Pam & Christie of The Arrows

The Arrows were hard at work making toe-tapping tunes long before their hit single ‘Lovesick’ exploded on local radio stations and TV’s. Durban-based musicians Pam de Menezes and Christie Desfontaine released their first EP back in late 2007 and were already making a name for themselves, touring the country with back to back gigs.
Their loyal following simply doubled once more people got a taste of their infectious pop melodies and nowadays, there’s hardly a local stage they haven’t performed on!
Armed with nothing but a drum, a keyboard and a handbag full of devastatingly, honest songs, Pam and Christie continue to the defy the odds as a two-piece powerhouse in the South African musical landscape. Their debut album ‘Make Believe’, released in 2010, has spawned at least three hot radio hits and The Arrows have had successful tours of the USA and Australia.

Personal
Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.
A: Christie Desfontaine and Pam De Menezes
You might not know:
Pam loves to cook and is a brilliant chef
Christie is writing a book on the Middle East

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.
A: Christie is deathly afraid of Spiders and Pam has a severe fear of foot cramps!

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?
A: Hanging in Durbs with our friends is a great way to unwind, we don’t get to see them very often so it’s always great we are able to hang out with them.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?
A: That’s a tough question, everyone would love a house on the sea in Cape Town but we are happy living in Durban.

Music Career:
Q: It seems like 2010 and 2011 have just melded into one long, busy year for The Arrows since the release of Make Believe. Have you had time to write or record anything new?
A: We are actually in the process of recording some new material, which we will have finished very soon!

Q: How would you describe the writing and recording process of ‘Make Believe’?
A: It was a journey and we discovered a lot of things along the way. Let’s just say we’ve learnt a lot for our next project.

Q: What did you hope to achieve with ‘Make Believe’ and do you feel you are getting there?
A: We really just wanted to make some beautiful music. I think we have got there, ha ha!

Q: You have toured the US quite extensively. What kind of shows do you play there and what kind of reaction do you get from the audiences?
A: Generally the reaction from US audiences is great, they are very vocal people, so if they like you, you’ll know about it!

Q: You have chosen to continue performing as a two piece. Are you considering adding any new musicians into the mix anytime soon?
A: We are seriously considering adding a triangle player sometime soon. Our manager is a mean triangle player…kidding, we are happy as a two piece.

Q: You seem to be on the road most of the time. What do you love and hate about the travelling?
A: We are constantly on the road! We love to visit all the awesome places South Africa has to offer, it’s always great to discover new places in our amazing country. The downside to all the traveling is the early morning flights!

Q: What kind of shows do you enjoy playing most?
A: Any shows that have an excited audience who are ready to party with us!

The Arrows

Q: Do you have any shows that stick out in your mind as particularly special?
A: We did an amazing show at Galaxy nightclub in Athlone earlier this year. The people went crazy and we had an amazing time!

Q: How important do you think it is for musicians/ creative minds to meet and collaborate?
A: It’s so important for musicians and creatives in this country to get together. We have such fantastic talent in South Africa and we need to support, encourage and work with each other as much as possible.

Life in South Africa
Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?
A: Crime is everywhere! But we love our country. Proudly South African all the way!

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?
A: No we haven’t, but we do love Los Angeles!

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?
A: Christie would ask how we could practically channel more funds directly into housing projects and out of other nonsensical ones.

Q: South Africa’s greatest musical export is?
A: Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Life in Durban
Q: What do you enjoy the most about living in Durban?
A: It’s green. It’s pretty. It’s chilled

Q: Favourite restaurant in or around Durban for lunch with friends?
A: Corner Café or Tasha’s in Gateway, they both have the most fantastic food and great atmospheres!

Q: What is the one place in Durban that is a must visit for all tourists?
A: Our stadium. It is the prettiest, but we are biased!

Q: If you were able to pick anyone as your mentor, who would it be and why?
A: Christie says Joel Rosenberg because of his knowledge of politics and sociology and Pam says Julia Childs so she could pick her brain for some fantastic recipes.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?
A: The Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

BANANABOY- by Toyko-Go-Go

Greg Darroll is a 23-year-old Durban-based illustrator & graphic designer, also known as Tokyo-Go-Go. Generally working with vector graphics, he designs clean, colourful, crazy illustrations that get people thinking, laughing or just immersed in detail.
He is fascinated by anything and everything creative, however characters, designer toys, 2D animation and T-shirt illustrations are just a few things that inspire him.
His work has been appeared on posters and flyers, t-shirts, toys and skateboards and has been featured in several art exhibitions.
In May this year, Greg and fellow Durban artist Skullboy hosted their own exhibition, Home Sweet Homies at Gallery 415 in Durban and both again featured in the recent skateboarding-inspired show, called Our Lives of Deckadance.
You can see more of his work here, here and here!

Personal
Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.
A: My name is Greg Darroll aka Tokyo-Go-Go in certain creative circles, I’m a 24 year old illustrator and Graphic Designer. I’m currently working at a design studio in Durban called disturbance and I also freelance as much as humanly possible. I guess if someone was to describe me it’s have to involve being constantly busy, whether its doodling, client work, or just on a mission -having said that I enjoy my down-time immensely.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.
A: I’m a complete perfectionist. I’ll work on something for ages making sure each element is just the way it should be. I also tend to have the mood-swings of a heavily pregnant woman. But then again I guess that’s something others DO know about me, or soon find out :)

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?
A: Absolutely nothing! That’s always a good start, reclined on a comfortable sofa watching TV, playing PS3. Spending time with friends is also good though, at the beach, going for drinks, yeah regular vibes.

CITYSTICKERS

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?
A: Gee, um I have strangely thought of this many times before. I’d have to say it’d definitely be a loft of sorts, huge patio surrounding the entire place (plenty of outside working space), big pool and completely covered from floor to ceiling in heaps of art! Oh and little gadgets that complicate the simplest of tasks. I’m a sucker for those things.

Graphic art in SA
Q: Tell us a bit about how you got into art?
A: Well I started off just wanting do draw really. Figured if I went into graphic design I’d be able to draw all day and get paid to do it. I then soon discovered the ability to communicate anything through this career choice. I think my interest in art and design also came from wanting to create and be really good at it. The only way that was going to happen was to surround myself with different inspiration and put my head down.

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I’ve had my style described as cute meets bizarre, or clean weird characters. Strangely those do in fact fit pretty well. My work tends to be very clean colourful vector artwork. It also involves crazy or peculiar characters. Where’s the fun in creating generic people? I also enjoy illustrating things that make people laugh, are relatable and are detailed enough to allow the viewer to see something new each time they have a look at it.

Q: What do you aim to do with your art?
A: As mentioned above, making people think, smile, or evoke the dropping of a jaw is something I think art is meant to do. Engaging and interacting with art is what makes people enjoy it.

Q: What do you think of the art scene in Durban?
A: The scene here is relatively small I guess. Everyone knows everyone, which isn’t always a bad thing. But yeah some mates and I plan to pick things up around Durban and create more of a focus on art and design.

Q: Who inspires you as an artist?
A: Inspiration seems to come from everywhere hey. Even the smallest incident can spark an idea. When it comes to other designers/illustrators, then I have to say Jamie Hewlett first of all. What he did with the Gorillaz was phenomenal. His style is awesome – today and back in his Tankgirl days. Others include J3 Concepts, Rubens Cantuni, Kronk, Daniel Ting Chong, Yum Yum… gee the list can go on!

CACTIED

Q: Where would you like to see your art most?
A: I think seeing someone wearing a tee I’ve done is still pretty exciting, and yeah that is an awesome way for a bunch of people to see my work. Walking advertising really.

Life in South Africa
Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?
A: Nope, not directly, I find people are way too pedantic about crime here. It happens everywhere not just in South Africa.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?
A: Yeah I’m pretty sure everyone thinks about going overseas to live and work. For me, I’d love to live over in Japan.

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?
A: I highly doubt JZ would listen to a chubby white kid that draws all day. But in all honesty I think prioritizing local development is key. Use taxpayers money for crucial projects.

Q: South Africa’s greatest artistic export is?
A: Bitterkomix

I HEART DURBAN t-shirt design

Life in Durban
Q: What do you enjoy the most about living in Durban?
A: The people. Everyone is just so laid back and friendly. Really cool vibe here.

Q: Favourite restaurant in or around Durban for lunch?
A: Craft

Q: What is the one place in Durban that is a must visit for all tourists?
A: Gee, all the tourist attractions are, well, just that… way too touristy. I’d have to say head over to Johnny’s Rotis in Sparks Rd, have chip & cheese roti or a 1/4 mutton bunny. That’s a proper Durban thing.

Q: Favourite place to party in Durbs?
A: Unit11 I’d say.

General
Q: If you were able to pick anyone as your mentor, who would it be and why?
A: Again that’d have to be Jamie Hewlett

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?
A: Got Fight? by Forrest Griffin – one of the craziest dudes around. If I had spent a few weeks reading that in school I’d have been stoked -probably punched in the face a lot, but still stoked.

Neil Roake

Neil Roake is a name many Durbanites recognize. He’s a busy guy who has been involved in the advertising, retail and food industry for the last 20 years.

He was behind the Durban Designer Emporium, and co-founded The Space, which was named one of the 100 coolest shops on the planet by Wallpaper magazine. He was editor of House & Leisure food editor at one time and still holds the post of Creative Director of Durban advertising agency Modern Museum communication, which he founded in 1999 with Jenny Bennett.

Somehow he found the time to produce 5 cookbooks: Life’s a Beach Cottage (2007) which won Best Barbeque and Outdoor Cookbook in the World at the international Gourmand Awards in 2008. Life’s a Beach Cottage: Second Helpings and On the Rocks – A coastal-themed cocktail book that won best South African Photography Cookbook. Shiny Happy People was released in 2009 and is a collection of Neil’s friend’s favourite recipes.

After opening the restaurant, Freedom Café in Durban in 2010, Neil produced the cookbook, Taste Freedom. Egg Designs are responsible for Freedom Café’s quirky decor. A red cargo-ship container, which has been extended with glass houses the main room of the restaurant.
Recently Neil opened Craft Trattoria in Durban North, which features some of the same fun design elements Neil is associated with and an ultra authentic Italian menu.

Personal
Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.
A: Neil Roake, thank god he’s over his mid life crisis.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favourite movie.
A: I LOVE THE RESTAURANT GAME.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?
A: READING COOK BOOKS and watching porn.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?
A: I love our beach cottage at SEA PARK fondly known as SOUTH PARK.

a visual joyride

Cooking, Books & Restaurants:
Q: You’ve recently opened Craft Trattoria in Durban. What made you choose Italian?
A: If you’ve ever been to Italy you will know that it’s hard not to fall in love with this living museum, the amazing fiercely regional food and the accents… and the wine and Milan and Mt Etna and David and Gondolas and Vespas and Spaghetti Vongole…

Q: What can guests expect to experience at Craft?
A: A lot of laughter, buzzy atmosphere, signature dishes such as the CRAFT CARBONARA – a rolled pork belly stuffed with thyme and apple, on creamy linguine with fresh peas, a soft poached egg and watercress. Had it today and “I’m so excited I just can’t hide it”!

Q: You’ve also recently released a new book, Taste Freedom, centred around the food of Freedom Café. What did you hope to give food lovers with this book?
A: A visual joy ride.

Q: You are still involved in the advertising industry as well as owning the restaurants and writing books. You seem like a very busy guy. How do you find time to live your maxim of enjoying good food with good friends?
A: You can count true friends on one hand, so that’s who I spend time with (my hand?!)

Q: Durbanites can sometimes be a little old-fashioned when confronted with new venues/concepts. How do you find Durban has responded to Freedom Café and Craft?
A: Counting by the fact that we served 3700 peeps last month at Craft, I think they like it (Hit LIKE now on our facebook page!)

Q: What kind of food do you most enjoy cooking?
A: Risotto at the moment… crayfish tail, Gorgonzola and toasted pistachio, cauliflower and saffron

Q: Are there other specific cuisines you would like to cover in future books?
A: ARIBA ARIBA…… MEXICO GOES WILD

Q: Who are your food heroes (locally and abroad)?
A: David Wang of MOMOFUKU is awesome, Gabriel Schulman in NYC and locally, MY MOM… SHE IS FANTASTIC!

Life in South Africa
Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?
A: Yes/no!

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?
A: I once considered going to NEW ZEALAND but it only lasted about 3 seconds….. all those sheep and flip it rains and rains and rains and…. Baaaaaaaaaaa…

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?
A: LAUGH MORE!

Q: South Africa’s greatest cooking export is?
A: PRICKLY PEARS

Life in Durban
Q: What do you enjoy the most about living in Durban?
A: THE WEATHER IN WINTER & ZOL (KIDDING)

Q: Favourite restaurant in or around Durban for a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch?
A: FREEDOM CAFÉ DUDE

Q: Favourite restaurant in South Africa? (or more than 1?)
A: I LOVE WHAT BERTUS BASSON DOES AT OVERTURE AND CRAFT TRATTORRIA DUDE!

Q: What is the one place in Durban that is a must visit for all tourists?
A: THE VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE MOSES MABHIBA STADIUM

General
Q: If you were able to pick anyone as your mentor, who would it be and why?
A: ALL my best friends mentor and guide me and encourage me….

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?
A: CHANGES ALL THE TIME BUT ……… CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY…. FANTASY IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG MINDS.

Alistair Hargeaves

Sharks lock Alistair Hargreaves is a Durban boy through and through. After attending Durban High School, where he was captain of rugby and headboy in 2004, he went on to represent the SA o/19 side to the o/19 World Cup in 2004 and 2005 and captained the winning 2005 side. In 2006 he represented the o/21 SA side in 2006.

In 2009 Hargreaves toured with the Springboks in France, Ireland and England, playing two games before an injury forced him out of action for 6 months.

He made his test debut with the Springboks on 5 June 2010 in Cardiff against Wales and represented the Boks again in June 2010 against Italy in Witbank

Sadly injury has once again blighted Hargreaves in the Sharks current Super 15 campaign and he will be out of rugby for three weeks as a result of the shoulder injury that he picked up in the Super Rugby clash with the Stormers in Durban last weekend.

This will come as a blow to the Sharks as he was the main jumper in a lineout formation which the Sharks are looking to improve upon for Saturday’s game against the Lions at Mr Price Kings Park.

Personal

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I’m seriously Claustrophobic! I had to have an MRI scan on Monday and it almost killed me!

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: I’m a big fan of the bush, so I’m up the KZN north coast every time I get the opportunity.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you want it to be?

A: I’m a Durban boy through and through, love the weather and the outdoor lifestyle. My dream home would have an open plan living area, a big garden and lots of space to entertain!

Rugby

Q: What first made you want to become a rugby player?

A: I’ve always been determined to pursue a career in sport, and rugby was the one that opened the most doors for me when I left school.

Q: What do you hope to achieve this season?

A: Consistent quality performances for the Black and White.

Q: What kind of preparation have you been doing for this season?

A: Building up to the season we did a lot of fitness work and weight training, and then as we got closer to crunch time we started to focus on more match specific training, rucking mauling, set plays etc. Now that the competition is in full flight, it’s about balancing the technical and tactical work with the physical stuff.

Q: How do you deal with a tough loss?

A: Not well to be honest! The best thing to do is to try look at the loss clinically, rather than emotionally and find out where you went wrong in order to rectify it the following weekend.

Q: What lessons that you learned in your time with the Sharks?

A: Wow, tons! Compassion, patience, consideration, discipline, responsibility, dealing with success and failure. The list is endless. I learn every day.

Q: What did it feel like the first time you stepped onto the field in a Sharks jersey?

A: It was incredible. I just remember thinking: ‘don’t stuff this up!’

Q: What advice would you offer other would-be Sharks?

A: Like anything in life, with a lot of sacrifice, self belief, hard work, and a little bit of luck, anything can happen. If you are good enough and want it badly enough, then that black and white jersey is never too far away.

Q: Who is your all-time favourite rugby player?

A: Mark Andrews

Life in South Africa

Q: To which three local attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: The Cape wine route, a trip to a game reserve, and of course, a Sharks match at Mr Price Kings Park!

Q: South Africa’s greatest sporting export is?

A: The Big Easy -Ernie Els.

Life in Durban

Q: What do you enjoy the most about living in Durban?

A: The laidback lifestyle and the people.

Q: What is the one place in Durban that is a must visit for all tourists?

A: The newly renovated beachfront promenade.

Kai von Pannier

There are over 100 million land mines buried beneath the surface of this Earth. Someone steps on a mine every 19 minutes – usually women and children. Whole communities live in constant fear and terror thanks to these weapons.

The Mineseeker Foundation is dedicated to the detection, identification and removal of landmines. It also seeks to help those people who have been affected by landmines, by rehabilitating the land and ensuring that these communities have sustainable futures.

They use new technology, developed by the British Ministry of Defence and licensed to Mineseeker to detect mines in an instant.

The Sole of Africa Project was launched by the Mineseeker Foundation so that, once the mines have been identified and the removal process is under way, the land can be released for agriculture and a Foster Management team installed to teach the communities to sow, grow and sell their own produce.

The project has received support from Patrons such as Nelson Mandela, Sir Richard Branson, Queen Noor, Brad Pitt, Dame Graca Machel and Lord Richard Attneborough and counts Diane Holden, Roberta Flack, Lucie Diamond, James CD Porter and Diane Farr among its’ ambassadors.

We chatted to Kai Von Pannier, based in Durban, who is Managing Director of the South African division of the Mineseeker Foundation and Mineseeker Operations.

Personal
Q: How would you like to be introduced at a social event?
A: With fanfare and trumpets, hordes of girls to enter before me and some decent rock music blasting away! LOL

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.
A: I have a great affinity for Polar Bears. I consider them guardians of our planet. They actually came here on comets made of fire and ice. They are our indicators of the planets general health. Let’s face it – it is not good.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?
A: I love mountains, any mountains, walking and climbing them

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you want it to be?
A: I think I have it already! Durban with amazing sea views from Umhlanga to the Bluff!

Sole of Africa/ Mineseeker Foundation
Q: How did you become involved with the Mineseeker Foundation?
A: It is quite a long movie this one! I was marketing manager at Harley-Davidson at the time and organising the International Rally in Durban. The Mineseeker Founder, Mike Kendrick, was in town and asked if he could have the stage for 10 minutes. Those 10 minutes changed my life and I started working with the Foundation shortly after that. It was quite bizarre when I remembered that my father who as a German POW after the 2nd World War in England, swept the British beaches for landmines. Guess we have it in our family DNA!

Q: What has been your proudest moment of involvement with the organisation?
A: Without doubt seeing a 3 year old boy who lost his leg at the age of 2 through a landmine walking and kicking a ball after only 4 hours of receiving his prosthetic limb. You can see the video on our Youtube channel.

Q: Can you give us an insight into your role and duties in the organisation?
A: I look after the development and expansion of our Victim Assistance programs throughout Africa. We are also busy developing self-sustaining agricultural and trade programs. We do not believe in aid for ‘Aids sake’. Aid actually kills people in the long run. We need to give them trades and agricultural futures that will build themselves, first as families, then as villages, then as towns and then as countries. Although aid is necessary it is a short term solution and just gets rid out the symptoms rather than the cause. We have just launched our commercial company Mineseeker Operations. We have developed very sophisticated software that can find landmines from the air using helicopters. We recently conducted trials in Croatia and they were very successful. This technology will be used for commercial contracts and a percentage will be given back to fund the Foundation.

The Mineseeker Foundation

Q: What areas is the Mineseeker Foundation currently working in?
A: We have programs in Mozambique, Sierra Leone and now we are looking at programs in Croatia and Sri Lanka.

Q: How can everyday people get involved and help the Mineseeker Foundation?
A: First step is to become aware of the enormity of the problem. The landmine issue lost focus when Princess Diana died. Mike Kendrick (Founder) and Sir Richard Branson (patron) decided to carry on her legacy. Does anyone actually know that there are an estimated 600million landmines on this planet? The problem is also that people don’t know where they are, so huge tracts of land that could be used is left alone. It really it’s not a question of ‘where they are’ but where ‘they are not’

Life in South Africa
Q: What do you enjoy most about living in South Africa?
A: Pretty much everything except the crime! I love the mixture of people, the vibrance, the weather…it goes on. I travel a lot and believe me…the grass ain’t that greener on the other side!

Q: When asked about crime in South Africa, what is your response?
A: I don’t deny it. It is a very real problem. People need to get involved in some way. The more we all help the better it will get.

Q: To which three local attractions would you first take an international visitor?
A: Mmmmm…the new beachfront, the Berg and any of our amazing game parks up the North Coast like the Umfolozi Wilderness trail.

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?
A: Grumpy ex-pats !!! And our music !

Tresor

Born in Goma (East DRC), Tresor is a musician, now based in Durban.

His style is greatly influenced by soul, rock, experimental, reggae and world music and he sings in a combination of English, French and Swahili.

Tresor moved in Durban to pursue his music in a much more developed industry, where he hooked up with Rod Nichols (owner of Face Studios) and formed the band MAISHA, a multinational world music band which released its debut album STOP THE WAR in 2009 with majority of the songs written by him.

In less than three years, Tresor, together with Maisha, entrenched themselves in the local music scene, sharing stages with many great South African and international artists such as Eddy Grant, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Freshly Ground, Prime Circle, Just jinger, Goldfish, Vusi Mahlasela, Lira, Teargas, HHP, Jesse Clegg and Gang of Intrumentals.

Tresor and the band also performed in events and festivals such as Splashy Fen 2008/2009, Celebrate Durban 2008, Zulu Royal Festival 2008, Mandela Day Concert 2009, White Mountain Folk Festival 2008/2010 and the 2010 FIFA Fan Festival.

Tresor has now set his sights on recording a debut solo album and will host an album fundraiser this weekend at the beautiful Moyo uShaka Pier.

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: TRESOR, 25 year old Congolese-born singer/songwriter based in South Africa, signed to Universal Music Publishing and singing in English, French and Swahili.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: What many people don’t know is that I am a very quiet, reserved and shy person despite all the live shows I’ve played.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: I enjoy being isolated in my little flat writing new tunes, but also enjoy road trips with mates.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: My dream home is a big house with both vintage and modern edge, very spacious, with a music studio inside, a massive garden and great seaview. The house has to be somewhere beautiful in Cape Town.

Music in SA

Q: You’re hoping to release your debut solo album soon. Tell us a bit about the songs and your writing process?

A: Right now I am busy writing new tunes almost every day because I want to have as many songs as possible to choose from for my debut album. Love, life and the challenges we face every day in life like fear, loneliness…are what inspired me to write most of the songs.

Q: What are your hopes for this album?

A: I am recording an EP first before the album, to introduce my music to the world. For my debut album, I want it to be something new and fresh – a style, a voice to be reckoned with in the South African and international music industry. I have a few recording studios in mind for my upcoming record, but Sesalos studios based in Westville is one of them.

Q: What are the biggest challenges of being a musician in Durban/ SA?

A: The biggest challenge of being a musician in Durban is that there’s no music scene here! If you ask me how I survive, I’ll tell you it’s by a miracle! To make a name for yourself you’ve got to relocate to Joburg or Cape Town where the support is massive and the industry highly active.

Q: How is the music scene/ industry different from your home country?

A: The SA music industry is well organised and very promising, but at the moment very small compare to DRC’s one, where local established artists sell more than 100 000 records easily without any strong marketing, as there’s not any major records label there.

Also in Congo, big local artists sell out stadiums and entertain more than 200 000 people, meanwhile in SA to pull such a crowd, It has to only be U2 performing! What I love about the SA music scene, is the speed of its growth. Artists get royalties for their creative work; so it’s a much better industry because artist’s rights are respected, while in Congo and the rest of Africa, music rights don’t exist at the moment, and trust me, the piracy rate is very high.

I love the scene in SA for being structured (major record labels, Samro, great media companies etc and I love the DRC’s music scene for the massive support of local artists and live events.

Q: What advice would you offer other would-be musicians?

A: For all aspiring musicians, music is beautiful! Pursuing it as a career aint an easy path though, Just work hard, believe in yourself, sing always from your heart and someday you’ll see your star shine bright.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes, my beautiful scooter was stolen from my garage. It hasn’t changed my perception of SA because I think the same thing could happen anywhere in the world. I just became more aware.

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: I would tell the president to cut down unnecessary family and government costs like fast cars, flashy lifestyles and help the people living in critical conditions in SA. I also would tell him to invest more in the education of disadvantaged children across SA – build more schools in the rural and forgotten areas, pay reasonable salaries to teachers etc.) – because children are the future of a nation, so they all deserve without exception a right to a fair and free education.

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?

A: It’s hard to only choose one. I think they are quite a few: FreshlyGround, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Late Lucky Dube, the Parlotones…

Life in Durban

Q: What do you enjoy the most about living in Durban?

A: I enjoy living in Durban because of my SA great family and amazing friends I’ve got here! Durban makes me feel whole.

Q: Favourite restaurant in or around Durban for a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch?

A: Circus Circus Pavillion is my favourite lazy Sunday spot. I love their free wireless internet! I used to work there as well.

Q: What is the one place in Durban that is a must visit for all tourists?

A: Definitely, the awesome uShaka Marine World.

General

Q: If you were able to pick anyone as your mentor, who would it be and why?

A: My mentor could be my late mother Elisabeth Mulegwa Fikiri. She taught me a lot in life and made me the man I am today.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: For all pupils, Mandela’s Long walk to Freedom is a must read.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: I would love to wake up in my hometown of Goma(East Drc,Heart of africa)

John Bushell with his daughter

John Bushell is an interesting guy. Originally from Liverpool, he started learning to engineer software when he was just 7-years-old. His love affair with computers has blossomed and he’s just launched an internet startup that has people scratching their heads around the water cooler.
The basis of Moral Experiment: If you came into some money, would you give it away, or keep it?

When you get friends to join the experiment, they pay a joining fee, which goes to you. Participants will then choose what percentage of their moral earnings they want to give to charity or keep for themselves.
But John’s not just trying to make a difference in the world. He’s seriously curious too. He wants to understand the origin and nature of morality itself.
Participants won’t be under any pressure to choose one way or the other but the information gleaned from the participant’s data will create a rich subtext for the experiment, showing statistics such as age, education, race, gender and other factors.

John now lives in Durban and has another full-time job when he is not glued to his computer, working on his latest creation. We wanted to get to know him a bit better and find out more about Moral Experiment.

Personal
Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.
A: This is John Bushell, he is a 29 year old computer geek with a passion for music and science. John can be a bit annoying at times as he spends most of his life in front of a computer. When he is not in front of a computer he enjoys nothing more than being with his family and writing music. John created the ‘Moral Experiment’ concept and developed the site himself. He hopes to do some good in this world.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.
A: I am a real fan of George Orwell. 1984 although depressing is my favourite book of all time. Erm.. I started software engineering when I was 7. My father was on a night course learning Basic on a BBC acorn, I could not help but copy what he was doing. Oh, I am terrible at spelling, being dyslexic, thank goodness for word processors. Being dyslexic has never held me back though, I just had to work a bit harder than everybody else.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?
A: Simple pleasures in life. Making my daughter laugh, cooking a great meal for my wife. Things that don’t cost anything but are priceless.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?
A: It really does not matter too much where it is as long as my wife and daughter are there. Obviously it needs to be safe and comfortable. I have to admit I really like being close to the sea and would not turn down a sea view. I really need to visit some more places in South Africa, its such a beautiful country.

Moral Experiment

Internet Entrepreneurship in South Africa

Q: You’ve recently launched your internet startup, MoralExperiment.com Tell us about the site and how you came up with the idea?
A: Have you ever wondered how or where we humans attained our moral behaviour? Are morals built into our D.N.A. tried and tested over millions of years of evolution, perfected by the survival of human kind – instinctive, like removing your hand away from a flame? Are morals God-given? Or are morals learnt via peers / parents / teachers based on the current zeitgeist not based on religious teachings?

I think everybody in the world has an opinion on how we become moral, or not in some cases. Religious people will say that morals are taught from the word of God/s. More scientific people may argue that we evolved our morals for the survival of future generations. Others may believe that morals have nothing to do with religion or science and are based on teachings passed down from generation to generation.

I want to know where our moral behaviour comes from and if morals change depending on our demographics. I want to know if social stereotypical views on morality hold true. I want to know if religion, race, age, education, employment status play a part in our moral behaviour or if it’s something much deeper than that, ingrained into humanity itself.

I have created an experiment that tests the morality of different demographics to see if there is a difference between these demographics or to find out that we are all them same.

I created a moral dilemma that I can use to test the participants of the experiment. The dilemma is real, something that will have an actual effect on the participants. Asking questions will not be good enough as people will be more likely to lie or not take part. I obviously don’t want the participants to do something dangerous that could lead them into trouble but I do need the participants to really question themselves, search deep within their heart. There needs to be a choice between selfish or selfless behaviour.

The Experiments Moral Dilemma:
If you came into some money would you:
• Give it to charity
• Keep it for yourself?

Q: What have been the biggest challenges in getting the site ready for launch?
A: Everything, I needed to dig deep to make the concept, site and business a reality. My wife and I have just had a baby and I have a full time job. I have not slept much recently. Everyday I ask myself if I doing the right thing, am I putting my precious time into something that’s not going to be successful. I then have these overriding feeling: I want answers, I want the experiment to make a difference in this world and the experiment unequivocally will work.

Q: If you were granted a single wish, how would you use it to improve your business?
A: I wish for participants to instantly understand the concept and aim of the ‘Moral Experiment’. As the concept is a little off the wall it takes a while for people feel comfortable with the idea of paying a subscription that goes to somebody else. I also hope people are at least a little bit moral so we can raise money for charities and good causes.

Q: What advice would you offer other would-be internet entrepreneurs?
A: Don’t give up. I have had so many ideas that have consumed so much of my time and have not been successful. It happens. I just keep on keeping on. Also – forget you have a TV, work endlessly, focus and achieve. Believe in your idea and yourself or don’t bother even starting.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?
A: My wife’s wedding ring was stolen. It was a depressing time. I grew up in England and did experience crime there too, but I never feared for my life. Sometimes, I do here. It’s such a shame as I love South Africa. Durban would be like paradise to me if there was not a problem with crime.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?
A: I think about moving back to the UK all the time, only because I miss my family. I don’t get to see my folks all that much and I would really like to see them more often. If we did move back to the UK my wife would then be in the same situation I am in now. She would miss her family in South Africa and want to move back to SA, so one of us will always be longing for the other side.

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?
A: It’s difficult to know where to start… Education, Education, Eduction. If you want to solve this country’s problems I would tell him to make sure everybody had access to free education that is world class. The better educated the population is the less crime there will be and the more high earning jobs can be created improving the economy as a whole. South Africa needs a first class education system before it will change. It’s like the old fable ‘give a man a fish he won’t be hungry for a day, give him a net and he won’t be hungry again.’ It’s the same for education. People want to learn and better themselves they just need the opportunities.

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?
A: The people and the country itself. South Africa really has wow factor. It’s just so diverse. I have never been to a country like it before. I really love it here.

Life in Durban
Q: What do you enjoy the most about living in Durban?
A: The weather, the beaches and the people. I grew up in Liverpool, I still think Liverpool is the greatest city in the world but Durban comes a close second. If I could transplant the city Liverpool in Durban’s locale I would be in my heaven.

Q: Favourite restaurant in or around Durban for a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch?
A: It has to be Westbrook’s Beach Bistro. Simply the best fish and chips in Durban.

Q: What is the one place in Durban that is a must visit for all tourists?
A: Shisa nyma in uMlazi, My wife took me there. It’s an eye opener of note. It’s not what most people would do but if you want to see real culture spend some time in a Zulu township.

General
Q: If you were able to pick anyone as your mentor, who would it be and why?
A: I am actually really happy with the mentors I had over the years. Ian Finch (Mando Group) for his positive outlook on life – he is the eternal optimist. I really enjoy being around positive people. Also, Suven Pillay (he is now at Amazon), he was a great leader. He helped me understand how software can be developed in a professional manner. I really enjoyed working with him. And most importantly my Dad, I can’t fault the way he raised me.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?
A: Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?
A: Same place I woke up this morning.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?
A: John Lennon. ‘What do you think about the ‘War on terror’? I think he would have a very interesting reply. I wish there was another John Lennon to say it how it really is.

Glen Bo

Glen Bo is an award-winning, alternative stand-up comedian. Five years in the U.K influenced his style which is a mix of dark Brit surrealism and wit, South African story-telling and pure rock’n'roll.
He started comedy in SA but after 2 years moved and cut his comedy teeth in England. Gigging solidly working with the industry’s best and touring like a demon, Bo worked his way up from open mic, to support slot, mc hosting and closing shows. He is also a keen promoter and develops young talent. Glen has lectured at UKZN on the Art and Business of Comedy.

In 2007, he formed the Durban Society Of Comedy (DSOC), which is dedicated to developing, supporting and performing comedy. He also promotes Punchline! Comedy Clubs in KZN and Killer Comedy Eves.
His accolades so far include:
Comedy Industry Winner of: Pro-mo Bunny Award – best marketing of shows award 2007
Nominated in the South African Comedy Industry Awards for the: Da Vinci Award – most Innovative comedian 2007
Nominated in ‘best comedian’ category KZN ARTS
Semi-Finalist: Laughing Horse, National Comedy Comp, UK 2005
Runner-up: Sprite, Def Comedy Jam,RSa New Acts 2001
AT 28 Glen Lectured at UKZN on the Art and Business of Comedy.

Personal

Q: How would you be introduced at a social event?

A: I’d introduce myself as Glen Bo or people would say that’s the comedian guy.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I’m a movie fanatic and randomly quote lines from ‘Snatch’ or ’24 Hour Party People’ to strangers. Or that and I’m an ex sous-chef; I love cooking. “How long for those sausages? Two minutes Turkish. It was two minutes, 5 minutes ago” whilst doing bangers and mash.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Living in KZN now means the coast. I love South Broom. Folks have a house there, it’s brilliant and I get a lot of writing done. In the city I sit in the back of live music venues and watch bands -that’s pure escapism for me. But I miss being able to sit, in a pub with a cold pint, ipod in reading or writing. That was my weekly ritual in London.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you want it to be?

A: La Lucia with an ocean view or Cape Town, love both the Cities. They have lots in common. We all loathe JHB.

Comedy

Q: You founded the Durban Society of Comedy. What does the DSOC do and how has the response to it been?

A: In 2007 when I returned from a 5 year stint in the UK, I wanted to form a platform for new acts and develop comedy. It worked and now there’s a bustling Comedy Scene with not only the DSOC putting on shows. Most importantly we packed Splashy Fen’s Comedy Tent (first one ever ) in 2010 for 4 days. This year two of the guys who started on the DSOC scene now work in JHB and one was nominated in the “Break through” Category.

Robby Collins is his name, he’s like a Son, he also opened for Trevor Noah. You see, Durban is hard. Hard because you play to many of the same people. And your need to tour around SA, makes for a good stand-up. Over all in the Comedy Industry Awards this year there were 8 “Durban Comics” in the Awards- more than Cape Town. So we’re kicking major arse. Plus D.S.O.C Comedy Clubs small or large are always busy.

Q: Of your achievements in the comedy industry, what are you most proud of?

A: Myself and Martin Evans were the only two SA Comics to live and work the scene for 4 years or more. That’s an accomplishment. But realistically it was performing in the Finals for the Mirth Control, York Festival ‘Best New Act’ Comp; Edinburgh Festival; performing in a skit for Royalty ; creating the D.S.O.C and starting the Durban Comedy Scene from scratch – and my solo show which is not filled with main-stream huff and plonk.

Q: What do you think about SA’s comedy scene?

A: It’s developed quicker than any scene in the world in the last decade and all sorts of acts do comedy from all sorts of ethnic backgrounds. This is really great for all comedians. It’s the new rock’n'roll even though some of it, which is popular, is drivel. But overall it’s great. It’s also captured the imagination of the public in advertising, music and yeah… SA comedy is doing well.

Q: What can we expect to see from you in 2011?

A: I’m, planning to release a DVD at Splashy Fen called “Sorry, What?!” It’s excerpts from some of my fav performances over the past 5 years. Also writing a short-film right now and if all goes well – Edinburgh Fringe Festival again with some of RSA’s best alternative comics. That and I’m always touring around RSA. Also Splashy Fen this year will be huge. I’m also re-forming my band the ‘Mind-Bullets’ watch out for that.

Q: What/ who inspires your comedy?

A: Bill Hicks. Eddie Izzard. Dylan Moran. Tommy Tiernan; Simon Pegg; Edgar Allen Poe, Rock, and midgets.

Life in South Africa

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in South Africa?

A: The cavalier attitude we have towards crime and how as a nation we are pretty much open to anything. We’re a patriotic bunch. I just wish we didn’t accept the poor service delivery we get from everyone in “power”. Also we have the most gorgeous women in the world.

Q: When asked about crime in South Africa, what is your response?

A: My response, well armed, sometimes Blue. I’ll say fuck crime. Until parents instil respect and tolerance for others, nothing will change. But I do feel it’s not as bad as it once was. But then again ask someone who’s been really touched by crime and they’ll disagree. In the UK someone gets kidnapped it makes the headlines for weeks. In SA it’s a page 3 lead and no-one cares.

Q: To which three local attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: Cape Winelands. Drakensburg. Durban Comedy Club.

Q: South Africa’s greatest comedy export is?

A: Well John Vlismas did the Melbourne Comedy Festival twice. He is a legend. And no, not Julias Malema, he’s an embarrassment and nothing… I repeat, nothing is funny about him- although the twitter trend of ‘@What Would Julius Do?’ was brilliant. But that was the public. South African’s have a wicked sense of humour online.

Follow Glen Bo on Twitter.

John Ellis

John Ellis, the Durban singer-songwriter who formed and fronted Tree63, one of South Africa’s most well known bands, launched his solo career in 2010 after more than a decade of international success.
His debut solo album, Come Out Fighting was released in June 2010 and represents a new chapter for this seasoned and experienced artist.

Tree63′s first album released in the United States, Tree63, won the GMA Dove Award for “Rock Album of the Year” in 2001.

The band lived and toured extensively throughout the USA for several years before returning to South Africa in 2007.

Come out Fighting has been making waves in South Africa with critics divided on whether his new edgy rock-driven sound is a welcome departure from his latter-day sound or whether he has has lost his way. John has become an outspoken and challenging voice in the local music landscape as can be seen on his blog and Facebook page.

We did a dangerous thing and asked John what he thinks!

Personal

Q: How would you like to be introduced at a social event?

A: John Ellis, a proud Durbanite!

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I’m a chocaholic, a serious book collector, an English lecturer and a budding authority on The Beatles.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: I hit the nearest beach and walk until I truly am away from it all. Then I walk back again!

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you want it to be?

A: For all its grit and municipal mismanagement, I love Durban. I think I almost live in my dream home now: full of family, books, guitars and a sea view. However, Umhlanga is a pretty close second…

Music

Q: You’ve recently released your first solo album following your time with Tree63. How does it differ from your work with the band?

A: I wrote what I really wanted to write, I added instruments I wouldn’t normally have had on a Tree63 record, and it’s not automatically geared toward the traditional Tree63 audience.

Q: Of your achievements in the music industry, what are you most proud of?

A: Three guys from a subtropical harbour city at the bottom of Africa took some music around the world and made an impact. Not an easy thing, and nothing to sneeze at!

Q: Can you give us an insight into your creative process?

A: I spend a lot of time waiting for that feeling of, ‘Oh, I feel like writing a song now’, but when it comes it’s like a flood. Then nothing for 12 months!

Q: What can we look forward to from you in the near future?

A: More songs, more albums, and especially more live shows in and around South Africa.

Q: As someone who left South Africa and returned a few years ago, how do you find the current SA music scene?

A: Very exciting, actually, and way more competitive than it used to be, which is a good and bad thing. Good, because it encourages greater creativity, and bad, because that competitive spirit is increasingly for commercial gain than for creativity itself.

Life in South Africa

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in South Africa?

A: The combination of sheer terror, mindless optimism and indescribable joy that only life in Africa can provide.

Q: When asked about crime in South Africa, what is your response?

A: Our democratic government, while undeniably facing an enormous social challenge, has nevertheless failed its people, creating a nation of poverty-stricken people who have no respect for government or for its police force. Crime is a very obvious side-effect. Focus on bettering peoples’ day-to-day lives, and crime will take care of itself. In the meantime, we South Africans need to lead vigilant lives. It’s part and parcel of living in Africa. No whining.

Q: To which three local attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: Top of the Moses Mabhida arch, the Moyo pier restaurant, and pheZulu.

Q: South Africa’s greatest musical export is?

A: Robert John “Mutt” Lange. Clive Calder. Miriam Makeba. Johnny Clegg. The Soul Brothers. Hugh Masekela. Hard to pick one!

Toni Rowland

Toni Rowland is a singer-songwriter, currently based in Durban. Her debut solo album was recorded in Spain with legendary Uriah Heap musician Ken Hensley.

Her ‘classic-rock/adult contemporary’ style was honed while still living in Pretoria performing with her band Mantis for many years.

Her album sales cover the globe from Brazil to Australia, South Africa to Norway (plus the US and UK) and her music has been playlisted on radio stations around the world.

After a long journey to recovery from Breast Cancer, Toni decided to go solo in 2007 and in 2010 she moved to Durban to be closer to her management team.

In 2009 she joined Rockstar Supernova diva Dilana on her South African tour.

In late 2010 she was approached by the Pink Drive campaign to write and record a theme song that would be used throughout the country to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer.

The result was the anthemic ‘I Rise’, which she performed live at numerous Pink Drive luncheons throughout October 2010, joined by Danny K and Louise Carver. She has just completed filming for the ‘I Rise’ music video.

Personal
Q: How would you like to be introduced at a social event?
A: This is my friend Toni…?

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.
A: I have an honours degree in Archaeology. Also I am cat mad.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?
A: I love to watch a good movie. I also enjoy a good braai with some friends. I’m pretty straight forward.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you want it to be?
A: Definitely a house by the sea. I lived in a house right on the beach during my recovery from breast cancer. This was certainly a wonderful period in my life and I wouldn’t mind settling down there one day. I’m a Cape Town girl at heart, but I have to say that I have come to enjoy Durban immensely since I moved here last March. Mind you there are so many beautiful places in South Africa. I am just thinking of Knysna and Plett too. Absolutely beautiful! So I will have to see where the road of life takes me.

Music
Q: In October you toured of SA in support of the PinkDrive. How was the experience for you?
A: The PinkDrive experience was very special. I never thought my own struggle would one day bring me to a place where I had the opportunity to share and inspire others through my journey. It was an incredible privilege and I also learned a lot from the wonderful people I came into contact with during the tour. I am hoping to continue my work with PinkDrive as this is a cause very close to my heart.

Q: As a Breast Cancer survivor yourself, how did you feel when you were asked by PinkDrive to compose a theme song?
A: I felt humbled and deeply touched. It came as a huge surprise to me.

Q: Who are your musical influences?
A: I listen to so many different artists. My music taste is very varied. What I like most is good melody and obviously meaningful lyrics. Of the older bands I love Fleetwood Mac, Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Ken Hensley, Johnny Clegg, Billy Joel, Stevie Ray Vaughan. My new favourite is Adam Lambert. I think he is a brilliant vocalist. I even enjoy Lady Gaga.

Q: What are your music plans for the near future?
A: Well I am going to start performing more regularly with my new Durban band this year. Also I am hoping to tour overseas in America later this year and after that Europe and Australia will follow, my management are busy working hard on these projects . It takes a lot of time and effort to plan and organize these things but I remain hopeful and positive (and frustrated!). I would like to record another album with Ken Hensley, he has already said that he has his studio ready for me! At the moment, we are shooting a music video for the ‘I Rise’ PinkDrive breast cancer awareness drive, I’m really excited about that!

Q: How have you found living and performing in DBN as opposed to PTA and CT?
A: I think performing is basically the same everywhere. It really depends on how you look at it. The venues in Johannes burg tend to pay better. I try and remain realistic about these things. It is a process and one must just keep on building your profile until you get to play the better paying venues. As musicians we count on our income from gigs, so this is an important factor, no matter how shallow it might seem.

Life in South Africa
Q: What do you enjoy most about living in South Africa?
A: Our country is truly beautiful and there is so much to experience and see. I also enjoy the diversity of all our cultures.

Q: When asked about crime in South Africa, what is your response?
A: It’s a bit much. I try not to focus on it so much anymore because it used to depress me no end. I think people must be realistic about this. It is a problem and it needs to be addressed. If we can solve this crime problem our country would be the best place in the world to live, for sure. As it is we unfortunately cannot ignore the reality of it.

Q: To which three local attractions would you first take an international visitor?
A: Hangklip in the Western Cape so they can see the most awesome sunsets they’ll ever experience, a game park, Teasers :-D. Gosh there are so many great things to do. Recently I took my mom to uShaka Marine World to the aquarium and the dolphin show and it was so great. We had such a fun day. South Africa really is not shy of options to take visitors.

Q: South Africa’s greatest musical export is?
A: Johnny Clegg. He is my favourite.