Mzoo Spot

The State Theatre hosted a Fela Mzantsi Festival this past week incorporating music, drama, poetry and comedy. Judging by the numbers in the three shows I attended, this was a successful exercise. Ringo and Thandiswa were sold out, HHP and Rhythmic Elements and Sammy Fever pulled good audience. On the same night that Ringo was performing a group of youngsters from Soshanguve, Afro Percent was given space to showcase their talent. After seeing those boys I was reassured that at least we still have talent in abundance this country. The very same boys were playing for the Rhythmic Elements. Rhythmic Elements are a talented bunch of guys with a unique sound – putting unusual vocal style on top of what sound like house rhythms. This is Kwaito in a different slant. Meanwhile the comedy scene has grown with leaps and bounds among Blacks acts at least. I remember in 1999 at the Grahamstown Festival, the only Black comedian there was David Kau. All the other acts were White, eg., Mel Miller, ...

Still on the matter of service; last week I bought a bottle of Powerade, and after a few sips I descovered that there was some foreign object inside. The following day, I e-mailed the company that makes the drink, ABI to notify them about this. A few hours later I was called with an assurance that my complaint will be dealt with shortly. Indeed ABI sent somebody to collect the offending bottle and on top of that, I received two bottles of Powerade. So it is good to complain when the service is below par. When I heard that Ringo will be perfoming at the State Theatre, I quickly rushed to get myself a ticket. Indeed it was a sold out show. A group youngsters from Soshanguve called Afro Percent warmed the stage for Ringo. I must say they literally livened the mood. They delivered beautiful funk. After them it was Mathapelo whose also originally from Soshanguve. The lady is produced by Ringo and is extremely beautiful,but her music did not really move me. In a way she was introducing her n...