The birthing process for The Future is Female began when Vuyiswa Sipoko would painfully critique Sphilile Khumalo’s live performances when they were studying at AFDA. It was evident that they shared a passion for performance art but when they realised that they were equally interested in expressing female struggles through their art, the next natural…
I had a conversation with the witty babes Nwabisa Mda, Thembe Mahlaba and Bongeka Masango from the YouTube channel Pap Culture. Starting just over a year ago, the Pap Culture ladies had no idea the kind of evolution there channel would take. Beginning as a fun platform for them to chat about topics they have…
Beneath a canopy of banana leaf palms on a summer afternoon, a sweet voice delivers critical personal politics with vibrant enthusiasm. Gently tussled brunette locks move rhythmically in the breeze. The contagious smile that radiates an abundance of warmth, gleams through Colleen Balchin. Otherwise known as Rosie Parade, her sparkling eyes can’t help but dazzle…
Bubblegum Club released their first cover story on the 26th of January 2016, and since then, have continued to announce new covers every two weeks. Their goal, at the end of January 2017, is to look back at twelve months of images and narratives, contextualise their position as a platform that offers an alternative aesthetic…
“Low-key” is a phrase Maramza uses multiple times in our half-hour phone call interview and it’s an apt way to describe the ever-evolving producer. I’ve met Maramza, real name Richard Rumney, a few times and he’s always struck me as the quiet, reserved and observant type – someone who would rather listen than talk. When…
“Eat less meat. Eat more plants. Try new things. Be adventurous. Be curious. And learn to cook if you can’t.” These are the words plant-based chef and designer Parusha Naidoo left me with after our interview about her vegan cooking classes and pop up events. Johannesburg-based Parusha has taken the vegan diet and lifestyle and…
Over December, Johannesburg is a city that empties. Residents escape to their family homes or holiday beaches, leaving the once-bustling metropolis surprisingly quiet. The Eastern Cape experiences a reverse effect as its towns and villages swell with relatives returning home. In Port Elizabeth, one of these returnees is Siyabonga Ngwekazi, who most of us know…
“Mobile has changed the face of Africa and it is now the time for Africa to change the face of mobile.” Sabelo Sibanda Wild winds rustle through industrial docks of a port-city. Waves draw over soft sandy banks. Established almost two hundred years ago, Port Elizabeth is notably known for its hospitable nature. However, given…
I met up with Dillion S. Phiri, co-founder of Creative Nestlings to chat about the beginnings, evolution and future of Creative Nestlings. Five years ago Jonathan Anzuluni and Dillion were living the nine-to-five life, working for Shell and Cape Town Tourism respectively. “We knew we wanted to do more with our lives,” explains Dillion, “Jonathan…
Maya has always been a writer. She has always been interested in different kinds of writing. However, because she is young and is a woman of colour, she felt that she was boxed into the persona of a spoken word poet. For a long time she felt the pressure to just be Maya the Poet….
In the comic book series The Wicked + The Divine (written by Kieron Gillen, illustrated by Jamie McKelvie) ancient gods return to Earth in the form of modern pop stars. The series wittily bases its super beings on real life icons. Lucifer is a riff on David Bowie, Odin is essentially a member of Daft…
My first question for Lethabo, the brains behind the ‘Styled by Boogy’ brand, would effect in an unexpected response. Her answer was one of displeasure to being the focus of this week’s feature for Bubblegum Club mag. “I am not a model even though a lot of other stylists are their own models”. She is…
