EXCLUSIVET E A M THE EXCLUSIVE
MARTIN CHANZA
EDITOR IN CHIEF WRITERS
JUMECA MASILELA
TSHIWELA KHANGE
NJABULO NGQOYA
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
NTSHEMBO EMPIRE NGOMANI
CREATIVE DIRECTORS
MARTIN CHANZA
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LETTER FROM EDITOR
HLALUKO SAMBO LEADING WITH GRACE
DAKALO NEMUDZIVHADI EMBRACING
DADDY YOZE FOREVER IN THE WAVES
NOVL. UNLOCKS A NEW TESTAMENT
DONPABLOW MOVING THE NEEDLE
RECIPE
EXCLUSIVE CORNER
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Reader's
As we draw closer to the year ' s end, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on what it means to truly give your all to every endeavor In our fast-paced lives, we often chase goals and deadlines, completing tasks with sheer efficiency yet leaving little room for genuine connection. But there is an irreplaceable power in putting your heart into everything you do Whether it's your career, a creative pursuit, or even a conversation with a loved one, passion transforms effort into something more meaningful
When we engage with our work and relationships wholeheartedly, we infuse them with intention and energy that others can feel and appreciate Yet, this vital quality often goes unnoticed or undervalued amid the rush of daily obligations. As we turn the page to a new year, let us not merely tick boxes on to-do lists Instead, let us aim to work with passion, live with purpose, and cherish the details that make our endeavors not just tasks, but extensions of our very selves. Embrace the closing of this chapter as a reminder to infuse your life with heart; it’s what gives depth to achievement and joy to living
BY MARTIN CHANZA
In the heart of Limpopo's rural landscape, a young woman from Mhinga village has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless youth across the province Hlaluko Sambo, the newly crowned Miss Limpopo Province 2024, is not just another pageant winner; she is a trailblazer on a mission to empower young minds through education and self-discovery At 21 years old, Hlaluko's journey has become a testament to resilience, ambition, and the unshakable power of belief
Growing up in Mhinga, Hlaluko was always into the arts and culture At a young age, she showcased her talents in beauty contests and school competitions, proving her dedication to creativity It was in grade 8 that she discovered her love for modeling, setting her on a path that would eventually lead to the prestigious Miss Limpopo crown Despite early challenges, including a fierce battle with anxiety and financial constraints, Hlaluko remained unshaken in her pursuit of excellence
The biggest challenge I ever faced was having to seek for support, I am one person who used to easily get anxious and that is something I had to work on very hard because I have seen opportunities pass me just because I would get scared, thinking that people would never understand or be interested in my modeling talent Another challenge I had encountered was finances Modelling can be demanding financially in terms of votes, sponsorship fee, attire and travelling , " she shares
NOTHINGBEATSPUTTINGGOD INEVERYTHINGYOUDO
-HlalukoSambo
The unwavering support from her family her parents, grandparents, and siblings provided the foundation she needed to stay focused and continue her journey "My family is my number one biggest supporter They always make sure I never feel like I'm not doing good enough "
"My secret to success is daily affirmations, planning, and most importantly praying. Nothing beats putting God in everything you do. Also being passionate in everything you do because one thing I have realized is that no job or goal can ever be completed without a few drops of passion," she says. This philosophy has guided her from winning school competitions to becoming Miss Limpopo, a title that she holds with great pride. "Being Miss Limpopo Province is a dream come true, but it's also a responsibility I want to be an example for young people to show them that their dreams are valid, no matter their background "
IF SHE DID IT, SO CAN I
-HlalukoSambo
Currently pursuing a law degree at the University of Johannesburg, Hlaluko aims to become an "educated pageantry queen " a rare fusion of beauty and brains She envisions working with big brands in fashion, blessing the billboards, and using her platform to uplift her community Her advocacy for youth empowerment and basic education is central to her mission, and she plans to collaborate with local leaders to invest in skills development and arts programs "I believe in empowering the youth, especially through education. When young people are equipped with the right skills, they can create opportunities for themselves and reduce unemployment."
As she continues to navigate the worlds of law and modeling, Hlaluko remains committed to being a role model for young girls, particularly in her community "I've seen so many girls drop out of school or become teenage mothers. I hope to show them that they can rise above their circumstances. I want to be someone they can look at and say, 'If she did it, so can I.'"
Hlaluko Sambo is more than a beauty queen she is a visionary, a leader, and a voice for the voiceless Her journey from the quiet village of Mhinga to the bright lights of the pageantry world is just the beginning of a legacy that promises to inspire generations to come
D E DAKALO NEMUDZIVHADI
EMBRACING BEAUTY BEYOND BOUNDARIES
ByMartinChanza
Dakalo Nemudzivhadi radiates strength and self-assurance, representing a new era in modeling.
Dakalo Nemudzivhadi radiates strength and self-assurance, representing a new era in modeling
Proud, bold, and unapologetically herself, Dakalo describes her journey as one of resilience and self-
Proud, bold, and unapologetically herself, Dakalo describes her journey as one of resilience and selfdiscovery, a testament to the beauty of dark-skinned women everywhere. "I chose to become a discovery, a testament to the beauty of dark-skinned women everywhere "I chose to become a model to showcase the stunning beauty of dark skin," she says, reflecting on the challenges she model to showcase the stunning beauty of dark skin," she says, reflecting on the challenges she faced along the way. Despite negativity and societal pressures, Dakalo stood tall, embracing her faced along the way Despite negativity and societal pressures, Dakalo stood tall, embracing her uniqueness with unwavering mental strength. uniqueness with unwavering mental strength
E M P O W E R R E S I L I E N C E L O V E I N T E G R I T Y L D P R O U D I N S P I R I N G
C O N F I D E N T R E S I L I E N T
The journey wasn't without its lessons Dakalo quickly learned that pageants and modeling didn’t require conformity “Participating in pageants taught me I don’t need to fit certain body standards to be successful," she says "All I needed was to trust in myself and be proud of who I am. ” Her family’s steadfast support has been her anchor, and they remain her driving force. “They’ve always been there, pushing me forward in every endeavor,” she adds, grateful for the solid foundation they provide.
Dakalo’s success, she believes, comes down to self-prioritization, inner strength, and an unwavering belief in her capabilities This powerful combination fuels her aspirations, including her goal to further her studies in Human Resources Management She dreams of opening a modeling school one day to empower young girls, helping them find inner beauty, confidence, and self-worth To Dakalo, motivation springs from a blend of personal drive, family encouragement, and resilience in the face of critics
"I'M NOT MUCH OF A FOLLOWER, AND WHEN PEOPLE ARE NEGATIVE TO ME, IT MOTIVATES ME"
Her modeling journey is balanced with her personal life, a boundary that she’s careful to uphold to remain true to herself. This dedication has enabled her to grow into a confident woman who knows she is capable of achieving great things
Recently, Dakalo took a gap year, a time she devoted to personal development She earned her driver’s license, learned the importance of navigating the world independently, and explored various academic subjects, deepening her perspective and understanding Through her journey, Dakalo has come to embrace the belief that setbacks are not endpoints but stepping stones
Her advice to young girls is clear and powerful: “Trust yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and never seek validation from others You must be your own biggest supporter and embrace your journey confidently, regardless of what others think ” P O W E R F U L
D A R KS K I N N E D
As she shares one of her guiding principles, Dakalo offers a message of resilience and empowerment: "When you fail in your first attempt, it doesn’t mean it’s the end of your journey Don’t let failure determine your future or success Take it as a lesson learned and try a different approach This will pave your way, using your strengths with confidence, integrity, and love "
Dakalo Nemudzivhadi embodies the beauty of strength, the power of self-love, and the resilience that inspires others to embrace their own paths with courage Her journey has only just begun, and she is determined to redefine beauty on her own terms, inspiring others to do the same
D A R KS K I N N E D C O N F I D E N T R E S I L I E N T P O W E R F U L
U N I Q U E B E A U T I F U L
D A D D Y Y O Z E
FOREVER INTHEWAVES
By Jumecca Masilela
Oupa Moeketsi, affectionately known as Daddy Yoze, is a beacon of humility, love, and inspiration at 55 years old More than just a mentor, tutor, and leader, Daddy Yoze’s influence is profound and farreaching. With an upbringing that taught him the value of hard work and empathy, he has dedicated his life to empowering others and nurturing their potential Through his guidance, he instills confidence and resilience, becoming not just a teacher but a father figure to many Celebrating Daddy Yoze is celebrating a life lived with unwavering kindness, integrity, and a commitment to uplifting those around him
p g , p g safety and sent him to boarding school to escape t unrest. Reflecting on those years, he recalls, “It wa time to step back and ask myself where I fit into this ” The separation, however, only strengthened resolve to make a difference.
In boarding school, Yoze met others who shared drive, including a classmate who would later beco known as the artist UMass But it was after his sch days that Yoze found his true calling In 1993, as t country began easing restrictions on free speech, came across a newspaper ad announcing the laun of a new community radio station Growing up, Yo had been an avid listener of stations like Radio A and Radio Bop, which fueled his interest in radio a platform for expression “I saw this as opportunity,” he reflects, “to combine my love radio with my desire to inform and empower ”
Taking the leap, he joined a small group candidates eager to start this new venture His ea days were filled with interviews and training, whe he learned that radio was about more than j playing music “Radio is all about information,” says
In a conversation with Daddy Yoze, one can't help but be drawn into the intensity and passion of his story a journey woven through the turbulent era of South Africa’s liberation and ultimately blossoming into the voice of community radio
As a young man in the late 1980s, Yoze was swept up in the resistance movement He was curious, full of questions, and committed to uncovering the hidden truths of the time The apartheid government tightly controlled information, keeping South Africans in the dark about their leaders and the freedom fighters who worked tirelessly behind the scenes Yoze remembers how even mentioning Nelson Mandela or wearing a T-shirt bearing his image was forbidden. “That whole secrecy fueled my determination,” he says, “to be one of those people who would bring hidden information to light.”
For Yoze, the journey began in Soweto’s schools He became a member of the Soweto Student Representative Council, representing his school at Cosas meetings, where students came together to push back against apartheid policies.
RADIO IS ABOUT DADDY YOZE
It was a realization that resonated deeply with him radio could be the vehicle to counter the misinformation and propaganda that apartheid had instilled in so many minds. By 1995, Yoze and his team were ready to bring their vision to life Their application for a broadcasting license was no simple process. They needed 500,000 signatures in support, so they hit the streets, going door-to-door, visiting workplaces and schools, calling on their community to back the station. They held mock broadcasts in local malls to build excitement, showing young people the possibilities that lay in the power of radio. Even though some family members doubted his decision, Yoze knew that this was a path worth fighting for
In April of that year, the call came through they had been granted their license In a time before the internet was common, the official confirmation arrived by fax, each page a thrilling affirmation of their work “It was a moment we’d been waiting for,” he says, “ our chance to bring voices from the community directly to the air.” Today, Daddy Yoze’s legacy stands as a testament to the power of community radio His journey from student activist to radio pioneer reminds us that the fight for truth and freedom doesn’t end; it evolves Through radio, he gave his community a voice and preserved the stories of the struggle, ensuring that the next generation understands the courage and resilience that paved the way to freedom
COMMUNITY OVER FAME
In the heyday of South African radio, Daddy Yoze and his team were revolutionizing the airwaves. Their community radio station had become a phenomenon in Soweto As Yoze recalls, “When you walked down the streets, you’d hear our station echoing from every house, every shop The whole of Soweto was listening ” With a reach that extended to over 5 million people, their broadcasts weren’t just popular they were a force to be reckoned with, drawing the attention of mainstream media This popularity quickly caught the eye of major commercial stations Metro FM, one of the biggest mainstream stations, saw the influence that Yoze’s station had in Soweto and wanted to bring that energy into their fold “They saw us as a threat,” Yoze recalls “Metro FM came in and offered us standby positions. They were trying to tap into our audience, the energy that we had built ”
Yoze recalls being thrilled initially, but as the contract unfolded, he felt something was off “They wanted me on standby,” he explains “I’d only get a slot if someone was out sick, and there were no clear plans for what I’d actually do on air ” They promised him a decent paycheck 25,000 Rand but his instincts told him to take a step back. “I remember the program manager looking at me like I was crazy when I said I needed to think about it I went home that night, and something just didn’t sit right with me ” In the end, he declined Metro FM’s offer “There was something deeper calling me back to our station, to our people,” Yoze says. When he returned, the station embraced him, and he knew he’d made the right choice Legends like Nelson Mandela had always encouraged him to stay rooted in his purpose, reminding him that he was “made for the people ” For Yoze, greatness wasn’t about money it was about impact
Though he turned down the full-time position at Metro, Yoze briefly hosted a show there and later on YFM, where he launched the groundbreaking show The Jam Shack “The Jam Shack was like nothing else on air,” he says, remembering the energy of those early YFM days. The Sunday show, airing from 12 to 3 PM, quickly became the biggest program on the station, carrying the spirit of community radio into semi-commercial broadcasting
At The Jam Shack, Yoze brought the ethos of his community work to a larger audience He played local music everything from kwaito to the work of young, emerging artists genres that mainstream stations had ignored “At the time, mainstream radio only played established stars, like Chico or Brenda Fassie. They didn’t give up-and-coming artists a chance ” Recognizing this gap, Yoze made it his mission to showcase new talent, bringing fresh sounds and local voices to South African listeners. With every show, Daddy Yoze honored his roots and continued the revolution that had started in Soweto’s community radio. His journey is a testament to the power of staying true to one ’ s purpose, using the airwaves to amplify voices that mainstream media had overlooked, and proving that sometimes, choosing community over fame is the truest path to greatness
In a world of breaking news and viral stories, Daddy Yoze stands as a firm advocate for journalistic integrity, especially for those just entering the field. He believes that today’s journalists have often strayed from essential principles, and he has words of wisdom for aspiring reporters who are serious about their craft “Journalism is about truth,” Yoze says, “about fairness, about giving a story its real voice without twisting it for the sake of sensation.” For him, ethical journalism means capturing stories as they are without embellishment, bias, or sensationalism He cautions young journalists against fabricating details or altering facts just to attract attention “When you write, write it as it is Let it come from your core, ” he advises “Don’t do it to chase the next headline or to hook the next reader.”oze emphasizes the importance of going directly to the source “If you find an angle on a story about me or anyone else, come to us first
Don’t just pull bits and pieces from what others have said. It’s easy to lose the truth that way. ” He recalls how, too often, journalists rely on secondary sources or recycled information, rather than seeking the perspective of the person involved This, he believes, is where so many stories go astray and, in the worst cases, lead to lawsuits and retractions. “Too many reporters these days end up apologizing or facing legal action because they didn’t take the time to hear it from the horse’s mouth.” To avoid these pitfalls, Daddy Yoze encourages upcoming journalists to seek accuracy over convenience He stresses that the story always revolves around the main subject, not hearsay or speculative angles “Don’t forget the main person in your story,” he insists “When you skip the real source, you ’ re writing half the truth.”
For Yoze, integrity is everything, and he urges aspiring journalists to hold fast to these values, as they are the foundation of great reporting. By sticking to the truth, respecting sources, and keeping their stories unaltered, young journalists can avoid the traps that have tripped up so many before them Daddy Yoze’s message is clear: honor the story and let it speak for itself
DADDY YOZE’S CALL TO THE UPCOMING - UPHOLD THE TRUTH
Novl.
with Clichés & Realities with Clichés & Realities
By Martin Chanza
South African hip-hop is undeniably at its peak right now, producing some of the best music globally. While the conversation often gets to numbers and lifestyle, it's the pure artistry of the raps that truly defines our scene It's easy to get lost in the clichés of success, but the reality is, artists like Novl. are proving that the music speaks for itself His latest project, Cliches & Realities, is a powerful reflection of both the highs and lows of the world we live in, blending raw lyricism with sharp insights We had the chance to chat with Tshepo Nkoana, better known as Novl., to dive deeper into his latest release and explore what makes it stand out
Question
What is the purest meaning of Clichés & Realities, and can it be described as your "Ying Yang" since the project does feel like it's encompassing the actual process of how the universe works and all that is in it?
Answer Answer
The purest meaning on Clichés and Realities It is based on the duality
Because life is just based on duality, and I always wanted to figure out, do we live in a system where we pimp our realities into something they're not and avoid what really is. Do we pimp our realities into cliches and something they're not while avoiding what really is - and is that a good thing? Is it okay that we pimp our realities instead of, I guess, facing them head on? So yes, a bit of the Yin and Yang in that whole description Basically, as much as there's good, there is bad and as much as there is bad, there's Good
Question Question
Clichés and Realities feels like a follow-up to "Hold My Beer, Let Me RAP" (HMB, LMR) from sound to artwork. Could you say H M B, L M R was precursor to this project before being introduced to Costly Sacrifices & Borrowed Time?
Answer Answer
Yes and No No in the sense of this is the first project in my life where I feel like it's it's me And I'm so happy I achieved that - it feels so naturally me and not saying that HMB, LMR, wasn't me, but I'm proud of how it came out, in the sense that it's the first time I put a project out and I'm not hearing comparisons I'm not hearing people say this has a little bit of who and who, this has a little bit of this and that In this, everybody just listens and just felt like, "Yo, this is just like a novel project". But in terms of the storyline, definitely, they a little bit connected, it's just cliché. It's just more mature. You know, the soundscape of Cliché is more mature And I've just felt like I've unlocked
What inspired the project and when was the mom you knew the time was right to put this altogether?
Question Question Answer Answer
I've always made music from a standpoint of facing yourself, like that's really my core drive of making music. I don't really make a lot of live in the fantasy, live in the moment type of music, or type of songs, I make music that is very thought provoking in the sense of, okay, you have to face yourself. You have to hold up the mirror and face yourself. That's just how it is. That's what Clichés and Realities is also just about Face yourself so you can enjoy your realities more than the clichés of your life That's what inspired it really I just wanted to invoke that feeling and that thought to somebody, that dude, face yourself, we only evolve when we we literally face ourselves And I'm in my 30s now So there was no perfect time to put it together like now I have a lot of life experience, still gonna gain more, but I felt like there was time Hence, I always say these aren't raps These are life lessons for me
What were your intentions (endgoal) working on this concept and what is it that you ' re hoping people pick up from the project?
Question Question Answer Answer
Firstly, I just want people to pick up the first Easter egg of this entire project, which is just finding out for yourself which songs are the Clichés and which songs are the Realities, because that's how we created it, conceptual wise, like there are songs that are Clichés and Then there are songs that are the Realities So I'm interested to find out which songs people think are Clichés and which songs people think are the Realities. And yeah, just face yourself so you can grow man, that's it. Just face yourself so you can grow. I want people to sit with this for a while.
Question Question
You have some notable features on the project, namely Oriiginelle, Tyson Sybateli, Imani Basquiat, Archi and Joda Kgosi. How did securing those features go, looking at how you could've reached out to the artists from the previous album or do this one solo?
Answer Answer
Honestly, securing those features, it wasn't really difficult because majority of all of these people here are my friends, like I have close relationship with all of them You know, Originelle, Tyson, Imani, Joda, I have a really good relationship with them So it wasn't difficult at all. There were features I was hoping for to come through, but, you know, they didn't deliver on time for this project So we had to move on. I'd rather not mention them at this stage, because I still hope that we can work out something But yeah, Joda was one of the first features on the project. She did a lot, besides the vocals she laid on "Do 4 Love Remake" and as well as her skits on "she expensive" and backings There's other joints that we did her and I that just didn't make the project. Tyson, that's my twin You know, we stay working It was the first time I worked with Imani It was amazing and Originelle, that's, that's family. I've been working with Originelle a lot, we have like four joints together so far, if I'm keeping count, and they still more in the chamber that just chilling, you know?
Honestly, securing those features, it wasn't really difficult because majority of all of these people here are my friends, like I have close relationship with all And then Archi as well, was my first time, and it was just dope, man. What we did on that record. It's just amazing Phiwo as well, Phiwo was amazing on the backings for The Realities So yeah, this is just family, bro. And sometimes I just love working with just family You know, it's easier, but I'm very open to working with others Hence, we did We did try We just couldn't get them delivered on time. Some we did, but then they just didn't fit the project
Question Question
Another fascinating thing about Clichés & Realities is the rollout and the artwork What's the story behind the artwork? from speculation it seems like you are outside the Bar you were in on H M B, L M R - so I'm interested in what's going on there
Answer Answer
So the artwork was created by Gerard Addison, of which I've been working with for quite some time now, even before HMB, LMR, that's the crazy part. Is just that those artworks never came out. The artwork is personal. It had to reveal the character of who I am. And if you ask anybody that have ever met me in person, and you show them that artwork, they will tell you that this is not NOVL - This is Tshepo. And that was the intention. The intention was, I need you to see me in my rawest form, you know. And then we just made additions where you see the duality One side, he's just wearing a vest The other side is like a Gucci linen And then one side there's grills, the other side is normal teeth One side there's tattoos The other side there is no tattoos It just plays on the duality again, The Clichés and Realities I needed you to see me in my rawest form, because I always make every project like as my last one I never know this This could be my last one
Question Question
Following your release you mentioned that they are actually songs that represent Clichés & other songs breaking down the Realities. When creating the project did you already have that in mind or it's something that you picked up later?
Question Question
You have a song titled "4 The Book Club", which is assume a "love song " to your listeners. Did you ever envision having a "Book Club"(support system) and when writing this song - did you consider it part of the recurring theme of C&R?
Answer Answer
Yeah, it was for some it really was for my for my listeners, but it was also more for me as well I think I called it FOR THE BOOK CLUB to represent the community
Because at the same time, the bridge or the hook of that song that says " mangwane mbulele" , it speaks about community, you know what I mean, it's like a, it's like, help me so I can help you You know what I mean? So I've always seen my fans as a community, so I think when I wrote that song, I just ended up titling it for the book club, because I'm like, you know when I'm usually in my baby language And then just putting my mother's prayer there at the end, I felt like everybody needed that type of prayer It wasn't just me, you know I thought about it as Clichés and Realities, definitely, but I just wanted something to let my fans know, my community know that I'm always mindful of them.
Question Question
What has been some of your biggest or personal wins creating this project?
Answer Answer
Biggest personal wins, everything, bro, everything I'm always happy when I write goals down, or when I write an idea down, and then just seeing it come to life, seeing the artwork that I sketched in order to show my creative director what I'm looking for, seeing that come to life, seeing the listening session come to life, seeing the songs that I envisioned in my head come to life, seeing some of the visuals that I envisioned come to life Those are the personal goals, you know what I mean? I look forward to those before I look forward to the numbers and how it's doing and all of those things I look forward to the fact that something I thought in my head exists now It's out there, you know And nobody can say we didn't do that. We did that, you know. I'm just happy. We really worked hard to put this together, and we did an amazing job. Those are just the personal goals.
Question Question
What can we expect closing the year and heading to 2025?
Answer Answer
I just expect people to just grasp this project the way it is You know, I want them to grasp it for what it's meant for, that's really it - you know, I hope to be outside to perform some of these songs for my people But mainly, man, I just want people to just grasp this thing, like sit with it Sit with it, grasp this thing, and we'll see We'll see what life has for me in 2024 I'm a very seasonal artist. I let the season tell me what it wants for me.
DONPABLAWMOVING THENEEDLE
By Jumecca Masilela
Meet Fedelix Ncube, a 28-year-old trailblazer defying societal norms in the traditionally femaledominated art of crochet Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Fedelix grew up learning the value of perseverance while working in the fields of his rural village. In 2009, he moved to South Africa to continue his education. Although he enrolled in Civil Engineering at Wits University after matriculating, financial difficulties forced him to drop out.
Despite these setbacks, Fedelix embodies resilience. Today, he is the proud owner of CraftedbyDonPablaw, a business specializing in handmade crochet hats. Reflecting on his early passion for crochet, he recalls, “I started crocheting at a very young age, inspired by my mother and grandmother.” Although he later returned to school to study music at Damelin College, his entrepreneurial spirit never faded His nickname, "DonPablaw," was humorously given by friends at Damelin, where he hustled by running a tuckshop on campus
Fedelix’s journey to success has been anything but smooth sailing From dropping out of university due to financial struggles, to working odd jobs to make ends meet, he persisted through every challenge His breakthrough came when he rediscovered his love for crochet Recognizing a gap in the market where crochet was mostly seen as women ’ s work he returned to Zimbabwe to refresh his skills under the guidance of his mother His first hat, bought by an impressed aunt, marked the beginning of CraftedbyDonPablaw
Determined to grow his business, Fedelix turned to YouTube for tutorials and expanded his skill set He began marketing his creations on social media, where the response was overwhelming Realizing that his passion could sustain him, he officially registered his business, and the rest, as they say, is history Today, CraftedbyDonPablaw is not only a successful venture but a symbol of how perseverance and innovation can break boundaries
STEP FIVE ADD ONION TO THE MIXTURE
STEP THREE
BOIL THE EGGS AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE BOILED TO PERFECTION.
STEP FOUR
ADD TOMATOES TO THE MIXTURE
STEP SIX
STEP SIX
ADD YOUR DICED CHEESE
SPRINKLE INTALIAN HERBS
STEP SEVEN
MIX WITH MAYONNAISE, ADD A SPRINKLE OF SALT AND SQUEEZE FEW DROPS OF LEMON , MIX IT ALL TOGETHER AND ITS READY TO BE SERVED.
EXCLUSIVE TIMES THOUGHT LINES
DIGITAL IS SENDING US BACK BY
MARTIN CHANZA
In the last few years, we ’ ve grown accustomed to getting everything we need at the touch of a screen. We have even ran with the phrase "The Future is Digital" and it has become ingrained in our culture. Looking back at this shift, I can't help but feel that this digital future is actually pulling us backward in some crucial ways As a music head, I'll just start with a simple example how CDs are being pushed aside
Once upon a time, CD players and physical collections were essential Owning the latest album wasn’t just a trend - it was a cultural statement Walking into a friend's house, peeping the room divider and seeing a Destiny’s Child CD stacked next to a Matrix DVD on their shelf wasn’t just about entertainment; it was about identity. Physical media didn’t just inform us it connected us. It gave us tangible proof of our shared culture, something that browsing an endless sea of streaming options just can’t replicate.
One of the biggest losses in the digital age is the art of ownership. We’ve traded deep connections to music, films, and magazines for instant access and easy dismissals. We no longer take in the experience. Gone are the days of reading through liner notes, poring over back covers, and letting these small moments enrich our appreciation. There was a sensory experience to physical media that made the journey meaningful. Now, we skim, we skip, and we move on without a second thought.
There’s also a looming fear that haunts this digital age: what happens if it all just stops? Imagine the internet being on pause for moment - what do we have to show for it? Photo albums have been replaced with digital slideshows, and flipping through a book of memories with your grandkids feels worlds apart from swiping through a phone We’ve lost more than just physical media; we ' ve lost traditions We’re becoming untethered from the past, and that’s something we should all be worried about.
Sure, there are upsides to going digital. But as time moves on, it seems like the true way forward might actually be a step back toward physical media. At Exclusive Times, our new tagline says it best: "Priceless, Own It." Physical media, in all its forms, will stand the test of time.
