Fri May 24 15:16:19 SAST 2013
Fri May 24 15:16:19 SAST 2013

From Daveyton days to all Africa

Oct 23, 2012 | TRAVEL AND LEISURE, with Mamodima Monnakgotla | 20 comments

Kabomo Vilakazi shares his love of Africa, his travel wish list and his favourite hot spots in Daveyton

COOL COSMOPOLITAN: Soul artist Kabomo Vilakazi gets around photo: vathiswa ruselo

 Daveyton is not a violent place, so you don't ever hear nasty stories about it 

ARTISTIC jack of all trades Kabomo Vilakazi is a musician, poet, writer, filmmaker, actor and producer who, after 10 years of polishing his craft, now contests among the best with his debut soul album, All Things Grey.

Hailing from Daveyton on the East Rand, the Uzobuya star has travelled extensively on the continent and shares his love of Africa, his travel wish list and his favourite hot spots in Daveyton.

What is the one thing that sets Daveyton apart from other neighbourhoods?

It used to be the classic Chevrolet taxis, but they were replaced by Toyota Avanzas. Now the area just looks like any other.

What do you love about your hometown?

Daveyton is one of the few townships with an accredited music school and half of the local music industry plays with artists from there.

Where would you take someone to chill out?

Esihlahleni. It's a cool spot where you get the best kota in the world, get your car washed and have a drink at the same time. There are always cool people around and great music playing.

Your favourite barbershop?

Any corner in Daveyton. There is also a very old one at Skwereni that I've been going to practically my whole life.

What do people do on Sundays?

There are a few spots like Lapeng where people just hang out. They usually have live music on weekends. They even have comedy nights where some of the country's top comedians come to perform. You can braai meat, get drinks and just have a good time. Daveyton is not a violent place, so you don't ever hear nasty stories about it.

Who do you think is Daveyton's best export?

For me it has to be Lebo Mathosa. Such a talent. So brave. So humble. Lebo didn't try to be like anyone else, she was always herself. She left us way too soon.

Which is your favourite country on the continent?

Mozambique. I love prawns. The country also has happy people who just want to heal from their war-torn history.

What is your favourite home away from home?

I'm in at least three to four hotels a week. After a while they are just rooms. I prefer B&Bs but only if the owner is not intrusive.

What place would you like to see before you die?

The whole African continent.

Which is your favourite city in South Africa?

Cape Town. I love that you can experience all that beauty and relax without leaving the country.

Your favourite area to live in?

Melville, because I can write there. I live in a secluded cottage in the heart of the suburb. Melville inspires me.

What is your favourite hang-out spot?

I love foreign films so I go to Cinema Nouveau in Rosebank.

Your favourite drink?

Granadilla Twist, as well as Jack Daniels. Both were once my father's favourites.

Your favourite fashion brand?

I am not a fashionista. My team takes care of my wardrobe. But I think Distinctive Wear makes great suits.

This article was first published in the printed newspaper on 22 October 2012

Comments

Fri May 24 15:16:19 SAST 2013 ::
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Oct 23, 2012

Tpaz!!

Who do you think is Daveyton's best export? ---- Jabu Pule
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Oct 23, 2012

Papage

If it is so Cool, why many of the youngsters get to use drugs and end their talents so quickly, J Mahlangu, Lebo, Matlhatsi and many more? You need to educate your youth about drugs, D-Town will be cool then.
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Oct 23, 2012

TrippleXXX

eVutha las'phuma khona.....
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Oct 23, 2012

Bizzabo

Like this boy
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Oct 23, 2012

Bizzabo

Tpaz!!
Papage

Is there a township that is not affected by social ills...pls maan.
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Oct 23, 2012

TrippleXXX

@Papage

Would you say the same about the following:
Lira, Malik, Humphrey Mlwane, Pollen Ndlanya, Ray Chikapa Phiri the list is endless...

I guess a moegoe like you will always look for negatives....
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Oct 23, 2012

Bizzabo

@Papage
TrippleXXX

Including a number of players that were produced by Benoni United.
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Oct 23, 2012

Bizzabo

TrippleXXX

You left out Musa Nyatama...I'm not from Dtown by the way
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Oct 23, 2012

Papage

"Daveyton is not a violent place, so you don't ever hear nasty stories about it "

Well I am responding to this nonses, if you want to sell your Township, tell us the bad side as well and what you are doing to correct that, dont paint it white, many boys I know from D-Town are rotten.
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Oct 23, 2012

Kon-Tiki

A very smal world. I can travel your world in two weeks. It's amazing what black suburbia can do for a small mind.
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