I ART JOBURG Exhibition

We've already told you who Martha Cooper is, right? Well, as you might know, Ms Cooper is in South Africa to document the I ART JOBURG project that sees international and local graffiti and fine artists showcase their talent on murals in downtown Jozi. Martha Cooper documented the month-long work of Falko, ROA, Steve ESPO Powers, Remed as well as Cameron Platter and you can check it all out at the exhibition that will take place at the adidas Originals AREA3 spot on Kruger Street in Johannesburg from Friday. Courtesy of theblagg la familia, Sara Chitambo, here are a few images of the street art documentarian who conducted a talk at this spot on Saturday at STR.CRD:

theblagg bonus: Here's another thing you might or might not know. Philip Botha was this year's featured graffiti artist at STR.CRD and over 10 hours he made a big ass wall come to life. Can you see that this man had to be lifted up in crane thingamajiggy in order to reach the high end of the wall? Peep the story on his own blog HERE.

On Black Music...

Museum Africa, on Bree Street in Newtown, recently opened its doors for the International Exhibition Of Black Music. Here, everything from soul to afrobeat to funk, hip hop, jazz and everything in between is explored. As long as it came from a black mind and mouth, it's in here.

The travelling exhibition is an interactive one that asks you to trade in your smart phone at the reception for the exhibition's one. This is so that the exhibition gets all their equipment back but also because the pre-loaded smartphones from the exhibition allow you to unlock a world of gems about black music. Divided into six rooms, the touch screen technology allows you to engage with different aspects like videos, audiovisual poetry and even asks you to physically blow out a candle on the tiny device.

Armed with earphones and a smartphone, you can learn more about everyone from Miles Davis to Ali Farka Toure, Afrika Bambataa, Hugh Masekela, Bob Marley, Nina Simone, Fela Kuti, Stevie Wonder, Tumi And The Volume and loads more. In one room, the four sections of our continent are explored separately, while there is also a room full of Black Music Legends biographies. They are quite short and concise so its not as though you're going to spend aeons at the museum.

But to be honest, the information is overwhelming to the senses - there are over 13 hours of footage - and because it's so insightful, you may want to give it your full attention and make more than one trip to the museum. The entrance fee is R40 and the exhibition runs until 12 December. If you've already been, then let us know what you think.

Nash Money At Grayscale

When theblagg first met London's custom kick-maker, Alex Nash, things were a little weird. I mean Dude and I had gotten lost on our way to his work shop. It was a late weekday night and to be honest, we were just tired. We hung out on his stoep as he finished his cigarette and spoke about blogging and babies. Then it started to rain - African cultures say that's a good sign, right? I wasn't so sure until I laid eyes on his sneaker shelf. Insert wide-eyed expression here.

So yeah, we did our thang and you'll see the Nash Money interview right here on theblagg this week sometime. In the interim, be sure to make your way to Grayscale (yes, that Grayscale) in Braamfontein on Friday 15 October from 6pm to check out Nash's exhibition. Peep the flyer:



And if you're wondering why I keep showing you these Alex Nash x Lacoste The Bravington sneakers it's because I'm hoping someone will be nice enough to get these for The Ordinary Girl. Hint, hint, wink, wink. Just look at them:



Swoon.

According to my favourite style superhero (seriously) Thithi (check out her blog here) this is what you can expect to see at the exhibition: "An archive of custom / hybrid sneakers projects from NASHMONEY.COM, official collaborations with Lacoste and DC Shoes, samples and some initial sketches and a Photo Exhibition (An insight to the making of the customs and works with second son clothing UK)."

See you guys on Friday?