My Black Little Heart a Dark Offering Indeed

Set and shot in Durban, Claire Angelique’s debut feature film ‘My Black Little Heart’ explores streets and avenues the Tshwane Tourism Board leaves off its attractions list and its municipality outright denies exist. This gut wrenching “semi-biographical” piece sheds light on Durban’s dark and septic underbelly, a world plagued by self mutilators, addicts, prostitutes, street delinquents, hustlers, gangsters and ex-cons.

Wonder what bonus material the DVD will have.

Yesterday Michael Jackson’s funeral coverage was such a spectacle the only thing distinguishing it from last month’s Black Entertainment Television awards was the bigger turnout.

 

Cable news coverage began early yesterday morning with nonstop helicopter video footage from the “private” ceremony for Jackson’s family, while commentators made various guesses as to what was happening behind the scenes.

When the ceremony finally began the chatter finally gave way to some much welcomed peace. There were various musical performances from high calibre artists like Mariah Carey, John Mayer and Stevie Wonder and tributes from lesser calibre personalities like former child star Corey Feldman. It was Jackson’s ‘golden’ coffin that really took centre-stage though; mostly shrouded in flowers, cameras rarely panned on the gaudy reminder of “the King’s” death.

 

Granted he was an incredibly strange man, but one can’t deny he was a talent the likes of which is rarely seen. Mowtown Record Label founder Berry Gordy referred to him as “The greatest entertainer that ever lived.” Was there hyperbole? Sure. It was a memorial.

Twittering About the Fest

Twittering About the Fest

By Colin Wardle 

At this point I am sure we are all well aware of, if not annoyed by Facebook.

Twitter is the internet’s latest social networking and micro-blogging offering.

We want more audio books!

by Ongezwa Ndlakuse

‘We Want More Audio Books’ read some of the placards of marchers at the National Arts Festvial in Grahamstown. 

This crowd had members of the SA Library for the Blind, writers and people interested in literacy and education. The aim of the march, which took place on Monday, was to educate people from all racial and language groups about the importance of literacy, and why it must be encouraged.

“As much as English is a common language, we need to preserve all our languages,” said Nomsa Mnyakama, a teacher from the rural Transkei.

The crowd marched along High Street, the Somerset Street and onto Lucas Avenue, all the way to Eden Grove, on Rhodes University campus, all the while in full flow of traditional African songs and dressed.

At Eden Grove, the writers– from such districts as Alfred Nzo and UKhahlamba—submitted their written work.
They were addressed by Rhodes University VC Dr. Saleem Badat and EC MEC for Arts, Culture Sports, Xoliswa Tom.

Video: Moagisi Letlhaku

It’s all about the words

by Chwayitisa Nandisa Futshane-FJP

I have just been sitting listening to some of the deepest Xhosa poetry I have heard in a long time. In classic African style, many of the performances were unprepared and uncensored but that was truly the magical part of it. The true beauty of poetry lies in its spontaneity.

This is a small taste of a wonderful hour of incredible poetry. The Eastern Cape MEC for Arts and Culture Xolisa Tom opened proceedings and the Vice Chancellor Saleem Badat gave the welcoming speech.

G-Twon’s pots boil over for Fest!

By Anele Ngwenya and Lwando Helesi

Politicians may falter and prices will always change but the 35^th National Arts Festival has not neglected its obligation to good cuisine and artistic inspiration. The Long Table restaurant has certainly maintained its promise to feed the diverse crowds during festival.

  

The Long Table staff cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Long Table abuzz with hungry festival patrons who have escaped the cold for a hot meal.

Long Table restaurant on High Street offers good cuisine and artistic inspiration.

 

Standard Bank Hands Out 99 Awards in 25 Years

By Colin Wardle and Onamandla Mathe

Since its inception way back in 1981, the Standard Bank Young Artists Award has been a platform for aspiring artists who have “demonstrated exceptional ability in their chosen fields but who have not yet achieved national exposure and acclaim.” The awards have always served to promote the careers of their recipients, and judging by the alumni club (Andrew Buckland-1986, Johnny Clegg-1989 and Sibongile Khumalo-1993 among others), it’s been a tremendous success.

Village Green moves show from town to RU campus

The National Arts Festival’s Transnet Village Green Market has moved from Fiddlers Green in the centre of Grahamstown to Rhodes University campus. The new digs are more spacious and promise a “family-friendly” environment and a bigger sales platform for South African crafts makers and vendors.

Festival goes to prison

By FJP reporters

“The Arts festival is really powerful, touches different people magically and changes attitudes,” said Tony Lankester, CEO of the National Arts Festival held in Grahamstown annually. Last year, Lankester and his people donated over R200.000 worth of tickets to groups and people from around Grahamstown and the Eastern Cape.

Is Fringe the new ‘Main’?

‘Fringe’ is the latest buzzword at the National Arts Festival, which has returned to Grahamstown for the 35^th year this year.