Roma Revolving Restaurant  

Durban  

Where better for stunning sunset views than the only revolving restaurant in the southern hemisphere. Perched on the 32nd floor of a skyscraper in the city centre, this iconic eatery has been a Durban staple since 1973, offering an unforgettable dining experience that combines Italian food with breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, coastline and bay. The real highlight here is the rotating view – with the scenery changing before your eyes, every moment feels like a new discovery. Head first to the rooftop Roma Skyy Bar for cocktails before your meal. The menu features a variety of authentic and traditional Italian dishes, from antipasto and pasta to seafood and speciality game meats. 

Good to know: To complement your meal, the restaurant has an in-house wine cellar — and its own boutique wine, River Gold, made on their private estate in the Cape. 

Find it: John Ross House, Jonsson Lane, off Victoria Embankment, Durban Central  

The Lawns at The Roundhouse  

Cape town  

A picturesque gem hovering over Camps Bay, it has some of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean coastline — and the sun setting into the sea. The venue has multiple outdoor spaces, including the main lawns, the Oak Terrace and the Sunset Deck (booking is essential to get your perfect spot), where you can unwind in comfortable cabanas or on beanbags while taking in the breathtaking views. The menu features all the favourites, from wood-fired pizzas and burgers to sushi, pastas and tapas, all served with a side of warmth and hospitality.  

Good to know: It’s pet-friendly and family-friendly, with kiddies’ meals and fun things like a jumping castle and jungle gym. 

 Find it: Round House Road (off Kloof Road), Camps Bay  

San Deck Rooftop at the Sandton Sun & Towers  

Johannesburg  

Perched high above the bustling streets, surrounded by impressive urban architecture, the San Deck is a top-notch spot that offers a blend of South African flavours and sophisticated vibes. On the sixth floor of the hotel, it’s a dining and drinking destination complete with firepits, statement cocktails to match the hues of the sunset and a discerning clientele. The food menu showcases creative twists on traditional SA dishes. The bar menu is impressive, too, featuring a wide choice of local alcoholic beverages (craft beer, gin and even witblits) and international bubblies.  

Good to know: As the sun dips below the skyline, San Deck comes alive with resident DJ’s spinning Afrocentric beats, adding to the energetic and lively atmosphere.  

Find it: Corner Fifth and Alice Streets, Sandhurst 

Tabú Bar & Lounge at the Radisson Blu

Gqeberha  

This stylish haven stands out because of its pool deck, where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails (or mocktails) while watching the sunset paint the sky with hues of orange and pink. Indoors, in the lounge and grill restaurant, contemporary decor – all natural textures, leather club chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows — provides the perfect ambiance to relax and enjoy the view over a meal. The menu features a range of contemporary South African cuisine, including superb seafood and premium meat cuts. You can also enjoy lighter meals such as tacos and pizzas.  

Good to know: The bar has an excellent selection of drinks, including SA wines by the glass. Plus the cocktail menu features 20-litre ‘kegtails’ of margarita, mojito and other classics made for sharing.  

Find it on: Marine Drive, Summerstrand  

The Mountain Club Bistro at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel

Cape Town

Voted one of the top rooftop experiences in Cape Town, this exquisite ‘sky bar’ is one you’ll want to add to your list. At the foot of Table Mountain, the location guarantees utmost enjoyment of showstopper cocktails and delectable cuisine, while offering spectacular 360-degree views of the Mother City. The double-level restaurant with its roof deck, stylish interiors and panoramic views sets the tone for a golden hour like no other. The menu boasts Japanese-Peruvian sushi and mouth-watering dishes like paella-style risotto, Korean chicken burgers and sirloin steak sandwiches.  

Good to know: If you aren’t staying at the hotel and it happens to be a balmy summer’s evening, pack your cozzie and towel. There’s a minimum spend of R300 to enjoy the plunge pool.  

Find it on: 12 Kloof Nek Road, Gardens 

The Island Bar at Southern Sun Hyde Park 

Johannesburg 

Channelling cool vibes beside a sparkling blue pool, this trendy bar — located on the eighth floor rooftop — offers spectacular views over the City of Gold, making it the perfect spot to unwind and take in the breathtaking Highveld sunsets. As you relax on the comfortable loungers and couches, indulge in a delicious cocktail or your drink of choice, paired with something from the food menu: small plates, dunked wings, meat platters, burgers or pizzas. Despite being in the heart of the urban jungle, the bar feels like a secret retreat. 

Good to know: There is a particularly strong whisky selection (including Japanese), with more than 100 labels. 

Find it at: First Road, Hyde Park, Sandton 

Words: Emma Mbuthuma
Photography: Pexels, Supplied

Also read: Mzansi’s best smash burger spots 

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Summer is here and while many of us started our ‘Summer Body Shred’ (here’s to you, Chloe Ting) back in September, some of us are still trying to get our physiques in peak form. But here’s the thing: that fad diet you’ve been following — the one where you eat a teaspoon of peanut butter after fasting for 11 hours — is not going to do much for you except make you feel miserable. And very hungry. When it comes to our health and well-being, do we really want to be following trendy diets? (Thanks, TikTok!) Especially when we’re all aware of toxic diet culture…  

Here’s the update: the thinking has changed around losing weight. Before, we were prompted to follow diets that were restrictive or incredibly demanding on one’s body with the aim of losing weight fast. After all, even with the Body Positivity movement, there’s still a fixation on what a ‘healthy’ body should look like. These fad diets do more harm than good — but we’ve got you covered. 

Why call it a fad?  

Fad diets are diets that become popular with very little, if any, scientific research backing up their so-called fast solutions. According to Cape Town dietitian Carey Seady, these diets are considered a ‘magic bullet’ for weight loss but many of them lack a proper nutritional basis. According to Carey, you can spot a ‘bad’ diet by two things:

• It’s too extreme. 
• It cuts out entire food groups.

Ditch these diets  

While they may have some benefits, the cons can far outweigh the pros for most people.  

Intermittent fasting  

Many ‘fit-fluencers; friends and that lady at work swear by this method, but it doesn’t work for everyone. The risk is that you might overeat at the next meal or choose the ‘wrong’ foods. In a discussion on the Expresso Morning Show, dietitian Carey Seady said: “Most studies coming out now are showing that there is no difference in weight loss between those on a calorie-restrictive diet and those that are intermittently fasting. But they actually are finding that those who are intermittently fasting are losing more lean muscle mass and depositing more fat around the abdominal region.”  

The Keto diet (and other low carb, high fat diets) 

Not only is this diet hard to follow, it also aims to put your body into a state of ketosis by elevating acids called ketones in your blood. The danger here is that following a diet such as this can be unsustainable, can lead to vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, high and physical symptoms such as fatigue from low blood sugar, and can ultimately damage your kidneys and liver.  

The liquid diet  

You may have heard of the Master Cleanse — a diet many celebrities swear by as the ultimate weight-loss solution. Though Beyonce may have shed half her weight in just 10 days, a diet constricted to shakes and juices — or laxative teas and salt water — can cause disregulation of your body’s blood sugar levels, and it has been found that these types of diets can actually slow down your metabolism.  

The *insert food type* diet  

Yet another common celeb-endorsed way to lose weight fast, these diets are nutritionally imbalanced, and many of the foods they focus on are meant to be consumed in conjunction with other food groups. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, eating the same food or food groups limits intake of the nutrients your body needs. Starving yourself of these nutrients can lead to you not being able to function. Some examples of these types of diets:  

• The Carnivore (Paleo Diet) — eating mostly animal products such as meat, fish and eggs
• Grapefruit Diet 
• Soup Diet 
• Baby Food Diet 

Did you know?  

A poor diet can increase the risk of, or hugely impact existing, anxiety and depression. Focusing on a well-balanced diet that is rich in whole foods can not only improve your physical health, but your mental health too.  

The Heart and Stroke Foundation encourages the ‘Plate Model’ for eating less to weigh less 

½ Non-starchy veggies such as broccoli, spinach, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, tomatoes 

¼ Lean protein such as chicken, fish, eggs, pork, lean beef 

¼ High-fibre carbs such as brown rice, wholewheat pasta, sweet potato, butternut, beans 

What you need instead 

There are science-backed diets that are proven to work, when followed in conjunction with regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits. With these diets, the focus is on eating (on a regular basis) a well-balanced plate that doesn’t skimp on nutrients — or flavour and enjoyment. 

The DASH Diet 

‘Antioxidant’ is the buzzword — and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is just that, as is the Mediterranean Diet. Essentially an anti-inflammatory eating plan, it focuses on: 

• Veg, fruits and whole grains
• Fat-free or low-fat dairy
• Fish, poultry, beans, nuts and vegetable oils

These diets encourage wholesome eating, limiting your intake of overly processed foods, which are harmful to your heart and health. Instead, they encourage an omnivore diet, focused on foods that keep you feeling full for longer, which optimises metabolism and energy, leading ultimately to a leaner body. 

It’s not just what you eat 

Beyond the veggies and lean proteins, how you eat is incredibly important. A recent study showed that those who eat a ‘big’ breakfast packed with protein and fibre are less hungry through the day and more satisfied with their food. This, in turn, can lead to weight loss, as your metabolism is optimised and you won’t lose your energy fast. (Think of that big dip after you’ve had a takeaway meal.)  

Carey notes that for many people, over a seven-day period, balancing their weight is more reliant on their ‘energy in’ than when they eat. So, whether you choose to start eating at 5am or at noon, the food you eat and the amount you eat matters more to your body than the time. 

She also says aiming at losing a kilogram per week is a safe rate, but this may vary for individuals. 

You need to enjoy your food 

You know when you’re told what to do and what not to do, time and again? Like a micromanager or a strict parent. It can become frustrating. The same goes for your body. When you eat well and you eat mindfully — cutting out the screen time and focusing on what’s on your plate – you enjoy food more and your body relaxes. Stress can drive your body to do crazy things and lose its balance. But by implementing healthy and wholesome dietary habits, you’ll be amazed at the results. 

Words: Saadiqah Schroeder
Photography: Gallo/Getty images

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Scrolling through TikTok, it’s hard not to feel compelled to stop, mid-swipe, when Justin De Nobrega’s videos pop up on your feed. It’s a whole vibe!

A post shared by ClubX Magazine (@clubx_magazine)

But behind the perfectly timed moves and millions of views is a bigger story: a young entrepreneurial creator redefining what it means to be successful in today’s fast-paced world.  

Behind the man  

He’s moved around quite a bit (excuse the pun!), eventually settling down in Cape Town with his fiancée, Maxine Marescia. But Justin never forgets his journey to where he finds himself now — with more than a million TikTok followers.  

As the youngest of three siblings (and the only boy) growing up in an “amazingly supportive” family, Justin was given the space and acceptance to pursue his interest in dance and to hone his craft. Though his father was often out of the country for work, he taught Justin how to do a breakdancing-style backspin for the first time, and also showed him how to do the moonwalk. 

Want to explore more of Justin’s captivating story? Subscribe to ClubX Magazine to read the full article!

Words: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography : Zhann Solomons
Styled by: Mia-Tess Smith

The post Justin De Nobrega: Real, relatable and rhythm-driven  appeared first on TFG Media.

What does manifesting really mean?
“Manifesting is the ability to use the power of our mind to change and create the reality you experience,” says self-development coach Roxie Nafousi. She explains further that you manifest what you believe you are worthy of receiving.  

Quick tips to help you manifest living your best life in 2023 

Write down a list of all the things stopping you from going for what you want. Then work on realistic ways around the problems. Not enough time with your books? Cut out unnecessary distractions (yes, that means scrolling too). Fear of rejection holding you back? Try chatting to new people (who you’re not crushing on) first. This will give you that much-needed confidence boost to approach your crush.

Be clear about your goals
Vision boards are here to stay! Take time to gather a few pictures and writings of what you want. From that fly ‘fit you saw online to life and love goals – visualising and penning down exactly what you want will bring you closer to your dreams and goals. Think long-term and include all the small details – dream away – there’s no limits to this one!   

Really get to know yourself
Easier said than done, right? Make sure you know what you want before setting your goals for the new year. It’s easy to succumb to societal pressures and adjust your goals to what others want for you, but we all know that no one knows you better than you do, right! Do introspection, try and heal old wounds, reject societal pressures and tune out all the opinions. In the end, you’ll feel more satisfied with what you’ve achieved.  

Identify what’s holding you back
What’s stopping you from getting what you want? Want straight As? Hoping to finally speak to the quiet, cute, curly-haired crush in class? So, why aren’t you doing it? 

Practice your positive affirmations
“Knowing that something better is waiting for you is a powerful way to attract more abundance,” says Nafousi. Hush those neggy nelly thoughts by practising positive affirmations. Positive self-talk motivates you and boosts your self-esteem. Pick a phrase every day and repeat it to yourself. Something like “I can do it” and “it doesn’t matter if I make a mistake”. When you change the way you talk to yourself, negativity won’t clutter your mind any longer.

The post How To Attract The Life You Want In 2023 appeared first on TFG Media.

Fashionable Footwear

Cool kicks

Turn up to class in the hottest sneakers. Style white kicks with relaxed zip-up pants and a basketball-look top and you’ll be sorted. Sporty more of your vibe? Pair your kicks with an overall and you’ll be good to go.

Heels that pop

From library to lectures – style your hot heels with long pants or two-toned prints. The colour of your shoes will pop against the relaxed colours of the prints.

Textured bottoms

Colourful prints

Looking to spice up your outfit? Long cargo pants with prints is your next move. Wear it with a fitted colourful top or pair your printed pants with a denim corset for a laid-back look.

Mini skirts

This 60’s fashion trend is back in a major way. Whether a denim miniskirt or a neutral pleated skirt, this fun bottom adds dimension to any ‘fit. Pair your skirts with vibrant tops for a pop of colour to spruce up your look.

Level up with accessories

Sunny shades

From neon green to hot pink – these rainbow accessories can brighten up any look. Pair your sunglasses with earrings of the same tone to make a statement, or wear a contrasting-coloured top. These sunnies will turn heads on and off campus.

Happenin’ headwear

These hats will put you right into the headwear hall of fame. From bucket to trucker, pair your cap with laid-back trousers or a cute short skirt.

The post New School Threads Giving Off Varsity Vibes appeared first on TFG Media.

All eyes on Azee­ – loud, proud, and full of fire, we link up with Vega school student and content creator Azee Green, to get the scoop on her vision for 2023 and beyond.

She has worked with local fashion icons, such as Sarah Langa and Thickleeyonce, and she’s constantly bringing her A-game when it comes to curating her online presence and unique ensembles.

Varsity fashionistas love her style inspo, and we certainly can’t get enough of her bubbly personality and humour. An absolute dream to work with on set, Azee is definitely a style icon in the making!

PASSION FOR FASHION

Azemahle Dyubeni (popularly known as Azee Green) was part of a loving, musical home, which she shared with two siblings and her parents in the Mother City. From long road trips to Montagu Springs and Steenbras Dam, to jazz-filled family get-togethers and spending time gardening, Azee recounts all the ways in which her family moulded her into the fun-loving yet responsible young woman she’s become.

“Since birth, my mom had always been the sun around which I orbited. She was very bold and loud, while being incredibly wise and resilient,” Azee says. “She taught me what it means to be self-sufficient and resourceful. Her placing me in boarding school, and stressing the need to be independent, really was an act of love, which I will always appreciate and value.

“Sadly, her mom passed away in 2020 and her sister (who Azee remembers as being her very own “stylist”) shortly thereafter in 2021. But Azee keeps both their memories alive through her passion for fashion.

“My grandmother was a seamstress and she loved looking good and lady-like. She valued a stylish look and setting trends in her own community. That trickled down to my mom who loved a good outfit, too, always stressing the importance of looking and feeling good; she was obsessed with shoes and bags,” Azee laughs.

“This generational obsession and love of fashion shaped how I approach it today. I value classic, timeless looks over trends and fast-fashion. I am still young, so trends will always factor in, but my basis will always be timeless classics.”

“I value classic, timeless looks over trends and fast-fashion”

QUICK-FIRE Q&A

Biggest pet peeve: Lateness. I appreciate it when people are punctual

Favourite snack: Salami sticks

Artist on repeat: Beyonce, always!

If you had a superpower, it would be: Teleportation, so I can travel to different countries

Three things you can’t live without: My family, car and all my photo albums

Main goals for 2023: To finish off Uni, and increase my audience on social media

MISS PROFESSIONAL STUDENT ON A MISSION

At present, the vivacious content creator is studying for a BA in Strategic Brand Communication at Vega School, Cape Town. She believes that furthering her education is one of the best decisions she has ever made to enrich her career, and life in general.

“I’ve seen first-hand that education can change the trajectory of someone’s life, empower them, as well as the communities they come from,” she says. “It is important to be knowledgeable and not ignorant as I believe a world view is what can shift one’s mind from a ‘poverty-driven mindset’ to a self-reliant, forward-thinking one.”

Pursuing her degree while being a full-time content creator comes with many obstacles, though.

“BE CONSISTENT IN TRYING TO REACH YOUR GOALS, DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF TO ANYONE”

“Previously, I worked as a hostess and a promotions model, did a DJing course and studied law – all before deciding that branding was my passion”, she explains. “I’ve had so much grace and patience from my family, you know.

And studying has its challenges, but I always believe you get what you invest in being a student. My advice to any student currently battling to juggle it all is to be consistent in trying to reach your goals, do not compare yourself to anyone, and discipline will always be the way to succeed.”

Social media has played a big role in Azee’s ability to study and grow her personal brand online at the same time. Not only have platforms such as Instagram and TikTok allowed her to share her love for fashion and beauty with an audience, but she has also been able to launch Let There Be Events with a few friends – a company geared towards hosting curated and empowering events. In the future, Azee hopes to be afforded the opportunity to create a major consultancy firm for brands.

ON BODY POSITIVITY

Azee has become synonymous with serving looks and being proud of her curves. In many ways, she has inspired many of her followers to embrace their bodies and be comfortable in their own skin. “Body positivity, to me, means finding beauty in the body you have now and appreciating it for what it is (all ‘imperfections’ included),” she says.

“Our bodies are what carry us through life, and not having a great relationship with a vessel we will have until we die is so damaging to one’s mental health. This is why body positivity and self-acceptance, in spite of media standards of beauty, is so important to advocate for.”

MORE ABOUT AZEE

Style must-haves: A good pair of straight-leg, high-waisted jeans, a crisp white shirt, a quality leather tote and comfortable strappy heels

Handbag essentials: Hand sanitiser, wet wipes, hand lotion, lip balm and an extra pair of earrings

Campus threads: Nike Air Jordan 1s, baggy jeans or sweatpants (cute skirts in summer) and a crop top or graphic tee. Also, one thing I never compromise on is a stunning bag

Signature scent: Zadig & Voltaire This Is Her

FOLLOW HER

TikTok: @azeegreen

Instagram: @azeegreen

Twitter: @azeegreen_

BIO

NAME: Azemahle Dyubeni BORN:12 May1997

AGE: 25

STAR SIGN: Taurus

HOMETOWN: Cape Town

COMPLIED BY: CHARNDRE EMMA KIPPIE; PHOTOGRAPHY: ZHANN SOLOMONS

The post 10 Facts Azee Green Shares Exclusively With ClubX appeared first on TFG Media.

When Ameen Harron was a boy, growing up in Wynberg, he suffered from insomnia, so his dad would take him to the corner shop to play games until he’d grown tired of the repetitive sounds and flashing 8-bit pixels.

Today, things are different, and Ameen will only go to bed at around sunrise after spending the night creating soundscapes and staring at a screen.

Arkham Studios Was Born

He recently bought the house next door to his Wynberg childhood home on his dad’s advice (“Do you want to pay off someone else’s bond or your own?”). Despite having a fully-functioning studio in his parents’ place, Ameen has dedicated about half of the open-plan living area to a second studio set-up.

“If you’d told me a serial killer lived here, I would have believed you,” says Ameen, giving us a tour of his new home-slashed studio in Cape Town’s southern suburbs. “It looked haunted. We called it the trap house.” After renovations, Ameen invited Good Hope FM DJ, The Humble Lord Veezus (referred to as “V”), to live with him. He explains how their friendship goes way back to when Ameen would bunk school to hang out at Paul Bothner Music.

“V’s dad was working there in charge of the production section, and there was this one keyboard that I’d play almost every day.” Like that scene from Wayne’s World (“It will be mine. Oh yes. It will be mine.”), Ameen eventually did buy himself the Roland Fantom-X, a workstation and synthesizer, which takes pride of place among his other gear and collectibles that include Thor’s hammer, Hulk’s fist and Iron Man’s helmet.

Drinking from a Stark Enterprises coffee mug, Ameen explains why he’s obsessed with Iron Man paraphernalia. “I like the way that Iron Man doesn’t have a superpower. His superpower is his mind. I’m really fascinated by human potential. How a man can use it to stand alongside those with superpowers. That’s really special.

A self-described geek, Ameen named his space Arkham Studios, because they’re “a bunch of geeks making funny noises in a padded room.” Like the DC prison Arkham Asylum, when Ameen enters his space, his mania is contained. Outside of it, just talking about music will cause his eyes to glaze over, his delivery speeds up and his mania grows until he can release the sound in his head.

Finding A Unique Sound

“For the longest time I’ve been exploring and seeking our sound. I wanted to craft something that was distinctly ours.  I’ve been learning about music from different cultures – how drum rhythms work and how unique our African rhythm is. The signatures shouldn’t work but they do,” he says.

“Amapiano is a polyrhythm where the drum pattern may seem like it’s keeping a 4/4 count, but the long drums aren’t on beat and the base lines are hitting in random places. I’ve worked in many genres but Amapiano is hands-down the most exciting because of its complexity,” the maestro explains.

For his latest release Tonight, Ameen blends his R&B-influenced style with Amapiano – the South African deep house, jazz and lounge hybrid that’s gone on to inspire the likes of Drake and Beyoncé.

For his appreciation for all music, he credits his family: “How many moms do you know who went to the Linkin Park concert? And my cool older cousins would share mix tapes filled with hip-hop and take me to watch the battles that used to happen in our neighbourhood. My uncle introduced me to the most amazing soul band from SA, Pacific Express with Zayn Adams. I thought, ‘how are people not sampling this?”

How It All Started

With such a wealth of knowledge, Ameen started DJing when he was only 12. This taught him what has arguably been his most valuable lesson – how to read a room. “That, and always play for the ladies. Then, once you know who you’re playing for, you need to know what to play. You need to be able to recognise a hit if you want to make one.”  After he’d saved up enough money to buy a set of turntables, Ameen realised that, while he could mix different sounds together, it was what he wanted to do.

And so he started playing with different software on the computer – first DJing virtually then eventually producing his own beats. From playing other people’s sounds to searching for one of his own, Ameen has always used music to connect with others. His list of collaborators is long, and playing a game of word association, we conducted a stream-of-consciousness exercise where we asked him to respond to each name with whatever came into his head.

Sketchy Bongo

“He’s like a brother to me and is now the head of music for TikTok Africa. An Indian kid from Durban running circles around everyone else. His focus is now on pop music, but the stuff nobody hears. Wow, the man’s a genius. He’s one of my few producer friends who isn’t genre specific, and we’ll often share mixes and swap projects.”

Shekhinah

“She invited me to her gig and afterwards wanted to go to my studio at like 11pm. I had a guitar line from a friend and we put these big-ass horns around it. It’s actually one of my favourite things I ever produced. I feel it could be in a movie rather than on the radio. But her label couldn’t see it working on the rest of the album.”

Locnville

“We met through Lakota Silva who was dating Brian at the time. We got quite close because they would always make a point of getting everyone around them so intoxicated. They’re the type of people who get offended if you buy your own drinks. They feel nothing to run up a R60k bar tab.”

AKA

“In 2010 I was sponsored by a hip-hop clothing brand called Head Honcho and they set us up in a studio before AKA had any big tracks. I think it was a shoot for Hype Magazine. That day I met the real AKA. Forget the ego and everything you see now. The man I met that day was such an endearing, humble guy. The amount of confidence that guy has now, though! Like, buy a bottle of bubbly and walk around the club being your own party.”

DANNY K

He was dating Lee-Anne Liebenberg at the time and, I’m not going to lie, she was treating me like a kid and I was loving every minute of it. ‘Oh my darling, you have sore throat? Let me make you some special tea.’ It was so funny, we’d be working in the studio all day and she’d be bringing me snacks, and nothing for Danny.”

Proverb

“What a legend. Through Skwatta Kamp I ended up making beats for ProVerb. I was trying to do the J Dilla sound without sampling so he didn’t have to pay sample credits. If a client likes a specific sound, I can study the chord progression, the sound selection, how the music works, dissect it and make something without having to sample it.”

Jimmy Nevis

“When he came out I was dating his manager. I ended up working on Balloon and a bunch of other tracks. I think there were 11 on the album. I put Kwesta on Balloon. Funnily enough, I’m actually working on an Amapiano mix for this now.”

YoungstaCPT

“I’ve known YoungstaCPT my whole life. We grew up together. He fell off his bicycle and I carried him and his bike back home – Youngsta told me that! I don’t remember it but he remembers everything. That’s why he doesn’t have to write down his lyrics. It’s all in his head. And he always comes to the studio rehearsed. He’s the most professional artist I’ve ever worked with. When I record Youngsta he doesn’t make any mistakes. All his ad libs, even a laugh, whatever – stuff that someone will usually make up on the fly – Youngsta has that ready to go and in the right place. The first 30 minutes to an hour you’re recording. The rest of the session you’re having the most insightful conversation of your life. He’s such an interesting conversationalist. I feel every conversation I’ve had with Youngsta is something I’ve ended up growing from.”

Nadia Jaftha

“I met Nadia when I had more followers than her. Anyway, I got a call a few years back when she released her first song Paradise. There was a controversy because people didn’t believe she’d sung it, even though she’s been a trained singer since she was six. Whenever I work with a vocalist, I make sure I know what their natural range is and then find the key that they’re most fluent in. We knocked Nadia’s takes out in like an hour. She smacked her vocal recording. I actually posted a video of a raw untreated vocal on Twitter, so people could hear it with no effects.”

DJ HI-TEK

“He’s one of my mentors and I got to spend a lot of time with him at his studio in Rondebosch. When I was in the studio with Hi-Tek, Diplo phoned him looking for a dentist to take out his front teeth, like: ‘Yo, I’m inspired by this Cape Town culture. Ready D just took me drifting and now I want a passion gap.’ He didn’t do it; instead, he took shrooms and went shark cage diving.”

The post Inside The Mind Of Ameen Harron appeared first on TFG Media.

Pop that colour!  

For her:
Don’t wait for Wednesdays to wear pink. If you’re used to wearing black or neutral tones, then a bit of colour might be daunting. But going all out with one vibrant shade will shake your summer style from zero to hero. Your popping monochromatic look will turn heads everywhere! If you’re not ready for a bold monochromatic look, mix and match your sets with neutral tones. 

For him:
Be bold and make a statement with one striking item to brighten up your look. A bright bucket hat, cap or shoes will perfectly complement your outfit. No need to splash yourself with colour from head to toe. 

Level up your denim  

For her: 
Denim is always one of the hottest trends for every season. Give your top-to-toe denim look extra bling with a corset top and skirt with metallic fringe.  

For him:
Two-tone is the way to go. The latest denim trend is to pair darker hues with lighter shades of denim. A quick way to sport this trend is to wear a patched pair of daring denims, using a mix of light and dark patches.  

Stay neutral

For her:
Stay fresh with cool, neutral tones. You can’t go wrong with a classic white blouse or the reimagined mini skirt. White blouse plus a pleated beige skirt? An instant hit for your next event.  

For him:
Who says neutral tones need to be boring? Earth colours look good year after year, and so does well-tailored oatmeal or tan-coloured pants. Dress it up in a white shirt or keep it casual with a vest. Finish with a pair of cool kicks and you’re good to go. 

Photography: Zhann Solomons

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After a couple of years trying to make it in music scene (it’s rough out there ya’ll), Doja Cat went viral on socials thanks to her song, Mooo, showcasing her mad rapping skills, creativity and ability to hit star-quality notes.  

But just as she was comin’ up, ‘cancel culture’ threatened her career after “racially insensitive” music and racial slurs she made when she was younger were made public. Doja soon apologised for her old songs and for participating in chat room sites but denied having been involved in racial conversations. Despite the backlash, the US-born rapper made it onto the prestigious 2021 Forbes Under 30 list. Forbes went as far as calling Doja “one of the top breakout stars of 2020”. Yaaas queen!  

Her third studio album, W Planet Her, sees the star experimenting with all-new sounds in an attempt to shift from mainstream music trends. She even likened the spanking-new musical style to travelling to outer space. Well, the album did break the Spotify record for the biggest opening day for an album by a female rapper. So, go-figure!  

She’s not your typical celeb, not shying away from speaking her mind, and it’s one of the many reasons Mzansi adores her. But when she revealed to actress Whoopi Goldberg that she didn’t have a relationship with her father (South African actor Dumisani Dlamini) it certainly had tongues wagging. She did acknowledge his existence though, earning her loads more sympathetic fans locally. Daddy-dearest has been heavily criticised for being an absent father. But recently, it’s Doja who was trolled to the max on socials after posting numerous humorous pics of herself not wearing makeup. In 2022? Seriously?  

But she didn’t let that get her down. It’s all about being her true self and not conforming to the industry standard. “If your only intent is to be seen, you’ll never be seen. If your intent is to be happy, comfortable, genuine, and true in craft, you’re destined to be noticed.” Yip, she said it!  

Words by: Melissa Ndlovu 

Photography: Unsplash, Instagram  

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Korean Kitchen, Cape Town 

Side-step right-left to this beat! The K-pop mania, the normalization of 12-step skincare routines, K-drama marathons and a hunger for Korean cuisine, Korean Kitchen feeds the needs of K-culture lovers and Koreaboos.  

This vibey eatery is popular to many in the Muslim community too, because of the non-pork meals being prepared separately from pork-containing foods. The restaurant also hosts karaoke for pop and K-pop songs alike, so you can be fully immersed in Korean-culture without leaving the country.   

Where: Claremont & Sea Point, Cape Town
Instagram: koreankitchencpt  

Braamfontein, Jozi  

If you’re ‘not like the other kids’, then Braamfontein may be your scene. This neighbourhood is Joburg’s hub for alternative fashion, quirky cafes and zesty restaurants.   

The Wits Art Museum is also one of the jewels found here, and is home to 15 000 artworks. We’re sure their walls are much more interesting to look at than those of school or university.  

Check out: Playground Market, Kitcheners Carvery Bar, The Wits Art Museum, Artivist/ Untitled Basement  

Egagasini & Mondise Mvg Underground, Durban

They’re a 10, but giving 11. Egagasini & Mondise MVG Underground is known for its top-tier service and friendly staff. Showing off indoor pools, it still gives a comfortable, homey décor and prices that won’t make your pocket cry.  

And being near the beach it’s the perfect summer spot. Events like the November 2021 Heineken Summer Tour and the more recent ‘EGAGASINI HENNESSY EXPERIENCE’ are held at this underground club.  

Where: Durban Central egagasinimondise  

Nanaga Farmstall, Gqeberha 

Humble beginnings are a timeless crowd favourite. This homely farmstall started in 1969 with Lynn Lake selling cabbages from the boot of her car.  

The story of the farmstall’s origins encourages many young adults to persevere through the challenges on their own success journeys. Being famous for their ‘roosterkoek’, fresh juices and hearty meals, Nanaga is a great visit for a chilled cultural experience.  

Where: Gqeberha
Website: nanaga.co.za
Instagram: nanagafarmstall_ec  

Grounded At Echo  

The former community café has grown with the launch of Grounded Work – a coworking space – and offering their catering services. Grounded at Echo is also a socially responsible business in partnership with ECHO Youth Development (NPO).   

The organisation aims to provide a support system for vulnerable youth across South Africa – so you can enjoy your coffee or meal and know that your money will go to a good cause.   

Where: Villeria, Pretoria
Website: groundedat.co.za/ grounded_at_echo 

Words by Sahrah Enous 

Photography: Pexels, Courtesy Images 

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