On The Couch

By Janine Moodley DNN: Tell us about yourself?  RW: I am a self employed musician in Durban with the band Zaffa, who grew up on the South Coast in Margate in a family of preachers and musicians. Moved to Durban North in 1994. DNN: If you were not singing, what would you be doing? RW: If I was not singing? Not sure what I would be doing, never really wanted to do anything else.  DNN: Who are your musical inspirations? RW: At the moment I am really into the Black Keys and I just heard a guy named Ben Howard, a song called The Wolves, inspiration is always changing but I love pretty much all music that is well thought out and well played. DNN:  How long have you been performing for? RW: Plus minus about 16 years or so, longer than I thought to be honest. DNN: What hidden talents do you have? RW: Front men of bands do not really hide talents, we do not hate the spotlight. DNN: Have you ever forgotten the words to a song while performing liv...

By Janine Moodley Matthew Ribnick aka Chilli Boy is a talented South African theatre performer who specialises in one man shows. Matthew is currently performing two popular shows at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban, namely the Chilli Boy and Monkey Nuts which will run from 12-18 April. The Phoenix Tabloid caught up with the star to ask him a few questions. PT: Tell us about the person behind 'Chilli Boy'? MR: Matthew Ribnick is a swordsman and a body bender.  He is a recovering latte addict, an aspirant foot model, a lover of laundry and a failed pole-vaulter. PT: When did you first realise you wanted to become a performer? MR: I never wanted to become a performer, I dreamed of being a banker but, I was told I wasn’t boring enough. PT: What do you love most about theatre? MR: The reactions of the audience to moments of theatrical genius. PT: You specialise in one-man shows, how do you prepare for the different roles you play? MR: I stop taking...