The month of love means different things to different people.
As the countdown to Valentine’s Day begins, some people are looking forward to it and others are just dreading the day already.
Given the concept of Galantine’s, there’s less pressure to be romantically involved with anyone.
With Netflix’s newest film coming up – A Soweto Love Story – there’s at least a common thing to look forward to for both singletons and cuffed people.
The star-studded cast includes Lunga Tshabalala, Sparky Xulu, Duduzile Ngcobo, Ray Neo Buso, Motsoaledi Setumo,Skhumba Hlope, Mamodibe Ramodibe, Didintle Khunou, Monnye Kunupi and Sihle Ndaba.
In the heart of Soweto at Disoufeng pub and restaurant, Mamodibe, Didintle, Monnye and Sihle sat down with Drum to talk about their love experiences.
Do we believe in and celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Sihle: Yes. I definitely believe in celebrating Valentine’s Day and it also just stemmed from home. Growing up, my grandfather was big on showing us love in the house so every time I came back from school on Valentine’s Day, there’d always be flowers or a doll (waiting for me), or just something to show me that I’m loved, and I don’t need to look for love outside of you. Charity begins at home, so I always celebrate the day.
Mamodibe: In high school, my mom had this ritual or routine. My brother and I knew that on Valentine’s Day before we went to school, we’d get a mug. So, I have five years’ worth of mugs and my brother has five years’ worth of mugs because in high school, that’s all we got on the day. In matric, I told my mom that I’m too old for this and then I stepped out of that and realised that I actually needed it.
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Didintle: So, I have a secret. In high school used to send myself things. You know in school on Valentine’s Day when you can send something to the person you admire? I would send myself like five flowers and they’d call my name multiple times to come get a flower and I would pretend like I don’t know who my secret admirer was whereas it was me. I think it was a practice of self-love.
Monnye: Here’ a story about my then boyfriend. I think I was 21 or 22. Back in the day, we’d get a teddy bear and a huge card so he got me that but the card had a little window on it where he told me to sign my name and so I got excited, and I did. When I opened it, it said “I, Monnye Kunupi, agree to not get a present” and he took it literally; he didn’t buy me anything.
Would you say that these experiences have affected whether or not you become hopeless romantics?
Mamodibe: Do you know what I’ve started to fall in love with as I grow older? The love in friendships. There’s a saying by a friend of mine, Angelina Mofokeng and she says, “God is reflected in friendship” and the more I grow, the more I realise that yes, romantic love has a place in life but this love? When we see each other as sisters, as colleagues, as friends, as women, I needed that when I was 16. It’s a beautiful place to be at, to have it and to experience that.
Monnye: Just to add on that, (I attest). Looking at yourselves grow older together is such a beautiful thing I also have friends like those, we come from far. We’ve cried together, we’ve laughed together and now our children are best friends as well because we raised everyone together. That’s the best love you can ever find.
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What is the classical song that always gives you the feeling of love and warmth every time you listen to it?
Mamodibe: This is so odd because when the song came out, I was a baby, but I love this song! Tevin Campbell, Can we talk? That’s my song.
Didintle: John Legend, So high. So, let’s go to a place only lovers go. To a spot that we've never known (everyone joins in on the singing). That’s the ultimate song. I feel like the whole album, when I heard it, I was just like “is this how it feels to be in love?”
Sihle: Right now, from the top of my head, Luther Vandross and Beyonce - The closer I get to you! It’s the arrangement, it’s the lyrics, it’s black love, it’s timeless. Right now, in this moment, that’s the song!
Monnye: For me, it’s Maria Carey and Dru Hill – The beautiful ones. It’s such a beautiful song, every time it plays, I just melt.
