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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Singer-Songwriter and Professional Jazz pianist Nhlonipho has teamed up with Afro Pop sensation Aubrey Qwana to bring the perfect summer love anthem titled ‘Jola’.

This brand-new Afro Pop/Afro Soul single forms part of Nhlonipho’s forthcoming Selemo EP that is set to drop October 20th. The single is filled with joy and warmth and showcases the immense talent and diversity of both Nhlonipho and Aubrey. 

Jola is a love song that makes for an ideal choice for the summer wedding season. It captures the essence of pursuing love with confidence, envisioning a future together with a beloved partner. The singer’s dreams paint a vivid picture of the love they anticipate sharing, and this assurance leads them to confidently express their belief in a future together with their significant other. 

Nhlonipho’s music career has led him to work with renowned South African and International artists such as Black Coffee, Samthing Soweto, Morda, Ami Faku, Mthandazo Gatya and now Aubrey Qwana. The release of ‘Jola’ comes three weeks after Nhlonipho released the first single of his upcoming EP titled Ngiyatisola.

Aubrey Qwana, an Afro Pop musician, has captured the hearts of music fans with his unique blend of Maskandi, Mbaqanga, Arna Zion, and Hip Hop. Aubrey has recently released his highly anticipated album, Mkabayi.

“Creating this song with Aubrey Qwana was a great experience. We were in studio, and Oriah started the beat, and I was just blown away. I already had the melodies, so I could not wait to jump right in and immediately start creating something so special. I believe this song is going to make people fall in love.” says Nhlonipho. 

“Jola” has already been sent to radio and has been picked up by several radio stations and is now availableon all digital service platforms.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The 9th edition of GhanaFest South Africa was undoubtedly the best in the history of the festival. Mama Money’s partnership with GhanaFest SA made this year’s festival the most explosive one yet. 

When the headline artist, ‘OBRAFOUR’ (aka Ghana Rap Sofo), went on stage the atmosphere was electric. The High Commissioner, Mr. Charles Asuako Owiredu, also joined OBRAFOUR on stage with youthful exuberances and challenged OBRAFOUR with his dancing skills.

The festival, which is free for anyone to attend, took place on Saturday 16th September 2023 at Fountains Valley in Pretoria with the theme ‘Heritage Changes’. Over 5,000 people came to the event with revelers celebrating past midnight. 

The event showcases the rich culture of Ghana through music, dance, clothing, cuisine, and more.  It also fosters unity among Ghanaians in South Africa and deepens the relations between Ghana and South Africa. 

The High Commissioner of Ghana to South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Charles Asuako Owiredu was ushered onto the stage with beautiful adowa dancers. In his welcome address, he touched on the development of passport applications. He proudly said all the backlog of passports has been cleared. He further promised their unfailing support to the annual GhanaFest SA program.

Thomas Maree from Mama Money also addressed the audience to express his gratitude for being able to support the revival of GhanaFest SA. He went on to thank everyone for attending and for making Mama Money the most trusted service in South Africa for sending money to Ghana. 

The event was charged with several performances including a Chieftaincy Display by Ashanti, the Nzima cultural group, a fashion show by Sedglo Industries, and live music by the Sankofa Band. The performance from the South African Zulu dancers from the African Child Dance Group has never disappointed the audience.

For the first time, GhanaFest SA honoured individuals who passionately contributed to their community. An award certificate was presented to Mr Benjamin Quashie and Mr Emmanuel Semaglo for their enormous contributions to the Ghanaian community.

In attendance were Ambassadors from various countries to South Africa. The event’s success is attributed to the commitment of GhanaFest SA Committee members and the enviable support of Mama Money. Our thanks also goes to supporting sponsors Ghana High Commission, Sedglo Industries, Glory Computers, African Radio TV, Sankofa Insurance, Sheila Afari PR, Ofosu Kwakye Attorneys, Jupisey Global Cargo, Wesbury College of Science and Allied Consortium. 

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Until recently, very little was known about the small rodent commonly known as the Cape Gerbil (Gerbilliscus afra). Now, a University of the Western Cape (UWC) student who graduated at this year’s September graduation, has demystified many unanswered questions about this adorable, gnawing, indigenous creature.

B.Sc Masters student in Conservation Biology, Kyle Jantjies, said the reason for the small rodent not being a popular topic of study is likely because it is generally regarded as a pest among farmers. “Farmers often complain about them eating the roots of their crops, as they are burrowing animals,” said Jantjies.

“However, every animal is beneficial to the environment, specifically to the niche in which it belongs. It is a member of the Muridae family and a species endemic to South Africa, particularly to the Western Cape region. Two other gerbil species exist, but occur in other provinces within South Africa.

“With my study I aimed to identify the active ectoparasite present and understand and tease apart relationships among individual genotypes within the Cape Gerbil.

“The study showed a large infestation of Androlaelaps theseus as the dominant mite present on G. afra and identified two distinct clades when comparing the populations from the Cape Flats Nature Reserve and the Koeberg Nature Reserve.

“The clades, which are separate groups on the genetic tree, provide some evidence of forming new species between the populations.”

He said while their main predator is the Barn Owl, the Cape Gerbil are hardy creatures and are not endangered as they have excellent survival skills. Their population is currently threatened by fracturing, which includes developments such as buildings and roads being constructed within their habitats.

Fragmented habitats are the physical barriers to gene flow that may be the driving force for allopatric speciation, when evolution creates a genetically independent group between populations.

“I chose to study gerbils because they are a relatively unknown species of rodent. If you ask the general public what a gerbil is, 80% of them will not know what they are, even though they are quite common creatures,” said Jantjies.

“When the project presented itself to me, I wasn’t very informed about gerbils but as I did my literature review I grew more invested in these creatures. They are extremely cute and docile. You can literally pick them up from the wild and they won’t show any aggression.

“Another thing that piqued my interest was that the Cape Gerbil is the only gerbil of its genre found in the vicinity. Every other species is found further north near Limpopo and there is no interaction between these species.

“I found this very curious and wanted to understand the effect that this had on the gerbil. I also had questions about the effects this small distribution range had on this species – whether inbreeding was taking place or whether there was any evidence of speciation.

“My study concluded that there is some evidence of speciation, however this is not conclusive. A lot more research needs to be done. I studied two populations, one at the Cape Flats Nature Reserve and one at Koeberg and there was evidence of two separate clades forming.

“In studying the mites found on them, I assessed that 97% of the mites (in both nature reserves) were the same species of mite. This means that this species of mite and the gerbil could share a close knit phylogeny – the history of the evolution of a species – as it may be host-specific to the Cape Gerbil.

“I am pleased that this study opens up room for even more study which would be interesting to follow up on.”

Image and source: UWC

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) is inviting and encouraging musicians to submit entries for the #SAMA29 Special Awards Nominations – Lifetime and International Achievement Awards –before the closing date of Friday, 22 September 2023.

From 11 August 2023, submissions have been underway to recognize accomplishments in the South African recording industry to honour and celebrate those who have significantly contributed to the development, upliftment, and advancement of the local music industry over the last 20 years at least, as well as being ambassadors of South African music to the world.

“We are thrilled to pay homage to living South African music legends and also recognising artists who are current carriers of our flag with their local and international footprints”, says RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi. He adds: “It’s very important to us as the industry to give our artists their well-deserved “flowers” while they’re still alive. Last year Black Coffee, Joe Nina, Jimmy Dludlu and McCoy Mrubata were honoured, and we’re looking forward to seeing which legends #SAMA29 will bring on.”

Musicians can submit their entries to the #SAMA29 Administrator at info@samusicawards.co.za. For more information, visit the #SAMA29 website on www.samusicawards.co.za. It is worth noting that previous SAMA Lifetime Achievement Award winners may not be entered or nominated again.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Fifth-year Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) student Moses Malebana’s stellar academic record has paved the way for a special international elective at the University of Graz – making him the maiden recipient of this golden opportunity – and galvanising ties between the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Department of Medicine and the Medical University of Graz (Med Uni Graz) in Austria.

Malebana will depart in November and return to UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences in January 2024. And with just a few short weeks before he boards his flight, he said he is excited for what awaits, and plans to absorb every detail of the experience.

“I plan on becoming a giant sponge while there. I am excited and feel privileged that I’ve been selected for this opportunity. I look forward to learning all there is to learn and flying UCT’s and the Department of Medicine’s flag[s] high at Med Uni Graz,” he said.

Tough grind

But this opportunity didn’t just fall into his lap. To be considered for the elective abroad, the application and selection criteria was clear – the candidate needed to prove an unmatched academic record. Each applicant was also tasked with supplying a motivational letter that highlighted why they felt they deserved the opportunity. It’s safe to say that Malebana passed the test with flying colours.

He said he used the motivational letter to reflect and relay personal anecdotes that focused on the sacrifices that led him to study medicine at UCT, and he enjoyed documenting his story.

“I remember seeing the email and thinking that this is my opportunity to reflect on my journey and to just tell my story. It was interesting because I don’t often reflect on things. But when I started, I realised that my whole life up to this point was about making the most of the opportunities that have come my way,” he said.

First-class motivation

In his motivation, Malebana touched on the events in his life that moulded him into the man he is today. And the list is endless – walking for more than an hour to and from school every day in rural Limpopo, contending with a lack of in-school resources, and a shortage of skilled teachers were just some of the challenges he experienced. These hurdles, he added, provided the impetus he needed to give his high school education and his medical studies his all.

“All of this taught me resilience; it motivated me to work even harder to reap the rewards later in life. I worked very hard to get to UCT, and now that I’m here, I’m working even harder to attain success in my degree,” he said. “I don’t take any opportunities for granted. I’m humbled that I’ve been chosen to represent the faculty and the university in Austria,” he said.

As he prepares for his big trip, Malebana said he’s looking forward to understanding the Austrian health system and gaining some valuable insight into how medical doctors practice medicine in that country and how it compares to South Africa.

A whole new world

The elective will consist of several rotations in different areas of internal medicine and Malebana will be based at a teaching hospital affiliated to Med Uni Graz. He said he is most excited about his oncology rotations after developing a keen interest in this area of medicine.

“I have always enjoyed studying and learning more about the management of different cancers. So, I really look forward to seeing how things are done in Austria. I know each day will be filled with something new to learn, whether it’s in oncology or a different area of medicine. I’m eager to get going,” he said.

But over and above the work, Malebana said he is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel outside of South Africa’s borders for the first time, to experience diverse cultures and cuisines, gain insight into a new way of life, and build new, lasting friendships.

“It’s going to be an adventure, that’s for sure – one that I’ve already embraced with my arms wide open. I’m grateful that it has come my way,” he said.

Image and source: UCT

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

African Pop Maverick, TRESOR, solidifies his expansion worldwide by signing a global co-publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing. His music will now be published globally by Sony Music Publishing and Jacquel Music Publishing, a division of TRESOR’s Jacquel Entertainment Group.

By joining the world’s number 1 music publishing company, TRESOR is represented among many of the world’s best songwriters such as the late Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Pharrell Williams, Sade, and Rihanna, just to highlight a few.

“This is a milestone moment in my music career. It’s an honour to have my talent recognised on a global scale and to be positioned amongst the best songwriters and composers in the world. Thank you to the Sony Music Publishing USA team for welcoming me and aligning with my vision. I look forward to a fruitful journey together, making music that will be enjoyed for generations to come,” expresses TRESOR.

Vice President, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Ari Gelaw says, “We are ecstatic to welcome Tresor to the Sony Music Publishing family. Tresor’s exceptional creativity and artistry align perfectly with our commitment to fostering musical excellence. We are confident that this collaboration will yield remarkable opportunities and propel him to even greater heights.”

Manager, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Simone Dixon says, “Tresor has incredible talent as a songwriter, producer and artist – his unique style blends elements of Pop, Afro-fusion and Hip-Hop and creates a fresh and exciting sound that appeals to global audiences. We’re so happy to welcome Tresor to SMP and we look forward to supporting his creative endeavors.”

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Artist Gigi LaMayne is set to release a new album, “Vision” on September 29, 2023. Collaborating with a stellar lineup including Chukido, Megatronic, Natasha Chansa, Lady Du, Robot Boii, Ntosh Gazi, and more. Gigi LaMayne’s “Vision” promises to redefine the musical landscape both locally and globally.

“Vision” is an innovative amalgamation of genres, a fusion of hip-hop, Amapiano, Afrobeat, and world music that showcases Gigi LaMayne’s approach in seamlessly blending musical styles to craft a distinctive sound uniquely her own. Its infectious melodies, irresistible rhythms, and thought-provoking lyrics are destined to captivate audiences worldwide.

“Hip hop is a canvas of boundless creativity, a realm that fluidly incorporates samples, symphonies, 808’s, and gospel vocals. Why not invite hip hop to dance with other genres? I consider myself an instrument of hip hop, and these genres as the universal sounds of world music. Drawing inspiration from South Africa to Ibiza to Nigeria, my goal is to craft the quintessential world music experience, rooted in the vibrant sounds of Africa. Amapiano and Afrobeat are on the rise, and I aim to infuse them with the flavorful essence of hip hop. Rhymes and melodies: that’s my bridge from Africa to the world,” Gigi said.

Gigi’s eclectic upbringing and global influences are evident in “Vision,” where she collaborates with an illustrious cast of artists, promising an auditory journey that transcends borders.

In addition to her musical endeavors, Gigi Lamayne has a visionary plan for 2024. She will be launching her own label dedicated to signing and nurturing the talent of tomorrow. Aspiring artists are encouraged to submit their demos via this form.

With the release of “Vision” drawing near, fans are encouraged to pre-save the album on their preferred streaming platforms. Be among the first to immerse yourself in the electrifying energy and innovative spirit that define Gigi LaMayne’s music.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Robyn Erasmus loves being a busy body. The full-time University of Johannesburg student is also an entrepreneur, a youth developer and a modelling coach.

The one thing keeping her very busy at the moment is fulfilling her duties as a Top 10 finalist for the Miss Earth South Africa title.

She recently planted five trees, with the help of her fellow students and the Green Development Foundation (GDF) as part of her project to reinforce the power of nature. The GDF is planting 300 trees throughout the APB Campus. The second-year Interior Design student says if she is not busy, she feels like she is missing out on doing something that can help her and others in some way.

The 21-year-old has always had a passion for aesthetics and buildings, but she stumbled into her Interior Design degree.

“I also have a passion for baking and cooking and I initially wanted to go to culinary school first. But the finances weren’t working out and something led me to study Interior Design, after seeing a UJ post. I applied and got in and I think it was God’s grace to send me this way because I found more of my passion when I got here.”

She has been baking since she was a young girl, learning from her grandparents and her mom and this led her to start her own business, Robyn’s Delights.

After taking Consumers Studies in Matric, in 2020 because of the lockdown, she started the business as a small hobby and to get some income.

“It eventually got to a point where people wanted to order larger cakes, more cupcakes and larger quantities of other things. That’s when I decided this is what I want to do as a side gig while I study. It is still a fruitful business to this day.”

Robyn describes herself as a business-minded hard worker who strives to inspire others through kindness and humility.

Her work with Miss Earth has influenced Robyn to ensure that the environment is always taken care of.

“I hope to be the light to everyone who engages with me, to endure a more sustainable and green way of living. I want to use this platform to empower individuals to rise to their cause not only for themselves but for the environment, our beautiful planet Earth.”

Her modelling profile, through Tiffany K Models, has helped her gain self-confidence and self-improvement. As a head modelling coach, she now teaches others to boost their confidence and, for those with an entrepreneurial spirit like her, start their businesses.

“The platform is used to bring in the youth and guide them to wherever they aspire to be.”

“It is a platform of action, reaching out to people and engaging. I went into it knowing about the environment and social side of it. It has been a journey. I want to help out more in communities, learn more about the environment and also be surrounded by powerful and impactful women.”

Image and source: UJ

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Foschini announced the winner of its inaugural self-made makeup artist competition, GlamouRise. The winner, Sinovuyo Kwanini, demonstrated exceptional skill, passion, and creativity, earning her a makeup course with certification and a R20 000 Foschini voucher among other things.
 
In line with its deep commitment to the empowerment of women, Foschini launched the GlamouRise competition to create a platform for aspiring makeup artists to showcase their expertise and creativity, using Foschini All Woman makeup products to paint a story that honours iconic women of the past and present.
 
Reflecting on the GlamourRise competition journey, Foschini MD Robyn Wenlock said, “We are very proud to provide these artists with a platform to shine. For nearly 100 years, Foschini has been dedicated to empowering individuals to express their unique style and personality through fashion and beauty.

More than just a glamorous contest, GlamouRise is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the influence and impact that makeup has had in empowering individuals to express themselves. Well done to Sino Kwanini on her win!”

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Professor David McQuoid-Mason has received an ALM Law.Com International African Legal 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Corporate Counsel Association of South Africa (CCASA).

The awards ceremony in Johannesburg, which formed part of the International Corporate Counsel awards for different categories of law firms and lawyers in Africa, was attended by more than 300 lawyers. 

McQuoid-Mason was introduced by one of the judges for the awards and a former student of his, Ms Ntsako Msomi, who is Senior Legal Counsel at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and a UKZN graduate. 

In his acceptance speech McQuoid-Mason said the occasion coincided with the 50^th anniversary of his founding of the UKZN Campus Law Clinic, which has led to him helping establish Law clinics in more than 60 countries in Africa and world-wide as well as Street Law programmes in over 45 countries. Added to that, it was the 40^th anniversary of when he became Dean of Law at UKZN which ‘led him to Nelson Mandela’ and participation in the United Democratic Front (UDF) and Mass Democratic Movement (MDM)during the struggle years. 

He paid tribute to former recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, all of whom he knew personally and admired, including:

•    Justice Albie Sachs, who he met in Harare in 1989, not long after Sachs had been badly hurt in a car bomb explosion in Mozambique.

•    Advocate George Bizos, who he met in the early 1980s and served with as Chair of the Durban Chapter of Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), when Bizos was National Chair.

•    Former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke, who he met when the Black Lawyers Association and the Democratic Lawyers Association were negotiating to form the National Association of Democratic Lawyers in 1985, and when Justice Moseneke received an Honorary Doctorate from the then University of Natal.

•    Advocate Thuli Madonsela, who he met in the 1980s, and who once publicly chided him (with a twinkle in her eye), for threatening to report her to the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) if she did not deal with the “hit squads” operating out of Glebelands Hostel in Durban.

•    Former Chief Justice Moegeng Moegeng, who was one of McQuoid-Mason’s high-achieving LLB students in the mid-80s, and the first Black African to participate in a Moot Final.

•    Justice Edwin Cameron, whom he knew from the 1980s, and shared a meal with at the home of the First Secretary of the Cuban Embassy, who showed a video on how Fidel Castro had directed the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, in which the Cubans claimed victory, and which led to the withdrawal of all South African and foreign troops from Angola, and a negotiated settlement for Namibia’s first democratic Election in 1989, which McQuoid-Mason monitored.

McQuoid-Mason mentioned that shortly before the ceremony he had spoken to one of his ex-students, Mr Greg Nott of Norton Rose Attorneys who had acted pro bono for athlete Castor Semenya for many years, and for whom McQuoid-Mason had provided an opinion on medico-aspects for her partly successful appeal to the European Court of Human Rights in connection with gender issues. 

Speaking at the awards ceremony, McQuoid-Mason said there were four things that impressed him greatly: (1) the high number of entries received for the awards from law firms and individuals from all over Africa; (2) how many so-called “White” South African law firms, were empowering and promoting young Black African lawyers, and elevating some to very senior positions; (3) that some South African law firms had branches in other parts of Africa; and (4) about 20 of his ex-Law students, many of whom are now in very senior positions, had congratulated him on his award. 

Image and source: UKZN