SA Rocks

Ed’s note: Rouvanne from peakperformance sent me the below post explaining that his mind was reeling and that I should edit it if need be. I haven’t touched a thing. This is really one of the best posts that I have ever published on this site. I love the concepts Rouvanne talks about and I love the way he has constructed the post. Thanks Rouvanne!

There are crises going on all over the world in terms of global warming, fights for or against democracy, religion, economics, medical diseases that threaten humanity, and they seem to be gathering speed at an ever increasing rate as the years fly past.

A few things in the recent media got me thinking. Zimbabwe and dots; Australia and brains; and Nelson Mandela and the Elders – though they might be worlds apart, it started a process of imagining a South Africa looking after its own future and hopefully also inspiring other nations, particularly African, to follow suit.

I think it was firstly Robert Mugabe’s reference to English Prime Minister Gordon Brown just being a “tiny dot” in the world that got me thinking. I am just a dot in the world, and damn proud of being here too. I was born of two dots; I have 3 sibling dots; I am fortunate to have found a sexy dot to spend my life with; and we’ve had so much fun that we even produced another two dots ourselves. So counting all my dots together, we’re getting closer to being a small blob, in this world.

Then secondly this past weekend, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd co-hosted the Australia 2020 Summit, inviting 1000 (dots) artists, scientists, corporate chief’s, unionists and central bankers, to come up with 10 great ideas that’ll improve life in Australia by 2020.

And thirdly, last year President (dot) Nelson Mandela, with funding from (dots) Peter Gabriel and Sir Richard Branson, created The Elders who, using “their collective experience, their moral courage and their ability to rise above nation, race and creed, … can make our planet a more peaceful and equitable place to live,” said the former South African ‘presidot’. A subtle introduction of ubuntu to the world stage by both Branson and Mandela…

This jumble of ideas led me to realise that in every society there are individuals that are recognised as being the experts in their particular fields. Many are the intellectuals of our day, who have dedicated themselves to the study of specific fields in the sciences, arts, and economics; from the obscure, to the popular. Surely these people have ideas that their valuable education has given them the ability to see and work out, which should be considered seriously in creating viable alternative means of solving the problems we face collectively.

Education is a valuable privilege, but what is the use of these people being ignored while we debate due to political and popular thoughts in what can mostly be considered as a fight for more power or to satisfy our greed? Regardless of how you had the privilege of your education, what is the use of having it if you are not going to benefit society around you, and those that come after? It is your duty as a citizen of this world to share the knowledge that you have gained.

A database should be created (a Muti? a Wiki?) in which these models and ideas could be available for the use of humanity, for the people of South Africa. And it doesn’t have to come from any government – it should be sponsored by big business, by caring philanthropists, organisations and individuals who benefit from society around them – which is basically all of us, isn’t it. It’s taking social and corporate responsibility to a new level; admitting that without all the tiny dots in the world, we all would be nothing.

Over 9000 ideas were submitted to the Aussie summit from the public, defined by PM Kevin Rudd as, “Today we are throwing open the windows to our democracy to let a little bit of fresh air in.” Rudd set 10 themes for discussion: productivity, economy, sustainability and climate change, rural Australia, health, communities and families, indigenous Australia, creativity, governance and Australia’s future in the world.

I think that this could come up with some blobbing great ideas; as a gift to the people, a true and proudly South African “Think to Thank”. Ideas to take us into the future.

Rouvanne

http://peakperformances.co.za

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I had an interesting debate with some friends a few days back. Out of five of us present, four of us had met Nelson Mandela.

I am really interested to find out how many people i know, or read this blog or know of who have met Madiba.

Personally I have met the incredible man 5 times and said a speech in front of and for him and 4000 people. That was a wonderful achievement for me.

There are people around the world whose last wish is to meet the man and I have. Have you?

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This is going to be a long post because Saturday the 1st of December was a long and worthy day – Aids day.

I am fairly anal and excessively organised when it comes to concerts. When the concert is an all day affair involving close to 20 musical acts, 10 females and me, I try to be as jacked and sorted as possible.

With this in mind, we arrived at the Wits park and ride at about 11:30. This was after about an hour driving around town and Wits campus looking for the park and ride. There were no signs. I am happy to report that this was probably the worst organisation of the entire event.

Once we were on the bus things began to pick up. We arrived at Ellis part, all ten of us, and managed to get ourselves Golden Circle tickets! I hadn’t booked Golden Circle but what a score (thanks Kirty). So off we went right to the front. We were probably some of the first people in the stadium which was great.

The stage was massive, elaborate and of a very high standard, it’s great to know that people take things seriously now here in SA. 46664 was plastered all over the place and the message for the day was clear: It’s in our hands.

Live front man, Ed Kowalzcyk underneath the 46664 motto.

Now before I carry on explaining how magnificent the day was, the weather turned out and the crowd was, let me explain something: Concerts of this nature are merely for the pleasure of the crowd and satisfaction of the artists. But somewhere in this mess of self satisfaction and fulfillment the message of the day hits home for some. Not all.

The message for the 46664 concert was that HIV/Aids is not a disease anymore, it has become a human rights issue. I couldn’t agree more and took this message to heart with every word in every song from every artist. I absolutely loved the concert, artists and entire day and night.

The undoubted highlight of the entire 12 hour event was the father of African freedom and liberation himself, Nelson Mandela (Madiba), coming on to stage – assisted ofcourse – and saying a speech. I am not sure if you have ever heard thousands of people (pissed or sober) shut up in a matter of seconds. It took the crowd about 10 minutes of clapping, cheering and rejoicing his presence before Madiba was allowed to get a word in. Tears flowed at the sight of the man, the crowd was visibly moved, shaken and blown away that he is still able to grab and hold the attention of so many so quickly.

No sooner had I stopped taking photos, was the man gone from the stage with every single artist performing on the day following the crowds lead and cheering, shouting and screaming their appreciation for Nelson Mandela.

Way before Madiba even arrived on stage there were some phenomenal acts that took stage.

Razorlight, Arno Carstens, Louise Carver, Cassette, Freshly Ground, Peter Gabriel (who went on for way, way, way, way too long) and many more absolutely rocked the house.

Naomi Campbell even showed face, managed to get Arno Carstens name right and pronounce 46664 without missing one of the sixes! Annie Lennox, as official spokesperson, said some very harsh, true, effective and real words. I was mightily impressed with the very collected manner in which all the artists dealt with the theme for the day. No one spoke for too long, no one harped on, placed blame or even said that we were living in sin. Everyone was accepting, graceful, eloquent and effective.

After Mandela left the stage everyone immediately asked who or what could possibly follow. The answer was Live. Live blew everyone away. Old, young, hippie, rocker, blues fan or any other were all moved by the heated, intense and deep show put on by the international superstars. The only criticism is that they were only given three songs.

The Goo Goo Dolls were next in line for me as I waited for the rocking that they could bring. And did they rock? Yes, they did.

In amongst the festivities our deputy president showed face, gave a bit of a speech, didn’t harp on for too long and moved right off the stage as if she was never even there. It’s tough to not be Nelson Mandela in politics these days. Dep. pres. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka tried her best and credit to her, but she just couldn’t get the crowd to shut up.

The day was long – as I’ve said – but well worth it. The organisation skills were impeccable, the stage rotated allowing for fast band/musician changes. This meant that the crowd enjoyed more music in ten or twelve hours than I thought was possible. Ludacris was a gangsta as only he could be and Jamelia is a stunning beauty with an incredible smile and legs that extend to the moon. Beautiful.

The last point that I would like to make is how absolutely incredible the South African performers were. Loyiso did a duet with Corinne Bailey Ray, Just Jinger rocked the house as I had forgotten they could. Goldfish absolutely blew me away – I’ve never heard them before and I’ve never seen two guys have so much fun on a stage.

Johnny Clegg managed yet again to pull together a top class act that lead in to Nelson Mandela coming on stage.

Before I begin to bore you with my consistent banter let me just show you a collection of photographs that I took (there are a lot of them so visit my 46664 set on flickr if you like).

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Photos and videos to follow. I have a 4gig memory card in toe, plus a change of clothes, plastic bag and a hope for sun!!!

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Yes, it’s true. Live have been confirmed as another international act to play at Nelson Mandela’s 46664 concert. The concert will be held on the 1st of December at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

For more info on the bands click here.

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I am so pleased to see that this years 46664 concert is not holding back with local performers. And not only that, but I know people who are buying tickets to specifically some of the local bands. Cassette is one of the bands that I am extremely excited to see. Goo Goo Dolls and Razorlight (internationally) are on the top of my list.

The other local bands include:

Arno Carstens
Cassette
Danny K
Goldfish
Jamali
Johnny Clegg
Jozi
Just Jinjer
Louise Carver
Loyiso
Malaika
The Parlotones
Prime Circle
The Soweto Gospel Choir
Vusi Mahlasela

What an amazing line-up of bands! I have already bought my tickets and hope that you are on your way to do the same. If the local bands aren’t enough to get you there to support the cause then maybe these bands will tip you over the edge:

Peter Gabriel
Annie Lennox
Corinne Bailey Rae
Razorlight
Ludacris
Goo Goo Dolls
Jamelia

If that doesn’t get your blood pumping then simply buy your ticket to support the 46664 charity and event!

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In 2003, 46664 concert was held in Cape Town. This year us Joburgers are privelaged enough to have the 46664 concert here at Ellis Park Stadium.

The concert is set to be held on World Aids Day, 1 December. Most people that I know can tell you that 46664 was Nelson Mandela’s prison number on Robben Island. Most people can tell you there is some cool international concert that happens around that number but strangely no one can tell me what exactly the 46664 organisation is, does or tries to do.

Let me enlighten you:

HIV AIDS can be beaten if people around the globe join forces to do so. Just as the world united to defeat apartheid, it can and must unite again to raise awareness about the pandemic and take action to eradicate it. As Mr. Mandela said “We hold the future of this continent in our hands.” The truth is that HIV AIDS can be both prevented and treated. All that is needed is the individual and collective commitment to do what needs to be done. Whoever you are, wherever you are, you can join with 46664 to make HIV AIDS history.

from 46664

Apparently the concert this year will feature more than 35 artists with incredible collaborations that will keep the crowds going! I can’t wait to see who will be performing. If 2003 is anything to go by we are in for a party:

* Beyoncé Knowles
* Robert Plant
* Bob Geldof
* Queen (Brian May and Roger Taylor)
* Dave Stewart
* Paul Oakenfold with Shifty Shellshock and TC
* Amampondo Drummers
* Baaba Maal
* Youssou N’Dour
* Yusuf Islam (previously known as Cat Stevens)
* Peter Gabriel
* Angelique Kidjo
* Bono and The Edge from U2
* Abdel Wright
* Chris Thompson, Zoe Nicholas, Treana Morris
* Yvonne Chaka Chaka
* Bongo Maffin
* Johnny Clegg
* Jimmy Cliff
* The Corrs
* Ladysmith Black Mambazo
* Eurythmics
* Danny K
* Watershed
* Zucchero
* Ms. Dynamite
* Andrew Bonsu
* Anastacia
* Soweto Gospel Choir

Here is a short video of the announcement featuring Madiba himself:

Brought to you by: The Times Multimedia This video was produced by Jason von Berg at The Times

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I am always reluctant to blog about Nelson Mandela in spite of the undoubted affect he has had not only on SA but on the world. I am reluctant because I personally feel that the exposure he constantly receives has desensitised South Africans to his incredible achievements.

In the name of heritage I am blogging this post that I found on thepropertymag.co.za.

It is always refreshing to see where our leaders, icons and heroes have come from. This is where Mandela started:

Madiba’s first home was a tiny ‘matchbox’ house in the older area of Soweto called Orlando West.

His first son was born in this house. I am sure that this makes the home even more special and holds fond memories for Mandela.

Heritage is what we make of it and the future is what we learn from our past and subsequently alter. Much has been learned from a man like Nelson Mandela and I am sure he is not done imparting knowledge on the world.

I am very interested to find out if South Africans have had their fill of the man? Not taking anything away from his astounding past and incredible presence, but do people rather want to learn things like this about the man or rehash the knowledge? I personally am more interested in the random facts and interesting historical tidbits regarding his past and his heritage. I have studied the struggles that he overcame and the history that he made, I want to know about the man, not the achievements.

What would you ask Mandela if you met him? Have you met him?

I have on a few occasions and I must say that his presence is quite overwhelming. His humble nature is grounding and his humour is extremely surprising!

photos and quotations courtesay of thepropertymag.co.za

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