Perception vs Perspective ISSUE 4
Women's Edition Issue FROM
THE
BOTAKI
YOUTH
MAGAZINE
Content
COVER FEATURE ZOÉ MODIGA 5 Tshimollo Mnisi 10
BONTLE JUKU 13 NALEDYTHEACTIVIST 16
ANNICE GERBER 19 REFILOE LEPHEANE 22 SIPHESIHLE BONOLO MOLOKELE 25
ZOLEIKHA MOLEFE 27 JADE NTOKOZO BROWN 29
Editors Notes Each year August 9th is celebrated as Women's Day. Women's Day celebrates the strength and resilience of women and their contribution to society and the country. With the issue 4, we are celebrating all the young women who have been making their way towards success. Not only that but we also celebrate the role they play in the industry they're in. Women have come a long way and are certainly fighting to gain equality. As we grow older from a young age, we learn to adapt to specific gender roles and as we grow they become more evident and more important to our role in society. There is a lot of discrimination against the female gender. For example, the society and most career fields chosen by women which were believed that they were meant for men strongly puts females in a stereotype from the early career stages that women aren’t built or even meant for certain profession. My personal opinion on women's mobility in society is strong, considering I am a woman. I believe that women, regardless of how we are "supposed" to act, should have the same opportunities as men. " the story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights " - Gloria Steinem Your sister in struggle Onkemetse Gomotsegang Lekone
:
ZOE MODIGA Zoe Modiga is a female singer and songwriter born in Durban and raised in Pietermaritzburg and moved around quite a lot growing up. Her inspirations are vast and plentiful, but the human experience is the biggest inspiration to her. Reflecting people's lives in a way that creates space for them is a very affirming experience to her life purpose. Her music draws from the roots of roots of African storytelling, Jazz composition and Motown soul.
Were you born an artist or raised an artist? " I believe that artists are born with their gifts but it is up to them to nurture and cultivate the calling. I believe I always look to do that with my gift " Tell us more about your creative process " The creative process is not an easy one to explain, but I'd simply say that I get inspired then I document that " How do you think music can be a solution to a problem? " Music is usually a good way to get to the solution of most problems and ways of thinking, it just depends on the messaging of the music. That's where the power lies. "
Photography by Insta_calvin Styling by Zoe Modiga
BOTAKI
PAGE 7
INTERVIEW
" THERE'S ALWAYS A ROOM TO IMPROVE ONE'S MUSICALITY " Do you think you could get any better as a musician? And if so, how would you achieve that? “ There is always room to improve one's musicality because it's a journey with no real destination. It is bottomless. I always try to work on my weaknesses and nurture my strengths. “ How has the pandemic and lockdown affected your work and how did you manage to keep going? “ I think most of us are just trying our best to be innovative at this time, but really, there is a global pandemic so I wouldn't judge anyone for trying to survive that as a primary focus. “
PAGE 8
BOTAKI
MWhat advice would you give to an aspiring artist? “ There's a saying that always made my eyes roll that I actually now find myself understanding a lot deeply, it says, "Stay true to who you are, everyone else is taken "
Are you currently working on something you'd like to share with your readers about? “ I released my sophomore album, "Inganekwane" this year and I have a few surprises up my sleeve. I'd love the readers to join me on this journey. “
TSHIMOLLO MNISI
Tshimollo Mnisi, is a visual artist born and bred in Attridgeville, Pretoria. She was raised by her grandmother, aunt and mother, three powerful women that still have a great influence on her work today. From a young age she always enjoyed creating, from just colouring in to creating something unique with the objects that were in her surrounding.
BOTAKI
INTERVIEW
"IN MY ART I ADVOCATE FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS" What prompted you to take up art in the first place? “ From primary I always enjoyed going to the art class because for a change I didn’t have to try so hard to fit in, like I would in other subjects. I remember in grade 7 we had a career day and I dressed up as a fashion designer. I have always imagined myself as a creative but when I got to high school and started exploring with other mediums I was convinced that this was for me. In matric I won awards for the first time in my life and these were art related, this made me feel safe and accepted and I finally had a platform where I could express my thoughts and feelings. “
Do you intend for others to "see" and "feel" what you "see" and "feel" in your art? In other words, do you want others to get what you are saying with your art? “ In my art I advocate for women’s rights, fighting for fairness and also telling the predicament of being a women here today in this world. I aim to tell that story while being fully immersed in it, so therefore it is important to that the audience out there get to hear and see what I say with my art. “ What's a typical day like for you? “ I wake up, listen to a podcast and journal. Most of my days consist of completing art commissions and working on personal projects. “
@molliee_ How has lockdown impacted your creativity? “ This lockdown has honestly had some ups and downs. As a creative one has to learn to adapt and overcome these experiences. I personally didn’t handle it well in the beginning, I was very anxious and less productive through this lockdown but it got better with time, as one has to learn to work around things. “ As an art director, what is the most advanced skill you have acquired? “ I have learned to master my soft pastels, it is impressing me, but I would also like to expand and try out digital art. “ Are you working on anything you'd like your readers to know about? “ I’m currently working on a body of work for my post diploma, My work celebrates women, shifting focus on the real issues. “ What advice would you give to someone who wanted to have a life creating art?
“ Firstly, this is clichéd advice but it is as easy as that. Do what you LOVE! It’s a simple philosophy and it never sales, just make sure you do enough research about the arts for there are many more careers in the creative industry. “
BONTLE JUKU Bontle Juku is a visual artist, photographer and illustrator who was born in Pretoria and grew up in Centurion. She has always been passionate about visual art and it’s capacity to narrate and reflect on what is happening both within and around her. She draws her inspiration from observing the world around her especially when it comes to issues and conversations that revolve around blackness and black bodies. Her inspiration is also drawn from her spirituality and that constant journey she is on in that regard.
BOTAKI
INTERVIEW
How do you navigate the art world? “ Where I stand at this moment I believe I am still learning to navigate the art world especially since Covid and all the changes it is bringing within the creative industry, I am still in a phase of learning and adapting to this ‘new normal’. However beyond that I have always navigated this space by reflecting back on the artists and visual storytellers that came before me and how they treated their subject matter and creative process. In doing so I aim to apply the same notions and treatment in my work when reflecting the present because I truly believe that the past does inform and give lessons about the present. One needs to know where they come from in order to understand where they are going. “ Do you strive to be unique in your creative endeavors? Please explain. “ I aim to be honest and true to myself in my creative endeavours as much as I can. I’m not sure if that makes me unique though but that mode of working definitely is beginning to inform my own personal aesthetic throughout my photography and my illustrations. “
What does your work aim to say? “ In my work I aim to comment on social issues especially those that affect the black body and recent months more specifically focusing on black women. Overall I want my work to communicate and celebrate the multifaceted, unique and beautiful nature of blackness and the black identity beyond the stereotypes. “
As a photographer, What is your favourite subject to photography? “ I love to photograph people. Especially when they are interacting with one another in common spaces.“ What did you have to develop, try or learn to throughout your journey? “Throughout this journey I have had to develop my own voice as an artist and the ability to stand firm in what I have chosen to say even when people may not like what I am saying or how I am saying it. In that also I have learned the power of believing in and trusting myself first before seeking affirmation from elsewhere. “ If you had all the time in the world and unlimited financial means – would you create the same art you create today? Or would you create something different? “ If I had all that I would definitely focus more on making conceptual work. I would be creating mainly fine art photography and less commercial work as fine art is my first love in terms of creativity. Ultimately I am working towards and aspire to be recognised as a conceptual fine art photographer. “ Is the end result more important than the process? Or the process? Or are they equal? “ For me both are equal, the two rely on one another. “
@theeartisticmind
NALEDY BOLEDI
Naledy Boledi Seledi, better known as Naledytheactivist is originally from Polokwane, but currently residing in Johannesburg due to work and school. What inspired her was the living conditions she was exposed to around her environment and it propelled her to look deeper into why the current system we’re living in is created but not benefiting those who live in it.
BOTAKI
INTERVIEW
"SILENCE WILL NOT PROTECT YOU." What does it mean to you to be a feminist ? “ It means to advocate for women’s rights in the political, economy and social facets. “
What is your opinion of ‘sexual objectification’ – portraying women (or men) as objects of sexual desire? “ It is not a new thing; it has been within our society since the colonial times. The white man perpetuated so much of that behaviour unto black women because our grandmothers were looked at as slaves and sexual toys to be used whenever they felt it, as they felt entitled to it. It built up from generation to generation and the black man adapted to that behaviour and black women including women of colour were taught their bodies are not theirs but for men. There is so much psychological, emotional and spiritual havoc that it caused and needs to be dealt with from both parties. “ What does your work aim to say? “ Your body is an embodiment of life, creates life and is dangerous both to the world and yourself because
because you’re tiptoeing around what the system and the society chooses to want to hear and see. “
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power? “ I don’t have an early experience in particular, but throughout my work I’ve learned to understand that the context within language can either make or break a society and also it can be misunderstood depending on how you relay the context. Hence I always say that it is greatly important to say that will build the world in which we are currently in, not forgetting those who don’t have access to mediums of communication and education, being the less privileged. “
they don’t want to see you exercise your agency if it isn’t for male pleasure. Hence they try by all means to silence you. “ As a film writer, do you have any responsibility to culture? Do you feel that being a creative person requires that you give back or tell a particular story or not do
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process? “ Creating and having my work misunderstood. That is the only hurdle I’m currently trying to manoeuvre around. “
something else? Why or why not? “ I decided to be a film writer because I saw a gap in the industry that needs to be filled. This gap is telling stories on Black women, Black struggles, the LGBTIQ+ so raw without taking on different perceptions and deciding they are their reality
What's the best advice you've been given? “ Silence will not protect you. “
@NALEDYTHEACTIVIST J
ANNICE GERBER Annice Gerber is a makeup artist who was born in Pretoria and lived most of her life in Johannesburg. Living in the city exposed her to a lot of inspiring things. “ I began taking art classes from the age of 4 and played the cello and the piano throughout primary school and high school. My family members are all very creative in their own way and they’ve definitely had an influence on my journey. With makeup I draw inspiration from a lot of different things. When doing looks on myself, I like using anything from patterns to textures, fashion, art, people or characters! My professional work often trends and pop culture. “
BOTAKI
INTERVIEW
“ MY STYLE PHILOSOPHY IS ACTUALLY NOT TO HAVE A STYLE. I WANT TO BRING SOMETHING DIFFERENT ALL THE TIME AND CHALLENGE MYSELF. " Are you comfortable with different ethnicities? “ Yes I definitely am, I think is mandatory for all makeup artists to be comfortable working with all ethnicities. In the beginning of my career I worked for MAC Cosmetics at the Sandton freestanding store that had just opened. We would get such a variety of customers coming to the store every day. I was able to really practice my makeup skills on every skin tone imaginable. I loved it! “
What is your style philosophy? “ My style philosophy is actually not to have a style. I want to bring something different all the time and challenge myself. I love to experiment and try new techniques. “ How have you developed your career? “ I completed a professional makeup artistry course and started working as a freelance artist. When I started, I took on every opportunity I could, I was so eager to learn so I said yes to everything. That quickly exposed me to different people and I was able to learn at a fast pace. I also had a clear goal in mind. I wanted to work backstage at Fashion week so I started chasing that goal. I worked backstage at my very first Fashion Week in 2014 as part of MAC’s Events team. I have continued and done over 25 fashion weeks since. I’ve also keyed shows for designers. My experience backstage has made me a better artist and prepared me for a lot of challenges. Overall, I enjoy learning, so I continue to look for opportunities to develop myself. I attend masterclasses where I can and look at what people in my industry are doing overseas. “
What's your favourite thing about what you do? “ That’s a hard one, I truly enjoy so many aspects of my job. I think it’s the satisfaction of having a vision of something and seeing it come to life, that makes me really excited! “ What motivates you to work hard? “ The failures I’ve experienced growing up gave me a really strong drive to prove to myself that I could do something great one day. When I see what people are doing abroad, in movies, magazines and social media, it motivates me to really push my work further. It also makes me want to travel the world and work overseas which is still my ultimate goal. “ How do you make sure you are prepared for a hectic day? “ I make lists! I write down my plans for the day and what I need to pack in my kit. Putting it on paper makes it easier for me focus. I also sometimes meditate before a hectic day and play my favorite music in the car on the way there. “ How has the pandemic and lockdown affected your work and how did you manage to keep going? “ Lockdown brought everything to a screeching halt, and it was quite an emotional roller coaster, but one positive thing that kept me going was doing creative makeup looks on myself at home and trying new techniques. I also attended some online classes to learn new skills. My work has definitely changed dramatically during this time and it has allowed me to express different aspects of my art. This has attracted attention on social media and has shifted the bulk of my work from bridal to creative/set shoots. “
@annicemakeup
REFILOE LEPHAENE Refiloe Lepheane is a young actress and entertainer who draws inspiration from everything and everywhere, from the books she has read, celebrities she listens to or anyone who strives to be a greater version of themselves. “ I am from a family that strongly believes in the school/educational system, expected to go to school, varsity then get a job. When I decided to step out of that “program” it was very hard for them to support my “ridiculous” dream, but all I needed was me to believe in myself. “
BOTAKI
“ I’M OPTIMISTIC, THE FAITH I HAVE IN GOD IS IMPECCABLE. "
INTERVIEW
At what age did you realise that acting was an option for you? “ I was in grade 11, aged 16. When I joined my schools drama group as an extra mural. I was given a lead role, with no form of experience in acting. As Jocko Willink once said “there’s no growth in the comfort zone.” I had to push to my full potential, and when I aced that, I knew I was made for this. “
What has been a seminal experience? “ An experience that had a great influence in my dream was when I had an opportunity to showcase my talent in America at the IATS(International Arts Talent Showcase.) It was the thrill of chasing the unknown, not knowing if you’re going to make it or not but still fulfilling your purpose. “ What is your greatest strength? “ I’m optimistic, the faith I have in God is impeccable. I know for a fact I will never give up, no matter what comes my way. “
What’s the most challenging part of what you do? “ Not knowing what is behind this great mountain you’re trying to climb. “ If you had to change one thing in the entertainment industry, what would it be? “ To be quite frank, there isn’t anything I would want to change, considering the fact that this industry is like chasing after rejection. As it is based on talent and the audience preferences, nothing comes easy. I must point out though that there has been positive change for women working in the industry, even though there’s still a long way to go until things are truly equal. “ Word of advice to anyone who is trying to build their brand as an actor/actress? “ Don’t let them fool you, it’s hard! You need find yourself, know who and what you are, and shut the world out. By doing that, you’re building a wall that no negative remarks/comments on your work/effort could bring it down. Protect your energy. “
@refiloe.acting
SIPHESIHLE BONOLO MOLOKELE
ISSUE 4
Born and raised in Molapo, Soweto, Siphesihle Bonolo is a designer, artist, photographer and stylist but prefers to be called simply a creative being. Art has always been a big part of her life and growing up she has always been a different kid. While every child wanted to be a doctor, she wanted to be an Astronaut . " she has always been aiming for the stars from a young age" Growing up she developed love and passion for fashion, that’s when she wanted to take her art and communicate it through pieces of fashion.
In 2019 she established a long anticipated clothing brand called Aesthetic. Aesthetic is about her life because she is using the influence of fashion to communicate her art and stories that have never been told before, to her it’s not just a clothing brand, it’s a movement, a movement of impact and change.
Aesthetic is a high street fashion clothing label, meaning it merges high fashion and street style looks to make aesthetic pieces. The brand uses its inspirations like sub cultures, people, experiences to form a story or message. This brand is a movement and not just a fashion label.
ISSUE 4
The Aesthetic Season 2, " CREATE YOUR OWN REALITY, BE A ROCKSTAR " the idea behind this concept was created to let people see truth in finding their own purpose and turning their dreams into reality. The best way to live up to your true self is by not comparing your reality to other people's reality as well as to strive to be the best version of yourself while living the dream.
ISSUE 4
@jiggybombo @a_estheticofficial
ISSUE 4
ZOLEIKHA MOLEFE Zoleikha Molefe is a young female visual artist, graphic designer based in Pretoria. Known as a charcoal enthusiast her work is mostly done using charcoal.
ISSUE 4
@zayarts_za
Jade Ntokozo Brown better known as Theejadebrown is a young female performer and the founder of poetrynightsession who attends at the National School of Arts . She started the poetrynightsession earlier on this year. The poetrynightsession is a space to showcase talent and to motivate and inspire people.
BEAUTIFUL LADY IN RED Female dressed in red, dripping with honey and chocolate from her skin...
She swims in a pool of honey, as the summertime sun paints her skin gold. A powerhouse that can carry another human and give birth to a flower. A women carries the world on her shoulders. And for that she deserves to have a red carpet layered out for her.
Botaki
Wears a smile upon her face despite the challenges. She shares her story without fear. She's sweet like brown sugar. Like cocoa butter and affection
Botaki Youth Magazine is a digital publication which focuses on the Youth who are pushing their craft yet their craft is not recognized. The magazine aims to instill in readers, the need to bring forth their individual perspectives in order to create a unique perception of the art Botaki Youth Magazine holds in it. Thank you to Botaki Team and everyone who helped make this issue possible. For any collaboration/advertising or any other enquiries please contact us at botakiyouthmagazine@gmail.com