Rebel Sistah Cypha

Soundz of the South is organizing Rebel Sistah Cypha which they host at Mofolo Live House in Harare Township, every first Saturday of the month. The first Rebel Sistah Cypha was on Saturday, the 1^st of August 2015. Ngcwalisa was the host with the soothing voice. Aesthetically, the cypha was filled with splendid talent, from the likes of Matsidiso, Lara, Black Isis Tafari, Sistah Anela, Mic Substance, Milliah and others (I forgot their names).

Mic Substance was very impressive with her versatility. She moved from spoken word to singing – to rapping. What a talented soul! I recall hearing her voice in some of the spaza tapes between 2008 and 2011 - when I used to listen to too much spaza raps; she used to bark on the mic like a feminine puppy. But now, I envy her. I’m officially her fan.

Black Isis Tafari is an ancient. Sistah Anela does not disappoint, vocally. Lara got too much anger in her poetry. She was swearing right through. I had a little conversation with her, and I told her that the tone of her poetry is filled anger; she told me that we are all angry with the system in varying ways. I could not agree with her more. Millz is versatile too. All the poetesses that hit the stage were very deep with a lot to say.

For more information regarding Rebel Sistah Cypha, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/soundzofthesouth?fref=ts

Written by:

Amalahle Ashushu

Ndatenda

Rest in Peace Masta P

They say that death is an uninvited guest. I DO NOT know Masta P. I met him through the Rastafari Poet by the name Zealot at EloHIP Unplugged Sound Poetry Session in Nazeema Isaacs Library Hall, early 2012. He came across as someone who is very talkative. He spoke extensively about conspiracy theories and black consciousness. I noticed that he haboured deep hatred towards Caucasians. He told me that Caucasians are cloned – and if you are to shake hands with them, you won’t feel their hands because they do not have blood.

I met him again towards the end of July 2013 at EloHIP Poetry Based Art Sound Session at the basketball court in Makhaza (opposite Desmond Mpilo Tutu Hall - adjacent to Makhaza Centre). I made my debut performance that day - and I flunked due to stage fright and lack of rehearsals. He encouraged me to practice continuously and also to improve my confidence.    

Even though I do not know him very well, the news that he passed on came as a shock.

I captured one of his performances with my 7.2 megapixels second hand digital camera. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIwYYD5PeuE

Written by:

Amalahle Ashushu

Ndiyabulela

“Who want to kill this beat?”

The SOS Struggle, Hip Hop n Poetry Session is on - every Sunday in Makhaza Wetland Park. In fact, the session resumed in the beginning of this quarter. I couldn’t make it there due to certain commitments. I went there on Sunday, the 22^nd of March 2015. The session was packed into capacity with hip hop enthusiasts.

The performers filled the park with energy, wit and entertainment. Khayelitsha is blessed with massive talent. This time around, they have competition for two beats prizes. For each beat, four rappers would lace rhymes on top of it – then the winners would compete as finalists - and a finalist winner would walk away with the beat. The beats are produced by M’Zet. He is asking: “Who want to kill this beat?” 

For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/#!/soundzofthesouth?

Hereunder are the pics, courtesy of Amalahle Ashushu:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year

Time moves. Time flies. Time is moving fast. Time waits for no one. Time leaves people clinging on false hopes. Time grants people hope. Time encourages and discourages. Time breeds doom and destruction. Time breeds life and happiness. Time is yesterday, today and tomorrow. And whilst too many people were working very hard yesterday to better the today; most of them are now disillusioned as their hard work could not beget fruits – and the tomorrow is not guaranteed. To some people, the future appears to look bleak. Life got its own disappointments.

There are many people who live their dreams today. They are enjoying the fruits of the hard work that they have pulled through on the yesterday – and the future (the tomorrow) appears to look bright. The wise beings says that time comes for everyone. And when the right time finally arrives, everything falls into place.

And time heals. Time awakens the giant within. Time is cure for pain. Time is tenacious. Time unveils ones strength in the midst of adversity. The wise ancients say that there is always a bright light at the end of the tunnel. And that patience is the best virtue. But one should not slumber as time waits for no one. And time flies.

This moon marks the beginning of the year 2015. It also marks the drawing of new plans; new strategies; new goals; new logic and systematic disciplined approach towards the pursuit of new goals. There are only eleven moons left – and time flies. One should not procrastinate as time waits for no one.

The Amalahle Ashushu blog would like to wish you – honourable readers - a joyous and productive year. May all your wishes be fulfilled; may all your dreams be realized; may all your goals be attained; may all the moons ahead be filled with laughter and happiness. For a change, I was at V&A Waterfront on the evening of the 31^st – and I started the New Year over there. I witnessed the magnificent show of fireworks. It was a new experience for me, and I’m hopeful that few things will change for better this year. On that note: Happy New Year! 

Written By:

Amalahle Ashushu

Ndatenda