MAM-Issue-1

M A G A Z I N E

WE ART

ISSUE#1

FREE EDITION

mnce

Street poet

(SLAM!)

DLAMINI

Cartoonist

REDDIQAL

presents

(Mojita)

Hazel

(Picture Perfect)

AYE!

(Home is where the he[art] is)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS:

TSIKWANE RAPHESU

ON MUSIC, ART & WOMEN’S MONTH

+

Arlette Franks

Reneilwe Malatji

Ms Blu

VISUAL ART, POETRY, THEARTRE, DANCE, PERFORMING ARTS

Cell: 082 452 6164/078 090 0871

Tel: 015 295 8410

Fax: 086 538 3133

Email: hatlane@webmail.co.za

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Address: Cnr. Grobler & Hans Van Rensburg Street,

First floor, Block 3, Suite 8, Polokwane, 0700

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Issue no: 01

FEATURES

M A M

Ntsikwane Raphesu

Reneilwe malatji

Arlette Franks

Ms.Blu

SPECIAL

07

14

19

26

REGULARS

04

18

Poetry

Cartoons

07

04

14

AYE

29 19

(Artistic Youth Expressions)

11

Hazel

29

www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 1

Issue no: 01

EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear Reader

It is with great pleasure and sincere gratitude to present

the first issue of Mega Artists Magazine. Mega Artists

Magazine is a Limpopo based online quarterly arts

magazine dedicated to make art accessible to a diverse

audience. The magazine is free and effortlessly

downloadable as a PDF on our website,

www.megaartists.co.za. The magazine reflects

exclusively on the art and covers diverse art-works and

mull over important aspects relating to the art industry,

and the experiences and views of artists in their actual

line-of-duty.

Mega Artist Magazine is an exhibition of artistic

intelligence assembled by creative passionate and

dedicated individuals. In the beginning this was just a

dream – though we knew that we were setting ourselves

for a nerve-wracking mission – our enthusiasm saw us

through. It took us a month and few days to put together

everything.

Obviously our first edition or issue is an experiment, an

experiment deemed to be a successful continuous

endeavour. We thank God the all-mighty for granting us

the strength, focus and his favour. It is indeed a blessing

to have been able to establish and launch the magazine.

As mentioned that the magazine is all about art, we decided

that since we are launching the magazine in August,

Women's Month, that we feature a Limpopean talented and

hardworking female musician, Ntsikwane Raphesu as our

cover page artists. You will notice when you read the article

that Mega Artist Magazine is not a typical tabloidcelebrity-gossip-magazine,

but a magazine that aims to

educate, inform, nurture and develop art and artists,

particularly in the Limpopo province and of course to

anyone who can access our magazine around the country or

world.

Our first issue is mainly about women in the art and arts

business. We reflect their contribution in all aspects of art

forms. In this issue we have book reviews, cartoons, poetry,

music, etc. We ensured that we put together a clear picture

of what the magazine is all about. I believe that our lives are

defined by our artistic intelligence. What we express

through art is what and who we are deep inside. Mega Artist

Magazine is blessed to find itself living in such a creative

area, an extensive community that has a diverse range of

exceptional talents. We are grateful.

Furthermore my gratitude stretches to Shima Holdings for

assembling the website particularly our webmaster Mr

Stephen Raseona for setting-up the domain and layout and

Mose Art – particular Danny Modiba for the exceptional

graphical layout of the magazine. I thank the team and

contributors – the magazines looks exquisite and

remarkable – and last but not least our families, lovers and

friends for supporting us and withstanding all the trials and

tribulation that led to the success of the magazine. Your

notably contribution will not go unnoticed. All of you

played an essential role. To be honest, I am thrilled and

anxious at the same time and I feel like I won't finish

writing so I think this marks the end of this editorial article.

“We Art”

Enjoy the magazine

Thank You. God bless you.

Mega Artist Editor – Jack Ramoshaba


MEGA POET

Issue no: 01

Full Name:

Stage name:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Home town:

Current residence:

street poet

street poet

street poet

street poet

street poet

street poet

Mncedisi Mphitsi Dlamini

Street Poet

Mnce Streetpoet Dlamini

Mnce Dlamini 16

White river; Mpumalanga

Limpopo; Mankweng

street poet

What is poetry? Uhmm! I can’t really describe poetry because

everything is poetry. The way a person walks is poetic. It tells a

story. But I personally think that is a silent freedom of school

everyone possesses. Through poetry we are able to express

ourselves. Poetry is more than just words jotted down or

uttered. Poetry is spiritual. That’s how and where you connect

with GOD/gods, when writing. You lose yourself in it

street poet

street poet

street poet

street poet

poet

street

My poetry is defined as “SLAM POETRY”. I address social ills

and tell stories from the hood. My poetry or ‘Slam Poetry’ does

not necessarily follow standardized grammatical rules. With

‘Slam Poetry’ you break the rules and create your own language

to disseminate your message without being restricted. So it is

more of a spoken form of poetry than written poetry because when

you read it you do not get the same authentic expression or effect

the poet wanted to send across. One can only achieve that through

listening to the voice of the poet because the voice guides your

mood swings and build and ambience.


MEGA POET

Issue no: 01

Free Dumbs

Free dumbs remain crumbs in freedom.

They rock big chains,

call it swag.

I see modern day slaves chained to the western culture.

I will need more than Moses’ stick to lead them from mental

slavery.

Like I was captured by the eyes of the dying world I’m the

world’s last vision.

On the psycho-path;

writing history on the walls they built to cage us;

walking through the valley of shadows of death holding

hands with time;

may the blowing winds sweep away the footprints

death follows them

our tongues tied by words we never said

Eyes are lonely skies, dark clouds limit our vision

tell the sun to shine through these shut eyes and dry the tears we never cried

because tears never cried cannot dry

we are dying.......

we are dying beings breathing life into the nostrils of death

just because they can’t detect the fingerprints of the hands of time on us

Now they tell us that we die from natural death

Hold on African child

the sun never sets, it’s just the earth that keeps spinning on it’s axis

we are not foreign to pain

we fore-reign in the rain

when the rain bows

our naked eyes will wear the coat of many colours.

Like the moon, I brave the night

to shed light to newborns

I know they will shed my blood and crown

me with thorns because they are scared of the truth.

They even reduced the Volume when Tumi spoke of Yvonne

White people....how could they love Mama Africa’s womb

yet hate her children??

It does not make sense right!

They gave us identity books as if we never had identity in

the first place

Because true identity comes from within

I have seen so much pain with my naked eyes

from street kids window shopping food to brothers getting

born again in the blood of another brother behind prison

walls

‘live’ bullets losing their lives in human bodies

cops trying to erase governments’s mistakes with rubber

bullets

screams of a rape victim shook me awake from this ghetto

dream

for a split second, I heard Sarafina screaming, singing....

“freedom is coming tomorrow” but last night, my people

cried their eyes out in the ghettos

They never lived to see tomorrow

How do they expect us to be stars when they don’t give us

space

look I tried to follow Christ but I lost his footprints when he

walked on water

Will God understand?

We are even scared to pray

we say silent prayers

because the devil eavesdrop

but the silence kills us


Issue no: 01

ILLUSTRATION BY: moseart ©


MEGA ARTIST

Issue no: 01

Ntsikwane Sophy Raphesu is a South African

full time Afro-Soul female song-writer, singer

and actress. Her musical contribution

earned her the title, “Limpopo's song bird”.

She was born and bred in a small township

called Solomondale outside Polokwane in

Limpopo. She debuted on the professional

music scene in 2007 when she was casted

as the lead singer for an industrial theatre

road show for a big retail company. Coming

from a musical family had a huge impact on

her career path and similar to most artists her

love for the arts sprung when she was still a

child. Ntsikwane's first debut album was released in

2007 and was titled 'Wonderful'. Recently she released

her second Afro-Soul album titled 'The Soul

Experiment'. MAM chatted with Ntsikwane to find out

more about her career and her perspective on

female representation in the music industry.

“ ”

“I believe in letting my music

speak for itself, no need to

lace it with sexual innuendo.”


MEGA ARTIST

Issue no: 01

How is your current album doing?

My current album is doing well. It’s getting a lot of airplay

on public, private and community radio stations such as

Thobela Fm, Capricorn Fm, GT Fm and many other

community radio stations. It has been received well by

my audience.

W h o d i d y o u w o r k w i t h ?

I worked with Oneness Mashala, whom I co-produces

the album with. I also worked with local session

musicians Thendo, Ola, Tshepo and Lethabo.

What song(s) of yours are you most proud

and what song(s) you wished to have never

recordedand why?

I’m proud of every single song on this album. A lot of

blood, sweat and tears went into creating them.

What influences your music?

My music is mainly inspired by life situations, my own

or what I see happening around me. I also draw a lot of

musical inspiration from other artists such as

Anita Baker, Zonke, Gregory Porter and many others.

Any living musician would be in

your dream band?

I don’t really have any musician that I want in my

dream band. I work with musicians who have a

certain touch on my music. I have to connect with

them. But on piano I would love to have John Legend

in my band.

What do you like most about your

profession?

There’s a quote that says “Medicine heals the body. Music heals

the soul.” The best thing about my profession is that we heal

people where it matters most, in the soul. I also love meeting

new people and seeing how the music affects them.

Do you think the public and critics expect too much

from you?

I’ve always walked my own path. I never let people’s expectations affect

me because that will affect how I do my music.

Describe your family members musical interests or

abilities?

My family all love music. My brother is a DJ, my dad is a pianist.

How do you handle mistakes during

performances?

I just brush them off. And if the audience noticed that I made

a mistake, I just laugh about it.

People think is non-stop partying out there, is it

true?

Not at all! A lot of hardwork goes into music. You can’t be

partying all night and expect to have a great voice

and performance the next day.

What is the most unbelievable

rumour over printed about you?

Luckily I have never had any rumour

being printed about me.

Describe the moment you felt like

giving up?

It was last year when the recording of my

CD was taking longer than I anticipated.

But luckily I managed to get myself

together and make it happen.

Where do you see

yourself five years from

now?

I want to be an African artist and not a

South African artist. Would like for my music

to be known on the continent and foremost

then later expand to European countries.

Tell us about other projects you are

involved in?

I’m involved in a project called “The Black Tie Initiative”

we collect formal wear for under privileged learners to

wear to their matric farewells..

continued next page....


MEGA ARTIST

Issue no: 01

“Women in the music industry primarily serve a purpose and that purpose

is often at the advantage of the male eye. Women are almost always sexualised

in the media, more specifically the music industry.” MAM asked Ntsikwane

to share with us her perspective on ‘Female representation in the music

industry’.

What is you take on female representation

in the music industry?

I think the female representation in the industry is balanced

when it comes to ‘In front of camera’ work. But behind the

scenes there is still a lot of work to be done. There are few

women in production, management, directing, editing etc.

These areas of the industry are still very much dominated

by males. We really want to encourage women to study in

these fields in order to increase the number of women

working there.

What is your take on female musician using

sexuality and femenity as empowerment tool

in their art?

I feel that using sexuality takes away from the core of the

art and reduces the artist to just a sex symbol instead of a

talented artist. I believe in letting my music speak for itself

no need to lace it with sexual innuendo

Do you feel female musicians have a

difficult time breaking through and getting

the credit they deserve?

I actually feel that female musicians do a lot better in the

industry than males. If you listen to the music that’s getting

a lot of airplay now, it’s actually women who dominate

locally but internationally it’s a different story.

There are few women musicians from

Limpopo residing in Limpopo. What makes

them leave the province?

I think they leave because there isn’t really an arts industry

here, so they are not able to sustain themselves in Limpopo.

And this can be corrected if government, arts organisations

and private sector work together to create a kind of arts

precinct in Polokwane or in every big town in Limpopo,

where artists can lease office space at a subsidised rate and

be able to run art galleries, studios or theatres .

Do you believe in the traditional role for men and

women?

No I don’t. And I’m not saying that women should now take on

traditionally male roles or men should take over traditionally

female roles, I think everyone should do what needs to be done

without letting the perception of traditional roles get in the way.

Your message to all the women in the art?

Let your art speak for itself. Never compromise who you are or

use your sexuality to get ahead in the industry. Do the work and

the rewards will follow.

What is your main focus right now?

Right now my focus is on promoting my current album “The

Soul Experiment”.

If you are technologically savvy and like good music you

can buy Ntsikwane'smusic online at iTunes, Amazon and

CD Baby. If you want a hard copy contact Ntswikwane at

082 393 5316 or email ntsikwane@gmail.com.Ntsikwane is

also on Twitter (@ntsikwane) and Facebook (Ntsikwane

–Limpopo Song Bird). Listen to her music on

https://www.soundcloud.com/ntsikwane

Services Offered:

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email: abi88records@gmail.com

facebook: SubzeroSAAbi


Issue no: 01

ILLUSTRATION BY: moseart ©


MEGA PHOTOGRAPHY

Issue no: 01

HAZEL

“

Where we come from is a basis of who we are today and so

photography is the reflection of our backgrounds, our today’s

life experiences without words constructed to rebuild the stories

that live within us as individuals. Photos speak in volumes.

Photography is language of its own and allows all eyes to an

understanding of their own.

”

Hazel Tobo, also known as Fasaha Mshairi was born in

Tembisa and bred in Polokwane. She has been a writer

since 2004 and has since grown into the arts of poetry and

photography.

Five Beginner Photography Tips

1. Each time you spot a subject, snap a shot and then

move in closer for a better shot. Having your subject

almost fill the frame helps your viewer understand and

appreciate your photo. Also, details are often more

interesting than an overall view. Keep moving in closer

until you are sure the photo will successfully represent

your subject.

Fasaha Mshairi

2. If it is at all possible that your subject may move, bolt, fly

away stop smiling or just get tired of waiting for you to take

the picture, shoot once right away. Practice getting quicker

and quicker to the draw. Do not worry about taking too

many pictures and do not wait until you’re absolutely

certain all the knobs and buttons are in their correct

position. “Shoot First, Ask questions later.”

3. Discern what you really interested in and centre your

efforts on getting the best photo of this subject. Then be

sure to keep anything that would distract out of the picture

to remove unwanted elements. The easiest way to do

this is to watch your borders - the edges of the view you

see through the camera’s vew finder.


MEGA PHOTOGRAPHY

Issue no: 01

Hazel Tobo - Google+

Hazel Fasaha Mshairi Tobo

@Fasaha_Mshairi

Hazel Tobo - YouTube

4. Practice shooting with different apertures and monitor the

results afterwards to learn how depth-of-field affects your

photo. You will find a that a smaller depth-of-field (and

smaller f-stop#) focuses all the attention upon your

subject. You will find that a greater depth-of-field (bigger f-

stop number) will make everything from here to eternity

appear in focus. This will help make those landscapes

fascinating and lovely.

5. It is good to see what kind of light you are working with.

Which way are the shadows falling? Unless you want a

silhouette effect. Where your subject is black against an

interesting backgrounds. It’s generally best to shoot with

the sun behind you.

http://www.betterphoto.com


Issue no: 01


MEGA BOOK REVIEW

Issue no: 01

Reneilwe

Malatji

“

The fact that I write in English and I am a second language

speaker of the language is a challenge to a certain extent. I

indulgently insist on writing this foreign language the way I

speak it and at times that does not resonate with the editors.

That creates a struggle on how much of my African English

should go in and how much of it should be panel beaten.

”

Reneilwe Malatji was born in Modjadji Village on the 14th of

November 1968. She grew up at Turfloop township where the

University of Limpopo is situated; in the Northern part of

South Africa. While she was growing up, her father was a

lecturer of Education at the university and her mother a

school teacher locally.

She completed her BA degree, post graduate teaching

diploma and a senior degree in Education at the same

university. She then served for 18 years in the department of

education as a teacher, subject advisor and subject specialist

in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. The quest to

become a writer impelled her to go back to school at the

mature age of 40 to study the craft of writing at Rhodes

University 2010 and 2011 respectively.

She worked as a citizen journalist for Grocott’s Mail

newspaper in 2010. She co-authored Tyhini, a literary

magazine published by the Institute of English Studies in

Africa. Love Interrupted, her collection of short stories is been

published by Modjadji books as we speak and it is due to

come out September. Malatji taught ELT part-time students

at Rhode University from 2012-2013. She worked as a

Manuscript Reviewer for UNISA press. She is currently

lecturing Contemporary English Language Studies at the

University of Limpopo. Reneilwe took from her busy

schedule to share with us the experiences she endured while

writing her book “Love Interrupted”.


MEGA BOOK REVIEW

How did your interest in writing

originate?

I started writing when I was in Secondary School. I had

notebooks in which I wrote stories that my grandfather told

me. I never imagines myself being published as I did not

know anyone who was. I thought books were written by

people from perhaps Mars. To me that was an unreachable

star

Do you have a specific writing style?

I don’t think of style when I write. I just tell stories.

What inspired you to write, “Love

Interrupted”?

The world around me inspires me.

How did you come up with the book title

or choosing Love Interrupted amongst

other stories?

The title Love Interrupted erupted from the simple notion

that love cannot be forever bliss or perfect. It’s impossible

for love to run smoothly without being interrupted every

now and then. The interruption is crucial and it in-fact

validates the love. Love would not be fulfilling if it ran on a

flat level without bumps. If everyone was to love one

another perfectly every day without any form of hassle then

love would lose its significance and worth. We attach so

much value to it simply because it is tricky and complex.

The thread that runs through all the stories is love that is

interrupted in one way or another. To me Love is the true

meaning of our existence and being on earth is about the

struggle to restore it when it is disrupted.

What is the message the book carries?

I resent prescribing the message of the book to anyone. I

think the message of the book lies in the readers. Different

readers acquire or retrieve different things from it. What I

do is just tell contemporary stories and give readers an

opportunity to reflect on their everyday live.

How much of the stories in the book are

realistic?

Well my stories are all conjured even though most of them

come from what I observe and hear from the world around

me. I never write things as they are. I cook them mixed up

and add spices and herbs and whatever. Or rather you may

say that I put make up, earrings and high heels after

surgically having given them a facelift.

Writing this book, are experiences based

on someone you know, or events in your

own life?

The stories are not based on anyone specifically. Let’s just

say they are based on the lives of contemporary South

Africa Society and no one in particular. That is why the

characters are so diverse...black, white, rural, urban,

married, single and so on.

If you had to do it all over again, would you

change anything in your latest book?

No I won’t change anything. I would rather strengthen the proof

reading.

Do you have to travel much concerning your

book(s)?

Well I travelled throughout SA promoting my book and hosted

nine book launches country wide. When I went for my holidays in

Ghana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Uganda I made time

also to promote the book in those countries. I managed to do some

readings and sold copies.

What was the hardest part of writing your

book?

Killing my darlings. Taking out what was not necessary and

relevant.

Did you learn anything from writing your

books and what was it?

I learned a lot about the craft of writing. I also learned that the book

is not in the first draft but in the rewriting of the many draft to

come. The first draft is just like when an artist collect wood to

create a sculpture and rewriting is the actual carving of the

sculpture. It take time and solitude to chisel, sandpaper, wax and

polish the sculpture. If you don’t go through that process then you

will submit what equals a lump of dead wood and expect the

publisher to invest their money and effort on that.

If you had to choose, which writer would you

consider a mentor?

It’s not one writer’s work specifically that influenced my work. It

was many writers to be honest. Amongst many others I would list

Zakes Mda, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Bessie Head, Tsitsi

Dangarenga, Anton Chekov and Maugham Somerset.

What book are you reading now?

Paula Coelho, The Alchemist.

What are your current projects?

I am working on writing a book and two more collections of

short stories .

Do you see writing as a career?

No I don’t see writing as a career. I see it as a life.

Continue next page.....

Issue no: 01


MEGA BOOK REVIEW

Issue no: 01

Is there anything you find particularly

challenging in your writing?

The fact that I write in English and I am a second language

speaker of the language is a challenge to a certain extent. I

indulgently insist on writing this foreign language the way I

speak it and at times that does not resonate with the editors.

That creates a struggle on how much of my African English

should go in and how much of it should be panel beaten.

Who is your favourite author and what is

it that really strikes you about their work?

I have many favourite authors. Maya Angelou and

Chimamande Ngozi Adichie are some of the outstanding

ones. That is because they always succeed in transporting

the reader into the world of their narrative. When you read

their text you feel like you are in fact in that world. You feel

and experience what the characters go through.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

I would advise them to invest time and hard work into their

work and also to consult with those who are more

experienced. And most of all to read a lot.

Do you have anything specific that you

want to your readers?

I would like to express my gratitude to all the humbling

positive feedback I have received from most of them and

also to the many who reviewed my work.

Do you ever have writer’s block?

No I have never experienced a writer’s block, but there were

many instances where I doubted myself.

You can get Love Interrupted at

Exclusive Books and Bargain books.

If it’s not on the shelves ask them to

order it for you. You can also

download it online or get the e-book

version from www.kalahari.com and

other sites.

To establish yourself as expert in a field.

In an era of increasing specialization, and a daily explosion in

knowledge, experts have clout and authority. So if you want

to be at the head of your field, you need that book – especially

if you’re a consultant or something similar, who’s hired

because of your expertise. And then you’ll probably need

another book in a few years’ time. But let’s worry about the

next book later.

To become a professional public speaker in your field.

Public speakers – the paid ones – still need a book to point to,

to establish their bona fides. The only exception to this is

celebrity status from something remarkable you've done. If

the status is sufficiently strong, you can just have people talk

to your agent when they call. But watch out – last year’s

celebrity status fades quickly, and then you'll need that book.

Even (former) President Clinton has had to write books to

keep himself in the public eye.

To satisfy your inner need to get it down on paper.

It may be ego, it may be explanation, it may be just wanting to

leave a record of your passing through this world of woe. But I

happen to think that writing a book to make a personal

statement is a perfectly good idea for book writing.

To create a public persona and personal brand in order to

succeed in your field of endeavor.

It used to be loyalty that bound employer and employee

together. Now, loyalty is passé, and you need an edge for

getting that promotion, or making that smart lateral move, or

jumping to another organization. I’ve seen too many great

workers cast aside because of politics or because of a sudden

shift in the business. They’re left in career limbo and may

never get back to where they were. A book is the beginning of

a personal brand and a public persona that will keep you in

demand.

To create marketing oomph.

I've seen a number of friends and clients write their way to

marketing success with a book that catapults them into the

inner circle of consultants, companies or service providers. If

you’re a small organization, a book can help you compete with

the big players. If you’re in a crowded field, a book can help

you stand out. And so on.

I believe all of these reasons are good ones to write a book.

A combination of several reasons makes even more

compelling an argument. Each one of these reasons will

suggest different marketing strategies and roles for your book.

That’s why it’s important to get clear from the outset why

you’re writing one.

On the next issue, we'll talk more about what to do next, after

you have decided on writing a book. (Forbes.com)


Issue no: 01


MEGA CARTOONS

Issue no: 01

moseart © moseart ©


MEGA ARTIST

Issue no: 01

”

It may be useful if we ‘KLAP’ dumb

people and most politicians over the head with

ART and wake them up forever.

”

Where was Mrs. Franks born?

In Johannesburg; 8th January 1957, same time as my

unidentical twin sister...

How was your upbringing like?

I experienced suburban and farm life, ballet(my mother)

and horses(my father), with 5 sisters...

What kind of a child was Mrs. Franks

like, during her youth?

Hmm, my nickname was ‘PREOCCUPIED’...I was

always busy doing something or the other, especially

things I could do by myself, reading, making, sewing,

drawing, out with the dogs or with the horses.

Would you please tell us and other people out

there, what skill in the ART realm do you

posses?

I design/sew (self-taught)/mixed media / product development

(eg. small crafts / permanent outdoor seating) I am a good teacher

and affirmer of creativity, especially in/among youth, using the

arts.

In which category of visual artists would you

say you fall under?

Fine Arts.

What other artistic skill do you know or would

you want yo know?

I regret not knowing more about graphic and digital art.


MEGA ARTIST

Issue no: 01

What does “Visual Art” mean to you?

Hehe, anything man made and largely hand made, that can

be seen/touched/displayed (or utilised).

Did you ever go to an ART school and

would you say going to an ART school is a

must for any ARTIST?

After finishing school I did go to Wits Art School. I have a

BA Fine Arts Honours from Wits, It is preferable to attend

some kind of arts school/art training, even if not fully

accredited or full-time, the artists’camaraderie, the

opportunity to do group/shared works, to share

ideas/themes/materials/crits etc, are all very useful and

helpful. Getting into the ‘art diques’ of who’s who and

what’s what can be very useful to one’s own artistic career,

but many artists achieve greatness through being selftaught,

so art school is not always essential .

Some of us, Artists, who grew up in the

township, have never seen or came across

a female visual artist till later years in life.

What would you say are some of the

challenges female artists meet along these

artistic path?

Hmm, this is are tough and many loaded questions to

answer. Partly it’s the age-old expectation that (black) girls

should be at home/make babies/do the domestic work/the

planting, etc and look after the family and children; some

black women artists actually worked as domestics or were

the children of domestics. Most people see the arts as

frivolous/useless.not part of the general economy and thus

girls, as well as boys, are often not encouraged to take this

route. Musical arts are seen as a little better, because the

potential for fame and celebrity is quite great. Many people

seriously believe artists are crazy, which of course means

they need to be respected or listened to or supported, In the

western World women artists have also been downplayed;

few women ever achieving the immense success or fame of

male artists, and this is not necessarily because their work is

not as good, just that they are female. This century I think

we may finally see women artists - including black women -

achieve ‘equality’ with men artists, but there are still many

rural/disadvantaged/underexposed parts of the world and

Africa, where while they may acknowledge women as great

crafters, will still not be quite so comfortable with/about

women artists as they are with/about men artists .

Does South Africa have the right artists to

take on the world?

Yes, definitely. In all the arts, not only visual arts.

What would you say is the ‘Achilles Heel’ of

visual art in South Africa?

There could be a few. Lack of a buying audience and viewership;

and lack of show-spaces that are affordable and fair for artists.

Traditionally it has been whites who have been the showers and

buyers of art, the white population has shrunk over the past

twenty years, while the populations of arts practitioners has

grown, with a shrunken market, few artists find they can make a

living from their art. Black people have to become appreciators

and buyers of South African art products. The other problem is

show spaces - few and far between and usually very expensive

for artist (galleries taking up to 50% of selling prices) - so few

artists get to show their work regularly, or in many different

galleries/venues, Perhaps the biggest Achilles Heel is the

Department of Arts and Culture and the provincial departments,

who seem over 20 years to not have achieved much in either

expanding audience/buyership or creating more and easily

accessible spaces where artists can regularly show their work at

affordable/fair rates. Ofcourse, the new Achilles Hell may even

be censorship - the new Minister has said that anything he thinks

is ‘derogatory’ WILL NOT BE ACCEPTABLE.

We have seen a couple of your latest

ARTWORKS and We must say, they look

more “Politically inclined” and we being

visual artists we sometimes ask; What does it

take to be a more ‘Militant artist’(no nonsense

artist) and how can Art in general help build

our nation to be more conscious of their

political, social or economical life?

Hmm, I didn’t set out to be politically inclined, it turns out I just

am that way! Nkandla made me stand up and want to say

something, so my source material became photos/stories etc. in

the newspapers and it is impossible to avoid politics once one

becomes embroiled in ‘the news’, I find myself, wanting to pass

comment on all the incidences/characters and so I make them

into collaged/mixed media artworks. I add my particular brand of

humour/satire and the rest is up to the viewer. People squirm and

giggle and say my works make them re-think what they thought,

so I guess in a small way I am making some people more

aware/conscious of our socio-politico life. I think one has to paint

from one’s heart - if you fell it, then paint it, the ‘it’ may be nature,

or still-life, or portraits, or fantasy or socio-politico-commentary,

heheheh.

Are you not wary of the implications you

might land in, due to the political artworks?

Yes and No. So far a lot of people have said I’ve taken risks; a lot

of galleries have gently turned me down by pretending they are

already too full; a few admitted they did not want to potentially

alienate government. The works reflect on true and offensive

incidences/personalities in our real lives - the material comes-


MEGA ARTIST

Issue no: 01

from newspapers - I don’t actually invent too much, what I

add is associations and humour, so even if it’s a very heavy

story, there’s a dash of laughter, if we can’t laugh at

ourselves, laugh at our politicians, then surely life is just too

damn heavy all the time. Also, I have never yet exposed the

genitalia of anyone - just doesn’t interest me nearly as much

as their faces/heads and hand! Every so now and then I try

and be a simple decorative artist - I fail everytime, as the

satirical real-life incidences and personalities come

creeping back in to be commented on! I am not very well

known and not showing my works in very well known

galleries - that alone may ‘protect’ me from some crazed

politician becoming offended at one of my works, I’m wary,

but I’m not going to not show at every opportunity I get. I

will take my chances and continue to be honest to my own

brand of art/humour.

How can ART be used as a revolutionary

tool in the society?

It may be useful if we could ‘KLAP’ dumb people and most

politicians over the head with art and wake them up forever.

The best revolution we could use art for is for awareness

and healing therapy, people are traumatised, anxious,

despondent, angry, frustrated, art can help people achieve

creative solution seeking to achieve some inner

peace/glow/satisfaction. We need more healing than we

need so called ‘revolution’. Art in every school, in every

class from pre-school to Matric, that would be the most

bestest revolutionary tool of all!

What is a revolutionary artist according to

you?

Hmm..someone who uses unusual materials / content

/expression and / or someone who puts important messages

into his/her art that help awaken awareness on big

social/political/economic issues.

You were in Limpopo for quite a while, how

is the artistic atmosphere around those

parts?

Art is everywhere; artists are everywhere; but they are

starved/starving, so growth and development is not

h a p p e n i n g , o n l y ‘ s u r v i v a l i s m ’ i s . T h e

province/Government seems utterly unable to understand

the importance or significance of the arts and utterly unable

to implement anything that has helped change

people/artists lives for the better. In all honesty I found

myself telling people to leave Limpopo if they wanted to

pursue their arts - to return once they have made it

elsewhere - then Limpopo will recognise them.

Do you think government is responsible for

the growth or reduction of Art in South

Africa?

In Limpopo the artists are responsible for their survival if

their arts. Government is responsible for government events that

have almost nothing to do with the development of the arts - there

is no connect between what artists do and need and what

government does and provides, so yes, government is responsible

for obstruction of art.

How can government improve in making ART

accessible to the people and the world ?

Put money in to regional arts hubs that are well run and even

occupied by local arts NGO’s/projects etc. and service a wide

area around them. Hubs should include raw materials sold at

lower prices to artists; and display/depots for finished

goods/market place. Hubs can also share/transfere goods

between them, hubs can be places where training / workshops /

exhibitions /showcase / performances etc. can be regularly held -

growing audiences and growing excellence, it means

government will have to stop spending on itself and its many

parties and events, and start supporting creative hubs that in turn

are helping to support tens and dozen hundreds of artists. Hubs

could have tea-gardens etc. and each one could become a tourists

d e s t i n a t i o n . H u b s c o u l d b e m u l t i - f u b c t i o n a l -

library/theatre/film/craft/bookstore/fashion/music etc. Hubs

could also show off all the unique cultural diversity south africa

offers.

Should every artist be patriotic ?

Hmmm? I guess so-noting that sometimes the most patriotic

things we can do is really criticise our government/country..

Why is it that some of our ‘High Class’ citizens

only purchase art that comes from foreign

countries and not from the local exhibitors ?

False understanding that ‘the best comes from overseas’. It’s an

inherited problem, probably because long ago, the best indeed did

come from overseas. The problem is that SA has never really set

up making the best of everything right here - we export raw, and

import finished products, serving the misperception that ‘the best

comes from overseas’.

Can an artist make a living on art alone ?

Very rare, in any age, but almost every artist could probably help

teach in a classroom, which does mean S.A. could employ artists

part-time in schools, a win-win scenario for everyone.

Where can we get your latest work, or updates

about your exhibitions?

Through my email, franklyhectic@gmail.com or my

photos/albums on facebook.

...And for anyone looking to buy your work?

Through my email, franklyhectic@gmail.com.


MEGA ARTIST

Issue no: 01

Can you please close our women’s month

issue with a quote for all the women out

there.

This is by Coco Chanel: “The most courageous act is still to

think for yourself. Aloud. (I guess this is a little like what I

do with my paintings.)

What motivational words can you give to all

visual artists reading this now?.

If you love doing art, just do art as much as you can, look at

other art, artists, art galleries, art books, art on the net and

do,do,do art.

“All the artworks were inspired by my desire to reflect and comment on true - life sociopolitico-economo-events

or incidences (eg. Marikana), situations (eg. an SADC

committee meeting, or poor women) and leaders in South Africa (Zuma being a major

muse, whose photo is frequently in the press, so lots of material to work with, hehe).

Recurring symbols is/are the teapot, the banana, the elephant. Symbols which I have

tried to apply to explore and express absurdity, danger and power. Most of the works

take many hours, some of them days and weeks. All the works are mixed media -

collage and acrylic paint and vanish on canvas, framed by myself in a thin frame that

creates a white - line border around the work.”


Issue no: 01

ARTWORK BY:

ARLETTE FRANKS ©


MEGA ARTIST

Issue no: 01

REMEMBRANCE

Born: August 06 1928

Died: February 22 1987

Mega Artists Magazine takes time to

remember revolutionary artists. Artists

who by their work, a movement or style

of thinking and acting has started. A

synopsis of their background is

compiled, to bring light to our readers,

about this Mega Artist.

paintings are of iconic celebrities and objects,

such as Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, John

Lennon, Campbell’s soup(pictured below)and

many more.

On this August Issue, we cover the father and

originator of POP ART, Andy Warhol. Born on the

6th of August 1928, Andy(birth name Andrew

Warhola) was a leading figure in the visual art

movement known as pop art. His works explore

the relationship between artistic expression,

celebrity culture and advertisement. After a

successful career as a commercial illustrator,

Warhol became a renowned and sometimes

controversial artist. Warhol’s art encompassed

many forms of media, including hand drawing,

painting, print making, photography,silk

screening, sculpture, film and music Some of his

SOURCE: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Warhol


Issue no: 01

ILLUSTRATION BY: MOSEART ©


MEGA BUSINESS

Issue no: 01

$

BUSINESS WITH

Phuti Ramafemo affectionately known as Ms.Blu is a proud 34 year old

single mother. She is a self-accomplished entrepreneur – proud

founder of Poetic Joint, an art organisation specialising in promoting

and organising events. She was born and bred in Polokwane Limpopo

Province. She grew up in a village called Bloodriver just outside

Seshego. Her passion for music and poetry compelled her to establish

an organisation that represents the art of music and poetry. MAM

interviews Ms.Blu to tell us about her career-path as a promoter and as a

self-made brand.

Tell us about Poetic Joint.

It was established in 2012 by Phuti Ramafemo who

had a passion for the entertainment industry and ended

up pursuing it as a business. Now that is where the hip

hop, poetry and jazz session started taking place and it

gave artists a platform to showcase their talents and

brand. As the business grew, she brought in two more

members on board, Nkeisi Matshuisa and Kgabo

Phihlela. The team is made up of a dynamic of young,

creative and enthusiastic professionals, with vast

experience in Events, Media, Marketing and IT. We

rely almost entirely on the strength of our team and

management.

How do you manage with promoting

Poetic Joint and yourself as a brand?

It hasn’t been easy. In fact it is a difficult mission

because I can’t separate myself from Poetic Joint. I

would literally be lost without my team. I have a PR

lady ,Ms.Shaz Amor , she literally keeps me on tight

leash and puts me back on track when she notices that

my focus is getting out of hand(I see you my lady)

Do you need qualification and what studies

should one consider to become a promoter?

I have found that there is only so far self-acquired skills can

take you. One needs some basic education in the field they

have chosen. One can take a six months course to get the

basics right and the rest will fall in place.

What does an entertainment promoter do?

I basically deal with finding venues, booking artists,

budgets, sponsorships, interviews . The list is endless.

What kind of events do you promote?

I promote anything from corporate functions (Seminars,

Power Breakfast, Networking sessions, street events

(Poetry and Hip-hop). I try not to limit myself to one sphere

of events.

You’re not only a promoter; you're a manager

and a mother as well. Are there enough hours in

a day to do what you have to do?

Not in this lifetime, my time is beyond limited and running a

tight schedule is really a must for me. That is why I get a

little frustrated when I’m late for a meeting or someone

doesn’t honour an appointment.


MEGA BUSINESS

Issue no: 01

How much money it would take to get a

promotion business off the ground and how

much did you have when you started?

Well, believe it or not I started my business (both of

them) without any capital. I basically just invited my

poetic friends to my house for a chillas and BOOM!

@Poetic Joint was born. It is possible to start a

business without capital though having money to get

one’s project off the ground would be great, that

doesn’t mean you can’t start. I learned that from

Kholofelo “TheWyGuy” Pholafudi(Thank you sir).

Who offered you the opportunity to

promote the bigger shows/event?

Diau Madisha better known as Spacemunna gave us

the first big break in the hip-hop industry by allowing

us to coordinate his Limpopo Mixtape Tour the final

showdown. That was amazing.

Was it the biggest paying account?

Wakeup! Woman if I should say so myself

Describe your most best and bad

promotion events?

I had my best and worst at @Poetic_Joint.

Do you feel like you are in competition with

the male counterparts?

At first it was like that then I realized that I can actually

learn from them. So I began aligning myself with the

likes of Psychotic, Spacemunna and many more.

Do you think females have different skill

from males in this business or women are

the best organisers/promoters naturally?

Not really, though we use our power of persuasion

better than men.

What are some of the misconception

about women in your field?

That we are tough, when the real truth is that we are

as gentle as jelly but don’t let that be the reason not

to take us seriously.

Do you sometimes feel like you are undermined because

you are woman?

Oh Yes, all the time, there was an event we once handled for

a client everyone got a budget except us, we were told to

work with what we had. I remember I wanted to pull out but

the professional in me wouldn't allow me.

What is the biggest challenge?

Finance is the biggest challenge, especially when one starts

to take their brand more seriously. Been taken serious

doesn't come cheap. Corporate identity is expensive but

worth it.

You have recently promoted events outside

Limpopo. Are you moving to Johannesburg?

For growth purposes I have decided to move to the city of

gold, but that doesn't mean we are abandoning our home.

Our calendar allows us to run the business in Gauteng and

still take care of home. And this would not be possible

without a great team behind me.

What is the challenge to do such business in a

province like Limpopo?

The challenge in our province is on whom you know more

than what you know, I have been a victim of hosting an

event and no one pitched because I didn't have key players

in the province as guests. That almost destroyed my morale.

What are you working on for the future?

My main focus now is Linda Yende's Wakeup! Woman, I

recently secured a contract to coordinate all book related

events.

How do people get in touch with you?

People can contact me on my personal mail

itsmsblu@gmail.com or direct line 0721205996 during

business hours.


MEGA ORGANISATION

Issue no: 01

rtistic

YouthExpressions

Artistic Youth Expressions is an organisation aimed at growing the essence of art, music and poetry in

Mokopane and providing individuals an opportunity to express themselves through performing

arts. Artistic Youth Expressions (AYE)was established in July 2013 and was officially launched on

th

the 19 October 2013 at Micasa 2, a local restaurant in Mahwelereng. It was established after

recognizing a desperate need for a positive alternative to the excessive use of drugs, alcohol, criminal

activities and other anti-social elements which have mushroomed in the area. To date AYE has

eighteen official members.

The main objective of the organisation is to empower the youth of Mokopane to become decent

people with respect for themselves and other community members. Tom Revenus, the co-founding

member of AYE said art is the alternative solution to decipher community challenges. “We are doing

this through art that has clean content. Furthermore, we are focused on uniting the youth in our

community.” AYE is the only organisation in Mokapane that offers a platform for the youth to

express themselves artistically and because of this , the organisation has relished a rapid growth

since its inception.

Tom said they are looking to recruit new members, particularly high scholars. “For one to qualify as

an official member of the organisation one has fill in an application form, which has to be returned

with a joining fee (R30 for young adults/R15 for high scholars). When you are member of Artistic

Youth Expressions you are privileged to a platform to perform at every session that we host,

furthermore you get the opportunity to tour different parts of the country and also the world, which

is something that we are planning to do in the long run. This year we are planning to tour different

parts of the country and grow as an organisation.”

Like most arts organisations, finances constraints are the main challenge, these makes the

organisation to operate with a limited budget when organising shows. “The most important

resource is money because if we have money, we can purchase a high quality sound system

and recording equipment and rent premises or build a mini-theatre. We would also be

able travel to different location in the country”. AYE fund the organisation from

members own pockets and work together with other organisations like , MoAfrika

Vision Trading, Self-Marketing Schemes, Rhythm n' Poetry and JC Reignsto put

shows together .

th

AYE just recently hosted its first annual event and event on the 9 of

August (Women's Day) at Rattle Cage. “The community has shown

a lot of support for what we are doing for community, which has

seen us been invited to events to render items” Tom said.


SPONSORS

Cell: 076 993 8959

email: info@shimaholdings.co.za

Facebook: shimatrading

Twitter: @shimaholdings

site: www.shimaholdings.co.za

Cell: 071 546 5142

Fax: 086 628 4807

email: artmose89@gmail.com

Facebook: Mose Art Studios

Twitter: @mose_art

Cell: 060 605 8033

address: 524A Mankweng, Polokwane, 0727

email: ramoshabaone@hotmail.com

Facebook: Jack Rams

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