Conceptually, it would feature an underground hedonistic den of iniquity that would symbolise the darker side of urban living. Behind the scenes were oiled-up models and lacquered lips as a storm brewed overhead and a caged Rottweiler threatened to break loose into the grungy mechanic’s workshop.

Click Expand for the behind-the-scenes fashion video and full shoot
 

Making use of our digital magazine features, we have been able to breathe new life to previous print content – and everything has truly come together, just how we always envisioned! Please take your time to go through this magazine (all at once or a little bit each day) as a lot of work went into producing every edition and every page, since we first launched in 2005. This issue is a superlative balance of content, comprising of traditional and contemporary art, photography, fashion editorials, exclusive interviews, videos, feature articles, music, and the best of one small seed TV.
 
So, without further ado…
 

 
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Pieces of Joburg from one small seed on Vimeo

‘When you decide to stab someone in prison, you pick a basic area to aim for and then rely on your anger. One. Two. Three. Then you hand the knife to someone behind you who makes the knife disappear as the person you stabbed lies on the ground, bleeding out.’

Job ‘Joburg’ Gallie joined the 28s through such an act. An enemy of his from outside had come into jail and Joburg had not wanted to join the number until then. The problem was that no violent acts could be committed in prison without the go-ahead from the gangs. He went to the senior members to ‘look for work’. They provided him with a knife (handmade, of course), and he stabbed the man twice in the head and once in the back. Joburg was dating the man’s sister on the outside and her brother forbade her to see him, telling her that Joburg was no good. She broke up with him. Joburg vowed to get his revenge.

During the interview Paul asked Joburg what happened to the person he stabbed. His reply was:

We became good friends after that… I never got back with his sister though.

top photo: KOPE | FIGGINS
originally published in Issue 22 of one small seed

JOBURG PARTY! A snapshot of South Africa’s new youth underground from Windeck Productions on Vimeo

“Joburg Party”, image: screen grab

“Joburg Party”, image: screen grab

“Joburg Party”, image: screen grab

Credits:

A Film by Rod Stanley & Chris Saunders.
Edited by Rob Hannah.

Music Video Credits:

DIRTY PARAFFIN in collaboration with CUSSMONTHLY
Edited & Directed by: Ravi GOVENDER
Shot by: Justin MCGEE & Jamal NXEDLANA
Animation by: Lex TRICKETT
Styled by: Jamal NXEDLANA & Ravi GOVENDER
vimeo.com/24394476

Dirty Paraffin – ‘Papap! Papap!’
Directed by Smiso Zwane.
Footage by Lebogang Rasethaba.
Edited by Ravi Govender.
youtube.com/watch?v=HITto4e6BK4

Artist: mtkidu
Song: ‘Skeleton key’
album: skeleton key 2012
free music: MT KIDU
Written and Directed by MJ Turpin
Dop: Chris Saunders and Justin Mcgee
Edit: Malcolm Che
Producer: MJ Turpin

MTKIDU SNUFF HOUSE PARTY ARCHIVE 1992.
Artist: Mtkidu
Album: shakawon 2010
Track: ‘Zombie’
Written, Produced and Directed
by MJ Turpin and Nick Nesbitt.
Dop. Robyn Nesbitt
Edited Nick and Robyn Nesbitt.

Bhubesii – ‘Members Only’.
directed by Obrian Manana and Khaya Sibiya
Cinematography Sims Phakisi
Edited By Themba Mbelu
youtu.be/izrRttbuzUA

The original Holi Festival in India is a huge fun-filled celebration of music and dancing, uniquely characterized by throwing special coloured powder into the air (and at each other) to express freedom and the colour of everyday life. The festival concept has quickly gained popularity worldwide with colour festivals springing up in Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Hannover, the USA and Singapore. Now it’s South Africa’s turn to launch its own version of the festival. The colour festivals are all about bringing people together and celebrating the fun and colour of everyday life. To support and reinforce this ethos more strongly we have rebranded to WE ARE ONE Colour Festival and in making sure there is no ambiguity between the SA event and the Hindu festival that it’s based on, the world ‘Holi’ has been removed from the title.

CPT “We Are One”, image: Stu Shapiro Photography

With the Cape Town event on 2 March being a huge success, you can expect nothing less than spectacular for the Joburg festival on the 6 April. Here is some need-to-know info on the line-up and venue…

Line-up
Kid Fonque
Richard the Third
Sadhu Sensi
Toby2shoes
DJ Danger Ingozi

Details:

Location: Emmarentia Dam
Date: Saturday, 6 April
You must be over 18 to enter this competition.

CPT “We Are One”, image: Damien Schumann

COMPETITION

We are giving away one set of double tickets (excluding colour but you can buy colour at the event) to the Joburg WE ARE ONE Colour Festival. To win, simply follow these three steps:

The winner will be announced Tuesday 2 April at 12h00!

CPT “We Are One”, image: Facebook

CPT “We Are One”, image: Facebook

CPT “We Are One”, image: Damien Schumann

images: Facebook, Damien Schumann, Stu Shapiro Photography

©Tomorrow Never Happened

Picture this, directly underneath the M1 Highway is a stage blaring the most potent of dub-step; non-stop. A sea of possessed bodies going crazy giving way to sound at the speed of 140bpm – repetitively. It’s a powerful sound that gives impetus to move like possessed junkies.

Its high energy, charged with the kind of electric feel MGMT sing of and just simply the stuff an epic party is made of. Just a few feet away is another crowd, with a low hanging cloud of smoke and the smell of Mary Jane in the air, bopping to the sounds of the reggae soul of Tidal Wave. Around the corner in a little nook is some hardcore drum ’n bass enough to break ya’ fucking neck. Jozifest boasted three stages; The Mash stage, The Monster Energy stage and the KillCool Stage. The Mash stage was truly pumping!

In the heart of Newtown, the alternative capital, The Mills complex provided the platform for one of the most fervent celebrations of live music in the city of Johannesburg. Jozifest emphatically brought back live music festival culture to the very pulse of Joburg living. Too often, one has to slum it out in the ‘bundus’ to get a fix of raw live performances and a taste of live music festivals. In a different strand, Jozifest unlike Oppikopi, Synergy or Rocking the Daises, ditches the veld to bring a Live Music Festival to the fabric of the city of Johannesburg.

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

The poster reads: ‘One Weekend, 11 International Acts and over 40 of South Africa’s most renowned artists!’ The organisers delivered on that promise, though there were some bands missing in action due to last minute cancellations or for whatever reasons.  I could have sworn there were more and more artists as the line up just kept getting better. Big-ups has to go to the organisers (Cool Runnings, Fourways; Killcool; Hilltop Live; Monster Energy ) for plugging in some of South Africa’s biggest live acts. The programme featured aKing, Zebra and Giraffe, Fokofpolisiekar, Double Adapter, Taxi Violence, Tasha Baxter, Popskaar, Foto Na Dans, Lark and Josie Field to name but a few local smashing acts. Never mind the fact that crowd puller – Die Antwoord - snubbed the fest last minute to make an appearance at the David Letterman show, the turnout was beyond massive. It really shows the hunger for live music in Jozi.

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

I guess my only side eye was the frantic shuffle in programme, which meant I missed some of my favoured acts. Lark was scheduled to perform in the afternoon on Sat, but while spinning in the vortex of dubstep; heard I missed them in the evening. What the fuck.

On the main stage, Tidal Waves murdered everyone with some reggae blues. ‘Original music for original people’ is their mantra and boy do they deliver. These guys are so talented they had me wondering where the hell they have been considering they have been in this game for 10 years. Tasha Baxter was lively on stage. I charge the organisers with a crime, a good crime: there was just so much variety to choose from. Good quality music is rare nowadays and to be spoilt with an awesome line up like this is a treat.

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

I set out to achieve three things at Jozifest.

1) Get a long overdue education on dub-step; its music I dig, but constantly get twisted. My ignorance comes to mind, when I once chirpily Tweeted that Spoek Mathambo had some sort of dub-step vibe and being met with a strong disapproving ‘I hate that shit’ response from Spoek. So you can understand just how essential dub-step 101 is.

2) Interview as many bands and get them to say something quirky but secretly stupid for one small seed.

3) To document the weirdest encounters, that so often transpires at music fests.

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

First objective, well it kind of happened randomly. I spotted a lonesome tired looking chicky seated on a dilapidated couch in the VIP room. In an attempt to be funny, I quipped to my friend: ‘she looks like she would know a thing or two about dub-step.’ Hang on, so it turns out it’s Dj Sideshow post her crazy set, which I missed but heard some awesome reviews. I had no cooking clue that the figure behind Sideshow is a female. ‘I made it rain’ she says, she is not joking. It had literally started raining. As her set unfolded, the heavens had poured down.

So Dj Sideshow explains that they are different types of dub-step. That much I get. ‘Dub-step is about different levels and raising basslines.’ She says she is more gangster. I laugh, and then revert back to a straight face. She explains that she infuses hip-hop sounds into the bass and reverberant drum patterns that are classically dub-step. It’s quite a deep sound. Another Dj that impressed was Kennedy, who for a moment looked ready to launch himself into the crowd. I have never in my life moved with such imprecision and lack of rhythm, but oh so content with it. Those are the makings of a solid Dj.

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

With my all access pass, I really had the freedom to interview any band. But in a frustrating turn, I ended playing an annoying game: ‘hunt-the-band’. Who knew that spotting bands and artists, in a sea of mass produced hipsters of the same ilk would be so hard? aKing, Zebra and Giraffe, Grooverider, Sub-Zero; I have only this to say, ‘where the fuck were you guys?’ Granted I don’t know what half of you folk look like anyway.

Spotted Tamara Dey all chilled out supporting local talent which leads to the begging question: ‘how the hell was Flash Republic not invited to perform?’ Organisers, please note that the flash generation is anticipating a Flash republic appearance next year. I love those guys, but let me rather take this rant to Twitter instead. She whispered in my ear that she is working on a solo project that feeds off her interest in fashion and music. Watch that space.

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

I hijacked Paulo and Rui from 340ml just before they were going to go rock on. I ask them what they are about to serve up with their set? ‘Short and powerful’ says Rui. I dig these guys muchly. Paulo was quite chuffed that the Festival has found a new home in Newtown as this place is their ‘first love.’ Did I mention how laid back and cool these guys? Cooler than a Maputo sun downer.

In all honesty, there is no rosy way to say this: shit got real and then hit the fan. Just the way I like it; crazy, more crazy, throw in a bit of debauchery, some cotch on the shoes and you know a music fest has delivered the goods.

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

Also managed to have a fleeting moment with Josie Field while chilling with her posie in the VIP lounge. I make fun of the fact that did she get an invite coz her name phonetically resembles Jozi? Ok, lame joke but an ice-breaker nonetheless. In actual fact, we had chatted before but was cool seeing her in her true element; in a live music environment. What we both observe is the diversity on display. There was everything for everyone; dub-step, electro, rock, alternative rock, acoustic sounds and reggae. There were stalls, beer chugging, the distinct boerie on the sizzle, the occasional slip in the gutter. There were all kinds of hipsters, conscious afro dread brothers, the jock, vintage gays, mini-skirt girls and more.

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

©Tomorrow Never Happened

Words: Saint-Francis Tohlang

Images: Tomorrow Never Happened

UPDATE: Please note changes have been made to this article. The original full-length version has been uploaded. There were some critical errors that have been amended, and we apologize for the misinterpretations made, particularly around the dub-step genre. Big-ups to Steve aka Audiophile for filling us in on the comments he’s been getting.

Thanks for all those who read the piece and have been commenting on it.

Vuyiswa Mutshekwane, better known as Vie among Joburg’s cool kids, is a radiant young woman who owns the boutique store Twenty Two, situated on the colourful strip of Juta Street, Braamfontein. Another brainchild of Vie’s is Fashion Fridays: a monthly event held at Twenty Two where fashion, art, music and a fashion crowd collide to create a vibey scene.

Words: Saint-Francis Tohlang

Photography: Vie Mutshekwane

Braamfontein has become the artsy capital of Johannesburg; it’s grungy, it’s energetic, it captures the hustle and bustle of Jozi and it’s home to what could be referred to as the city’s cultural underbelly. Braamfontein is a fitting example of a space that breathes life into the CBD; it is an evolving ecology where a cultural movement is taking shape, a cultural movement not yet identifiable or easily clustered into definitive qualities. An initiative like Fashion Fridays adds to this growing cultural movement, where fashion, art and music are digested into a packaged lifestyle.

I went along keenly to check out the hype surrounding Fashion Fridays, questioning whether this was just another pseudo attempt at creating an alternative scene, pretentious by nature and vulgar in its attempt to be different. I anticipate the nauseating fashionistas blabbing about the latest fashion trends or the iconic vintage girl sporting a brown ensemble. But I arrive only to be met by a completely honest vibe. Honest in the way everything just feels authentic.

It’s a cosy store, modest in its dimensions with a distinctly African feel. It’s not an African feel that screams African kitsch. The soft lighting and the warm colours of the walls invite one into the space. There is just that fine ambient sound that makes one feel chilled and at ease. Vie welcomes all the guests with a personal touch encouraging them to browse around and have a drink in the courtyard. The clothing catches the eye and I enquire whether the brands are all South African. I am assured that all pieces are local and lekker.

I chat with Vie, who explains that Fashion Fridays is a representation of ‘the new Joburg’. Vie goes on to say, ‘Joburg is no Sandton City, it’s about being on the street’. Street culture or not, Fashion Fridays works. DJ Okapi, who is proud to strictly play vinyl, is the resident DJ of Fashion Fridays. After stints as a resident in Marvel on Long Street and playing in places like the popular Kitcheners (around the corner from Twenty Two) he has happily found a place whose appeal is in being unique. His selection is different, opting for a more soulful feel. One would swear that this white boy is a child of the soul era. He changes it up with some local eighties pop and funky township jive – just to remind us that we are still firmly rooted in the New York of Africa. It’s an appreciative crowd, moving to his beats, refreshed by some golden oldies and surprised by his musical cues that prompt a shared revisit down memory lane.

The courtyard is where everyone congregates, mingling in the icy weather. Conversation is healthy, ranging from municipal political campaigns, the practicality of suede shoes in Cape Town, toilets (overheard), Lady Gaga and everything and anything one can eavesdrop. Vie is proud that Fashion Fridays attracts a diverse crowd ranging from rugged artists to some wrinkled tannies who still have a liking for happenings. I ask Vie who is most likely to be found at Fashion Fridays. Very tongue in cheek she responds: ‘the cool kids of course’. She elaborates to say that Fashion Fridays are for those who are fashion forward, appreciate innovative things, celebrate local talent and embrace an ‘alternative African lifestyle’ (whatever that means).

I leave Fashion Fridays relieved that it was a breath of fresh air. I have claimed it as a piece of my Joburg, a monthly experience of nightlife retail shopping. It’s all a visual dialogue sparked by the colourful decor, the wayward outfits, catchy pieces and the funk that is abound; all to be revisited, and reinvented next month at Twenty Two.

Tell us a bit more about your musical backgrounds and where it all started.

Musically, our backgrounds differ greatly. Whereas most of the band is classically trained, technically fluent musicians, I taught myself to play based largely upon what sounded good to me. This contrast in style and origin allowed us to fuse raw rhythm with considered grace, which ultimately forms the cornerstone of our work, and follows the larger theme of the “de-polarisation of dichotomy”, around which many of the lyrics revolve…
Mike (Plaxton-Harrison) and I started fiddling around recreationally in 2007, and performing together as a duo from 2008-2010. Midway through last year the outfit expanded to include Jamie Acheson on bass and Steven Bosman on drums.

You classify your sound as ‘medievolutionary’. Please elaborate.

The ability to classify the noise we make has constantly eluded us. In a category-crazed society, definition appears to be the gatekeeper of marketability. “Medievolutionary” is a tongue-in-cheek deference to this obsession. I have always been interested in medieval times, particularly in the way minstrels travelled between kingdoms, regaling paupers and noblemen alike with songs of adventure, vice, humour and wisdom. In an age before mass communications, these musician/storytellers were essentially ‘singing the news’, however abstract or exaggerated the details may have been. What mattered was the thematic universality of their content and the emotion with which it was conveyed. It is from a modern, constantly unfolding perspective of this art form that the term ‘medievolutionary’ arises. But we don’t eat it for breakfast…

Michael-Plaxton Harrison

Your lyrics are dreamy, poetic, with prolific metaphors in songs like Holy Grail. Tell us a bit about this. What inspires you to write like this and what is the message in your music?

For me, writing is its own inspiration. As I mentioned above, I love a song that unfolds like a tale of old, rich with imagery, morality and wisdom. By experimenting with this style, I started subverting the wisdom, questioning the morality and twisting the imagery toward the patently abstract. In this way, with much of the traditional syrupy distraction removed, a binding skeleton of dichotomy emerged – dichotomies that define humanity by framing it on all sides. Conceptual examples are past-future, magic-science, love-hate, addiction-abstinence etc. The polarisation of these concepts interested me, particularly in the way that we define ourselves according to our perceived proximity to such opposing poles. Within the context of metaphor, the lyrics explore the nature of opposites and attempt to reveal that all is not as it seem. And sometimes I just write about STD’s…

A lot of your songs are written like love stories. Are these based on real life experiences?

Sure, but most of them not on a surface level. I find a lot of lyrics that tackle the concept of love on a purely situational level tend to be conceited and irrelevant. It is the lyricist’s task to mix the personal with perspective, as a means to photosynthesise their experience into something externally valid. When love (not self-indulgent pining) travels through both ends of a song, it’s a love song…
You obviously have a strong understanding of the English language… why is this important to you? What kind of tool can it be used for?

Language adds colour to communication. It creates imagery, incites humour, unlocks meaning, engenders understanding, represents style, facilitates discovery and powers the imagination. It also gets you punched in the teeth for not shutting the fuck up…

Dayne Rothbletz

What is it like working with Naming James and people like Shawn Phillips? What other artists inspire you?

It’s been the most surreal part of the sitcom so far. We used to watch Jamie (Naming James) spewing the truth from the crowd, then he offered us our first gig, and now he guest stars for us on the bass…The Shawn experience was also far out. One minute you’re listening to a song on an LP as a kid, and a decade later you’re playing that song with its creator onstage…Connecting with those who inspire you is all the gratification anyone really needs…

Tell us more behind the name of ‘Some Grow Young’.

The name is an invitation. It champions the concept of a life lived light, presents the search for wisdom as rejuvenation, and preaches mischief in place of salvation. If you like…

What are you guys up to at the moment and can we expect a visit to Cape Town?

We’re currently in studio working on our first full album, and will be Capeside as soon it drops… In the meantime, we’re conjuring up something normal for Afrika Burn…

Jamie Acheson

Jamie Acheson

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