Author: Melanie Ramjee

Cape Town, South Africa – Flamboyant South African designers AMEN Fashion last month launched their capsule collection under AMEN KIDZ into the local kids fashion space and was excellent received. 

Having sold out in just three weeks, the team have included several new pieces to their next limited production line run currently available online.

The label which was originally created by designer duo Abiah Mahlase and Brad Muttitt in 2012, has been a pioneering destination for pushing the boundaries in men and woman’s fashion for almost a decade now. And with the launch of their latest bold and fiery collection AMEN KIDZ, the label presents a bright and colourful collection for the littlest fashionistas in the market.
 
Having contributed to a community initiative the Braveheart Bears which helped create awareness and raise funds for abused children late last year, their involvement created huge buzz in the media. Following discussions with the event organiser, business visionary Penny Stein who suggested they partner and create a kids range, the team was inspired to produce this exclusive kids wear collection. AMEN KIDZ was born….
 
AMEN KIDZ is a fashion brand designed for the bold, fearless and daring.  The look of the collection is filled with bright colours and patterns, with each ensemble being fun and easy-to-wear, with a very obvious AMEN flavour. Perfect for little people.
 
Each item comes with a tracking number as limited quantities of each edition of style will be produced making this lovable collection a must have for any fashionable little boy or girl.

The AMEN KIDZ collection includes the limited edition signature AMEN KNOCKOUT PUFFER jacket paired up with a matched with a AMEN ZIP IT CAT SUITE. New styles now include tops and bottoms and also bigger size for young children. 

               AMEN KIDZ Abiah Mahlase affirms “The label is designed with fashionable kidz in mind with exceptional consideration for their need to be the coolest and best-dressed kidz on the block. The label is designed for kidz who are not afraid to stand out in the crowd. Kidz who love fashion and believe that fashion should be fun and not only cool but super cool. The AMEN KIDZ dare to be different. They are Superstars who love only the best.  This collection is for KIDZ who are showstoppers. They are true AMEN FASHION KIDZ”.
 
 Exclusively available online only, prices range from R250 to R500.

For more info on Amen Kidz, check out their Instagram page @AmenKidz.

Def Jam Africa this month announced Rhythms of Zamunda, a compilation to accompany the release of the Coming 2 America film today.

The iconic Coming To America (1988) took audiences to the Africa-inspired, fictional land of Zamunda. It’s sequel, Coming 2 America will be released worldwide on 5 March 2021.
 
To help tell the story, music by many African acts is included in the new movie. In addition to that, a compilation that mirrors some of the themes of Coming 2 America will be released by Def Jam Africa, a division of the Universal Music Group. 
 
From amapiano to zouglou-inspired songs, Rhythms of Zamunda is a 16-track body of work that traverses Western, Eastern and Southern African soundscapes to connect with Northern America and the rest of the globe.
 
It features, amongst a host of others, a myriad of genres introduced by the likes of Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage and Tekno, the late DJ Arafat from Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa’s Prince Kaybee and Msaki as well as Fally Ipupa from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
 
The lead single from Rhythms of Zamunda is ‘Black & White’ by South Africa’s wordsmith and wunderkind Nasty C. On it, the hip hop artist features American soul singer, Ari Lennox and gives the listener a glimpse into the possibilities of love when two people stop complicating it. It’s a universally relatable perspective and one that Nasty C is elated to share with the world.
 
“I am honoured to be representing Africa in such a monumental moment, celebrating the best of black creatives,” he said about the compilation.
 
Creativity is at the core of Diamond Platnumz’s Hallelujah featuring Morgan Heritage. The Tanzanian bongo flava crooner considers himself blessed to contribute to African artists being seen as imaginative, diverse and world-class. He said: “I’m so excited because there is great chemistry between our music and Coming 2 America.”
 
The compilation is felicitous. Togolese musos, Toofan, whose song, Ye Mama, is another standout track believe “associating African artists with the movie sequel over 30 years later is a symbol of the increasingly important place that African music holds globally. It’s about time African inspirations take on the world stage.”
 
                 
                          Of Rhythms of Zamunda, Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa CEO, Sipho Dlamini said: “It was important for Def Jam Africa to be involved because the first film was so legendary to Africans in the diaspora. The film franchise is tongue-in-cheek but conveys a rich quality of life in Africa. That is reflected in the music on Rhythms of Zamunda. We wanted to represent some of the sounds that are relevant, impactful and current on the continent.”
 

Featuring songs about love, chasing dreams, identity, triumph over trials and more, this compilation is a Pan-African project that bridges the distance between countries and cultures.

Check out the full tracklisting below:

1. Black & White – Nasty C ft. Ari Lennox
2. Owo Ni Koko – Larry Gaaga & Umuobiligbo
3. Magnet – Locko
4. Skeletun – Tekno
5. Overdue – Tellaman Feat. Sha Sha & Oxlade
6. Jiggy Bop – Alpha P & TMXO
7. Dosabado – DJ Arafat
8. Fetch Your Life – Prince Kaybee Feat. Msaki
9. Dangerous Love – Tiwa Savage (DJ Ganyani Amapiano Radio Edit Remix)
10. Moya Omubi – Th&o.
11. Hallelujah – Diamond Platnumz Feat. Morgan Heritage
12. Ye Mama – Toofan Feat. Fally Ipupa
13. Ain’t It True – Bonj
14. Loke Loke – Gemini Major Feat. ANATII
15. Shesha – De Mthuda & Njelic
16. Everything – Ricky Tyler

Set to take over the airwaves this February, just in time for Valentine’s Day, R&B and Soul artist KUDZ releases his debut project you.me.world today.

No stranger to the SA music scene, locally based musician, record producer, songwriter, DJ, multi-instrumentalist, music director, audio engineer & Jazz graduate Kudzayi Daniel Mhlanga aka KUDZ has always played behind the scene for other artists.

Clearly positioned just a few days before the day of love Valentines, it targets people’s LOVE playlists. The E.P features amazing artists including Una Rams, DeekayDitIt, Melo B Jones, Kevi Kev, Tom Saison, Tron Pyre, DJ Soosh, K.K & aifheli.

Painting a colourful picture via the various talent featured on the EP, you.me.world tells stories about the different stages of Love. Taking the listener on a journey, each track narrates truths of not only romance and love but courage, personal expression, appreciation and sharing experiences.

The EP was co-produced, mixed and mastered by the super talented engineer, producer & multi-instrumentalist Fundile “Fdeezus” Dlamini. With additional production by amazing producers Geoffrey Tatenda Chitima “Taxda, Tshupo Benjamin Khutsoane “Zadok”, Jason “Jvsn” Mashapa & Takakunda Mukundu.

you.me.worldTRACK LIST

1. tell u (feat. DeekayDidIt & K.K)
2. guestlist (interlude) (feat. aifheli)
3. head over heels (feat. Una Rams, Tron Pyre & Tom Saison)
4. love is like (feat. Melo B Jones, Kevi Kev & DJ Soosh)

DOWNLOAD PUBLICITY PICS HERE
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rlpyeumfr3o2tmt/AAC2FXC7Z40Rksfav3y7PV24a?dl=0

STREAM EP HERE
https://ElectromodeZA.lnk.to/youmeworldAr
SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @kudzayidaniel
Twitter: @Kudzayi

The first glimpse into the Rise of Jaye Walker came in July with the release of the EP’s single Miba (Superhero) – the success and widespread critical acclaim of Miba, lead to Chin-Chilla and Taylor Jaye coming back with a full project. They describe the EP as a Sonic Boom – a dance project with an electric mixture of Afro sounds with a predominantly Amapiano chord which has become a stable in the southern African music industry.

Chin chilla and Taylor Jaye are biological cousins, hailing from the streets of Katutura and

Otjomuise. Chin Chilla has always worked with Taylor Jaye since the launch of her career in 2015 – by featuring on multiple songs of hers. So, the idea to do a full album together was organic. Individually, they have both carved out a name for themselves in the music industry. Chinchilla is a member of the first NAMAS nominated rap group the “Saints”. Taylor Jaye is a NAMAS award winning, African chart topping artist who has worked with chart topping African artists such as Patoranking , Busiswa and Uhuru – with an electric brand on both local, continental and global platforms.

The EP is themed around their love for sci-fi and super hero comic books and movies since their childhood growing up in Otjomuise, Namibia. It is an extension of themselves feeling like real life superhero’s because of their accomplishments besides growing up in the hood. Jaye Walker is an alter-ego superhero character developed by Taylor Jaye to call her crew and those around her who live according to their inner true self. Painting outside the lines of

the rules of society – in a essence “ Jaye Walking” through life. Therefore, while experimenting in studio, the cousins thought it would be great to document “Jaye Walker” through music. The Rise of The Jaye Walker EP is a predominantly Amapiano / Afro House – but it also features bonus an Afrobeat track, which is a taste of Taylor’s next project.

RISE OF THE JAYE WALKER TRACK LIST

1. INTRO- WALKER FLEET (skit)
2. YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW (BONUS TRACK) 3. REPLAY (EXTENDED)
4. BAD MAN
5. CHINEKE FT KING TEE DEE
6. MIBA (SUPER HERO)
7. TIKWE
8. SOBORO FT DJ FRESHMAN
9. CASHE FT PATORANKING
10. OUTRO- JABARU ,RISE (skit) Download:

SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @taylorjayeworld @chilla_mann
Twitter: @taylorjayeworld @RealChinChilla_
www.taylorjayeworld.com

Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) in association with legendary fine jewellery designer Jenna Clifford together with over 36 top South African designers, popular brands and well known South African personalities today launched the first annual BRAVE HEART BEARS Initiative to co-inside with the launch of 16 Days of Activism.
 
BRAVE HEART BEARS is a unique and rare collection of over 100 beautifully dressed and exquisitely styled teddy bears. The aim of creating this collection is to help raise funds to ensure every child gets the various therapies’ they need, after being abused.
 
 PARTICIPATING SOUTH AFRICAN DESIGNERS 

• Scalo
• Anel Botha
• RUBICON
• TN Collectiv
• Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs
• JJ Schoeman
• ERRE
• Palse Homme
• JULIAN
• George Malelu
• Lloyd Hot Sense
• Sun Goddess
• Warm the World
• Henrietta by Calvin N
• Lindani Styling
• Young and Co
• House of Velour
• AMEN
• House of Conee
• Touch Of Bling
• The Bam Collective
• Mavromac Fabrics
• Cee Jay
• Tshepo Jeans
• NAKED APEX YFM

PARTICIPATING SOUTH AFRICAN WELL KNOWN PERSONALITIES

• Riky Rick – Hip Hop Artist
• Sasha Lee Laurel – ex Miss SA
• Kim Jayde – Award winning TV Host
• Leanne Dlamini – Artist / Founder END GIRL HATE
• Soweto Gospel Choir – Artists
• Lee Toselli – Stylist
• HYPRESS – Renowned African Publicist

 PARTICIPATING SOUTH AFRICAN BRAND

• Jenna Clifford –South African Jeweller
• Anti Aging Art – Leading Wellness Centre
• Thirst – Leading Mobile Bar Company 

These family of BRAVEHEART BEARS are available for purchase and will be on display from the 25^th November – 20 December 2020 at Jenna Clifford studios in Morningside in Johannesburg, South Africa.


Sadly during the lockdown, the numbers of abused women and children literally exploded. Over the past 8 months, WMACA have assisted with 3.500 children’s therapy sessions, 90 parent sessions and 120 family sessions. Their services are free to all children and parents.

                    ‘Why do kids love bears so much? Besides being cuddly and cute, they offer unconditional love, reassurance, security and companionship. Even in our high-tech world of gadgets and gizmos, their love affair with the simple teddy bear runs deep which is why BRAVE HEART BEARS was the perfect initiative to launch for what we are working towards’ explains WMACA founder Miranda Jordan and further adds, ‘It is well known and well documented the long term, I often refer to the LIFE LONG impact of child sexual abuse which may cause a range of negative consequences for the mental health and adjustment in childhood, adolescence and adulthood for the victim. I often refer to abuse not only stealing the childhood but also it steals their adulthood and that is why both early work at  our Clinics is often followed by later work with our Advocacy team. Important aspects of the abuse include the relationship with the perpetrator, the betrayal of trust, the age and gender of the child, and the particular form of abuse are all significant factors. The BRAVE HEARTS BEARS Initiative will help us with a much needed financial injection to help those broken little souls by giving them the tools to navigate a positive way through their pain. Now in our 20th year of helping vulnerable children, we are honoured to have undertaken over 146 000 treatment services to our beloved children”.

Having to adapt to the new norm, organizers of the annual Joburg Film Festival together with partners NFVF and GFC today announced that the 2020 edition of the festival will be staged as a two-day event later this month in the city of gold.
 
The Joburg Film Festival historically staged in the last week of November as a six-day festival, will now take place on 28 and 29 November with a limited film selection with a huge focus on development workshops.
 
The Joburg Film Festival is anchored by three main pillars which drive and direct all activities and engagements related to the delivery of the festival.
 
These three pillars are the Film Programme, the Industry Programme and the Youth & Audience Development Programme.
 
 
Limited Film Programme
 
This year three specially curated films will be featured and celebrated at a local cinema over the two days of the 2020 installment, with an opportunity for the general public to attend the screenings of these films.
 
The focus of the 2020 targeted films places the spotlight on “displacement”, an apt theme during the global pandemic.
 
With the huge impact of COVID19 globally, the pandemic has amplified bullying, harassment and murder across the African continent. Whilst the films may not address these issues directly, they do explore the lives of people who are marginalized, some by choice and others by circumstances they find themselves in, which motivates their decision to find a new place to call home.
 
The Joburg Film Fest opening film ‘This is Not A Burial It’s a Resurrection’ features the late legendary Joburg born actress Mary Twala just prior to it’s Oscar run post the festival.
 
Making it’s global screening debut at the Joburg Film Fest this year, LGBTI film ‘There’s Power In the Collar’ will also be shown over the festival.  The last addition to this year’s schedule includes Canadian / South Africa film ‘Beyond Moving’.
 
 
 
Film 1:             This is Not A Burial It’s A Resurrection (OPENING FILM)
Director:         Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese
Country:         South Africa
Duration:        120 minutes
Year:               2019
 
Amongst the pythonic mountains of landlocked Lesotho, an 80 year old widow winds up her earthly affairs, makes arrangements for her burial and prepares to die.
 
But when her village is threatened with forced resettlement due to the construction of a reservoir, she finds a new will to live and ignites a collective spirit of defiance within her community.
 
In the final dramatic moments of her life, Mantoa’s legend is forged and made eternal.
 
Film 2:             There’s Power In the Collar
Director:         Lodi Matsetela and Vincent Moloi
Country:         Botswana
Duration:        175 minutes
Year:               2020
 
As Botswana awaits a possible landmark judgement from its high court, seeking to decriminalize same sex relations, Chantel, a 27 year old lesbian who’s both a theologian and a queer rights activist, attempts to start her journey to get ordained as a reverend in Botswana’s religiously conservative and homophobic society.
 
 
Film 3:             Beyond Moving 
Director:         Vikram Dasgupta
Country:         Canada/South Africa
Duration:        84 minutes
Year:               2019
 
“Beyond Moving is a heartbreaking tale of the things we sacrifice for art”.
 
When young Siphe November leaves his small township in South Africa to follow his dreams at Canada’s National Ballet School, he begins a remarkable journey that reveals deeply personal pulses of family, prejudice, expectation, loss, and resilience that beat beneath the surface of a beautiful and demanding art form.
 
 
Screenings will be held at Cinema Nouveau in the Rosebank Mall and the Bioscope at 22 Stanley in Milpark. Limited tickets will be sold at the door of each of the respective venues.
 
 
Youth & Audience Development Programme
 
The Youth and Audience Development programme is a skill sharing platform that affords young aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to learn from and engage with industry professionals, hosted in partnership with the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) and the National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF).
 
Due to the pandemic, the programme will be delivered as well structured one-day workshop that incorporates the province’s youth from different regions at a central location and is also recorded for virtual streaming and broadcast.
 
Black youth who are students or aspirant filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 30 years with a matric or an alternative equivalent as a minimum participating criterion will be selected for the workshop. 
 
Twenty youth from each of the 5 of Gauteng’s regions will be selected to attend the physical one-day workshop on Saturday 28 November that will be held at the Lesedi Theatre @ Joburg Theatre, bringing the total attendees and participants to 100/150 pax.
 
The 5 regions have been identified as:
 

• Ekurhuleni
• Mogale City
• Sedibeng
• Tshwane
• City of Joburg

 
Interested participants can send their details (full name and age) to either of the contact details below:
 
Whatsapp line:   067 770 1574
 
Email:                    info@joburgfilmfestival.co.za 
 
The workshop will be screened and made available via the JFF website post the event to reach and impact an even broader audience than the one that attended physically.
 
Sadly the Industry Programme will not take place this year due to COVID19 travel restrictions.
 
 
“The focus of the 2020 festival will be on the third pillar of the festival which emphasizes JFF’s commitment to developing, empowering and skilling the youth whilst contributing to the development of the cinema culture and growing audience appreciation for local films”, stated Joburg Film Festival Executive Director Tim Mangwedi. We are also extremely honoured to be opening the festival this year with film This is Not A Burial It’s A Resurrection’ finally giving the Joburg audience a chance to catch this brilliant cinematic work on the big screen”.
 
For more information on the Joburg Film Festival, checkout 
 
Website:       www.joburgfilmfestival.co.za/
Facebook:   JoburgFilmFestival
Twitter:          @JoburgFilmFest
Instagram:   @joburg_film_festival
 
 
The hashtags are #OurStoriesOurGold #JoburgFilmFestival