Phase 1 of the Live Talent Search process has kicked off with SABC 1 calling on all aspiring presenters to enter the national auditions process on-line via the Channel’s website, at www.sabc1.co.za.

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The on-line registration site will be activated on Friday 03 February 2012, closing on Friday 10^th.

Applicants will be required to fill in an on-line application form and a motivation paragraph of “Why they want to be a Live presenter.” Applicants must be between the ages of 19 – 24 and proficient in both English and Nguni. Terms and Conditions apply. (No word on what these are yet) 

The Process 

 Step 1: Fill in the Online Audition Registration Form (Name/ ID No/ Contact Details/ Province.

Step 2: Complete all the Audition tasks. (A paragraph on ‘Why you want to be the next Live presenter)

Step 3: Upload a picture of yourself and/or a 2 minute video.

Step 4: Selection of 200 finalists from the national registration process.

Step 5: Shortlisted candidates will be notified via sms of the regional audition details

Step 6: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to do regional screen tests (4 people per province – Top 32)

Step 7: Panel selection to produce the Top 4

Step 8: The Top 4 will be invited to participate in the final round in the Live studio in Johannesburg.

Step 9: The viewers will have a final say in voting in their favourite guest presenter to join the LIVE team. 

 The public will be kept informed of developments and additional details regarding other phases to the auditions process will be made available at the appropriate time(s)

The nominees for the 2011 Naledi Theatre Awards have just been released and it’s interesting to some of the familiar TV names in there. The winners will be announced on 5 March at Gold Reef City, here is the list the nominees:

Best Production of Musical
Dreamgirls - Showtime Management in assoc. with Vienna Waits Productions, dir by Robert Longbottom
Jesus Christ Superstar - prod by Pieter Toerien & The Really Useful Group, dir by Paul Warwick Griffin
Mandela Trilogy - prod by Cape Town Opera in collaboration with Rand Merchant Bank, written and dir by Michael Williams
Combat:Nataniël – prod by Nataniël House of Music in collaboration with Emperors Palace, written and dir by Nataniël
The Pirates of Penzance - prod by Daphne Kuhn and Old Mutual Theatre on the Square in assoc with the South African State Theatre, dir by Greg Homann
Tree Aan! - prod by Packed House Productions, written and dir by Deon Opperman

Best Production of Play
Decadence - prod by The Mechanicals & Daphne Kuhn, dir by Christopher Weare
Kiss of the Spiderwoman - prod by Yellow Bunny Productions, dir by Lynne Maree
Play Me – prod by The Market Theatre, written by Monde Mayephu, dir by Mpho J. Molepoi
Rivonia Trial - prod by The South African State Theatre, written by Aubrey Sekhabi, Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom and Mandla Dube, dir by Aubrey Sekhabi
The Crucible – prod by Joburg Promusica and Alby Michaels, dir by Alby Michaels
The History Boys - prod by Pieter Toerien, dir by Alan Swerdlow

Best New South African Script (Musical or Play)
London Road - KBT Productions and Simon Cooper in assoc. with Daphne Kuhn, written by Nicholas Spagnoletti, dir by Lara Bye
Play Me – prod by The Market Theatre, written by Monde Mayephu, dir by Mpho J Molepo
Rivonia Trial – prod by The South African State Theatre, dir by Aubrey Sekhabi, written by Aubrey Sekhabi, Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom and Mandla Dube
The Prize of Peace – prod by Old Mutual Theatre on the Square, written by Les Morrison, dir by Clare Stopford
The Table – prod by The Fortune Cookie Theatre Company, The National Arts Festival in assoc. with the Market Theatre and supported by the Aardklop Festival, dir by Sylvaine Strike, Written by Craig Higginson, Sylvaine Strike in collaboration with the cast

Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role (Play)
Brian Webber - Kiss of a Spiderwoman
Fana Mokoena - Play Me
Graham Hopkins - The History Boys
Scott Sparrow – Decadence
Sello Maake ka Ncube - Rivonia Trial
Stephen van Niekerk – The Crucible

Best Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role (Play)
Annabel Linder - The Table
Emily Child - Decadence
Lerato Mvelase – Play Me
Noxolo Tshabangu - Loving Lulu
Robyn Scott – London Road

Best Performance in a Musical (Male)
Aubrey Lodewyk – Mandela Trilogy
Aubrey Poo – Dreamgirls
Aubrey Poo - Mandela Trilogy
Brendan van Rhyn- Tree Aan
Jonathan Roxmouth – Jesus Christ Superstar
Nataniël – Combat:Nataniël

Best Performance in a Musical (Female)
Gloria Bosman - Mandela Trilogy
Lindiwe Bungane - Dreamgirls
Nádine – Jesus Christ Superstar
Tina Mene – Mandela Trilogy
Tracey-Lee Oliver – Dreamgirls

Best Director: Play or Musical
Alan Swerdlow – The History Boys
Alby Michaels - The Crucible
Aubrey Sekhabi – Rivonia Trial
Christopher Weare – Decadence
Greg Homann - The Pirates of Penzance
Lara Bye – London Road

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role / Cameo
Clyde Berning – The History  Boys
Lebo Toko – Dreamgirls
Macks Papo – Rivonia Trial
MoaGi Modise - Rivonia Trial
Sello Sebotsane – Play Me
Theo Landey – The History Boys

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role / Cameo
Candida Mosoma – Dreamgirls
Harriet Manamela – Rivonia Trial
Maphuti Komape - The Prize of Peace
Ntomboxolo Makhutshi – London Road
Thuli Thabethe - So What’s New
Xolile Tshabalala – Rivonia Trial

Best Comedy Performance: Play or Musical
Adam Pelkowitz - Tree Aan!
David Dennis - The Pirates of Penzance
Emily Child - Decadence
James Borthwick – The Pirates of Penzance
Scott Sparrow - Decadence

Best Ensemble Production/Cutting Edge
Decadence – Prod by The Mechanicals & Daphne Kuhn, dir by Christopher Weare
DET Boys High – Prod by The South African State Theatre in association with Sibikwa Arts Centre, written and dir by Smal Ndaba and Phyllis Klotz
I Am An Emotional Creature: The Secret Life of Girls Around The World – prod by The Market Theatre and V-Day, dir by Jo Bonney, written by Eve Ensler
London Road – KBT Productions and Simon Cooper in assoc. with Daphne Kuhn, written by Nicholas Spagnoletti and dir by Lara Bye
The Pirates of Penzance – prod by Daphne Kuhn and Old Mutual Theatre on the Square in asso with the South African State Theatre, dir by Greg Homann
The Table - prod by The Fortune Cookie Theatre Company, The National Arts Festival in assoc. with the Market Theatre and supported by the Aardklop Festival, dir by Sylvaine Strike, Written by Craig Higginson, Sylvaine Strike in Collaboration with the cast

Best Musical Director / Score / Arrangement
Albert Horne (MD), Allan Stephenson (Composer Act 1), Mike Campell (Act 2), Péter Louis Van Dijk (Act 3) - Mandela Trilogy
Eddie Clayton (MD) & Peter McLea (Arrangements) Janine Neethling (Composer) – Tree Aan!
Nataniël (MD, Score and Arrangements) – Combat:Nataniël
Rowan Bakker (MD & Arrangements) & Cameron Harris (Arrangements) – The Pirates of Penzance
Sam Sklair & Dan Selsick (Original score & Arrangements) – The Table
Bryan Schimmel (Music Supervisor) & Tshepo Mngoma (MD) – Dreamgirls

Best Original Choreography: Play or Musical
Matthews “Oupa” Manamela – Play Me
Ignatius & Martin van Heerden – Combat:Nataniël
Shelley Adriaanzen - The Pirates of Penzance
Sibonakaliso Ndaba - Mandela Trilogy
Timothy le Roux – Jesus Christ Superstar

Best Community Theatre
Circle - prod by The Market Theatre, dir by Oscar Motsikoe, written by Tau Maserumule
DET Boys High – Prod by The South African State Theatre in association with Sibikwa Arts Centre, written and dir by Smal Ndaba and Phyllis Klotz

Best Performance by Newcomer / Breakthrough (Male/Female)
Bjorn Blignaut – Dreamgirls
Brandon Lindsay - The Pirates of Penzance
Lindiwe Bungane – Dreamgirls
Roberto Pombo – The History Boys
Zimkitha Kumbaca – So What’s New

Best Production of a Play or Musical for Children
African Adventure – prod by Paisley Production in association with South African National Parks, dir by Jesse Christelis and Zak Hendrikz
Aladdin – prod by National Children’s Theatre, dir by Francois Theron
A Pocket Oliver Twist - prod by National Children’s Theatre, dir by Joyce Levinsohn
Fun, Magic and Tales of Africa – prod by The People’s Theatre, dir by Jill Girard and Keith Smith

Best Theatre Sound Design / Sound Effects
Barry Thomson, Dawn Selby, Glen Turrell - The Guitar That Rocked The World
Mark Malherbe - Jesus Christ Superstar
Larry Pullen- Combat:Nataniël
Trevor Peters - Tree Aan!
Richard Smith – Streets of Gold

Best Theatre Lighting Design
Faheem Bardien - Mandela Trilogy
Lewellyn Peters – The Guitar That Rocked The World
Kevin Stannet - Combat:Nataniël
Nomvula Molepo - The Table
Steve Mmotong (based on original design by Hardus Koekemoer) – Rivonia Trial

Best Costume Design
Floris Louw - Combat:Nataniël
Michael Mitchell - Mandela Trilogy
Sarah Roberts – The Pirates of Penzance
Suzaan Heyns (Costumes & Stylist) & Robert van der Westhuizen (Wig Master & Hair Design) – Streets of Gold

Best Theatre Set Design
Andrew Botha – Sailing Somewhere
Chen Nakar & Sasha Ehlers - The Table
Keith Anderson – Jesus Christ Superstar
Themi Venturas & Brandon Bunyan – The Guitar That Rocked The World
Michael Mitchell - Mandela Trilogy

The awards will be held at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City on Monday, 5 March and the Awards Ceremony and cocktail event is open to the public.

Tickets may be bought directly from the Lyric theatre  011 248 5168  /  Box.Office@grcc.co.za  at R150 per person, all inclusive.

The sole purpose of my response is to stimulate debate and answer some of the questions that Fana posed on his article. HERE

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I spend a lot of time discussing issues of sexuality with all types of people on different avenues and I read up on this issue which has allowed me to learn a lot and not be emotional when it comes to things that shouldn’t affect me. Regarding homophobia, a friend of mine put it bluntly and said, “homophobia is the homophobe’s disability and it doesn’t bother me”. I can seriously understand a homophobe born in the 60′s, 50′s, 40′s, etc and I will entertain the prospect of discussing it with them. I can understand the homophobia of someone who lives in the rural areas with very little education. What I refuse to tolerate and entertain is homophobia from people in my generation. We are so exposed to information that we should not fear homosexuals. It is even worse that the greatest homophobes in our generation are victims of self-loathing. They hate the fact that they have feelings for other men that they resort to externalising that hatred.

When you chill with a homophobe and you question why, they seem to give one of three reasons if not all. The fact that homosexuality is unnatural, The Bible says it is an abomination and that gays are promiscuous. On the reason of it being unnatural, I always ask, who in their right mind would choose a lifestyle where they are deemed the outcasts of society, where they still have to fight to get the same civil liberty as the rest of society, where they have to declare their sexuality as if it is some contagious disease in the form of “coming out”, where you can’t hold the hand of someone you love in public without causing a stir, where the places that are supposed to feed your soul are condemning you and calling you an abomination? The only conclusion can only be nature or stupidity and I choose nature.

When it comes to the Bible, I always refer to the verse that states, “he who is without sin should cast the first stone” and in saying this I am in no way equating homosexuality to sin. People always quote Leviticus for situations that suit them and ignore the other things in Leviticus that put us all in the same boat. I always see homophobes picketing against homosexuality and quoting Leviticus but I have not seen these people picketing outside seafood restaurants for selling shell fish. Leviticus condemns this along with sleeping with a woman whilst she is on a period. The Bible also states that communicating with the dead kuyisinengiso kuJehova and yet most of the homophobes in Africa that use the Bible for ammunition participate in ancestral worship which is essentially communicating with dead. When you bring this up, they are quick to tell you that the laws of the first testament no longer stand as Jesus came to rectify them, yet their persecute homosexuals using the very same laws. PS. The first testament states that a woman that commits adultery shall be put to death. Right now there is a homophobe sitting at Ocean Basket with a platter of prawns and mussels with the Bible in his/her handbag. Viva Leviticus!

When it comes to the issue of promiscuity, men in general are promiscuous because they have the innate ability to not attach emotions to sex. Now give them the ability to screw one another and what will you get?

To respond to Fana regarding him and some of his personal questions; no, it doesn’t make you gay if gay men like you, in fact it is a compliment as gay men, in general, are very shallow in who they are attracted. It is all about aesthetics. Especially when they is talk of just sex. Furthermore you must check your surroundings, there is a certain breed of gay men that struggle to get sex and love to the fact that they would screw anything with a pulse and a penis ie. The not so aesthetically pleasing ones that roaming through life gender confused with misguided principles, very little sense of self-worth and standards. I know it is mean but it is sadly the truth.

With regards to sexual orientation, I do believe that we are all born sexual liberal. Sexual liberals means that you would try anything but it doesn’t mean you’re gay/bi/straight, who you prefer to be in love/intimate with is your sexuality. The mistake we have made as society is to merge the two. Sex is just sex. Women are evolved enough to realise this, a woman would kiss another woman just because its fun and naughty and they are aware that they love to be with a man and this doesn’t mean that they are lesbian. Even porn stars are more evolved, they understand that sex is just sex. Not all the men in gay porn movies are gay and the women that do threesomes are not lesbian.

We are all unfortunate that the people who are influential in society in our generation are still misguided homophobes that lack education and acceptance. These people are church leaders, parents, politicians, etc. Their teachings lead to closeted homosexuals and homophobes. There are gay men in churches that are convinced that they have prayed away the gay in them and they end up marrying women and live a life of misery. There are teenagers with same sex feelings  that commit suicide  because of what their pastors and parents say with regards to homosexuality.  The situation will get better when we are in charge someday. For now, we just have to make a difference in our circles.

Reference:
1. Leviticus (11:12): Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.
2. Deuteronomy (18:10-12): There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
3. Leviticus (20:27): Men and women among you who act as mediums or psychics must be put to death by stoning. They are guilty of a capital offence.

By Mablerh 

It’s been a while since I have done one of these, I kind of slacked last year. I promise to fix that error this year and continue to keep you posted on what our friends from the other side of the ocean are getting up to.

Last week Prom Queen Jordin Sparks and Autotune Kueeng Jason Derulo made it official that they are a couple after months of speculations. I was very upset upon hearing these news because I really liked Jordin and her previous boyfriend, model and singer Steph Jones.

Mainly because I think Steph is just a cool guy, we used to tweet each other and chat about music way back in 2009 before Facebook people crowded Twitter like Alex Rats. *SMH*

Anywho I have always been a Jordin supporter from her first audition on Idols, predicted and followed her till she won. Even though her albums have not impressed me much, I still have a soft spot for her, since I feel like I was there from the beginning. So I hope she has found happiness in Mr. Derulo’s arms.

In other Jordin news she is prepping for a career revival with her upcoming movie, starring along side the legendary Ms Whitney Houston. “Sparkle” is a re-make of a movie based on the “Supremes” ala “Dream Girls”.

It was originally supposed to have been shot about ten years ago with Aaliyah in the lead role, hand-picked by Whitney Houston herself, who is also serving as a Producer on the movie.

After Aaliyah’s untimely death the movie was  put on pause.

Ms Houston recently said that she couldn’t even look at the script for years, because every time she saw it, it reminded her of how excited Aaliyahwas about the project . (For Aaliyah fans, you can YouTube/Google the only song Aaliyah had already recorded for “Sparkle”. It’s an unreleased track called; “Giving Up” which was originally recorded by the late Donny Hathaway and then later Aaliyah’s aunt; Gladys Knight).

This movie could really be a make or break moment for Jordin and I hope she pulls it through, since she spent one year doing Broadway in 2010 I will hope that it was enough training to hone her acting chops or else, this movie will be her downfall (think Mariah Glitter era).

Not only that, hardcore Aaliyah Stans will be on her case but just like her fellow “American Idol” alumni Jennifer Hudson, I’m hoping this is Jordin’s shining moment.

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The beginning of this week saw Simon Cowell’s axe cause a blood bath that left Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones out in the cold, going forth with “The X-Factor USA” season 2. Nicole being fired does not come as a surprise because she did do a terrible job and there’d been online petitions for her to get fired after the Rachel Crow saga.

Steve Jones, well he was no Ryan Seacrest, but I did not think that he was that bad.

As for Paula being fired, it came as a huge shock, considering her close friendship with Simon and the fact that Simon doesn’t realize that Paula is the Kelly and Michelle to his Destiny.

Paula really does compliment Simon, they have a great sibling rivalry kind of chemistry that makes for entertaining viewing. After Paula left “American Idol”, Simon was just mean and dry and didn’t have that lubricant (Paula) that made his mean-ness amusing.

I foresee the same happening with “X-Factor” from here forth, actually I have now lost all interest in the show. Firstly, last season’s winner Melanie Amaro was a boring anti-climax and this disregard that Simon has for his co-workers and audience is just asking for “Bad-TV-Karma”.

Since the announcement was made, various names have been flying around with speculations of who is going to replace Paula and Nicole on the judging panel.

The first names that came up were Mariah and Beyonce.

Can Simon keep on dreaming? Beyonce, no way would she take the job and Mariah, well Mr. Cannon has already dismissed those reports, stating that his wife is too big and too legendary to be part of such a show, and I agree with him. Mariah was supposed to have guest-starred on the show last season for two episodes as a co-mentor during the Judges’ Houses rounds, but Hurricane-mang mang stopped her from taking her flight.

Mariah and Beyonce being part of the show in that aspect is more realistic, but not as judges for every single episode. The latest names which have also made the rounds are Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry. *gasps*

If this comes to fruition, I know that I will be boycotting the show. At least Nicole Scherzinger was pretty to look at but no! Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj are an eye sore.

Both Nicki and Katy are already subjecting audiences to atrocious cruelty with their bizarre ensembles on red carpets. Imagine if you had to watch those freak shows every week, two times a week. I can’t Deal!

The year started with Brandy and Monica tweet pic’ing and informing their fans that they are working on a new duet, fourteen years after their Grammy-Award winning smash hit; “The Boy Is Mine”. I am happy that Brandy and Monica have maintained their friendship after all these years, especially when people used to think that they are enemies back in the 90s but the two have proved nay-sayers wrong and throughout the years have continued to be seen photographed together even away from industry gigs. Proving that they did really strike a true friendship when they worked together back in the days.

However, this upcoming new duet, I was excited about it at first, since I’m a 90s-enthusiast and love me some Brandy and Monica but what if this song is a dismal flop and it ruins the great legacy that “The Boy Is Mine” has left?  I guess we will have to wait hear and see.

I wish my Brandy and Monica all the best, they truly capture a great part of my “coming-off age era”. So I always want to see them dong well.

I recently watched a Monica interview where they asked her; “Back in the days, there were only three young females on the scene. It was You, Aaliyah and Brandy, who do you think is the Brandy, Aaliyah and Monica of today?”

I liked Monica’s response;

“There can never be another Brandy, Monica and Aaliyah. Brandy has her own tone, even today no one can match it. When you switch on the radio and you hear a Brandy song, you instantly know its Brandy.

Aaliyah was an originator, she did her own thing and till today no one can match her style nd I was the sassy in your face one and we were all friends and always supported each other. All three of us were so different, Aaliyah was the quiet, sweet and shy one, and I was very outspoken. Aaliyah would always have her mouth open shocked at the things I would say, either when we were hanging or in interviews, while Brandy was the one who always did everything the right way. She was always told/taught how to speak, act and do things the right way’.

*sigh* I miss R&B AND THE 90s…

With her upcoming performance at the super bowl, Ice Queen Aunty “Britney Spears’ God Mother” Gogo Madonna has been doing the promo rounds, building hype for the performance and her upcoming album.

I like Madonna, but I don’t understand why she has had to resort to the “Shade-Spree” she has been on. Queen Madge has been throwing major shade towards Elton John, Lady GaGa and Janet Jackson to stay relevant in the news.

Well Elton did start it first when he shaded her first at the Golden Globes by saying; ‘No way in hell will Madonna win”. And Ouch! So did Madge win.

Then Madonna went to say Lady Gaga recycles her, by saying “Born This Way” was a remake of her song “Express Yourself”. Ok there might also be some truth there bI don’t get why she’s coming for Janet?

Yes twenty years ago, Janet did sit down in an interview and said; “The kind of pop/dance music I do is much classier compared to what Madonna does”. So Janet did throw Madonna under the bus twenty years ago. Is aunty Madge still holding on to that old feud?

Because right now Madonna is telling everyone who cares to listen that her super bowl performance will not include nipples, because it’s not classy or edgy to do that. (Reference Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl nipple-gate drama).

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Rihanna and Chris Brown were recently seen leaving the same club on the same night, but separately. Chris was with his girlfriend, I forgot her name and don’t care much to google her. I think she’s Kreyshawn, Krayons, Kardashianskilinki or something *shrugs*

Anyway with the constant  sub tweeting between Chris and Rihanna over the festive season. It has lead many to believe that the two have secretly gotten back together and Krayon (whatever her name is) is hired as a beard for Chris and Rih. (For those who don’t know what a Beard is; A beard is usually a female who stands in as a closeted gay man’s girlfriend/wife to help cover up their homosexuality from the public. Reference a certain Mafikizolo singer).

So many believe that Krayons is just Chris Brown’s public girlfriend to cover up Rihanna and Chris’s secret relationship.

That’s all for now, until next time;-)

By Zamani Khethelo.

@Za_Maniac

Guest Post By  Shitshembiso Mabasa

Before I proceed I’d like to stress all readers, please read to understand not to reply!

After this article some will conclude that I am gay or homophobic. This article challenges the foundations of straightness and the impact homosexuality has had on straightness. Why this topic? Sexuality is a very sensitive topic in this country, it is like racism. When such topics are discussed, people tend to panic, be defensive, slur hate speech, be supportive. There is just a lot of mixed emotions on homosexuality. Yet that is not going to stop me from talking about it.

This article is brought about by my recent interaction with homosexuals in person and on  twitter. I used to be very homophobic, but now I’m a “situational homophobic”.

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This means that certain circumstances may make me homophobic.  Do not act all holy; there are things that you don’t like about homosexuals. One of my gay bbm contacts even said he was somehow homophobic.  How ironic.  I felt dumb the day I really put my homophobia aside and had a very tense conversation with a gay comrade. He broke down the complexity of homosexuality, it changed my whole outlook on homosexuals, I even befriended a gay person.

With that said, things got very uncomfortable before, when  a few members of the gay community made moves on me. At that time I was still 100% homophobic, it made me very umcomfortable and got me very worried. I asked my self a couple of questions: Am I gay? I asked because I seem to attract men. What do they see in me, which makes them want me? is there something I’m doing that says I’m gay? Is it not visible enough that I’m straight?

I was confused, it made me question my sexuality, maybe there’s something they see which I don’t. I could not even ask amagents because what if they said I was gay? I came to the conclusion that homosexuals are men too, and men hunt, it’s in our nature. I got the opportunity to hang out with four gay guys once, two feminine, one bi and the other I’m not sure. I have never felt so uncomfortable before, it got to a point where I felt like a piece of juicy stake. The way they looked at me, I got so paranoid I thought they were going to do something to me. It got to a point, they asked each other in front of me if they would do me, furthermore they said they think if given the chance I would cross over to their side. My reply was that I am not gay though, they said no they know I am straight and that’s what they liked about me.

At this point, I cooled down, since it was verified that I was straight. While we were conversing, gay “X” told me he could excite me. I refused, yet, was he telling the truth? Any straight man agrees with me, it can’t be done according to us.

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Imagine if you were brought into a room then blind folded, and someone whispers in your ear and says are you ready, then they start touching and kissing you. Would you get excited? If the blindfold was removed and you found out it was a man who got you excited, then what?

Ones body cannot identify which sex is touching them unless if they see the person. Does this make your body gay?

Let us face it, the rise of homosexuals has made straight men so uneasy to an extent that being straight is very strict nowadays. Anything soft is viewed as gay, I was once told guys who smile in pictures are gay.

Nowadays everything is gay, whats next, breathing? All this is in the western influenced circles, while where I come from *rural areas of Limpopo* I have witnessed the gayest things ever, but they are not viewed as gay. The concept of being gay does not exist, so when they do gay things, does that mean they are gay yet unaware?

How do I know that I am straight, is it because society told me so, is it because I was raised straight? Is it a choice? Does this article give a platform for my straightness to be questioned? Am I gay for not wanting to hug other men? Am I paranoid, because it has got to a point where I get pissed off, if someone smiles at me at the gym locker room when naked.

Reader, I ask:

• Do all gay guys want to recruit us to their team?
• What’s your take on sexuality in general?
• How do you feel when another man is hitting on you?
• If data had to show that you’re a closet case, how would you defend your case?
• Do you think being attracted to females, does no longer constitute straightness because of the existence of Bi men?
• Do you think being homophobic makes you more gay, maybe you’re hiding something?
• If you had a dirty dream of you and another man, would you be worried?

  Sexuality is fluid, it is ever changing – M. Maredi

And gay people how sure are you that you are gay?

Twitter @FanaThePurp

Blog: www.f-cave.blogspot.com

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The winners of the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild were announced on Sunday and the winners are usually an indication of how the Oscars will go. If you believe it… check this out:

Outstanding Ensemble in a Motion Picture: “The Help”
Male Actor in a Leading Role: Jean Dujardin, “The Artist”
Female Actor in a Leading Role: Viola Davis, “The Help”
Male Actor in a Supporting Role: Christopher Plummer, “Beginners”
Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Octavia Spencer, “The Help”

Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series: “Boardwalk Empire”
Male Actor in a Drama Series: Steve Buscemi, “Boardwalk Empire”
Female Actor in a Drama Series: Jessica Lange, “American Horror Story”

Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series: “Modern Family”
Male Actor in a Comedy Series: Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Female Actor in a Comedy Series: Betty White, “Hot in Cleveland”
Male Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries: Paul Giamatti, “Too Big to Fail”
Female Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries: Kate Winslet, “Mildred Pierce”

Stunt Ensemble, Motion Picture: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2″
Stunt Ensemble, Television Series: “Game of Thrones”

Lifetime Achievement Award: Mary Tyler Moore

Following the mess that was twitter on a Sunday night, I could not help myself but to hunt down Morale’s number and ask him for an interview. For those of you that live in that other suburb called Facebook, you missed out on, rapper, Morale bringing out a chair for Ms Thema to sit and did so with very little protest.  Most of you are aware that I am not a fan of Ms Thema’s rants on twitter, I’m not a fan of anyone that makes a career out of disrespecting other people for no apparent reason. Morale and I hooked up for this explicit interview where we discussed his career, his interactions with Ms Thema and Sunday night’s public spat. Enjoy.

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Blerh: Let’s start by you introducing yourself. Who is Morale? Your origins?

Morale: Morale is the name and rapping from the heart is the game. I’m born a Soweto boy and I live in the north. Just dropped a hot album called “Smile, Clap & Bow”. I see myself as an ambassador of the youth and global culture called hip hop.

B: How long have you been in the game?

M: I’ve been rapping since I was in grade 3. I’ve been in the SA music industry for like 5 years pushing independently.

B: Which moment would you consider as your big break?

M: The first time I heard myself on radio half a decade ago. In this industry you get the opportunity for a lot of potential breaks, no matter how small the breaks, the secret to being successful is being consistent with these breaks. Like I’m patiently waiting for my break on TV and radio to start my own show. A break doesn’t come once,  they come in small and big ways and we need to embrace them and maintain afterwards.

B: That’s an interesting perceptive and one that will get you far. Now on to your music, in my understanding of hip hop, there are different sub-genres. Where does your music fit in?

M: I see my musical endeavours as a representation of a global culture called hip hop. I must inspire the streets out there with a patriotic mentality and words that draw a picture of the current with words.  I’m a novelist of today’s times, I’m old school rap and new school rap.

B: Do you see hip hop as a sustainable genre of music in South Africa?

M: Yes I do. People in SA have ears, feelings and rhythm and if we give them music they relate to, feel and vibe with, then there’s no reason why hip hop shouldn’t be sustainable.

B: I get you. The hip hop game internationally is very cliquey. There are crews, is it the same in South Africa among our rappers or are you guys just one big happy family?

M: We are also very competitive and cliquey. I’m in a crew called Glitz Gang and we look out for each other. We are doing solos but we are a strong movement.

B: Who is part of the Glitz Gang?

M: Sean Page, L-Tido, Maggz and myself.

B: Oh, so that explains why you came to Sean Page’s rescue when he was under attack from Nonhle.

M: Yeah, he’s my cousin and she swore at him and my aunt. Why did she have to involve mothers?

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B: From your tweets and screenmunch, it is evident that you and Ms Thema know each other and you have alluded to the fact that you two got intimate; was she aware that Sean is your cousin?

M: She knows me and Sean are close but I think she didn’t know. I warned her last week about her rampage.

B: Warned her how? And what was her response?

M: I asked her to stop it on twitter and bbm. She stopped then on Sunday she went on again.

B: Did you investigate as to what triggered the rampage?

M: Yes. I think she needs medicine or has a hidden agenda with Page. Page responded to a few twitter haters. He said some people are gassed up on twitter. Nonhle assumed he was talking about her, so she spoke to him on bbm and Page made it clear it wasn’t a subtweet to her. She said okay then the next minute she’s on twitter attacking Pages. SMH.

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B: Okay, according to you, you guys were engaged in sexual relations recently. In fact your screenmunch suggests that you slept with her this December. This is after she has gone on these twitter rampages and a lot of people have pronounced her crazy, what attracted you to her?

M: She has always been good to me, she showed me support. I got to known her good side. I guess the cyber bad girl took over in the end and she is now a big turn off. I miss the old Nonhle.

B: Do you have evidence of the two of you together because guys do claim such things and it turns out to be untrue.

M: She has the pics. I did tweet a screenmunch of part of our BBM chats.

B: From what we all read on twitter, even if she does come back to her senses, I doubted that you two can be friends again. You went all out. Was it necessary for you to divulge intimate details?

M: Yes it was. I knew she was going to say bad things about me. So I had to expose that once upon a time I was the apple of her eye. LOL.

B: LOL! So, in the days when you were the apple of her eye did you guys discuss her attacking fellow industry mates on twitter? If so, what was her justification and what was your stance?

M: We never spoke of that, all we spoke about is my music, her perfume and KId_Ink.

B: So you guys ignored the elephant in the room?

M: Yeah.

B: Does she have the money that she claims to have? Is she rolling in it?

M: Nonhle is not born into super wealth, she was a young hustler who made well for herself. If she owned a TV production company then she’d be close to what she portrays.

B: Cool. So basically, this money she speaks of is a farce?

M: She ain’t dead broke but she’s not a millionaire.

B: In your tweets you aluded to Nonhle being on cocaine and crack, was that just fictitious beefing or there is truth to what you tweeted?

M: She’s an alcoholic and she displays that druggie behaviour. U know druggies, they always go into the bathroom and do their ish.

B: Okay, enough about her and back to your music, congratulations again on your Metro FM award. Are you going to be dropping another album this year?

M: I’m pushing singles and promoting the album the whole of this year. Next year I’ll drop another album as for now I just dropped “Girlfriend” my 3rd single. Its getting crazy love from the streets. I’ll be shooting a music video of that soon. Watch out.

B: Anything we should look out for from the rest of the Glitz Gang?

M: Well expect Sean Pages and Maggz to drop hot albums this year. Me and Tido are gunning for awards and more music videos. Expect good music from us.

Blerh: Cool man, thank you for your time, good luck with your future endeavours.

Morale: Thank you.

By @Mablerh

Morale is @MoraleVeritaz on Twitter.

Let’s see how far we can get with this…

A - Arthur Mafokate’s son AJ (Arthur Junior) has passed matric and has now been issued with a licence to take over the throne from his dad. Well, that’s what Sunday World says. He’s released a “HOUSE” album under then name DJ AJ and is ready to take over as Prince Of “Kwaito”. Goodluck to AJ, hope school is also on the plans.

B - Bonang o ne a apere “stomach-out” at the MET. Loved the skirt.

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C - Chaka Chaka, Yvonne has been congratulated by the President of Mzansi for winning a Crystal Award a the World Economic Forumfor her role as an ambassador for the Roll Back Malaria Partnership with Unicef.

C – Centenary Condoms (more than a million of them) issued by the ANC at their 100th year celebrations in Bloemfontein have been recalled by the  Free State department of health as they are faulty. Tjo.

D – Dineo Moeketsi and her mom KG Moeketsi are in the latest issue of Drum Magazine. Dineo is working on her debut album, I heard her on Kabomo’s album, she has a beautiful voice, looking forward to that. KG has just joined Soweto TV as their Station Manager.

D – Da Les is also a house DJ now… death!

E – Eish, Monday again.

E – Etta James, the R&B singer was buried this past wekeend and the funeral was attended by Hollywood  celebs including Stevie Wonder & Christina Aguilera. May her sould RIP. (Refer to X, below)

F – Father. Yep, a man who claims to be Julius Malema’s father is sharing his sad story with Drum about how he wants to reconnect with Juju. He says he abandoned him and his mom but now wants to come back into his life. Obviously thee’s all that nonsense about how he’s struggling etc…

G -Gunners : Arsenal won shame… 3-2 against Aston Villa.

H – Hard. That’s the answer Siphiwe Tshabalala would give you if you asked how his overseas move is going. No chance of moving now, maybe later in the year…

I - ICASA has rejected TopTV’s application for a porn channel. I say GOOD move. We don’t need a porn channel. Porn is everywehre already. Music videos, TV (Brooke & Ridge have been on our TVs for years), we don’t need a channel dedicated to that.

J – Joelle Kayembe was just announced the face of Trace TV. There was some extra bits announced about charity, the Trace foundation, and a TV show show she’ll do … it was not in simple English, will read again and report back.

K – Kabomo’s ALL THINGS GREY album is good. If you like those chilled type of songs…

L – Lesego Reetseng apparently spent 6 months in rehab and is now back. He promises to have left his alcohol issues behind and will be working on his third album called “Rehabilitated”. Which reminds me… why is Eminem so quiet bathong?

M – MoraleVeritaz is one popular guy on Twitter right, thanks to his tweets about you know who.

N – Ntuka Jeffrey, the former kaizer chiefs soccer player who was stabbed to death in Kroonstad was buried this past weekend. His pregnant girlfriend went to the funeral wearing his Kaizer chiefs Telkom Knockout Jersey. What a groupie… I mean really now… couldn’t she wear normal clothes? Guess she wore the jersey to prove that she still had some of his stuff. His family chased her away from the funeral, I’m guessing it was out of respect for his wife. I hope they will accept the baby into the family when it is born though. (Sunday World)

O – Open, Australian. I watched the Australian Open Men’s Final yesterday. It was my first time watching a tennis match and I enjoyed it. I’m still not sure how the scores are checked and stuff but I’ll get there. So come French Open, US Open and Wimbledon, I’ll be watching.

P – Putla Sehlapelo’s character on The Wild has been killed off… I’m really sad about this, I like Putla and I hope he’s moving on to something better. If he’s really dead.

Those who haven’t heard.. Melusi Yeni, who’s got way too much chemistry with Minnie on The Wild is also leaving The Wild for Generations.

Q – Question – Who is Melusi Yeni’s real life girlfriend? Just asking. …

R – Riaad Moosa has a new movie called Material, coming out in February. It’s about a guy (him) who wants to pursue comedy against his dad’s wishes. Joey Rasdien is also featured in the movie, you can watch the trailer HERE. 

 S – Somizi is on the latest cover of Drum with his mom and this is what he has to say to everyone who’s claiming that he’s sick : Ïf  I’m HIV positiver, there are ARVs. If I have cancer, there’s chemotherapy. If I’m diabetic, there are insulin injections and if I’m bipolar,  then there’s shopping.” Great response!

T – Thabang Lebese – former Orlando Pirates/Kaizer Chiefs player is in hospital, he says he’s suffering from stress and it’s affecting his brain. He says he is stressing about having lost his house/cars etc and that he regrets not having a plan B.  Hope he gets better soon.

T – Tina Jaxa (41) has found love with Zane Maqetuka, a 28 year old Mr SA Finalist who tells Sunday Sun that they are just good friends. Tina is in Montana, which is back on SABC 1.

 U – Uyanda’s outfit at the Met, she’s with Somizi.

V – Very annoyed by the Kardashians right now… Especially after Watching the Wedding Special and Kourtney and Kim take On NY. They were evil to Kris, that whole family.. .especially Kris Jenner forgetting to book a car for his family just before the wedding. Biatch!

W  - We will be giving way tickets to the Usher Concert taking place on 10 March at Orlando Stadium so keep it locked to Just Curious!

X  - Xtina Aguilera had a bit of a leak during a perfomance at Etta James’ funeral.

No one seems to know for sure what that is… but check out the rest of the pictures here and make your own conclusions. I would die if something like that happened to me. Whatever it is… sorry Christina!

 Y – YFM Twinz wore red jumpsuits to the MET.

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Z  - Zahara says that she has turned down a couple of movie/soap roles because she first wants to establish herself as a musician before taking on extra roles. I support this movement comrade Z!

Happy Monday!

I have a feeling I am the only one that doesn’t understand what an EX is.

• An EX is someone you were in a relationship with.
• An EX is some that you are still in a relationship with, but only in your head.
• That person will always be yours. That person is not allowed to be happy with anyone but you.
• That person is off limits to everyone because if you see them with someone else then sparks would fly even after years of the break up.
• And most of all,an EX is someone you continue to have sex with.

<—This is what I’ve gathered from most people. The definition of an EX.

Well, I say I am the only one that doesn’t understand / know the definition of an EX because my definition is the opposite.

• An EX is someone I don’t have business with at all.
• He is someone I want as far away from me as possible.
• What happens in their life is non of my business.
• The only EX that I can tolerate in my space is the one I have a child with. And that is purely & only because of the child. Otherwise if there is no child between us, why would I even have his number let alone call him?
• An EX is one person I want to see happy so that they never bother me.
• I don’t believe in this BCB (Baby Come Back) or OMAM (Once Mine Always Mine) business.
• If its over its over.
• I believe that an EX is someone that shouldn’t be involved in what happens in my life or who I am currently dating.
• An EX should mind their own business and stay out of my life.
• An EX is someone I shouldn’t run to each time I have problems in my life. Whether financial, family and most importantly marital problems. Why would I discuss what happens in my current relationship with an EX of mine? Why make an EX a shoulder to cry on?

I remember one of my cousins was involved in an accident and while laying on the hospital bed she demanded that we call her EX and tell him that she is in hospital. We were all like ‘For what?’. We tried to talk her out of it but she started with the emotional black mail. ‘I want you to get smang smang here. If I die without him knowing about this then it’s on you’. He banna!! We pick up the phone call the guy in question and guess what he said to our poor souls: ‘Why are you calling me? Tell her I am on holiday with my woman. Can she leave me alone?’ he immediately hung up. We then chose not to tell her the truth that time since she was not well. All we had to say was, the guy is out of town on business. The smile on her face after that? She had the ‘shame, he works too hard kinda look’. In my mind I was SMH going nc nc nc nc.

I have the most abnormal friends or maybe Normal. Which in this case makes me the abnormal one. When we have our convos, there is always the ‘That EX of mine is off limits, he can’t date anyone’ line shooting from more than one of them. Ok, you are not with the guy anymore. You are in a relationship with someone else or not. So why is your EX not allowed to date anyone? Why is he off limits? Isn’t he your EX? If you believe that the guy belongs to you then why are you torturing yourself so much by not being with him?

We need to realize that, as long as we are holding on to that EX, our lives come to a stand still and it’s usually us ladies that don’t want to let go. Poor guy will be trying to be the best boyfriend/husband to the new woman and wena you are busy sending him messages or calling him @ mid night. Or you have a good man in your life now, doing the best that he can for you but your mind is not even there. You are stuck with your EX hoping that it was his hands touching you and not the new guy.

You don’t want to see your EX happy with someone else. How are you going to nurture your new relationship if you are still holding on to Mr EX ongasolveki? How do you expect to be happy when you have that EX on your mind 24/7? You are holding on but he has moved on. Next minute BOOM he is married to someone else and wena you are still messing up your own relationships hoping that the EX will come back to you.

I am not saying never get back with an EX. We all know that there are those people who believe that it will work better the 2nd or 50th time around. All I’m saying is, during your break or break up do not make each other’s lives difficult. Live your life baby…live your life.

So to those that have EXes that are off limits, thusang hle. Why? Maybe you guys will give me a proper answer/reason because all I get from my gals is a ‘Just nje. He is off limits’

By Kiki Marli

@KyeMarli