This has been an interesting week all round. What with Kim Kardashian getting ‘floured’ by PETA enthusiasts, pet pythons on the loose and pet tigers causing trouble (as someone aptly put it on twitter #whitepeopleproblems neh?)
Speaking of race, the state of racism in the world has once again been put glaringly under the spotlight in the past weeks with the whole Travon Martin tragedy. The killing of the unarmed 17 year old black kid by a white male, George Zimmerman, which happened mid-February, has caused public outrage not just in America but around the world. There are a lot of details to the case but the general summary is – George is still a free man, he says he thought Travon was armed and dangerous and he acted within his rights of the ‘Stand your Ground’ law which allows the use of a firearm to defend yourself if you feel your life is in considerable danger. Not surprisingly, black America is outraged and they feel the only reason George is still walking free is because he is a white male and the victim was a black man.
I think the sad reality this incident brings to light is that we still have such a long way to go as far as bridging the racial divide is concerned. We’re very good at sweeping racism under the carpet and pretending it doesn’t exist and it’s only when things like this happen that its existence is acknowledged. Yes, we’ve made significant strides in the right direction but the truth is – we still have a very long way to go. And this applies to both sides of the color divide. Real; honest conversations need to start happening if we’re ever to see a significant change in our lifetime.
Dineo Ranaka officially leaves radio today. All I can say is – I’m not sure my Kleenex supply is enough to sustain me through this ordeal. This lady is a rare gift and radio will not be the same without her.
Staying on this unpleasant subject of people we love leaving shows we love, Pearl Modiadie said goodbye to Craze yesterday afternoon. *Sob sob*. Can I just go on record to say that this lady is one of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure to meet in the entertainment industry – and – she also got us our first TV interview for Divas Inc on Sistahood so that earns her extra points in our books. To both Pearl and Dineo, ‘nothing but the best in your future endeavors.’ We’ll definitely feel your absence but I’m pretty excited to see what you have in store for us next. A little birdie tells me there’s an album on the way for Dineo. Can’t wait to get my hands on it when it drops!
As we bid a sad ‘adieu’ to some we say an excited ‘bonjour’ to others. DJ Sphe & Nolly Meje will be joining Slikour on Jam Alley: Crew vs Crew– Nolly as cohost and Sphe as resident DJ. I don’t really watch a lot of Jam Alley but I’ll make an effort to see how the show works with the new additions.
Minnie also makes her official radio debut on Metro FM, co-hosting ‘the Metro FM experience’ Saturdays from 12:00-15:00 with Adil. In addition to this new radio gig, she also recently announced she is the new face of the international hair care brand, Motions. I must say, if she’s on a mission to prove there’s more to her than just a pretty face then she’s definitely doing a good job of it. Well done to her! Speaking of endorsements, SA rapper Dylan King aka Blayze is the new ambassador of international lifestyle footwear brand – Creative Recreation which launched in SA recently. Can I just go on record to say – if ever I was to give this whole entertainment thing a shot – Farah Fortune would definitely be my publicist of choice. This woman understands her craft!
Some not so great news for Kaizer Chiefs’ supporters – Khune will be out of action for at least 10 days following the mild concussion he suffered on Wednesday night when he clashed heads with Golden Arrow’s Thamsanqa Gabuza during their match which ended in a goalless draw. I’m just glad he’s ok – especially in light of the Muamba incident which showed us just how wrong things can go on the football pitch. Here’s hoping Khune gets back to top form soon! *Just a random ‘aha’ moment for me – I’ve realised for someone who claims to hate the game I talk about soccer a whole lot. I’m starting to think I might be a closeted fan in serious denial! God help me if that’s the case.
So whilst I take some time to do some serious introspection, you have yourselves a happy weekend Divas. And quite a busy one it is. The Jazz Festival finally kicks off today and all roads lead to Capetown for the ‘real ‘music lovers. SA Fashion Week is also here – showcasing since yesterday at the Crowne Plaza. I’m really not sure anymore what is what as far as these Fashion showcasing’s are concerned in SA (I thought we had another SA fashion week just last month or was that something else). But anyway, whatever the case – the important thing is, I love clothes and I love supporting our local designers; so I’m definitely a happy camper all round.
See you’all Monday!
By: Jo Kanengoni
