With Valentine's Day just two days away, it means it is that special time for roses, chocolates and candle-lit dinners for many lovers.
Everyone has their own definition of love and romance. While some believe sex is part of romance, others see it differently. Sowetan spoke to a few male actors and musicians just to find out their understanding of the concept of romance.
Afropop/soul star Preston “Presss” Sihlangu, whose lyrics makes women weak at the knees whenever he sings, does not believe in spending money to express romance. Sihlangu, whose song Thojana Ya Thesele received close to a million views on YouTube, said there were many ways to express love and appreciation.
“Massaging your person’s feet, hugging him or her and showing that you are there for her or him no matter what, is romance for me. I know young people believe that spending money is being romantic but it is not. As much as I don’t believe in Valentine’s Day, I do buy gifts because if you do not do that there will be complaints that you are not loving enough.”
TV actor Mutodi Neshehe has boasted about being a true old-school romantic. The actor, who has appeared in many shows including Generations, Muvhango, and The Queen, explains that though he likes things simple, he appreciates the beauty and gesture of Valentine’s Day.
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“What boggles my mind is that some wait to perform and appreciate their loved ones on this one particular day. Look, I’m torn between liking the annual event and not wanting to participate in the capitalistic fictitious creation to profit manufacturers of cards. At the same time, I know that some people would never know or feel appreciated if Valentine’s Day was never created. That would be my dilemma,” Neshehe said.
He further explained that his idea of a romantic night involved roses, chocolates and fine dining but his mother was always the first in line and then everyone else.
“I think it is important to teach women in our lives at an early stage that they are significant, that they are worthy and that they are loved as they are. I might fail or be overwhelmed by my schedule sometimes, but I try to show appreciation to those around me.
“We all go through a lot in life and certainly have been tested in the past year, which is why we need our friends and family. And most importantly, we need to let them know their worth and how much we love them while we are all on this planet.”
Stage, film and TV actor Sello Maake ka Ncube said instead of celebrating some Western concept, people should be reliving the moment of how they fell in love with each other.
When it comes to his typical romantic night, Maake ka Ncube prefers not to share the titbits, claiming that he is merely avoiding being ambushed by women.
“I do believe in romance and that you should buy that person that you love a present. Whatever we do for each other as lovers it has to be something that makes us happy. I always say to my girlfriends… don’t tell me to love you on this day and that day because I am a very a good actor. You will never know if I really mean it or whether I am acting. I always ask them… do you want me to express my love on the day I feel it or the day you have written a script for me? Because you will get a top form performance.”
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