Gwen Ansell, Author at The Mail & Guardian

Vuma Levin initiates his cycle

Article Gwen Ansell - 3 Feb 2020

The guitarist is growing into his groove, with a new concept album launching soon

A repository for jazz historians

Article Gwen Ansell - 13 Dec 2019

In the face of dwindling writing about South African jazz, bassist and composer Carlo Mombelli’s new offering is a repository for future historians.

Parsing Kabila through rumba

Article Gwen Ansell - 1 Nov 2019

‘Chimurenga Chronic: Who Killed Kabila II’ sees memories of the past battle the future

A requiem for African identity

Article Gwen Ansell - 9 Feb 2018

It is a feat to have a Mass that draws from a rich but distorted past to create a new musical canon

The making of Bra Hugh

Article Gwen Ansell - 23 Jan 2018

Listening through that half-century of disks, the nature and scope of the trumpeter’s achievement becomes clear. Masekela had two early horn heroes.

Beauty in struggle

Article Gwen Ansell - 12 Jan 2018

Jazz and the fight for freedom were central to his life and poetry

What the lives of two SA music giants tell us about culture under apartheid

Article Gwen Ansell - 13 Jul 2017

For those who love and listen – really listen – the legacy of both men will live on equally in the music they made

Fantasy fails to enchant

Article Gwen Ansell - 17 Mar 2017

“A mage’s name is better hidden than a herring in the sea, better guarded than a dragon’s den.” — Ursula K le Guin: A Wizard of Earthsea

Step out of the grooves of those who robbed you

Article Gwen Ansell - 9 Mar 2017

New and welcome is McKinley’s meticulous marshalling of evidence to prove the point.

Steampunk unearths reality

Article Gwen Ansell - 2 Dec 2016

This unflinching description of slavery reminds us that the ugly underbelly of the US is still alive.

Nnedi Okorafor: Writing oneself into existence

Article Gwen Ansell - 16 Sep 2016

The award-winning author’s genre-bending ‘magic realism’ speaks to Nigerian lived experiences.

Nnedi Okorafor’s The Book of Phoenix is layers of fantasy rooted in reality

Article Gwen Ansell - 12 Aug 2016

Power, revenge and metaphors fan the flames in Nnedi Okorafor’s superhuman novel

12 3...10 Page 1 of 10

Press Releases

Special Reports

New energy mix on the cards

Derek Davey - 3 Apr 2020

REI4P already has and will continue to yield thousands of employment opportunities

Special Reports

The online value of executive education in a Covid-19 world

Staff Reporter - 27 Mar 2020

Executive education courses further develop the skills of leaders in the workplace

Special Reports

Sisa Ntshona urges everyone to stay home, and consider travelling later

Staff Reporter - 26 Mar 2020

Sisa Ntshona has urged everyone to limit their movements in line with government’s request

Special Reports

SAB Zenzele’s special AGM postponed until further notice

Staff Reporter - 24 Mar 2020

An arrangement has been announced for shareholders and retailers to receive a 77.5% cash payout

Special Reports

20th Edition of the National Teaching Awards

Staff Reporter - 23 Mar 2020

Teachers are seldom recognised but they are indispensable to the country's education system

Special Reports

Awards affirm the vital work that teachers do

Thabo Mohlala - 23 Mar 2020

Government is committed to empowering South Africa’s teachers with skills, knowledge and techniques for a changing world

Special Reports

2020 Humanities Award winners reflect a contribution to diversity and social justice, echoing South Africa’s socioeconomic condition

Anele Ngcoya - 23 Mar 2020

The HSS Awards ensure that the humanities and social sciences thrive

Special Reports

SAB Zenzele special AGM rescheduled to March 25 2020

Staff Reporter - 18 Mar 2020

New voting arrangements are being made to safeguard the health of shareholders