The Lion’s Tunes #11

Welcome to another edition of The Lion’s Tunes.

At the suggestion of a close friend, I decided to put my love of music to good use.

She pointed out to me that since I love music and listen to so much of it, I should share what songs I’m currently jamming to at the moment.

If you follow me on twitter then you’d know I usually tweet about what music has got me all caught up and catching feelings. 

I’m by no means a music expert and I won’t pretend to be. Most of what will be written here is information I’ve learned on the net and just my personal opinions on the songs. So have at it... 

• Song:  Dance Off

Artist: Macklemore, Ryan Lewis ft Idris Elba & Anderson Paak

This song is peculiar, but in the best way.

I love the fact that Macklemore can rap about serious subject matter that a majority of rapper shy away from while also not afraid to go silly and rap about something that has you scratching your head.

The song is catchy and funky and the more I hear this song, the more it grows on me. It rocks.

Also, I love that he got Idris Elba on the track, as in Idris Elba the actor. I was like “whhaaaattt?” But it works, and also points out how sexy the actor’s voice is. Interestingly, Idris does also release music but it is not something most people know the talented actor for.

• Bonus: White Privilege

Again, Macklemore raps about stuff that most rappers wouldn’t and he does an excellent job while navigating the hot button issue of white privilege. Do give it a listen and decide what you think of the song. 

• Song:  Close
Artist: Nick Jonas Ft Tove Lo

I saw Nick Jonas promoting the fact the he realsed a new song. Naturally my interest was piqued because Nick Jonas has managed to prove that he has the talent and capability to make really good music. Another reason why I wanted to hear this was because of Tove Lo. I have always had a special place for her after discovering her song "Out of Mind". She is just so cool and really talented.

Went to search for the song and found the music video. Damn. I love how the song speaks about when in relationship someone says "I need space".  In the song they sing:

"Space was just a word that was made up by someone who's afraid of getting close"

Also this music video too legit! Love it.

• Song:  Dangerous Woman

Artist: Ariana Grande

My opinion on Ariana Grande hasn’t changed much. I still think that some of her songs are a hit and miss which is perfectly fine. She needs to find her own sound that works for her. She can sing that much is absolutely guaranteed. No one can deny her talent, but she has to find a groove that isn’t a Mariah Carey mini-me or just a fluffy pop star.

One of her newest songs does it for me because it is sultry and mature, but still keeps who Ariana is. What helps is that she expertly utilises her voice – knowing when to hold back and when to unleash that mammoth voice from her petite body.

I am obsessed with this song:



So just discovered the Acapella, and damn, this girl got a voice, while also not taking herself too seriously. She is funny:

Bonus: Be Alright

If “Dangerous Woman” isn’t for you then this might be more for you. This song is fun and cool and more upbeat, but I still prefer Dangerous Woman.

• Song:  Devil Side

Artist: Foxes

I have heard a few songs by her, after being introduced to her after her banging collaboration with EDM DJ Zedd. There is something very earth-child about her music and it works for her.

But what makes Foxes interesting to me is that she really has quite the voice. Her music doesn’t always work for me but regardless, she is making waves. If you dig what she is about, definitely give more of her stuff a listen. 

There is something in her acoustic version that is missing from the studio track. I prefer this version.

• Song:  No

Artist: Meghan Trianor

There is something very 2000’s about the newest song from Meghan Trainor.

The singer has dyed her hair and is now a brunette, assuming the forthcoming release of her second studio album.

I like it, very sassy and again highlighting ladies have every right to say no to a guy they are not interested in. I am also singing along to this song, despite the fact that no one is interested in me, but I digress.

This song is what Stacy Orrico should have released because if she did way back then, then maybe she would still have had a music career today and not just be a one hit/two-hit wonder.

• Song:  Someone Who Can Dance

Artist: Icona Pop

I have always had a fondness so Icona Pop ever since their famed “I don’t care” which was a song that me and my friends were obsessed with for a while because it was just on fire.

Their tune is electric and not just in the sense that they make electronic music (see what I did there? Yeah, I will show myself out now).

Their song “Someone Who Can Dance” is a total banger for me. It also speaks back to that sometimes you just someone for a little fun and not to be serious with all the time. Hence why they are singing about wanting “someone who can dance, not someone I can talk to”.

So cool. 

• Song:  Team
Artist: Iggy Azalea    

Iggy Azalea get's a lot of flak for not being a rapper. A lot this comes from rumours of ghost writers who write all of her songs and etc. Whether that is true or not, i don't know but what I do know is that while even her record company was hatting on this song, she released it any way.

That probably got her into a whole lot of trouble. but regardless, I really like thew tune and the beat.

Also the dancers are murdering this! They have the personality and the moves. 

• Song:  Please Try

Artist: Ryki ft Aewon Wolf

When I first heard this song, I had no clue that it was a local tune. Meaning it is a South Africa original. There is just something very special about this song.  I immediately wanted everyone to hear this song, and force them to listen to it! My love for it increases every time I hear it.

I don’t know much about this artist but to my knowledge Ryki comes out of Durban, which is where a lot of hot local music is coming out of. I heard that Sketchy Bongo may have produced the beats for the song, whose also making a lot of waves in the local music industry.

• Song:  Crybaby

Artist: Melanie Martinez

I loved her first single “Soap” which was an absolutely fun banger and creative way.

When I first heard of Melanie Martinez, I didn’t realise that she was a contestant on the American version of “The Voice”. I was surprised because as unfortunately as if the case, not too many of the people on The Voice have a career that exceed the borders of America. Sure the same can be said for American Idol contestants but they have at the least have had some global success with their music.

Anyway, Melanie Martinez has won me over with her originality. There is something so idiosyncratic about her, and in a saturated music landscape, that is always a good thing. I hope she goes on to bigger and better things. 

This song connected with me because I used to be “Crybaby” or at the least called one when I was in primary school. I was a very sensitive kid and so I cried fairly often. Everyone kept telling me to toughen up, which I did but all I still have that younger kid somewhere within the adult version of who I have become.

#Rocking

• Song:  All Time Low

Artist: Jon Bellion

I find Jon Bellion to be a really talented guy, he has really good rap skills, but he can also sing.

He has such a sultry voice. His style might be a bit too rough for me but he is talented and I definitely enjoy the music he puts out. Maybe I just need to watch more interview of him to really get what he is about, but for now he falls in the Miley Cyrus category for me – makes good music, but not a fan of their image.

• Song:  Work From Home

Artist: Fifth Harmony

Super catchy!! I have been rooting for Fifth Harmony ever since seeing them on XFactor in America. They were just such lovely girls who wanted to do their best. It has been cool that they have gone on to surpass the show and make it in the music industry. 

Kudos to Simon Cowell, who seems to have the magic touch when it comes to putting music groups together.

I hope that they don’t implode (like One Direction) before really hitting it big because if they are able to endure for long enough they can become the next Destiny’s Child.

Their song is really cool. It is pop music (which has become very lazy to write meaningful or even understandable song lyrics) but the song is totally fun.

• Song:  AftershockArtist: Cash Cash

This music video really delivers a haunting and intense take on the song. But boy does it deliver the message. There is something very emotive and just really special about it. Please watch it for yourself, but be prepared to be hit in the feels.

• Song: Audio Symphony (original mix)

Artist: Freshgang

Found this thumping track after hearing it on a local radio station, and I couldn't get the infectious drop and beat out of my head. I just wanna dance to it. Such a great song to lift up the mood to or even add to your gym playlist if you are looking for a great cardio song.

• Song:  Take Off

Artist: Dirty Audio & WAO

Stumbled across this one after the one above. In the suggestions. That is all.

• Song:  Grapevine 

Artist: Locnville

After spending 6 months in Los Angeles getting to know the music industry that side, and working under a new record deal that they signed, the twins Brian and Andrew Chaplin are back with a new song. They are back under the moniker “Locnville” after initially shortening to “LCNVL” which in all honesty is something that I am really glad for.

Anyway, they are back and in an interview, they recently said that their new single, much like most of their forthcoming album, is them returning to their roots but incorporating what they have learned over the years.

I am glad to hear that because as good as their later stuff was, it was their initial music which held something special for them to launch their career off of. 

• Song:  Ngud' 

Artist: Kwesta ft Casper Nyovest.

This currently is the hottest track in the country, sampling a song with a really great beat but adding a local twist to it. There is something truly undeniably good and wonderful about the song. I haven’t gotten around to asking what the song means and is exactly about, but the music video does give some insight into that.

• Remixes: Miguel ft Kasey Musgraves – “Waves”

Miguel’s song “Waves” was really massive and it was just so soulful.

This remix is just so cool. I love what Kasey Musgraves bring to this track and it totally changes the song but in a really awesome way! More people should hear this!

Additional: Years & Years ft Tove Lo – “Desire”

It was impossible to have not heard the tune “Desire” from Years & Years. It was everywhere.

I was a little surprised when I saw that a remix had been released featuring the lovely Tove Lo, who I adore, but after pressing play, I really liked what she brought to the song. It isn’t as different as what Kasey Musgraves brought to “Waves” but Tove Lo does her thing and adds a feminine perspective the song. It is still a hot tune!!

Theo. Over and Out

My "Open Wound"

Picture: David Ritchie

I have repeatedly heard that tattoo means “open wound” in Samoan.

I am not sure if that is true or not, because I haven’t found a source reliable enough for me to trust it, but I would love to think it is true.

Regardless, there is still something very poetic and appropriate about it for me.

I had always wanted to get a tattoo, but the whole permanent aspect was a major speed bump that put me somewhat off it.

As I got older, I figured things out and learned more about myself. Over time I changed, as we all do.

Coming out was a pretty big deal for me, it permanently changed my relationship with my mother and my family. It changed how my friends saw me. It changed how I saw myself. How could it not?

That sweet wallflower, that gentle-hearted, ever-the-do-gooder boy I was died that day, and it wasn’t something I realised until writing this.

Coming out broke that boy.

To realise that the fact that I was gay (which was the one thing I was told never to be my entire life) broke the image I had of myself. I loved being the sweet and good boy, the one who made my mother proud and my family proud.

In some ways I still am that boy but it is not the same.

Seeing my mother's look of disgust, hearing her bang her head against her cupboard door, and hearing her wail “Why me?” as if I had just punished her in the worse way imaginable, had forever changed me.

A piece of me died that day, but in return I gained a stronger piece of me.

The piece of me who can stand up for himself when he wants to, a piece of me who does his own thing regardless of what others want, and who is still a kind person (or tries to be).

I gained a piece of me who recognises that I can’t be anything else but myself, even though it can be alienating. I am idiosyncratically me, and I am a better human being for it.

A year or so after coming out, I started falling in love with having a way to commemorate the day that I came out. I had forgotten the specific date that I had come out on, because there were more important things that had happened that day than for me to remember the date.

Anyway, thanks to a Facebook post, I found the date and the fateful post that came the day after I had done the bravest thing of my life.

Some time had pass and in the back of my mind, it was impossible for me to escape the idea of celebrating this act of bravery. To me, it was the scariest and bravest thing that I had ever done in my life, and I felt that I wanted to cherish that.

Fast forwarding a bit, a few ideas would pop up and then pass, and a new one would come along and then go but they all had my coming out involved in some shape or form.

I finally settled on an idea which excited me: why don’t I record myself saying the date I came out and then use the sound waves of that recording as a tattoo?

I thought about this idea actively for over a year and it was the one that stuck. Also it was the one that felt the most “me”.

The idea of a standard (though little generic) LGBT tattoo was cool but it felt too broad, especially for a community that I don’t entirely feel settled into. The sound waves idea appealed to me because of my love for music.

I don’t know where music became so vital to me, but it did.

When I was in primary school and part of the xylophone group performing at school events, when I did choir for a bit, when my mother and stepdad were arguing I would be in my room listening to music, when I was feeling sad, music would be there - when I was becoming depressed because the stress of keeping the gay secret had started killing out every drop of happiness – music was there.

It is why I run my music blog posts because a life without music is not a life at all, it is just an existence.

So...I had settled on it. I had figured out what I wanted and that was most of the war won.

Everyone knows how neurotic I can be and overanalyse everything, so for me to permanently mark my body in such a way, I had to get to a point where getting the tattoo felt so natural. I kept visualising what it would look like on my arm and the more I did that, the more I settled into the idea of getting one.

Picture: David Ritchie

Why the right arm? No reason other than the fact that it needed to be somewhere I could see it. 

Whenever I feel like shit or like I am not strong enough, the tattoo while be that reminded that I did the thing that scared me most. I did one of the bravest things I have ever done, and if I could do so, then I can certainly handle anything else that comes my way?

The only thing left to do was execute it.

Last week was a bit mad because I hadn’t thought out the details of getting a tattoo. I hadn’t even scouted out tattoo parlours and taken my time to settle on one. It was all fast-paced.

In all honesty, it needed to be. I would have procrastinated and maybe not gone through with it if it had been all delayed.

Wednesday - I made sure to record myself saying the date and then get that into a program which created the sound wave.

Thursday – I was off and also found out that I can’t just walk in and do a tattoo on the same day, so I would need to book an appointment. I had already been planning to see them the day before, but this only confirmed it.

Friday – I went into the place only with my design, and the rent money I usually pay my mother, and went to speak to the people at Metal Machine.

(Side-bar: I had initially planned to go to Wildfire but my friend suggested that I try Metal Machine because Wildfire is overpriced. Honestly, I did not put enough effort into finding a bargain because all that mattered to me was the tattoo.)

The very friendly tattoo covered lady at the parlour took my design, went up to one of the tattoo artists and asked him about it.

After some back and forth, he said that he can do it but the design needed to be 25% bigger.

So they made it bigger (who doesn’t like bigger? :P ) and then asked me if It was alright.

It was.

I then committed to it:

Female Trainee Tattoo Artist : “When would you like to make the appointment?”

Me: “Tomorrow if possible.”

Her: “I don’t think that will be possible as Andro has another client.”

Receptionist: “Patrick actually changed his appointment to Monday, so Andro is free tomorrow.”

Lady: “Then you can do tomorrow. We do require a 50% deposit though...”

Me: “Cool...Uhm, Can I swipe?”

Lady: “We only accept cash.”

Me: “Okay then –uses money from the rent money I pay-“

Lady: “Well then, we will see you tomorrow. –hands me a card with appointment details-”

Me: “Okay, cool.”

Picture: David Ritchie

I pretty much then freaked out that I was actually committing to getting a tattoo for the rest of the day.

Saturday- I was nervous, excited and scared, but I knew that it was something I wanted.

I had to do a few errands before, but soon enough 12 o'clock came and along with David Ritchie, a work colleague who came for moral support. I was at the tattoo parlour ready to get my tattoo on.

Filled in the indemnity form thing and then once that was all sorted, I met my tattoo artist.

He seemed super intimidating at first, but that was only because he was questioning me about the tattoo, and also he had a serious demeanour about it.

After sorting out the finer details about the tattoo, we were ready to roll.

He had talked me through everything before, seeing as it was my first time (pun unintended) but he calmed me and just was a really cool guy about it.

Picture: David Ritchie

So they took the design, made a sticker thing out of it and then used that to put on my skin...which is what they do because then they trace the tattoo on your skin and still have another reference to look at the same time.

I officially have a whole new respect for tattoo artists because they make you feel at ease, explain everything and still try to be friendly and sociable even though they have a job to do. Maybe I was very lucky that I got Andro, but he was a legend.

The whole experience was perfect, it hurt but was perfect.

Picture: David Ritchie

For me my tattoo is an open wound for me.

It is a physical representation of an internalised scar that will forever be with me.

Sometimes we forget that we can leave scars on each of mentally, emotionally and psychologically. My tattoo is a scar that I want to wear on me because it is a battle scar. A battle scar I want everyone to see because I am not ashamed of what it means.

It is my symbol of bravery and strength from a battle that I made it out of.

I survived, especially in a world where many LGBT kids kill themselves because they don’t have anything to fight for. If things hadn’t turned out the way it hard, I might not be here today.

*shudder*

It is a sobering thought, isn’t it?

Theo. Over and Out.

Pictures: David Ritchie

PS: The thing that I find really funny was how in all of this, I overlooked the part that someone was going to be puncturing my skin repeatedly with a needle. It hurts people. Getting a tattoo hurts, it did hurt less than I thought it would but it hurts. Those first few manoeuvres were painful but you adjust and try not to focus on it, which is why Andro was so legend.

PPS: Also me and my mom are on good terms now. She doesn't accept the fact that I am gay but she still loves me and respects me which is really all I can ask from her.

The Lion's Tunes #10

Welcome to another edition of The Lion’s Tunes.

At the suggestion of a close friend, I decided to put my love of music to good use.

She pointed out to me that since I love music and listen to so much of it, I should share what songs I’m currently jamming to at the moment.

If you follow me on twitter then you’d know I usually tweet about what music has got me all caught up and catching feelings. 

It's been a while since I posted the last one, because being a working adult is hard, but regardless I have managed to finish another one.

I’m by no means a music expert and I won’t pretend to be. Most of what will be written here is information I’ve learned on the net and just my personal opinions on the songs. So have at it.

• Song:  L.A Devotee

         Artist: Panic at the Disco

Panic at the Disco is always a band that I love whenever I hear a song of their but I unfortunately don’t get to spend as much time searching out their stuff. Interesting fact about their latest album is that most of the guys decided to leave but front man, Brendon Urie, wasn’t ready to give up on the PATD, so he didn’t.

While I am not one to give judgement on how good/bad the new album is versus that of their older material. I do love Brendon Urie because he just seems like such a cool and down to earth guy who loves getting shirtless.

“L.A Devotee” didn’t exactly register with me the first time I heard it...after numerous time of listening the song it has grown on me, I really love the upbeat vibe. Also no one can deny that Urie can sing. I thoroughly enjoy the song.

The key change gives me chills...because he is seducing you into it.

“Just another L.A Devotee... 

just another, just another-ru-oh

Just another, just another-ru-oh

Just another, just another-ru-oh

Just another L.A Devotee...”

Bonus: Victorious

This song is actually the latest single from the latest PATD album, it has already been playlisted on a few radio stations in South Africa.

What I love about the song is how theatrically epic and how it has this dirty operatic feel to it...

“My touch is black and poisonous,

And nothing like my punch drunk kiss

I know you need it, do you feel it

Drink the water and drink the wine”

• Song:  Coldplay ft Beyonce

Artist: Hymn for the Weekend

I was always obsessed with the song since the album came out, I haven’t even heard the rest of the album other than what was released, but I came across this song on tumblr. (Thank you Tumblr people for posting new music).

My love for it died down a bit because as much as I loved it, not enough people were talking about it so I just relaxed into enjoying the song on my own.

Thank heavens Coldplay released the song as a single with an amazing music video, because it is just a eye fest of colour and so stunning.

I love how Beyonce and Chris Martin’s voices complement each other. When I first heard the song I thought there was too little Beyonce but I have grown to realise that there is just the right amount of Queen B while still keeping it as a Coldplay song. This is a perfect Hymn for the Weekend...

“I am feeling drunk and high...”

BONUS: Formation  - Beyonce

Regardless of whether you like Beyonce or not, she has gotten everyone talking following the release of her new song (and world tour) by releasing a politically/culturally/historically charged video in Formation

• Song:  Pillowtalk

Artist: Zayn

I feel like we can all agree that we were surprised when former One Direction member Zayn dropped his first ever solo single and it turned out to be as good as it was. He silenced the critics with his talent by producing such a good song, and earning new fans in the process. He might suffer from douche-bag personality syndrome, but that is nothing a good PR team can't fix.

• Song:  Daddy Issues

Artist: The Neighbourhood

My love for The Neighbourhood still persists, I might not love all of their music, but they still keep me coming back for more. The song gives me goosebumps.

It is moody and mellow without being dead. I am grooving along and enjoying it.

I also adore the lyrics that this band writes, and Daddy Issues is no exception. My favourite lyric in the entire song is so dark and beautiful but it is easy to visualise: 

“I tried to write your name in the rain, but the rain never came so I made with the sun...”

It is haunting and the lyrics just have such honesty to it. Also Jesse’s voice on it speaks volumes without him belting it. There is such an emotional depth to the song.

BONUS 

Please be advised that this song is dirty and nasty and wrong, but it is all of these things in the best way possible.

• Song:  Hands to Myself

Artist: Selena Gomez

My love for Selena very song dependent, but damn she is just so sexy and sultry with “Hands to Myself”. I am not sure if my love comes from the music video itself or the song but it is still so much fun. Selena has it going on! 

Bonus: Charlie Puth ft Selena Gomez –

Charlie Puth is winning on his collaborations. What a really groovy and chill tune... 

• Song:  Boys Like You

Artist: Who is Fancy ft Meghan Trainor & Ariana Grande

I love how catchy this song is. Also the great thing about this track is how we now live in a age where a boy singing about loving another boy is not the end of his career. The unashamed use of male pronoun makes me happy. Also it helps that he got two vocal talents to help him out on the song.

• Song:  Heaven

Artist: Troye Sivan ft Betty Who

This song has caused quite a few feelings for me mainly because it tackles that whole "gays are going to hell" rhetoric that has been constantly passed on for generations and constantly comes up whenever anything related to homosexuality is discussed. Props to Troye Sivan for giving a different angle on the song, because he speaks about the thought that maybe I don't want a place who doesn't want me as I am.

• Song:  Jet Black Heart

Artist: 5 Seconds of Summer

Credit has to go to 5 Seconds of Summer for putting this track together because this video is all about acceptance and that is something the world needs more of today. One of the reasons I love this song is because of the music video - which is how I discovered it. It rocks and it sends a pretty awesome message.

• Song:  Wolfs Without Teeth

Artist: Of Monsters and Men

This one of my favourites from the album. I really can't believe that I get to see the band live in March!!!! ARGH! Of monsters and Men are a truly spectacular group whose lyrics make you think and who deliver truly idiosyncratic sounds.



Here is the official music video.

Bonus: Organs

The song is simplistic but still so damn complex and it highlights how lyrics can truly speak volumes. I am proud to say that I know this song off by heart. I almost cried the first time I heard it because I was coming off a break-up and this song spoke perfectly to how I was feeling about it.

Also her is the acoustic version which knocks my socks off. My friend, a fellow OMAM fan, showed me this lovely video:

• Song:  Lightning

Artist: Little Mix

I went on a YouTube spree watching Little Mix perform live and damn! They can SING! Please do yourself a favour and go watch their Capitol FM performance of Black Magic...

Moving along, had to review the deluxe edition of their album for work, and damn! What a awesome pop album. I highly recommend getting it if you haven’t. One of my favourites from the album is “Lightning”. 

The power and the emotion in their voices astound me, what helps makes Little Mix all the more special is their talent for harmonising and how much love their care for each other. Sure it will be a matter of time until they split but hopefully that is still a bit off because they are getting better and better and gaining more acclaim – news which makes me happy.

• Song:  Heading Home

Artist: Gryffin ft Joseph Salvat

Joseph Salvat is a artist that I can't seem to get enough of. There is some engaging about him and his music just really connects to me. Other songs I enjoy more than most, but his voice is interesting and his sound is different too. He sticks to what he likes while not being scared to mix it up, which is how I stumbled across this collaboration he did with a DJ.

• Song:  Keep Your Head Up

Artist: Birdy

If I had not seen that this was Birdy with my own eyes, then I would not have believed someone if they told me this. This is a very unexpected song, but it works so damn well. I love the message behind the song too other than it's infectious beat and groovy sounds.

• Song:  Blackout

Artist: TriTonal

This is one damn catchy song, I heard it first played on the radio I believe. It's completely bonkers, especially when the beat drops.

• Song:  Beggin & Pleadin

Artist: Brandy

A colleague in the office was raving about this song, and I couldn't help but be interested. It comes from Brandy's newest TV show that she is working on, but that aside, this is such a different sound from her and it is something so very different. I was surprised but good on her for experimenting and doing something new.

• Song:  Never Be Like You

Artist: Flume ft Kai

I discovered this on YouTube and it won me over. Damn. Talk about a hot tune! I have been murdering this song repeat for the past three days, and I can't even be bothered because it is just so damn good.

• Song:  Hollow & Let It Go

Artist: Tori Kelly and James Bay (Grammy Performance)

Everyone was raving about their performance at the Grammy's and it is so completely understandable after hearing it. I do apologise because finding a good video for this has been hard as the Grammy's haven't posted the video to their performance so YouTube self-made ones will have to do. 




These are all the songs that I will give to you for now. There is no radio section only because I have been listening to the radio but some of the songs are already mentioned above.

If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to let me know in the comments section below or even post links to it so I can give it a listen! 

I do hope you enjoy even one of these.


Theo. Over and Out.

My Brother’s Surprise...

We live in a very material world, and it’s a world where we sometimes calculate how much someone loves us by how much money they spend on us.

It’s a sad reality, but it is the truth.

Money makes the world go round.

There is someone really special to me, and he is my brother. Not in any biological connection but he is family and I would do anything for him.

I have been friends with Byron since about Grade 10, which makes it 9 years. We joke that it’s both of our longest relationships ever, but it’s true. (I can’t even get a relationship to 5 months, never mind a year... but I digress).

He has always been there for me no matter what, he was always just accepting of me regardless of whatever else was going on.

I was also so lucky that his parents were very accepting of our friendship and welcomed me into their home. I have been through a lot with his family and I am glad to have had them be there for me when things were rough.

Byron's Brother Caleb

It’s been 9 years of ups and downs, good times and bad, and stories that will last us a lifetime.

We don’t see each other often and we don’t spend as much time together when he is around, but we have a bond that will always connect us. It’s what makes him my brother.

Last year October time, I decided that I wanted to say thank you to him with a gift, but I wanted it to be something worth more than just something I bought. So I happened to receive a picture frame and suddenly I had the idea of having it filled with memories and giving it to him.

 It took a while for me to finalise the whole thing because it was just an idea and in between all that life was happening. He was living his life that side at his lodge being a game ranger, while I was living mine being a journalist.

I then roped in the help of our friend Chelsea who I am also pretty grateful for, and she was so awesome because without her help I would not have been able to making the picture frame as great as it turned out.

I had planned to have given the gift to him as a Christmas present but because his parents were travelling to Namibia, he decided he would not come down to Cape Town during his week off and so then it just gave me more time to get it sorted.

I contacted his girlfriend around Christmas asking for her help with a few pictures, which was interesting because I had never even met or spoken to the girl before sending that message, but I had heard about her often enough for her to not feel like a total stranger.

She had managed to get pictures of him, without him realising the greater purpose behind it, and sent them to me.

So all the pictures had been chosen and Chelsea was too awesome because she came through and had it finished in time for his next off week.

Then came the issue of finding the time to give it to him.

What usually happens when Byron is in Cape Town on his off week, is that he is busy because all his friends and family all want to see him in some way, but there's not enough time for him to see everyone.

I had thought it was going to happen over the weekend but he had other plans so it wasn’t going to happen then, I had message my friend Chelsea even saying that if he pops around, give it to him because he is so busy and I am barely seeing him, but please just record it and take pictures.

She was like, “No way am I giving him this thing without you being here, fool.”

So she messaged him, and said something along the lines of “there is no way we are hanging out without Theo”, or something a little more tactful, but in any case she got it done. Haha. If there is anything I learned from this, it was that don’t underestimate the power of Chelsea.

So then along came Monday, got home from work, he called, picked me up and off to Chelsea we went to hang out.

Chelsea got us in, and showed me where it was without Byron realising. I had brought along a bow and wanted to stick onto the frame. I had to fake going to the bathroom just so I could get into her room to attach the bow.

After that, I walked out of her room with the frame in my hand anxiously waiting to give it to him. Byron was playing a game on my phone, and when I was standing there awkwardly waiting for his attention, he was all “Wait, I am playing this game”.

I just rolled my eyes and started talking:



I must say that the reaction I got from him was more than what I had hoped. It made me sooo damn happy seeing how much the gift meant to him. As rewarding as it is giving someone something, that tight arm crushing hug, and the total surprise had told me that I had done the right thing.

He loved it.

What I love about our friendship is that we say “I love you” to each other... and we do. I love him because he is family to me. No matter what, he will always be family. He is my brother.

We have both changed so much over the years and become such different people, each living our own lives. He has a life of his own away from me, and as much as I miss him, it makes me happy knowing that he is doing his own thing and enjoying it.

All I want for him is to be happy, and he is.

Also, if I got started on how awesome our friend Chelsea is then I would not end but I just wanted to give her a shout-out for her helping me and being a radically cool person.

The night I gave him the gift, we had spent the rest of the time in Chelsea’s home just hanging out and spending time. It is such moments with friends I will always cherish.

Earlier last week, after him having been without wifi and signal, he finally got back in contact with us, and I got around to asking him if he had hung up the picture frame.

Of course, I received a snarky response from him, but he showed me that it did go up.

It is hung

To my brother Byron - I hope that if you are reading this (you better be), you realise that I do really love you. I am so lucky to have someone like you in my life...you fool.

Stay awesome.

Theo. Over and Out.

PS - Your squeamishness whenever I bring up something sexually gay will forever amuse me. *chuckles*

Reaching The Ceiling

I’ve had a very busy week/end...

It was exciting and fun but exhausting.

I was so out of fumes that when I got invited to the Nicky Romero gig at Shimmy Beach on Saturday, I declined it, never mind that I also had plans to attend the Magents SA Menswear Week after party.

Again, crazy hey? How much fun would I have had just chilling, dancing and enjoying the cool exclusivity and access that my job affords me?

BUT, I was autopiloting because I hadn't been sleeping properly, I have been stressing about working on graphics for my work’s anti-racism campaign while still doing my usual day-to-day work routine, and covering SA Menswear Week
.

Granted the last bit, I brought on myself because I wanted to do the show again this year and also as a gay man, I love staring and talking to hot guys.

He was in the local production of Rocky Horror. His name is Shaun Chad Smit.

SA Menswear Week was a fish-out-of-water experience for me the last time, the second time around, it was the same except that I felt more comfortable in my odd-man-out role which made me enjoy the experience all the more.

I went to university with the lovely gentleman. Find him: @Brat_M_

It was a lot of fun just experiencing everything that goes into a fashion week and the crazy outfits you see, the amazing designers you witness, and the models you fall in lust with. 

Boy did I fall in lust. Haha.

Eden Classens

My only regret from the experience was that I wasn’t brave enough to ask the number of the guy I was attracted to, regardless of whether he was team homo or not, asking him would have hurt no one...but I didn’t because well duh, he was a model and I’m a awkward, guy who gets shy and flustered.

It was a miracle in and of itself that I was able to get selfies with the hot boys.

My job is fun, I get to meet cool people and do cool things that I typically wouldn’t like interview Jean de Villiers and Nicky Romero, meet F.W de Klerk, the J&B Met and the colour run. It is all experiences that I am grateful for but sometimes it can be exhausting.

I think the most important thing I learned this week was to know my limit.

I am glad that while I got to have invites and experience all these things, I know when I have reached my limit and that is a big thing for me. I would like to think that I work hard, sometimes it doesn’t feel that way, but I do try my best. 

Knowing when I have reached my ceiling is important thing for me to realise because everything I work on at that point is just without love and I am just running on autopilot – there is no desire to do my best, only to get it done.

Don’ run on autopilot, it’s important to take care of yourself. I don’t always take care of myself, but I am learning. 

You only have one you, so try not ruining yourself.

Theo. Over and Out.

What I love about this picture was that I started pulling some crazy eyes, and he played along....

PS – To the super hot Eden Classens, you are so sweet and seem like a cool guy, I know you’re probably like super busy, dating other models, but if you ever want to go for coffee  with a shy-ish awkward guy who will make you laugh (I at least have that going for me) and then hit me up.