Made To fly was an appropriate theme for this year’s J&B Met, the horse racing event of the year, as far as Cape Town is concerned. It was high fashion, glitz and glam as Brand Kings and Fashion Queens stepped out onto the red carpet to show off their sunglasses, outfits and of course the occasional "so what else are you planning to do this year, besides your normal day to day job?"

Gagasi FM competition winner were like hand in glove with the MET itinerary and fashion standards. Fiona, an IT specialist and Nande, a physiotherapist were not new to the high life of parties, DJ’s and glam. They won an on air competition that was executed via the Gagasi FM Facebook page and got an opportunity to hang with TP and Myself (Zarling Zookey).

Listeners had to paste photos of themselves looking all suave and fashionably on point. A panel of Gagasi FM judges selected one winner, who got a chance to go to the MET with their partner. Fiona, the winner of the competition tagged her BFF, Nande. I must say the two of them made for great party mates.

On Arrival to the Mother City

The flight from King Shaka International airport was filled with people carrying their suite bags and branded paper bags making the click of the camera an on-going sound as people posed for social network photographs.

I spent Friday night trotting around with Fashion Queen of all brands expensive and exclusive, non-other than, Uyanda Mbuli, who had a fashion show on the waterfront hosted by Durban born Gavin Rajah. Uyanda claims that being dressed in all Black is the future, so glad that I was regarded as fashionably correct by her Majesty.

Durban

It was lovely to meet the Miss Ethekwini. I did not even know we had one *stares at the ocean* I will be chatting to her during my Art Attack Show. Also from Durban is Fashion Promoter extraordinaire, Sims Tshabalala who is now seen sporting a Teddy Pendergrass kind of hairstyle. Me thinks it suits him well. Other fashion lovers and designers included Zama of Zarth designs, who thought my Prada was better than hers...*said in that childlike voice of mine*. Also from Durban was artist Steven who has a special talent of painting fresh artwork on clothes, whilst the models have the outfits on. His style is very vintage and oh so sexy.

Fiona @lukimokota on twitter and Nande @Madosini on twitter where dressed simply but elegantly. Nande wore a white Tutsi mini skirt, as worn by Ballerinas, with an open back gold sequenced top that sat neatly on her tutsi. She wore an 8 inch gold heel to compliment her top. Fiona wore a long silky royal blue dress, ucuphuchuku onezimpepho ekhanda and long black heels. Both ladies complimented the theme by wearing their aviator shades.

On The Music

Donald, Mr “I deserve” gave a stunning performance after changing for the second time. His second outfit showed off his biceps, I am sure just the way he wanted them to show. My favourite acceppela group did not disappoint in their vintage look. The Soil is always on point. TP @TP_DJ decided since, he can’t be on the ones and two's he would make it his job to take pics of every DJ who pumped up good music. He, TP that is, returned from Cape Town multi-talented. His only problem, well it is a problem for someone like me, is that uTP akalali. Akazwani nobuthongo at all. Uma ungaphika naye you will suffer bags under your eyes for days. He knows how to party well and he is the last to sleep and the first at the breakfast. How does he do it?

Beautiful Nandi Mngoma was looking regal in white with a beautiful mhelane with black rimming to match and I thanked her in person for singing so nicely for me on my birthday.

I did not get to see beautiful First Lady of House, DJ Cyndo’s outfit on the Saturday of the Met, but dang, her Louis Vuitton shades and her long Brazillian hair piece looked good on her, during the flight to Cape Town.

Voices from TV

There is nothing more exciting than having good heartfelt conversations with all the pretty and good looking people from our TV Screens. The Isidingo cast is absolutely awesome; Tune into my Pop Culture and Lifestyle Show every Friday as we catch up with the real people behind the scenes. Another awesome person who I need to hike and go horse riding with is that Gorgeous with a CAPITAL G, Jonathon, the winner of the 2012 Top Billing search.

The Hierarchy of Twitter

Yes Queen B was looking like an angel in her outfit. Lady Gaga died last year apparently, during Phat Joes show "Real Gobhoza", making Somizi style in a maroon and black suit with ruffles around the neck. Only he can defend himself on what those ruffles were. I tried to defend his fashion statement and all the people I was with asked me to dance instead of defending him. Speaking about the Phat lips, his sister Lindie is so beautiful and sweet. Brother man thought every guy wants his sister. If he doesn’t stop acting like that, he is not going to get abakhongi negotiating lobola for her.

Minnie Dlamini looks different without her weave and she hang around a lady, whom I think is her manager. After reading about her break-up with Khune, she was heard saying that she is trying to lose weight now that she is single again. She is such a pretty, simple KZN talent, she makes all our hearts proud. Khune needs to humble himself after the AFCON and allow Minnie to make him look good. Sshhh ungathi uzwengami.

Still on weaves, your Zarlings hairdo’s seem to be on steroids. One Minute she had dreads, then she shaved, then she got a Mohawk and then Cape Town happened and she got herself a Brazilian weave. She needs to calm down and just gel with being a simple girl. Haha. NOT.

Okay I just owned up to my confusion in hairstyles. But the two famous twins? Erm, Yan eh? What where they wearing? It looked like some modern dancing leotards with odd wings. Speaking about wings, Jay from Isidingo claimed she was wearing a dragon outfit, made by Topbilling, Isidingo and top Gloss Mags fashion designer Gert. Their outfits almost matched each other. I like them both, they are precious. Ooh still on Gert, he was carrying a bag with lots of tassles made in leather, very similar to the leather tassel belt our Fashion Correspondent from New York, Buhle gave me for my birthday.

Okay Zarlings that is too much writing for Mom Cool. Let me pen off before the computer runs out of ink. LOL...Tune in every weekday from 9am - 12pm as I catch up with each of the beautiful personalities I met on different issues and don’t you forget about Art Attack, the Art, Culture & Lifestyle talk show of note.

Love You long time Zarling @ZarlingZookey

MTVbaseafrica invites Zookey Zarling from Gagasi fm to MTVEMA Awards in Frankfurt!

....I just DECIDED long ago that LEMONADE is my choice in life...Coz  when you crossover to the Promised Land filled with milk, silk and money, honey: you gotta act and live like you OWN the land and you system got to be immuned  sudden changes in taste!

The future is too bright!...Landing in cold Frankfurt Germany winter,  I still had to get my glares on  to sift the vision from the reality :-)...Getting up from dreamland to real-life is a dizzy experience...I mean who flies to Germany from South Africa Just for a weekend?...#harvest time draws nearer :-)...

Big Ups to my Whistle Blowers: Meet the lady who selected Z for Zookey to go on the trip and the Mr Man: uNondaba for delivering the good news!! Ppprrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Lights, Camera & Action!!

Catch Zarling Zookey on her Art, Culture & Lifestyle Talkshow on www.gagasiradio.fm every Thursday at 7pm GMT

We did paint the town with some MZASI swag!...Train, Merc Chauffer drives, Comfortable flights....only thing missing was a yacht and a chopper in the mix ...:-)

The great fun to the trip was taking home a suitcase load of goodies for Christmas from my Baby Daddy and Mommy...Haha...I have been an Intercultural Chicca with my various projects for over 15years and hosted more than 10 various kids and young adults. My current son is a German boy,  with blonde hair and blue eyes: Just the way I ordered him :-))) (Broody woman syndrome) and these are his real parents whom I got a chance to meet.  Luthando has been with me for 6 weeks now and is even walking all ghetto & owns a deep Durban tan!

Wear Black on SA Women's Day: 9 August

‘Thursdays in Black’ Campaign

This campaign, which was launched in South Africa by the Diakonia Council of Churches during the 16 Days of Activism Campaign at the end of 2008, is an ongoing drive to raise awareness and encourage people to work towards a world without rape and violence against women and children.  The World Health Organisation’s statistics in 2009 indicated that every 15 seconds a woman is raped in South Africa.  We say this is unacceptable.

The response has been positive and many people, both women and men, have committed themselves to wearing black on Thursdays.  This is an outward sign of mourning and of standing in solidarity with women who have died at the hands of their partners and signifies a desire to make a difference in our world.

The buttons have been distributed at various workshops, where gender-based violence is addressed and where the links between HIV infection and gender injustice are stressed.  The members of the Self Help Groups are being empowered to understand the implications of gender-based violence and many of them appreciate the opportunity of wearing black on Thursdays to highlight this debilitating scourge in our rural communities. 

Various churches have distributed the buttons and information leaflets at their Synods and other gatherings of church leaders.  In the past three years approximately 9,000 buttons and flyers have been distributed in both English and isiZulu – some as far afield as Cape Town.  Diakonia Council of Churches’ website promoted the campaign during the 16 Days of Activism Campaign and this additional source of information solicited much interest.

If you would like more information about the Thursdays in Black Campaign or would like someone to address your church or organisation on this topic, please contact the Diakonia Council of Churches office on [+2731] 310-3514.

Heaven is a place in my HeArt!

Black, White & Red are the official colours of Gagasi fm, the station in which I am priviledged to work for and in March this vibrant sound of the city, celebrated its Fifth birthday, with a yummy piano cake! Talk about ebony & ivory sticking together in perfect harmony. I loved every bite of the liquorice (ivory), its very good for my low iron levels, so my good Doctor says. 

Hip-hip hooray to Gagasi fm, the Sound of the City!

It is my second year with the station and I am glad to report that all is going well between mother and baby,  thank you. The mother, being the station, growing with wisdom & influence with a listenership that is currently sittting with1.8million listeners. Do your maths and you will know that we are taking over. World domination here we come! Check out our very new website on: http://www.gagasiradio.fm/.  This is a regional station with purpose, I tell you!

The 2012 line ups has now introduced G-lifestyles, which are weekly talk show hosts ranging from culture, business, HIV/AIDs and contemporary arts & culture, which yours truelly hosts, every Thursday from 7pm-8pm. Art Attack is a jam packed show that features budding and jet setting artists, various art works, experts, opportunities, an arts diary and of course celebrates the rich arts & culture heritage found in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and even the world.

July 2012 is my 3rd month as a Talk Show host, which is quite an interesting growth of my public, life. My Creative Arts speaking engagements, have been confined to Theatres, workshops, conventions, conferences and the like. It is quite interesting to merge my love of film, dance, poetry, literature, dining (both fine & down town ghetto type of eateries/eating), fashion & general etiquette.

Who knew that street wise intellectual debates and conversations would move from coffee shops & restuarants in Melville & Yeoville Jozi, then to Florida road, Durban and now on air? How times change.

My first show I had a fun filled conversation on the very big, question, that does not really have ONE correct answer and that is: WHAT IS ART? second big question is WHAT IS CULTURE. I guess Art Attack, the name of my show looks at answering these two questions, one show at a time, four too five times a month!

I have hosted some arts experts and some art friends, none of whom are "normal people" and that is right up my alley, coz my artsy-fartsy mates make me feel normal. We are all colourful, weird an always wonderful. Cheers to Arts, Culture & our lifestyles.

Being part of the ever growing stations influence in KZN, I find it an honour and priviledge to unearth new talent in creactive individuals I meet, I find myself growing more and more into my Arts, Culture & Lifestyle style, with as much passion and desire to also unearth my own talents, that are so diverse.

A big thank you to some of my show guests: David Goldie (dancer), Somizi Mhlongo (dancer & choreographer), Sharlene Versfeld (publicist) William Charlton-Perkins (publicist), Mfiliseni Magubane (Maskandi Musician), Loyiso Bala (musician), Derrick Mhlongo (fashionista), Russell Hlongwane (Arts Activist), Tiny Mungwe (film maker) Busiswa Gqulu (poet), Kabamo (musician), Joe Nina (musician), Steve Kekana (musician), Mondli Mzizi (comedia), Zion (poet) Sboh da Poet (musician), Zakes Bantwini (musician), MXO (musician), Micasa (local bands), Zakwe (musician), BIG NUZ (local musicians), Ndaba ka Ngwane (film maker), Futhi (musician), Mbongeni Ngema, Jerry Pooe (playwright), Gcina Mhlophe (Poet & Playwright) Phillipa yaa de Villiers (writer & Poet), Jiggz Thorne (Festival Director for Bushfire Festival) and last but not least Clinton Marius: with whom I had the priviledge of co-writing my first radio drama called Eh-Heh with.

Eh Heh is a play set up in a salon and has its very own facebook page. Check it out on www.facebook/EhHeh.com. Like the page and come on, be a sport, sponsor local KZN artists, give an artist a job and get our show on the road/on air again. Begging is a tough business. I never realised until I learnt that my blood only pumps out arts and culture. Even tougher is the fact that I was born like this. haha!

I heArt to hear from you soon.

Do Tune in, tweet or facebook. I promise to TRY and respond. If not too busy trying to get a tit that I can milk for my artistic life, I will respond.

oops, about the Picture I uploaded: It was the Gagasi Fm, 5th Birthday Cake, March 2012.  Zookey, me, is the 3rd from the Left, the dreadlock Chicca with the sunglasses...yep! Thats moi :-)

Yours in heArt matters!



Finding my heArt

July is winter holidays in South Africa and I have discovered a new talent and art which includes making wigs, yes, I said wigs! I have recycled every broken piece of jewellery and art as well as re-shaped and designed my stylish evening wear. Yep, this winter I decided to be selfish and not give away my winter outfits, which the tumble dryer had shrunk. haha. It can never be my weight.

My gorgeous daughter, Tendai has joined me on this project and we are still to find a name & perhaps models for this new recycling business of ours, but so far so good. My friendly elderly neighbours have sampled our hats and wigs and have come back with good compliments as well as our feather earring.

I wore my dads ties as a skirt/apron to the Vodacom July and felt like I had celebrated him and my new skills of needlework, coz that's what it really is. My tools of the trade have really included: a pair of sharp scissors, different sized needles, glue, cotton/fish wire and putting bits and pieces together. We have mosaiced ceramic tiles, mirrors, old cd's with scratches, handbags and wow, who knew that story telling & creating new songs while working could be such fun. Those who know me know that singing is not my strength, whatsoever but mother & daughter bonding has never felt this good.

HERE is to ART. The passion to follow your heART!

Tune to Art Attack on www.gagasiradio.fm every Thursday and tell tell a friend to tell a friend, to do the same!  And do follow my food blog: that I write when I am not too busy recycling lol...www.blackolivesandbluecheese.blogspot.com and my travelblog that is also missing one too many updates: www.mankwalidestination.wordpress.com.

With love

The Good Girl, Finding her Artistic Heaven!

So Humbled by A letter...Giving is my Gift but recieving LETTERS is such an honour!

Reservoir Hills Bible Baptist Church

P O Box 65059

Reservoir Hills

4090

(Tel) 031 262 0442

pastorcj@telkomsa.net

Pastor Cedric John

Dear Zookey Mankwali

The church acknowledges your kind gesture with much gratitude. The drum kit is a welcomed addition to our praise and worship experience. Thank you for your kindness and your obedience to the prompting of the Lord.

Our drummer is developing well and just this Sunday we listened to him with pleasure. It has motivated him tremendously and he found a ministry in church that he delights to serve in. Thank you for the wonderful value you added to his life. Beyond the church, his family is appreciative too and indeed the worship team as well.

We hope to meet you sometimes. In the interim, God Bless you richly.

In His service,

Pastor Cedric John

031 262 0442

The Day moi found a G-spot...

1st of March 2011 I broke my on air virginity on the SOUND of the CITY baybee: 99.5fm was the new love of my life and as all new loves go: me and Gagasi kept each other ALIVE and awake at the wee hours of the morning or was that night? 

My spot on Gagasi 99.5fm (yes, thats the G-spot I am talking about) was from 10pm - 1am during the week and 6am-10am on Saturday mornings...how did I manage without going grey ? In between that was a business woman, an employee at the premier University of KwaZulu-Natal, a performing artist, a writer, a mother, a lover, a very supportive & in your face aunt & sister and daughther in law and sister in law *breaths in and out slowly*. Now I can gladly say: I am a survivor!

It was a lovely year of CONFESSIONS Monday's and on CHOOSE days we Touched lives. No, not like that silly. It was more appropriate and respectful than any person whose mind is in the gutter would have it be. We'd reach out and (((((hug))))) those who needed to be touched spiritually or those who were feeling down. Zarlings would call in and TOUCH their loved ones who lay in hospital beds or friends who needed encouragement. I always believe that a hug and a handshake is a ONE SIZE FITS ALL phenomena and if you cant shake their hands or hug them, then the Zookey Zone was the place to call, tweet or facebook on a Tuesday night.

Wednesday's we'd fly high and we changed our scope from sight to vision and started looking at things in the eyes of faith and hope. We called the feature: WINGS DAY  and therefore on wings day we'd WISH and share our hopes, dreams, intentions and thoughts and even share testimonies of little victories that make our lives better. Victories such as getting a drivers licence, a promotion, passing a difficult exam, finally breaking up with that abusive lover etc. All grounded on Hebrews 1:1, NOW faith is....

Thursday's saw me being called IQHIKIZA, an elder sister who had the eye and spirit of discernment, knowledge and wisdom when it came to matters of the heart and love. Few lovers got together and yes others had not so exciting n' experience but nonetheless lonely hearts soon became a thing of the past as we shared on what singles could get up to. We shared on various alternative hobbies that could keep singles happy, smiling and not feeling sorry for themselves.

Saturday....aaaah Saturday is when my beauty sleep was cut to an absolute minimum. Since when was I able to hold a conversation without pulling lip at 6am? Oh, Gagasi fm certainly turned me into a morning Saturday baby, a whole new me. My gruff baritone morning voice had no choice but to sing itself  awake or was that spoken word using musical lyrics? #yours truly can't sing to save her life.

Oh well its been a great year, but more than anything, I am an artist at heart. I love culture and inter-cultural relations and all things AFRICAN which means travelling into Africa and around the world promoting our Mzansi culture. I am not sure when that multi-arts & intercultural bug bit me, but I think its blood flows freely in my system and being on STAGE and in theatre houses, on film sets, styling musicians and working out their schedules is worse than dealing with a mother in law, but if you cant run away from the calling, you just dance to it.

With a diary filled with festivals to enjoy: whether as a project manager or artist facilitator, I bid farewell to the Zookey Zone and Sunnyside up Breakfast slots. I love being holistic and if you wanna here about my #celebrate-tea-time-no-chicken-no beef and my #shoot-me-please fashion police moments and other #once-upon-a-timez you better not miss out on the new lifestyle shows coming up on the Sound of the City...woop-woop!

Herewith lay my Gagasi Presenter Profile (does sound like an obituary don't it) :-)

Read my Gagasi blogs on this link: Blogs about the Zookey Zone, Sunnyside up show & all things Zarling