Hi Chaf-Pozinites - This is an awesome post by a first-timer to Chaf-Pozi - Fatima Mathivha. It is brilliantly written and really tickled me ... Thanks Fatima and we look forward to having you back soon ... xx I have a confession to make. I’m a largely ignorant coconut from the ‘burbs. Not the northern ‘burbs, the south-western-mostly-Afrikaaner ‘burbs, Alberton to be specific. I’m not sure why I feel the need to make this distinction, but it makes me feel better to have some kind of edge, even if it means that I basically live in another country. But before I fall into a rant about how every trip to the heart of Jozi is a great trek (which I already have), what I really want to say is: I have grown up in a bubble bigger than most people. And despite staying in Meadowlands with my grandparents for a few months and the frequent visits to my grandparents for at least two decades, I feared the prospect of the ‘other side’ of the hood. But something interesting happened to 2010: the World Cup brought white people to the hood and suddenly my bubble was burst. The hood was safe. This is a very sad and pathetic story, I know, and if acceptance is the first step to recovery, it’s safe to say that with regards to this part of my life I have not been ignorant for almost 2 years. On Sunday 27 October I went to the Soul Candi Sessions national tour at tshisa nyama spot Chaf Pozi in Orlando East. After shouting at a self-appointed parking guard, we made our way towards the striking Orlando cooling towers that I had bunjee jumped between a year earlier. While we eagerly took our complimentary Olmeca shots (free things!) VaalSow was already starting the party and before long bodies were warmed up and moving to the 2012 hit ‘Hade Mabebeza’. The night’s soundtrack was definitely in capable hands. I was impressed with the eclectic crowd, which included tourists, hipsters, locals and celebs. I couldn’t have asked for a better Sunday sun-set (I had to). We attempted to find a place to sit, which meant we had to use our lady charms to join a table, but as soon as Harael Salkow hit the decks we were in foot-tapping, or in my case stomping, heaven. Unfortunately, (for my calves and my feet) this was followed by MiCasa, Shimza (nuff said), and The Ruffest who earned themselves a new fan and showed me the magic music can do to your centre of gravity. I never thought I would participate in that slightly annoying a-wo-wo-wo-wo-wozaaaa stuff, but alas, I found myself happily joining the chorus and making my way to join the codessa. Sadly, I did not try the meat (I was in the company of incorruptible vegetarians) but there were plenty of highlights to make the night unforgettable. I didn’t have my twerking shoes on (because they don’t exist), so when Jay Z’s ‘Tom Ford’ blasted through the speakers we graciously bowed out and went home to await Chaf Pozi’s famous Via Orlando hangover, and boy did they deliver! Thank you, universe. Ignorance is not bliss. If you’re still the ignorant version of yourself, stop it. And if you’re not, you probably like a good vibe anyway, so go check it out. PS: Things to look out for (and no, I am not referring to any sort of crime) 1) The cops in Chaf Pozi: Yes, some of them are wearing bulletproof vests but never fear, they’re having a good time with you. Say hi, they might just shift your ignorant Carte-Blanche-watching perspective on cops. My conclusion: cops are reasonable but badass crime-fighters, well some of them. 2) Siya, the most attentive bartender yet. We awarded him the prize of ‘Best Bartender Ever’. 3) Last, but not least, my enemy turned friend, Azmet – the self-appointed car guard who saved my parking spot so we could dash out for a minute.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 08:09:43 +0000
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