Poet-Zoe Maphala

Poet- Zoe Maphala stays in Johannesburg

1.       Why is poetry important?

Great poetry has the power to start a fire in a person's life. It can alter the way we see ourselves. It can change the way we see the world. You may never have read a poem in your life, and yet you can pick up a volume of Maya Angelou say, “Still I rise” and suddenly find yourself blown into a world full of awe, dread, wonder, marvel, deep sorrow, and joy- all at the same time.

 

Poetry at its best calls forth our deep being. It dares us to break free from the safe strategies of the cautious mind. It is a magical art, and always has been -- a making of language spells designed to open our eyes, open our doors and welcome us into a bigger world, one of possibilities we may never have dared to dream of.

 

This is why poetry can be dangerous as well as necessary. Because we may never be the same again after reading or hearing a poem that happens to speak to our own life directly. I know that when I meet my own life in a great poem, I feel opened, clarified, confirmed somehow in what I sensed was true but had no words for. Anything that can do this is surely necessary for the fullness of a human life.

 

Poetry reaches with its sounds and rhythms down below the realm of the conscious mind to awaken and nourish the imagination.

 

2.       What prompted you to begin writing poetry?

What prompted me, started with a need to share the discoveries that I got from living a contemplative life. As a child I was an avid reader and would contemplate on all I devoured in books. It progressed to being fascinated by the beauty of words and their ability to describe certain experiences that one would generally struggle to share. Beyond a prompt, I can say it was a calling.

 

3.       How does a poem begin for you, with an idea, a form or an image?

Strangely enough it begins with a desire to share a message. All the poems I have written erupt from a personal experience, good or bad. If I have had the pleasure of learning some great lesson or going through an exhilarating-life-changing experience, I pen it. I believe we have been put on earth to be of service to each other and what may seemingly be happening TO me might not be FOR me. We are vessels.

 

 

 

4.       A lot of Work is in strict form. How do you choose to perform your poetry?

The secret lies being relevant and effective in my performances. I am a Slam Poet and that means I am an urban poet that conveys my poetry in contemporary jargon that all can understand. I see no wisdom in speaking in a “Shakespearean language”  aka Sonnet that doth requireth for modern day mortals to translate the tongue instead of enjoying the art that comes with modern English. I do however enjoy all forms of poetry as the art lies in the form that the artist chose to write in i.e Japanese Haiku, Canto, Ballad Eclogue etc. However I am more drawn to Slam Poetry as it speaks directly to urban audience.

 

5.       Are there any forms you haven't tried but would like to?

Most definitely, I was in what we call a ‘private School’ where I discovered and fell in love with English poetry. Now I am looking at reciting poetry in South African vernacular languages. This is to try and preserve our African languages and also share the diversity that South Africa has.

 

 

 

6.       What conditions help with you writing process?

As an artist the conditions are never outside of me, they are in my mind. If there is a bubbling idea in my head, it does not matter whether I am in the middle of the red see, in a meeting or climbing a mountain, I just utilise that moment to pen. I once wrote a poem entitled, “Sleep Thief of a Poem”. This poem started in my dream and woke me up at 2am, as soon as I was up, I penned it. The other poem was born on a napkin at a restaurant. If there is a message to be shared, it defies all circumstance and bursts out of me.

 

7.       Where do you write?

Instagram my work is on @Poetic_Purpose, however 
I perform a lot of my poetry and blog minimally. I enjoy the performing at weddings, conventions, corporate events, Schools, Poetry sessions, awards and my most memorable one was at the State of the Province address by our Prime Minister Mr. David Makhura.  I am currently working on my book and CD and anticipating the day I share the anthology.

 

8.       What do you see as the role of humour in Poetry?

I have a great sense of humour and I especially enjoy poetry that has satire. Poetry must share all aspects of the poet in their work and if humour is one of them, then you will stay winning with me.

 

9.       Where can readers find you?

 

Tumblr: tumblr.com/ZoeKunoichi

Facebook: Zoe Kunoichi Maphala

Twitter: @ZoeKunoichi

Instagram: @Poetic_Purpose @ZoeKunoichi

 

 

Billy the actor and photographer

An interview with Billy, photographer and actor

1.         For those who have not seen you as onscreen, where have you featured?

I've previously featured in the Verimark infomercial as well as KPMG (intellilab) dvd

2.         How did you get started with photography?

I've always loved taking photos. Another big hobby of mine is cooking. So I combined the two and started with food photography.
From there I went into the fashion and started taking photos of people that wanted a new portfolio, fashion shoot, etc.

3.         What sets you apart from other photographers, describe your photographic style?

I believe it must be my personality and my passion. It's very important to make every model feel as comfortable as possible and that will help them to bring out the best in them.

4.         Where can people see your work; website?

At the moment we have a Facebook page (IW Photography) or catch me on Instagram (bilnasty)

5.         Who would you like to work with in future?

I live working with people who wants to capture those beautiful side of them. Not afraid to show their true self.

6.         What do you like to photograph?

I like to photograph people who wants to capture that beauty. People that wants to do transformation shoots, shoots out of the box. Basically the people of everyday life.

7.         Any advice on how our readers can improve taking pictures?

Yes, always make sure your light is at its best. Best time to take photos is early morning or late afternoon. You want to get that softer light.
Make sure that you choose the best back ground and that object or litter in the back ground is out of the way.


7.         One more question for the road. Are you single or taken?

Hehehehe, yes I'm taken already.



There you have it ladies and gents from Billy.

Cindy former Mrs Mogale city on Brainbooster project

Cindy Seeber former Mrs Mogale City 2013 and
Mrs SA finalist 2013, wife, business woman and a mother of two beautiful children, lives in Kromdraai

Cindy says "Remember to ALWAYS put God and your family first!"


 1. Congratulations on the brain booster project, share with us what it is?

 

Brainboosters is a cognitive brain development programme for children age
 0-8. This is important gap at the moment in education that is missing....

 Have a look at these short clips.

 http://youtu.be/MHctb_UuI48

 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6ooeEte5Z1Y

 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zYuaoOS67W4&feature=youtu.be

 #South Africa ranks last in the world 148/148 maths

 #Aconamy can improve by 17% if invested in ECD

 #Brainboosters presented at the World Congress in Mexico 2014

 #BrainBoosters was invited to the WISE initiative in Dubai 2014

 http://www.wise-qatar.org/

 and asked to apply again 2015

 # Harvard say:

 “Education policies disregard fundamental concepts of neuroscience when
they delay teaching second languages and simultaneously undervalue bilingual programs for young children.”

 #We the first programme to put Harvard science into an actual product for
 children


 2. What is your role in the project? Who else was or is involved

I work from community to community to uplift and add the programme with the assistance of companies or individuals. I have a BEE community and education approved trust with Citadel Philanthropy. So we can provide necessary documentation needed. At the moment I'm busy with Project Munsieville in Mogale City. This is a R600 000 project for 30 ECD centres.

3. How can the public get hold of Brainbooster

Contact me directly:

cindyseeber@gmail.com
Twitter @cindyseeber
+27834680167

2015 Woman of Substance Award

 

 Cindy with her daughter

 

 4. How has it been received thus far?

The proof is in the pudding... if you have a look at our YouTube channel you will see the benefits.

The schools using Brainboosters have to add classes because the children love the programme and the parents see the change!

Quote from one of the teachers
Angie said:" Magic happened in my class"

Still growing strong after 5 years.

 Cindy with some teachers

 

Children are raised by the whole village. That’s all from me, until next time. Take care public!

Winnie -Dubai misses amagwinya and oros back home

WINNIE- Lawyer by profession

Life is short. You do not much time to waste find your self and follow your dream.
 "What ever you do in life, don’t give up on your dreams "-Nicole Kidman

I started placing this lovely lady over 4 years ago, I thought her story may inspire some people as we start a brand new year. 

1.    What's the biggest mistake you made in your life?

 

Studying Law lol. I wanted to be a teacher but pressure lead me to study Law, a degree I didn’t want to study. For the longest time, I always felt the need to always care what people thought about me and conformed to what society expected of me.  When I started accepting myself, my uniqueness, my quirks and accepting that it’s ok to not follow the conventional path, my outlook on life drastically changed. I started doing me and started truly living. So, I wouldn’t call studying law a mistake but a choice that ultimately worked out for my greater good.

 

2.    What kind of a person do you like to work with?

 

I like working with people who respect a work-life balance. Life isn’t all about work. I like working with people that are honest, focused, result oriented and deliver quality work. I also find it easier for team work to work with people with a sense of humor. We are at work many hours, a little fun and light heartedness is good for morale.

 

3.    What is your view of office and business politics? Can it be used in a positive way

 

I stay far away from office politics, I think it can get messy and personal so it’s best to be neutral, know what’s happening but don’t get involved.  At the end of the day our aim is to deliver excellent work. I think one way it can be used positively is if you use the information you get during these office politics for the greater good.

 

4.    Describe a time when you missed a deadline, how did you feel?

 

I once missed an important deadline to submit vital info due to lack of proper planning on my part. I felt disappointed at myself, that I let my team and the client down. Luckily I had a great boss who I worked with to do some damage control. Sometimes life throws us curve balls, but we need to get up and keep moving.

 

5.     How did you end up in Dubai

 

I quit my job in mid-2012 because I felt I was in a job that wasn’t a perfect fit for me. I had been saving up a bit so after quitting, I decided to go on a sabbatical for about 8 months to travel and figure out my next step. I was visiting a friend in Dubai for a week in 2013, when she encouraged me to look for a job there. Working in Dubai was never on my list although, I had always wanted some international work experience. I applied for a position and on the last day of my trip, I got a call for an interview, which I attended and at the end of it thought it was really tough. A month later I got a call with a job offer. The rest as they say is history. God worked it all out for me.

 

6.     Are you single or taken

 

I am taken but not married as yet.

 

7.    Do you miss South African and if yes why?

 

My family is one of the most important thing in my life after God. I have been blessed with a supportive loving fun wonderful family. I miss them a lot. I also miss my amazing friends, who despite distance, have managed to maintain strong friendships. Food and I are romantically involved so naturally I miss food but in particular, I miss nik naks, oros, amaqwinya and Chicken licken hot wings. I also miss the beautiful people, the friendliness and warmth of the people.

 

8.     What are your hobbies?

 

When I am not trying out new restaurants and new cuisines and blogging, I love to read mostly inspirational and spiritual books. I believe we should always be striving to learn every day to keep ourselves knowledgeable and relevant. I love traveling with a passion. I also love watching YouTube videos and working out. It’s been a while I haven’t had time to go to the gym but eating right and exercising is so important for our mental well being.  

You can catch Winnie Marutle on Facebook

South African Film actor- Thabo Rametsi

Thabo Rametsi- Film Actor, lives in Kempton Park

 

I complied few questions for South Africa's very own film star.

1. How did it all start for you, I mean acting. What was your first
television gig?

I discovered acting in school when I did an Elvis Presley impersonation for my friends and they kept asking me to do it. My first television gig was an advert you actually got me, Zandi, for a telecommunications company but the Nigeria branch.

2. If you were a fruit, which would you be? 
I'd be a mango, I love mango and I'm messy too.


3. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items
would you take with you?
 A large hunting knife,  Flint to start fires with and a book about the vegetation native to that Island.


4.What projects you are currently working on? Which project is
going to release in the near future?
Just finished a play called Noise at the Market, busy with a television series and I have a movie I'm staring in called Kalushi coming out next year.

5.Which celebrities you believe are the most influential and
why?
I think all celebrities are extremely influential to whoever supports them. Whether good or bad. I'm a huge Usher fan and that had a great influence on my personality and my interaction with people.

6.What is your favorite color?
Black is my favorite color.

7. What is your favorite animal?
My favorite animal is a Jaguar.

8. If you were a dog, what would you be? 
I really don't like dogs as a species. I'm sorry but there is a lack of pride and resistance in dogs compared to all other animals that makes not like them . I like cats, he he he. You never "own" a cat.

9. Where is your favorite place in the world and why? 
The beach, any good, clean, peaceful beach anywhere in the world not too hot. I'd love to live in Japan, Sienna or Ethiopia for a while though.

10. What are you afraid of?
 Dying without knowing how it feels to be loved.


Check out Thabo Rametsi in a film called Kalushi:The Story of Solomon Mhlangu coming out next year.

From Kzn to New York- Thando Mbokazi

Journalist Thando Mbokazi, 35 years, lives in Durban

1. How would your friends describe you?
 Crazy and fabulous.

2. What one thing would you change if you had to it over?
 Being desperate in the past because of the environment and pleasing people at my expense.

3. College or life experiences,  which do you feel best prepares you for life? 
Both. A talent should be nurtured with a skill. That's how you get good experience then you are able to add value.

4. Who do you look up to?
 I look up to different people for different reasons.  For looks  and fashion Kimora Lee and Khanyi Dlomo does it for me. For radio Makhosi Khoza rules. Film and TV production,  Thokozani Nkosi inspires me. Spiritual Pastor Mthunzi Namba.

5. What has been your biggest challenge or success?
 Success,  working  with Minister Siyabonga Cwele.
Challenge,  being unemployed and having to compromise my lifestyle.

6. What are you reading now?
I am too busy,  newspapers and magazines do it for me.

7. What is your favorite memory?
 Hosting a radio show. I sound amazing.

8. What does your perfect day look like?
Being pampered at the spa , eating Waka berry,  spending time with my nephews and my Angel.

9. Any advise for our readers?
 NgesiZulu kuthiwa  kubongwa okuncane kubongwe okukhulu. My favorite verse says "Rejoice always and give thanks ..." I have learnt to be grateful for even the smallest thing. From being in Durban to New York. Spending time with God,  family,  friends and my Angel.


Thank you my friend Thando, for the special treat you gave me and my child few months ago. I love you girl and best wishes for the future!

Cape Town Finest Hip Hop musician- Jay Skillzzz

Cape Town Finest Hip Hop musician- Jay Skillzzz

1. For those who may not have heard your sound yet, how best would you describe yourself as a musician?


The best way to describe Jay Skillzzz is Soulful Conscious Hip -Hop. Product of my environment. I write and rap about the struggles of a young black man and the intake of the environment I observe, all of this on a Soulful Beat.


2. Tell us about the new or current album and the creative process behind it?

I am currently working on my debut album called Era Of The Dreamers 02. Started working on it since 2012, after the release of My First mixtape Era Of The Dreamers 01. The whole sound of the album is driven around 60s, 70s, 80s and Soul and R&B samples.

In 2016 I will be focusing on collaborations.

With Tshego The Official
        Bheki The Ace
        Teboho Mokoka
        Thabo Masheane
        Artemis
        David October and Melo B Jones


3. How did you get into the music industry?

I always knew my calling was music. When I became confident enough in my ability at the age of 17years , I started home recordings with my best friend. I got noticed locally from that and the rest is history.

4. Who would you like to work with in future?

My dream list of artists I'd love to work with are:
Lira
Rj Benjamin
Anatii
Zonke
Thandizwa Mzwai

5. When did start modeling?

I was always advised to take on a Modeling Career ,after school but the calling for music was to loud. A friend introduced me to Zandile Mqadi this year and this is now my 1st year as a model, and have featured in a television advert.

6. Are you single?

Yes. I'm solely focused on my career and establishing my brand so no female commitments

You may catch JAY SKILLZZZ on his Facebook page