Just Curious » Interviews

Interview With Lulo Cafe (Podcast)

Eric Sayz — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:58:58 +0000

You can’t mention 2010’s hottest house DJs and not mention Lulo Cafe, born Sikhululo Maliwa.

He has just released his brand new album, What About Soul which features vocalist Nothende , Mariechan from Jamali and MXO.

Here’s how the interview went….

Lulo Cafe’s “What About Soul” is available in stores.

By EricSayz ©

Website: www.lulocafe.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lulocafe
Facebook: Lulo Cafe Fan Page

Interview With F365 Ed: Richard Ferraris

Brown Shuga — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:12:05 +0000

I came across www.football365.co.za in May 2009 and it was love at first sight. (Kwaaa, cheesy intro huh? It stays!) After spending about half that day cracking up just reading sports news, I sent the editor an email to tell him just how much I loved the website (well, among other things). Now that I know that the editor is a 27 year old, I could kick myself for being so formal in that mail lol. I think Richard Ferraris is a super cool guy who’s doing an amazing job with F365.co.za but the Sunday Times thinks he’s a palooka and a dunderhead. I had to chat to him to find out why…

Brown Shuga (BS) : Who is Richard Ferraris?

Richard Ferraris (Rich): Yoh, that’s a question straight of a job interview! I’m the editor of Football365.co.za amongst other things. Recently it seems my reputation runs ahead of me and causes chaos. But I’m a relaxed type of character most of the time.

BS: Cool. Football365.co.za – the name says it all but how would you describe the website?

Rich: I think we’re the first of a new generation of sports websites in South Africa. In the past fans would buy a magazine for features, read a newspaper for news and listen to the radio for scores. Football365.co.za is an integrated product, we do all of that and more. And we do it better than anyone else. Oh, we also have a WAP site, don’t forget that.

BS: Hawu! (dedicating today’s video of the day to him)... And the kind of people that it would appeal to?

Rich: If you follow the PSL and Bafana and you don’t visit the website six times a day, then there is something wrong with you. Or maybe you haven’t heard of us, but yes, then there’d be something wrong with you. We’re maverick in our approach, it’s about fair comment and opinion – that’s over and above the news. As I said, no one else does what we do in this country.

BS: Tjo Richard, such confidence lol. Well, the first time I ever heard about your site was when I was chatting to SABC Commentator Sizwe Mabena about how he prepares for a game. He referred me to the site and specifically mentioned your statistics. Now not to make your circle or is it head beega but what do you think makes F365.co.za stand out?

Rich: The site has personality. The site is alive. It’s colourful. It’s funny. We have stats too and it’s good to have someone like Sizwe Mabena supporting us, thanks Sizwe. I think the site intrigues other journalists very much. But I’m sure there’ll be more on that later (Laughs).

BS: Challenges of running an online publication versus a print publication?

Rich: I’ve worked in both mediums and much prefer online. It takes me five minutes to change the way my site looks, I can lead with any story I want to. The web has an immediacy lacking in newspapers. Print is dead in comparison so the daily newspapers are filled with yesterday’s news. Once the paper is printed there’s nothing you can do. Joel Santana can be sacked today but if the paper went to the printers yesterday, the paper misses that big news. It happens all the time. If you want the news first come to Football365.co.za. We don’t miss big stories. We don’t make them up either.

BS: LOL and what advice would you give to someone who is running an online news site or blog on how to always stay a step ahead of the competition?

Rich: The biggest mistake web editors make is leaving their sites static. Keep it fresh! It’s like wearing 2007’s fashion in 2010. No one wants to look like Dunga, it’s embarrassing.

BS: hahahah But some of these pop up things can be irritating when all you want to do is read a story. Anyway, I hear you are also involved in the weekly print publication, Soccer Week: Tell us more about your role there?

Rich: Hmmm. This is shaping up to be a job interview. Do you want to know if I’m available to freelance? I don’t come cheap! (Laughs) I hope my bosses don’t read this.

BS: Hahahah no man, really, I’m just curious!

Rich: Soccer Week is done on a contract basis where I am a contributing editor. It’s like an affair I have on the side. My first love is Football365.co.za.

BS: Do people buy it though? I think it’s a nice publication but too “international” for my taste.

Rich: It’s looking to attract a niche market. It’s still a young publication though, it will take time for it to build an identity. But Football365.co.za went through that too, but now we’re an established player in the market.

BS: You were in the news recently because you had taken the Sunday Times to the Press Ombudsman for calling you a dunderhead, clown and a palooka. Now the part I found to be interesting is this: the reason they called you names was because you had labelled them “idiots”. Why report them to the Press Ombudsman?

Rich: No comment.

BS: Kwaaaaaa!

Rich: Not really. Remember they also called me a ‘foreigner’! Yet I’ve just renewed my SA passport and Home Affairs were tremendous. But context is everything. I wrote an article where I used the word ‘idiot’ in a broad sense. There’s an irony too in that Carlos Amato at The Times is probably the best local writer. Anyway, in my feature I explained why I think our football press is lacking, gave examples etc. It was meant to be controversial. I got a great response from readers who are sick of reading below-par journalism. The Times launched what seemed like a personal attack in return, I touched a nerve. Let me put it this way. There’s a difference between saying, ‘celeb bloggers smell bad’ and ‘celeb blogger Brown Shuga smells bad’. Please don’t take me to the ombud for that (laughs) but I did the former which is a general statement. The paper did the latter. There’s a difference, or at least there should be.

On The Sniff appoints Juju SA's new left-wing!

BS: I hear you. My favourite part of F365 is “On The Sniff“. I see it as the equivalent of Sunday World’s Shwashwi or Sunday Times’ “Tsamaya” (a lot better though) and I don’t know if you write there at all but if you could report ST to the ombudsman, shouldn’t the people you make fun of (e.g. sportsmen) on The Sniff also report you? How is it different?

Rich: The difference is that the writer of On the Sniff doesn’t make baseless claims about people. I was attacked because I have jumped the queue, so to speak. I can understand why there is some antipathy towards me, I write really opinionated pieces. If that column (what’s it called again, Tsamaya?) had said something valid about me I wouldn’t have counter-attacked. I mean they laid into me because I said it’s fine to play with two holding midfielders. It’s absurd. Every team in the quarter-finals of the World Cup besides Argentina plays with two holders. What must the Bafana coach do, play Teko Modise in central midfield? We have short memories. Ted Dumitru used one holding midfielder at AFCON 2006, remember how that worked out for us?

BS: Hehehe I’d rather forget. But here’s what I don’t get. When I started my celebrity blogging career, I was told that there is an unspoken code between writers: You don’t write about your colleagues, you write about the celebrities. Does this not apply to sports journalists?

Rich: I’ve realised that freedom of speech isn’t tolerated in the sports media. Free speech is all about justified opinion. That’s the game I play. And I don’t see why journalists should be immune from criticism. There are no holy cows. That includes me. But don’t just slate because you dislike my or someone’s personality. Tell your readers why you’re criticising, give legit reasons. It’s my belief – and it’s one of the beliefs that makes me so unpopular amongst some soccer writers – that our journalism reflects our soccer. It’s not as good as we think and I can prove it. I dunno, it maybe makes me dangerous and ‘anti-South African’ in the eyes of other journos. The contrary is true.

Anyway, it’s interesting that I have writers from major newspapers wanting to freelance for me. It’s quite funny actually. Slam me one week, ask to write for me the next. Also, now that I think about it, the Times has written three articles about me in the last few months. I mean I have been in the news. That’s outrageous! The priorities are wrong. Let’s debate technical aspects of football. But I’ve been told that isn’t done and I’ve been ridiculed for being ‘academic’. That sums up everything that is wrong with the media and our football. Intelligence is viewed with suspicion but that’s why Bafana’s FIFA ranking is so low. That’s why foreign journos question the quality of our writing. South Africans deserve better.

BS: Interesting views. Your claim was dismissed by the Press Ombudsman though, how do you feel about that?

Rich: Do you know a good lawyer? I’m not sure what I’m allowed to say (Laughs).

BS: Hahaha we’ll find a lawyer go ahead…

Rich: The claim was dismissed, yes. But I’ve worked for English sites like Sky and ITV and I feel that compared to them, SA is 10-15 years behind. Again, context counts. I wrote that provocative piece stating the football media needs to be improved. From this point of view the ombud’s ruling was in my favour, he said both me and the Times need to improve the level of commentary. Now taking into account that this is exactly what I said in the original, controversial piece, then the ruling isn’t that bad.

BS: Your impressions on the standard of football we’ve seen in the World Cup so far?

Rich: Good and bad, I suppose. Germany, Spain and Argentina have played some nifty football. We have, however, seen a lot of reactive football where teams set-up to avoid defeat, rather than going for wins. It’s understandable. Visit my website to read more. (Laughs), That’s shameless, I know.

BS: Very shameless hawu lol. What do you make of England, France & Italy’s performances? Coz those are the exits that shocked most people.

Rich: I was discussing this with a friend and he said the point of the game is to score goals. France scored once in three games. England got three in four. Italy a bit more, but their performances really were abject because they couldn’t hit the back of the net consistently enough. Italian football faces something of an identity crisis. They lack quality and Lippi wasn’t sure how to create a system to get around that. France had a madman as a coach and England, well their media over-hyped them. They really aren’t a team. Just a collection of egos.

BS: Hahaha I feel so sorry for them.. what with all these email jokes doing the rounds. So, with only 1 more week to go, who do you think is going to be crowned champion on 11 July?

Rich: I said Brazil before the tournament and I’m sticking with them. I don’t buy the hype though. I don’t like their style because they don’t have any. Dunga’s fashion sense is symbolic of his football, I’d say. They are a functional and industrious side. All of their goals come from set-pieces and quick turn-overs in possession. It’s atavistic football. It’s actually quite English in its approach. That said, they are an outstanding team physically and no team counter-attacks as well as they do. Brazil also make less mistakes than their rivals, that’s why they’ll win.

BS: And your WC Highlights and low points so far?

Rich: My beloved Bafana! All the highs and lows centre around them. Before the World Cup I said God abides in Shabba’s left foot. I get goosebumps when I recall that goal he scored at Soccer City. It wasn’t my finest journalistic moment, I celebrated so wildly that one of my flailing limbs hit the journalist sitting next to me in the face. I wonder if he was from the Sunday Times (Laughs).

BS: Hahahahahahahah

Rich: Their others games left me crestfallen though. But one of the great things about this Bafana team is that they are the nicest guys. Especially when you compare them to the divas from Brazil and England.

BS: I agree. And Pitso as Bafana Bafana coach? Yes, no?

Rich: Yes, for the sake of continuity. I like what SportLite said about this. SAFA mustn’t fire him after a few months, or after we lose to Egypt in AFCON qualifiers. We need to be patient. Ghana were patient with Milovan Rajevac and look how well that has worked out.

BS: Sports journalists & actually soccer fans in general always have a lot to say about coaching tactics etc, would you coach a team like Bafana if u were dared to do it? (Why or Why not)

Rich: This is another job interview-type question!

BS: Huu bathong….

Rich: But I would. And I’d play two holding midfielders (Laughing again).

BS: LOL

Rich: I write about this every week and the problem is SAFA lacks a coherent vision about how we should play the game. To quote my friend again, at the moment SA is a colossal disaster: piano and shoeshine philosophy with English tactical methodology. We need to produce the modern template of footballer. Our current strengths and type of player we have now are limited at international level. We need to start from a low base and build up from there. Moreover, we need to formulate a scientific tactical approach that will allow us to compete on the continent. This is what annoys me about the local media. They say we should play two wingers and two strikers, but the reality is we don’t have the pool of talent to utilise these options. We’re very idealistic which is fine in the PSL, it makes for an entertaining product, but international football is results-orientated. Just ask Fabio Capello. Fans can’t have free-flowing football and results. Not with our players, so we need to find the right balance.

BS: Sure coach! What is your advice to the new coach? Whether it’s Pitso or someone else?

Rich: Be pragmatic. Don’t get involved in politics. Look to rugby and see how that sporting code is successful.

BS: Now for a question that I’ve been meaning to ask, and please don’t tell me it’s a job interview question! What is the difference between soccer and football? Does it matter whether I call it soccer or football?

Rich: It’s all semantics so I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer. Um, let’s put it this way: a show called ‘Soccer Players’ Wives’ is never going to be as successful as ‘Footballers’ wives’.

BS: Oooh, that makes sense!

Rich: Just so long as you visit Football365.co.za and not Soccer365, I’m happy (Laughs)

BS: Hahaha Thiza safa ifootball what what! Lol so what are the top 3 websites (except F365) you visit daily?

Rich: I suppose I have to say JC! For European football The Guardian have excellent columnists and Zonalmarking.net is an educational website. Locally, I do check what the rivals are doing too and I like The Daily Maverick and The Mail & Guardian. I know that’s more than three, but maths isn’t my strong point.

BS: No The Times on that list? Hahaha. Give our readers 3 Reasons why they should visit F365.co.za and not other football sites?

Rich: Only three? Yoh. On the Sniff, the 411 gossip, the blogs, the live commentary, the interviews, the stats, the breaking news, the debates, the analysis, the humour, the picture galleries of scantily clad ladies. Oops, sorry girls…

BS: I actually don’t like “that last part” you mentioned but we’ll save that for another day! Now before I let you go, as a football editor, what do you think of The SportLite, JC’s super awesome sports expert?

Rich: I like the tone, it’s witty and clever at times but also insightful. The week in review is well worth the read. SportLite must be careful though, don’t say anything about newspapers, you never know what might happen (Laughs).

BS: Thanks for your time Richard and keep up the good work!

Ends.

If you’d like to follow Richard on Twitter, he is @ProfCasperelli

Interview: Kgomotso Matsunyane

Kiki — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:00:56 +0000

Well I had been soooo looking forward to interviewing this lady for sometime. What a free spirit Kgomotso is, actually let me say she is one crazy person, fun, ambitious and so full of life. We both had a great time during this interview and we couldn’t stop talking as there was a whole lotta crazy stuff we had in common.

Kiki : Who is Kgomotso? I know people know you as a Writer, Presenter, Director but I am asking about the REAL Kgomotso, the person behind the known name.
Kgomotso Matsunyane: Kgomotso is a 38yr old that was born in Johannesburg @ Baragwanath hospital lived in Dube, went to boarding school in the old Bophuthatswana and attended Batswana High School, Mmabatho high school and then I finished my matric Roedean in Parktown. Well I was a phapharing but fearful child. I have an elder brother, so I can say while growing up I had serious last-born syndrome issues.

KK : By brother ,are you talking about Neo? So does this mean it is just the two of you in the family?

Kgomotso : Yes I am referring to Neo and from my mother and father it is just the two of us but we have 2 other sisters from my father side. One older & one younger, I am not really in touch with the elder sister but my younger sister and I do keep in touch as much as possible because our parents business is theirs and has nothing to do with us.

Well then I went to the USA to study, and the town where I was staying was very small even the college there, it was like only 1800 students, very private there was like no black people…

KK : So you were the only black person there??

Kgomotso : : No, there was like less than 50 0f us, it was very small.

KK : And they got your name right?? Americans have a tendency…..

Kgomotso : Well one thing I realized was that people wouldn’t want to learnt they’d ask me like ‘don’t you have a nickname?’ and I’d tell them to learn my name 1st and then come ask me again for a nickname after 2months….so eventually they got it right.

Then I studied politics

KK : Wow Kgomotso Politics?? no wonder you always have something to say about politicians….hehehhh

Kgomotso : Yes I did study politics, and when I came back to South Africa in 1996 I had my own ambitions of becoming a President. But while studying Politics I realized that the best way to effect people it’s via media not by being a politician so that’s how I landed where I am today. I did some Internships and also worked on a documentary series IN WHICH THE DIRECTOR fell ill with malaria so I ended up having to take over…oh it was horrible.

Then I got married, I actually met my husband in the States.

KK : Is he from there?

Kgomotso :Yes he is from there, well he is my EX Husband now…but he is still living in Joburg, he loves it.

KK : Do you have children?

Kgomotso :No

KK : In future?

Kgomotso :Why not?? Its one thing that I’d like and I don’t even need a boyfriend to have a child..

KK : oh so are u planning on adopting?

Kgomotso : :…even a donation, oh I am very open to donations..hey wena barekisa bana ka R10 000 and I think that is very sick ,to actually think that some people struggle to have children while some are selling and dumping them ,its horrific.

Well I am 38 now so i have a couple more years to make that decision,I am very open to adoption. I have got a God child who is adopted, Pablo, he is now 3yrs old now and watching him and his mom and how naturally they love each other, I know it’s something I can do.

KK: wow that is so sweet. Anyway what do you prefer between radio & Tv? You have your own Tv show LATE NIGHT WITH KGOMOTSO and then you do a breakfast show GOOD MORNING GAUTENG on Kaya Fm. Which one is more interesting for you?

Kgomotso :: I thank God I live in 2010 when I can do both, because they are both so dynamic. Well I also write a column for True Love magazine but I do radio in the morning so it’s really dynamic… and then of course the new series of the TV show is coming back in August.

KK : Oh so you write for True Love every month?

Kgomotso : Yes , the June issue is actually my third column. So you see how media is diversified? But I THINK my first love is television…I said I THINK…hehehh but the truth is I didn’t expect to love radio so much, I am comfortable now but TV is much wider, there are documentaries, drama, talk shows etc

KK : How do you handle the challenges that life throws at you, its ups & downs? The ups most people can handle but the downs are always difficult.

Kgomotso :: I was under employed last year for about 4-5months, no regular if any salary. It wasn’t easy.

KK : So how did you get back up?

Kgomotso :The 1st thing is to be honest with everybody, tell people your situation that you need help, you need a place to stay, you need a job all those things. You don’t have to pretend because how will people help you if they don’t know what you need?

I literally had to move house because I couldn’t afford rent. I moved in with a friend. We even had to downsize the company offices (T.O.M Pictures) to smaller premises because at that time it was just a shell. We had no money coming in, even though we had a client that owed us almost a million rand at the time. That was more infuriating actually. But now things have turned around. We still have another Soul City series to do, we are getting more international work and are finally making the break into commercials.

KK : So what time do you wake up?

Kgomotso : I wake up at 4:30am

KK : Tjo and you manage? Kgomotso 4:30???

Kgomotso :I have to manage. You know the 1st few days I was a bit scared to over sleep but I am ok now. I have to be in bed by 9pm latest. I work long days, like 12-14 hrs … That’s long hours and often I also work weekends. My goal is to work less and play more!

KK : So do you think you will be able to handle having a child with the long hours that you put up at work? I mean let’s say if you decide to adopt.
Kgomotso :I don’t know Kiki you are a mother, how do you manage? I think about that and it’s always a problem because right now I am glad that I don’t have to feed a child or even do homework when I get home because I am usually so tired! But anyway I am sure I will find a way to balance everything and I will obviously need a full time helper. I love my work so not working will never be an option. My work is very much a part of who I am as a woman, as a writer, as A presenter..

KK : Lets talk about your love life .Do you have a boyfriend?

Kgomotso : Aaaaah eish NO COMMENT

KK : Hayi Kgomotso,i want a comment…haahahh

Kgomotso: hahahaha lets just say it’s a work IN progress

KK : I will get back to that topic somehow, I know.
And what is this about Mexico, I read something you wrote about Mexico, what’s happening there?

Kgomotso :Remember earlier I mentioned that being honest really helps?? Well, I have a friend who lives in the USA that I have kept in touch with since Varsity, and we have been meaning for years to meet somewhere but I had been postponing it. At my lowest point last year my friend said he will be meeting friends in Mexico would I like to join them? So I was like ‘dude I cant even afford get to cape town’ Long story short, he cashed in all his Air Miles and I spent sometime in New York, went to Chicago to meet him then off we went to Mexico and GOD did I have fun? I love traveling, I love being at a place where there aren’t too many South Africans around, I really enjoy being a kwerekwere. Because I think we get too comfortable here and we need to travel and feel what it’s like out there. Where u meet people who won’t even understand a word that you are saying. But I took Spanish when I was in college so I can get away with a few. But where I was it’s a holiday town so there are a lot of Americans there and most people spoke English. I had a good time, the food was amazing, the tequila was incredible…they had every kind of tequila u could possibly imagine.

KK : On your TV show you always have Mack, Marry or Flush…well I am going to put you on the spot and play that with you, but you need to 1st explain to me what is to MACK and to FLUSH? To marry I know, I just need to be sure of the other two.

Kgomotso :Flush means I want nothing to do with you, I don’t even want to be close to u so I am flushing down the toilet.

Mack means I want a piece of you even if its just one time to get close to you.

KK : So Mack means Shag kahle kahle?

Kgomotso :: Yes it means exactly that but because we needed to find a more “ACCEPTABLE” word for the TV show we settled for mack.

KK : Ok I am giving you 3names,since you love comedy I thought of going with comedians. So Mack, Marry or Flush?

1; Chris Tucker
2; Martin Lawrence
3; Eddie Murphy

Who are u flushing, macking or marrying and why?

Kgomotso :: mmmmmmmhhh I will Flush Martin Lawrence

KK : But why, he is one of my favourites?

Kgomotso :Well I have never really liked him,even during his Martin Lawrence show….Shaneinei, he was crazy and he is also not that good looking.

KK : Oh so looks really matter?

Kgomotso : Of course they do…hahahah. Ok then i will mack Chris Tucker

KK : You mean shag Chris Tucker?? And then Marry Eddie?? why??

Kgomotso :I’d have to marry Eddie,because he got like what ?? 7 children? hahahah well Eddie came in before these other two guys and at that time they werent a lot of black comedians around, so he pushed through that. His personal life is rubbish, he’d most probably be a husband from hell but because of his talent I find him very very sexy. Even though Chris is cuter but Eddie has the most talent and oh those tight leather pants…h eheh

KK : You are saying looks do matter, what type of men do u like?

Kgomotso :: It doesn’t mean I date them, but its like who do I find attractive neh??

KK : Ok who do you find attractive, actually who do you have a crush on here in South Africa?

Kgomotso : Here in SA?? OMG I’m gonna be exposed….ummmmm I like dark men, you know dark chocolate, even skin tone that looks like you could lick it..

KK : Heheheh the likes of Morris Chestnut..

Kgomotso : Ooooooh yehhh, i like them tall because I am short,so we need a balance. I like them tall & I like them lean…can you believe it?

KK : I actually think I’ve got someone in mind who fits that description…

Kgomotso : And who could that be?

KK : Heheheh Akin Omotoso (to those who dont remember Akin was Khaya Motene on Generations )

Kgomotso : Hahahahhahah oyeh!

KK ; OMG so I am right?

Kgomotso :If he wasnt married to a gorgeous wonderful woman….

KK : You’d Mack him?

Kgomotso :KM : Absolutely…I mean we even joke about it sometimes and I tell the wife that , u know polygamy is very legal in South Africa…heheh and in Nigeria so we must learn to share…well I love that look completely.

KK : Does that mean he is the one you have a crush on here in SA?

Kgomotso : No SERIOUSLY, I cant even say that coz it will be like ke galela my business partner…so no I don’t like him in that way.

KK : Ok then give me a name Kgomotso maan

Kgomotso :Eeeeeehm I think Siyabonga Thwala is hot!

KK : Siyabonga is Paul Mashaba on Generations right?

Kgomotso :Yes he is on Generations, and I also like Vusi Kunene…( Jack Mabaso on generations ).

KK: Eish Vusi bathong,I worked with him on a few episodes of Justice For All, and what a pleasant, fun and sexy man he is. Tjo you know that type of man you look foward to going home to every night?? Thats him.. mmmmmmhhh.

Kgomotso: He is very sexy, its his eyes, that look of his… and he is a proffesional.You know I am such a flirt, I love flirting because its harmless its just fun. AND I know ALL these BABES are married so make sure you put that on the interview, I have respect for them and their women.
KK : Is Vusi married?

Kgomotso :He must be married Kiki, honestly is there any South African man that you can point out and say yes this one is single, no wife/woman in his life? Tell me ,just give me one name Kiki ,one name?

KK : Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmh

Kgomotso : You see, NONE! They are all taken. He can be the dirtiest or ugliest man IN MZANSI but he has someone to pick up his dirty draws and clean up after him. NOT FAIR!

KM : So where are we gonna find husbands mara?

Kgomotso : Hahaah why do you think I am making a baby alone? To hell with the husband…hahahahhhhhhhhhhhh (She has a very loud laugh )

KK : And then there is something about your laugh, wena le DJ Fresh you are known for your laughs.

Kgomotso : I come from a family where people laugh, if my brother had to sit here ….?? We have a similar laugh . Actually the whole family. That is why we avoid sitting next to each other because it will be kwakwakwakwa all the way. We laugh! You know when I laugh that’s when I am at peace and I feel free, it don’t matter how much of a bad mood I am in but the moment I laugh I feel free, because that is the kind of freedom you cant buy. It’s such a relief to be able to have a good old belly laugh.

KK : You are a comedy person and on your TV show you always come across like you are obsessed with Political jokes, are you??

Kgomotso : I write about a lot of different things, I have written about LOVE, POLITICS, I even wrote about legalizing weed.

KK : Do you smoke weed??

Kgomotso : I feel the same way about the legalization of Sex Work in this country. Does that mean I am a prostitute? NO. I wish women didn’t have to sell their bodies but if they are old enough and feel it’s the right thing to do then feel free and do it. Legalize it, because I know people who are married who are prostitutes and that makes it hypocritical.

The weed debate went as far as the Constitutional court, 3 judges voted NO and 2 voted YES. This is how close we came to legalizing weed in this country. There is nothing wrong with smoking weed, in my opinion. I honestly think alcohol is much more destructive than weed. Just because it’s legal does not make it right, but as with everything , moderation is key.

KK: Hahhahah they will be calling disciplinary meetings for you every time like Juju.

Kgomotso : I feel Juju, I think he is just misunderstood and there is a certain lake of tolerance that worries me about him .The other thing is that he needs to read more, Julius doesn’t read enough.

KK : So do u think it would have been better for him to be a comedian?? Because the minute Juju opens his mouth I am already laughing.

Kgomotso :Hayi he would make a lousy comedian, he doesn’t have a great sense of humor and I don’t think he intends for you to laugh as much as you do! Well my show is coming back on TV in August and I am telling you, I want Juju as my 1st guest. We couldn’t get him on the previous season but this time I want him.

KK : Late Night With Kgomotso is coming back on our screens?? Thank God we were tired of tweeting about the repeats..hahahh

Kgomotso : Brand new show the 1st week of August, so look forward to it.
KK : Looking at comedians in SA, which ones do you think are really kicking ass?

Kgomotso : Eugene Khoza is the funniest guy I have come across in a long time. He comes on fridays on KayaFM. He is hilarious, the minute he walks through the door then we are on the floor. The second one has to be Loyiso Gola, I was a Commissioning Editor ya Pure Monate Show,and Loyiso was part of it with Kau, Kagiso…etc. OMG, and there is this dude called Mpho I saw ko Blacks Only and he killed it. He is damn sure going places

KK : And how do you feel about this Malawi Gay couple that was sentenced to 14yrs for being gay?

Kgomotso : I think its bull shit. It’s times like those that make me feel proud to be a South African because I don’t have to deal with rubbish like that. I think the Malawi politicians need a hobby or something. 14yrs for being gay?? 1st of all what are we doing in peoples’ bedrooms? Who a person sleeps with surely has nothing to do with everybody else

Kiki If you had to have a referendum tomorrow us’buze amaSouth Africans on these issues: Should abortion be legalized? What do you think the population would say?
KK : NO

Kgomotso : If you were to ask, should gay marriages be legalized?
KK : NO

Kgomotso : If you were to ask, should prostitution be legalized?
KK : NO

Kgomotso :You see my point? Some topics are not up for discussion. You can not talk about Abortion, because morally people will say NO, but go and look at how long the queues at Abortion Clinics are? Abortion is legal in South Africa, and yet women still opt for the illegal route, WHY? JUDGEMENT. We are scared of being judged. The same person who allegedly doesn’t believe in abortion is having one in secret, or taking their child there. We don’t want to give our children contraceptives or even talk about sex, but we become embarrassed or surprised when they fall pregnant.

The same men who are against gays and lesbians, you know what?? They are having sex with other men. It was a topic we spoke about on the radio show just the other day on Relationship Tuesdays. MEN ON THE DOWN LOW, yes the after nines. He has a wife, children the works but sleeps with other men and he is the most homophobic. When it comes to relationships in South Africa we are LIARS, we don’t tell the truth at all. We are trying to pretend that the Christian monogamy is working for us but its not.
KK : I agree most men cant be trusted.

Kgomotso :Some even abuse children…You know what? I don’t see myself settling down with a South African man, actually I don’t see myself settling down with anybody, really. It’s just too much. Kiki do you date SA men at all??

KK : Eish, I try to avoid them but some of them are too cute I cant resist ..hehhheh. I really try to avoid them because through relatives & friends I see most of their men are very abusive, it can be physically, emotionally, verbally….they are way different from the international men that I have been with or came across. Wena??

Kgomotso :Well for someone like me it’s very hard. Either you get people who are curious because you are on radio, you are on TV, so it’s like a badge of honor to them like “ja, I did that”.

Second of all most men will assume that I make more money than they do and they don’t want to know. Also, I am an opinionated sister and that’s a fact, I cannot stand amanyala. I was not raised to bow down for a man…NEVER.

The problem with most South African men is that they think just because I am a strong Independent woman then I want to be treated like a man…NO! I am not a man , I am a strong woman so if you think you love me you cant expect me to act weak just for you. This is the package you get, warts and all.

Most of the men who hit on me are much younger, but really, I can’t be that girl who is dropping off people ko students res…hayi no. They are nice to play with but it should end there.

KK : But would you get into a relationship with someone that earns less than you, does it matter??

Kgomotso : Nah I don’t have a problem mina, I have been is such relationships but then it always becomes an issue for them. The other thing, a man mustn’t look at me as an ATM, and it’s hard not to feel used. Don’t make me pay for dinner 5 times in a row. At least nawe try even to buy me meal ya R20 from McDonalds for a change or bring groceries once in a while. And men if you already have kids then they should be more important than me because you just met me. How can I possibly be the number1 in your life when you have 3 children? I mean really now who are you fooling?

One other thing about South African men is that balahlile maan.

KK : Hahhhhhahah balahlile??
Kgomotso :Yes balahlile, South African men are the biggest sluts in the world. I promise you, they would sleep with ANYTHING. If you want sex, it’s a matter of a phone call and he will drop everything to come and get some.

KK : Hhehhe you take him to a party or event only to find out he has slept with more than 2 women there. Its really embarrassing, coz you try to introduce ‘YOUR NEW MAN‘ to your gals but they already know him.

Kgomotso :I’d rather die lonely and bitter living my life in the process than be unhappy.

KK: Ok. I think we need to wrap up now because when women start talking about men it can go on and on.

My last question to you, If you were to die today what would you want to be remembered as?

Kgomotso: FEARLESS. You know what without COURAGE Kiki you are nothing. I would like to be remembered as a FEARLESS, COURAGIOUS and A COMPASSIONATE woman.

KK : Thank you so much for your time.

Kgomotso :My pleasure.

By Kiki Marli ©

Pictures: Late Night with Kgomotso

Related Posts: On Kgomotso’s Radio Gig

Interview With Teargas (Podcast)

Brown Shuga — Thu, 20 May 2010 23:47:18 +0000

Check out EricSayz’ interview with hip hop super group TearGas!

They are definitely “the” hottest rap group right now and expectations are high for them to follow up with an even better album.

Here is what the winners of the 2010 SAMA Best Rap Album had to say:

You can follow the boys on Twitter : @TeargasSA

Podcast By Eric

Twitter: @EricSayZ

Interview with Ba2Cada!!! (Podcast)

Brown Shuga — Thu, 13 May 2010 23:34:19 +0000

This week, EricSayz interviews one of my FAVOURITE, favourite people on the planet! Ba2Cada!

Ba2Cada, real name Nyakallo Leine, hosts Leseli FM’s afternoon drive show and all he needs to do to make me laugh is just open his mouth I honestly think he is one of the best things to ever happen to Leseli, he has just the right mix of everything that makes for a great radio host . He may not be the perfect candidate for a station like Metro FM but he is the BEST for Leseli FM! If you like Dineo Ranaka on YFM then you will definitely love Ba2Cada!

Peep this to find out why he thinks he was preferred over Twasa as well as why he’s the best in what he does…

Did I mention I LIKE HIM?

Thank you Eric for the podcast, you made my week! Kwaaaaaaaaaa!

Check out Ba2Cada 15:00 – 18:00 Mon – Friday & Saturdays 09:00 – 12:00 on Leseli FM.

EricSayz is on Twitter : @EricSayz

Liezel van der Westhuizen Speaks Idols (Podcast)

Brown Shuga — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:11:05 +0000

EricSayz chats to Liezel van der Westhuizen about the new season of Idols. She’s an “IronMan”, TV/ Radio Presenter, Motivational speaker, model and one of my favourites blondes in SA

(Now will you please donate the dress to me?)

Please click on PLAY to check out Eric’s lively interview with Ms Liezel V:

You can follow Liezel’s Twitter account on @Liezelv

and the official IDOLS Account on @IdolsSA

Liezel with her co-host Proverb in Bloemfontein’s Idols Auditions.

Interview with RJ Benjamin (PodCast)

Brown Shuga — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:59:13 +0000

He is a singer, songwriter, what the “learned” would call a well rounded musician and he has very strong opinions on everything musical.

In this 2 part podcast, our future-breakfast-host-on-a-national-radio-station, EricSayz interviews the talented RJ BENJAMIN.

Peep this for the awesome interview!

PART 1

PART 2

The song that made him a household name…. Change The World

For more on RJ, check out his website http://rjbenjamin.co.za/ or follow him on Twitter @RJBenjamin

Q & A: Gert On His SAMA 2010 Designs!

Brown Shuga — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:09:53 +0000

Judging by the response from the SAMA Fashion, it’s obvious that Gert-Johan Coetzee is doing something right. I know I’ve been drumming his name into our readers’ ears (or is it eyes) these past few weeks but I just had to have a quick chat with him to find out where all these amazing ideas for dresses come from.

Here’s what he had to say…

Brown Shuga: Tell us about the dresses you made for Bonang. Did she tell you what she wanted or she just asked you to make her something?

Gert-Johan Coetzee: Bonang came for a consultation. I told her my ideas, and she told me what she was looking for so we worked on both our ideas. A client’s input is important because the dress must reflect who they are.

BS: Cool, so when you meet someone for the first time and they ask you to make a dress for them, what is the first question you ask them?
GJC: Stand up so i can look at you.

BS: LOL! Have you ever made a dress that a celeb turned down?

GJC: I have been blessed that people are always happy with my work. If they are new clients, I keep them involved all the time, but if i know their style, they would just phone me, and i would make whatever i think will suit them, and it always works.

BS: Besides the dresses you designed, what were your favourite outfits at the SAMAs?
GFJ: I loved what Unathi and Sizwe were wearing!

BS: Yeah, they looked great. As a designer, what did you think of Thandiswa and Camagwini’s outfits?
GFJ: Thandiswa’s made me think of Lady GaGa, it was a busy fabric with a busy design, it’s a wonder she didn’t poke someone’s eye out! Camagwini’s was too much, you don’t have to go to those extremes to stand out!

BS: What do you think was in their minds when the wore those things?
GFJ: I think they wanted to be different. Camagwini wanted to draw attention, whereas Thandiswa thought she looked nice.

BS: heheh clearly we didn’t agree. Would you ever make something so “shocking?”
GFJ: Yes i would, but it would be done right!

BS: The dress you gave away was worth R10 000. Does that mean you only cater for high-end typa people?
GFJ: Not at all, that was a once off couture dress. My other dresses range from R2,500, and casual clothes are even more affordable.

BS: That’s good news for some of us, seeing that the Durban July is fast approaching. But tell me Gert, why do you think your designs are such huge hits out there?
GFJ: I never stop thinking about fashion, it is who I am. I think I bring international flair to the table and I also work very hard at what I do. I alwayas say that the difference between ordinary and
extraordinary is the word extra!

BS: True! Which designers inspire you?
GFJ: I don’t really look at other designers to get inspiration, i get my inspiration from the human body.

BS: And plans for the future? All eyes are on you now..
GFJ: I want to go international soon, i already have plans in the pipeline, and it might happen sooner then I expect.

BS: Thanks for your time Gert!

GFJ: You’re welcome!

ENDS

Interview with 4PLAY’s Amanda Lane!

Phathu — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:42:26 +0000

One on one with Amanda Lane, 4play’s director

Amanda Lane is fantastic, she has that sharp mind of being able to produce an idea in an instant and knows what a good story is. I was thrilled when I got a short opportunity to work with her on an MTV Base project. I got to see what my writing partner has been raving about, a woman who is alive and fun, her passion will seduce you into her world of directing and storytelling. You cannot help but love this woman and it is not a surprise that she did such an amazing job directing 4play, E-TV’s new hit show. I just had to have a chat with her.

Phathu: How did you get into 4play?

Amanda: I was approached by Mariki Van Der Walt (the producer) to head direct the show. I am a great fan of Curious Pictures’ work and I loved the concept. In short it was an opportunity I was delighted and excited by.

Phathu : Was it naturally easy for you as a female director to direct a show about women?

Amanda: It was really refreshing in that I have mainly directed shows that take place in predominantly male dominated worlds ( Jacobs Cross, Zone 14 etc). So it was amazing reading the scripts and feeling “I really know this”… I did not have to adjust my perspective- I’ve been that girl sweeping the rose petals after a failed pole dance.

I was however cautious about doing a show all about woman- in that one can easily fall into the trap of being overly sentimental or too stridently feminist. It was important to me that we did not alienate male viewers and that we celebrated the experience of being a woman. Despite all the hard work, heartbreak and trauma- being a woman is extremely fabulous. “Sex and the City” and Pedro Almodovar’s films (“All about my mother”, “Talk to her” and “Volver”) were hugely inspirational in finding the right tone and style for the series.

Phathu: What was the most challenging thing about directing 4play?

Amanda: Making a glossy show on a limited budget is always a challenge (especially when you lose your key location a day into shooting.) For this reason I make careful choices and then pray that they are the right ones.

For me the most important choices are with regard to the cast and crew one chooses to work with-the right people can make the impossible possible.

Phathu: And the highlights?

Amanda: The highlights- were definitely the people involved in the project.

I really adore the cast. We spent a lot of time looking for great actresses who you could really believe were friends. Portia Gumede, Kgomotso Christopher, Tiffany Jones and Mbali Mahumulo are amazing women who have a great chemistry together. Working with them was as jolly as sipping Mojito’s in Zanzibar. Other highlights where a brilliant and dedicated crew, most notably-Trevor Calverley (DOP), Dave Howe (Gaffer/lighting design) and Lenny Tsandeni (Key Grip)- Ladies, these are gentlemen you always want by your side.

Phathu: The show was funded by the John Hopkins foundation which deals with HIV and AIDS. Did you find it hard to deal with the messages that should be embedded on the show?

Amanda: No not at all- I think one of the great successes of the concept of the show is that –it is first and foremost a story about 4 friends in pursuit of love happiness and everything else. As such HIV is an organic part of the landscape they navigate- and the messages are delivered through witnessing relationships unfold rather than sermonizing.

Phathu: There has been a huge influx of female driven shows like Society, the mating game and now 4play. Do you feel that South African viewers are now more receptive to sexual themed show than they were in the past?

Amanda: I don’t think it’s really about being more receptive to sexually themed shows- I think it’s more about realising that there was very little on TV that was actually made for woman or that reflected woman in an authentic and multi-faced way. I also think that as women find their place as equals- there is a greater need for female protagonists and shows that are seen through the lens of contemporary women –who are truly fascinating and fantastic beings.

Phathu: The show has been doing very well in terms of the ARS, do you think E will commission another season and where would you like to see the characters go in season two, if it happens?

Amanda: Yes they are shooting the second season as we speak. But alas I cannot give you the scoop. I am not working on the second season due to my commitments with Soul Buddyz 5 and Jacob’s Cross.

Phathu: As a female director in a rather male dominated industry, do you have to work twice as hard to prove that you know what you are doing?

Amanda: I think any director has to earn the trust and respect of their cast and crew- it does not matter if you are a man or woman. I have been blessed with great mentors and champions most specifically Desiree’ Markgraaff Angus Gibson and Moonyeenn Lee.

Phathu: What did you make of Kathryn Bigelow’s sweep at the Oscars?

Amanda: I have not had a gap to see the film yet- but the trailer looks great.

Phathu: What are you currently busy with at the moment?

Amanda: I am currently completing post -production on Soul Buddyz 5 and writing the new season of Jacob’s Cross.

EricSayz Interviews MetroFM’s Nutty (Podcast)

Eric Sayz — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 23:03:07 +0000