BRT routes are: C1 Bridge City to Durban CBD, C3 Bridge City to Pinetown, C9 Bridge City to Umhlanga Corridor and the rail corridor: C2: Bridge City and KwaMashu via Berea Road to Umlazi and Isipingo. The Phase 1 network will accommodate approximately 25% of the Municipality’s total trunk public transport demand on road-based IRPTN services with a further 40% being accommodated by the trunk rail network as part of Passenger Rail Association of South Africa (PRASA) implementation plans. This approach ensures recognisable benefit to the maximum number of users in the shortest period of time for the given level of investment required. Of the 190km of road based trunk corridors, 60km are planned for the Phase 1 implementation of the network by 2018.

 

Through Go Durban! the City hopes to ensure that 85% of all residents will have access to safe, affordable and quality scheduled public transport. It hopes to provide opportunities for densification, mixed-use and transit-oriented development to reduce need for travel, and promote the emergence of a world-class city and to inspire a wave of architectural renewal, which will result in urban rejuvenation and revitalization of run-down areas. Through the large scale nature of the project and the timelines it will also create jobs and assist in the alleviation of poverty in the province.

 

Go Durban! is exceptional in its vision, in that it will have a fully integrated system. Although the entire project will take many years to complete, it is an environmentally, economic and societal-driven sustainable system that will be used for years into the future, becoming one the lasting legacies created for the future in this country.

 

The Go Durban! website, Facebook and Twitter internet interfaces go live tomorrow (November 2):www.GoDurban.co.za, www.facebook/GoDurban and @Go_Durban.

 

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The Greatest Love of All - The Whitney Houston Show

Showtime Management is proud to present, direct from the USA, The Greatest Love Of All - The Whitney Houston Show starring Belinda Davids, playing Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom's iZulu Theatre and other venues this Festive Season from December 5.

A tribute to a woman who has long been held as an icon of pop music and vocal ability, The Greatest Love Of All – The Whitney Houston Show will present and celebrate a catalogue of Houston’s most loved songs from the span of her 29 year career. The 2 ½ hour concert and stage show includes hits such as ‘How Will I Know’, ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’, ‘Where Do Broken Hearts Go’, ‘Didn’t We Almost Have It All’, ‘I’m Every Woman’, ‘Exhale (Shoop Shoop)’, ‘Step by Step’ and of course, ‘I Will Always Love You’.

In the wake of Whitney Houston’s tragic passing in 2012, her timeless music and awe-inspiring voice have received renewed appreciation from her legion of long-time fans and garnered a new generation of admirers who appreciate Whitney’s unique voice, undeniable talent and pervasive charm as a welcome contrast to the artists prevalent in today’s contemporary music.

Davids’ ethereal voice and long music career - as a solo recording artist and as a support act and backing vocalist for such acts as The Temptations, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole, Monica and Johnny Gill – make her a natural performer, but it’s her intimate knowledge and love of Houston’s music that give this show a personal, heart-felt feel.

Exposed mainly to R&B and gospel as a child, Davids was innately drawn to Houston’s musical style, and paid homage to her idol through her dress, hairstyle and by including Houston songs in almost every one of her live shows. Davids now understands the music so well that her performances are unbelievable for some audiences. One audience in Hong Kong demanded she sing ‘I Will Always Love You’ acapella to prove she wasn’t lip-syncing; Davids obliged and was greeted with looks of disbelief, closely followed by a standing ovation.

Davids will be directed by Showtime Management CEO John Van Grinsven Snr. and joined on tour by Artistic Director Kenny Wizz, Musical Director Dale Scheepers and Purple Ear Productions’ Director Jon Van Grinsven Jr., the team also responsible for the worldwide hit showMichael Jackson HIStory.

Belinda Davids was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and began performing professionally at the age of 14. She has never had vocal training and is blessed with a 4 octave vocal range, and hence the ability to sing any genre. Her musical heart has always been R&B; Belinda's inspirations as a child were Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Michael Jackson and the one artist whom she still, to this day, honours in every show she performs – Whitney Houston.

As a young girl one of the very first LP’s Davids ever owned was a song called “Hold Me” by Teddy Pendergrass and Whitney Houston. The quality and style Whitney portrayed in this song struck a cord and Davids’ fascination with the icon grew. She sang Whitney’s music at every chance: at family gatherings, talent competitions and to friends whilst playing on the street. Like many young girls at that time her bedroom walls were plastered with posters and magazine cut-outs of the icon. Whitney’s influence was so strong it inspired everything from her dress sense to her hairstyles.

As a young woman Belinda had the burning desire to live out her dreams and follow in her idols footsteps. She took on the club circuit and her performances left many people amazed at how similar she sounded to the icon.

In the mid 90’s Belinda caught the eye of record executives at Tusk Records, which spawned the album “Belinda Davids”. Three of the songs on this album, which Belinda wrote, were released as singles: “This I Swear”, “This Is My Life” and “We Go Together”. The latter was number one for six weeks in South Africa.

Davids promoted her album all over South Africa for a number of years at various hotels, clubs and cabarets. She opened shows for many international acts when they visited South Africa including Michael Jackson’s History Tour, The Manhattans, The Temptations and Peaches and Herbs. Years after her debut album Davids decided to travel abroad to expand her musical career, which took her to Dubai, London and Hong Kong to perform in major hotels and clubs, with renowned success.


Whilst performing “I Will Always Love You” at a hotel in Hong Kong she was requested by the audience to sing acapella as they thought she was lip-syncing to the original Whitney Houston song, after which she received a standing ovation.

After many years on the road she finally settled in Los Angeles where she started to focus on getting her solo career back on track. In L.A she collaborated with R&B singer/producer Sam Salter who worked on a couple of her promotional tracks. She also caught the attention of many R&B artists who asked her to perform and tour with them, such as Keyshia Cole, Monica, Johnny Gill, Kelly Price and Keri Hilson. She appeared on The Jay Leno Show and The George Lopez Show as a back-up vocalist for Monica.

Belinda Davids will once again showcase her exquisite voice as she takes on the lead role in the brand new Showtime Management production,The Greatest Love of All – The Whitney Houston Show - a show dedicated to keeping alive the music and spirit of the late, great and incomparable Whitney Houston.

The tour dates are as follows, Sibaya Casino, Durban on 5 December to 5 January and Wild Coast Sun Resort & Casino on 30 December. Other dates include Boardwalk Casino, Port Elizabeth on 7 January, Grand West Casino on 10 January. Tickets from Computicket:www.computicket.com or 0861 915 8000.

 

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Janet van Eeden's Double Shot At The Big Time

AFDA Durban Campus lecturer in Production Course, Academic Coordinator and Script Writing, Janet van Eeden has been invited to pitch her project at this year’s London Screen Writers Festival from 25 to 27 October and her lead actor Bradley Backhouse will pitch A Shot at the Big Time at the SME Funding Fair which will also be held in Pietermaritzburg on Friday, 25 October at the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business.

Hosted by Regent’s University in the heart of London, the London Screen Writer’s Festival is considered the greatest screen writers festival in the world. The festival is for writers & filmmakers, with insights into the screenwriting and filmmaking process as well as workshops and talks from top industry professionals along with pitching sessions. The Festival which is owned and operated by London Creative Festivals Ltd was launched in 2010 by Chris Jones, the filmmaker and director of The Guerilla Hanbook. Janet van Eeden and seventeen other writers and filmmakers from around the world have been selected to ‘Meet the Experts’ at this year’s festival out of 150 entries. “It is a great opportunity for me to pitch my project and find out different ways to source funding for the feature film, I am completely excited about going to this wonderful event,” said the screenwriter of White Lion, Janet van Eeden.

The panel of experts which David Nicholas Wilkinson has run annually since 1999 makes its debut at the LSF. The panel includes Producer David Nicholas Wilkinson, the founder and current owner of the Guerilla companies, David has participated in almost one hundred film panels chairing over thirty of them at the BAFTA, Screen Yorkshire, Screen South, Bradford, Galway Film Fleadh and many more. He also has devised and chaired MEET THE EXPERTS at the Edinburgh Film Festival with senior financiers, producers, commission editors and sales agents for over a decade.

British screenwriting team Richard Kurti and Bev Doyle also form part of the panel of experts, they first broke into the business by writing and selling a spec script, Newton’s Law, which then led to 14 further movie commissions from US studios such as Warner Bros, Universal, Laika and Intermedia; and UK companies such as Working Title, Pathe and BBC Films. Their shows have earned numerous awards and nominations, including… three BAFTA nominations, two Royal Television Society Awards and two RTS nominations for Going Postal; nomination for Outstanding Motion Picture Made for TV at the US Satellite Awards for Kidnapped; nomination for Best TV Series Drama at the Satellite Awards for Primeval.

Wrapping up the panel is Financier Gavin Poolman, born in Canada, Gavin graduated with an Honours B.A. in French Language and Literature from Trinity College, University of Toronto. Originally a software developer working on government and private sector contracts, after moving to the UK and graduating from the London Film School, he worked as an acquisitions and finance executive within Oscar-winning producer Jeremy Thomas’s Film Trustees/Glinwood Group, where he was involved in the financing and licensing of The Sheltering Sky, Naked Lunch, A Rage In Harlem, Howard’s End and The Crying Game. In 1994, Gavin was appointed Head of Development at sales agency Mayfair Entertainment International (Jefferson in Paris, Vanya On 42nd Street, Richard III).

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Poetry Africa Schools Competition Winners

The Poetry Africa – International Poetry Festival, hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts UKZN announced the winners for the annual Poetry Africa Schools Competition on Friday, 18 October on the last evening at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre before the finale at the BAT Centre on Saturday, 19 October 19h00.

 The Schools Poetry Competition provides learners with the exciting opportunity to showcase their poetry-writing skills in the schools poetry competition, which is a popular component of the festival. Entrants from high schools in KwaZulu-Natal were invited to submit original poems in a theme of their choice, in English, isiZulu or Afrikaans and a panel of adjudicators that included Sakhile Gumede, Sphindile Hlongwa, Noxolo Matete, Carole Gumede, Mitchell Harper and Nomfundo Xolo selected winners for both the English and Zulu competition sections. “This year we had a total of 78 English, 93 isiZulu and 1 Afrikaans poems that were submitted from schools within Durban and the surrounding areas. The selection process was difficult as the scholars brought creativity, originality and inspiration in all of their poems and selecting the winners was difficult” said Tiny Mungwe Project Manager of the Festival. The winners who presented their poems and received prizes during the Poetry Africa evening session on Friday, October 18 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre are:

In the English section:

1st place: Yuvti Rampersad (Westville Girls High) for ‘We Poets’

2nd place: Amanda Hadebe (Westville Girls High) for ‘The Silent Spectator’

3rd place: Laura Pirjol (Durban Girls College) for ‘Guilt’

In the Zulu section:

1st place: Sibongile Ngidi (Mzingezi Secondary School) for ‘Impela Uyimpicabadala’

2nd place: Latha Philani (Umbelebele Secondary) for ‘Olukamageba’

3rd place: Lee-Ann Jantjies (Umlazi Commercial High) for ‘Awami Amaphutha Ma, Wami!’

The winners were presented with cash prizes and book voucher awards thanks to the long standing sponsorship with Adams Bookshop UKZN Howard College. A further component within the Poetry Africa – International Poetry Festival is the long-standing commitment to nurture a culture of reading and writing amongst the youth of KwaZulu-Natal. The schools’ visits initiative that took place during this year’s festival took place in over fifteen schools within Durban and the surrounding areas.

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), the 17th Poetry Africa is funded by the City of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The CCA is currently a special project of the newly appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter, in the College of Humanities at UKZN.

Website: www.cca.ukzn.ac.za

Twitter @PoetryAfrica

Facebook: Poetry Africa

 

AFDA Johannesburg Head of Live Performance Greg Homann is the Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year 2014 in Drama

AFDA Johannesburg Lecturer & Head of Live Performance Greg Homann has been named by the National Arts Festival as the 2014 Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winner for Theatre.

Greg Homann joined AFDA Johnnesburg in January this year as head of the Live Performance School on that campus. He has quickly made his mark as a valuable member of the AFDA team, working to grow and strengthen stage acting, screen acting, and musical performance with his counterparts in Cape Town and Durban.

His professional theatre productions have been nominated for 34 awards and have won 9 Naledi Awards including for Best Cutting Edge Production (The Pirates of Penzance and Delirium), a Standard Bank Ovation Award (One-Woman Farce), and a Silver Standard Bank Ovation Award (Brothers in Blood).

This year alone he has presented three of his award-winning productions across the country. Mike van Graan’s Brothers in Blood, produced by Artscape, has enjoyed seasons in Cape Town, The Playhouse in Durban and at the National Arts Festival.  At the Witness Hilton Arts Festival last month he restaged his five-man version of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance as well as One-Woman Farce which he directed and co-wrote with actress, Louise Saint-Claire. Both were highlights of the Festival, with One-Woman Farce playing to Sold Out houses.

AFDA is proud to have facilitated Homann’s research trip to Brussels in September to advance his editorial work on an international book publication focusing on South African theatre, performance, and drama. As an academic and researcher, his primary area of research is in contemporary South African theatre with an emphasis on post-apartheid plays. He is the editor of a collection of plays entitled At This Stage: Plays from post-apartheid South Africa (Wits University Press, 2009) which includes two of his essays on contemporary South African theatre. He is also working on an international book publication that surveys South African plays and playwriting from 1994 to the present.

Homann’s views on the Arts in South Africa are well matched to AFDA’s values. He says, “I have always believed that theatre should challenge and entertain, and that these need not ever be separated. I wish to make people think while being emotionally engaged, whether that is through tears or laughter, or ideally both.” He adds, “I think it is the need to learn and connect that keeps me motivated. In a rehearsal room we become part of a family for a short time, and the text or project always results in an opportunity to learn something about ourselves or our world. I love that. I am also driven by a desire to prove that my choice to create a career in the arts is a viable one and that preconceived ideas of being an arts practitioner (poor, struggling, a dreamer, ungrounded, etc.) are simply not true.” says Homann.

AFDA founding executive member, Deon Opperman, was the winner of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Drama in 1992.

Under Homann’s management, the AFDA Live Performance School in Johannesburg is currently completing a well-equipped 75-seater theatre that will become operational within the next few weeks.

About The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards:

The Young Artist Awards were started in 1981 by the National Arts Festival to acknowledge emerging, relatively young South African artists who have displayed an outstanding talent in their artistic endeavours. These prestigious awards are presented annually to deserving artists in different disciplines, affording them national exposure and acclaim. Standard Bank took over the sponsorship of the awards in 1984 and has presented Young Artist Awards in all the major arts disciplines over their 30-year sponsorship, as well as posthumous and special recognition awards. The winners feature on the main programme of the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown and receive financial support for their Festival participation, as well as a cash prize.

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17th Poetry Africa - International Poetry Festival Workshops

 

The 17th Poetry Africa – International Poetry Festival presented in partnership with the City of Durban and the KZN Department of Arts and Culture announced the festival line up, which promises to be an exhilarating showcase of diverse voices and sounds. Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN) to take place from 14-19 October, this festival is a critical platform for self-expression that gives a platform for cultural exchange in the city of Durban.

The Poetry Africa festival, now in its 17th edition, takes place from 14 to 19 October 2013. The event brings together some of the world’s finest poets and musicians to Durban, with artists from India, Benin, Nigeria, Ireland, Italy, Canada and The United States of America.

The Pre-Festival Creative Writing workshops taking place from 7-11 October, at the Centre for Creative Writing (University of KwaZulu-Natal) offers 15 aspiring writers an extensive week-long programme which offers to develop their creative writing tools to hone their craft. The department which is headed by poet and Poetry Africa alumni Poppy Seed, who is a lecturer in English Literature and Media, with 25 years of experience, as well as a songwriter / composer, playwright and is an internationally acclaimed performance poet.

Our extensive workshop programme also includes a pre-festival tour of Durban by the festival finale musical act, Canadian hip-hop and spoken word poet Ian Kamau.  The interactive week-long workshops will take place in various venues across the city, and is a must for all poetry lovers. Kamau is a writer, visual artist, hip hop and spoken word artist from Toronto whose discography lists five collections, including the popular album One Day Soon (2011).

Kamau’s Rhythm, Rhyme & Reasons workshops will take place on the following dates: 

Tuesday 8 October:  Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre, 14:00-15:00.

Wednesday 9 October: BAT Centre, 17:00-18:00.

Thursday 10 October: Lindelani Arts Centre, 13:00-14:00.

 Friday 11 October: Alliance Francaise, 14:00-15:00.

To take part in the workshops presented by Ian Kamau, contact poetryafricaworkshops@gmail.com.

Along with a diverse line-up of performers, the festival has an extensive workshop programme taking place before and during the festival. Aspiring poets and poetry lovers have the opportunity to engage with Poetry Africa participants, past and present to help hone their craft with creative writing workshops that they will be hosting. The Poetry Writing Workshop at the BAT Centre Saturday 19 October, headed by Raphael D’Abdon (Italy) and Kobus Moolman (South Africa), offers poetry lovers an opportunity to discuss reading, writing and the performance aspects of poetry. D’Abdon is an Italian scholar, writer, editor and translator and a post-doctoral fellow in the English Studies Department at UNISA. As an editor D’Abdon recently published Marikana - A Moment in Time as well as an anthology of poetry about the massacre as well as his own collection Sunnyside Nightwalk. Kobus Moolman is a lecturer of creative writing and languages at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and author. Moolman has a diverse portfolio of published work and his latest collection Left Over is currently enjoying rave reviews is the press.

This year the festival will also host a workshop in partnership with Poetry Potion on Saturday 29 October at the BAT Centre, to discuss and analyse the work of their third quarterly publication Poetry is not a Luxury. Inspired by Audre Lorde’s work of the same title, this anthology of poems written by respected poets Tereska Muishond, Ayabulela Tutuse, Morula wa Kutukgolo, Mandy Mitchell, Monique Barnard, and Saurell Boyers; contemporary poets using their words to tackle and engage topics of every-day life, while discovering who they are through the art of poetry. Our panel discussion will feature 17th Poetry Africa participants Natalia Molebatsi, Malika Ndlovu, and Mandi “Poefficient” Vundla, creating a dialogue about the work and influence of female poets in the country.

For more details about this year’s Poetry Africa, visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or call (031) 2602506

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University KwaZulu-Natal), the 17th Poetry Africa is funded by the City of Durban, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, and The French Institute. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The CCA is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter, in the College of Humanities at UKZN.

Caption: Canadian Poet and Hip-Hop Artist Iain Kamau will be in Durban hosting workshops as part of the Poetry Africa International Poetry Festival prior to the opening of the Festival. 

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17th Poetry Africa - International Poetry Festival

The 17th Poetry Africa – International Poetry Festival presented in partnership with the City of Durban and the KZN Department of Arts and Culture is proud to announce the festival line-up, which promises to be an exhilarating showcase of diverse voices and sounds. Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN) to take place from 14-19 October, this festival is a critical platform for self-expression that offers a space for cultural exchange in the city of Durban.

The festival’s line-up features a ground-breaking poetry project – a 12 track recorded album entitled Insurrections – featuring poets and ethnomusicologists from India and South Africa. The project sees the rich sounds of the Indian music tradition blend with African instruments accompanying radical poetry from both continents. The Insurrections ensemble will be performed by musicians Sumangala Damodaran (India), Jürgen Brauninger (South Africa), Neo Muyanga (South Africa), Pritam Ghoshal (India), Brydon Bolton (South Africa), Bettina Schouw (South Africa), Sazi Dlamini (South Africa) and Paki Peloeole (South Africa). The poetry contingent for Insurrections will comprise of Ari Sitas (South Africa), Malika Ndlovu (South Africa), Sabita TP (India) and Vivek Narayanan (India). The ensemble will perform on Thursday, 17 October.

Keeping with the musical theme of this year’s edition, the festival will feature five poets who also work as recording musicians. Kabomo Vilakazi is a singer, songwriter and actor who also features in South African poetry circles. Nominated four times for the SAMAs and a former editor of youth culture magazine Y-Mag, his credentials in the entertainment industry are indeed formidable. Kalawi Jazmee artist Busiswa Gqulu returns to Poetry Africa in the middle of her impressive reign on the music charts throughout Africa. She first graced the Poetry Africa stage as part of the all-women poetry collective Basadzi Voices in 2008 and has also performed solo in 2010. South African poet Natalia Molebatsi is also a writer, facilitator and programme director who recently founded a South African-Italian music project with the band Soul Making. Her poetry is published in the books We Are. (2008) and Sardo Dance (2009). Durban-born poet, performer and MC (Ashleigh La Foy) is well-known on Durban stages for both her poetry and her musical prowess. Having earned her stripes as a female rapper, she will indulge Durban audiences with her poetic oeuvre ahead of her much-anticipated debut album. Hailing from the Eastern Cape, Pura Lavisa is a writer, performer and poet whose musical arrangements incorporate percussion and African sounds. Lavisa will be presenting a collection of poems mostly in isiXhosa.

Returning to the Poetry Africa stage, well-respected Soweto-born dub-poet and writer, Lesego Rampolokeng, will deliver an infectious brand of poetry influenced by Black Consciousness and rooted in the lived experience of people on the margins. Also from Soweto, Khulile Nxumalo will present works from his first title ten flapping elbows, mama and his latest collection fhedzi, published by Die Hard Press. Critically acclaimed, Nxumalo was twice named the recipient of the DALRO prize for poetry. Nigerian-born poet Kole Odutola will also be reading his latest work at the festival. Odutola teaches at the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at the University of Florida and has published extensively both in academia and literature. Another participant with a background in teaching languages is Kobus Moolman, based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Moolman’s latest collection Left Over is currently enjoying rave reviews in the press and his performance will allow an eager Durban audience a chance to celebrate his vast canon of works.

Johannesburg-based performance and slam poet Mandi Poefficient Vundla forms part of the Word n Sound collective and is featured on the online and print publications of Poetry Potion. Crowned ‘Queen of the Word and Sound Mic’ in 2012, she has graced numerous poetry stages including Arts Alive and Jozi Book Fair. Another young female voice featured in the line-up is Sanelisiwe Ntuli, a wordsmith from Hammersdale who writes and performs in isiZulu. Ntuli is a graduate of the Kwesukela Storytelling Academy and regularly features as a storyteller and voice artist on educational programmes of Ukhozi FM. Also writing in isiZulu is Professor Langalibalele F. Mathenjwa is holding a Doctor of Literature and Philosophy from UNISA. He is a published writer of isiZulu poetry, novels, short stories and folklore and has chair Usiba Writers Guild, South African Geographical Names Council, IsiZulu National Language Body and the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names-Africa South Division.

Four poets from the Irish poetry collective O’Bheal will present their work at the festival. This contingent consists of Paul Casey, Afric McGinchey, Billy Ramsel and American-born Raven. Completing the international line-up will be Ian Kamau (Canada), Barnabe Laye (Benin) and Raphael d'Abdon (Italy/ South Africa). Kamau is a writer, visual artist, hip hop and spoken word artist from Toronto, whose discography lists five collections, including the popular album One Day Soon (2011). He will be presenting additional workshops in advance of the festival. A poet and novelist, Laye has published a dozen books and is the recipient of the Nelligan Prize his lifetimes work. His most recent work is entitled Poems in Absent, a long wait (2010). D’Abdon is an Italian scholar, writer, editor and translator and a post-doctoral fellow in the English Studies Department at UNISA. As an editor, D’Abdon recently published Marikana - A Moment in Time, as well as an anthology of poetry about the massacre and his own collection, Sunnyside Nightwalk.

The festival’s community outreach programme will see poets visit over twenty community centres, campuses and tertiary education departments across Durban and beyond. In addition, participating poets will visit twenty schools to discuss reading, writing and the performance aspects of poetry.

 

For more details about this year’s Poetry Africa, visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or call (031) 260 2506.

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), the 17th Poetry Africa is funded by the City of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The CCA is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter, in the College of Humanities at UKZN.

AFDA Film School at the Witness Hilton Arts Festival

AFDA Durban Campus, The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance will be at this year’s Witness Hilton Arts Festival hosting two workshops aimed at scholars from grade 10 to 12 to help them make decisions about a possible career in the film industry on Friday, 13 September at 10:30am and at 13:00pm with a repeat of the 13:00pm workshop on Saturday, 14th and Sunday, 15th both at 12:30pm.

Richard Green, the head of film school at the AFDA Durban Campus will be hosting one of the two workshops on Friday, 13 September at 10:30am titled “Directing and Shooting a Film”. Having studied at the London International Film School from 1977 to 1979, Richard Green comes with loads of experience and expertise having worked as a cameraman, production manager, 1st director, director and producer. Richard has been involved in numerous well known films such as Sara Blecher’s award winning film ‘Otelo Burning’, Donovan Marsh’s novel based film ‘Spud’, ‘District 9’ and Anant Singh’s ‘Long Walk To Freedom’ which is currently in post production along with other award winning films that he has personally directed and produced through his company Richard Green and Associates.

AFDA Alumni and Durban Campus Lecturer, Amy Barns will host the second workshop on Friday, 13 September at 13:00pm titled “Performance for the stage VS performance for the Screen”. Local Actress Amy Barns has a huge passion for acting and her documentary style Honours film 'The Brave Unseen' (2012) recently received the ‘Best South African Short Film’ award at the 34th Durban International Film Festival.

Prospective students for the New Year are also welcome to meet and engage with the lecturers and staff of the film, television and performance school about enrolling into one of the degree courses offered at AFDA. For parents and students looking to book an interview with the lecturers of the campus they can e-mail Milena Gevers on milenag@afda.co.za or contact her on (+27) (031) 569-2252.

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17th Poetry Africa International Poetry Festival - Schools Poetry Writing Competition

The Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), with principal funding from the City of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, calls out to high school pupils to submit poems as part of the 17th POETRY AFRICA Schools Competition.

The POETRY AFRICA festival, now in its 17th edition, takes place from 14 to 19 October 2013. To set the Durban stage alight this year, are a range of popular international poets including Ari Sitas, Malika Ndlovu, Lesego Rampolokeng, Kabomo Vilakazi, Busiswa Gqulu, Natalia Molebatsi, Kobus Moolman, Khulile Nxumalo and many more.

With its long-standing commitment towards nurturing a culture of reading and writing poetry, especially amongst the youth, Poetry Africa invites high school learners to take up the exciting opportunity of submitting material for the poetry competition which is held in conjunction with the festival. There is no particular topic for the poems and they can be written in English, Zulu or Afrikaans. No more than two poems per learner will be accepted, with a maximum length of one A4 page per poem - illegible entries will not be considered.

Poems must be submitted to the Centre for Creative Arts or faxed to (031) 260 3074 by 20 September 2013. Winners will read their poems on the main stage of the Poetry Africa festival on the evening of 18 October. Prizes will be awarded by Adams Booksellers, with the Mazisi Kunene Foundation awarding the prizes for the Zulu winners.

Participants can send their poems to the Centre for Creative Arts via e-mail on cca@ukzn.ac.za or can post their poem to the Centre for Creative Arts on: Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban, 4041, South Africa. For more details about this year’s Poetry Africa, visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or call (031) 260 2506.

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), the 17th Poetry Africa is funded by the City of Durban and the KwaZulu Natal Department of Arts and Culture and the French Insitute of South Africa. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The CCA is currently a special project of the newly appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter, in the College of Humanities at UKZN.

Caption: Last year’s winners in the isiZulu Poetry Competition Zoleka Maluleka (Umbelebele Secondary School) for Isibani Sami, Nombulelo Gumede (King Shaka High School) for Thingo Lwenkosazane, Zizikazi Dlamini (Durban Girls High) for Zikhohlisana Zihlomile. English winners in the schools Poetry Competition Julia van der Riet (St. Annes College) for Preparation for a Poem (A work in progress), Zamangwane Zikhali (Durban Girls High School) for Cold Sunlight and Jenna Dunford (Westville Senior Primary School) for The Graveyard

 

Poetry Africa - Prelude Poet Programme

17th Poetry Africa

International Poetry Festival

14-19 October 2013

Poetry Africa Prelude Poet Programme

The Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), with principal funding from the City of Durban and the Department of Arts and Culture, calls out to the Durban’s creative and undiscovered poets to take part in the festival Prelude Poets programme as part of the 17th Poetry Africa International Festival.

The Poetry Africa festival, now in its 17th edition, takes place from 14 to 19 October 2013. The festival brings together some of the world’s finest poets and musicians to Durban, with artists from India, Nigeria, Ireland, Italy and The United States of America.

The 17th Poetry Africa, International Poetry Festival is looking for four of Durban’s brightest undiscovered poets to take part in Poetry Africa Prelude Poet programme. The programme gives the city’s creative and original poets the opportunity to showcase their hidden talents to audiences at the country’s premier poetry festival.

Participants will be required to audition original works with a five minute limit. Auditions are to take place at The Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College Campus) on 13 September 2013. Auditions and will be assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis. To book an audition time, please send an email with your name and contact details with the Poetry Africa Prelude Auditions in the subject title to paprelude2013@gmail.com

For more details about this year’s Poetry Africa, visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or call (031) 2602506

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts(University KwaZulu-Natal), the 17th Poetry Africa is funded by the City of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The CCA is a special project of the newly appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter, in the College of Humanities at UKZN.

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General Enquiries:

Phone: +27 (0)31 260 2506/1816

Fax:+27 (0)31 260 3074

Email: cca@ukzn.ac.za

Media Enquiries:

Kwazi Ngubane/ Nolwazi Magwaza

Mobile: +27 (073) 442-9347/ + 27 (076) 638-3546

Phone: +27 (031) 811-5628

Email: kwazi@versfeld.co.za or nolwazi@versfeld.co.za

Website: www.versfeld.co.za

25th Standard Bank Jazz Jol at Centre for Jazz and Popular Music

25th Standard Bank Jazz Jol

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music located at the University of KwaZulu-Natal will host the 25th Edition of the very popular Standard Bank Jazz Jol on Saturday, 31 August at 19:00pm with the likes of Cape Town resident Shane Cooper, Kesivan Naidoo, Africa Plus and Mozambican quartet Afro Latino to take the stage.

With the event having become a popular feature on the Durban calendar, this year’s event will feature the recipient of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award 2013, bassist Shane Cooper with the event having featured last year’s Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner Afrika Mkhize. Sharing the stage with Shane Cooper will be members of his band which consist of previous Standard Bank Young Artist winner Kevisan Naidoo on the drums, Reza Khota on the guitar and Justin Bellairs on the alto saxophone.

The young and exciting Durban based trio of Africa Plus consist of Prince Bulo on the bass, Sphelelo Mazibuko on the drums and Lungelo Ngcobo on the piano and keyboards. Their musical influence is drawn from rich traditional African elements with the base drawn from Western advanced harmonies. Formally trained at the University of KwaZulu-Natal this vibrant outfit full of rhythmic complexities and melodies that include mainly original music composed by the band are sure to entertain audiences.

The Mozambican quartet of Afro Latino will bring the night to a close and they consist of guitarist and vocalist Milton Chissano who provides the Latin grooves to the group, Ildo Nandja as percussionist and bassist, Alberto Chemane on the percussion and drums and lastly Njabulo Shabalala on the percussion.

Proceeds from the concert go towards the Ronnie Madonsela Scholarship which is a scholarship that assists disadvantaged jazz students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal with general support, financial aid, and bursaries. The scholarship also helps fund the travelling and accommodation costs for educational festivals such as the National Youth Jazz Festival held annually in Grahamstown along with workshops and conferences.

Tickets are R 100 (R 80 for pensioners and R 50 for students) there are early bird discounts of R 80 and group discounts for pensioners at R 75 for groups of ten. To book your tickets you can call Thulile Zama on (031) 260-3385 or e-mail her on Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za, tickets will also be available at the door on the night.

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