A Seat at the Table
Eight years in the making, A Seat at the Table is Solange’s first Billboard 200 number one album. Featuring collaborations from Lil Wayne, The-dream and Kelela, the album has a psychedelic soul, funk and contemporary R&B sound that touches on issues of empowerment, identity and grief. Key track ‘Rise’ Get it For its honesty This engrossing thriller revolves around the murder of a teenage orphan whose corpse is found arranged on a bed of feathers. Now detectives Mia Kruger and Holger Munch must work with speed and insight to decode clues, like a video of the victim being held in a cage, to stop the killer from striking again. Excellently written and constructed, this book will leave you breathless. The bestselling author of The Notebook can be relied on to tug at emotions when it comes to the territory that has become his stock in trade: love in all its forms. The central character, Russell Green, is left to parent his six-year-old daughter after his wife leaves him. From the tenderness between lovers to the bond from parent to child, Two by Two explores the ways of the heart and the price we’re prepared to pay to follow it. Ambition, race and secrets are favourite themes with Zadie Smith and in this taut novel, she uses dance to explore identity, starting with a fateful ballet class where two girls become friends. The action after that spans the UK, Africa, Paris and New York, with a rich cast of characters, from sex tourists to a mixedrace gay couple. A powerful and beautiful read.
Running man Are you ready to rock and… run? Then make your way to The Music Run by Old Mutual, a 5km race that’s taken place in over 15 cities worldwide and has been dubbed “The world’s loudest running course”. Work your way across five music-themed zones as over 120 speakers pump out killer tunes. And don’t miss the after-party at Riversands Farm Village on 4 February. Tickets are R220 via ticketpros.co.za.
Head for the hills Escape the urban hustle and bustle for the inviting atmosphere and sensational surroundings of the Botha’s Hill Artisanal Arts & Crafts Market. Held every Sunday, it features delicious food, fun fashion and handcrafted decor finds. At the corner of Old Main Road and Rob Roy Crescent, Botha’s Hill. Entrance is free. For info, visit bothashillmarket.co.za.
Vintage vibe Get ready for a treasure hunt of note at the Umhlanga Antiques and Collectables Fair. Whether your passion is crystal and silverware or costume jewellery, you’re sure to find masses of temptation! On 19 February at the Umhlanga Centre. Entry is free; for info, call 031 562 8420.
Trendy decor combines with surfboards, bikes and clothing, and a Us-influenced menu at this place inspired by today’s coffee culture. We liked the condensed milk pork tacos (R56) with a side of tater tots and Sriracha mayo (R30), and don’t forget to visit their brew bar for an Areopress coffee (R28).