Hey there! I’m Thabang, and JustThoughtsNje is where I share my take on the latest trends in South Africa’s entertainment scene. Whether it’s the best streaming services, the hottest media markets, or must-watch local and international artists and shows—I’ve got you covered. Just my thoughts, no fluff!
Monday, March 31, 2025
Weekly Take: Tech, Scrum & A Bit of Chaos
Friday, March 28, 2025
A Journey Through South Africa’s Musical History: Gems from the Past
Monday, March 24, 2025
Why The Residence Should Be Your Next Binge-Watch
This past weekend, besides spending quality time with family and getting a much-needed reboot, I also dived into some great TV. I caught up on the latest episode of Daredevil, but what truly caught my attention was a completely different show—one that had me hooked from start to finish in just two days.
That show is The Residence, and trust me, this is one you need to add to your watchlist immediately.
A Whodunit with a Twist
At first, The Residence gave me strong whodunit vibes, similar to Paradise or even Knives Out—you know, the first one in Rian Johnson’s mystery movie series. But as the show progressed, it started feeling like something more than just a classic murder mystery.
Coming from Netflix via Shondaland, The Residence brings a mix of humor, mystery, and thriller elements. It even reminded me of The Afterparty on Apple TV+—a show I never really looked into in terms of its creator, but one that also had that mix of genres.
Blending Mystery and Thriller with a Touch of Comedy
If you’re a fan of Only Murders in the Building, you’ll likely enjoy The Residence as well. It carries that same balance of mystery and humor, making it more than just another serious crime drama. But what sets it apart is its setting—the White House. With its political backdrop and high-stakes intrigue, the show delivers a fresh take on the murder mystery genre, adding an extra layer of tension to the story.
Final Thoughts: Watch It Now
Regardless of what you're currently binge-watching, The Residence deserves a spot on your list. It has everything—suspense, comedy, and a compelling mystery that keeps you guessing. If you're into The Afterparty, Only Murders in the Building, or even classic whodunits, this show will definitely keep you entertained.
So, have you watched The Residence yet? If so, what did you think? Let’s chat in the comments!
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Google's AI Pivot: The Rise of Gemini and the End of Google Assistant
Monday, March 17, 2025
Disney+ Needs to Fix Its Release Schedule in South Africa
Friday, March 14, 2025
The Showmax 2.0 Dilemma: Content Rights and Missing Shows
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Why Microsoft Is Making Its Own AI Models: What’s Behind the Move?
Microsoft has been making big moves lately to create its own AI models instead of just relying on OpenAI, even though they’ve invested a massive $14 billion (That's roughly R260 Billions) into OpenAI. But why this shift? Let me try to break it down.
Saving Money & Getting Better Performance
Running OpenAI’s models, like GPT-4, has been super expensive for Microsoft, especially as they add AI to things like Microsoft 365. Companies using tools like Copilot have faced slow speeds and high costs. By building their own AI, Microsoft can cut back on these expenses, avoid paying licensing fees to OpenAI, and improve performance. They’re working on smaller, faster models to make everything run more smoothly.
Keeping Control of Their Tech
In late 2023, OpenAI went through some serious internal drama with their CEO being kicked out for a while. This freaked Microsoft out because they had put so much of their AI strategy in OpenAI’s hands. Now, Microsoft is developing its own models to reduce the risk of depending too much on one partner. And guess what? Their new models are reportedly performing just as well as OpenAI’s top models.
Being More Flexible for Clients
By making their own AI, Microsoft can fine-tune it for different businesses and industries. This means they can adapt faster to what their clients need and stay ahead of the competition. For example, businesses can get AI that’s specifically built for their workflows, without waiting for someone else to make it.
The New Leadership
Microsoft’s new AI leader, Mustafa Suleyman (who used to work at Google’s DeepMind), is pushing the company to go further in building its own AI. He’s helping Microsoft train new models that are now outperforming some of their old ones. With his help, they’re moving toward AI independence.
Competing and Partnering
Microsoft isn’t cutting ties with OpenAI completely. They’re still working with them, especially for the super advanced models. But now, Microsoft is also exploring partnerships with other AI companies, like Meta and xAI, to give themselves more options. They’re positioning themselves not just as a user of AI, but as a competitor in the AI market, too. In fact, Microsoft plans to release their AI models for other developers to use in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s move to develop its own AI is all about saving money, improving performance, and keeping control of their future. They’re balancing this with ongoing partnerships, so they can stay flexible while building up their own capabilities. This shift makes Microsoft a bigger player in the AI game, and they’re setting themselves up for a strong future in an AI-driven world.
What do you think about Microsoft’s push to develop its own AI? Do you think this will make them a bigger player in the market? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and if you found this article helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends.
Monday, March 10, 2025
Sakamoto Days: The Show We Didn’t Expect to Love
A few weeks ago, I came across a review bashing Sakamoto Days before it even aired. The guy was saying the animation was bad and the show wouldn't be good. But my son and I decided to give it a shot anyway, and now we’re hooked.
The Plot: Retired Assassin, New Life
Sakamoto Days follows Taro Sakamoto, a former assassin who now runs a convenience store with his wife, trying to live a quiet life. But, of course, his past keeps pulling him back into action. It's a fun mix of family moments and intense fights.
Sakamoto: From Chubby to Fast Fighter
Sakamoto is a bit of a surprise. He’s chubby and lazy, but when he needs to fight, he turns into a fast, deadly assassin. It’s hilarious watching him go from a regular guy to an unstoppable force in an instant.
Action and Comedy = Perfect Combo
The show nails the balance between comedy and action. Sakamoto’s funny, clumsy movements crack us up, but when the fight scenes hit, they’re serious and intense. It’s the perfect combo that keeps us coming back every week.
A Great Anime for Newbies
If you’re new to anime, Sakamoto Days is a great start. It’s easy to follow, fun, and not too complicated—perfect for anyone looking to try anime out without feeling overwhelmed.
Our Weekend Tradition
My son and I look forward to watching Sakamoto Days every Saturday. It’s released weekly on Netflix, which is a nice change from the usual binge-drop format. So it, One Piece (based on the fact that we around episode 700) and Solo Leveling, have all become part of our weekend routine.
Should You Watch It?
If you like action, comedy, and a lighthearted vibe, Sakamoto Days is definitely worth watching. It’s fun, easy to get into, and perfect for anyone, whether you’re a casual anime fan or just looking for something fresh.
What do you think? Have you been watching Sakamoto Days? Drop a comment below and don't forget to share with a friend or two.