Uncategorized – Page 2 – Cape Town Thing

January 8, 2021December 22, 2020

History of First Thursday

Making its first appearance in the Cape Town cultural scene in November 2012, First Thursdays has revolutionised the way arts and culture is consumed by Capetonians as well as those visiting the beautiful mother city.

The First Thursday concept is a forerunner in Cape Town events that offer a myriad of experiences all within a walkable distance. On the first Thursday of each month, you can expect to see thousands of people in attendance, ready to kick back and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine at the dozens of art exhibition galleries. Businesses that stay open, including retail stores, restaurants and bars, along with other attractions are also great options to explore.

Curated by Port Elizabeth born co-founders Gareth Pearson and Micheal Tymbros, the first Thursday experience is a repeated model from other cities they’ve travelled to around the world. However, this duo has managed to create a cultural monster in Cape Town, generating an audience from all parts of the world.

If you happen to be looking for a relaxed tour of central Cape Town with an eye for the creative arts and an appreciation of the urban landscape then First Thursdays is definitely the best place to start as it stretches out in exploration of the CBD from Wale Street to Strand Street, including the fashionable Bree Street.

January 7, 2021December 18, 2020

7th Day

‘The Seventh Day’ is the perfect way to end a relaxed Sunday. Guests get to enjoy diverse music such as hip hop, amapiano, RnB and gqom while sipping cocktails and mingling with friends with quality hubbly.

Curated by Greenback Media Group, the event boasts a host of activities from live performances to live DJ sets from some of Cape Town’s prominent acts. Among the acts to have graced the stage of 7th day include Spiroh, Verge, Martin Khan and the list goes on.

The event is held at the The Scary Canary, a laid-back bar and live music venue in the heart of Cape Town’s cosmopolitan Long Street district. One can enjoy drinks on the balcony overlooking Long Street while taking in views of Lion’s Head and the Cape Town CBD. There are usually regular live music events, drinks specials, pool table and a variety of bar games as well as big sports matches on the multiple big screens.

Guests get to enjoy diverse music such as hip hop, amapiano, RnB and gqom while indulging in quality hubbly and the speciality Braai meat prepared by some of Cape Town’s most capable and experienced braai masters. Tickets are 50 pre-sold and R80 at the door. Be sure to check out the next 7th day in February. Follow @The7thday on instagram for more details.

January 6, 2021December 18, 2020

Traditional Beer

Umqombothi: the original craft beer has been brewing in Africa for centuries. The recipe for this sorghum beer has been passed down from generation to generation, from mother to daughter. The traditional African beer takes a number of days to prepare. Once it has fermented and ready to drink, it has a creamy texture with a slightly sour aroma and taste.

Umqombothi is usually brewed following traditional Xhosa customs and is in most cases prepared over a fire outside the house. The recipe consists of a combination of maize meal, crushed corn malt, crushed sorghum malt, water and yeast. This isn’t your everyday handcrafted artisan beer found in most hipster bars in Cape Town. If you want a sip of this African delicacy you would need to travel all the way to Langa township, a small informal settlement located on the outskirts of central Cape Town.

The age-old maize-sorghum brew has been recreated and reimagined many times over the years. Try it for yourself at the Ukhamba’s bar at the Palm Centre in Woodstock. Their modern version of umqombothi includes malted barley, which is easier to brew with than sorghum malt and Belgian rather than wild yeast.

Traditional beer plays an important role in the traditional customs such as the homecoming of young men from initiation schools – Umgidi. It also plays a central role in traditional social gatherings, namely weddings, imbizos etc. Its alcoholic content is generally low but be careful as it does serve a little bit of a kick.

January 5, 2021December 18, 2020

Lutho SA

If you are into Gqom music, then you are definitely in the right place. The next DJ is definitely one to watch in this genre.

Born and raised from the township of Gugulethu in Cape Town, Lutho has found a passion for being a DJ and producer specializing in Gqom which he brags that it has become his mandate to turn the dancefloor on its head. His fans and peers refer to him as one of the leading Gqom DJ’s to break out of Cape Town.

“I offer an immense amount of presence when I play a set. People know it’s me when I play” Lutho said. The self-proclaimed “Gqom G.O.A.T’” is no stranger to stages that host some of South Africa’s chief talent, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sho Madjozi, DJ Zinhle, DBN Gogo… and the list goes on!

The Gugulethu-bred DJ infuses his Kasi roots to his sets making him distinguishable from the crowd. His efforts in honing his craft are evident in the way he carries himself and the way he respects his work. “I’ve only been in the game for a few years. I started as a nobody and I worked my way up to where I am right now”, says Lutho. Well one can say that he is one to look out for.

Where can you find Lutho? He regularly DJ’s and events around the city but if you go to Cape Town CBD you might just find him here. What is he planning for after lockdown??

In the meantime, you can follow him on Instagram: @LuthoSA

January 4, 2021December 18, 2020

Gqom Music

Introducing the latest subgenre out of South Africa to get international attention: Gqom music. The distinct hard hitting drum and bass combo became popularised by Durban City’s taxi drivers blasting it on their way to the coolest parties in the city during the festive seasons. The headmasters of this eclectic genre include the likes of the queen of Gqom, Babes Wodumo, DJ Lag and RudeBoyz.

Dubbed as the house music of the new generation in South Africa, Gqom has managed to transcend both provincial and international borders and as with many good things, found a home in the mother city, Cape Town.

The impact of the internet cannot be ignored in the advent and subsequent promincane of gqom. From the days of collecting BBM pins and whatsapp numbers to share links to gqom music finding its way to Gqom making its way to international stages with the likes of Beyoncé as headlining acts.

Among some of the notable Gqom venues in cape town, Rands Cape Town positions itself as one of the hosts for the Gqom culture in the city. Rands is a party venue in Khayelitsha known for its exceptional shisa nyama, daily events and music. The co-founder of Rands, Mshayi Mbeki has been nominated for the SA Gqom awards under the category Best promotor.

Gqom has had a rather successful ride in the Cape Town scene. Under the care of acts like Lutho SA, Nhanie, Mshayi and others, we definitely foresee greater heights for Gqom music. Check out our previous blog about the South African genre called Amapiano. Are you familiar with any of these genres of music? Connect with us on our social media pages and find out more about the best locations to experience authentic Capetonian culture and music.

January 2, 2021December 18, 2020

Shoot Your Shot In Fashion in 2021

Are you a local fashion designer, brand or student? If you are, you might feel like the fashion industry in South Africa is impossible to break into. But don’t be deterred there are a bunch of opportunities out there that aren’t discussed in your classes or shared openly. Most of these opportunities are usually bared on google and can provide both capital and exposure for you, your brand and your professional career.

1.Allfashion sourcing Young Designer Competition

The allfashion sourcing Young Designer Competition offers young designers the opportunity to showcase their skills through their interpretation of a predetermined design brief. Young designers stand to win prizes valued more than R80 000, with the main prize being an all-expenses-paid opportunity to participate at Texworld Paris.

2.Scouting Menswear Competition

The Scouting Menswear Competition sets out to select the best of the best of young menswear design talent. It has raised the profile of emerging menswear designers, introduced them to media and buyers as well as supported them in breaking through into the retail market.

Website: https://www.safashionweek.co.za/safw-scouting-menswear-2020/

3.The New Talent Search

The New Talent Search is one of the most recognized talent identification initiatives in SA. This platform discovers, nurtures, and grows star talents, giving them the opportunity of a lifetime. Young designers have the opportunity to enter the retail market. In 2021 the winner will receive market opportunities and business support valued at R 45 500.

Website: https://www.safashionweek.co.za/safw-new-talent-search-2-copy-copy/

4.Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award (Just for students)

The Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award is a Gold Circle initiative that started over two decades ago. It is a pre-race day fashion competition open only to final year fashion students studying with accredited colleges or universities. They may only enter through their college or university and will be required to design and make a themed race day ensemble for judging purposes.

Website: https://vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za/fashion/young-designer-award/

Inscape Young Designers Award (Open to Grade 8-12 learners)

The Inscape Young Designers Award is built to educate schools and their learners on the extent of design and design education as a solution to careers of the future. The competition is open to all learners including those not typically aware of design as a solution to make a change and improve life. The Award is open to Grade 8-12 learners and includes a grand prize of R50 000 cash (R25 000 for the winner and R25 000 for their respective school).

Website: https://www.inscape.ac/young-designers-award/what-is-the-young-designers-award/

6.Trenery – Print Print Competition

Trenery invites emerging designers to design a unique and inspired print to be featured in our collections, with timing determined by our design team. The winner will also win a two-week course in ‘Print Patterns & Trends’ at the renowned Paris College of Arts valued at R80,000.

Website: https://trenerydesigncompetition.co.za/These are a couple of opportunities we’ve unveiled for you. If we’ve missed some please email us at info@capetownthing.co.za There are many opportunities out there and we are here to keep you informed. If you like this blog please read our other fashion blogs and follow us on Instagram to stay updated on the last fashion trends and news. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel for our fix in fashion series for all things South African Fashion related.

December 30, 2020December 18, 2020

Fish Parcel

Fish parcel

Fish parcel is a self taught club DJ and also the founder of ‘Fish Parcel and Friends’ a monthly nightlife event that focuses on the freshest hip-hop music. His range allows him to play in most Cape Town clubs (Such as Sneaker Cartel, waiting room, as well as some of the biggest festivals. His love for music and DJing stems from a keen interest in Hip-hop music from a very young age.

“I’m just a really huge hip-hop fan and I believe it’s the cornerstone for DJing. After all, that’s how it all started, with people scratching and remixing instrumentals and having people rapping over that”. Fish Parcel said when asked where it all started.

Apart from being a DJ, Fish Parcel is also a Medical student at the University of Stellenbosch Time management is extremely crucial to him. “It’s important to have people to delegate to”. something he attributes his success to. At the moment his goal is to become a music producer. He explains that DJing is helping to facilitate the process because it allows him networking opportunities where he gets introduced to other DJ’s and producers at events.

Parcels, as he is affectionately known, adds that he is very meticulous with his work and he tries to teach himself as much as he can to polish and perfect his craft. “A lot of people think they can just rap or create a simple beat and they will automatically blow up. It doesn’t work like that”. He emphasises the importance of growing one’s brand through hard work instead of clout.

Make sure to follow our social media platforms @capetownthing and keep on the lookout for more blogs uncovering the young talent that’s right here in Cape Town.

December 28, 2020December 18, 2020

Burgers

What makes a burger the best type of food?

Who truly knows why a bite from a simple burger can change your entire day for the better? What makes it such a special meal is the question on everyone’s mind.

A large part of my first year in varsity was spent bar and restaurant hopping, looking for the best that Cape Town could offer on a limited budget. Although it’s hard to choose, a list of my favourite burger joints would include Clarke’s Bar and Dining room found in Bree Street, Royale Eatery in the infamous Long Street and of course, Jerry’s Burger bar in Lower Main Road, Observatory.

From travelling through Cape Town in search of the best burger place, I found myself concluding on the fact that the secret is surely in the millions of things you can do to just any burger. No place was identical to the other in taste or texture. Everyone had a special element or ingredient that stuck them out from the crowd.

From the bread bun, that is either toasted, white, brown, seeded or the burgers itself that replace the bun, sliced in half, then in-between goes your meat preference and a large array of toppings – Cheese, onions, leaves, mushrooms, avocado, bacon etc. There is such a strong Flex of flavour from the ground beef alone. A burger is not only beef optioned, but an array of different meats that makes certain to present the art of its simplicity, to every single preference, but ground beef is what makes it such an artistic science.

What’s your favourite burger joint in Cape Town and how would you rate it out of 10. Be sure to check out our previous blog on French food in Cape Town. While you’re at it, go ahead and follow @CapeTownThing on Instagram.

December 26, 2020December 18, 2020

We Celebrate 3 Amazing South Africa Designers in 2020

This year has been extremely difficult for fashion locally and internationally. And with a new year approaching we can’t forget to celebrate and acknowledge all the amazing, talented and gifted local designers who made heatwaves this year. These designers, brands and their team worked tirelessly to make the South African fashion into a powerhouse of creativity and chic.

Sindiso Khumalo

South African textile and fashion designer Sindiso Khumalo has scooped the title of Independent Designer of the Year at the prestigious Green Carpet Fashion Awards in 2020. Sindiso Khumalo, the designer behind the namesake label, has a very rich cross-cultural background. Born in Botswana and raised in Durban, South Africa, she went on to live and work in the United Kingdom. Sindiso focuses on women’s RTW, she was shortlisted in Elle Magazine’s, ‘Rising Star Competition’ in 2012, where she showcased her debut SS13 collection. Her ‘Aretha Dress’ was nominated for, ‘Most Beautiful Object in South Africa’ by an online publication, Design Indaba. She was also an LVMH Prize finalist. We can’t wait to see what she does next.

Thebe Magugu

Thebe Magugu Born and raised in the small town of Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa, his passion for fashion led him to Johannesburg to pursue a degree in fashion. The brand focuses on women’s ready-to-wear. Thebe Magugu won the LVMH Prize 2019, and International Fashion Showcase 2019 from the British Fashion Council. He was also acknowledged as a Rising Star in GQ South Africa. British Vogue September issue. 2019 was Thebe Magugu’s year, but he is not letting a global pandemic curb his rise to stardom. This year Magugu paid homage to his homeland with a photo exhibition entitled Ipopeng Ext, after an area in Kimberley, South Africa, the city in which he grew up. Fittingly, the name itself translates as “to beautify oneself.”

Maxhosa

When Johannesburg-based designer Laduma Ngxokolo, 33, launched his Maxhosa brand in 2012, he wanted to work with mohair produced in his native Eastern Cape. Ngxokolo first created his premium knitwear, with geometric shapes woven from bright threads, for amakrwala, the young Xhosa men who dress elegantly as a sign they have completed their initiation ceremonies. The line has since evolved to include womenswear and home goods. “It’s important for me to preserve our culture,” says Ngxokolo, who uses Xhosa beadwork as an inspiration for his slinky dresses and cardigans striped in typical Xhosa colours of yellow, red and blue. The label, now rebranded as MAXHOSA Africa, has a flagship store at Mall of Africa in Johannesburg, while the ready-to-wear collection is also available at selected boutiques in SA, New York, France, Australia and online.

We are extremely proud of these designers who keep putting South African designs and fashion at the forefront of international markets. These brands show that there is more to African fashion that meets the eye. We can’t wait to see what they all do next.

For more fashion blogs, follow us on Instagram to stay updated on the latest fashion news and trends.

December 24, 2020December 18, 2020

Chinese Food In Cape Town

Chinese Food in Cape Town

If you’re in the mood for some spring rolls, sweet and sour chicken, vegetable lo Mein, or a shrimp chow mein, look no further than the precious Mother City in all her multi-cultural glory.

Whether you’re enjoying your food at the restaurant table or you prefer the comfort of your own couch, accompanied by a glass of wine, the unique, irresistible flavours of the orient will have you licking your fingers and chopsticks at the end of each meal.

Fill your bowl with tasty nibbles of steamed buns, wontons and potstickers at the South China Dim Sum Bar situated on Long Street in the city bowl. Or if you’re closer to the Southern Suburbs, head over to the Mainland China restaurant in Claremont.

In my first-year escapades as a University student, I’d frequent the Mainland China with friends to exploit their all-you-can-eat R55 Sunday lunch special. So, if you’re a student or on a budget, do with this information what you will. Another firm favourite is Monk’s Chinese Food. Apart from the convenience of ordering your food via WhatsApp, this popular takeaway service offers an unmatched taste of China. They are the best bet for comfort food at the end of a long day and will have you returning time and time again.

A list of our favourite Chinese restaurants in Cape Town also includes Tai Chung in Athlone, Tai Ping in Newlands and Chuck Yang’s in Rondebosch to name a few. Make sure to make your reservations or swing over to spoil yourself with some great Asian cuisine. Check out our Instagram page @capetownthing to see more of our favourite spots in the Mother City.

Don’t forget to read all about Amapiano Music in our previous blog as well.