Vox Pop with Simphiwe Dana | by Andre Marais

Andre Marais (AM): What does Simphiwe Dana stand for?Simphiwe Dana (SD): I stand for justice. I stand for peace.AM: What inspires your music?SD: The human condition. My roots are everything. I am passionate. I was born in Africa.AM: How did growing up in rural...

World music: myth or reality? | by Andre Marais

It is not unusual these days to walk into any music store and find a category called ‘World Music’ – most commonly displayed alphabetically, according to country and not artist, quite unlike the other products in the shop. The term has become a marketing ploy and a...
Ayanda Mabulu vs Brett Murray | by Unathi Kondile

Ayanda Mabulu vs Brett Murray | by Unathi Kondile

Firstly, I’d like to thank Brett Murray for his contribution to the arts. Secondly, I wish I could deliver canapés and wine to all the South African households who have had the privilege of entering a gallery from the comfort of their homes, courtesy of our media’s...

The naked truth about our culture | by Simphiwe Sesanti

This week the world witnessed a heated debate around Brett Murray’s painting exposing SA president Jacob Zuma’s genitals. Those in defense of Murray argued that this was purely an artistic act, while those in favour of Zuma argued that it was merely the work of a...