SPOTLIGHT on BCM

21-11-2014 Royalty in Trash A princess fumbled in trash in her royal apparel. She stepped into the dumping sight Dirt was attracted to her glory and glow, so it clung on her garments. She literally played numb and neutral, as though she was ordinary. But in the twinkling of an eye, her royal garment was filthy. She stood up and strived to dust herself off But dirt had no idea of who she was, so she was filthy. Though she successfully prevented dirt from getting under her skin her garment was already corrupted. In an attempt to redeem her dignity, she stood up in shock and exclaimed; “I am a princess, filth I touch not. “Dirt I let you defile my decency but I shall rise again. “I shall dust myself off and press on. “I may have stumbled but I know who I am,   I am a Princess.” The Princess staggered in the wrong place at the wrong time but she encouraged herself to press on. Murmuring to herself she said; "What I did today was just so low of me, or i

13-11-2014   EASTERN CAPE artists have traveled all the way to Johannesburg and Durban to record their albums over the past years up to date.    I would ask myself this question, why do they have to travel so far? But i would end up with an assumption   that, it’s probably because the Eastern Cape lacked good resources such as best studios and professional producers at the time, that’s what I thought. Let me take you back on memory lane a little. Do you still remember the gospel groups that paved the way musically when we were kids in the Buffalo City and the Eastern Cape at large, the  “Youth With Mission”  with Khanyisa Nkantsu Sabuka, Pastor Malibongwe Gcwabe as lead vocalists, the  “Lord Comforters”  with the likes of Veliswa Skei and the rest not forgetting Lusanda Mcinga from Umtata, Kholeka Sosibo-Willowvale and many more. I also attest to this " Jo-burg recording saga", I am no exception either. I recorded my fist album in Johannesburg with Sizwe Zako as m

06-11-2014 CARNIVAL! CARNIVAL! CARNIVAL!  Picture: Unknown  'THE FESTIVE SEASON IS HERE!!! Do you want to perform at the   BCMM CARNIVAL ? Make sure you get yourself an   APPLICATION FORM   and submit before the closing date. For all Musicians, Dancers, Poets, Comedians etc the   BCMM SWITCH ON/ CARNIVAL APPLICATION FORMS for 2014 & 2015   are available at the following Municipal Centres for FREE. EAST LONDON EAST LONDON:  Picture taken for directions   Trust Center:     North Street next to Capitec Bank, opposite the Post Office OR Local Economic Development (LED):   Fleet Street next to the Fire Station. King Williams Town Tourism Information Centre:   Taylor Street no. 27, next to Ned Bank, opposite Capitec Bank. Requirements Please make sure you bring a certified copy of your Identity Document, your Profile and a CD if you have one to submit with the form. Auditions will be taking place again this year but

Well before I say anything let me tell you what inspired me to ask this question. I spend most of my time surrounded by young people and as I observe them, there are some concerns I noted which need attention. This generation is quite talented and exposed to a lot of things. Some get the impression that there is so much money in the music industry. As a result they say; "if you can sing, why delay yourself at school, missing out many opportunities when you can do what you love, make money now and school yourself later." So I spoke to a couple of music veterans and supporters.  This is what they had to say when I asked them this question:               Andile Maqoma:  Studied music at the University of KwaZulu Natal in Durban, works at Nozulu Civil,  Owner of Rhythms Musician Development & Events, Music Specialist and a member of a gospel group called STAND.  “I have found that if you're already in the middle of a qualification, finish it. Tha

Picture from Google SOME say the most complicated part in life is getting started. Is that so? Well maybe I haven't been around much to witness that but I have observed in my day and age people who would register companies and quit when it does not flourish, register for school and then drop out in the middle of the year, record albums and give up when they don't hit the market as they expected. So maybe it’s not the start that matters most but the zeal to finish what you started. Which reminds me; I attended a dialog that was held at Walter Sisulu University to launch ZAZI campaign that is aimed at Women and girls. The dialog was conducted by Criselda Kananda, a radio DJ and show host on Metro  FM .     I was so inspired by two ladies who narrated their stories anonymously as a guide to the dialog. One lady narrated the difficulties of a poor background and its challenges. As if poverty was not enough, she said on top of that she had to take care of her

HAVE YOU EVER REGRETTED ANYTHING IN LIFE? LET'S be honest a little, i believe each person may have tasted regret at some point in life. Even if it was just a tiny feeling after a minor or crucial incident that cannot be easily waved off. Some manage to conquer the feeling with time and some just cannot but rather carry the weight through life and it weighs them down daily. The bottom line is, we all have an individual idea of what it costs to experience regret.   Let me share with you one of my own. Picture credit: http://cdn.blogs.sheknows.com/articles.lovingyou.com/2011/03/regret-blog-woman.jpg MY REGRET Why did I attend that event? Why did I even talk to you? At the verge of cursing the day I met you Warm memories gashed through my mind Rushing through my heart I smiled Yet  I regret meeting you. Did I not enjoy your company?  We made endless promises to each other Holding hands, sharing secrets in the park, strolling by the sea Were

  Former Joyous Celebration singer, Siyakha Unathi Mzekeli is making a great impact in the music industry worldwide. Even in the midst of stardom on international platforms such as the Austrian Andre Helle's "AFRIKA AFRIKA”, the much loved member of the gospel group “STAND” has not forgotten his East London roots.   “East London is not just my home but a point of reference to my Christian walk.  I come home for a reality check, encouragement and introspection to correct my path. Johannesburg is like a huge mine filled with everything you want; one has to make serious choices daily to lead a righteous lifestyle" MDANTSANE BORN :   Siyakha Unathi Mzekeli, The man who sings his heart out.  Picture supplied. The 27 year old star was born and raised in Mdantsane by his grandmother then later joined his parents in East London to advance his intermediate faze at Aqua Vista Primary School and matriculated at Greenpoint Secondary School. “My fi

http://res.mindbodygreen.com/img/ftr/WomanShoppingWithBags900.jpeg WOMEN ARE EMOTIONAL SHOPPERS It is said that women are emotional shoppers, Well as a woman myself, there’s something common I noticed amongst ladies, particularly my friends, not forgetting my mom. Each time prior occasions such as weddings, Gala dinners, Concerts and even funerals nowadays, we want to look the best and hey that comes with serious expenses that are sometimes unbudgeted for.  http://yourboohoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/stressful-shopping.png According to a survey report on female economic behavior and the emotional influence to shopping (  www.sheconomics.com/downloads/womens_emotions.pdf  ) the findings stated that “ Shopping   provides women with momentary pleasure but also for some, long term regret”   Now ask yourself what does regret have to do with shopping? Well, as ladies are popularly known for the love of shopping , I suppose regret comes from spending more than