Ndzingeko Mabuza AKA Paige wrote “Holy Water” as a celebration of love and admiration of human existence and the beauty of life. The chorus says “why they always coming at ya, but trust me none of that matters” suggesting that you should stand your ground regardless of life’s challenges.
Production by Lindelwe Ndamase & Sipho Monakali
Established in 2016 TNX, previously known as Tonic, is made up of leader singer Keziah Ferguson, bass guitarist Hadley Grecia, lead guitar Tristan Pitcher and Peter Glover on drums. The song Heaven only knows, composed by leader singer Keziah Ferguson, features lyrics and chords inspired by a real-life experience and
evokes heart break, separation and deceit within a relationship. This is contrasted with a sense of gratefulness and warmth for the time they had together.
Production by Sam Carolus
Ndaakuthanda is a Xhosa rap song by Nqontsonqa, a language activist from Grahamstown (Makhanda). In the song he is reflecting about the love of his life, why he loves her and how he initially fell in love with her. The artist is passionate about the preservation of the rich Xhosa language and culture.
Production by Nelisa Kom & Zimkhita Kweza
“They’re taking our jobs” and “corrupting our country”, are some of the statements foreign nationals in South Africa are all too familiar with. They hear these statements daily along with titles such as “kwerekwere”.
For foreign nationals living in Port Elizabeth, each day is a struggle, where they are robbed, killed or denied basic services simply because they are not South Africans. ‘Amakwerekwere” is a film that shares the stories of victims of xenophobia.
Production by Tebo Ramosili & Siyavuya Makubalo
On the streets of Athlone, Cape Town, boys grow up idolizing neighbourhood gangsters standing on street corners and jump at the chance to become one of them – a township celebrity. Grant Porthen was one of those boys. For his mother, Sharon, tough love was the only answer. Eventually she was forced to give up on her son. Grant endured prison, the wrath of the Numbers gang and crystal meth addiction leading to the collapse of his thriving drug empire. Close to Home documents the changing relationship between Grant and Aunty Sharon through the years. Their determination to stay connected through separation and pain explores the deeper meaning of love and family.
Production by Rhea MacDonald, Laura Skippers & Louise Fuller