Grahamstown elevated

1 July 2011

Grahamstown elevated

Mike Fabricius

The National arts festival is a plinth showcasing some of the best artistic talent in the country. As host of such a celebratory event Grahamstown produces many talented local individuals. Mike Fabricius‘s acoustic sounds has many viewers stunned.

Fabricuis grew up and studied in Grahamstown graduating with a BSC in Zoology at Rhodes University. Like many musicians he practices with his guitar playing small gigs around town like at the monument and the tunnels.

His performance at the monastery in new street was very impressive and charming. Apart from the walk-ins that stumbled into the musical performance, Fabricius was encouraged by the presence of his friends and family. It was certainly delightful to see his father lip singing to his son’s songs.

The quality of the live performance was phenomenal with a voice that would give one goose bumps. Fabricius plays happy universal music that he also describes as “mellow to upbeat”. Although he played a couple of cover songs, he was unique in his execution of the final composition. One of his songs that included a combination of nursery rhymes was ingenious.

It was great to have been there for the live music. The monastery atmosphere was great and the space was suitable satisfying a feeling of nostalgia. This was also felt in Fabricius’s attitude towards life and his music.

Art in Cape Town

June 2011

Art in Cape Town

Samson Cinga

There is something awkward but fascinating about the big guy with hidden face on the painted surface of Cinga’s artwork. He has a target on him that draws your eye more and more into the work. The target in the painting allows one to deliberate its accidental positioning. The multifaceted surface in Cinga’ work extends on to his personal preferences and feelings.

Cinga is a Cape Town born artist who did his primary and secondary schooling in the Eastern Cape, Umtata. He sees himself as the “true Ghetto boy”. He has been exposed to both the Ghetto township life as well as the big city life. These experiences lead him to have a very critical view on life and politics.

His artistic journey as he would say has its beginnings at the Isibane art studio in Kayelitsha. Cinga’s subject matter includes colours and forms that surround us. He sees the subject matter as a part of him. He did a basic design course as well as commercial photography at Stellenbosch Univeristy. As a disadvantaged student from Kayelitsha, he noticed the different lifestyle amongst people from different background.

Cinga works are brilliantly implemented. Their colossal sizes are intimidating yet colourful and playful. Cinga starts them of in an abstract phase. It is hard to tell how each mark, drop of paint and line landed on the surface of the painting. However Cinga insists that he makes no mistakes and that every splash is relevant. He retains some elements from the bottom layer to create a multifaceted surface. According to Cinga, “the process of creating is driven by so many emotions”. He finds himself crying through the process of which he sees as destroying the artwork. Cinga believes that his art speaks a lot about him- it is a part of him.

Battle of the bands

1 June 2011

Battle of the bands

Venue: Purple Turtle

It wasn’t really a battle nor was there a winner determined by a panel of judges. It was however exciting, hot and fun with a climax that lifted us from our chairs to the dance floor. The bands that played that night include; Six Gun Gospel, Kieron Brown from Saintfearless, Dog Town and Bicycle Thief. Although this wasn’t the initial line up, the bands that performed delivered some great sounds and amazing vocals.

Six Gun Gospel was the first band on stage. They were great, unique and creative in terms of bringing together different sounds. They had a female vocalist, 2 guitarists, a drummer and a guy with a harmonica.

I am not an expert when it comes to music but I thought it sounded folklore- country- like. It personally worked for me. My favorite was the muddy waters song. They got that “mojo working” for sure.

On Facebook , Six Gun Gospel describes their music as Backwoods music to soothe deeply troubled souls. It does indeed calm you down.

Kieron Brown followed with an amazing solo. Not only does his presence please the eye (especially for the ladies) but he also has a great voice.

He won me over when he did a cover of one of Taxi violence’s songs

Unfortunately the other band members of Saintfearless couldn’t make it. This did not stop Brown from stealing the show though.

Dogtown and Bicycle Thief played after. Dogtown is like an Afrikaans band, they were also quite good. Bicycle Thief rocked it like they had been playing for years. They were more lively and forceful.

For more information on live gigs in Cape Town, check out the purple Turtle website,

http://www.thepurpleturtle.co.za/#.

It is defiantly worth checking out. Some of the bands above also do repeat performances.

For more information on Six Gun Gospel, check out the following sites;

One YouTube vid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=419hP1EGqQc

Facebook Page

http://www.facebook.com/sixgun.gospel?sk=wall