Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today’s show, we were joined by Frances Marek - Assistant director and writer of Die Vreemdeling. Die Vreemdeling is a short story directed by Mark Fleishman, featuring Rudi Malcom, Dann-Jacques Mouton and Ephraim Gordon. It opened on Wednesday at the Magnet Theatre and will be running till February, 13th. Tickets can be bought online through Webtickets on www.webtickets.co.za or at the Cape Town Tourist Office Outlets, alternatively contact Margie on (021) 448 3436 or visit www.magnettheatre.co.za We heard from Nigel Vermaas with this week’s Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Anele and Lumumba - Members of Soundz of the South. Soundz of the South or SOS is a cultural resistance movement, aimed at building a counter culture to the one prevalent in our disadvantage communities. We were talking about the Hip Hop & Poetry Slam Session happening tomorrow at Lookout Hill in Khayelitsha. Every last Friday of the month they host a Hip Hop and Poetry Slam Session but due to some logistics they have moved these sessions to Saturdays, this month’s theme is Reclaim Da Streets, End Privatisation. The event starts at 2PM till 6PM. To find out more about Soundz of the South contact Anele on 083 447 2939 or email soundzofthesouth@gmail.com

In today’s show, we were joined by Patricia Manshon – Founder and Head Coach at the Academy of Life Coaching. Patricia was with Nazli Regal, Fatima Osman and Fazil Behardien. The Academy of Life-Skills Coaching Co-operative strives to empower South Africans as business partners who will practice life-skills coaching in a caring, uplifting, supportive and professional manner. Their ultimate goal is raising the positive consciousness of individuals, families, communities, provinces, the nation and the continent to live fulfilling and successful lives. The Academy will host a one day Self-emPOWERment Symposium: Passionately Living Life with Confidence, Love and Prosperity on February 5th, 2011 at the UpperEastside Conference Centre, Brickfield Road in Woodstock. The event will start at 9AM till 5PM and costs R450. For more information contact (021) 671 4567 or visit www.alcoaching.co.za

In today’s show, we spoke to Maurice Mbikayi - Visual Artist. Maurice’s main areas of interest are photography, mixed media sculpture and painting, installation and public performances. We were talking about his new exhibition titled “Notre Peau (Our Skin)” opening at the AVA Gallery on the 24th of January. Through this work, Mbikayi investigates the effects of technology on identity and history whilst unpacking the various ways in which the technological revolution has both positively and negatively impacted on Africa. For more information visit www.mauricembikayi.blogspot.com or contact the AVA on (021) 424 7436 or www.ava.co.za

We also heard from the legendary Nigerian born jazz guitarist, Kunle Ayo. Mr Ayo is in Cape Town to promote his new single. Mr Ayo has realeased about 5 albums and has worked with the likes of MXO, Simphiwe Dana and other greats in the South African music circles. For more information about his music visit www.kunleayo.com Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Lucky, Mohau and Luthanndo – who forms LuckyMo. This trio's musical sound is influenced by the diverse cultural influences that shaped their upbringing: African rhythm, Latino sound, soulful and melodic harmonies. If you want to see them perform live and hear some of their amazing melodies, you can go to venues like the Zula Bar in Long Street and other venues. For more information or bookings visit www.backyardrecords.co.za or contact their manager Marley Planga on 083 515 4914 alternatively check them on facebook www.facebook.com/TheLuckyMoExperience

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Catherine Wijnberg – Director at Fetola & Associates. They design and implement flagship programmes that support the growth of small and emerging enterprises and community-based projects nationwide. They are inviting applications from small business owners, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations and community projects interested in achieving a new level of success to be part of the 2011 Legends programme. The Legends initiative provides a proven, interactive support platform for businesses in the craft, tourism and small-scale manufacturing sectors. Places are limited and applicants will be assessed according to their suitability for the programme, with preference given to Black-owned and BEE-compliant organizations and social enterprises with a track record of at least 2 – 3 years in operation. Key criteria for selection include a willingness and commitment to change and grow, an entrepreneurial drive and strong potential for success

We also heard from Claudelle David – from Siyaya Skills Institute. Their vision is to make a significant contribution towards the National Skills Development Strategy and the socio economic development of the nation. We were talking about the services they provide. For further information, please visit www.siyayaskills.co.za or contact (021) 671 2860.