Hello darlings. The girl who never sleeps is back with the scoop on all that happens in the city while you sleep.
Last weekend, your gossip gal thought she would have some “me time” and not mingle but, needless to say, that failed dismally.
And so I dolled up and went to the Tales of Sisterhood women’s event – ‘cause that’s what we’re all about this month – at ArtEC in Central. While your Skinners arrived to an empty venue, which saw the event start three hours late in the hopes that more heads would pop up, she’ll tolerate almost anything for some motivational insight from women entrepreneurs.
The event ended up being an intimate do between a couple of women with entrepreneurs Weza Sonamzi of Weza’s Hair, Andiswa Kota of Okuhle Beauty and Bay DJ Sam “MissJay” Jennings giving talks on roads travelled in their journeys.Because there were definitely bigger fish to fry, off Skinners waltzed to the annual Khanya Gqiyazana Women’s Workshop, popularly known as Hats and Heels, hosted by Umhlobo Wenene FM at the Boardwalk.
It was a whole different story there, I tell you. The event was sold-out, vibey and the ladies were dressed to the nines. They don’t call it “hats and heels” for nothing. Best believe those heels came off once we started jamming to the impressive lineup of Nathi Mankayi, Amanda Mankayi, Vusi Nova, 047, Thembelani Mbilini and the likes.
As if the lineup was not already on fire, fans went gaga when Umhlobo Wenene station manager Phumzile Mnci surprised them by calling gospel singer Dumi Mkokstad on to the stage.While it’s safe to say we all had fun, it still boggles my mind why the lineup of performers at a women’s event would be dominated by men though. Are we celebrating women but not uplifting their careers? Interesting.
Anywho, a true celebration of women which puts a spotlight on their talent is the annual Women in Arts Manyano Festival, under way at the Opera House until Sunday.
Your favourite gossip girl went to check out some of the shows on Wednesday evening. One of them was KwaXhosa, a traditional dance show produced by Tyhileka Ndoti, which featured talented young girls.
It was followed by Nompumezo Buzani’s Wild Lillies. You know it’s about to be magical when the talented Olwethu Mdala and Nobesuthu Rayi are in the same production. Marcia Ntoni was the cherry on top.
Although the production had us teary as it touched on women abuse, Nobesuthu’s role as grandma Nondlela had us in stitches. What more when we watch the Woman To Woman comedy show produced by Lonwabo Xatasi on Sunday afternoon?
Skinners hopes to return for more!Ciao for now, dolls.