Musician: Moonchild Sanelly
The blue-haired singer has appeared as a member of Damon Albarn's Africa Express and on Beyoncé's visual album. Black is King. Her future focus on ghetto funk, body positivity and female sexual empowerment will make her one of the most talked about performers. Her latest single “Bashiri” (Transgressive Records) is out now.
What is South African music like now?
It's all dance dominated. The latest genre is Amapiano, a follow-up to his Gqom, a raw electronic music style originating from Durban, whose aim is to flex rather than sweat. It's as if producers have reinvented kwaito, a hip-hop phenomenon from 25 years ago, for today. It's cool, slow, and bouncy. Of course, Gqom still exists, and its hyped and energetic sound is now conquering the world. South Africa is known for creating completely new sounds and inventing entire genres. Just ask any major dance producer.
What songs do you have in rotation?
I listen to Yanga Chief's songs a lot. He raps in Xhosa, a Bantu language. There's also DJ Maphorisa and Sha Sha, who collaborates with Kabza De Small and is the vocalist for the Amapiano beat. Stiff Pap are an amazing duo from Cape Town who fuse elements of kwaito, gukom, house and hip-hop to create something original. Darkie Fiction are a Johannesburg duo influenced by kwaito, afro-he funk, neo-he soul, and hip. hop. their recent EP, Endaweni It's incredible.
Where is the best place to see live acts?
Kitchener's in the Johannesburg suburb of Braamfontein is very atmospheric and fresh. It may look like a quirky old English pub, but it sounds brand new and is an essential stop on a night out. And the Zone 6 venue in Soweto, a huge former warehouse space turned club, is stunning.
Designer: Sindiso Khumalo
A champion of sustainable textiles and a finalist for the prestigious LVMH Prize, the rising fashion star's work is rooted in powerful, historically conscious storytelling.
How would you describe your label?
We focus on uncovering the lives of women of color. My latest collection is based on Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a Yoruba princess who was sold into slavery in the mid-1800s, then freed, taken to England, and adopted by Queen Victoria as her godmother. This is an ode to African folklore, expressed in handmade prints. As a young black woman living with the freedoms that were not available to her mother and her grandmother, I feel a responsibility to tell these stories.
Which other South African creators do you admire?
Thebe Magugu won the LVMH Prize last year. As a community, we were after him. The victory of Thebes was our victory. Other names include Lukanyo Mudingi, who debuted at New York Fashion Week in 2019. award-winning fashion and product designer Rich Mnisi; and knitwear designer Laduma Ngxokolo (Maxosa). I also love Githan Coopoo's sculptural ceramics in her jewelry and her Crystal Birch milliner.
What is your favorite restaurant in Cape Town?
AKJP Studio is a concept store by creative duo Keith Henning and Jody Paulsen, stocking 32 South African designers as well as their own labels. The Long Street Antique Arcade is also filled with vintage Glitterati clothing from the 1950s to the 1980s.
Curator: Honeysile Mbongwa
Award-winning artist and sociologist was appointed director of the first competition. Stellenbosch Triennale Last year, she defined her role as healing and caring.
