Jucy Africa

How familiar you are with Desmond depends on how familiar you are with Nigerian movies. On the continent  at large he is probably most widely known fr the DSTV ad where he talks very enthusiastically about PVR. Nollywood fans would recognize him from the more than 200 movies he has starred in so far.

Following the release of his latest movie, The Place, the handsome actor has boasted of refunding whatever amount of money his fans may spend in the cause of either going to the cinema to see the movie or purchasing a DVD copy of it, if they found the flick wanting in any way. According to him, “The Place” which is already released on DVD. He went ahead to vouch for the high quality of the movie, saying he’s ready to give money back to anyone who isn’t satisfied with it’s content.

According to the actor, “The Place” is his biggest movie project so far. “I know this will come across as chest-thumping to some people but it is not. This movie is my biggest project so far and so different from everything I have done”, he stressed.

A comedy flick , “The place” written by comedian, Mr. Patrick explores the story of a book stolen from ‘The Place’ by an evil man. It needs to be retrieved before the evil man destroys the world. Produced by by Uche Jombo Studios and Denziot Productions. The Place was released directly on DVD last Monday nationwide. It starred actors such as Uche Jombo, Gordons, Mr. Patrick Onyeka, Bishop Ime-Umoh, Jude Orhorha, Ruth Kadiri and Helen Pa among other stars.

The recent MTV Base concert in Durban was not only a chance to see the renamed Lion but a great opportunity to see performances from some great artists from this wonderful continent. In keeping with the African theme our musical star today is Joy Frempong more popularly known by her stage name OY. This genre defying artiste hails from Ghana and has been on a journey thought Africa that has influenced her latest album Kokokyinaka

Kokokyinaka is the Akan (Ghanaian language) name for the bird ‘Great Blue Turaco or Giant Plantain Eater’ whose looks I love – blue with a punky crown. It’s also said to have taught man to drum, and so drummers would not kill or eat it. The reason she chose the title was because of this poem:

Kokokyinaka Asamoa, the clock-bird, how do we greet you?

We greet you with ”anyaado”

We hail you as the drummer’s child,

The drummer’s child sleeps and awakes with the dawn.

I am learning, let me succeed.

You know the sonic journey is going to one of adventure when the first sounds you hear are of a clapped out public transport bus wheezing and grinding its way to a breakdown while OY explains how to pronounce the title of her album. And what an adventure it is. Kokokyinaka, the sophomore album  is an experimental, genre-bending, generously seasoned stew of Africa-inflected Electronica that captures, illuminates and refracts her journey through Mali (4 weeks), Ghana, Burkina Faso and South Africa (5 weeks), with all the “found” sounds recorded as she traveled  and with lyrics inspired either by traditional African stories or proverbs or by conversations held with various people she met during her travels, or simply picked up along the way.

If this sounds interesting then you’re in luck because she is on her way back to tour with her band: the tour dates are listed below.

• 25-05, Maputo (MOC) – Azgo Festival
• 26-05, Harare (ZBW) – Book Café
• 28-05, Cape Town (ZA) – Mahogany Room
• 31-05, Johanesbourg (ZA) – King Kong
• 02-06, Swaziland (SWZ) – Bush Fire Festival

Cape Town fans are in for a special treat as OY will also be hosting a workshop on the 29th of May  at 48 Albert Road, Woodstock.

Follow OY on twitter @Oymusic

My mother always says to me, ” I carried you for 9 months without dropping you once”, and although it’s usually used to emotionally blackmail me into making her a cup of tea it wasn’t until recently that I realized the truth in her words. My mother has never dropped me! She always been there, to cheer me on, be it at my netball matches that were usually too far for her to go to by taxi(but she came) , or my awards evenings where she’d be the only black Mom there dressed in her over-the-top African inspired regalia, my mom has never ever dropped me.

The older I get, the more she helps me realise that she’ll never ever drop me. When I’m utterly stressed out and sleep refuses to come, who, without fail, picks up my midnight calls? Not friends but my original bestie, my mom. She offers a prayer(boy can that woman pray!) and reminds me she’s there. She’s never ever dropped me. Though years have passed, and things have changed, she still hasn’t lost that mischievous twinkle in her eye, which makes me long to have met my Mom at my age, I think we’d be great friends and I’d really like her.

My greatest blessing is not only loving my mom for bringing me into this world,without,dare I forget, dropping me once in the 9months she carried me! But also having a Mom who I can genuinely say,”I like you, you’re good people.”  For her courage, strength, wisdom and unending fountain of Love. This Mother’s day, I want to say to Mama,” thank you Maduna, for not dropping me then and not dropping me now.” Not once, not ever.

Masasa Lindiwe Mbangeni (@MsMasasa) is an actress, theatre maker, director and lover of Life. Born and bred in Port Elizabeth she came to Johannesburg to read for a BA in Dramatic Arts majoring in Performance and Directing at the University of the Witwatersrand. She’s a recipient of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship. She can currently be see on etv soapie Scandal. She believes in Love and unicorns.

What does being  a mother mean to you?

Being a mother means every decision I make affects my children. It means God trusted me and I refuse to think He was wrong in doing so. It also introduced me to stretch marks. Fun times

You are a first time mom  with two adorable bundles. Please share this experience with us?

Being pregnant with my twins was scary to say the least. I was on bed rest for most of the pregnancy. Carrying identical twins is very risky, as I was told constantly !!! The most beautiful thing about being a mother to these precious souls is the joy they have brought to both our families and they personify the man I love !!

What are the challenges of being a young, working mother and wife?

The most challenging bit of being a young working mother and wife being away from them is very difficult, hence you’ll find me talking about them at work and hope I don’t annoy people. I think being a working mom and a wife means wearing several hats at once and making sure your juggling skills are in point, which means a good support structure !!!

What are your proud mommy moments?

My proudest moments of being a mom have to be having beautiful, happy, healthy children. Nothing beats that. You sleep easier…and when they finally called Mama. I cried for hours. You have to understand how special that was for me especially since they said Tata first !!!

What are your dreams for your sons?

My dreams for my sons are so much bigger than them. I can only ask for a good, full and healthy life.

What are can’t you imagine your life without?

God. When I lost my mother my faith dwindled and when I found Him again, my family grew and my heart found peace.

What have your sons taught you about life and being a mother?

My sons have taught me to look at world differently, as if I’m seeing it for the first time. They’ve taught to see the shine in rust and to trust that everything works out as it should.

Do you consider having more children?

I would definitely love to have more children……Ha ha ha. I would love to have a girl but not right now. Mr Kani has already done the research on how to conceive her….

Being away from your children must be hard….

Being away from my children is terrible. I actually sit and go through photos and videos if them on my phone when I’m on set.

What is love?

Love is letting go of all preconceived notions of a four letter word. It is difficult but most things that are worth fighting always are. Love is family. Love is the way he looks at you from across the room. Love is your favourite ice-cream. Love is what you want it to be !!!

Being  a working mother to two boys could be consuming,  how do you cope?

The support system I have…Has big strong shoulders and carries a lot of my burdens.

Happy mothers day to…

Happy mothers day to…. my angels, my mothers. One in heaven and the other my mother in-law.

My Sisters measuring my tummy

Thembisa Mdoda @Tembisa

Actress / Arts Journalist / Feature’s writerI am an actress and a writer so I’m currently shooting a film at the moment. It’s a romantic comedy for etv and I’m an arts journalist and features writer for Blaque Magazine so go get a copy(shameless plug there). Once I’m done with the film, I go into vigorous, voice training for a musical theatre production and that’s all I can say at the moment. I am also writing a play that I hope will take theatre to the next level, it’s stressful but I love it

Cooking shows are definitely not a new phenomenon in TV,in fact there are channels filled with cooking shows all day . What makes Sarah Graham stand out is that she cooks simple food that is big on flavour but not too expensive or labour intensive.

Sarah found her niche as a blogger sharing her ideas for wonderful meals with a South African twist that were easy to prepare. She soon gathered a large following consisting primarily of busy young professionals who wanted to eat well but needed fuss free food that could be prepared in a short amount of time.

This led to the publication of her nest selling cookbook Bitten. spurred on by this success Sarah has filmed the fisrt season of the TV show based on the cookbook. The first episide aired on Sunday 5 may 2013 on SABC3 and it was clear that Sarah is just as ease in fromt of a camera as as she is behind her keyboard. The relaxed conversational style of the book translates well to TV and the viewer felt like a welcome guest in her home. One of the items on the show was a bunny chow, a classic south African favourite with a twist. The other recipes were a sweet potato soup and a mouth watering dessert.

I definitely enjoyed the show and it seems like I was not alone: the hashtag #BittenTV trended while the show was airing. So Sundays now have a new reason to curl up on the couch and learn a few culinary skills.

Bitten airs on SABC3 at 4pm every Sunday. Follow Sarah on twitter @foodieliveshere

What does being a mother mean to you?

Being a mother in this day and age means dealing with issues my mother didn’t even think of dealing with. I don’t just need to teach my children discipline and correct values, but I need to equip them with what they need to be self-actualised individuals. So that situations with the potential of leading to harassment, abuse, bullying, or complacency are not a factor for them.

Tell us about your first pregnancy…

When I learned of my first pregnancy I was extremely excited! I’d always known I wanted kids, and I was with the person I knew I wanted to spend my life with.Being a mother to my children means being myself, but a better version of me. Nothing motivates me like my children. I call them my angels because I truly feel like they’re God’s avenue to communicating with me.

What are some of the challenges you have faced as a working mother?

The most challenging bit of being a working mother is reminding yourself that you are good enough. Insecurities can surface when you see stay-at-home moms and what they’re able to do with their time. School projects or bakerman/bakerlady days can be torture! However, we all do the best we can for our kids, and that’s what you need to remember.

What are some of the lessons your children have taught you about life and being a mom?

A)Being able to let go and go with the flow. The house won’t always be as neat as you like. Things won’t always go according to plan.

B)At the end of the day,the world isn’t as important as my kids.I may never get appreciated out there,but to my kids I am a Goddess.

C)Be myself, fear no one, and be honest about how I feel. Kids are the most honest individuals on the planet, and they will always express their feelings. We just don’t listen sometimes. They also view everyone in a non-discriminatory way, reminding us that we are all the same.

What are your dreams for your children?

My dreams for my children are that they have trust funds so they have the choice of working for themselves and the betterment of fellow blacks who have not had the same opportunities as them.

…and your support system?

The support system I have is phenomenal! Between my husband, sister, mother, and brother – I know I don’t need to panic, ever. Traveling without my children sometimes is relaxing. I need time away from them sometimes, and I’ve learnt to not feel bad about taking it. I end up missing them though, after day 4!

From your upbringing, which lessons and values do you want to impart on your children?

My upbringing and lessons my parents taught me, are those I impart to my children. Those are paying attention to their strengths, and encouraging them. Showing them the importance of giving. Rearing them as a unit, in teaching them to stick together instead of competing with one another. My sister, brother, and I are very close, I want the same for my kids.

Would you like to still have more children?

Noooo! I’m good in this department. I have a boy and a girl, so what more do I need.

What are some of your proud mommy moments?

My proudest Mommy moment was- there’s a few. When my son sang a Justin Bieber song on stage during his first ever school concert! I cried of course! When my daughter brought home a body image drawing from school. It looked so advanced for her age. These are just a few, at the top of my head.

I thank God everyday for Him being in my life. I attribute my family to Him. I am truly blessed.

Being a young mother and wife in media with sometimes crazy hours means, I don’t have as much time to unwind. I’m on the go from the moment I wake, till the early night. I must add that I work the best hours though, because I’m able to take my kids to school every morning, pick them up in the afternoons, I prepare their lunch boxes, I cook their dinner, I oversee homework, and can attend sports and extra mural events. Bath time, bed time I’m there. So I think I have enough time for them.

Happy Mothers day to Mrs. Beda- the woman whose strength can move mountains. And to Mrs Matsaunyane snr- thanks for raising an incredible man who I call my husband.

Asanda Matsaunyane (@Mount_Asander) is a News writer and reader on SAfm, and a freelance radio presenter on Channel Africa. She provides training for individuals interested in entering the radio broadcasting field, or those who wish to learn more about this field for the benefit of their companies. Born and raised in the small town of Idutywa in the old Transkei area, this lady always had ambitions beyond her surroundings and norms. Asanda Matsaunyane has, under her achievements, a BA degree in Media Studies and Psychology, from the University of the Witwaterstrand. She has also studied Sociology as well as Film, Visual, and Performing Art, which indicates her broad interests. Her business achievements include, Launching a clothing line in 2007-Fungi Clothing and Maternity, which has now branched into catering, home products, and training; Nominee for MTN Radio Award-News Reader of the Year 2011; Current Affairs show presenter-Motswako Media in 2010; Award recipient of POWA Women of the year 2009-for her work as a volunteer in women and youth empowerment: Training facilitator- POWA 2007, Newsletter Editor for People Opposing Women Abuse 2006, Voice over artist for Wits TV 2002, Miss S. A Teen finalist 1999.

One Day Leader a youth debate and leadership show on SABC1 on Sundays at 6:30 is almost wrapping up it’s second season, with only 1 episode left to air where the winner between Seadimo Tlale and Ndumiso Hadebe will be crowned. The show hosted by Masechaba Lekalake has young and brilliant minds gathered together to make an impact and inspire the lives of fellow South Africans. Anele Nzimande is a young Wits student with a bright head on her shoulders and one of the few voted off the competition alongside Sanda Ncama and Bongekile. Anele shares her experience as a One Day Leader season 2 contestant and dining with President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma.

Who is Anele?

Anele is a young woman with a ferocious and insatiable appetite for life. I was born in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal to Bajabulile June-Rose Nzimande and Sithembiso Philemon Nzimande. I have two older siblings – a sister and a brother – and I have a twin sister studying medicine in Cuba.

What made you enter One Day Leader season 2?

I’ve never seen myself as anything less than extraordinary. I’ve always wanted to share parts of myself with the world – my ideas, my passion, my fears and my journey. Most of us in our youth are so afraid of criticism that we would rather abandon our dreams – or worse still – deny the existence of such dreams. More than anything, One Day Leader was an act of fearless and paying tribute to the legacy of my mother who continues to inspire me every single day.

You are a student, please tell us about your academic life and aspirations?

I’m a 2nd year LLB student at the University of the Witwatersrand. My love for law has always been contested strongly by my love for English Literature. Ultimately, I would like to become a writer, a news broadcaster and an ambassador for the United Nations.

What are the biggest challenges you think we are faced with as a young South African youth?

We are a much divided youth. The divisions have become such an intrinsic part of who we are – we sometimes fail to define ourselves outside of them. The divisions vary based on nationality, race, tribe, age and gender. South African youth don’t realise that we all face the same problems and thus need to work as a collective towards finding common solutions.

What are your hopes for yourself and the youth of this country?

 It’s all articulated so brilliantly through this quote, ‘Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it.’ – Frantz Fanon. May we have the courage and the sense to discover and fulfil our mission.

As a young leader, is there immense pressure especially now that you have done #ODL2?

You know, I am constantly evolving, shedding my former skin and growing a new layer. That makes it difficult for me to succumb to any of the pressure that’s emerged because of the show. I’ve grown so much and I’ve learned to love myself passionately, and deliberately. When people see you as a leader they don’t expect you not to falter and I’ve been brave enough to allow people to come on my journey with me and to celebrate my victories with me and to learn from my losses and failures. The only pressure is that of keeping my character intact, and my feet firmly on the ground.

 How was the ODL2 experience? What did you take out of all that? How were the judges, being mentored by Vusi? Who have you developed a closer relationship with amongst the other contestants?

 The ODL2 experience was tumultuous. It wasn’t always good. The judges were very difficult to decipher at times in terms of what they were looking for – however they always gave us essential advice on how to improve every week. During the course of the show, I developed a very strong bond with Bongekile, it felt very comforting to have a friend on the show because there were times when things became unbearable. The pressure of the show along with academic stress almost knocked the wind out of me.

What/who inspires you?

My mother and father, my siblings and God.

Where do you see yourself on the next 5 years?

I see myself in a place of contentment. That’s all I choose to see.

What do you do when not being busy changing the world and being nerdy?

Taking pictures. I need photos to prove to my children that I lived a full life in my youth.

What have been the most fulfilling moments of your life?

There are so many. I suppose some that may top the list was being in New York City as part of the South African Model United Nations delegation in 2011, having dinner with the President at the SABC Henley Studios and every waking moment I spend with my friends and family.

What can you say to a hopeless, uninspired little rural girl who doesn’t see a future for herself in this South Africa?

You are God’s favourite creation. You are more than enough, far greater than ‘too much’ and far more phenomenal than your age suggests.

What is leadership? What makes a good leader?

Leadership is the measure of the impact you have on the lives of others around you. If you can inspire people to act, to believe in themselves because of you and to challenge the status quo – you are a leader. Leadership should always move others to act.

As a young democracy of less than 20 years, do you think as a nation we are on the right track?

No. If South Africa is anything like me, then she’s only just learning who she is and who she wants to be. Let’s not resist the transition, it is necessary. And I think a lot of the strife that exists is large a consequence of resisting change. The ‘Last Poets’ said it best — N*ggers are afraid of revolution.

Follow Anele on Twitter @Anele_Nzimande

By: Bonnie Meslane

@BonnieMes

Being a mother to me means raising and guiding Vuyi to be a happy baby and eventually a responsible citizen of the world. It means spending time with her and giving her love.

I found out I was pregnant on my husband’s birthday( I didn’t have to buy a gift on that birthday!). My cousin Makopi had suspected that I was pregnant since I had not been well for more than 2 weeks. During a phone conversation she insisted I go test, I was excited to think I could be. It was the perfect birthday gift for my “housemate” as I call him.

What are have you learned since being a mother? As a first time mother I get a lot of things wrong, I fuss about what most seasoned mothers would call silly but this is my journey with Vuyi, we are figuring it out as we go. She is loving to me, she forgives me quickly and she smiles at me to soothe my guilt. This is also her first time, I’m the only mommy she’s ever had so it has been fun and games.

Best parts of being a new mom?

I look at Vuyi now and I keep having to pinch myself because I’m just in awe of this little human being. She is now trying to sit and lift her head from the pillow when lying flat. She laughs and smiles. Joy comes from spending time and seeing this little person transform right before our eyes.

What have been the biggest challenges?

The biggest challenges for me have been balancing all the advise from family,friends, twitter aunties, colleagues. Everyone means well and they want the best for us but I have to find what works for me. And of course you have to be delicate in voicing out that you disagree with the advice, so it has been a challenge.

What are your proudest moments?

I would say as a mom, the proudest moments thus far have been seeing her smile and laugh. It’s the simple things really, now I’m proud that she is keen to sit. But over and above that I’m proud of myself, I have grown as a person since this little person entered my life. The love that flows through me, she has taught me how to love. I’m proud of the person I’ve become.

Whats it like going back to work after having a child?

Well..I’m a little stressed right now because I have been with Vuyi from day 1 and I’ve never left her for a whole day before. I’m back at work now (Monday, yesterday was my first day) and I’m not sure I am coping very well being away from her. I couldn’t wait to knock off. God will have to carry me.i have decided to make a change to my working hours so i can spend time with Vuyi. I will have to be strict about travel and late meetings as she is still so small and I want to spend as much time as possible with her. I don’t want to miss out on some of her milestones.

Being a working wife also means knowing how to balance time so hubby doesn’t feel left out. I have to constantly remind myself that I should give him time as well. I am learning, I don’t have it 100% but I am learning.

Are you planning on having more children in the future.?

I would LOVE to have another baby. A boy. I always wanted a boy. I prayed for a boy but God had other plans for me. He must look like me, Vuyi decided to look like daddy. I am loving the experience, but I have to be clear that I’m loving the post birth part ONLY, I did not have a good pregnancy time. I had nausea till I was wheeled into the delivery room.

How did you decide what to name her?

We wanted a Xhosa name, I asked friends and twitter aunties to suggest names for us. In the end Hubby chose the name Vuyisile because she has made us happy. She only has one name and it suits her perfectly.I cannot imagine my life without her, she is such a joy. Our home is now always full of guests all because of her. My life, my relationship with hubby and God has improved because of her. Strangely enough I find that I feel a lot more sexy now that I have her.

What do you want to teach her?

I intend on imparting so much to Vuyi. I find that I’m especially closer to my mom now that I have a daughter. I pray to God that Vuyi will look at this relationship and learn from it as well. There’s things I’ve learned from my mom that I want to her to learn. I cannot wait to discuss things like dress code, how to be a lady, education, boys etc with her. I’m from a family that would sit down and have meetings to discuss the above, I want that for her as well.

What has she taught you?

Vuyi has taught me about patience,she has taught me to just relax a little and not be so prissy all the time. She has taught me to sing( yes sing during bath time and bed time to soothe her), she has taught me to LOVE. I love this little girl so much that words fail me.

Things every new mom must know and live by?

Breast feed your little one. I swear that time when she is sucking and looking into your eyes, you will feel like she is peeping into your soul and dancing around in it. It is stuff made of magic. Carry baby wipes and burping cloths everywhere, they puke on your cutest outfit. Do what feels right to you. Let your family and friends help you.Go out with your friends still, baby deserves a balanced mom. Don’t feel bad about having fun out. Involve the dad, you are going to need a time out.

What are you learning as a new mother? As a youthful mom I had to quickly realize that family and friends will be the reason why I’m successful in this new role. My sister Thabi on nights when I had flu, she would come sleep over with Vuyi while I battle the flu out. Those uninterrupted couple of hours sleep made me appreciate family even more. Again on nights when I go out with my cousins or friends, it is family that helps out with babysitting. So I treasure these relationships even more now. Vuyi will grow up seeing how we help and support each other. I cannot wait for her to witness this.

Overall I am happy and grateful for this experience. It is just what I needed in my life, Vuyi came at the right time. The task and responsibility is big and many decisions around how to bring her up will be answered but it is a journey i am excited about.Although I do not know everything about motherhood, I am here and ready to learn and bask in the joys.

Semakaleng is a Learning & Development Specialist at an Asset Management House. She is new mother of a 3 months old baby.

Twitter: @semakalengm