Memes are fast becoming the dominant popular art form on social media. As a medium, they are simple to make and the right combination of image with text can become a viral sensation overnight. The directness of memes has made them an important mechanism for political communication and social commentary. For example, the online ubiquity…
Manthe Ribane is luminous and effervescent. Watch her share on spirituality and space in this behind the scenes video for Bubblegum Club’s first ever cover. The video was shot and edited by filmmakers Brendan C Campbell and Xolelwa Ollie Nhlabatsi.
The paint on the door was quite chipped, but the black letters remained clear: “Nostalgia is one helluva drug” it said like an answer to a question. And now, here in South Africa – specifically Johannesburg – we get through the day with our trusty dose of the good stuff. Defined as “a wistful or…
In any metropolis, street style offers a reflection of the society at hand. The sartorial selections of the urbanites in question offer glimpses into their cultures and creativity. Urban Mosadi accessories are pan African pieces for the stylish and urbane. Tiisetso Molobi, the mother of UrbanMosadi, has imprinted part of her own personality on the…
Manthe is a vision, even on Skype. I see the muse and the magician in her. She is animated and open, ready to share. Her lips and nails are venetian red, a collection of tiny tattoos decorate the manicured hands she uses to enunciate and express herself. Effervescent and composed, Manthe’s eyes are bright and…
One of the dominant aesthetics in Johannesburg culture is a focus on cultural-identity – and what does it mean to be African in this gritty and cosmopolitan city. Boosted by optimism about the future, this trend has influenced not only the cityʼs arts and culture, but has also filtered into everyday life, influencing the way…
The earliest existing use of the hashtag UMSWENKO can be found on a May. 31, 2012 photo posted by @1phiko (Phiko Mditshwa) a member of and digital co-ordinator for the rap crew Boyzn Bucks. The image posted was a screenshot of Siyabonga Ngwekazi aka “Scoop Makhathini” performing in Khaya “Bhubesii” Sibiya’s music video for the…
