Back to school not so cool

Playing dress-up disrespectful

IKNOW it’s weird, but I always get a bit traumatised when I see people trying to relive their secondary and high school years by squeezing themselves into their old uniforms. Of course this is something people really seem to relish doing whenever June 16, our Youth Day, rolls around.

Last Thursday was no different and it occurred to me we really need to find fresh new ways to celebrate this important day in South Africa besides this dress-up nonsense.

Youth Day is not a comedic matter. Remember, this year it is 40 years since those brave young souls lost their lives in Soweto while fighting for what’s just in the place we all call home.

Another thing that leaves me gobsmacked is when, on top of it, people dress up in uniforms from multicultural schools when I know for a fact they went to some school at ekasi.

Often you are where you are today because of that school – there is no need to be embarrassed about it now. We need to take pride in who we are and embrace the circumstances that shaped us, no matter how humble.

Anyway, on Thursday I headed to Kwa Lunga General Jazz because I’d heard that’s where many from that 1976 generation were hanging out.

Umhlobo Wenene fm’s Mafa Bavuma and Kqfm’s Xolani Yisaka were on the decks as usual.

I have nothing against these two and I enjoy the kind of music they play, but on this day of all days, I felt it would probably have been more meaningful to have someone with some sort of history or connection to the struggle playing for the crowd.

June 16 should never be “just another day”.

Last Saturday I took myself off to Dopparoz lounge in Kwazakhele.

The place has a brilliant vibe (and some good eye candy too, for us gals!).

A lot of Bay socialites already seem to have found a home there.

The music did not disappoint and MVP (Most Valuable Players) Warrant Officer could not resist sharing some of his dancing skills – he was even dabbing (a hip-hop dance) like there was no tomorrow. Nothing beats partying kasi style! My next stop was Cubana at the Port Elizabeth beachfront.

As usual Chrisbeat MVP Mbori did not disappoint as he also had us dancing the night away.

The MVP DJs are everywhere and I like the brotherhood spirit they are showing.

The Port Elizabeth Opera House gave National Arts Festival artistic director Ismail Mahomed a farewell breakfast on stage on Tuesday.

Ismail is moving to Joburg at the end of July and it sounds like he will really be missed, listening to many of the city’s cultural community who spoke at the event.

The Opera House artistic manager Nobesuthu Rayi gave a beautiful tribute not only to Ismail but to the importance of the arts festival, as did Lelethu “Poetic Soul” Mahambahlela; these two are both born for the stage.

It was too cold for Skinnerbek to spot any exciting outfits: everyone dressed to keep warm rather than look fabulous, and the food by Fat Cats Catering was yummy.

Ciao, my ravishing readers, and let’s meet again next week!