It goes beyond the realms of any game that merely entertains using graphics and active player participation, because it incorporates aspects that one would not usually associate with gaming; social awareness and education. Described as a ‘ten week crash course to save the world,’ Evoke is a platform that encourages various young individuals from around the world to collectively create solutions to social challenges plaguing many continents, specifically Africa.

Evoke’s creator, Jane McGonigal, asserts that the idea for the game came about as an urgent need to encourage the innovative use of resources available to address the needs of the developing world. She believes that the individual most likely to possess such qualities is certainly a gamer: someone who strives to win no matter what, exhausting all options to maintain their leading position on the score board.

If such qualities were actively applied to resolve issues such as the supply of and access to basic human needs such as water and shelter, adequate health care, education, etcetera; people would not have depend solely on local government. Instead, social development would be addressed in a more skilful manner, drawing ideas from all sources.

An interesting fact to note is that a large percentage of the ideas inspired by the game have come from the most unlikely sources: young people between the ages of 14 and 25 years. Youth who aspire to become ‘World Bank Innovators’.

To achieve this status, individuals had to complete a total of 10 exciting missions in 10 weeks (from the 30^th of March to the 12 of May). During these weeks, participants would unravel the mystery behind various scenes illustrated in a captivating story board, and from there, form their own creative networks and solve real world challenges through brain storming and learning new skills taught online. Among the skills learnt are collaboration, being able to use ones resources sustainably, having knowledge of and a vision for all ventures and entrepreneurial principals that would enable one to address issues in a more business-savvy manner.

The young gamers and social entrepreneurs who take part then stand a chance to be awarded mentorships with successful social innovators from around the world such as Mr Vis Naidoo, the current Citizenship Lead at Microsoft South Africa, and Mr Sebastian Barajas, the founder of Learningworks. Other awards such as scholarships to further one’s education and starting capital for prospective initiatives are also offered.

Evoke is mechanism that clearly demonstrates the collective power young people have, and is evidence that solutions can be formulated by the most unlikely of people inspired by the most unlikely source: in this case, gaming youth.

For now, we wait with high expectations, to see what Evoke’s sequel will inspire of the youth that participate in it.

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In the previous edition of ALIYANA, I may have given away my shoe fetish in the article I wrote regarding the shoe industry. Given my fascination with the subject, I found myself somewhat disappointed at the lack of recognition afforded to shoe designers at Cape Town Fashion Week specifically, and similar events generally.

Over past decades, fashion weeks have grabbed the attention of millions across the globe, providing a platform of expression for those who dare to design, and those who endeavour to attend. Besides their integral role in setting trends, the events have provided substantial investment opportunities for the various designers, advertisers and, of course, the venues.

But what about the shoe designers? Was the return on their investments of time and energy in preparation for such events worthwhile?

Having graced the Cape Town shores in the past week, the Cape Town Fashion Week, at face value, granted many footwear designers the opportunity to showcase their creations in conjunction with various clothing collections. In halls filled with editors, writers, trend setters and photographers, having one’s designs stylishly adorn a model’s feet may seem like a “must have”. However, after much review, I realised that many of those who had attended the fashion shows left with no clue of who the shoe designers had been, and expectedly, many of the designers felt like their brands weren’t sufficiently recognised.

In the event planner’s defence, there was an exhibition at Fashion Week which showcased a wide range of designers (of both clothing and shoe collections), including those who hadn’t taken part in the event. But as usual, the shoe collections only consisted of ten percent or so of the floor’s offerings. It is becoming clear that there is an endemic problem in branding for shoe designers, especially upcoming ones.

As a potential solution to this issue, I would like to see more fashion shows that focus specifically on shoe collections and the branding thereof. The shoes that we wear are a product of someone’s imagination and inspiration. Let us not forget, while applauding other artists and designers, to acknowledge those whose interests particularly lie in footwear.

*Image provided my Thaheer Mullins (www.mrmullins.co.za)

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Events such as the Foschini Graduates Show and the Woolworths Emerging show dedicated their respective ramps to fashion newcomers, who appeared right at home on the runways as they spruced up their models in sassy summer wear that ranged from soft floral prints to the more daring and bold metallic’s for the 2010/2011 season.

I had the privilege of chatting to a particularly ‘fashion forward’ designer by the name of Thulare Monareng, who shared her Fashion Week experience with ALIYANA.

Thulare is this year’s Woolworths ‘emerging designer’, and was not only awarded the opportunity to flaunt her creations at this year’s Cape Town Fashion Week, but will, alongside six other designers, liven up the Woolworths brand by designing her own in-store range.

Many have described her designs as urban and modestly coquettish; she agrees, adding that despite having to confine her style to suit the commercial market in order to target a broader market, she has managed to express the core element of her collection – which is being proudly South African.

This promising young South African designer, who has had the privilege of showcasing at other fashion shows such as Arise Africa and Johannesburg Fashion Week, incorporates a definitive sense of ‘Africanness’ within her collections as she combines lively prints and colours that express her love for Mzanzi and flaunts the curves and femininity of women.

A Thulare ‘Closet Must-Have’  is a black draped dress with heart details on the chest which can be dressed up or down to suit either casual or more formal occasions.

Her modesty and welcoming personality exudes an incredibly positive energy, which keeps her motivated to set trends and create designs that many have come to love. Her philosophy is to enjoy life, push the limits (which helped her win the Most Innovative Designer award at the Cape Town Fashion Festival in 2001,) and celebrate being proudly South African.

If you stay in Cape Town, keep a close eye on Long Street which will soon be the home of Thulare’s exciting new store, that will dare you to see things beyond simple racks of clothes, to a more collective expression of art.

I will leave you with the inspiring words of Craig Native that signalled the end of the spectacular days of Cape Town Fashion Week; as youth we need to encourage, support and advance the endeavours of our fellow African. I do my part,” What You Ghana Do?!”

*Images provided by Thaheer Mullins ( www.mrmullins.co.za)

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For many of us, fashion consists of scrimmaging around in our cupboards to find the least-outdated piece of clothing… and that is pretty much where it ends.

For Lloyd Loots and Casey Walters, fashion is much more than trying to look good, it is their medium of expression. They have dressed celebrities, attended numerous fashion shows, and are well on their way to living up to the title of “next best thing”.

ALIYANA interviews these inspiring fashion designers and chats to them about the challenges they face in their quest for fame.

Lloyd Loots is a qualified fashion designer, and in his career thus far has had the opportunity to dress celebrities including Liezel van der Westhuizen from Jacaranda 94.2 and Idols, for the 2009 YOU Spectacular; Bailey Schneider from 94.7 Highveld Stereo for the charity Wow and Wag Fashion Show; and, more recently, Pabi Moloi from 94.7 Highveld Stereo for the 2010 YOU Spectacular.

He has also had the privilege of working with amazing designers in the South African fashion industry, including Gert-Johan Coetzee and Arwen Swan. This exposure assisted Lloyd in moulding his own sense of personal style. This talented designer also works on his own brand, LIKEITLOVEITLLOYD, which specialises in women’s wear with a touch of the avant-garde. He has also joined forces with the iZindaba Crew as the Fashion Editor on the Fashiondaba side of the Stylelife Guide.

This is what Lloyd had to tell us about his road to success so far:

I understand that you designed Pabi Moloi’s dress for the YOU Spectacular 2010; how did you make that happen?

I originally met her last year when I attended the same event where I dressed Liezel van der Westhuizen. I then followed up with Pabi Moloi and asked her if I would be able to dress her… She chose from a range of sketches that I showed her and then I made the dress up to her exact body measurements.

Do you think that having connections with already-established fashion houses and designers gives aspiring designers an advantage in terms of exposure?

If by connections you mean working with these design houses, [then] yes, I think it does give aspiring designers a certain edge due to them being able to learn from the masters that have spent years perfecting their craft. I have also done internships with Gert-Johan Coetzee who, at the time, was the designer of Diamond Face Couture, and [I have] also worked for Arwen Swan from Arwen Garmentry. In terms of exposure, [when] you work for someone it’s more about what you can learn and not so much trying to get your name to shine through another label. But experience-wise, it is the best option!

Do you think the exposure you got from dressing a well-known SA celebrity has or will open doors for you in the industry in the future?

Pabi [is] the third well-known celebrity that I have dressed and therefore from past experiences, I know that it really does help you obtain exposure. I have also dressed Liezel van der Westhuizen for the 2009 YOU Spectacular and Bailey Schneider for the Charity Wow and Wags fashion show in 2009. If you are also constantly bombarding people with your label they will eventually remember it. In terms of fashion industry contacts, I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity than dressing celebrities.

Do you endorse a formal fashion design education as a necessity to becoming a successful designer?

I personally believe that it helped me, because before I went to university to study my BA in Fashion Design, I did not know how to use a sewing machine at all! And I currently make all the dresses for my brand, LIKEITLIVEITLLOYD, myself.

Tell us a bit about the projects you have worked on or are working on at the moment?

The dress I made for Liezel van der Westhuizen was mostly made up of hand-made strips of fabric that were woven [which created] that chequered look. Feathers were also added to the dress to create a certain “avant-garde” feel to the dress. I also made two dresses for Bailey Schneider for the Wow and Wags charity fashion show. [Both] dresses were auctioned off later on [in] the evening, and the proceeds were handed to the chosen charity of the evening. Pabi’s dress was made up of over 100 individual tea and coffee stained pieces of fabric. The purse was also made by me, and kept more to a structured feel whereas the dress was more soft and feathery. I am currently working as Fashion Editor for the new online magazine called iZindaba. [With] my label, I am currently busy with clients and planning another media function that will occur later this year.

What is your message to all aspiring fashion designers?

I encourage those with thick skin and a passion for fashion with the ability to push through to pursue this career. The fashion industry is a hard one but the more you believe in your creations the more other people will believe in them too.

…

Unlike Lloyd, Casey Walters is still a student at fashion school who has already taken many opportunities to strengthen her craft and talent.

In addition to making tasteful dresses and wedding gowns, Casey also designs and produces jewellery and handbags that she sells under her label called Casey Jeanne Couture. Earlier this year she had an opportunity to work as an intern at JHB based Lunar. Lunar is the lifestyle vision of fashion designer Karen Ter Morshuizen, who has partnered with Paul Harris to create a relatively popular lifestyle brand. Model Lisa Gunelfinger can be spotted on the cover of the July 2010 issue of Fairlady, wearing one of Casey’s creations. Her eye for functional creativity is definitely a force to be reckoned with.

The twenty year old final-year fashion student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) explains to ALIYANA how she made her passion become a reality at such a young age:

When did you realise that you wanted to use your artistic talents for fashion as compared to perhaps to fine arts?

I would say that from about grade eight, I knew that the fashion industry was where I was born to be; [or] more specifically designing for the runway. I have always loved being creative and sketching; however, fabrics, textures, [the] drape of different materials and constructing to form around the body is where my passion is at.

How did you get involved with designing in the Durban July 2010?

The Vodacom Durban July is a part of DUT’s 3^rd year syllabus so it is compulsory for us to do this project. We then get pre-selected by our lecturers from the college to enter the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award. We start this process four months before the actual day of the [event]. There are so many stages to this category of the competition as it is the main category of the whole event.

How far did you go in the competition, and what did the competition mean to you?

The South African fashion industry is one of the toughest industries to break-though in as there are many talented aspiring young designers out there who compete for the same prize. Being a finalist and part of the “trio in full bloom” in the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award is the start to that break-through and it has truly been an honour to have been awarded as one of the three finalists from KZN. I feel privileged to have been recognised for doing something I love and this competition will help me to get my name as a designer out in the fashion world.

Do you think that you are studying fashion leaves you at an advantage to the other aspiring designers?

I think that DUT definitely does offer one of the best fashion courses in South Africa. I do, however, believe that you learn as much as you want to and much of the course is self-taught. The Fashion and Textiles course only teaches you the basic steps and the rest is up to you. Our courses are excellent and it really helps us in getting further out of our abilities and skills. The Fashion and Textiles team does a fantastic job, and the future design students will be privileged to be a part of this department. DUT’s Fashion and Textiles course offers a wide variety of subjects that all students do in order to obtain either the diploma or degree. So when a student receives that certificate they are qualified many different fields and have a variety of job opportunities in different fashion related fields. Our students are more equipped as compared to other students at other colleges.

Is it just as easy to get internships if you have a fashion education background as compared to raw talent and experience?

You definitely need to study first because the fashion industry does not play games. They are very serious and only employ people who have minimum of three years [in] fashion education for internships.  If you have contacts in the fashion industry that are willing to take [the] time to teach you as you work then great, take the opportunity!

Do you think your participation in the Durban July has opened doors that would have otherwise not have opened? Or is the exposure not enough to carry you through your career?

Exposure is 50% of your success. If you don’t get any exposure then no one will know who you are and what you do. In the end no matter how much exposure you get if you are not talented then you will not make it in the fashion industry. The most important things to get right are working on your talent, education, passion, determination and exposure.

Both of these talented young designers are definitely set for big things in the fashion industry. It is not an easy journey to embark on though; the fashion industry is a tough playing field. You have to be dedicated to refining your skill and willing to persevere through hard times. If you are confident in your talent, then stand up and make it happen. Casey and Lloyd are testament to the possibilities out there, as they are enjoying success at a young age.

If you wish to be in contact with either of these designers, then email them on:

Casey Walters: caseyjeanne777@gmail.com

Lloyd: lloyd@izindaba.co.za

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It was sugar, spice and all things lavish at the Lavish Industries artist management and booking agency launch held at La Chetaux Marguex   on Saturday 17^th April 2010. Lavish Industries offers services across numerous divisions including events, décor, artists and stylists; but this night was dedicated purely to the celebration of music. The guests were basking in the luxury that was a room filled with champagne, appetising snacks, and loads of talent!

Managing Director of Lavish Industries, Sheila Afari (a UCT graduate), should be applauded for all her hard work as the event was a wonderful success. Sheila has managed to successfully sign the crème de la crème of Cape Town’s upcoming local talent; with artists such as Megan C, Leo Large, Ph, Franky, Master Lu (formerly known as Crazy Lu when he was still part of Jozi) forming just part of her client list.

It was clear that Sheila had taken the planning of this event very seriously, and it showed in the professionalism of the proceedings. The event was produced by Cameron Arendse, the owner of Couture Concepts, a company which can boast of the single handed production of the UCT RAG Fashion Show for three consecutive years, as well as ALIYANA’s Fashion Show Launch in November 2009.

The turnout to both the interview and artist introductions, and the after-party, was impressive considering that Lavish Industries was only established less than a year ago. The crowd included groupies, the media and even the Senior Account Manager for Music Exchange executive Tim Hill. Music Exchange is South Africa’s first independent music forum, which recently had SAMA Lifetime Achievement Award winner and platinum selling musician and performing artist Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse as partner. Tim Hill told ALIYANA that the main objective of the conference is to boost the quality of South African music, and hopefully to give the artists a chance to break into the international arena: He says, “The aim of the programme is to uplift and educate upcoming artists about what the music industry entails in detail from topics about the contract to marketing yourself”.

The core focus of Lavish Industries appears to be to keep their artists happy, thereby maintaining a positive relationship between itself and its artists. “We like to keep them going and encourage them to interact with each other”, said Events Co-ordinator (external) and HR Manager for Lavish Industries Amy “Chi Chi” Chiwaye. One of their many clients, Laurian spoke to ALIYANA about how her experience with Lavish has been good to her: “It is really cool to deal with real people, because [I have learnt from] having being in this industry for a while [that] you are made a lot of empty promises”. Laurian is a politics major with a passion for the environment. This charming young lady boasts a range of talents ranging from TV presenting, voice overs, and playing a role model for the children of the country as presenter on a live show on SABC 2 called Hectic nine 9.

Another personality that grabs you straight away is the highly talented, Kimberley-bred Megan C. She has done so much in the industry from theatre to international advertorial campaigns, to recording her own album. This musically-trained triple threat is definitely someone to keep an eye on in the future. She currently has a hit single titled ‘I got it’ which is nominated for ‘Song of the Year’ in Star Africa Sounds. She worked with DJ/Producer/Songwriter Ameen on the track, who, incidentally, is also signed with Lavish. Ameen is blessed with the talent to compose music of all genres, and has done work with many of the Lavish-signed artists. For example, he has worked with Frankie M, a young R’nB sensation who hopes to see himself at the Grammys in five years. Frankie describes his style as smooth and sexy RnB/pop, and has performed at numerous events including many fashion shows. Frankie also affirms that having someone like Sheila around helps to minimise the challenges of starting out in the industry; signing to Lavish has afforded much more exposure.

A particularly prominent Lavish artist is German-born Leo Large, who has made it on to the “cool kids” list: he was on the Top five of the Hype Awards last year, has worked with established artists like Proverb, and also has a hit track titled “Kholwa” which he produced for rap/kwaito sensation Slikour currently airing the waves. His circle of friends consists of celebrities such as Morgan Van Staaden (aka DJ Switch), Da Les and Master Lu – who also happens to be signed to Lavish. Master Lu, formerly known as Crazy Lu or Luther, seems to have bounced back after his fallout with SA music sensation Jozi a couple of years ago. He has started his own booking agency called Majesty Entertainment, with partners who are based in Korea and the United States. He also plans to embark on an Asian Tour in July, but is aiming to make his fans “expect the future now” while he continues to make music in Cape Town.

Another artist making music in Cape Town’s CBD is DJ Ph, who holds it down alongside Leo Large at Capello’s on Riebeeck Street every Thursday. If you are an avid Hip Hop and/or House listener, be sure not to miss the Pimp’d Up Thursdays with Ph and Leo Large every Thursday at 8pm (the entrance is free!). Ph displays a range of talents: he co-hosts a show on UCT Radio 104.5fm with DJ Thibo Tazz, is a full-time sports science student, and an aspiring businessman. His business endeavours include designing sneakers and caps with a friend, and he is hoping to get into events management in the future. He has also just completed production on his mixtape titled “Blaqphamas” and assures ALIYANA he is all about pleasing the crowd: “If people want gospel, I will play them gospel.”

There is undeniably some remarkable talent represented by Lavish. One of their clients is still in high school: Ziyaad, popularly known as ZeeJay, played at most of the UCT RAG Orientation Week events; an opportunity which he heralds as the highlight of his career thus far. Presently completing his matric year at Rosebank Progress College, he insists that “school comes first”. He hopes to go to either AFDA or City Varsity next year whilst still pursuing his dream. Another young artist represented by Lavish is second year Film and Media student Tinotenda, aka “Tino Hotstuff”. He has a range of gigs under his belt, even though he only started DJ’ing three months ago. Tino Hotstuff is known for his beat-popping mixes and attributes his style to DJ Trixx.  According to Tino, DJ Trixx has his own style that sets him apart from the crowd; specifically a contemporary street Hip Hop of “commercial artists but not commercial songs”.

If you are into commercial songs, however, do not fret because there is also an artist at Lavish who mixes Urban House-style music: Lu-Kay, who sees himself as one of the biggest DJs/Producers in SA. He hails from Umtata and was not shy to share with ALIYANA his plans of going to the mountain very soon as per the traditions of his Xhosa culture. He produces all his own beats, so watch out for the release of his album after June this year.

Lavish Industries represents the dawn of a new lifestyle, and this event definitely made all those who attended cognizant of the fact that Cape Town does indeed have talent. The city has much to offer, and the talent should be celebrated through soirées like these. The gap between international and local talent is being slowly bridged, and we should definitely support such initiatives in the future.

If you have any queries about Lavish Industries or want to book any of the artists contact Sheila on 021 697 5148 or 079 556 9023, or email her on info@lavishindustries.co.za.

Check out the website to view all the artists on http://www.lavishindustries.co.za and read the blog on http://www.lavishindustries.blogspot.com

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And how it has grown! Starting off with a frightful and spirit damping number of contributers we now have a full team of talented, dedicated writers and editors, each bringing with them a unique style evident in all their work.

These very articles have most certainly inspired the youth of South
Africa to be fearless and motivated you to dream and achieve greatly. They have introduced you to many exceptional business people, musicians, entertainers and ways to save and invest your money. Aliyana has taken you out to lunch at the finest restaurants Cape Town has to offer, celebrated memorable occasions with you, shared fashionable tips as well as covered events, all of which saw to the beginning of great things. Yes, by now, we are more than your sister and close friend, we are a part of your life! As a result, we decided to demonstrate our appreciation through our launch.

The launch of Aliyana was creatively done through a fashion show. The inspiration for the fashion show was fueled by our desire to assist young entrepreneurs in achieving their goals by any means possible. It aimed at giving 18 young individuals comprising of 6 designers and 12 models, the opportunity to showcase their talents; allowing them to gain a kick-start into their desired industries as well as the opportunity to garner recognition for their efforts and talent from established names in the trade. This successful event was not only a great time, it also allowed many to realize their potential.

But this is only the beginning.  Aliyana will continue to inform, entertain and educate its amazingly supportive readers and encourage the efforts of our passionate and ambitious entrepreneurs, who will without doubt, become influential entities within the business world!

We’d like to thank all our readers for their support!

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In fact, I was so motivated that I decided to write an article in response to one of his assertions:

“THE CASE FOR BEING RECKLESS

When we are young, we jump into the pool whether we can swim or not.

We have no fear.

Either we swim or we drown.

Before the age of thirty, important things happen to us which shape the rest of our lives.

The first thing is:

We become aware of ourselves and our own thinking. We reach the age of reason.

The second is:

In our new found maturity we begin to think in a more adult way. We become grown up.

Recklessness and risk are not compatible with age.

Risk becomes something which must be seriously considered.”
- from “Whatever you think, think the opposite” – By Paul Arden

The message is fairly straightforward. But is it actually telling us something new? To me, it sounds like a variation of the same old ‘do it while you’re still young’ argument.

So, Mr Arden, I’m thinking the opposite:

When you are young, take risks. Live spontaneously.

When you are older and wiser, take risks. Live spontaneously.

To be perfectly honest, I don’t know how plausibly I can argue what I’m going to argue, given that I have just happened upon the ripe young age of twenty one. But, for the sake of healthy debate, I’m going to try.

It is too often stressed that there is a definitive shift that occurs as you age, supposedly mature, and have this fairly abstract notion of ‘reason’ bestowed upon you by some unseen, and hopefully benevolent, hand.

For what it’s worth, I sincerely hope that I am not going to wake up on my thirtieth birthday and think to myself that my time for taking risks and living spontaneously is over. (Who ordained thirty the deadly age anyway? No wonder people experience such crises around that age). That being said, if that is the only argument to force people to start living with their minds in the present – and their eyes on the future – then heck, it’s a good one I guess.

But maybe the purpose of the motivation gets a bit lost in its delivery. The idea shouldn’t be to scare the living daylights out of someone by warning them that their hour of pushing up daisies is fast approaching, which is why they should rush out and live their lives on the metaphorical edge before they inevitably become decrepit, drooling fossils.

…Although, you have to admit, it is a somewhat compelling argument. However, the fact is, taking a risk because you want to is better that doing it out of fear of possibly wising up to its recklessness in a few years time. ‘If you don’t do it now, you can’t do it later’ surely won’t reap the same fulfilment as ‘do it now because you really want to and you truly believe it is possible!’

And as for wising up with age, there are always those things deceptively termed ‘calculated risks’. True, they may not be of the same breed as the ‘reckless and spontaneous’ variety, but at least you’re not being safe and boring. I’m not necessarily making ‘safe’ and boring’ synonymous with one another – but when it comes to decision-making, they collide way too often for it to be coincidental.

So, I say live recklessly; take risks and be spontaneous! But do it because it is an exciting and challenging way to live, and not because someone has instilled the fear of the Grim Reaper in you by claiming that one day, when you’ve reached a certain age, your capacity for risk-taking will be irreparably altered.

That choice is up to you, regardless of your age. I just have to look to my grandmother, who last year went skydiving at the age of 69, for proof of this.

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Aliyana was afforded the opportunity to explore the mind and life of this talented singer. We discovered he is blessed with a gift; he is driven by Christ, persistence and an enthusiasm to reach out to the world and impact it with love. Kito’s progression from his youthful band days as a member of Christ or Die, to becoming a solo singer in one of the most prominent towns in South Africa, Cape Town, is proof that this artist is not one to be conquered by the stresses of the music industry.

The twenty nine year old Zimbabwean originally discovered his love for music in his home country through his parents, who are both musically oriented. His father is an avid jazz player and his mother enjoyed country music; their love for music had a profound impact on Kito, who soon became part of three different bands. He learnt about the roots of jazz, and the genre affected him to such an extent that he realised he needed to take his music to a different level. So he decided to go solo.

He followed his dream to South Africa where, he says, the opportunities for artists are greater. The difficulty in pursuing a profession such as singing in a country like Zimbabwe is that there is a stigma associated with studying something other than commerce or science degrees. Kito admits that “my father was skeptical about it as he had attempted a music career; my mother was supportive of me though. Now I have gained my father’s support too.”

He has released songs titled ‘Rise’, ‘So Many Ways’, ‘Ishe’ (which means Lord) as well as many others. Of these, ‘Rise’ resonates with him particularly, because it speaks about the ability people have to overcome obstacles, and make it to the brighter side of life no matter how gloomy the present may be. “It’s about being in a difficult place in life,” he says, “caught up in pain – but at the end of the day you need to rise.”

He explained the dangers of the music industry and why one has to be strong to survive in what is referred to as a ‘cutthroat’ industry. He says that “you may have a studio that likes your music but you do not particularly approve of how they operate because it is not good for you” – in which case you keep looking for one that suits you. Some producers hear a song with great potential and intend to exploit it for their own benefit with little regard for the advancement of the musician.

Kito has given performances at Electric Soup (which was unfortunately recently shut down), Zula Bar and Obsession. Before a gig, he feels it best to try to “get a feel of the venue before the show, so it takes hours to prepare.” He describes being on stage as wonderful and says he finds himself absorbed by the music.

For those that wish to pursue a career in music, Kito advises that “you definitely have to be strong, motivated and inspired.” It is not an easy career to pursue, but if you have a passion and love for what you do, you can succeed; once you get there, the rewards are great. For those that wish to follow in his steps he says “Don’t chase the money, chase the dream.”  Being a musician is something he thoroughly enjoys and he says he is glad he followed his dream. So are we, Kito.

Kito has a gig at Khanya in Claremont on the 21^st of March 2010 and believe us, he is a must see!

KITO: “What sums me up is love. The different aspects of it: pain in love, [the] struggle to find love, joy and peace in love, obstacles trying to sway you away from love; emotions involved in maintaining love, all these situations, the love between man and God, man and woman… [All this] is what drives me to sing what I do.”

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In the last three years of my schooling, I felt as though I’d belonged to a system – in which I’d simply be trained and obligated to bare knowledge.  Teachers walked in and out of my life, and what they’d leave behind were cold facts with which I knew not what to do. I suppose this very knowledge would become my only weapon- way out of this course of slavery defined as education. With this, I worked towards one goal- being accepted into one South Africa’s finest universities, the tool that would cut the chains to which I was tied.  Chains identified as limiting and in most cases unfruitful to my personal being.

Any academic institution is given the duty of making its students feel safe within their environment- physically, consciously and so forth. I believe teaching is not only a profession but an essential commodity of which you influence mankind to transcend beyond itself. Teach me about our struggle , yes, but help me recognize my own, and guide me through it. As is said by Saint Thomas Aquinas, ‘We are like children who stand in need of masters to enlighten us and direct us; and God has provided for this by appointing his angels to be our teachers and guides’.

‘Where leaders learn.’ That is the line that would fuel my desire to be more than a part of a ‘system’. Prestigious for its high quality of education and international recognition, Rhodes University  boasts a historic  beauty in its surroundings and buildings, situated in Grahamstown- known for its many art festivals. Amidst the beauty, the university upholds it’s vision to ‘ be an outstanding internationally-respected academic institution which proudly affirms its African identity and which is committed to democratic ideals, academic freedom, rigorous scholarship, sound moral values and social responsibility’.

Within orientation week, I am approached by the warm and welcoming  aura of strangers with purple t-shirts, whom I  had come to know as our guides into university. A smooth registration, odd weather in which I’d experience 4 seasons in one day, and the word ‘arb’, which according to Rhodiants  is no longer subject to any course you undertake. I am overwhelmed by highly opinionated intellects of all races, sexuality and cultures. With such diversity, there simply is no room for prejudice.  The highlight of my week?  An inspiring speech by Dr Saleem Badat, Vice Chancellor of Rhodes University as he welcomes 1400 first year students.  He addresses us with the reminder that  I am one of 1400/ 5000 or more applicants who were given the privilege of embarking on this ‘new voyage’, for I and every young individual present, are recognized ‘as among the most intellectually talented women and men of our society’. For that I am humbled.

In this surreal moment, he outlines the 3 purposes to which Rhodes has shown to adhere- to produce knowledge to enrich and ‘disseminate the mumbo jumbo masquerades for knowledge’. ‘Disseminate knowledge and cultivate minds’ (which explains the intellects I had been overwhelmed by), this promotes critical appreciation of the way in which we gain knowledge and understanding of the universe, society and ourselves. The last purpose being to undertake in community engagement.  The chancellor highlighted that regardless of where you study; there is a need to be socially aware. Rhodes may sadly be known for the excessive consumption of alcohol amongst students, yet with the alcohol awareness week and the keepsake of its effect, on you and those around you, Rhodes does not fail to guide it’s students in the right direction. There is a broad and productive support system offered, as all students are constantly told to never struggle in silence and isolation. With the words of Paulo Coelho, ‘When you want something the universe conspires in helping you achieve it’, I commend Rhodes for being my universe.

I may have lost sight of ‘what is’, in my restriction whilst searching for something more. What I have lost brings no regret,  because  within a week in which I had reached my strived for  destination, I’d been given new eyes with which to experience and explore not only the  education that would inevitably remain a part of me, but life in a new light. As my Vice Chancellor had said,’ it is said that you are who you are, that is not true, you are who you learn to become’.

Here’s to a memorable voyage.

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