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WOMEN HOLD HALF THE SKY IN LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT

By Macford Sibandze | 2019-11-20

This week was supposed to be a continuation of last week’s article on how the new generation is bringing change in the entertainment scene but I have decided to do it at another time.

Today, I just want to take a glance on the impact of women in the local entertainment landscape.

I hope I won’t ruffle a few feathers as I did some 15 years ago writing in this newspaper when I said women are more talented than men in dramatic arts.

15 years later, I still unflinchingly and unshakeably firmly hold grip to that notion.

And when one throws a glance internationally and regionally one can even agree with me that women, artistically, have got it coming; Beyonce, Rihanna, Bonang, Shekinnah, Adele, Amanda Black, Kim Kardashian, Lindelwa Mafa, Superfly, White Rhino, Julia Roberts, etc.

Its true men are talented but when women are talented, it becomes five times more. Because women bring more to the craft, body, soul and sensuality.

I am avoiding ‘sexuality’ for fear of objectising them. But women have that unique proposition. I have a few local gems to look at below;

AMANDA DU PONT

She is an A-List Red Carpet star whose passion for the arts has made her achieve greatly, leaving an indelible mark second to none. When many are still dreaming of being an actress in top soapies in SA, she has done it. When many dream of being among the best in the industry, she already is.

It would have been a great milestone on its own appearing in SA’s popular youth drama series, Skeem Saam. But she is more than that but the main character.

She has also cast as one of the main characters in top big screen movies, BETWEEN FRIENDS, 10 DAYS IN SUN CITY, SHADOW, etc, among SA’s best such as Siyabonga Radebe, Dumsani Mbebe and Thapeolo Mokeona.

Moreover, she won a film scholarship, beating top actors in SA, to study in New York. Just not long ago she was a tiny tot eclipsed by ‘Khethiwe’ and ‘Dineo’ when I hosted them for lunch at Auckland Park. Now she overshadows them, that’s the story of life.

NELISA LAWTON

She is dubbed the Queen of jazz shows -a lifetime title she deserves. She has brought jazz Mega stars in the country that include the legendary Hugh Masekela, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim (Dollar Brand), Paul Hammer, Mcoy Murubata, Mysh, to name but a few.

Through her events company, Legendary Events, she has been able to give an opportunity to up-coming jazz artists in the country.

Her creativity has seen the fusion of Jazz and poetry. A brave and risk taker-she didn’t fall in the trap of hosting popular mainstream genres, but goes for events like jazz that draw a few audiences.

LODANDA

She introduced a music genre that captures the soul of the nation, as we struggle with what we can predominantly call Swati music. Lodanda gave us on a platter, free of charge.

She deserves a Lifestyle Achievement Award, not just a trophy. Maybe a house or car, or anything of value for such creative impulse.

I hope when she dies, no stunt man will come with an award in her honour. She needs it now while her heart still beat. Her music has the essence of what we call Buswati.

LINDELWA MAFA

If there were awards of excellence, she would have bagged more than 20 by now. She has given a space and a stage to many upcoming artists to bloom, from talk shows to Top Hits shows.

If the radio station has improved in its listenership, it is thanks to this dynamic lady. She is a natural-oozing easiness and humour. On that note, I also have to recognise the indelible mark by her colleagues Superfly and White Rhino. The two are also doing so well in attracting young audiences to the English Channel.

MOCATS

Mocats is a brand for poetry in the country. The question is; why a beautiful young girl in poetry? Why is she not a model?

There are many answers to this but one of them is that she is doing a catwalk using voice, the most powerful ramp on earth.

She showed all and sundry how the voice speaks volumes in the poetry competition organised by me and myself. (LOL)

The difference between Mocats and others is the intellectual intensity of her writings. She is not writing for an audience who just grasp, but one that will think hard. Is that not the essence of poetry, to provoke thinking? If it is, then Mocats takes a cup in that department.

BEKO

She is a cultural activist who uses poetry for advocacy. Besides thought provoking, her writing is classy and sophisticated. One of the greatest thinkers in the craft, she has intellectual humour. There is also a rub-ba-dub-style in her style, the LKJ, ragga style. She is an icon for poetry.

She is among those who have rejuvenated poetry into an industry. More over with her zeal, she has been able to take it to the doorstep of young people who would not have paid a slight attention to the craft.

ZAMO

I am tempted to say she was born a star! She is a success story in SA where her album receives airplay. When many still pose for selfies with Joyous Celebration, she plays, stays with them.

She understands the meaning of MULTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME, thus she is not just a musician with a voice but a sought after make-up artist.

NOMA D

Though young she is the most experienced having performed in top auditoriums in South Africa. She has been interviewed in top shows in SA and had her music selected by top DJs.

She also stayed for quite some time in SA, performed and collaborated with seasoned musicians that include Ringo Madlingozi.

VELEMSENI

On stage she reminds you of American artist, India Arie, having stayed in America it is not surprising where she got the influence. Her album soothes the soul with her melodious voice. On stage she has that magnetism-electrifying-the fire- in her.

SYMPHONY

Symphony is a star - period. A great reminder of the abundant talent the country has. Her album, which was launched in a high voltage, with ministers (DPM), top CEOs and MDs in attendance, takes you to America, England, and back. So much work was put in this album.

No wonder she is now appearing in ads of a top corporate in the country. She has also performed overseas and is now and again doing gigs and interviews in SA.

AMANDA MO

The name says it all - MO-MORE is what she gives from dress code, genre to repertoire. Not only in song but she also gives MORE in accounting. Her top album has enjoyed airplay in top radio stations in SA, so is her music video. She also does frequent gigs in SA and many interviews.

MANDY

I call her brave to have made inroads in the comedy, a predominantly male territory. To make people laugh in a play or speech is all the better. But to have them in a hall and make them laugh is remarkable, it is not easy as a woman. Mandy has levelled the turf for entry for many aspiring women, as a reference point.

ZINYANE LEBENGUNI

Had I not organised a poetry competition, she would be known only as a News Reporter from Channel S.

The competition unleashed her as rhyme princess who articulately sends messages through the beauty of words.

She was the overall winner of the competition and performs in significant cultural events. She juggles it with a full- time job as a television anchor and host.

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