Before we all became too cool for school, we all wanted to be part of the Soul Buddyz Club. No? Just me, then. But whether you joined the club or not, I'm certain you never missed an episode of Soul Buddyz on SABC 1. Hamilton (with those dreadlocks) being bullied. Thapelo losing his parents to AIDS and having to bring up his younger sister. Avril having to face the same uncle who used to sexually abused her when she was younger. But also, the tremendous camaraderie between the Buddyz. Are you kidding me? It was great TV! 

I caught up with actor, Jafta Mamabolo (who played Thapelo) to talk about how this role solidified his dream of becoming a revered screen actor, being a child star, and how his career has played out since that breakout role. 

Enjoy!

HOW TO REACH ME: 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @vida15

Instagram: @phuckyoairbrush

In the inaugural season of the Castle Premier League (now known as the DStv Premiership), Gordon Igesund led Manning Rangers to the impossible dream: the league winners title. Previous winners of the league (then known as the National Soccer League First Division) included Cape Town Spurs, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Mamelodi Sundowns - and the smart bet on the winner of the newly established competition would have been one of those clubs. But it was to be the team which had finished 12th in the season prior, which would shock all and sundry. 

How did they do it? 

George Koumantarakis, the man whose 17 goals helped Chatsworth-based Manning Rangers clinch the title that season, recalls how it all unfolded.

HOW TO REACH ME:

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @vida15

Instagram: @phuckyoairbrush

The story goes that when Mam' Letta Mbulu and Bra Caiphus Semenya landed back in the country in 1991, after 26-years of being in exile in the United States, she was left saddened by the "lack of ubuntu" and living conditions she found her people living in. She soon hit the studio to work on a new album - Not Yet Uhuru. 

She reflected on this, as well as her relationship with her life partner, and some of the current South African songstresses she enjoys. 

Apologies for the inconsistencies in the sound - this was recorded VERY unconventionally. 

Enjoy! 

MUSIC FEATURED: 

HOW TO REACH ME:

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @vida15

Instagram: @phuckyoairbrush

It is 19 July, 1996 and it is the Summer Olympics! All eyes are on Atlanta, where 10, 318 athletes from 197 countries have descended on the capital city of the state of Georgia. South Africa, competing in only its second Games since readmission after a 32-year absence, sends 84 athletes. Only of them is a young Penny Heyns. Five days later, she beats Australian, Samantha Riley, and American, Amanda Beard to the 100m breaststroke gold medal. it is South Africa's first gold medal at the Games in over four decades. Another two days later, she bests Beard and wins the 200m breaststroke event. It is unheard of - no swimmer has gone on to win both individual breaststroke events at the same Games. 

She became South Africa's darling. But why did it appear she had a love-hate relationship with swimming and being a celebrity, and are her victories really more enjoyable now than they were then?

HOW TO REACH ME:

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @vida15

Instagram: @phuckyoairbrush

Remember When.... At the dawn of a new millennium, the media mogul, Simon Fuller (also known as the man who launched The Spice Girls) successfully launched TV singing competition Pop Idol in the UK (which produced Gareth Gates and eventual Season 1 winner, Will Young)? Not long after that, the franchise launched in South Africa, and put the power of turning ordinary people into singing stars in the public's hands. Now in its 16th season, the show has gone on to launch the careers of contestants including Heinz Winckler, Brendan October, Zamajobe, Bianca Le Grange, Anke Pietrangeli, Karin Kortje, Khaya Mthethwa, Elvis Blue, Lloyd Cele, Thami Shobede, and Jody Williams. 

On public broadcaster, SABC 1, Coca Cola Popstars had just produced singing group, 101. The show tanked, but not before giving us Adilah, Ghetto Lingo, and the most successful group of the lot, Jamali! 

I spoke to Heinz Winckler and Jacqui Carpede (of Jamali fame) about the emergence of reality TV singing competitions and what that did for their careers. 

FEATURED MUSIC: 

HOW TO REACH ME:

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @vida15

Instagram: @phuckyoairbrush

How many of you were allowed to watch Yizo Yizo? I know I wasn't. In fact, I am pretty sure that for every household that watched it, there were two that didn't permit it. Of course, I always managed to sneak episodes at a friend's house. I recently rewatched the show - this time in the (dis)comfort of my own home -, and let's just say that as brilliant as it was, I get why it caused such a stir among parents and even Members of our Parliament! 

I spoke to a fave of mine, award-winning Sthandiwe Kgoroge, who played the conscientious Miss Zoe Cele on the show, about her role, the social impact of the series - and what it's like rewatching Yizo Yizo with her kids now. 

HOW TO REACH ME:

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @vida15

Instagram: @phuckyoairbrush

If this podcast was an album, it would undoubtedly be Rihanna's R9. It's been in the works - at least the idea - for SO long that even I almost got over it. But just like we've had to dig through Robyn Fenty's back catalogue and reminisce, this podcast is similarly ALL NOSTALGIA!

I'm really going to be exposing my age here, but a lot of the interviews and topics on this podcast will celebrate people whose feats enriched and entertained us over the years - so, from sports to arts and entertainment and culture. You will hear from people who inspired me growing up (and perhaps you), and altered my worldview or ideas about what was possible. 

If it sounds a little indulgent on my part, I'm sorry, but... it is MY podcast ;-) 

HOW TO REACH ME: 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @vida15

Instagram: @phuckyoairbrush