In my work as a writer, I do a fair bit of transcribing interviews. I do it manually, playing and rewinding like it’s the 90s. What I have found, when listening back and transcribing an interview, is the fascinating phenomenon of being able to really listen to the conversation again. […]
By Hagen Engler It might not seem that way, but South Africans are closer to understanding each other than we’ve ever been. Of course we abuse, hate and exploit each other too. But it was ever thus. Only now are we honest about it. SA Twitter, once a cosy clubhouse […]
“Darkness at the break of noon Shadows even the silver spoon The handmade blade, the child’s balloon Eclipses both the sun and moon To understand you know too soon There is no sense in trying As pointed threats, they bluff with scorn Suicide remarks are torn From the fool’s gold […]
Supermega, that most Jozi of Jozi rappers, was born in Cape Town, which makes him even more Joburg! He drops some bars on African consciousness, political awareness and that dope-ass Total in Bryanston. By Hagen Engler [This piece first appeared in The Note at the Red Bull Music Academy Weekender […]
The generations of migrants who came from across Africa to seek their fortune in Johannesburg, the City Of Gold, also brought musical gifts that have been synthesised, alloyed and polished, forging a unique culture of sound that has done much to shape the city itself. By Hagen Engler [This […]
The South African music icon takes a break from his world tour to chat about music as science, coming from a place of purity, and being African without trying too hard. By Hagen Engler [This interview appeared in the Red Bull Note at the Red Bull Music Academy Weekender Festival […]
Hagen Engler, author of In The Maid’s Room, lists some of his most bizarre influences. [This piece appeared in the Sunday Times.] I’m most satisfied with my writing when I’m a bit nervous about it. When I’m not sure how it will be received. It might be an experiment […]
How to be white when you’re no longer centre of attention? When you no longer even matter? How to be white when everyone’s patience runs out? These existential questions are addressed in Hagen Engler’s third novel, the satirical farce In The Maid’s Room. Other crucial learnings are how to buy […]
I put some mags on their table and just leave. I make like I’m only stopping by to drop off mags. I’ve got somewhere else to go. Still gotta swing by Angelo’s and Havanas and the Keg & Fox and the Hanging Judge, and 52, and Times Café, and um, […]
“My lyrics are loony. I’m PE’s George Clooney. Even Miss PE wants to do me. I’m hooked on porno movies. Had 14 tabs open at last count. Is that a bad amount? Yeah yeah! Come on, Club Tonite! Can I get a yeah-yeah? Yeah yeah! You can do better than […]