Ranting, Raving & Random Ramblings: Portobello On Long

I went to a vibrant, different event 2 days ago organised by someone I know. I had previously agreed to go to it and made a mental note to remember when I get back from the big bad city – Johannesburg.. It was hosted at Portobello on Long Street (vegetarian dining spot). I have many a time been attracted to that spot but just never went in there. Sadly enough it was the last time an event such as the 1 attended would ever be held there, and the last time those meals would be served, and the last couple of cups of green tea, espresso, cuppa chino would be served. The event was a sort of happy beautiful goodbye to that lovely, welcoming, homey space. Urban Peacock hosted the event and it was a true feast for the soul. If I were a man named Portobello and I was being laid to rest under such circumstances I would truly be a little more than just delighted. I would be content with the send off.

We were indulged in performances by a range of highly talented yet down to earth performers. What an interesting concoction. The first performer was a young lady called Thobekhile on the guitar she seemed to know as well as the back of her hand. She sang 3 pieces that made me think and most importantly feel. Wow. Second was Simphiwe who spoke with great fluency and expression. Involved us intellectually in a way that would forever stay with me, my favourite “Hip hop I love you, Hip hop I love you not” (yummy title).

A few minutes later and I was informed for the 1^st time ever that there were a whole bunch of fully completed election ballots in a car in Khayelitsha ( a township in Cape town) this after word that DA had won over 50% of the Provincial vote (Western Cape). What a heavy chunk of information to take home. Better to be aware than not. Lutho sang for us. So beautifully we just wanted him to continue. On and on and on. Until until.

A surprise and undoubtedly different vivid performance was served loud and warm ( I didn’t catch the name) then Meridrian :comprised of beautiful Kim & Seth raised hairs and summoned Goosebumps in their near flawless in sync music. Before they began they explained where they were coming from “a stratosphere where everything was okay & right” or something close. It was clear after their performance what they meant. If I was forced to box & lable their sound I would describe it as a dreamy, floetic blend of lyrics & flow that sucks you in. Not sure that labels them much but that’s my answer and I’m sticking to it.

Then there was Moratiwa Molema; I just love that name. It means “My love” or “loved one” in Setswana. I’m Tswana. I later spoke to her and found out she is from Botswana. She calmed us down and got us clapping rhythmically to her sharp subject matter and rhythmic piece.

I was intending on staying for 30mins max but ended up meeting new interesting people that I would have otherwise never come into contact with. Having inspiring conversation and scrumptious vegetarian cuisine (I’d describe myself as a carnivore, yes, not quite omnivore – there should be a name given to those with eating habits between omnivore and carnivore) and Yet I enjoyed the meal immensely.

The performances were chillingly relevant to how the world’s ticking right this moment. I was a sponge absorbing as much as I could of this little nook – Portobello that is to be no more after that evening. But as one of the staff said “only the lord knows”.

Either way I’m glad my soul reveled in its presence for the short time it did.

What a place.

(I have to mention this - Sivuyisiwa; pictured above; was a lovely, confident, eloquent host – her passion is contagious. There were several acts that were not at all planned...that’s quite something) Urban peacock I look forward to your next offering

PICTURED BELOW: Sergius my lovely photographer (I kinda hijacked him and asked him to please forward me the pics he took there, he's back in Singapore now and sent me this amazing pic he took on the -YES- GREAT WALL OF CHINA!)