The Brother Moves On’s Deep Ties To Melville

Good morning, Melville. Just like Mike Tyson when his opponent is against the ropes, this newsletter will keep coming at you. And kaboom! Ready for a knockout?

In today’s Melville Untold,

• The Brother Moves On’s deep ties to Melville

• What Is Kribo Trading, And What The Hell Happened To Cool Runnings?

• Snaps On Seventh, Uniting Melville Forever

Let’s get to it.

• Aubrey “Snaps” Moloto, 

♥️ The Brother Moves On’s deep ties to Melville ♥️

Have you ever seen or been to a mid-week, post-COVID, live event in Melville where it is so packed that crowds are spilling out into the street?  If yes, that event was probably the famous That Funk Tuesdays, which started at Hell’s Kitchen by The Brother Moves On. A multi-dimensional, multi-faceted art ensemble founded by brothers Nkululeko and Siyabonga Mthembu. They blend music, stories and visual art into their live shows - giving attendees a spiritual and enchanting experience. This past Saturday, we attended The Brother Moves On’s Pool Party Fundraiser event, in a quest to find out about their apparently, deep bond with Melville. We arrived to find an intensely engaged crowd, hanging onto every word Siya uttered like a priest with a sermon worshipping at the altar of art and expression. He was auctioning some of their visual art pieces to raise funds for a tour to the U.S. and U.K. that they were poised to embark on. We were welcomed and greeted warmly by the attendees like distant relatives at a family function. Everyone was so polite, warm and accommodating of my clumsiness, shuffling through them with my camera. We didn’t have to wait too long before the music started to soothe and sway people. Bongos, horns, flutes, whistles, chanting and many more sounds blended to create a hypnotic performance. If I could describe it in one word, it would be; Africa. I went on to try to capture the energy through my lens in the least intrusive way possible, tip-toeing through the crowd.

After the show, I tapped in with band member Zelizwe Mthembu, the guitarist and lead singer, Siya’s younger brother. When asked how they have such a big, but intensely engaged following? Zeli said that they don't only consistently deliver great music, but they've taken the time to build strong relationships and a community within their fanbase. He said that "it truly feels like a family." He told us that they held this event here because Melville is the home base for them and their people. That's very clear and backed by the mere fact that the owner of the house where the event was being held is also an avid listener and part of the TBMO community/family. Zelizwe Mthembu says that their ties with Melville run deep. He schooled me about an inclusive bar called Love And Revolution on 7th Street that was a major hangout for them in the band's early years. He spoke about how everyone in there was so close. Melville residents and people who weren’t living in Melville too. Their Melville journey as a band started with the lead singer - Siya appealing to converse to help them host a live music street party called Fitedela Musiq. An event where many live bands filled each place on 7th Street and was a huge success. The event still happens to this day but is now held at baseline.

For Zeli his most memorable Melville moment was watching the legendary South African musician, Modise perform poetry at Spilt Milk. He said it truly defined a memorable experience. He has had many moments here, but that's the one that sticks out. His most memorable performance was a That Funk Tuesdays at Hell’s Kitchen as the country was opening up after COVID again. It was his first time playing in the bad and a memory he says will stay with him forever. I for one am glad that Melville could be the backdrop for such a meaningful moment.

We wrapped up the chat with our favourite question. “What do you love about Melville?” - His response was brilliant. “What I love most about Melville is the people, it’s more than just a community to me. It’s a family.” He also mentioned Xai-Xai, a safe haven for him and the band after many late shows in the city. Zelizwe Mthembu also generously let us in on Xai’s best-kept secret; the Half Chicken meal. He rates that it’s by far the cheapest item on the menu considering its enormous size. “It’s more like a chicken-and-a-half” he added in laughter. Zelizwe Mthembu also gave a huge shout-out to Mochachos and said that their history in Melville runs deep! “It’s the original Mochachos in SA, the true OG! (Something tells me that he really likes chicken!)

Coming up next for TBMO is a show at Gravenham, 1 Fox Street in Braam on the 28th of September. They’ll be sharing the stage with another Melville legend OkMalumeKoolKat (he worked at the old Nike store on 4th before becoming famous). Then Durbz on the 29th, CPT from the 4th-6th then the world! Good luck and big blessings from us on behalf of your Melville family for the next moves and for this major international tour. Thank you for the mind-altering experiences and amazing moments you guys have created for us over the past years, we salute you!

🧘‍♀️ What Is Kribo Trading, And What The Hell Happened To Cool Runnings? 🇯🇲

You probably haven’t noticed but there’s a little complex where Cool Running’s parking lot was. The mini-square’s name is Kribo Trading. A 1-stop, wellness centre with an array of services and things to offer. A co-working and event space with a cafe, a pilates studio and a gym with chiropractors, physios, osteopaths, and massage therapists. They also have a dentist, an orthodontist clinic, reflexology services, medical doctors, and an “architect-designed motel.”

Well, I think that, that is a lot of stuff for us to hardly ever notice that it’s there - reply to this email and tell us about your experience if you have ever been.  They claim to aim to “introduce a new vital energy, in Melville,” having hosted events like DOg & raBBIT Melville Boutique, a brilliant idea by Melviller’s to help people get some high-quality preloved goods a new home. It’s a good encouragement to reduce overconsumption by encouraging trade. Planet Earth thanks them. Kribo has also hosted a Sip & Sounds event with a female-only lineup of performers and local products. They seem to have a modern and progressive style about them, let’s keep an eye on their next moves, maybe they really will “revitalise us.” And as for Cool Runnings, it’s very tough to find any information about what could have happened. Please reply to this email if you have the scoop or any contact details of the last known management? Melville really loved Cool Runnings, and we think that an in-depth story in the Melville Untold would be epic! Good nostalgia for the old school and great knowledge for the new.

Uniting Melville Forever 🤲

Hello, to the Melville community. I am Aubrey Moloto, the founder of Snaps On Seventh and Melville native. Some of you may have heard of us, been snapped by us, or followed our Instagram page for daily Melville highlights. We started with street photography in 2022 and quickly progressed to creating content for local businesses and personal brands. We most notably ran The Plug’s social media and did the photography for SIX’s 20th birthday anniversary. 

While working on the streets of Melville, and being excited to be back home, I had lengthy conversations with residents, patrons, and staff members. Being born and raised here I have always known and somehow sensed that Melville has a remarkable culture and history. I know that there have been a lot of changes and we’re going through one of the quieter periods, but I could still sense the pride and see the spark in people's eyes when they spoke of Melville and past times here. I quickly realised that I was not alone. I was not the only person who felt the Melville magic. That’s how I realised that my content creation efforts had to have a greater purpose. I now had a solid “why”. As time went on, I kept speaking and brainstorming with the people as I ideated and iterated on my business ideas to best build a platform to serve the community but most importantly capture that Melville spark.

The result was the Snaps On Seventh Instagram page, with one eye on slowly moving on to other platforms as we find our voice. And most recently the Melville Untold - our weekly social news and events newsletter to help people who live, work, school and play in Melville to make the most of this incredible suburb. As the team grew and Snaps On Seventh grew into the community, we noticed that Melville has many phenomenal things to offer across various sectors, but are all pulling in different directions. There’s a giant disconnect where different elements of the ecosystem come together. So the problem revealed itself, and it became glaringly clear. We need unity. The ILM group, Melville Residents Association group, and Melville Business Association group all show flashes of the embers needed to ignite this “bond” fire. And Snaps On Seventh has the gasoline. 

In October last year, we teamed up with Rad Sound (7th Street’s go-to-soundie), at Joanna Meltbar, to host a Melville-based quiz night. The event was to launch our then “bright idea” The Melville Untold Digital Magazine. The idea started as a blog and changed to a magazine (which is still the ultimate dream) but reality said “eff you, Aubrey!” And it took the form of a newsletter. As much of a dreamer as I am, I had to shut up and listen. I think it may have been the best bit of hearing I ever did.

Now, in my mind, a newsletter publication is EPIC and has Melvillains foaming at the mouth for the next digest! In reality… the first issue was a rush against the clock cause it had to be out on Tuesday-editor unavailable at the late hour I had it done by-logo fighting me back but eventually got out! Phew! Published just before 12 and launched a typo-fest. (Eff you too reality!) But we were positively overwhelmed by the amazing responses we got from those who read it and even more so by the amount of referrals and new subscribers we got. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you, Melville.

The first issue was no Sistine Chapel, it was a significant step forward and a very humble beginning. From here on out we relentlessly, progressively, move with The Terminator's determination, until the Jo’burg smog is replaced by the smoke from the Melville bond fire and until the streets are soaked in frothing foam. We are Snaps On Seventh, and I am Aubrey Moloto, J.G. Strydom Hospital born, Melpark primary and Greenside High Alumni, and this is my life’s work. Get used to us because we’re gonna be here for as long a time as SIX Cocktail Bar and Ratz. 

Help us bring unity to Melville and rise up back to its greatest heights. All we ask is that if our work has ever impacted, entertained or helped you in any way, please tell a friend about the Melville Untold by referring them to our publication. If you feel there’s anything else you can do to support our mission, reply to this email, DM us on Instagram, inbox us on Facebook or even better, old school - hit me with a call! Our lines are open! Alternatively, you can simply buy us a coffee.

You can tip us using Payshap - ShapID: +27-605293425

What’s Happenin’ 🎭

Here’s the 411 on things you can get up to this week in Melville.

11/09 Wednesday | 18.30 | Karaoke Kong |Jay-z Themed Quiz Night | Free Tickets Via Quicket

13/09 Friday | 7pm | Coca Lounge | Writers Bloc Open Mic - Poetry Pop Up | R50 entry

15/09 Sunday | 2pm | SIX Cocktail Bar | Salsa Sunday’s - Lesson’s by Pule Pujas Seleki | Happy hour till 7pm

12/09 Thursday | 6pm | Book Circle Capital, 27boxes | Folklore Festival 24, Literature Talk: Our Land Our Stories. Fred Khumalo, Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo & Kevin Van Wyk | Register On quicket

14/09 Saturday | 1.30pm for 2pm | Book Circle Capital, 27boxes | Pan Macmillan Book Launch of Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu’s “The Creation Of Broken People | RSVP: [email protected]

16/09 Monday | 8pm | SIX Cocktail Bar | Monday Night Comedy - Hosted by Waylene Beukes, featuring new and seasoned comedians | Free entry

Karaoke Nights 🎤

11/09 Wednesday | 6.30pm to 12am | Ratz Bar | Prizes to be won | Free entry

12/09 Thursday | 7.30pm to 12am | Jo’anna Meltbar | Free entry

13/09 Friday | 8pm to 12am | SIX Cocktail Bar | Free entry

______________________________________________________

Melville Weather For The Week ⛅️

Tuesday

22 🌡️ 8  | ⛅️ |  🌧️ 3% | 22 km/h 💨

Wednesday 

25 🌡️ 13  | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 2% | 19 km/h 💨

Thursday  

29 🌡️ 14 | 🌥️ |  🌧️ 0% | 19 km/h 💨

Friday 

31 🌡️ 15 | 🌥️ |  🌧️ 0% | 17 km/h 💨

Saturday 

31 🌡️ 15 | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 0% | 9 km/h 💨

Sunday

31 🌡️ 14 |  ☀️ |  🌧️ 0% | 22 km/h 💨

Monday 

31 🌡️ 11 | ☀️ |  🌧️ 1% | 19 km/h 💨

Live & Music Events Lowdown

11/09 Wednesday | SIX Cocktail Bar | Live Jazz Sessions - Marcus Wyatt, Yonela Mann, Amaeshi Ikechi & Siphiwe Shiburi| 8pm til late | Free entrance 

11/09 Wednesday | 6.30 pm 7pm | Coca Lounge | L.O.C. Lunch Box Show | Free entry

05/09 Thursday 6pm til late | Zouk Melville | Big City Thursday: Various DJ's | Drink specials from 9.30pm - 10pm & 11.30pm - 12am | R40 entry

13/09 Friday | 7pm - 11pm | Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi: DiTeboho | Tickets from R160

13/09 Friday | Smoking Kills | The Scare Show, Friday 13th: CXLXB, Poster Boy, Pegg, Lefokolodi, 3Face & Cee, Cosmic Fiend & more. | Tickets from R70

13/09 Friday | Doors open @ 6pm, show starts @ 7.30pm - 11pm | Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi: Open Time with Siya Mthembu, Shane Cooper, Tumi Mogorosi & Sisonke Xonti | Tickets from R200

14/09 Saturday | Smoking Kills | Broaden A New sound: Zviko @ 7pm, Rosie Parade @ 8pm, Chibukurenga @ 9pm,  Desktop Icon @ 10pm, Morena Leraba @ 11pm, Danger Ngozi @ 12pm | Tickets R100 pre-sold and R150 at the door

16/09 Monday | Blanco On 7th | Mogodu Lifestyle Monday | Reservations 0662082548

🏐 UJ Sport 

The 2024 FNB Varsity Netball is underway and has been live on Supersport TV for the past couple of weeks now. The UJ Netball team has been wiping the floor with its competitors winning 4 games out of 4. Their most recent test came yesterday, Monday the 9th of September, against local rivals Wits University. UJ came out on top winning the game 59 - 42. Congratulations to Tarle Mathe who was the player of the match and won herself a neat R1500.00 from FNB. Get 'em, girls!

The FISU World University Squash Championships also happened last week with the opening ceremony held at the University’s Arts Theatre on Sunday the 1st of September. The games took place at the Parkview Squash Centre and Wanderers Squash Club from the 2nd to the 8th of September. Africa had 11 players in the games amongst 70 internationals. South Africa assembled a team of 8, 4 men and 4 women. They did very well but were eventually taken out by China in the semi’s qualifying rounds. China went on to get the silver medal and France took the gold.

👷 Civil Matters 

There are no major civil matters to report this week yet (no news is good news right?) But keep checking the online version of the newsletter because we edit in new updates as the week progresses. The same goes for events, some gigs pop up later in the week. Can we take this chance to appeal to event hosts to please reach out with new event news that we may have skipped or missed as the week goes on? And to everyone else, if you know of any civil matters that may affect the whole community, please reach out to us at [email protected] or [email protected] or DM us on any of our social media platforms.

Extra Sprinkles

The UJ Sports team are having an Athletes Wardrobe Donation Drive. They ask people to please donate any gear that may come in clutch for student-athletes who need a helping hand. Items such as tracksuits, playing shoes, boots etc. are welcome.  To donate, contact [email protected] or 0737361833. Who knows? Your old running shoes may win the country a gold medal someday. 

Thank you! 🙏

And swoosh…nothing but net! A big W again for the Snaps On Seventh team as we slam dunk yet another epic issue of the Melville Untold, right into your inbox!

Once again, do the right thing and refer a friend who cares about Melville, and businesses, we’re open to sponsor partnerships. Contact us.

Melvillains, reply to this email or DM us if you have the low down on a scoop we missed. And if you enjoyed the read, be a doll and tip us by buying us a coffee?

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Au revoir, Til next week Tuesday!