Vision Mag issue 2

Magazine

i

ii

Magazine

CONTENTS PAGE 03

THE LOWENHERZ STORY In this issue of VISION we interview RA Lowenherz

PAGE 05

PUT A SOCK IN IT The significance of wearing Stylish socks

PAGE 08

THE FOOD JOURNAL Everything Mnandi with Chef Mnandi

PAGE 13

Pre-Groove Must Do’s The Before Turn Up Survival Guide

Magazine

PAGE 17

CXPTIXATED

Captivating Artistry with graphic designer CXPTIXE

PAGE 21

Molly The Vocalist Song Review

iii

1

Magazine

Magazine

RONALD ADLAI WHAT’S YOUR STORY??

2

3

Magazine

THE LOWENHERZ STORY An aspiring music mogul, born and bred in Mohlakeng, but based in Green Hills…Thabang Sekomela. The self-proclaimed house music DJ and producer is hustling his way to put his name up on the pile of the music names in the industry.

Having matriculated at Randfontein High School as head boy, where he started studying music. The 20 yearold now studies at The Academy of Sound Engineering in Johannesburg where he is about to do a Bachelor of Science in Audio Technology. It just comes to show that Thabang does not only make music, but he examines sound too.

Growing up in a diverse but athletic family, the creative side of Thabang was inspired by his cousin who is gifted in art, and whom later developed a love for DJing, Thabang’s passion easily erupted from there. Shadowing his brother, who worked under the oh-so-popular Black Coffee as a resident DJ at a night club, Thabang followed and stepped in his brother’s footsteps.

Attracted and intrigued by the DJ sound equipment and how it operates, he knew from there that he wants to be an expert in DJing. Being banned from listening to house music at home, he grew an ear for Jazz, The Blues, Soul, R&B and even Pop, that just piqued his interest in music.

With a rocky upbringing, Thabang started leaning on music for comfort amongst other things. His specific love for house music as a genre was triggered by curiosity of how people make this kind of sound. His passion continued growing with inspiration from the likes of Culoe De Song, Da Cappo and of course Black Coffee.

Thabang is now a resident house DJ at Great Dane, a club in Johannesburg; Braamfontein, which has groomed and polished him as an artist. He has started networking and gigging around the city. Thabang reckons his sound is different and very unique, not the typical sound you’d hear eKasi. Some would argue that his sound is ‘white people music’, but not him. “To me there is no race when it comes to music…there is no colour! There is only an interest!” Says the muso.

Thabang says that he chose house music because it’s pretty much the only genre you can fuse with anything and still sound harmonic, because it’s diverse and versatile.

Magazine

4

Q: Firstly, who is Ronald Adlai and how did the name come about?

Ronald Adlai is an artist, a story teller and a musician, not a DJ. I wanted to create a meaningful alias that will play with people’s minds. Because I’m different and sound different, I should also appear different. I wanted to create an effect where when people read the name, they expect something obvious but to their surprise, something different pops out, and it worked because most people think Robert Adlai is white. [Laughs] Q: You now go by RA Lowenherz...Walk me through the last name Lowenherz is German for ‘Lion’s Heart’. I got the name from a German friend of mine when she was visiting in SA, we met at Great Dane around August. So with my character and hustle, she threw the name at me.

Q: You describe your sound as unique, how do you think your sound makes people feel when they listen to it?

Because of the mixed reviews I often get, I think my sound is liked because you wouldn’t know what to expect with it. So ima have to go with ‘curious’.

Q: Do you think your sound can transform a hip hop head to a house head?

Transform is a strong word, I think my music can create interest within a hip hop head.

Q: Do you see yourself doing anything but being an artist?

To be honest, I don’t see myself doing anything else but music.

Q: If you were to sign with a record label, with whom would you like to sign?

Soulistic music, with Black Coffee.

Q: [Laughs] If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re obsessed with the dude. Is he the one music legend you’d like to work with?

[Laughs] Nah, I’m obsessed with Culoe De Song. I’d like to work with him, Black Coffee and Hugh Masekela Q: Choose one Culoe De Song Q: Last one…describe RA Lowenherz in one word.

Ambitious!

Q: Same word to describe Thabang?

Yes. Well, thank you very much Thabang aka RA Lowenherz…it’s been nice chatting with you and getting to know you both as an individual and musician.

5

Magazine

FASHION

PUT A SOCK IN IT I am sure you have asked yourself what’s the big deal with this whole trend among the fashion conscious of pairing their outfits with exquisite socks. This is not a new trend by any stretch, though it has intensified in recent years with the establishment of our own South African socks brands. Who, it should be added, are contributing largely to the pulse and direction of South Africa’s fashion industry.

These are the SkinnySbuSocks, Nick Socks and the Happy Socks of the world who are changing the way we view fashion. Your 3 pack polka dot/plaid grandpa socks no longer cut it. Footwear, aside from shoes, has become the new way of expressing ones individual style and personality.

You show off your shoes by rolling up your pants, whether you are the kind that patronises Kitchener’s in Braamfontein and the Nike Roshès are part of your sneaker collection, or maybe you are a classic man and colonial swag is more to your liking.

You will be happy to know that bootleg’s have been banished to fashion oblivion and trousers now come in much slimmer cuts which means socks are used to cover the space between your shoes and your pants.

Sbusiso Ngwenya used to complain that he would struggle to find pants that covered the full Length of his legs being an abnormally tall guy his frustrations finally led him to put a sock in it. And thus the creation of SkinnySbuSocks which has made great strides given its short existence. The sock brand is now available on the online store Spree and recently it got listed in Stuttafords Sandton and Eastgate retail stores. The move sort of gives a picture of how serious socks have become as part of one’s wardrobe.

You probably still asking yourself, “why should I forsake my old gym socks?” Well if the fact that those are hardly stylish and probably stink isn’t enough reason to leave them in the past I’ve compiled a short list that should at least help you consider getting yourself a fresh pair.

Magazine

6

1 Visually appealing If you are someone that prides themselves in their sneaker and/or shoe collection, a great pair of socks draws more attention to your kick game. Which means you can go much simpler when it comes to dressing your upper body.

2 Colour perfect There is a variety of offerings out there and you are lucky to find that socks come in a wide array of colour schemes with brands like SkinnySbuSocks which have products that come in exciting designs you are given plenty to choose from.

3 Layer Since it is summer, there isn’t much room to play around with different layers as is the case in winter. Socks allow you accessories without having to do too much and they add a bit of character to your look.

4 Statement In as much as watches have in the past been used as statement pieces in the way of low key declaring ones taste and financial standing, a great pair of socks says “I give a damn about the way I look.”

7

Magazine

Magazine

THE FOOD JOURNAL

8

9

Magazine

Everything MNANDI

THE CHEF MNANDI FOOD FEATURE

Magazine

10

“At the end of the day, food must tell a story as he also incorporates sound as he prepares his food. After all, food should be an experience in or out of the kitchen.�

11

Magazine

As flavourful as his personality is, this rustic inspired chef is true to flavouring, sourcing (So he mentions that he’s the jack of all sources) and has an undying love for platting and comfort food While whipping up flavoursome mouth-watering dishes, from starters, mains (his Fave) and occasionally desserts, he is all about jamming to the likes of the Internet, some jazz, RnB and Hip Hop of course, which he believes influences the preparation, style, flavouring and delivery of the food. At the end of the day, food must tell a story as he also incorporates sound as he prepares his food. After all, food should be an experience in or out of the kitchen. (Basically, him listening to Juicy J while preparing a meal can only mean that the Steak will make us dance).

He also believes in creating a wholesome experience that aims to satisfy all senses, which comes from the inspiration he saw in a restaurant called the Phat Duck, which aims to arouse and appeal to all the human senses of touch, taste, see, feel and smell of course, depending on what you choose to buy. (For example, when ordering fish and chips, a set of headphones will be rented to you which will play music that resembles and creates an ambiance of the ocean. The sound is then followed by an ocean-like scent that is propelled into the air. Then the presentation and texture of the food play with the other senses as to create the wholesome experience. - pretty rad right?)

And speaking of restaurants, he gives us an insightful of his experience at an urban elegant version of a ‘60’s township Shabeen themed restaurant called Phatha - Phatha in Maboneng Precinct. He tells us that he absolutely fell in love with the Dim, kasi candle lit ambiance that had an authentic style and the convenience of safe charger points and wifi that customers can use while they wait for or enjoy their meals at a small extra cost. (Can we please just appreciate customer experience?!)

He further goes on about how the browny earthy toned setting and jazzy music used, further enhances the urban township experience in the restaurant and adds value to the feeling of a South African urban setting that resembles a Shabeen in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. (Think the road/Sophiatown vibes) The restaurant becomes very popular on Sunday’s as they also have live jazz bands and performances while people enjoy mouth-watering and wholesome traditional South African dishes such as iDombolo(steamed bread, the same one uMa or uAunty or uGogo would make) pap and inyama (tshisa) and many more eats.

From the drool that came about and the look of hunger that arose in his eyes, it seems like Phata - Phata is the restaurant you need to be within if your taste buds crave a home cooked meal in a lively township elegant environment in the heart of Jozi with bae, friends or family! :) (Hint hint - check it out yo️).

So if you’d like to follow the adventures of Chef Mnandi and his tastebuds, go ahead and follow the homie on Instagram : @Sechaba_Warona N Meg and Chef Mnandi Out

Magazine

12

13

Magazine

Magazine

Must Do’s Mosie, JHB/ PLK

1) Make sure i don’t dress in white, especially if I’ll be drinking 2) Drink 2/3 glasses of wine before getting there 3) Make sure i have a place to crash. Ama sgidla waar business must fall.

4) Make sure i have enough cash with me, because we know nigguhs are broke these days (haha jokes but yeah) 5) And Finally, make sure i smell good because the dance floor is where we’re headed as soon as we arrive Hlengiwe, JHB

Lihle, JHB

1) lol first things first before i go to groove sort out pre-nake a very vital aspect before i turn up 2) Always organise dank there’s no turn up if there’s no dank fam 3) How we getting there, how we getting back missions, where we sleeping sort all of that out. Cant be asking people how to get home.

4) Make sure all my nigguh are strapped up (seat belts) 5) Sort out the playlist for the pre-nake and the whip

1) Mission to a mate’s house

6) Make sure i get to the turn up nice.

2) Throw our clothes on the bed and decide on the outfits, while sipping on Oros(Crew’s holy water)

7) And obviously lol money for McDonalds for the road back home.

3) fight about who’s bathing first (none of us wants to go first) 4) Get dressed and a mate always has to do my eyeliner because I’m hopeless in the field, which takes forever as i have to take breaks (i tear up every second) 5) Make transport missions whether gaining uber rights from parents or getting taxes Ps: We always know its gonna be a great night, if we had to mission for transport

Brandon, JHB

1) Jerk off so I don’t thirst for no THOT 2) Forgive all my trespassers in case death comes knocking 3) Charge my phone and my other phone and block my ex delete her number to avoid drunk texting.

4) Make sure all my nigguh are strapped up (seat belts) 5) Get turnt in the car before the party

Key Terminology : Pre - Nake = Pre- drinks. Dank = Street Greenary. Thot = (That Hoe Over There)

14

15

Magazine

Lesego, JHB

Keith, JHB

1) The entire crew plans their outfits. We make sure nails are done and everything is on fleek.

1) Find out if the ex is going.

2) We finalise the plans for the night, e:g where are we going etc.

3) Pick outfits and take a second in cologne/deodorant.

3) Everyone visits their minister’s finance to ensure funds for the night are sorted

4) Switch on the speaker and bump some banging trap music to get me in the mood to turn up while i wait for the homies to arrive.

4) Ensure you know at least a few people we know are going to the place. It’s not safe for girls to party alone anymore 5) Have a Huge dinner because food is important and we don’t want people getting drunk too quickly 6) Pre-nake with lots of dank is a must 7) Mini turn ups in the car are needed to get everyone hyped 8) Ensure transport is sorted

2) Call someone to find out if the party is lit.

5) Take a drive to Tops go get a bottle or two when the homies arrive.

6) Get back home and take a few sips of the nake.

7) Check my pocket for essentials before we head out (Essentials are Condoms).

8) Make the confirmation call again.

9) Drive past the ATM to draw cash.

10) And Trap Hard.

Rez, JHB

9) Make sure phones are Charged

1) Eat & Drink more water

10) Let loose and Enjoy :)

2) Life without Trees is like life without Trees (so roll up)

Thori, JHB/CPT

1) Bottle store missions to gather the jabula juice #WhereDEGuareezzy 2) The Calm before the storm- eat tons, Shower, perfume thy, self, charge my phone and make sure i have airtime, prepare a playlist that will destroy souls

3) Call up the Homiez 4)Wardrobe check 5) Set Pre- Playlist 6) Shower

3) Recruit the squad, hustle outfits, get face beat (Mac Is A Must) & Photoshoot nyana

7) Make the nake, participate amongst the mates before 8

4) Gather some coins and make sure we have enough for transport, drinks ahead and 3am McDs struggles

8) ATM vibes

5) Let the pre-drinks begin and concentrate on not dying in the process

10) Make sure you hit up Rez when you in the North #PlanBThings

9) Put the Mc’Ds money to the side

Magazine

16

Playlists Lihle, JHB

Neo, JHB

1) Travis Scott - Dont Play

1) Drake X Future - Jumpman

2) Future - Thought it was a Drought

2) Travis Scott X JB X Young Thug - Maria I’m Drunk

3) Robb Bank$ - Phone Talk 4) Robb Banks$ - Pressure 5) Jaden Smith - Scarface 6) Bryson Tiller - Rambo Yanela, JHB

3) Future - Groupies 4) Post Malone - White Inversion 5) Migos -Dab Daddy

Lwazi, JHB/CPT

1) Drake X Future - Jumpman

1) Mac Miller Feat. Little Dragon - The Festival

2) Future - Commas

2) Little Dragon - Cat Rider

3) Bryson Tiller - 502 Come Up

3) Lucki Eck$ feat. FKA Twigs - Ouch Ouch

4) Travis Scott - Antidote

4) Nonku Phiri - Things We Do On The Weekend

5) Travis Scott X Big Sean - Don’t Play

5)The Lazarusman X Leeu - Who is This

6) Shane Eagle X Bigstar Johnson - Way Up Rez, JHB

Rudo, JHB

1) Fabulos - Bish Bounce

1) DJ Toxic - Son of dragons

2) Isaiah Rashad - R.I.P Kevin Miller

2) Yo Gotti - Down in da DMS

3) Bryson Tiller - Rambo

3) Burna Boy - Soke

4) Mac Miller - Clubhouse

4) Young Thug - Best Friend

5) Travis Scott - Flying High

5) Piddy Ugly - Bula boot

17

Magazine

Magazine

18

Captivating Artistry I

t was a privilege to spend time with, and get to know the soul inspired and big hearted artist/designer named Nkosinathi Mhlongo who is also known as CVPTIXE (pronounced, Captive). He is a 20 year old who was born and bred in Jozi, with a passion for both music and art. He has a unique artistic talent that enables him to depict the feeling and mood of music through art, and what better way to collaborate the love for art and music than through the creation of album art. In his words, it’s “branding for the artist through art” His passion for art and design manifested from a tender age, but it was at the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein where he grew and developed his natural set of skills. He started making album art late in his grade 11 year (2012), and it has only been up since then. This artist is all about perspective, quality, clarity, relevance and clearly defined concepts - which are the main priorities that he focuses on when creating and delivering his art, whether it be on paper or a digital medium.

This South African inspired artist uniquely integrates the imagery, soul and feelings created by the music to create artworks that have a very soul inspired, earthy tone and feel to them - which has almost become a trademark for the artist - as noticed by his homie named Terence (shout out to you if you’re reading this!).

His profound passion for music (House Music in particular) is beautifully portrayed in his work, which later became the beginning of a profitable and cool career. He is largely inspired by the likes of Culoe De Song and Atjazz, and their unique approach, style and sound to the industry that resonates with him personally. (Fun Fact :) - his matric jacket had the caption “Love Soul” which was inspired by Atjazz’s set of Remixes titled, “Atjazz Love Soul Remix”. Captivating right? (Haha, see what I did there :) ).

Although his love for house and soulful sounds doesn’t compare to hip hop, he appreciates the genre and the trend that it has created. Hence, he has taken the initiative to approach some of South Africa’s well known hip hop artists. However, even before and after approaching these artists (dare I mention any names), he has done work for a number of local upcoming DJs, producers, rappers as well as a few record labels such as Mofunk Records and Inspired Music Group (IMG).

Although his focus is primarily on album art; he also designs logos, posters, business cards and does digital illustrations. This artist is never afraid of an artistic challenge that will put him on the map to later become a global artist. His captivating portfolio presents itself as polished and made with a lot of effort, quality and unity because he believes in the importance of ensuring that everything gels with one another, which is uber cool . And as a person, one can ever not smile with this bubbly soul and peoples person who is easily approachable - even online!

He markets himself through his personal Facebook and Instagram accounts which is great because it shows his authenticity as an artist. (Go ahead and add a friend and follow him) He also professionally uses Behance.net and email to display his work and communicate with people.

So if you’re interested, swing by his: *Facebook page - Nkosinathi Captive Mhlongo *Instagram - @cvptixe *Email - cvptixe@gmail.com *Website – www.behance.net/cvptixe

19

Magazine

Magazine

20

21

Magazine

T–heFinsbury, gorgeous Molly is from our very own yard in the west she is Skruff The MusiQmaker’s protégé, the

M O L L Y T H E V O C A L I S T

first lady of MusiQmaker Media. Just like any other young singer, she started singing at church at a very young age, 11 years-old to be exact. She fell in love with Deep House Music, which aroused her passion for singing. “Deep house is reserved and its music that speaks to your soul, not your sole” she said profoundly. Molly went on to say with a heartfelt statement that: “Deep house is something you feel in the blood in your veins, rather than in the sweat down your face” This muso said she’s always loved singing and have always pictured herself on stage, performing in front of a large crowd. With inspiration from the likes of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, people would always ask her what she wanted to be, and she’d reply ‘I want to be a pop star’. “My voice is a gift from God I’ll forever be fond of” she said proudly. She speaks graciously of her manager, Moetsi aka Skruff, that with his help, he organised studio sessions, motivated, equipped and empowered her. She feels that if it wasn’t for him, she wouldn’t have made it, because he has been supportive since day one. She says that she looks up him.

She has worked with Keith aka Khan Master, DJ and producer from Krugersdorp. They have built a working relationship and created a wonderful melody titled ‘Together Forever’.

Molly said that his beats accommodates and blends with her voice. Molly dedicates the song to her bae and every other couple out there, to let each other know how much they appreciate each other’s warm love.

One thing you didn’t know about Molly? She is a good actor… or so she claims. She says that she’s dramatic and funny too. Molly is a go-getter, she gets whatever she sets her mind to it and she’d like her fans to remember that about her. “I will never give up on my dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it…patience is a virtue. Greatness is yet to come, my fans should just keep it locked and tuned.

Magazine

22

SONG REVIEW TOGETHER FOREVER is all about expressing your feelings to your loved one, letting him/her know how much you appreciate the warm love they give you. The song was produced by Khan Master with lyrics written by Skruff The MusiQmaker. It has been composed for every couple out there. I think it’s safe to say this is a track to jam to this festive season. It’s a chilled and laid back song, with a soft melody…of course Molly’s voice accompanies the song beautifully. A rate I’d give it? 3 out of 5, that’s pretty good from a hip hop head like myself.

To get the song on your phone, like Molly The Vocalist’s Facebook page and get the link to download, stream and enjoy.

23

Magazine

TEAM

Neo Megale Vice Edior-in-Chief

Kelebogile Musi President

Thato Megale Editor-in-Chief

Lerato Makgetla Entertainment Writer

Oliver Zondo Fashion Writer