The Almost Perfect Podcast

Haji Mohamed Dawjee is an author, editor, and columnist. You've probably read her weekly column on EWN or know her from her work with Mail & Guardian. Perhaps, you've even seen her tweeting passionately about tennis, but this podcast is mostly about her latest book, "Here's The Thing". We learn how the book shifted and evolved from what Haji originally set out to write and how long COVID affected her work. We also hear how her grandfather instilled a deep love of writing in her, how she'd use an hourglass to go to "writing gym", and we get into the joys and pains of publishing in South Africa. Enjoy.

Keep up with Haji on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sage_Of_Absurd

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King Shaft is a director, producer, and writer. He co-directed "1960" which opened this year's Durban International Film Festival and won the award for Best South African Feature Film at the fest. We chatted the morning after the opening where the elated director shared his joy over the achievement, especially since project faced a number of issues and was mostly fuelled over the finish line by passion. Shaft shares how budget limitations actually allowed them to focus more on the human stories they told rather than getting distracted by big action scenes. We also learn from Shaft's experiences directing Skeem Saam and Uzalo, and we reflect on an impressive career that spans nearly 2 decades. Enjoy.

Keep up with King Shaft on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menelikfather/

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Bonie Sithebe is a director, producer, and co-founder of Durban Motion Pictures. We met up to discuss her feature film "Valley of a Thousand Hills" which is part of this year's Durban International Film Festival. It's a film she's incredibly proud of as it's taken nearly 20 years in the industry to get here. Bonie shares how her early experiences in the film industry lead to her losing her car and house, and how her tenacity carried her through the tough times. Since then, she's produced and directed a plethora of films for Mzansi Magic, written for Imbewu, and attended Cannes three times. Now she's using that experience to bring her stories to life on the big screen. Enjoy.

Keep up with Bonie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_bonie/

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Just a quick check in whilst running around at the Durban International Film Festival and Durban Film Mart.


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Imposter syndrome! A moan about PR people! A delicious slow cooker butter chicken curry! And a new arts festival in Durban!

It's another thrilling solo episode of The Almost Perfect Podcast. 

Follow Almost Perfect Media on Twitter: https://twitter.com/almostperfectza

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Jet Wentworth is a rapper and graphic designer. While Jet's rap career started by getting booed off stage at a talent show in high school, perseverance and guidance from the OGs like T.R.O. and Illuminating Shadows lead to him joining Big Idea and eventually going solo when the band broke up. Jet reflects honestly on a rollercoaster of a career, both the highs and the lows. Jet also shares some of the dark thoughts that recent times have produced and how he now feels that the path before him is clear now that the darkness has lifted. Enjoy.

Listen to Sano: https://li.sten.to/jetwentworth

Follow Jet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetwentworth/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/JetWentworth1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JetWentworth

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Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/almostperfect

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"It's hard to be good when the good die young."

These words, sung by Martin Barrios in City Bowl Mizers, have been going through my head a lot lately. 

I guess this episode is kinda about that? 

CW: Suicide and suicidal ideation.

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Ali Heath is a bassist and a film lecturer. You might know him from City Bowl Mizers, HOURS, or Hated Related, or maybe you've sat in his class as he explained the genius of David Lynch, but I'll always remember him as the guy who spoke to me about music on The Winston couches 19 years ago. Ali and I have been friends for over half our lives and have many great memories together, although, looking back, a lot of those memories were just us being assholes to everyone else. 

We get into some of the realities of the "rockstar" life as Ali shares his experiences with addiction and recovery. Ali shares some of his darkest moments and the struggles he faced trying to get clean on his own. Now, he's found a recovery program that works for him and a community of recovering addicts to learn and grow with. It's given him a new lease on life and has opened him up to ideas he may have shunned in the past, like spirituality. We get into the good, the bad, and the ugly in this over two-hour long conversation. Enjoy.

Keep up with Ali on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alfatecats/

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The South African music scene has lost a beautiful soul. Jaedon Daniel has passed on. It's a heartbreaking shock to everyone who knew him. Jaedon was one of the most talented and prolific musicians to come out of Durban in recent history. His impact will be felt for years to come. 

Jaedon was one of the earliest guests on the podcast so I'm reposting it with an updated intro for those of you who might not have heard it before.

"Jaedon Daniel is a phenomenal young musician from Durban who literally just released his debut album, Hold The Game. You might know him from his band of youthful prodigies, Blvck Crystals, or you might have seen him playing as a session musician for other dope artists. Now it’s time for Jaedon to take everything he’s learned over the last few years and use it to elevate his own career to that next level.

There is no doubt that Jaedon Daniel is going to become one of the most prominent names in the SA music scene. For now, though, we get to hear the story of a talented, young musician on the come up. It’s a captivating story full of highs and lows that you’re going to want to hear for yourself. Enjoy."

Listen to Hold The Game: https://open.spotify.com/album/72h2b4X9z4gCewtDZY3Vi9

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Just a short recap of the House Sit event and getting back on stage for the first time in a long time. Enjoy.

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