Digital divide

By Busisiwe Busenga
I cannot believe that this is my first week back to school (University of Johannesburg) and yet i am already realising the importance and value of the Future Journalists Programme. This semester we are going to be busy with internet journalism and hence the digital divide will be one the topics covered. This reminded me of the interesting discussion we had on the didgital divide as the FJP's at the National Grahamston Arts festival . I have to say the discussion has enlightened me and broaden my horizons, i am very greatful for all the knowldge and skills we have aquired from the programme. I intend on using these mskills to the best of my ability, actually with everything i do i will definetly do my best, and i have a feeling i am going to ace this semester and it is all thanks to FJP, so "really" thank you for everything.

Jacques Brandt

Behind every production that has been running throughout the Festival there has had to be a technical team. These people are responsible for ensuring that lighting and sound for the different shows runs smoothly and without a glitch. Without them the shows which we watch would not be what they are, but most of the time these are the people who go unnoticed.

During my stay in Grahamstown and having had the chance to socialise and interact with different people who were apart of the Fest, I had the opportunity to meet a very passionate and talented man who has been running the technical aspects of Graeme College, one of the venues which was used for festival showings. His name is Jacques Brandt, age 24, from TUT, studying entertainment technology.

Jacques Brandt has been the lighting technician and has been a part of technical support system for the following shows on the main programme of the Arts Festival: Benchmarks, Shakespear, and Purgatorio. His job is to make sure technical cues run smoothly and that lighting, sound, props, the set and audience if necessary are managed effortlessly.

Brandt is also a free lance worker, who is passionate about his work and is remarkable at his craft. He prides himself in producing nothing but the best work, which is why he was hired by festival recruiters.

By Nokwazi Lhumalo

D7 Live

A group of 7 male artists who go by the stage name of D7 Live are an acapella group, have been the opening act for the successful Freshly Ground. They have also shared the stage with artists such as Imogen Heap, Vusi Mahlasela , Goldfish, Arno Carstens, and Just Jinger.

This group uses their vocals to create their music. The sounds they make are all made from the mouth which allows them to create their harmonies and unique contemporary tunes.

The group has been together for 3 years and of the 2 years they’ve been formed have used the National Arts Festival, held in Grahamstown as their platform to gain experience. This has allowed them to gain more publicity and become more popular.

Last year they were awarded the Standard Bank Ovation Award at the Festival. These guys are professionals and do live performances from weddings to launches to corporate gigs.

Currently, they are working on recording songs for their first album. They have not been able to give a specific date as to when we can expect their album but for now you can catch them performing at the Cuervo Music Room during the festival from the 1st to the 4th of July.

By Nokwazi Khumalo