I gave up the ghost of understanding what exactly I was getting myself into. Described as irritating to some and excruciating to others, the only way I was going to sate my curiosity was if I risked my own skin (so to speak). That blazing inferno of a Cape Town morning along with the weight of my undertaking etched the interior of my skull; this year’s Southern Ink Xposure I would get inked. It took twenty-six years to come about, but there was no room for trepidation today – I had a job to do.

Verba Volant / Scripta Manent

Words by: David Ward

Photography by: Lene Janse Van Rensburg

The first thing I noticed as I flew between the stands at Southern Ink was the obstinate lack of any discernible grimace – these were not the anarchists parents shield their impressionable children from. These were artists enthusiastic to mingle with their audiences more so than any other medium of art. The very unique aspect of the tattoo is using the audience as the medium; how much more intimate can you practically get. The sound of metallic wasps often married with a deathly silence you would get inside a tattoo parlour was now having an affair with laughter and excited conversation. These artists, whose work is usually cut off from the distraction of the outside world by design, were now in the thick of it – displayed as if stars in a counter-culture cabaret. However I never got the sense they enjoyed it as much as they should have; they were the rockstars of the most beautiful city in the world for a day and they were acting as if it were another day in the office (it was no doubt). The responsibility to artistically scar someone for life is a heavy one to carry; I suspect the most conscientious ink-dealers would allow this to influence their lifestyle. Southern Ink would never have worked without the artists’ personal presence and craft on display; although it seems that goes without saying but stating the obvious here validates these bold artists who walk the line of a needle under duress of flash photography, mind numbing questions and mainstream sensibilities.

It should be noted that the SIX 2012 Cape Town International Tattoo Convention was less of a tattoo convention and more of a counter-culture gathering of minds albeit with tattoo art at its core. If next year’s event were to suddenly open itself up to even more aspects of that, it would not be unwelcome nor irregular. Indeed, unless you were there to be drowned in the crowd unimpressively, get a tattoo or drink excessively, there was not much else to do after the first hour. From the self-depreciating popularity that is Rockabilly to your vanilla Goths, whatever definition you choose for yourself (through rebellion or submission), there was more than enough to engage your senses – more accessories and products available than you could possibly need, or know what to do with (seriously, what WAS that tube of cream really for). Emulating exactly the definition-defiance counterculture prides itself on was The Book Lounge’s selection of recommended reading; it was clear what ‘target market’ the counterculture fell into. From Tim Burton to Hunter S. Thompson, all of our dysfunctional (in ways we can only love) role models were there to share the wisdom of the rogue. For those wanting to round out their experience with a more alternative offering, perhaps Southern Ink 2013 (if the Mayans are mistaken) will incorporate a little more; without feeling wholly pandering and without detracting from what is undeniably the main attraction – the tattoo.

The loss of a single life is devastating, the loss of several thousand is a statistic; a macabre example but this is what it felt like to be surrounded by so many tattoos. At first I was starry-eyed and naïve, but one day at the tattoo convention had me feeling like a Nam veteran; “I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe.” The fear many ‘normal’ people have with tattoos, I feel, isn’t the aesthetic quality. Okay, sometimes it is (especially if you’re plastering the devilish grin of the Pope on your calf) but most times it’s the incorrect assumption that most tattoo enthusiasts happen to be kind of anti-social, dangerous or suspicious. A soccer-mom is shopping at Woolies, in steps Lucky Diamond Rich and the rest you’ve already concluded by now – she’s instinctively uncomfortable. Unfortunately even tattoos going ‘mainstream,’ which many of the artists at Southern Ink ironically explained as regrettably natural, hasn’t stopped the perpetual ignorance and misunderstanding of the skin-art. Events like the Southern Ink serve to bring a middle-ground and understanding of the art to the public; in its own way acting as some pseudo-aquarium with tattooed fish (I definitely saw prepubescents running around pointing at “kiff tribal shit”). No matter how mainstream tattooing gets, we will always have to earn our ink at the end of the day. The incredibly courteous and skilled Anthonie from Metal Machine in Cape Town explained that no matter how wildly available and popular tattoos become, we still have to earn them through pain and conviction on top of the obvious monetary fees.

Even though a pay day is a great motivator too, as is only humanly natural.

Eventually after a few Sailor Jerry Pina Coladas and a brief blurry casing of the pavilion, I was ready to earn my own ink. Having vicariously lived through the convention it was time to become a part of it in earnest. Sitting in the chair at the Metal Machine stall, I couldn’t help but feel like an anatomy subject under academic scrutiny – eyes and cameras were on my humble little tattoo as I gritted to anticipate what was once described to me as the most ‘consistently painful feeling in existence.’ As the needle entered my skin I raised an eyebrow, “It feels like a cat scratch.” “So I’ve been told many times,” replies Anthonie.

If I were to summarise the importance of the SIX 2012 Cape Town Tattoo Convention I would say that although it’s main focus is to celebrate tattoos through its artists and enthusiasts, it’s maximum effect will be had on the ‘uninitiated,’ the ignorant, the soccer-moms – this may sound like criticism and it might be if you take intention into consideration, but be reasonable; no one need take themselves that seriously.

Frazier is welcomed home a hero after a decade

When approaching a powerful chemical combination, one needs to be careful to not only get the balance right for fear of an explosion/meltdown, but also know what base is best to create the desired result. In the same vein PUMA have chosen it’s chemical base, the seminal Clyde; the perfect foundation on which to build a revolution. The history of the Clyde began with the man, Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier who took the New York Knicks to their only two league wins in 1970 & 1973. Earning the nickname ‘Clyde’ from donning a hat similar to Warren Beatty (who played Clyde Barrow) in Bonnie and Clyde, it seems fitting that the nickname this seven-time allstar earned was fashion centric considering his flamboyant off-court style which included showing up for games in a Rolls Royce and full length fur coats. Walt Frazier was the perfect combination of effective performance married with exquisite style. This essence of the man was concentrated into the first ever signature shoe, made by PUMA custom fitted to the man that would define swank. The Clydes have since become entangled in many histories from basketball, to hip hop to the skate culture and continue to remain popular even three decades into their production.

Co-Founder Eddie Cruz with Pharrell Williams

Undefeated is more than a store, it’s more than a brand, it’s more than an idea, Undefeated is a full-fledged institution and philosophy. Established a decade ago as a symbol of defiance in the face of fear, Undefeated produces lauded urban garments and street smart kicks which have become synonymous with respect, virtue and quality. Co-founders Eddie Cruz and James Bond are in their own right pioneers, but together they are the perfect mix of business savvy and street style. The filtering down of the brand from two legends into a collaboration of two mythic brands that stand shoulders above the rest only means that this combination is going to effectively blow up worldwide and continue to produce greatness.

The Strip-Off Clydes

The first drop of the collaboration between PUMA and Undefeated, dubbed the PUMA x UNDFTD collection, took a classic approach in a product branded ‘Stripe Off’ as the signature PUMA Formstripe was removed to give it a minimalist and classic look. With the Stripe-Off Clydes the signature gold-foil was moved to the heel and the tongue tag replaced with a debossed Undefeated logo. The classic PUMA FOT moved to the inside collar liner and was replaced with the Strike – the signature mark for the Undefeated PUMA Collection. The reception was incredibly positive proving the partnership effective and giving promise of a longtime collaborative effort.

The Cali-Canvas Clydes

The second drop in the PUMA x UNDFTD collection saw the return of the PUMA Formstripe  and presented itself this time in four canvas color-ways, blue, white, black and canvas beige. Dubbed the Cali Canvas Clydes, the entire upper took on canvas with the Undefeated logo featured on the tongue tag. The consistency of  the quality that has come out of the PUMA x UNDFTD collection thus far has only proven that the next drop is sure to be the most anticipated so far.

The Nylon-Rip Clydes

The third drop saw the product being kept under strict lock and key; seriously harder to break than Fort Knox. This was fitting seeing as the inspiration for The Nylon Rip Clydes happened to be the surge of military themed fashion hitting the streets. The Rip Stop material saw this becoming the most durable pair of shoes you could invest in without mentioning the evergreen classical style that has stood the test of time. Aside from the pearl white, the NRCs come in the darker military colours olive, navy and black. On top of that, the NRCs are complimented by a waterproof jacket further insure nothing short of an airstrike can take out your shoes.

The PUMA x UNDFTD collection is only really kicking off now, finding its feet and already the response has been enthusiastic with each drop building more excitement than the last. Two more drops are about to bombard us with high style and the product is in a league of its own with the quality speaking for itself. The partnership between PUMA and Undefeated will continue to push forward with each drop striving to do something completely new while still keeping the Clyde’s vintage style.

The Smoking Gun said on Thursday that James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond, manager of rapper Game, was also implicated. Rosemond was indicted on 18 felony charges this week.

James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond

Billboard carried a report that said: “A yearlong Drug Enforcement Administration investigation states that the Los Angeles offices of Interscope Records were used for pickups and deliveries of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine in 2010 and 2011. Shipping company Rock-It Cargo, which has a lengthy list of musical clients, shipped music cases that allegedly contained drugs to New York studios.”

Transcript sourced from The Smoking Gun.

What does this mean for artists Die Antwoord who are among 50 Cent, Dr Dre and Black Eyed Peas signed under the Interscope label?

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and what you’re stepping out in is important. Feiyue, pronounced “Feî-ué,” literally means “flying forward” which means your journey will be less about stepping and more about blitzing through in style.

Feiyue in association with one small seed are giving away four pairs of Feiyue kicks online at onesmallseed.com and four more pairs via our Mxit portal using Quizmob – (Mxit>entertainment>Quizmob>onesmallseed).

Making it’s true debut in 2006, a French group of sneaker enthusiasts took the reins of the diachronic brand and has been guiding it globally into a tour de force of vintage charm with contemporary urban style. The changes implemented into the brand over time has seen it pioneering trends in Europe and now primed to take over the global market. Now being sold in more than 20 countries with approximately 1000 points of sale in France and 100 in the rest of the world, they’re on your doorstep ready to kick your door down.

As a brand, the main  goal for Feiyue is making fashion unpretentious, accessible and yet, oh so very stylish with inspired partnerships that are in turn with the creative DNA of it’s core values. Feiyue remains committed to artistic, cultural and expressive freedom; so much so that stepping out into other mediums only excites the brand more with collaborations, colleagues and contributors making Feiyue the fresh brand it is today. As ‘an inspired citizen of the world’, Feiyue encourages artists and creative communities to push boundaries and partner up. With past collaborators reading like a list of volatile prodigies in their fields, they include CELINE, Steph.Cop, NSBQ, Ubiquity Records and most recently André Saraiva. The universal brand is only getting more accessible, ready to take that journey of a thousand miles in a few giant leaps.

To stand a chance to step out in some fly kicks from Feiyue and one small seed, simply follow the three easy steps.

1) Like Feiyue South Africa and one small seed on Facebook.

2) Share a FB status linking Feiyue South Africa, one small seed and the competition.

3) In the status, mention how you would step out in stylish Feiyues.

Winners will be announced online here for the onesmallseed.com winners and on the Mxit portal for our Quizmob winners.

The Umuzi Photography club in conjunction with David Westhead and John Cole from Wilton Pictures recently exhibited the works of eight talented young photographers at the Oxo Tower on London’s Southbank. The exhibition named Wembley to Soweto is a collage of life for these eight young adults interspersed with photos from the 2010 Fifa World cup. The exhibition stands as a terse reminder that service delivery in many parts of Africa is still a pipedream.

While the images speak for themselves I had the chance to interview three of the photographers who are emerging as a talent to be reckoned with. First was Thapelo Motsumi, he stands nervously with hands in his pockets, a camera slung over his shoulder, Thapelo graduated high school last year and is currently on a gap year doing freelance photography for places such as Marie Claire and Vice. His philosophy on photography is simple, ‘I like pictures that have an impact, pictures that show peoples lives.’ His pictures at the exhibition sold out within hours and it’s not hard to see why, the simplicity and beauty in the still images stands in contrast to the subject matter, life in the township.

Shonnez Cassim knows what she wants and is on her way to getting it, a 19 year old student at the University of Johannesburg, Shonnez small frame may fool you but her personality and enthusiasm dwarf her pint size physique. She would like to integrate photography into child psychology and create a learning program for children who in turn would teach other children in the community. As she explains, ‘I’d just like to make a difference.’ For Shonnez there is something powerful in photography that highlights how little things people take for granted can have such a powerful impact on others.

Last up due to her shyness is Patience Ndhlovu, even though her hands flutter nervously and her voice comes out just louder than a whisper her photography speaks volumes, she explains that, ‘ If I want to tell people something I always know that it doesn’t have to be verbal, I can do it with pictures.’ A sixteen year old student with ambition, Patience is not just happy doing photography but also wants to be an accountant whilst continuing with her photographic work.

The Umuzi Photography club started with disposable cameras and a handful of students in 2009 to the present where they run courses from introduction to photography to advanced photography. Their successful model of teaching young disadvantaged children to show their world in photos is one that is going to see photography changing. With Wilton pictures involved in projects in other countries with similar backgrounds such as Brazil, with children from the favellas against the backdrop of the 2014 Fifa World Cup, this mode of photography could effect change that governments have failed to.

Umuzi in the meanwhile is set to expand their current model within South Africa, having already had over 150 students in Johannesburg pass through their learning centre in Bramfontein they are now looking towards expansion in Cape Town. One thing is for certain, the photographers from the Umuzi Photography club have taken a subject bled dry by the media and introduced a fresh new perspective into it. For more information on the exhibition check out their homepage www.umuziphotoclub.blogspot.com or go to www.wiltonpictures.com

Now with the international bands locked in and the event less than a month away, things are getting serious. You won’t want to miss the bus on this one and you have no excuse considering we are giving away a double ticket to a lucky winner. Check out the competition here.

Savanna used their affinity with lemons and lemon trees to promote the annual Arbour Day initiative and encouraged their fans to plant and grow trees. How? By giving away lemon trees in-store, of course! Keep reading to find out about the on-going online competition which involves tree-hugging TwitPics and live lemon-suited tree planters!

Win a Lifetime Supply of Lemon Wedges with Savanna! Find out how by following the post to the bottom.

It was international Arbour Day on 3 September and to show support for this great eco-initiative, Savanna gave away lemon trees to fans who purchased a 2 cases of this much-loved South African cider.

Arbour Day may be over… but the chances to win are not! The online competition is running for the duration of Arbour Week, so those who couldn’t make it in-store can still stand to win a lifetime supply of lemons from their very own lemon tree.

The best thing about it? The tree will be delivered and planted by a larger than life Savanna lemon who will also treat the winner to a case of super chilled Savanna and a gardening kit. This means the next time the big and little hand align to strike Savanna o’clock, they can be assured that they’ll never run out of their beloved wedges.

A Tree-rific Match

Abour Day gave Savanna the ideal opportunity to speak to their existing enthusiastic fans to promote this annual initiative and spread the love for trees and our environment.

How Do You Enter Online?

• Check out the details on Facebook
• Make sure you follow @SavannaCider on Twitter
• Tweet a picture of you hugging a tree (or even just a lemon) using the hashtag #SavannaLemonTree

So… If you’re a nature lovin’, Savanna drinkin’ eco-aware kinda person… Branch out and start tweeting!

Records exist to be broken and documented. In 2001 PJ Harvey took the Barclaycard Mercury Prize and now breaking the record for being the first and only artist to win it a second time a decade later on 6 September 2011.

The night of PJ Harvey’s first win was of course overshadowed by the events of that September 11th 2001 day. When she got her second chance, a first time event for any artist to win the Barclaycard Mercury twice, she had some inspiring words to say referencing her first win.

It’s nice to actually be here. I was in in Washington DC watching The Pentagon burning from my hotel window, so it’s good to be here. So much has happened since then. This album took me a long time write. It was very important to me, I wanted to make something that was meaningful not just for myself but for other people, hopefully to make something that would last.

She was also the first to perform at the event on the same night the performer would go on to win it, beating out Adele who was also meant to perform but had to duck out for health issues. Harvey accepted the £20,000 cash prize with a decisive speech and graceful presence. “First of all I’d like to say thank you very much for this award, and the recognition of my work on this album,” she said. Harvey went on to thank “the people that have supported her throughout her career,” her manager, her record company Island, agents and “those who helped me make ‘Let England Shake.'”

This week we’ll make you laugh with Pablo Francisco, rock out with The Used, turn over a table or two with Fruit and Veggies and get your heart pumping with our Self-Made shoot. There’s much more to see so don’t miss this one.

Pablo Francisco
Fruit and Veggies
The Used
Fokoffpolisiekar
Lark
Self Made shoot
The HedKandi Experience
Southern Comfort Creative Exchange
Ten For Grandpa
Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Sometimes it takes an idea to uplift a community, a project, a labor of love. For Paul Du Toit the time had come to rejuvenate Hout Bay and he would use the youth to breath fresh air into the community.

Sharing a vision, South African artist and local resident of Hout Bay, Paul Du Toit teamed with Bay Harbour Market owner Anthony Stroebel on a project destined to transform an old fishing factory into a thriving bazaar of culture, authentic crafts and  Cape cuisine.  With the help of local school kids, Paul has embarked on a journey to transform the exterior wall of the Bay Harbour Market into a work of art the locals can be proud of as a badge of transformation and social development.

With exhibits from Hong Kong to New York and back again, Paul not only has achieved commercial success, but he gives of his time generously to charities such as Children’s Hospital Trust, Peninsula school feeding program, the Homestead project for the street children of Cape Town and Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Campaign.

The community is helping the transformation of infamously sleepy Hout Bay into a vibrant destination that is unique in flavour and rich in active trade from local handcrafted leather to fresh delicacies to seasonal flowers and music among much more. This inspirational project surrounds the Bay Harbour market with colourful a message of unity and community support.