By Kerry-anne Allerston
CAN somebody stop the clock or press the pause button please?
It feels like time is whizzing by so quickly and as soon as the year starts it ends.
Last year was pretty bumpy, to say the least, but I’m so hoping the year ahead is a lighter, brighter, better one for all of us and I hope we all find the love, happiness, strength, courage and success we are looking for and that we can all live a healthy, productive, peaceful, beautiful 2025 together.
Those of us who have found all you’re looking for don’t brag because nobody likes a show-off but good for you.
Yay for getting what we want, our dreams coming true and making things happen.
I’m also hoping my parents live the happiest and healthiest lives until they’re 120 and that I win millions (I’m talking to you Lotto) so I can open live venues and create stages for all our superstars all over the country. Fingers crossed.
Let’s all shine bright like diamonds and love with open hearts, less judgement and more kindness.
Also, if anyone finds a time machine or has one in their garage please slide into my DMs?
Alternatively, does anyone know a vampire out there that can pop over and give me a little neck nibble?
My hope for this year is to waste less time and make every single second count because in a split second it’s going to Christmas in July and then Christmas in Dezemba all over again!
I’ve been reading the book Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. It’s the Japanese secret to a long and happy life.
I’ve also been watching Live to 100: Secrets of The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner. All I’m going to say is, I’m trying to eat more carrots, tuna and cabbage, I laugh out loud randomly (some would say slightly psychotically) and then people think I’m nuts; plus, I try my best to sit on the floor as often as I can, but I am still on the look out for that time machine or a friendly vampire.
So, now you know my dreams and wishes for the year ahead. Here are some by some of my special, inspirational, awesome friends.
Rozanne McKenzie
Presenter/Producer
Jacaranda Fm
@rozmckinsta
“I don’t really make resolutions because I know I don’t stick to them. This year, I want to be kinder to myself: my mind and my body. I also want to manage my time better and give more attention to my family and my business. One step at a time. One day at a time.”
Majozi
Award winning musician
@majozimusic
“I don’t really have any resolutions besides wanting to travel more this year and visit new countries. Ultimately, this year, I want to spend more time doing new things and challenging myself, and hopefully be more generous.”
Kahn Morbee
The Parlotones
Award winning musician
@kahnmorbee
“As an old year concludes, may you reflect on and cherish the magic moments that unfolded, and allow them to dwarf the sad ones. Now look forward to a brand new year that overflows with the opportunity of exciting adventures - 2025 is your canvas and you are the artist, throw paint and splash around.”
Pops Mohamed
South African multi-instrumentalist and jazz musician
@pops.mohamed
“My new year's resolution is bringing down the abuse of drugs and alcohol.
“Over the years we've seen our youth and some parents giving in to drugs and alcohol as a means of escaping their problems. Rehabilitation centres are good, but our people go back to their habits because their problems at home are not solved.
“We should all find other solutions to address these issues as a matter of emergency. Things are going to be bad before it gets worse. People, let's please come up with resolutions and ideas to reduce the abuse of alcohol and drugs, let alone the crime.”
Cindy Alter
Clout
Award winning/multi-platinum selling artist
@cindy_alter
“I always believed that we have the power to pick ourselves up through hard times because I see the result, and the result is that it forces us to use parts of us that aren't always on show. And I believe this New Year should be called 2020THRIVE because this is what we will do. Pay attention to the little voices that tell us we are doing well, or not, and take action for our mental, physical and spiritual health. Here's to 2020THRIVE!”
Lundi Khoisan
Presenter/Lecturer
Mix 93.8/Fiesta Kyknet
@lundi_khoisan
“2025 is my year of choosing happiness above all else. Investing in healthy relationships, food-choices, education, adventure and building financially. May this year treat us all kindly.”
Sipho Hotstix Mabuse
Award winning artist
hotstixmabuse.com
“I’d like to wish everyone a healthier prosperous 2025. Let's work towards eradicating poverty, homelessness, make our country crime free and peaceful.”
Louise Carver
Award winning artist & entrepreneur
@louise_carver
"2025 is a year of exciting new beginnings. I’m thrilled to be releasing new music and going on tour to connect with audiences around the country. I’m equally passionate about growing my business Louise Carver Collection, with upcoming launches in clean beauty, bamboo underwear, and unique jewellery ranges. I’m grateful for the chance to learn, create, and grow in both my worlds. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead - Happy New Year."
Ross Learmonth
Award winning musician
@rosslearmonth
“My New Year’s resolution is to be more committed to following through with what I say I’m going to do. Commit to myself and commit to what I want to do more. Happy new year!“
Restaurant of the week
Brian Lara Rum Eatery
56 4th Avenue, Linden, Jhb
www.brianlara.co.za
Brian Lara is a little gem on the Linden strip and it’s great for a lunch or dinner pop in as well as for a special occasion celebration.
It’s Caribbean, so it’s compulsory to order a Pina Colada (have the boozey one or opt for the mocktail version if you’re off the sauce or doing Dry January) the second you walk through the door. They are served in a pineapple and so you’re immediately transported to a beach somewhere tropical. The vibe is super chilled and there’s indoor/outdoor seating. The rump steak and the salt and pepper squid are delish and you’ve got to get the mouthwatering fries. The sides are to die for, like the coconut rice, and they have yummy veggie options too. The price point is super affordable, and you’re looking at around 100 randellas per person for a meal. They have a cute bar next door called Little Lara Retro Bar, where they play great tunes. Plus, there are a couple of pool tables, if you feel like shooting the breeze and some balls. It’s fun! Give it a go.
SA tunes of the week
The Black Cat Bones- Hail Mary at 99
Keanan Eksteen- Got You Callin’
Majozi- Reason
Zoë Modiga- Nomthandazo
Prime Circle- Calling on Angels
Live Venue of The Week
Sognage
304 Tungsten Road, Strydompark, Johannesburg
www.sognage.com
This venue started off small and has grown in leaps and bounds. It is a world class venue which has hosted the best line ups including incredible international acts, all the biggest headliners in SA and it showcases all the best up and coming talent our country has to offer. Whether you’re into pop, rock, indie, metal or drum and bass, this is the spot for you. They have an amazing stage, beautiful lighting and incredible sound - which is what every hardworking artist deserves to play on at the end of the day. They have the best paninis on offer, in case you feel peckish halfway through the party, and the guys who run the place are so wonderful. Just some of the incredible artists that have hit the Sognage stage to date: The Parlotones, Boo!, Fokofpolisiekar, WONDERboom, The Narrow, Casey Lowry, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Spoegwolf, Shortstraw, Fuzigish, Plum, BCUC, Black Heidi, Dan Patlansky and many, many more! One of the best live venues in the country! Mic drop.