Mandela Memorial concert at Rhodes University

Report by Robyn Wertheim & Cindy Archillies

On 28 February students from Rhodes University in Grahamstown, came together to honour ex-President Nelson Mandela through song, music and dance at the Nelson Mandela Memorial Concert. The concert which was hosted at the Settlers Monument featured performances by Rhodes Acapella group Signature Sound, Tri Factor, E-Lastic Band, and Rhodes Dance Society amongst others.

Rhodes University SRC Media Councillor Brian Mabe, explains that the concert took place this late because students were on vacation at the time of ex-President Nelson Mandela’s passing. For performers, E-Lastic band this was a particularly special night because it allowed different people from Rhodes University to showcase their talent while at the same time honouring Nelson Mandela.

ESCOM in SA energy crisis

Report by Robyn Wertheim & Cindy Archillies

South Africa’s electricity crisis cannot be solely solved by reducing domestic consumption. Eskom’s accountability and their monopoly position are put under the lens by Economics Professor Gavin Keeton and The South African Civil Society Information Service (SACSIS) columnist Glenn Ashton.

Freedom – VonDirty

Production by Cindy Achilles & Robyn Wertheim

Freedom is a house track produced by Grahamstown DJ VonDirty featuring Saya that tells the story of two unrequited lovers. The video tells the story of a woman who is getting ready for a night out. While she is getting ready we enter her fantasies where her lover is helping her to get dressed. Once she is finished getting ready she goes to a local nightclub where he is DJ-ing. There the two dance together. It is when she goes to the bathroom and we re-enter her fantasies that we see that their love story is not quite what it seems. Distraught by this realization, she returns home by herself. VonDirty is a well-known local performer who is the resident DJ at establishments in town. Saya is a Journalism Student who performs in her spare time.

‘Bloodsucker’ — Bushido Bill

Report by Dumisa Lengwati & Taryn Isaac, School of Journalism and Media Studies, Rhodes University

You never know when a bloodsucker is in your midst…
Bushido Bill — an awesome Grahamstown band, mess around, gig, hang out and have lots of fun together. Shawn, the lead singer, starts dating Danielle after he notices her at a gig: a femme fatale, irresistibly gorgeous. However, she does come with a fatal flaw: she is a gold-digger of note! The men in the group, Shawn, Dylan and Dylan (drummer and guitarist) don’t mind a bit — they are entranced by her feminine wiles, her flattery, her sensual looks. But Chelsea, the bassist, a femme fatale in her own right, won’t have any of it. She gets increasingly jealous and angry the longer Danielle is in their group. Not one to upset group dynamics however, she decides not to do or say anything until it the negative effect Danielle has on Shawn are manifest — he spends all his money and attention on her until he has none for himself. He becomes drawn, dishevelled — a real mess. An epic battle ensues between the ladies, and the victrix will leave you surprised!

“Buddah Lands” – WordsUntame

Production by Lillian Magari & Noxolo Mafu

Music video from Afro-world Grahamstown band, WordsUntame