Cultural Sentiments: Art in Motion

About the Artist

Georgie Bhunu

Georgie Bhunu has over 20 years in the Fine Artists industry. He has a passion for Art and has contributed to the development and growth of Art having previously lectured Arts at the North-West University, Mmabana Foundation, and the International School of South Africa. He has successfully established himself as an arts entrepreneur as a sole Director of LG Creative Artists, a North West Province based company specializing in Fine Arts, Industrial/ Urban Design.

Amongst his achievements is that he participated in numerous Art Exhibitions which include the Sol Plaatje Art Exhibition, the Millenium Africa Arts & Exhibition in Florida USA and his own Solo Exhibition at the Sandton Village Walk. Georgie’s Artwork has been collected by high-profile individuals amongst them is the late Walter Sisulu, President J Zuma and President Thabo Mbeki. His latest renowned work is the revamping of Lotlamoreng Dam with Mural artwork that depicts the history of the Barolong through portraits of the Barolong monarchy.

Georgie Bhunu's work in progress at his Gallery in Mahikeng

Georgie Bhunu is the essential painter. A maverick storyteller of dramatic moments of life in its myriad self. A visual philosopher who has an undying love for lesser told stories of the expressive yet impressive, attractive yet repulsive, innocent yet pulsating aferican village life. Colours not words must be used to define and do justice to painters like Bhunu.

The mastery of his chosen subject matter might be deemed as simple yet to him its the loyalty to his own upbringing, longings, childhood mirth of those chapters of life, a universal phenomena found in every living.  Bhunu has recently cut himself a niche as a cultural heritage chronicler as he has related the stories of the Barolong people their heroes

Aside his long awaited work on "The life and times of Sol Plaatje", PAYT takes a journey with Georgie to capture the Exhibition and its following as it goes on a National Tour.

So it didnt come as a surprise when "What is Poetry" the International tour festival which will be coming to Mahikeng on 22 April, they included Georgie Bhunu as one of the Local Fine Artists they profiling and giving a platform through the organized Tour festival. Yet another initiative of "Arts in Motion" taking it to the people... Go check the 'What is Poetry?' Program for yourself www.whatispoetry.net

What is Poetry? is a celebration of language festival and will take place in Johannesburg, Mahikeng, Polokwane, Makhado and Harare Zimbabwe. Featured Poets come from all over the world including our very own South Africans: Kgafela oa Magogodi, Alan Finlay, Mbali Kgosidintsi, Xoli Norman and Lesego Rampolokeng amongst others.

21st April - 3rd May 2013

Catch PAYTLive crew there!!!

Triple Pundit

 EBooks: Future Perspectives!!

The digital era has phased in and phased out a lot of applications that have changed the way the world spins, to the point that every single gadget freak can’t keep up with what the latest technology has to offer in either simplifying things or improving connectivity. The Publishing business is also being plagued by the rise of the sharing economy and digital platforms that are seeing more and more ebook reader devices taking the market by storm.

 

On the 29^th March 2013, PAYT’s first published eBook “Kattey’s Arrow:’Cruel Journey to her Destiny by Kentse Badirwang will be launched and available for the world to share in the epic life of a young author from South Africa who has beaten the odds and lived to tell her story of hope.

 

The eBook is supported by a 3 tier movement of organizations including that of PAYT, Sedikwa Movement and the South African Police Service as a corrective measure that seeks to combat the scourge of violence against women and children in our communities. Kentse Badirwang through her debut book has been chosen to be the face of the Non Violence campaign which will be taken to schools and various stakeholders in the North West Province of South Africa.

 

As a youth development program PAYT plans to roll out a Digital Logic Program that has been established by pioneering individuals who are championing the use of digital devices and applications to make learning much easier and pleasant for learners and people in rural areas. Kattey’s Arrow will form part of a pilot project to introduce e-book reader devices in schools which will not only improve the access to information and literacy but will also eliminate the cost of books or education as a whole.

 

Kattey’s Arrow will be available for purchase on www.smashwords.com, www.paytlive.org or www.dextrawstudio.com .

Smashwords is the world’s leading ebook publishing and distribution

platform for indie ebook authors and publishers and has

helped over 45,000 authors and publishers around the world collectively release over 130,000 ebooks.

Kentse Badirwang's debut eBook Preview Launch of "Kattey's Arrow: Cruel Journey to her Destiny" will take place at the Mahikeng Protea Hotel where a select few of stakeholders, Author's peers and industry players. PAYT will host satelite ebook launch sessions in South Africa, Botswana and Kenya.

 

 

I knew i was Different but not less!!

The launch of “Kattey’s Arrow: Cruel Journey to her Destiny’

A coming of age story based on the life experience of a talented rising South African Author Kentse Badirwang, to be launched on 29 March 2013; the story is about as real as it gets when it comes to a graphic narrative or scope into life growing up in ‘Black Africa’. The book redefines active citizenship and demonstrates that each and every one of us was created for a Devine purpose in this world and no matter how tragic the circumstances, it is our duty to discover the reasons for our existence.

After experiencing some of the worst things a girl child can encounter including multiple rape, depression, neglect and low self esteem, her spirit relentlessly fought to keep searching for her truth. In her own words through interviews that capture her pre-launch moments ‘The Arrow that I was born with to guide me through the journey to my destiny, led and guided me out of situations good and bad; its golden sharp end served as a light in my darkest moments telling me that i was different but not less’

‘After 37 years following the Arrow, it finally led me to my destiny Dikgabo Village, a place of remarkable creatures.  Just like Tajewo left home with his brother’s Arrow from the village to become a warrior. My arrow is my Spirit.’

The book will be published as part of Lerato Mosimane’s ebook Collections www.smashwords.com/profile/view/GuyPublishing1 going live on the launch date alongside the epic children’s Poetry book Pyramid by Keaoboka OO-Ra Molomo. What stands out the most as a key feature at PAYT is the cultural exchange element of ‘Kattey’s Arrow’, which makes reference to Tajewo, a book about a Maasai boy who wants to become a warrior by preparing to go through the cultural initiation. According to the book Tajewo, in Maasai culture when boys are 14/15, they become Initiates – that is they start to learn about becoming a warrior and a man. They have to harden themselves against the fear of danger. They go off into the bush for long periods where certain elders and warriors teach them the arts of warfare, of cattle raiding or lion-hunting. Courage is required of them, but also courtesy, generosity, respect for elders of the tribe and compassion for all who are weaker than themselves. Tajewo is a book by Cicely Luck and is recommended to young people in identifying cultural practices that give new meaning to humanitarian.

Kattey’s Arrow will be a main feature at PAYT’s Back2school campaigns @AP Camp starting in February ahead of the launch event taking place in March and themed Maasai. The coming of age cover for the launch symbolizes growth and a unique perspective of how one can overcome their fears or challenges and embody a renewed all empowered being; ready to take on the world.

Hip Hop is On Trial

Most of us can mistake hip hop for an urban culture without a cause or a lost cause for that matter, as we digg deeper we can come to appreciate the complexity and power behind this cultural maschine tagged #HipHop. In a recent Intelligence Squared debate topic 'Hip hop is on trial", a panel of experts are convened to tackle the question "Does hip hop uplift  or degrade our society??

A fair question which from the onset probes our understanding of the hip hop culture and the references in contextualizing an approach to this debate. The IQ2 debate was nothing new in depsyphering the misconceptions or relating to the general perceptions that have always existed since the early days of hip hop. Amongs the panel of experts included Professors and Professionals in Journalism, Academics, Computer Science visionary and International Artists or Hip Hop activists including QuestLove, QTip, Estelle as well as prominent figures such as KRS1, Rev Jesse Jackson, Advocate Michael Dyson and Dream Hampton. Wow what a great way to gather great minds check it out if you part of our socials @paytcommunity its one of our prime viewings....#Googlehangout

Can we deny the fostering of misplaced values by the surge of commercial hip hop which promotes craz materialism and degradation of women. 'Base.. how low can you go" 'Base... how low can you go'by Michael Dyson arguing for Hip Hop. (what a way 2 debate,,but our general consensus was THAT the debate as informative and entertaining as it may be could have been much more broader outside American context,,cause as South African Hip hop journo who raised the question on which society are WE talking about??...#luvIt @BigUps)

'Hip hop is a culture of resistance, exposing contradictions and emmenating from a place of darkness in someway and as a result rebels from the opressive state of reality as a form of expression. It has the ability to liberate and enhance a society."

Whats interesting to observe is how has this culture transcended to language and freedom of expression. This has definitely sprung alive in African particularly as the hip hop culture has grown and embraced the linguistic element which has breathed a whole new life into this dynamic culture.
 A critical element to Hip hop is knowledge and as a robust culture let us be reminded that this is a culture that filters in visual art, language, dance and 
street fashion amongst many elements that makes it robust and a bigger vehicle than we conceive. {Formulation and creation of knowledge, liberating young 
kids minds for almost 4 decades @hiphop}


(((Hip hop has existed for merely 4 decades)), it comes as a great pleasure to usher in a brand new perspective in African context, that embraces cultural exchange. #PAYT introduces a Motswako brand that is about to take on a whole 
new wave of excitement. A paradigm shift which is commodifying art and 
embracing the concept of free Art. CC.Cruz Control produced by MM3rd is 
dropping FREE DOWNLOAD @DEXTRAWSTUDIO.COM



There I leaked it right b4 Midnight download official opening!!!

Love 2 be part of #paytcommunity

As a street cred thing Hip hop is OG. Its as real as it gets and Motswako as its foundation has a far reaching appeal that will resonate with most jammers anywhere around the world. The album is produced by a mastermind in music and digital era style, the brilliance of how this project was done considering that it is a CC second to the 1st.

Motswako Culture

[Originates from a place called Mahikeng South Africa and in direct translation means  "mixture']

www.dextra.com and meet everyone who formed part of this epic Album hosted by #Apu!!

Word is Bond!!

What creates that illusive sale;; what is most trustworthy than a word you heard recently and most convinced that it was in fact truth to your ears. It is the very thing that creates a societal cliche in saying "rumour says'//'heard it through the grapevine' or 'he says she says'...which all works out to reason as truth'

As human beings we are easily convinced; and that's because for as long as you can conceive it in your mind, what is being said, the thought of it being true even without logic, is enough to set a house on fire #ill imagination.

"the power of words is amazing'

In that sums up what happens to be always trending, is that entrepreneurial spirit that's founded on 'word of mouth' marketing. You don't really need the super billboards to get your niche. Define who you are and what you about and set it off by delivering on your service or product exceeding expectations and leaving a trail of 'word Of Mouth' advocates behind you...

When other people do the selling for you is the ultimate sales pitch and a win formula.

South Africa ounce leading brand Loxion Kulca started out as a cool hobby that turned into one of the biggest brands to hit the streets in late 90s. And what was very clear then and still is today is there is no better hustle than a good referral  because 3/5 times it means a new loyal follower totally #twitter-style and a whole lot of excess benefits.

Word is Bound Turn your fav hobby into mega bucks by starting small #building blocks!!/./

If you gona say it make sure its worth a listen!!#What-You-say??

OCTOBER15: The Start of the Mahikeng Siege #africanstudies

Once known as a “living museum’ portraying traditional African Villages and Culture

Credo Mutwa's Cultural Village

The larger cemetery of the MemorialBurial site of casualties of the Mahikeng Siege, is at the entrance to Credo Mutwa's Cultural Village,at Lotlamoreng Dam - a living museum portraying traditional African villages and cultures.

Credo Mutwa 

This place was a devine haven for Artists who used to work from here and many traditional artworks and sculptures were prepared here for tourists from Lotlamoreng Dam. Credo Mutwa, who has since moved in the 90s, is an artist, sculptor, author and prophet of international renown. Many of his prophecies regarding events in South Africa have proved to be uncannily accurate.

The inside of a recreational area@Credo MutwaVillage in Mahikeng South Africa

The 15 October 1899 Mahikeng Siege

These pictures were taken in 2009 and the place has since been neglected even though at some point was under the care of the North West Parks & Tourism Board. Lotlamoreng as a heritage site has been given back to the Tribal Authority the Barolong-Ba-Ratshidi who are the original custodians of this landmark, PAYT hopes to add value towards the restoration of Lotlamoreng in honor of the people of the Barolong and their Ancestors.#African Studies. As today marks the start to the Mahikeng Siege which has happened more than once in this historic town of Mahikeng. There are alot of disputes as to which dates marks the beginning ,lets just say like any other incident in life..always depends on who's telling the Story...

Mahikeng is the Capital City of the North West Province in South Africa and is known as the gateway to Africa, as it played a role for the political landscape of South Africa and Botswana. It has served as Capital City to three separate Countries under three different unique circumstances...follow our discovery and revelations of Mahikeng "a place amongst rocks' in direct translation from its Setswana meaning.

PAYT ADVENTURE: Naughty West Style!

The Sun City 400 a huge attraction for adventure sport enthusiasts!!

The Platinum Off-road calendar has become a hit annual program in the North West Province of South Africa which makes the most of the flat land and dessert-like features of the Platinum Province, besides the great weather. The off-road culture in South Africa is currently trending as a growing niche market that plays on the need to balance life with a bit of adventure and adrenalin rush that is synonymous with an “I’m alive’ mindset.

PAYT is 100% behind the culture of Off-road racing and any form of Adventure sport which range from biking all the way to Paragliding or Sky diving, all happen to be some of the coolest things you can get up to in the Naughty West as its affectionately known by its young people.

What do we love about the Sun City 400??

-      1.)     It’s a FREE GIG, we all love freebies

     2.)  A range of racing cars on display – some of the most amazing remodelled off road vehicles that you’ve ever seen!!

       3.)   A lot of the competitors and supporters slept at the Pilanesburg Tent Camp site that embraced the whole Bushveld lifestyle that makes Africa what it is!!

#BigUps to all the sponsors and supporters of this great initiative, which has developed into a great branding initiative for the Naughty West and Brand South Africa. 

Next one PAYT is checking out is coming to the Capital City Mahikeng, on 3 November find out how you can join us for a PAYT group experience email info@paytlive.co.za

PAYT can assist you in organizing a group experience if its you and at least two other individuals. Our Tours are packaged with local flavour be it Chef, Storytellers, MCs or DJ and includes two options of accomodation and transport.

Proceeds go to PAYT Trust as a Public Charitable Trust that invests in the education and industrial development of young people in South Africa and is also linked up to International organizations to leverage our Program impact for our members!! Visit www.paytlive.org for more information or email us to request to become a member