“Poetry Will Save Me”

“Poetry Will Save Me”

We are prompted daily to say these words from a laced script, delivered in a great beat. Now the question is whether-or-not a tape is in the making? Please have the courtesy to say Siiz, coz that would be appreciated greatly. This is my intro to echo in the amazing spirit of this Goddess of a lady. Anything else as replacement is possibly even crazy. This moment is the most important thing in space. Believe and see it, is a chief embrace. Piece of cake of anyone carrying a name meaning “Praise”. To God, Her Majesty, His Grace. UyaSiza Nkosi, hence the people pray.

We have so quickly become fans of Siza Nkosi’s voice in poetry that the whole journey is nothing short of a scholarly experience – a timeless gift to any who has any level of a relationship with words. One thing that magnifies our adoration for her spirit is her usage of poetry to explore space and vacate from tradition. She gives us the view of poetry in the same breath as graffiti has been for painters. They just occupy any space they deem needs it. No matter the reasoning behind it, they take their position and exist, complete as they are. This is an admirable trait in any kind of setting. We do share in the belief that poetry is more a tool for engagement than the uses that have found themselves in the way of the modern poet.

Siza Nkosi is a poet known to stretch the boundaries of convention to acute limits, while looking as innocent as a butterfly on a sunflower. Founder of the House of Siza, teacher of creative writing at Sol Plaatje University in the Northern Cape, representative at the UNESCO culture sector committee, among a myriad of other contribution positions in service to the majestic literary legacy of African people. She is a magnetic marvel in practically any space she occupies. She is indeed a total manifestation of the power of words in creating worlds.

So, whether on stage slashing multi-linguistic mastery on the microphone, or with a band. A jazz band, then a rock band. Or perhaps killing a “Griselda Type Beat”, sometimes she may read from her laptop. If not that, she’ll be reading from her anthology – Ugrand Malume – which has her in studio collaborating with some of the greatest musicians of our time. You shouldn’t be surprised to see her rocking in the belly of the big hole in Kimberly. This Soweto born giantess thrives in connecting people and spaces in her usage of words as the glue of preference - effortlessly so.  We therefore thought it great to share this amazing piece of her work in an exhibition room at the Big Hole Museum.

A Big Hole in A People's Soul

Show some black love to this amazing creative genius as we grow with her on this important, vastly spiritual journey. Support a “Black Genie-US” in her process of becoming. Through ourselves, we heal ourselves.

One Love

D. Quavers.

Remember to get yourself a Ugrand Malume book, t-shirt or hoody. The prices are listed below:

 

Book: R150

T-shirts: R250

Hoody: R440

FACEBOOK: 

Siza Nkosi

House of Siza

INSTAGRAM

@siza.nkosi

FAMILY:

WE ARE THE MONEY

Photos courtesy of:

Hugh Mdlalose

Dumisani Radebe

Siza Nkosi

All Rights Reserved by:

The Black Genie-US Group

 

EAVCRATES EPISODE 2 A MASTER'S CLASS with Bra Khaya Mahlangu

 

The inter-generational cultural exchange dialogue has become a well settled concept in the popular, creative world and yet, the results are yet to show proof of a realized understanding. Besides our love for talking about this understanding of such and other positive ideals, we survive by sounding cool and turning around and living as if that’s enough. Unfortunately, coolness has a random expiry date.

We now know that without action, there can be no revolution, nothing changes. Well, all accept where EAV is concerned. The value of self-knowledge is critical to our principles – which are rooted in the restoration of dignity, self-awareness, & prosperity. These ideals cannot be reached with an understanding of how we’ve come to be. That we will find in listening to and studying great teachers like uBabu Bra Khaya Mahlangu – a national treasure in music. 

The role uBab Khaya has and is playing in the South African & greater global, major & independent music scenes is a combination of phenomenal, humble, generous and highly developmental one. It is one of an unfathomable magnitude. Whether it be through gifts of the household South African jazz classics, teaching young musicians to play, make a living and even go on to becoming superstars of the live music scenes, ubaba has given a fair share of his life in support of others. Myself and many friends included. All with a humble and joyful spirit. A true father in our jazz spheres.

HE is why we as EAV can speak a different conversation when it comes to inter-generational engagement. We speak from a place of using what we have to do what we can – in the knowledge that it is what we do, and not what we think that stands out. Here is our father giving himself to a moment in history, where all he stands to gain is the ears of the present audience. However, what is more evident in his poise is that he is happy doing just this. This a factor we hold in high regard.

Check him out here in a tape made at Native Rebel with the Peanut Butter & Jam Band – a movement that was first to be documented by EAV –playing the famous “Yakhal Inkomoi by Winston Mankunku. This is a documentation of an inter-generational, instrumental and sonic dialogue between a father and his sons. There are great lessons here.

One Love

Dumisani Radebe. 

ENJOY THE VIDEO HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNHQuGUagew

 

A NEW INDUSTRY IS BORN

CALL ALL GUADIANS OF HIP HOP

In the spirit of Hip Hop's original purpose, we invite all who embody it's true spirit to come and share a celebratory moment of it's ultimate revival. Working together with everyone who is willing to believe in themselves, and in black people in general as the creative power that fuels the world - we are walking upon the ideals of a unified African community, economy and nation. Hip Hop has granted us this power and we are gravitating.

This is the first edition of the Dungeon Shack (ONE MAN) Show  - a live performance mechanism that is and has been - among others - upholding the survival of Hip Hop in the township of Soweto from the origin days of Hip Hop public performance. Through the legendary Dj Flex, many who would like to experience the culture are still able to so, and can now even build together towards an accountable future. Our collaboration begins as a revolutionary step forward, with the creators of creative work at the forfront of its ownership, while we ourselves cultivate the industry in which it will exist and be exchanged - from scratch. We believe that if the powers that be can exploit us, it must be that we can do it ourselves. At least this time we are in the boardroom and hace a say, however small the scale. 

To kick this edition off, we begin with our very own @SDMZN - an artist whom we've shelved here at EAV while looking for a suitable manager for him. We've only been doing so because we believ so much in that we would rather hand him over to a manager who is dedicated to that exact job. Hailing all the way from KwaZulu Natal - Newcastle/Empangeni, SDMZN one of the most talented lyricists and songmakers in native tonge. Although his work may be categorized in mainsteam boxes as KasiRap/Drill/Trap - he himself would rather it be called Nguni Rap. If you love super lyrical, smart, inspirational music, then be sure that coming to the show will be one of the best decisions you'll ever made about spending your day.

SDMZN will be supported on stage but other such amazing lyirical craftsment of Soweto such as the hot Kasi Rap duo - Izangoma ZeZulu, Jaz, Sovereign, Shadee Infinity and many other just to name a few. The show will be kicked-off by an open mic session where willing participants are invited to perform a track each for one hour before the main performance, and anyone is invited.

The ambiance will be curated by master connosiers of Hip Hop who've been holding it down from time immemorial till todate. On the decks, are people if whom you don't know, you have to do your research. We will grace with the amazing hands like Dj Zakes of Splash Jam, Dj Flex, Mr C, Biomechanikal, Dj Hi Hats, Big Mic and other great brothers that would make you feel like we're bragging if mentioned them all. 

We trust that, as always we will have a peaceful splendor at the great venue that has welcomed Hip Hop with the warmest hands - Gambu Pallace in Mofolo Village on the Saturday of March, which is the 2nd. Please follow the details of the flyer to find out how to get there. 

In the spirit of developing a self-funded, ownership central income stream for a better creative experience for all, please know that we welcome donations of any kind though aligned with our course.  We lok forward to seeing you at the show.

Thank you in advance.

#dungeonshack1852 #02MARCH2024 #thankyoumeansdanko #ForTheLoveOfHipHop #wearethemoney #hiphopculture #EAV #southafricanhiphopclub

 

BARS IN BARS OUT - THE REAL REMAIN

Yet another soldiers becomes proof of the infinite amount of life living inside the spirit of Hip Hop. Njabz AKA GOD OF WAR. In the spirit of this amazing gift to African people and the world. A great for Hip Hop indeed.

1988/09/12 in Hillbrow , bred, buttered and toasted in Soweto. Son of a single mother of three who rased a community, Father of two beloved daughters. Njabz hails from the golden era of HIP HOP which influenced him to start writing he's own poetry and raps in the year 2000, ever since then he did not look back. He's style of writing is about empowering and convicing people who come from less privileged or not privileged at all communities that they can become what ever they desire to become nothing is impossible. 

 Evolving through the years he became business minded, keen to learn music instruments and photography. Crafted by the streets of Jo'burg Njabz now plays a huge part in activism against social ills, through his involvement in Zanendaba. Zanendaba is a NPO theatre production whose purpose is to raise awareness and tackle different social conditions. Look out for Njabz , soon to massage your ear drums. #Njabz#Vote4wordsmiths BIOGRAPHY Born 1988/09/12 in Hillbrow bred, buttered and toasted in Soweto. Son of a single mother of three who razed a community, Father of two beloved daughters. 

Njabulo "Njabz" Malata hails from the golden era of HIP-HOP which influenced him to start writing he's own poetry and raps in the year 2000, ever since then he did not look back. He's style of writing is about empowering and convincing people . . . who come from less privileged or not privileged at all communities that they can become whatever they desire to become nothing is impossible. Crafted by the streets of Jo'burg Njabz now plays a huge part in activism against social ills, through his latest offering of he's music project "Vote 4 WordSmiths" Being South African born in the Apartheid era raised in the rainbow nation illusion of inclusion era, his voice is the neglected debris that the world turned a blind eye on post-apartheid. He is also involved in Decolonial Futures (through the arts) since 2018 to date, which is a movement between South Africa, Netherlands and presently German artists #Njabz#Vote4wordsmiths

Victory The song that gave birth to the album this is a song I wrote for my daughter, that's the rst thing I did after meeting her as she was a sick new born baby in an incubator. In African customs a man is a pillar of strength in he's family, so it was my duty to write this song in order to motivate my family and myself that we can make it through this and anything in the future. The chorus reads "Never give up just know when to quit Even the greatest superheroes’ soul gets torn. The death of their parent is what they forever mourn tonight be victorious before the break of dawn" this song set the mood for this album.

 Vote4Wordsmiths is an HIP HOP album that is inuenced by the Hip Hop golden era some call it old school I call it true school. It is a jazzy soothing sound with indigenes instruments that are accompanied by therapeutic and thought provoking lyrics that speaks to social ills and struggles' that ghetto youth go through. Throughout the whole world also very motivational to anyone who encounters the album. This is music for all ages, all races unless you dislike the truth that is this. As we all know Hip Hop has a very negative reputation with that being said I decided to release the album in three dierent ways one being music the others being a book and a theatre production That goes to prove that there are many ways to tap into the industry but mainly it's to leave behind something for the kids to study and make them believe in themselves. 14 track album. 

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EMAGINE AUDIOVISUAL

50 BARZ FOR HIP HOP

In celebration of Hip Hop turning 50 this year, EAV would like to invite all who consider themselves emcees to record and release 50 BARZ of true school Hip Hop. Hip Hop, with spoken-word at its forefront of elements was conceived as a black movement to drive positive social change and bring back purpose and dignity to black people. Its proclivity to bring peace has seen it reach the hands of more youth globally than Chinese movie bootlegs. This movement initiated by likes of the legendary Kool Herc in the Bronx half a century ago has since become a multi-billion dollar industry. An industry that hardly respects the initiators or ideals of the creators of the culture that it so largely benefits from. In fact, it spits in the face of the of those who still hold true the foundational ideals of Hip Hop, under the lie of evolution. 

As a birthday gift to this amazing tool of engaginging consciousness, EAV asks that all true emcees give themselves to just one 50 BAR verse for this year and thats it. In the spirit of collaboration, EAV promises the best efforts out of these a video and photoshoot.

Feel free to reach out to us fo a further collaboration on this project through our email, telephone or WhatsApp through the details below.

Email: emagineaudiovisual@gmail.com

Phone/WhatsApp: +27 72 844 3302

Emagine Audiovisual

@emagineaudiovisual

 

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SDMZN JOINS THE SOWETO RAP ELITE

Press Release

Greetings Bel[EAV]ers

The family would like to on board another plane to be launched into the stratospher by EAV, in the form of a brand new artist. Yes indeed, we have a new member to our wonderful, creative-genius family. We are excited to deliver to you, Sdumzin (SDMZN) to the songwriter collective of our roster.

SDMZN, who hails from Newcastle, KwaZulu Natal was handpicked for his exceptional lyical awareness and his ability to let that inform his sound. His diversity in displaying his use of music and language deliver timeless pieces of music is what but only a fool could ignore. The firms current catalogue is of musical purists and therefore the addition of such a character as SDMZN will really serve to have the label's ideas in the public space - while maintaining integrity. His creative ability is unrivaled and can be picked up immediateley in all he touches. 

His Boom Bap/KasiRap/NguniRap upbringing is one of the most present characteristics in his craft however, the amount of supprises packed in is music is unfathomable. His craft spreads across Boom Bap, Drill, Trap and we still can't tell what he'll do next. We will be doing our best to be behind this talent, ensuring that we are able in delivering this amazing phenomenon as it happens. This rare gem is about to take the world by a stormy surprise. wealth, 

We will be giving him full creative freedom as a member who understands what kind of company we are, and our values. This is that space where the narrative changes and we are so super cool with it. Our artist the ones who are already on the path of helping to create a better world - using the creative power of word and sound. All revolutions start from a concerned few.

Please welcome SDMZN with your warmness and trust that this is the beginning of an amazing journey. A journey of restoring hope back to our people and spreading the message of African love, intelligence, innovation and creaive ability. We are in the age of change now and SDMZN is IT. Trust

One Love!

Personnel 

Videos featuring tracks by SDMZN

https://web.facebook.com/emagineav/videos/475049197889738 

https://web.facebook.com/emagineav/videos/1071000100181609

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50 BARZ FOR HIP HOP

In celebration of Hip Hop turning 50 this year on the 11th of August, EAV would like to invite all who consider themselves emcees to record and release 50 BARZ of true school Hip Hop. Hip Hop, with spoken-word at its forefront of elements was conceived as a black movement to drive positive social change and bring back purpose and dignity to black people. Its proclivity to bring peace has seen it reach the hands of more youth globally than Chinese movie bootlegs. This movement initiated by likes of the legendary Kool Herc in the Bronx half a century ago has since become a multi-billion dollar industry. An industry that hardly respects the initiators or ideals of the creators of the culture that it so largely benefits from. In fact, it spits in the face of the of those who still hold true the foundational ideals of Hip Hop, under the lie of evolution. 

As a birthday gift to this amazing tool of engaginging consciousness, EAV asks that all true emcees give themselves to just one 50 BAR verse for this year and thats it. In the spirit of collaboration, EAV promises the best efforts out of these a video and photoshoot.

Feel free to reach out to us fo a further collaboration on this project through our email, telephone or WhatsApp through the details below.

Email: emagineaudiovisual@gmail.com

Phone/WhatsApp: +27 72 844 3302

Emagine Audiovisual

@emagineaudiovisual

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BOPHA GETS STYLISH CELEBRATION

Bopha Blackman, a great drummer member of the South African music family. Now a member of Oddball, Bopha has made quite a large contribution to the sonic aesthetic of the South African indie musical lanscape. He has played and toured with many bands, the likes of Sun Xa, GeeSoul & The Rockstars among many others. The Deep Soweto Kasi Rap legend celebrated an honourable birthday at the amazing Sawubona Music Jam this past Tuesday. As Always, the place was packed with live music enthusiasts eagerly awaiting a fresh audio-trip. Without words, one could tell that the crowd was keen on experiencing Bopha as part of the Oddball gang - since the 4-piece band consists of amazing musicians all-round. The phenomenal instrumentalists are Sandile "Tox" Mbatha (bassist), Musa Zwane (guitarist) and Thula Khumalo, the band's gifted vocalist. They are part of the finest music contributors in Soweto. The Rapping drummer proved that having many talents is in our DNA and embracing it has allowed him to give such a great part of himself to us. His presence brought great light to day of great celebration. Some of the great players for the night included Mabeleng Moholo, Lehlohonolo Duva and Lucky Thobela of the legendary Splash band. The show was also gleefully attended by the great Ntsiki Mazwai - a great spear in the fight for artist independance.

Oddball_RSA

@Oddball_rsa

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SHAMELESS BAND IN THE CAPITAL

Shameless Band SA, one of, if not the busiest indie band to ever come out of South Africa is releasing visuals any time this week. The video is of a song titled "Being High" and was taken at the performance at Fokof Bar in Pretoria in December. Fokof Bar in Pretoria is owned by the legendary Afrikaans Folk music band - Fokof Poliesie Kar. This appreciation across racial lines is absolute proof of the true measure of social advancement SA has jumped from our segregated past. It is proof of the power of music and art in facilitating peace and unity. They are the greatest vehicle in pointing us towards our purpose to humanity and the earth. All colours disappear and become one. The picture of apartheid victims playing in the capital city is one that could only be a farfetched dream for many who lived in our past as it was. A quantum leap indeed in social cohesion. Let this video be a reminder that we have come a very long way as a nation and are on a journey of greatness.

  

Shameless Band South Africa

                                    

@shamelessbandsa

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Dark City Sessions

Dark City Sessions, one of the last things that are authentically being done for the people and by the people, invited us for the 2nd time for their closing session for 2022. It was an honor for Dr. E to grace the line-up which was quiet fairly curated. Very well in terms of acts though quite crunchy in terms of time. THe brothers are doing a great job in uplifting their people's spirit. A huge BIG UP to London X, Tjipo Malankani, Cheese and their great, big team for keeping it together. Through rain and sunshine they make it happen. THe session was attended by Ngwenya (founder of Skwatta Kamp), Black Labone, Black Sun Quest and many more great people of the SA art scene. We were humbled and Blessed. Videos are schedule to drop on EAV_Crates soon.

Dark City Sessions

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Emagine Audiovisual

EAV_Crates

COMING SOON