Africa Unite
Wednesday 6th December 2006

On Wednesday night in Zula we all danced to the same beat and were inspired by it's creative youth. Flavours of Africa poured from the Amani wine tasting creating 'A Place of Peace'.
Framing the wine tasting table were lights reflecting Nikki Lutzeler's images of Africa. Lights that cross boundaries between modern minimalist structures with traditional stories of ancient tribal times, he is a professional mind with a big creative heart, and a pleasure to work with.
Shining in the reflection of the room were bronze sculptures created by Charles Haupt, strong images of abstract simplicity. Taking the simple things that are ordinarily missed or unappreciated as objects of art, and making them the centre of his pieces, set forever in bronze.

The whole day leading into the night was dressed in a fabric of creative minds that are passionate and extremely talented at what they do. It was so refreshing to be involved with young designers who had such a beautifully colourful story to tell with their clothes and such a strong message. If they have their way, Cape Town will be the most beautiful place on earth, and the Pope would dress in pink?! We had some lovely interviews on the couch with Patrick Mangena , Phindiwe Ndzunga, Lizwephila Mabunda, Bongiwe Manikivana which gave them the chance to describe who they are and what they are about, before the audience were dazzled with the outstanding beauty of the Zula Models!!!! 'How can people look that gooood?' I heard the people saying, simple really, lots of love and creative thought!

Jim, who was born to paint, touched her brush across anyone who stood still long enough, and along with Marite Crous they painted tribal art and inspirations from Africa on people.

Unlike Jim, Henn(knotthejuggler) was not born to paintÉbut he was born to JUGGLE!!!!!!. Standing strong with a background of his own digital visuals he recited ancient poetry while spinning his clubs and catching his balls. It's amazing how someone with so much natural coordination can fall of a stage, but Henn, you figured it out boy! What a storyteller, what a guy! And yes, he is available for Weddings and parties.

Spreading the tongue of story telling and performance poetry on the couch in their interviews were Jonathan and Hanneke Raugh from Right 2 Speak. It was truly a delight to have them both. They reminded us all that every stage of a story is equally important, how can you understand the end if you weren't listening in the beginning? How can we live without reflecting our surroundings and our experiences? Storytelling is in us all, and every part of every soul there is a story to tell. What would your story be?
Jonathan is a delight to watch and his deep rhythmic voice guides you through stories of humour that leave strong aftertastes of thought provoking feelings of discomfort to the acceptance of the state we allow people to live in, THIS VERY MOMENT! Jonathan is no stranger to struggle as he is from Zimbabwe but is full of every hope imaginable.
Right 2 Speak clean knocked the breathe out of everyone's mouths. The bar was silent listening to such amazingly open-minded wisdom of self-reflection form four very culturally different young women of South Africa. They dared to dive in to the soul of their insecurities, which have been forced on them through social conditioning and fear, deconstructing the box and rejoicing in the freedom of similarities between races, genders and cultures. A must see if ever you can!

By this time of the night the energy was so ready to receive the drums and rhythms from the Red Zebra Samba Group. Before long you just couldn't help but let it all go and shake what your mamma gave you! Red Zebra are an amazing team of people who spread the language of drums where ever it is needed. They hold really fun workshops on Monday nights at 6 o'clock, R30 to experience being a small part of a bigger beat!

We were kissed good night by sweet sounds from Black Foot. This band, originally from Zimbabwe aim to spread their love through music and awareness for the state of their country. What a pleasure to be entertained by them.

All these people will go far if supported in Cape Town, so look out for their names!

Love & Peace,
Zo‘ and Jolette