Word from the editor My name is Mbali Nkosi, the editor of Culture Store magazine. The work this team puts in, to ensure that we’re always entertained, is mindblowing. Seeing most of these brands work together brings me so much joy because we don’t see much of that these days, it’s really heart-warming. I hope that all my lady readers had a beautiful women’s month. May God bless you all and may the support continue. Enjoy this month’s issue!
10 - 13 Introduction 16-23 New Brands 26-33 Capturing the momement 38-41 DBN Gogo 62-65 UNTAMED 66-71 Simon Says 72-73 CultureMuse
Wathint’abafazi Wathint’imbokodho. The saying has been carried out through generations ever since a group of women marched to the parliament to protest against the fairness of the system against wom-
en. The saying simply translates to “if you strike women, you strike a rock”. This symbolises how strong women are. This month we celebrate women and their courage to face everyday circumstances, sure we usually say that the man is usually the pillar of strength but it is usually the woman who makes the house a home.
Women’s day is celebrated on the 9th of August every year in South Africa, and international women’s day is celebrated on the… . What would we be without women in this country? The country would perish for they are what holds us together. In every political party, learning institution, event, business, and organisation; there is always a woman present. We can say that it is for balancing the ratio or some quotas that has been implemented to avoid any bias or stereotypical views from the public, but no. Women provide some sort of balance and when they are present in an environment. Women bring out the best in men! It goes without saying, for years and years, generations upon generations and in all species. The male species always want to prove themselves when around a female. Simply because men refuse to look inferior to the opposite sex. We see it everywhere: In clubs, where bottles and bottles of champagne, spirits and cognac are bought to attract a certain group or class of females.
In schools, passing the subject you do not like so that your crush is always impressed. In life, it has been believed that the man should always be the provider of a household and the female should work. Times have changed and every day women are getting more successful and to counter that men usually work harder.
It goes without saying that women deserve to be celebrated and appreciated because they are truly the rock that sink trouble and sorrow in an ocean of happiness and joy. Happy Women’s month to all the women reading this.
We welcome our newest brand to the family and to the market of local clothing brands – ANX. As you know, we always strive to give you the best content and fresh brands. And we never dissapoint
H
ere’s a word for the creators on what the brand is really about and the inspiration behind it.
“ANX” is short for “anxiety” it’s really just a clothing brand that aims to make “sick” clothing all the time. I grew up and lived with anxiety, and for some reason it only felt right to name one thing that doesn’t make me feel anxious, clothing, “Anxiety”. “Anxiety” is a clothing brand based in Pretoria, raised and inspired by the East Rand. It makes streetwear for anyone trying to spread love, peace and happiness into this world. ‘Skate-wear silhouettes and ‘hypebeast’ curation is one way of describing ANX clothing, but I don’t think that one description is enough. This is art; it’s supposed to be fun, free, controversial, weird, undefinable, and ANX clothing aims to bring that to the forefront”
@glayaimaginedit
@jr_ecko
@aboutyourperspective
Capturing the momemnt
Memories and moments are captured on your typical smart phone these days. Filters have replaced the beauty of editing. Likes and retweets and replaced the norms of capturing the essence of beauty. Has the art of photography been replaced? That will never happen in a million years, for the human eye, with the brain, is able to interpret true emotion and character and with the shutter being the cheery on top, candid camera images will forever be placed on top. Here to capture this issue’s moment is one of the best photographers
but honestly it all came down to the reactions I receive when I show people their photos. That’s what inspired me to join photography and dedicate the time and effort into this craft. I’ve never been able to express myself the way photography has allowed me to
Potchefstroom campus doing my final year
Back when I started photography it wasn’t the “cool” thing to do compared to now where you find people joining for all the wrong reasons, trying to get exposure, clout and even women, it’s hard to even distinguish the real from the fake, but how I make sure I stand out is by being authentically me, because as I always say “no one can be a better version of yourself “. I have my style of photography that I had to develop over the years, through hard work and
3. What kind of photographer are you?
I would describe myself as a Fashion and portrait photographer.
4. Nowadays everyone is into photography and being a 1. Who is Steven? creative. How do you make Stephen is a Nigerian born South sure that you stand out of the Africa based photographer, 23 years crowd? old. Currently a Student at NWU
2. What inspired you into photography? Generally, by the feeling of capturing the moment, people close to me would remember in my early photography days back when it was still a hobby, I was the dude constantly documenting everything for instance at parties, MDs and the valentine ball just to name a few,
determination that’s how people have generally been able to spot my pictures.
Lastly in terms of inspiration and people I look up to in this industry I would say the friends that I have gotten to make in the industry, 5. Growing up we all have that these are the people who push me to do and be better, some I’ve been one career that we want to aspire to. Was it always photogra- blessed to have met, the support they show for me on social media phy for you? is unmatched these people are 1) Actually, always wanted to be a tv Bokamoso Tlhape 2) Gus 3) David personality, just anything in media, Blaq 4)Wadinepe 5) Shotbyngezi 6) but the industry is so hard to get Ramiieg 7) Siobhan Brazier, just to into that it gets really frustrating. name a few , it’s a very long list As the years went by, I found myself loving the feeling of creating behind the camera than being in front of it. 7. Overtime a certain trend or
6. In this industry who do you look up to? Why?
I have a couple but when I got into photography in 2012 the leading name then was Thabiiso from “mellow photography” wow they really were top tier, their concept shoots and their portrait photography was A1. As the years have gone by the leading name in my books as always been Mr Cedric Nzaka also known as “EVERYDAYPEOPLESTORIES” I mean the name says it all, his ability to capture moments of the general people seen in Braam, their style, the faces, the emotions got to me, you can’t help but be inspired.
profession may become monotonous. What drives you away from boredom or mediocre in this industry? Once I feel like a certain type of photography is being used up a lot I always switch, I’m always trying to challenge myself. I won’t lie sometimes when I do feel comfortable that’s when I know I must switch up.
8. Life is just a... (finish off the sentence with a paragraph)
Life is a roller coaster ride, filled with joy, feelings of excitement, fear and even adrenaline. One moment you’re waiting for turn to just be
given a change, then to actually where you started, right back to feeling like you can conquer this being uncertain, then the cycle fear, that’s when the adrenaline kicks continues. in, you reach your peak and at a certain point you reach the highest point filled with excitement and joy, life then brings you right back to
Bambelela EP by
StarMation
1. Who is DBN Gogo?
4.When you started off with “DBN Gogo is one of the best upthis journey, there were obvicoming DJ right now, the most elec- ously a few obstacles that had trifying act on the decks right now. to be conquered. What are DBN Gogo is Mandisa Radebe’s alter they and how did you conquer ego.” them?
“the very first obstacle was finding 2. Why “DBN Gogo”? somewhere to practice; a platform, “the name DBN Gogo has an interas well as finding someone to teach esting story behind it; it’s a sex posime. Basically getting time on the tion…” decks was the first obstacle. But thank God I had Venom and Lash 3. What inspired you to become T that had places we could go pracan entertainer, a DJ? tice. I mean I used to drive to Jo“I have always been into music and hannesburg every Friday to go play that is what truly inspired me to be- at Stones in Melville, this was every come an entertainer. I used to sing, single Friday. This was just to get on play piano and I was actually in a decks and start playing, basically get dance group. I have done it all! Sing- my time to get to know how to oping. That is actually where my paserate decks properly. Even on Sunsion has always been my entire life; days, Lash T Sundays on a rooftop I honestly thought that I was going I would work in my hours and just to become a singer, but as time went play, there would be no one there in by, being a DJ made more sense to winter and I would just play there me” for hours. I think that was one of my biggest obstacles; getting to learn and later on getting people to trust and believe that I could play.
5.Being always in the spotlight is a drag as some would describe. How do you keep focus and maintain composure and a suitable image for the public? “I think that I am just a very calm person. I am a very “mind your own” type of person. I assume that I share a lot about myself, but there is whole other side that people do not know about and I would like to keep it that way. I know the art of being discrete and private about certain areas in my life. In this industry there are leeches; people who just want a lot from you and you have to be able to keep something to confide in.”
@papculturesa
6. Being a female DJ… (finish of the sentence)
you have to believe in yourself and you have to start today. That self“Being a female DJ... being a female doubt is never going to go away unDJ sucks. I am not a female DJ. I am til you and you find a home in this thing [the industry]. The industry is just a DJ” tough, ruthless and it is not fair, but 7. As you know we celebrating you are going to make it through as Women’s month. What message a young black vibrant woman. You are going to do the most. So start do you have for all young girls today.”
and women out there who want to get into the industry?
“You have to start, you have to go after it; you have to relentlessly chase your dream. No matter what, no matter who has to put you down;
Since it is Women’s month, it would be unfair to give the Brand of the Month to our very own member of the family; Nolandu Couture.
W
e are all trapped and domesticated in some way or another. You see it in the way we treat other people, speak to each other, live our daily lives and the way we dress on a daily basis. This thing we call life is taking a huge toll in all that we do. Are we really enjoying the disciplines and orders of daily living? We have become so domesticated and civilized. What if there was a way to let go and set free all that is entangles and chained inside us? What if there was a day dedicated to being wild and free? What if there was a day where morals and sanity was no more? The CultureFest team in partnership with Stripped Versions, ANX society and The pre-Release have conglomerated to bring you the best December event that is yet to come to the East Rand. Worry not if you are not from the East Rand, you too are also invited to this day where we purge away our domestic behaviours and let it all loose. Presenting to you UNTAMED. The perfect way to start of your December on a high note and maintain the level of insanity and liberation. Just to gain your trust and hearts it gives us great pleasure to introduce to you the great minds behind the event as a whole.
12 3
. Stripped Versions . ANX Society . The pre-Release
The pre-Release
celebration of our African triumphs and talents.ticktoThe Pre Release has The Pre Release was founded in found itself in bed with brands like 2017 and began its journey an onRedbull, OHYESLORD, Uknown line magazine and has grown into an edgy creative multimedia agency, Union, Stripped Versions as well as which then helps brands communi- FeelGood ZA. cate, differentiate and connect with Twitter: @theprereleaseSA Instagram: theprerelease their consumers. The aim of this platform is to showcase new talents, products and move makers. The multimedia platform does not only serve as a magazine but rather a lifestyle brand which uplifts and honors young creative’s in South Africa. Our philosophy demands that we set global standards for interactive communication. And of course, the
Stripped versions
or flight the stress. I believe this is one of the many reasons why women are special. Looking back into the last n every issue we make it our years and the challenges I have faced, mission to try and relate to as much people as possible when I was either fighting or not present at it comes to the culture and give all. My attitude at the time was that if I cannot physical deal with it,then leave you off on a satisfied mood. I leave it to life to discipline as it sees Stripped versions is a new way of communicating to people who have fit. I started so many things I did not finish. While on flight mode, I met famished souls and minds, people a girl then, a woman now, and she who are not moved by everyday motivations and compliments, it for shared a life lesson, that there is so those who seek for something deep- much peace in life when you accept er than the everyday life we experi- what is and prepare for what will be. I believe one day, we will have peace ence. Here’s a piece from Keletso Sibulele in life, but it will only come into place when men approach a woman’s stantitled: Peace of nature. dard with respect and understanding of her nature. I read once that when faced with Stripped Versions stress, women have a tend-and-befriend approach, and men either fight
I
Growing up there was always that one game we played as children, whether it be hide and seek or hopscotch. there was always something keeping us active and in our child-minded lane. The problem came when we grew up, we thought cast away all form of games and turned to social media and social status. In the Zulu culture they say: “ingoma emnandi iya phindwa” meaning a good song is repeated or played twice. But there is a new concept promoted in Pretoria; “umdlalo o’bewumnandi maw’buye” Games that were once nice/enjoyable should be revived. Socially Incorrect has lived up to that and they are bringing back Simon Says with a whole new twist. Join them a 442 every month and be ready for the best themed parties in South Africa.
Culture MUSE With the word Culture being thrown around back and forth, we hit the streets and asked people what does “Culture” mean to them just to get an idea on people’s perspectives. Buddah Brothers “Culture to us means being able to express yourself without fear of being judged, first and foremost, [and] it is also an identity; a creative identity, that allows us to create and influence others” Social media handles: @koketso_tito @hloni_buddah @buddahbrothers
Keith Ngwane (Socially Incorrect) “Culture for me goes hand-in-hand with lifestyle, firstly. Secondly, it means understanding and respecting the behaviours and norms of the culture itslef in order for you to appreciate it or have the capacity to shift it because you can’t shift culture if you don’t know what culture is about. You have to respect it and understand it. Respecting and understanding how things work and the behaviours linked to it which result in a certain lifestyle because of the culture followed.” Social media: @keith_ngwane
Phumelele Thekiso “Culture means a lot to me, it is the main reason why I believe in the beauty of our present generation. Culture means redefining femininity with a street style inspired suit or changing what it means to be masculine with a soft pair of floral printed shorts. It provides a platform for me to wear and to be whatever I want to without feeling out of place. Culture makes breaking any stereotypes much easier for me and somehow connects us; the so called “disconnected youth” in a way that I believe nothing else will. To be honest, the culture is the freedom we have been seeking for a long time.” Social media: @black_ivory08
ANX “Culture means everything. It influences what, how and why [we] do what we do. The ideas and messages we put out are based on or executed via some form of cultural construct. Without culture a lot of things wouldn’t make sense, have the same value or mean anything.”