Culture

South Africa mourns late literary icon James Matthews

Published

4 weeks ago

September 12, 2024

South Africa and indeed the whole of Africa is mourning the passing of iconic writer, poet and publisher, James Matthews, who died in his sleep at his Cape Town home at the age of 95.

The renowned ‘Struggle” poet whose poetry was banned by the apartheid government leading to frequent harassment, police detention, and the censorship of his work, was famous for writing about the struggles, challenges, and experiences of Cape Town’s working-class communities and townships, and through his poetry, he became a prominent voice for the black consciousness movement.

In 1972, he founded South Africa’s first black-owned art gallery, Gallery Afrique and, in 1974, he launched BLAC (Black Literature Arts and Culture), the country’s first black-owned publishing house, which was forced to close in 1991 due to persistent government harassment before setting up another publishing house, Realities, in 2000.

The South African Parliament has also paid tributes to Mathews as the Presiding Officers including the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms. Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the renowned writer.

While speaking on the floor of the House, Didiza said:

“Mr. Matthews was a powerful voice in the fight against apartheid who wielding his pen, challenged the oppressive regime. He gave a voice to the voiceless and stood resolute for truth and justice during one of the darkest chapters in our country’s history.

“In recognition of his unwavering commitment to a non-racial South Africa and his significant contributions to literature and journalism, he was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in 2004.

“Mr. Matthews’ dedication to the struggle for freedom cannot be overstated. South Africa owes him a profound debt of gratitude for his role in liberating our people through his art and activism. He belonged to a generation that selflessly dedicated their lives to the emancipation of the oppressed, expecting no reward.

“Mr. Matthews’ passing leaves an immense void not only in the arts community but also in the broader struggle for justice and equality. We extend our deepest condolences to the Matthews family, friends, comrades, and the people of South Africa. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

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Culture

Online streaming platform Spotify increases price for its Nigerian premium subscribers by 40%

Published

2 days ago

October 7, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Online audio streaming platform, Spotify, has announced an immediate increment in price for its premium subscribers in Nigeria by over 40%.

In a statement announcing the price increase, the platform said the hike in the fee would allow the team to continue innovating on its product offerings and features, providing users with the best experience.

In the notification, Spotify informed that starting from their billing date in November, their subscription price would change from ₦900/month to ₦1,300/month.

The latest price update puts the Premium subscription plan at ₦7,000 ($4.40) monthly, up from the initial ₦5,000 ($3.14), indicating a 40% rise.

The platform had in April, hiked its Premium Plan price from ₦4,400 ($2.76) to ₦5,000 ($3.14).

However, it added that users who do not wish to continue paying for Premium at the new price can cancel via their account page.

Spotify has also introduced Offline Backup to its Premium users globally, allowing them to listen to music offline without needing to download, with the
Offline Backup appearing in the Home feed when users are offline, and can listen to more than five songs once they have offline listening activated.

Culture

Legendary SA gospel artiste Solly Moholo passes away at 65

Published

4 days ago

October 5, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Legendary South African gospel singer, Solly Moholo, has passed away following an illness shortly after his pre-album launch tour in Botswana.

According to his family, Moholo who was known and celebrated for his energetic performances and spiritual music, passed away on Wednesday, October 2, at the age of 65.

“It is with great sadness that we inform you that our beloved legend Solly Moholo has sadly passed on,” a statement issued by the family on Friday read.

The statement however, requested privacy as the family gradually comes to terms with their loss and prepare for Moholo’s funeral, with details about the memorial service to be shared on his official pages in the coming days.

Moholo who was born Solomon Molokoane, was a pivotal figure in South African gospel music, known for his unique blend of traditional gospel sounds and modern township influences.

A local media in a tribute to the singer, wrote:

“His powerful voice and uplifting lyrics resonated deeply with millions, making him a beloved household name in South Africa and beyond.

“Hits like “Ba Mmitsa Moholo Wa Dipelo” and “Ke Mo Afrika” became anthems in churches and community events, offering comfort, hope, and joy to listeners.

“Despite the loss, Moholo’s legacy will endure through his extensive discography, which features dozens of albums reflecting themes of faith and perseverance.

“His music not only shaped the gospel genre in South Africa but also addressed social issues, demonstrating his commitment to using his platform for good.

“Solly Moholo’s influence extended beyond South Africa, as he regularly performed in countries like Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Lesotho, where his music was equally celebrated. His passing leaves a significant void in the hearts of fans across the African continent.”