Morwa: The Rising Son By Tefo Paya

Blessed, As part of the Maitisong Festival 2013 Tefo Paya presented his self-written show, "Morwa, The Rising Son". The one-man show is centred around ideas of the masculinity, the modern male identity, rites of passage, and how masculinity interacts with other social and political spheres. The play was intense, humorous, awkward and insightful. For some reason I was always under the impression that boys and men were as certain of themselves as the world was of them. How wrong I was. Paya's play enlightened me to the doubt, uncertainty, expectations and reality of being a man. He manages to bring a very human touch to a hugely intimidating subject matter and I left with a brand new perspective of my male counterparts. I have often thought to myself that men are just as trapped by the impositions of patriarchy as women are, they have to be strong, successful, confident, secure, sexy. This play tried to debunk those myths and show just how tricky being a 'real man' can be. From complex relationships with father figures, childhood obsession with superheroes and their out of this world strength to the awkwardness of puberty and dealing with girls, idolizing 'rap masculinity' and finally confronting the true terror of being a modern man. He brought to light how role models varying from Superman to Snoop Dogg create unrealistic expectations for young men and how each man must navigate his way down his own path until he arrives at the Man he truly wants to be. Many congratulations to Tefo on the success of his play, can't wait to see what he's got up his sleeves next! You're the Man!

Mascom Live Sessions Rocks with Freshly Ground and Kearoma Rantao

Blessed, I don't know why it has taken me so long to attend one of these nights! Mascom Live Sessions are a popular live music event that have steadily gained popularity, attracting bigger and bigger performers to this Botswana stage. It's definitely not for the faint hearted! Arriving early is a must for those who want to get parking close to the venue, otherwise you run the risk of a long walk to freedom at the end of the night. Local jazz singer and former member of Women of Jazz, Kearoma Rantao and her band provided, smooth, energetic songs to get the crown in the mood for some dancing, with her back-up singers taking the lead and breaking it down on stage, much to the enjoyment of the audience. I managed to get some lovely pictures while the front area was still relatively empty. I'm in love with her tribal printed skirt and couldn't take my eyes or ears off of her while she performed her set. After getting all pumped up by Kearoma and her band, we were ready for the main attraction! Freshly Ground are well known for their afro-fusion style, blending elements of jazz, kwaito, kwela and folk sounds, and they performed hits like Pot Belly, Doo Be Doo, I'd Like and Waka Waka as well as songs from their latest album. The front area quickly got packed and finding a way to the from was nearly impossible, however I still managed to get a few good photos of the group who consist of lead singer, Zolani Mahola, violinist Kyla-Rose Smith, saxophone, harmonica and flutist Simon Attwell, drummer Peter Cohen, lead guitarist Julio Sigauque, bassist Josh Hawks and Seredeal "Shaggy" Scheepers, keyboardist and percussionist. I had a wonderful time singing and jiving along with the group whose energy carried me throughout their set. The only thing I could have wished for would have been for them to perform a longer set but we all know what they say about too much of a good thing! When all was said and done it was an absolutely fantastic night! Many congratulations to the Mascom Live team and a special congratulations to lead singer of Freshly Ground Zolani Mahola, who announced to the crown that she is pregnant! Wishing her all the best and many thanks for an amazing night of jive to add some Faith In My Jar =)