Arts and culture

Khayelitsha Afrosoul singer: Cape Town offers little opportunity for growth

Thembi Kim Mamputa’s first released single is a trip down memory lane that reflects back fondly to her childhood and recalls “good times and growth.”

Dumisani Dabidini

News | 25 April 2014

Where to for Cape Town Pride?

At a meeting on 12 April convened by Ikasi Pride, members of a divided gay and lesbian community discussed the future of gay pride in the city, its steady depoliticisation, its lack of community outreach and its image problem.

Brent Meersman

Opinion | 15 April 2014

Zimbabweans introduce South Africans to new greens

A novelty to South Africans, various green leaf vegetables have over the past few years come to dominate immigrant green market stalls all over the city of Cape Town. The veggies, shunned by many locals, are favoured by many refugees from northern and central African countries.

Ras MiJa

News | 14 April 2014

Musos keep their ballots secret

With parties in full swing out campaigning, some will hire artists and bands to perform at election rallies. GroundUp asked some performers how they will vote, but most wouldn’t disclose, out of fear of being sidelined on various platforms, losing their funding or alienating their audience.

Dumisani Dabadini

News | 14 April 2014

Unimportance: an extract from Thando Mgqolozana’s latest novel

Unimportance, Thando Mgqolozana’s latest novel was launched at the Book Lounge, Roeland Street, Cape Town on 11 April.

Thando Mgqolozana

News | 14 April 2014

Hani’s murder: an attempt to assassinate a country’s future

10 April marks the 21st anniversary of Chris Hani’s murder. His death left a nation wondering what its future would have been like had he lived.

Brent Meersman

News | 10 April 2014

Big year for Aka and Da L.E.S

Since partnering up with Da L.E.S, Kiernan Forbes, whose stage name is AKA, has been headlining more gigs now than ever before, not only for his strikingly unconventional Kanye-esqe style and entourage, but mainly for his lyrics.

Zethu Gqola

News | 9 April 2014

Mamela Nyamza: dancing in Singapore, Cairo and Berlin

Mamela Nyamza started dancing at the age of eight at Zama dance school in Gugulethu in the late 1980s. Today she is a highly acclaimed choreographer and performer.

Pharie Sefali

News | 8 April 2014

Artists and publicists making media synergy

Artists are by nature creative, but many struggle to take their talent to the public. A good publicist might be a wise investment.

Dumisani Dabadini

News | 7 April 2014

Taking art to Gugulethu’s streets

Art came to the streets of Gugulethu at the weekend when the Open Streets Organisation and Maboneng Township Art Experience hosted a march.

Dumisani Dabadini

News | 3 April 2014

Cape Town Jazz Festival workshop in Gugulethu

As the city prepares for the annual Cape Town Jazz Festival on 28 and 29 March, Gugulethu was treated to a preview of what to expect at the event.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 28 March 2014

Evicted Soko African Market traders struggling to get back in business

Two years after eviction from Soko African Market next to Greenmarket Square, former traders say their businesses have collapsed and they are struggling to survive.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 27 March 2014

Postcards with a social edge

Seven women from Makhaza, Khayelitsha, are making a living out of their photography. They take pictures with iPhones, upload them on social networks, and sell the images as postcards.

Dumisani Dabadini

News | 27 March 2014

Theatrical fairy tales come true in Khayelitsha

A variety of theatre troupes showcased their talents in the streets of Khayelitsha with the first instalment of a new festival. It was a promising start on limited means.

Dumisani Dabadini

News | 25 March 2014

Hear me alone: an extract from Thando Mgqolozana’s current novel

Thando Mgqolozana’s literary novel, an otherworldly retelling of the Nativity story, makes a deep, unforgettable impression.

Thando Mgqolozana

News | 24 March 2014

Can you afford to go to a “Ëśfree concert’?

Zethu Gqola went to the Freshlyground performance on Sunday 16 March at De Waal Park. The concert was free, but the experience left her sad and wondering, how free is free?

Zethu Gqola

News | 20 March 2014