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Mail & Guardian
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Mashika tracks spiritual sounds
Emotional depth: Composer Zethu Mashika is exactly where he wants to be – painting a picture with his music for films that strengthen the frames and dialogue It's a Friday night in August 2009 when Zethu Mashika makes a call that changes everything. It's his birthday month and he's about to be given an opportunity that will alter the path of his life. A spontaneous check-in with a friend turns into an invitation: 'Don't you want to make music for a film?' This is the night that Mashika discovered film scoring. He had happened to find his friend in the middle of an emergency, struggling to make the music for a grad film he was working on. 'They came to pick me up and I scored [the film],' he says. 'That's when I caught the bug, got infected, and then, you know, the rest is history.' Mashika, born and raised in Benoni, Gauteng, had been working as an artist and producer, a career that began in 2003 during the surge of hip-hop and kwaito. 'I was the artist, producer type. I got to produce some tracks on Flabba's album. At that time the Zulu Mob and H2O were the big guys. And then I did a track with RJ Benjamin.' During his years as a producer, he explored different genres of music, including rock and Chinese, to figure out which lane he would thrive in. Among his experiments was film music, which didn't make much sense to him at first. 'When I listen back, it sounds horrible.' But something in it stuck. 'I didn't realise it would build the life I wanted, or make me the person I wanted to be. You're not sure until you actually do it.' After that first short film, everything changed. 'It was 12 minutes long, and I scored the whole thing in one night. I wouldn't do that today,' he laughs. 'But when I came back, I was no longer a producer. I was a composer.' After discovering his passion for film composition, Mashika shifted his focus from producing music to creating scores that enhance visual storytelling. Mashika rebranded himself overnight. He started downloading trailers, stripping them of sound and scoring them for practice. He then used those as pitch material. 'That's how I got my first film.' Meaning: The score for Go (left) is Zethu Mashika's son's going-to-school music. He worked with Forest Whitaker and Eric Bana (right) on The Forgiven. Photos: Netflix & Light and Dark Films The experience of scoring the grad film ignited a newfound dedication within him, one that would lead to him having a successful career in the industry as a film composer. He landed his first professional project, Zama Zama. While still working on it, another opportunity landed: SKYF, starring Thapelo Mokoena. Although Zama Zama came first, SKYF was his first fully completed feature. A South African Film and Television Awards nomination followed soon after. 'It was a stamp. Like, 'Yes. This is it,'' he said. The projects kept rolling. One of Mashika's most significant was the 2017 feature The Forgiven, starring Forest Whitaker and Eric Bana. 'That was a big one. A proper learning curve. You see how the machine moves on that level: how an editor works, how a director with depth directs.' Working with directors who bring vision and emotional depth reshaped how Mashika thought about music in film. 'There's a difference between curating pretty shots and telling a story. Same with music. Some just do background music. Others push you to go deeper. When you work with someone like that, you're not just making sounds, you're putting in layers.' He likens it to becoming an 'active watcher' involved in every frame and every line of dialogue. 'That changes how you compose.' The creative process for a score looks different for every composer. Mashika's requires a helping hand from digital tools. 'Every time I start a film, I'm like: I don't know if I can do this. Only 12 notes! You have to find a combination no one's done that still fits the picture, the psychology, the world.' Unlike many composers, Mashika doesn't play instruments. 'No muscle memory. I hear everything in my head, and I input the notes with a mouse, one by one.' That limitation is a strength. 'It's slow, but it's intimate. I know why every note is there, why every gap matters. Some just go with 'sounds good'. But I know why I'm putting icy strings down low, or that brass over there. It's painting a picture.' He's also keeping up with new tech, tools that let him hum melodies into a mic, which then generate MIDI data. 'It's weird. But it's fun.' Mashika's sound is distinct: a mix of brass, strings, alternative synths and voice. Each has its emotional use. 'Brass can fill a space like nothing else. It's triumphant, but you can make it sound so sad. Strings can go dark. Synths, especially the weird ones, blur the line between music and sound design.' His inspirations include giants such as Hans Zimmer, Jóhann Jóhannsson and Ludwig Göransson, but Mashika's approach is personal. He describes himself as a spiritual composer, for whom work and life are one and the same. 'There are people who have a job and then a life. For me, they're the same. I shoot my wife's commercials for fun. I help with her photo shoots. I like being on set. It's all the same energy.' That energy has spilled into fatherhood. On car rides to school, his four-year-old son insists on listening to tracks from Go, a recent Netflix project Mashika scored. 'That's now our school music. He sings along. It's the best thing.' At this point in his life, Mashika says there's nowhere else he'd rather be. 'When you see how your music affects a film, how empty it is without it, you know you're exactly where you need to be.'
The Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
‘A dream come true,' says Johan Ackermann as he is appointed Bulls coach
'Johan Ackermann is not just an outstanding coach, he is a leader who lives and breathes the values of this union. His reputation for forging powerful team cultures, developing players to their full potential and delivering results at the highest level is well proven. 'The Bulls are a club built on legacy and ambition and with Johan at the helm, we are confident our future will be shaped by excellence, resilience, and unity. 'This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Bulls rugby and we are thrilled to welcome him home.' The Bulls said Ackermann's 'journey through rugby is one of resilience, transformation and authority'. 'Born in Benoni in 1970, he forged a robust playing career as a lock and earned 13 Test caps for the Springboks between 1996 and 2007. 'His relentless physicality and grit made him a formidable presence and his appearance at age 37 crowned him the oldest debutant in Springbok history. '
The Herald
10-07-2025
- The Herald
Caiphus Nyoka's killer Johan Marais gets 15 years as court cites lack of remorse
'In the early hours of August 24 1987 at about 2.30am, Marais, together with Sgt Pieter Stander, Sgt Abram Hercules Engelbrecht and other members of the reaction unit who are also charged separately, arrived at Nyoka's homestead and stormed Nyoka's room. They found him sleeping with three of his friends. After identifying him, they removed the friends from the room and proceeded to shoot him nine times.' Mahanjana said Nyoka died on the scene. During the sentencing arguments, Marais told the court that he committed the offence 37 years ago under the instructions of the apartheid regime, further asking the court for a sentence of correctional supervision because of his age, medical condition and that he showed remorse for his actions. However, Mahanjana said the team of prosecutors — advocates Esther Dlelwani Kabini, Daniel Desi Mogotsi and Vhulahani Nesengani Davhana — asked the court to impose a stringent sentence and argued that Marais, together with his co-perpetrators who are still standing trial for the same matter at the Pretoria high court sitting in Benoni, committed a planned brutal killing of Nyoka. 'They targeted him, isolated him from the friends he was with and killed him execution style while half-naked, sleeping in his bed. Furthermore, the team argued that the fact that Marais pleaded guilty does not show true remorse because even after 37 years, he still has not apologised to the family,' she said. The NPA has welcomed the sentence, stating that the sentence was significant and impactful, not only for the state and society, but most importantly for the victims' families to finally find closure. TimesLIVE
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Who is Chelsea wonderkid Camden Schaper and how much did the Blues pay for him?
CHELSEA beat Manchester City in the race to sign teen sensation Camden Schaper from Blackburn. The Blues paid a reported £700,000 for the wonderkid — here we take a look at what all the fuss is about. Who is Camden Schaper? Camden Cesc Schaper is a highly promising 13-year-old South African footballer who has recently emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the sport. Born in Benoni, South Africa, Camden began his football journey at a young age, initially playing for SuperSport United. He gained early international attention when he captained the SuperSport United under-11 team during a successful tour of Spain in 2021. His performances on that tour caught the eye of scouts from major European clubs, including Sporting Lisbon. They also caught the eye of top sport brand Adidas, who signed the prodigious prospect when he was just 12. Sharing the happy news, Camden posted on Instagram: "Just a kid from Africa but here we are, dreams are valid, I'm pleased to announce I have signed for Adidas, thank you to everyone who made this happen. "God is good. Proud to represent the biggest brand in football doing what I love the most playing football." After relocating to England with his family in 2024, Camden joined Blackburn, where he continued to shine. In the 2024/25 season, playing for the Rovers' U14s, he scored an impressive 45 goals and provided 65 assists, showcasing his exceptional ability as an attacking midfielder and playmaker. His technical skills, vision and goal-scoring prowess quickly made him a standout player, attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United. Why Chelsea could sign Garnacho | Transfers Exposed City were especially hoping to win the race for Camden — his younger brother Astin was already on their books. But Chelsea ultimately secured Camden's signature, paying Blackburn approximately £700,000 — around 17million South African Rand. This fee is the highest ever paid for a footballer of just 13 years old, far surpassing the previous record set in 2017 when Manchester City signed Finley Burns for a reported £175,000. As this no doubt highlights, there is intense competition among elite clubs to secure the best young talent as early as possible. Camden's transfer has generated excitement among fans and experts alike, who see him as a potential future superstar capable of making a major impact at the highest level of the game. The South African teen prodigy's remarkable performances at youth level have earned him a record-breaking move to Chelsea as the most expensive 13-year-old player ever signed. The Blues are yet to release a statement about signing the wonderkid, but this is typical for transfers involving players under the age of 16. Premier League clubs do not generally announce or publicly comment on academy signings.
The Herald
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
New assistant coach for Chippa
Chippa United have added another dimension to their major revamp with the appointment of Musa Nyatama as the club ' s new assistant coach. Former Leruma United coach Nyatama, 37, of Benoni, will work alongside newly appointed head coach Sinethemba Badela, 35, who replaced Thabo September. The Chilli Boys announced the appointment in via a statement on their social media platforms. 'Nyatama, being a decorated former footballer himself, brings recent coaching experience from Moroka Swallows DC and Laruma United FC and is widely regarded for his professionalism, modern football mindset and leadership qualities,' the statement said. 'The club believes Nyatama will blend seamlessly with head coach Sinethemba Badela — both young, ambitious, and aligned in their football philosophies. 'Their shared energy and fresh approach represent a new era for Chippa United, focused on entertaining football, intensity and results. Club chair Siviwe 'Chippa' Mpengesi also welcomed the new assistant coach. 'We believe the combination of coach Badela and coach Nyatama will bring a renewed spirit and tactical sharpness to our squad. This is a bold and progressive step for the club,' he said. According to the statement, Nyatama will work closely with the first team technical staff, focusing on tactical planning, player development and overall squad growth. The club also said the former Orlando Pirates midfielder ' s appointment reflected the club ' s ongoing commitment to empowering young football minds and strengthening its football identity, both on and off the pitch. Last week, Chippa released 15 players before the new season and three others will return to their clubs after their loan agreements ended. The following players will not be part of the team heading into the new campaign: Darren Johnson, Lukhanyo July, Justice Chabalala, Samkelo Jali, Andile Jali, Baraka Majogoro, Athenkosi Dlala, Ronald Sanou, Craig Martin, Ronald Maarman, Thobani Jacobs, Sifiso Mazibuko, Aviwe Mqokozo, Enock Sakala, Bienvenu Eva Nga. The club said that on-loan players Aphelele Teto, Siphelo Baloni and Sonwabile Khumalo would return to their parent clubs after the conclusion of their loan agreements. Chippa also announced the appointment of Sinesipho Mali as the new sporting director, a position held by Morgan Mammila last season. Mali served in key technical roles at Kaizer Chiefs as an analyst and later at Sekhukhune United, where he operated as both analyst and head of recruitment, helping guide the club to its highest-ever points tally in the 2024/2025 Betway Premiership. He now serves as head of analysts for Bafana Bafana, a role he will continue in as the national team prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations and conclude their Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign. He also featured in Banyana Banyana ' s technical team at the 2023 Fifa Women ' s World Cup. The Herald
