Jozi Review is one of those blogs we just can't get enough of. Reviewing the places, bands and spaces which he enjoys, rather than following the latest happenings.

Tell us about your blog Jozi Review:
Jozi Review is, hopefully, a more modern take on reviewing styles. The idea is that absolutely anything Jozi related, no matter how tenuous can be reviewed. Art, Movies, Restaurants, Music, etc. I am not a trained reviewer so I hope that my style is refreshing and easy to read. I also try to steer clear of traditional ingredients to a review and try to bring a “feeling” to the subject.
I.e. Did it or did it not make me feel good
 

What made you start your own blog:
I started the blog to create something different for the groups of people I hang out with, the people who really don’t care about a review in Pretoria, they want to read about something that they went to, or are considering going to. It is also a way of disciplining me and making me write almost daily.

What is the best and worst part about blogging:

The best part of blogging is the ability to get my (some would say over-opinionated) ideas out of my brain and onto paper. The worst is not having an editor correcting and advising my writing.

Top 5 favourite places you have blogged about:
Dukes: a new review and I am mildly embarrassed to not have gone there sooner.
Thesis: I have wanted to find an amazing Soweto based venue for a while, this is it.
Lister: Whilst not actually reviewed, a few of my reviews were based there, it’s a magnificent venue that could use a larger bar, but that’s it.
ROOM: this is a tiny art gallery at 70 Juta, fantastic outrageous exhibits.
Nice is fantastic.

Your Top 5 favourite local bands:
The Black Cat Bones
To Hire a Nurse
Nakhane Toure
Blk Jks
Black Pimp’n Jesus

Tell us about your passion for photography:
Photography is the one thing I KNOW will make me happy, I will come out of a few hours shooting. Looking forward to seeing what I have found. It’s the finding of the little gems you didn’t expect that brings me great joy. The shots from Nelson Mandela Bridge being the example I use often, I didn’t know the shots would come out like that. The rush I got after the first photo appeared on my camera was amazing.

Are you a self taught photographer or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?
I am self-taught but I gained a lot of insights from Jacqui van Staden. I would dearly like to be able to afford to study it a bit further.

When did you become interested in photography and writing:
I have always been interested in both, but its only the last 6 months that people have started to pay me to do it, which is incredibly flattering and a big boost to my confidence.

Tell us something about yourself that we don’t know:
I have a few hours a day where my filter for bullshit is uncontainable … it’s not good to be around me at these times.

Who in your life has influenced you the most:
I would say 4 people: Isaac Kosmides, Kate Reeler, Mehita Iqani and Jasmyn Asvat.
All four have challenged me in a variety of ways .They guided me to reject other peoples realities of who a person is supposed to be and to rather be who I am instead. I like in particular having my brain  assaulted by new ideas and theories, adjusting myself to see whether I think they are possible and adapting.

What is your least favourite word?
CAN’T

Favourite life quote:
I don’t do life quotes.

Best in Jozi for:
Drinks with friends:
Café Mexicho / Neighbourgoods market on a Saturday.
Casual Dining:
Dukes or The Ant
Live Music:
The Bohemian – we are not exactly spoilt for choice in Jozi.
Chilling on Sundays:
The Rose Garden in Emmarentia
Taking beautiful shots:
Anywhere near your friends --- or Nelson Mandela Bridge
Inspiration:
Friendship, Music and happiness

What is the ONE lasting impression you want to leave in your photos?
I want someone to see what is actually there, I want to capture a person’s personality, who they are. Preferably with just an eye, a hand movement or the way their hair is moving.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
“I really digged that band you told me about”

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