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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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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
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 2
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.
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 4
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
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 5
Issue no: 01
ILLUSTRATION BY: moseart ©
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 6
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.”
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 7
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....
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 8
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
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www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 9
Issue no: 01
ILLUSTRATION BY: moseart ©
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 10
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.
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 11
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
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 12
Issue no: 01
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 13
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”.
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 14
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
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 15
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)
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 16
Issue no: 01
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 17
MEGA CARTOONS
Issue no: 01
moseart © moseart ©
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 18
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.
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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-
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 20
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.
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 21
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.”
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 22
Issue no: 01
ARTWORK BY:
ARLETTE FRANKS ©
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 23
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
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 24
Issue no: 01
ILLUSTRATION BY: MOSEART ©
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 25
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.
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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.
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 27
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.
www.megaartists.co.za August 2014 Page 29
SPONSORS
Cell: 076 993 8959
email: info@shimaholdings.co.za
Facebook: shimatrading
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site: www.shimaholdings.co.za
Cell: 071 546 5142
Fax: 086 628 4807
email: artmose89@gmail.com
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Twitter: @mose_art
Cell: 060 605 8033
address: 524A Mankweng, Polokwane, 0727
email: ramoshabaone@hotmail.com
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