FIVE 75 Where youth culture lives.
The struggle continues
issue 04
JUNE 2018
PORN
Should it be taboo?
Colourism
Let’s just stop
Growing up
its a complete trap
The Struggle Continues
Finding foundation that fits you
Soweto Fashion Week May Mama Winnie’s soul rest in fashion
CONTENTS 1 5 6 8 12 16 34 40 44
FIVE STAR URBAN DICTIONARY COLOURISM DON’T DARE TO COMPARE FOUR WHEEL FACTS SOWETO FASHION WEEK PORN: WHY THE TABOO? THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES DON’T GROW UP, ITS A TRAP
FIVE Squad Editor in chief
Billicia The Unicorn Khosana
Creative Director Nkanyezi Gumede
Marketing Director Lawrence Adams To advertise call 074 8533702
J U N E 2018
Contributors
Bilicia The Unicorn Khosana Bokang Shika Dawn Barendse Lawrence Adams Nkanyezi Gumede Tsholofelo Molosi (On Cover) Klosette designs
H
Editor’s note
ey Unicorns. Keeping with the theme of this month’s issue, I thought to share my own struggle and how I got to where I am now, coming from a conventional background and pursuing a career that is not conventional at all. A few months ago I was stuck in a dark place, belonging to a faculty that didn’t belong to me, failing and feeling dumb. I as in a place where I was finding myself unable to see light at the end of the freaken tunnel. I kept asking myself “what are you even doing, B?” I got lost between “you can’t quit” and “finish what you started” and “mum and dad won’t approve” and completely lost sight of my own life aspiration. myself having to explain exactly why I should be young and have some peace and happiness. I shut the world out and stopped thinking about what people will think about me and zoomed into what I wanted for myself. People will always have something to say. So, I dropped out of a course I was a year from finishing to pursue my writing, which was exhausting. I cannot believe how strenuous changing courses still is. I was sending emails and getting email addresses as responses, I attended sessions with student advisors, getting sent from one person to another while praying NSFAS doesn’t kick my failing ass to the curb and at the same time constructing the speech I was gonna tell my family about dropping out and starting something new The minute I decided to follow my heart and my passion I got my release. So then I broke the course-drop news to mum first and she embraced my new attitude and believed in me. My dad however was not for it. I chose to do what feels right for me. I am happy to report that I am doing just fine. Fast forward six months later I’m attending SOWETO FASHION WEEK, where my writing has brought me. I have to learn to trust God and His timing and also to trust my universe to align itself for me. I was now officially on my way, and I was happy.
Bilicia Khosana
FIVE STAR
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ENTERTAINMENT/ URBAN DICTIONARY/ TRENDS
TRENDING 10 years of subliminals
The Drake and Pusha t beef has been simmering for well over a decade now, with subliminals recently the two started to engage in open hand rap combat leading to the release of fire tracks and secrets. The beef is wasn’t initially drake vs pusha it was basically a fight between camps and it was already
Khothini
Boss Zonke, Mr makhado, king Khothin, Ricky rick stunned the twitter streets with the outfit he wore to the summers, leaving black twitter with mix feelings about his attire with some applauding him for challenging the status quo and introducing us to the international scen, while we others were ready to throw him away.
FIVE STAR
Total shut down
Total shutdown is a march by South African women against the recent acts of femicide that have seen 63 women brutally murdered by their male counter parts. South Africa’s rate of femicide is on of the highest in the world.
Queen by Minaj
Nicki Minaj release the art for her new album Queen where she is clothed in Egyptian styled beads sitting in an uncomfortable position on a branch. She still slayed though.
Jay and bey intimate photos
Pictures of jay z and BeyoncĂŠ in bed with beyonce in nothing but a thong and jay smoking what looks like a cigar have been doing the rounds. These images are from their tour book and also include images of Remy and Sirthe couples new born twins, pictures of them renewing their vows and their family.
FIVE STAR
You ROCK my world
Twitter was unforgiving when AKA brought to their attention accusations of ex girlfriend Bonang Mathebe having placed river stones in his wardrobe. The memes that materialized from there are too funny.
Big and Chunky
Big and chunky sneakers are seen as a statement and are being worn more often. From the balanciaga sss to the yeezy wave runner 7000 all those shoes dominated 2017 andpaved the way for bulky shoe. It didn't start there it was Raf who reinvented an old adidas sneaker. This has also made us rethink therelationship between trousers and shoes
Vintage Street wear
One of the most recognized styles in South Africa is vintage or vontage street fashion. The reason why vintage is so cool is because not only does it bring back memories for the person who is wearing it but it Lso sparks nostalgic feelings for the people around you and look like the poster child for the only 90's kids
URBAN DICTIONARY
Ma 2000
Children born from the year 2000 onwards. They are seen a ignorant.
Petty
(1) sing trivial events, things or actions an excuse to be childish, upset, uncooperative or stubborn
Ai, ma 2000 think they’ve made it in life (2) A person who habitually overreacts.
Rimming
he act of using the tongue on the anal rim of another person in order to gain and/or give sexual pleasure. If he wipes his ass well I’ll give him a good rimming.
Bathong
A word used to show shock or as an exclamation. Bathong! you ate all the meat?
Lebo is just being petty.
That thing A trait that is really good but also very inexplicable.
I don’t know why I like him so much, he just has that thing.
Sway
A term of endearment that can be used in place of “fam” Anne: 3 + 4 = 6 Thabo: how sway?
Lit
A word use to describe something that is really good, turned up or popping Ay that party last night was so lit
Colouri C By Lawrence Adams
olourism is the mindset that light is right and that being of a darker skin tone in the black communities (African, Indian and Coloured) is frowned upon by other black people. It is the root of #TeamDarkSkin, #TeamLightSkin and our efforts to normalize dark skin with the #MelininPoping. Let me give you some context about why this topic hits home. I am a dark skinned colored male who during his years growing up in a predominantly coloured community has suffered at the hands of both colourism and texturism ( the whole fus about the texture of your hair, mara that one we will talk about some other time). My ordeal not only made me uncomfortable with speaking my home language (which happens to be Afrikaans) and openly enjoying the culture of being both mixed raced and multicultural. So yellow bones, red bones and dark bone,
sm
here is why our obsession with skin tone is destructive. Discrimination on the basis of colour is a colonial ideology that was used to suppress our people - this is not an old colonism rant, it is just facts. So us allowing such ideologies within our communities is an indication that our community has a long way to go in order to undo the abusive ideologies instilled in us. Now you may be under the impression that constant criticism on the colour of your skin should not phase you and you would be proudly whatever skin colour you are but with all honesty constant criticism leads to low self esteem over something you cannot change. Now let us get this straight, the colour of your skin does not make you better than or less than anyone of a different skin tone. It is all a myth, there are no benefits that stem from the tone of your skin, well besides those that society impose on us. All these wide spread insecurities about the amount of melinin that your skin contains is leading our people into a slippery slope of skin insecurity which made so many people lighten their skin and polarized black communities into #TeamDarkSkin and #TeamLightSkin. So how do we stop all this bull? We just stop! There is no process, no special formula that has to be implemented, no savior that will rescue us from ourselves and us constantly belittling ourselves.
DON’T DARE BY
TO COMPARE
NKANYEZI GUMEDE
S
o you’re 20 something and nothing seems to be going right in the world... well, at least not for you anyway. That girl Tshepi that you went to high school with is getting married in a month to the man of her dreams but where’s your soulmate?
and share” syndrome pulsating within our generation. Other people’s lives not only become an interest
to eat away at your confidence. You might start questioning your life when really the answer has been before you this whole time, this is YOUR life, not theirs and as such, it is okay if you make your progress and not theirs.
“There’s mo point comparing yourself to someone else”
but a distraction and an unrealistic That guy who you did measurement of a group assignment achievement and with last year just it usually all goes got a permanent downhill from there. position and has their own apartment but where’s your call back for the interview?
Now, this is not only for those of you who feel like you’re lagging far behind but also for you cool kids who seem to be making it in life.
“If you were You do not need meant to to start hiding and bad about your live their life feeling achievements just you are a bit you would.” because ahead of your peers,
It is so easy in this day and age to get caught up in the progress of other people’s lives that it becomes difficult for us to be free to enjoy where we are in ours. With “Desire to know
That is when the comparisons start to eat up all your waking thoughts and the self-doubt starts
in fact, put it out there so we can celebrate you. However, please allow us to hema, give us a chance, data is expensive.
There is no point in comparing yourself to someone else. It does not matter your relationship with them, they are still a separate being and will operate as a separate being
If you were meant to have their life, you would. Always remember that every single stage in life has its purpose. There is a lesson you are meant to learn here and a lesson that should not be taken lightly because whatever you
learn in the come up is what will keep you going once you have blown up.
“The life you were given is the life you are strong enough to live�
FOUR WHEEL
FACTS by Bokang Shika
1.
The founder of Lamborghini, Ferruccio The very first breaking Lamborghini, started system was invented by off designing and Bertha Benz, the wife of Mr. making tractors. Benz himself
2.
3.
Here are some facts you can brag about
AMG stands for Aufrecht Melcher Grossaspach, the surnames of former employees at Benz that decided to start a modifying company that would eventually reunited with the 3 point star.
The Volkswagen Group owns Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, Lamborghini and Ducati.
.4
5.
In SA. you can attach flamethrowers to your car to protect it against carjackers.
6.
About 75% of the cars ever produced by Rolls Royce are still on the road.
7.
Enzo Ferrari, like many more before and after him, has cars named after him.
80% of the time having a car gets you the girl.
8.
Bonus fact
Joy is in the journey
MAY HER S
FAS
OUL REST IN
HION
T
his month we were invited to SOWETO FASHION WEEK’s Autumn/Winter show. We were the smallest media company there, the smallest and probably the youngest, with only 3 issues released but look at us now, doing the most. The week kicked off with a press conference and us getting our first glimpse of fashion week. This covered the theme of the show which was based on the late struggle icon that was Mama Winnie Mandela in Autumn/Winter. The show was hosted in Kliptown, Soweto, where we got to meet the founder as well as some of the sponsors (some we missed cos they were a bit nervous about the venue). We also got to meet some of the designers and models, had some good food, and got treated to a preview of the clothing. The press conference also covered what was to be expected from the sponsors and especially from the founder and the key sponsor, Darling Hair Extensions. They were particularly looking forward to working with local and authentic brands and to seeing the Winnie Mandela theme come to life. All of this while promising empowerment.
The first day of the show, we were all ready and geared up from all of the excitement and networking of the previous day, only to be alerted, an hour and a half before the show was set to start, that the first show was cancelled “due to circumstances beyond our control”. Yep. But, oh did they bring it on the next night. Day two. The setting is coming together, the Afrocentric theme coming together, the team is on form and the cameras are being set up, meeting people to talk to, the models are everything, looking like they taste finer than wine. The designers are frantic, the other media houses
are there and it is all systems go for fashion week. We managed to get a few words in from Mr Stephen Manzini who is the founder of Soweto Fashion Week. Stephen talked about his excitement of working with authentic designers and locals. He also spoke on the increasing quality of work that he has seen in the designers and said that they encourage quality at the show especially now with clothes featured on E.tv’s Scandal and Rhythm City respectively. “There are a lot of struggles that come with SFW, the ins, and outs with the designers, the models, and sponsors.
“Stephen also spoke on the increasing quality of work he’s seen from the designers”
Sometimes one goes out, another needs to come right in and that transition, finding new people forms another struggle but it always comes together at the end of the day. The challenge for any leader is letting people go because you get attached but that comes with the job because not everyone will be with you all the way. Business is business. Next step from the fashion week, I envision a three thousand capacity and getting a stadium as a venue for the show. I believe that we should all work together to push our industries, working together to get people to buy local brands.�
MME WE
Can I just say, “Ooh curves!� Curvy. Curvy. Curvy. Embodied the Mama Africa theme. Lots of vintage touches. Browns, blacks, pinks. Army greens. Reds. Vintage tracks. Thoroughly enjoyed this collection done by a plus size designer, designing for plus size figures.
Klosette
Mama Winnie tribute. Brought in a live singer to usher in the model. With Mama Winnie tributes in the African print and in the ANC victory sign on the back of some garments. They brought us South African colours, some blacks with touches of African print. SLAYING US DARLING! Each garment has a letter which spells out the name Winnie on the back and shut down the show.
Dope
Serving us a new take on mixing casual/ hippie style with formal wear and infusing sports wear and semi-casual wear all in one. Bringing Pantsula style back in but for girls. Over-sized garments for everyday street style. Lots of mixes and fun outfits. Turn up!!!
Row Leatherworks
African themed night, lifting my spirits with their handbag range. Yaaaaaas bags!!! Contrasted against blacks and African print and offering a unisex range of fashionable bags. Bags!!! All shapes, all sizes. Leather and face prints, suede. Suitable for any occasion.
Kiss afrothentic
Saw some appreciated plus size surprises. Bold colorful dresses for evening wear. Greens, pinks and reds. Prints, prints and even more prints. Beautiful his and her traditional wear. The leather two-piece from this collection gave me life and the Showstopper! Dying!
Chilidzydee
Solid salmon-colored dresses comprising of evenings wear style dresses and two pieces. Burnt yellow oversized dresses. This line is great for everyday stylish wear.
FDB
We got to speak with the colourful designer, Sibu, who also owns a shop in Rockville about his experience with Soweto Fashion Week, being a designer and his brand. He gave us beautifully abstract jean pieces, printed jeans. Very abstract yet beautifully printed jackets, FAM. “My struggle and most important struggle is being awesome [laughs]. As a black kid, I never had someone to look up to and to show me how to do this. I used to go to the ladies that did curtains and couches in the hood to learn and I have set myself up in a position to be able to teach others myself, on weekends because if I don’t do it, no one will.”,
Konka Republic
Who gave us army greens, earthy tones. Army prints. Very ANC. VERY WINNIE MANDELA STRUGGLE. Printed jeans styled with trendy bags. The detail on the pieces, fam! Beautifully executed.
Dizayina Colour!!!!! Winter collection. Sportswear vibes. Wools. Two pieces. Lots of color patches. Ndebele prints. African prints. Very entertaining. Pleasing to the eye.
G-looks
Who gave us their interpretation of street royalty. Grecian royalty. Lots of solid white with touches of browns, golds, army greens and slivers. Vintage feel. Toga feels. Army green. Greek god vibes Robyn hood. Entertaining collection.
Colour in Autumn.
A Winnie Mandela theme with a hint of school uniform. More of a summer collection maybe? Creative in mixing different textures and colours. Enjoyed the men’s collection and the Showstopper just murdered me. A lot of mixed textures. Amazing.
Molemo Apparel
Who showcased a Winnie Mandela dream line, loved every single piece that came out on the runway. Emphasis on the shoulder because of how much Winnie carried on her shoulders. Delivered. Lots of Browns. Truly presented the theme. Truly embodied Mama Winnie. Jaw on the floor. Amazing! Drink me all in Mollimo with this collection. Who cried mommy tears as she walked passed her collection and a standing ovation.
We spoke to some models to talk about their involvement with Soweto Fashion Week and their struggles. Simba Gozo “Apart from being discriminated against and not being able to get a lot of gigs, everything has a been a struggle [ chuckles]. I like to say though that all challenges can be overcome and that nothing ever comes easy in life. If it comes easy then I don’t want it. I like to work and challenge myself.”
Boitumelo Mogale ““My main issues have been people who assume that the only reason that I am modeling is that I have confidence issues which is not the case. There is a sense of pity that comes with being a plus-size model, people holding their breath thinking that she is gonna fall on the runway. We are just as equivalent and qualified and capable as any other model.”
Florah Maphutha
“a was hard for me. I had no-one to guide me when I started out in the modeling industry and in being a brand. I had to build my confidence, learn about castings, all the Ins an Outs of being a model. Funny story is that I was rejected twice before for Fashion Week but hey, that never stopped me as I have always wanted to walk on that ramp and I did. Be You. Always Stay true to yourself. Work hard at whatever path you choose in life and never give up on your dreams or goals. If you don’t have an agency, get mentorship, it is very important earn from those who can guide you
Anneline from Darling Hair Extensions
“My main struggles in being in this industry as someone with Albinism is being discriminated against because of the colour of my skin. I was recently in another show where the director told me that the only reason I had gotten cast was because they felt sorry for me because of my skin, they think that I am less of a human or needing self-esteem. Another struggle I face is the judgment I face amongst my own people, being black and albino. Being on this stage shows how comfortable I am being in my own skin. My advice is to start at the back of the line and understand that there is more to this than the glamour. The industry is very tough, I have not blown up yet but to be where I am, I have faced challenges and have broken barriers. Work hard and remember that someone is always watching. “
Nolwazi Snowee Simelane
“As a young model, it is very difficult to keep your body fit and the way it is required and that has been my struggle. We young people love to cheat on our diets. My advice would be that if you love modeling don’t hold back because you think you’re not good enough or because of what the society might say. Learn as much as you can from fellow models and you’ll be on the right track.”
Being part of Soweto Fashion Week was nothing short of exciting, entertaining, tons of socializing and hard word work. Everyone who is involved has faced some difficult times and encountered but have also had to overcome hard challenges. From the founder of the show, the sponsors, the designers, the media, the models, everyone showed perseverance and passion for doing what they love.
Our cover story this month was made possible by our resident stylist and contributorLoyiso Negustyle Dyantyi, otherwise known as Lord X photo by Gilly Gilmohr
PORN
WHY SHOULD IT BE TABOO?
N
ope, I’m not talkin’ about word porn, I’m talking about that CD that your friends came with and y’all would huddle up and watch it when your parents were not home, or back in primary on that v360 (don’t act like yall don’t know). The fact that our parents are not straight up popping out an eggplant and a peach and start the good old ‘birds and the bees’ speech, makes us want to explore porn moreto understand how sex works.
That is a word that most people shy away from. We can even go as deep as calling it taboo, the forbidden-the stuff of nightmares… okay, maybe not the stuff of nightmares but close. The idea of watching porn or even talking about porn to some people is unthinkable. It feels uncomfortable. We fidget and we become on edge. You know, like when that steamy sex scene comes on and moms and pops are there and all of a sudden everyone is acting some type of way. Weird requests are announced, you will find the old man asking if you ironed his car. And then, on the opposite spectrum, we have people who just don’t mind porn at all. What if such could be avoided though, you know, the awkwardness that
is porn? Should it be considered taboo and awkward at all? I mean an iconic rapper like J Cole said a mouthful on his album and we could all relate, and how else can you know what you don’t know if you don’t explore what you wanna know. Should it be taboo? Should we shy away from it? I mean that
is how we came into this planet. We might as well learn how its done the porn way and as pleasant and pleasing as possible. We have to see it as one of the millions of opinions absorbed by our minds. We deny the fact that we watch porn faster than a premature dad denies their kid. It
found the benefits that watching porn can bring and of course, the side effects. Apparently, it is healthy. Correlations having been found between the people watching and the increase in sexual satisfaction. The research found showed staggering conclusions, finding a considerable percentage of people both male and females involved in selfpleasuring activities. Studies also showed that watching porn relieves stress and cuts shouldn’t be a secret. It is the same concept cortisol which the as our parents hiding brain releases when you are stressed AF. sex from us and then getting surprised when Its known to cause the brain to block their bundle of joy brings another bundle your problem-solving abilities. of joy home. But, yes there is a but Porn, like liquor, can be abused and should there is always a but, be enjoyed responsibly. the side effects are cause for concern, Believe it or not, a addiction being the deep dive into the main culprit. We are internet has had us striking gold when we more than likely to be
controlled by sexual desires and this just opens up a can of worms such as violent acts of sex and it could also mess up your sex game. Chris Rock once said, “just because he came doesn’t mean you made him come”. So my beloved youngin’, as the youth, nothing should be too taboo, for the sake of us and the generation that follows. But hey, it is all up to you and most importantly, you have the right to just say NO.
The Struggle Continues
By Dawn Barendse
“B
eauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Yes, definitely. But, it doesn’t help when the makeup assistants at beauty stalls don’t recognize our existence. Once upon a time, I went foundation shopping with a friend of mine about two weeks before our matric ball. We made a stop at Woolworths and were told that a full face trial would cost us R50 each. I refrained because I had already booked an appointment with a makeup artist for the big day but my friend chose to participate. My friend is dark and gorgeous like Black Panther’s Lupita but the assistant at Woolies ended up lacing her face in a shade labeled, “caramel”. Now, I was no expert and I still am not, but even I knew that could
not be right. Let’s just say that I could not deal for the rest of that day. So, to save my fellow brothers and sisters from foundation horrors, here are a few tips to assist you in choosing the right shade for your skin.
matches the color of your neck. Take a picture with the flash on to see whether or not your inner ghost appears. Ps. We don’t want it to. Make sure the foundation is well blended when following the above Take a drop of steps. It can be blended foundation and do a out with your finger. swatch from just above your jaw down to your Finding the perfect foundation shade has neck. Do a swatch on the always been one of inside of your arm, my top struggles and the color on the inside has been a struggle for of your arm usually many of my friends as
well. It is essential to get it right since it covers 90% of your face. Another struggle that is real in the makeup community, especially if you are balling on a budget, is finding a good and affordable liquid liner and mascara. I mostly found liquid liners that become so dry that small cracks start to form in the wing – SO HOW AM I SUPPOSE TO FLY? I have also found mascara so thick that you would swear birds
are nesting on your eyelashes. MY BIGGEST TIP: Save money babes. Invest in an Essence Mascara. They are all pretty decent and the cheapest one goes for about R59.99 and it can also be used as a liquid liner. I know, I know WTF? That was my reaction too when I heard about it the first time. Check out this ‘hack’ video that I did on my Instagram page to show you how to accomplish this. Just search for Dawn Brandse.
Don’t grow up, its a trap By Nkanyezi Gumede Photo by Hanna Morris
W
hat were we thinking? We should’ve just stayed children playing soccer in the streets and working only for some sweets. That was the good life right there. Now we’ve got debit orders and student loans to look forward to rather than a hug from mom or watching cartoons until 22;00 and then feeling like such a grown up because you stayed up late. But what’s the point of all this nostalgia? Why am I chauffeuring you down Memory Lane and Take Me Back Avenue? Well to show you that although its mired in struggle adulting can be pleasantly rewarding… well if you work really really hard, discipline yourself, cut yourself off from a bunch of friends you don’t need and sell your soul to a corporate job that allows you to have the things you’ve always wanted on condition that you must depend on them in order to have the life you want to live…
Wait that doesn’t sound right (insert thinking emoji here) surely getting finishing matric then getting a degree and following that up with a good job and then starting a family is the true path to happiness and success… or is it? You see we’ve lived all our lives thinking that growing up means doing all these things and following a pattern set before time could ever learn what it is that makes us tick. The world today is working on the same rules that governed it centuries ago. Working hours are still based on the hours the sun spends up in the sky and we still go from place to place in an invention that was first created more than 120 years ago. What happened? Why have we stalled? Humanity used to innovate and create on a regular basis but it seems we have either become comfortable with how far we’ve come or we’ve run out of ideas… or maybe humanity as a whole just grew up. Who needs to imagine men flying when aeroplanes have already been invented? Who needs to imagine receiving televised content from around the world when we have television and computers? My guess is that we have stopped imagining and started growing. Humanity, you’ve committed that greatest sin of all, you’ve grown up.
“Humanity, you’ve committed the greatest sin of all, you’ve grown up.”
JEANS
The struggle of every woman with a pair of jeans the struggle of wide hi[s or proportion It’ll either fit well or you’ll jump up and down until you fit into exhaustion What if jeans had the ability to talk? Would you feel offended by what they had to say? Or would you feel proud? Would they want to hug you? Or would they feel disgusted by stretch marks they inevitably have to make love to? See the struggle of a hourglass figured woman running out of time because material suggests she should leave naked the struggle of a petite woman struggling to feelc confident in those jeans because they apparently have nothing to hide What if society told us beauty can be measured by jean size? Could we have remained naked? The struggle of every woman in this world, the threads jeans hold to deplete cellulite. for others exercise is not only found at the gym but also from fitting a piece of material and for others time isn’t such a factor… and nor are the threads. Tsholofelo Molosi
THE END