On The Couch

By Janine Moodley DNN: Beyrick, tell us a little bit about who you are? BDV: I'm 19 years old, I live in Umhlanga Rocks and went to school at Atholton Primary School (best school ever).  It was at Atholton where I met my friend Devin Lane who first got me into surfing. DNN: Tell us about your surfing career so far? BDV: Well, I started surfing and did my first contest when I was 11 years old.  I was very surprised when I came third in the u12 division at SA Champs and that is when the bug bit and I got really keen on contest surfing. DNN: You have recently been granted a Wildcard entry into the ASP Prime Mr Price Pro Ballito, how do you feel about that? BDV: Ecstatic, relieved, liberated.  In order to qualify for these events you have to have an international point rating.  It is quite difficult for the SA Surfers because they are up against International surfers who have a lot more events to surf overseas than we do here.  And every even...

Meet Umhlanga born singer/ songwriter, Farryl Purkiss, a worldwide super talent who captivates music lovers with his soothing yet strong vocals. Durban North News caught up with the SAMA nominee to find out what he is all about...  DNN : Tell us a little about who you are? FP : My name is Farryl David Purkiss, born and raised in Umhlanga Rocks and now living in Cape Town with my wife. I am a struggling musician and a cook. DNN : What was it like growing up in Umhlanga? FP : Humbling. If it wasn't the ocean that was giving me a beat down it was the older crew in my group who would dish out some punishment. DNN :  So, what are you up to at the moment? FP : Currently in the Ukraine with my wife on holiday. Just finished a tour in the States and the UK, so this is a bit of a wind down for me. DNN : Do you think your music is recognised more internationally or just within South Africa? FP : South Africa is a tiny place in comparison to the other territories I travel to....

By Yashika Ramautar YR: Describe your typical morning from the time you get up. JN: I’m not really a morning person, but my TV shoots often start quite early, so my mornings are invariably rushed, with me literally flying around the house trying to get ready on time.  Brush my teeth, shower, hair, make-up, dress up, (I often change clothes a couple of times before I’m completely satisfied). Breakfast is a bowl of cereal with some yoghurt, a cup of green or rooibos tea and a banana. And then I'm off! YR: How long does it take you to get dressed, from after your shower to looking all glam? JN: About an hour and a half...although I've learnt to do it in about an hour if I have to. YR: What are some of your favourite Indian dishes that you can prepare yourself? Can you make Woorunde or any sweetmeats? JN: I’m better at cooking than baking. I make a great curry. Although, as far as Indian sweetmeats are concerned, I make the best Chana Magaj. Got the recipe fr...

Davey du Plessis is on his way to do something not many people his age would dream of. At only 23-years old Davey, is set to venture into the dangerous Amazon in aid of his passion for conservation. We caught up with the young enthusiast to know about his upcoming adventure. DNN: Davey, what made you choose the Amazon of all places?  DDP: The Amazon was chosen for two main reasons, my personal reason is to experience the beauty of the Amazon first hand and to gauge my own perception on the current state of the natural environment. Secondly, to structure an inspiring adventure around such an iconic area, such as the Amazon, to instill a broader outreach and call for communities and individuals to look at their lifestyles and the impacts humans are having on the planet. DNN: What will you get up to in the Amazon? DDP: Besides paddling, hiking and cycling as my means of transport, that will take up huge portions of the day, my other doings will involve acquiring the necess...

By Bernadette Wolhuter GoodLuck has become known throughout the province and the country for the electric energy and fanatical fans that their performances attract.  Next Saturday (12 May) they are lifting the bar - as extraordinary as that may seem - with a concert on the lawns in front of Sun Coast that will see them supported by one of their favourite live DJ acts in the country, Pascal & Pearce.  The Weekly Gazette - Westville got a chance to speak to Juliet Harding, of the three time SAMA nominated act, ahead of their show next weekend. BW :  How did it all begin for you guys as individual musicians? JH :  Ben and Myself started out performing in a afro-pop group called jacSharp and Ben also performed as the drummer of Plush.  Raiven used to perform as the sax / keys player of ska band, 7th Son, and studied Jazz performance at UCT. BW :  How did you find one another and develop GoodLuck as a group? JH :  We initially started GoodLuck a...

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...