What a year, what a year! While I have counted more wins than loses, it has felt as though Mercury has been stuck in retrograde throughout 2024. An optical illusion of a year — Heita, GNU! Hola, second Donald Trump presidency! I have spiralled out of control more times than I care to count, but we are still standing. “I’m focused on the near and never what’s in the rear,” Big Sean once rapped.
I’m the version of Chris Martin in the music video of Fix You and my universe is stuck in reverse. My location pin at the moment? I’m waiting for Arrive Alive to come rescue me — I’m stuck on the side of the road after a car breakdown. You never know with the unpredictable 2024 weather; it might just start snowing at any moment.
Listen George, I condemn your viral retail rendezvous. Just like your wife and the rest of the internet, I too want to know, “George, where is the shoe?” But I have to say, that dumbfounded expression of yours, after having been caught with your pants down — my brain has been stuck in the same loops of “Yoh” the entire year.
From theEditor
Too many tabs are open on my internet browser — there are more than 20 and four are frozen. There is music playing and it happens to be Fix You by Coldplay once again. I think the music is coming from one of the frozen tabs, because I’m stuck on the verse, “When you try your best, but you don’t succeed. When you get what you want, but not what you need. When you feel so tired, but you can’t sleep. Stuck in reverse.” Someone re-lubricate the cassette tape (sorry Ma2K), can’t stand the high-pitched squeaking and whining.
Perhaps that’s why Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan is the anthemic hit of 2024 (and congratulations to Roan on her six Grammy nominations). It’s not just her self-awareness and the juicy lyrics about her tumultuous lesbian love affair that has made Roan’s song a hit. There is an emphatic feeling awakened in the final seconds of the song as Roan faintly and repeatedly belts out, “You’d have to stop the world just to stop the feeling.” That slowed-down tempo, followed by the pitch dropping by a semitone and finishing with Roan singing an octave lower, is devastating yet ethereal. If there were a sound to capture my year, that would be it. A complete meltdown.
As I barely hang on, waiting in anticipation for 2025 — battered, bruised, overwhelmed, and fatigued — this festive season I choose to wait out the storm. To recharge and elevate my spirit, I will reconnect with my inner child by watching holiday films. I dearly miss being curious about my feelings, loosening up, and practising joy. Growing up in Limpopo, we (my cousin Kgothatso Mathibela and I) used to have a holiday-film marathon, which opened us up to receive love, kindness, grace or joy. We are returning to that tradition. Some of our faves were Home Alone, Die Hard, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Love Actually. I will be adding a new feel-good to the watch-list — The Holdovers, directed by Alexander Payne with stellar performances by Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph in her Oscar-winning performance.
On rainy days, I also enjoy curling up on my couch with a cup of coffee and re-watching my favourite queer-romance films and series. Always guaranteed to leave me feeling crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, like the yummiest marshmallow treat, are Young Royals; Heartstopper; Moonlight; Call Me by Your Name; Cobalt Blue; Red, White & Royal Blue; A Moment in the Reeds; and God’s Own Country. I will also rewatch my favourite film of 2024, Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, with Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist.
To get you in the groove for the festive season, we have curated a buoyant Celebration issue anchored by fresh-faced musicians Filah Lah Lah and Lordkez, plus Skeem Saam actor Thabiso Molokomme. Fashion designer Mzukisi Mbane takes us through his holiday plans in his new home and the addition of Zion and Levi to the Imprint ZA family. Travel with me on a spiritual trip to Maison Courvoisier in Jarnac. Love is in the air with Miseducation actor Buntu Petse marrying her varsity sweetheart, electrical engineer Londa Mavundla — the couple just announced they are having a baby too. Then foodie Mpumelelo Dhlamini takes us through picnic-friendly recipes for an outdoor Christmas Day to remember.
To quote rapper Big Sean once again, “Look, all I gotta say is, what a year, what a year. I decided now that every year is our year.”
THE LEGENDARY BRAND CELEBRATES 250 YEARS OF ICONIC FOOTWEAR
In a salute to its 250 years of craftsmanship, Birkenstock has opened Art & Sole, a 280m 2 concept store at 44 Stanley, the heartbeat of Joburg’s creative community. Put your foot in it, you’ll know.
Designed as an experiential space, Art & Sole celebrates the unique history of the brand while also honouring local artists and designers, including Mpho Vackier, Naledi Modupi, and Mandla Thabethe, to give it a distinctly South African feel.
Step into comfort the Birkenstock way at Art & Sole until 16 December. Visit bashafrica.com for more information.
S.Mag is available with all copies of Sowetan newspaper, five editions a year PRINTED by Novus Print for Arena Holdings, Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Empire and Hillside roads), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193
In a global celebration of hyper-femininity, the runways of Giambattista Valli, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, and Viktor & Rolf were graced with super-romantic silhouettes, bows, voluminous petallike ruffles, and floral details. From coquette to ballerinacore, the mood channels a girly playfulness and softness with nude pinks, sorbet peach, orange, and angelic nudes. In makeup, the seasonal look is all about a pared-back approach by way of flushed cheeks, ultra-luminous skin, and pops of juicy colour on lips and nails. With Yardley Colour, it’s easy to create an impactful and polished look with only a few staple Yardley must-haves.
1.Trade in pink blush for this season’s trending hues — warm terracotta and salmon. Blend Yardley’s Blusher in Terracotta along cheekbones and nose bridge for a youthful flush, thanks to its creamy touch, buildable colour, and satin-matte finish.
IN BLOOM
2.Add a lit-from -within glow with Yardley’s easy-toblend highlighters in Champagne and Bronze Glow that create a natural luminosity, whether you prefer a sheer or high-shine application, along the high planes of the face.
3.Trust a swipe of Yardley’s Precision Liquid Eyeliner for stay-all-day definition, with its high-impact colour, quickdrying formula, and fine felt tip for precise lash-line application.
4.Let your lashes do the talking with Intense Lash Mascara, which coats lashes with ultra-black carbon pigment and has a rubber brush for a volumising effect. Come for the pigment but stay for the longwearing, parabenfree, peptide-rich formula that helps to strengthen and protect lashes.
5.Createnatural definition and fill in sparse brows with hair-like strokes using the Velvet Brow Pencil with its soft texture, powder finish, and gentle browenriching formula with shea butter and jojoba oil.
6.Whether you prefer a liquid or creamy formula, saturate lips in a soft salmon or rosy flush with Yardley’s Stayfast
Liquid Matte Lip
Vinyl’s ultra-matte finish and vitaminenriched formula or Stayfast Lipstick’s longlasting, nourishing, and protective formula.
7.Coat nails with musthave peachy orange. Skip the topcoat with Yardley’s Stayfast Nail Vinyl and its high colour payoff, vinyl-glossy finish, and longlasting formula.
1. New Yardley Highlighter in Champagne, R179.95 Yardley Stayfast Lipstick in Salmon, R179.95
Yardley
Stayfast Nail Vinyl in In Bloom, R79.95 4. Yardley Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Black, R159.95 5. Yardley Blusher in Terracotta, R179.95
New Yardley Highlighter in Bronze Glow, R179.95
New Yardley Stayfast Liquid Matte Lip Vinyl in Wink, R179.95 8. Yardley Velvet Brow Pencil in Woodburn, R144.95 9. Yardley Intense Lash Mascara in Black, R169.95
IN BLOOM
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MAKEUP: MADE YOU LOOK FROM SCI-FI EYES TO 1980S DISCO, STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD WITH THESE PARTYAPPROVED TRENDS
1.
Dancing queen:
The 1980s are back with a vengeance, and delicate cool blues are swiping their way onto an eyelid near you. From pale true blues to light turquoises, the mandate is soft, chalky, and frosty hues. Go for powder or creamshadow textures applied with abandon, and lean into the disco-diva aesthetic by layering eyeshadow with a frosty glitter for extra sparkle.
Try: Revolution Forever Flawless Dynamic Tranquil Eyeshadow Palette, R195; MAC Dazzleshadow Liquid Eye Shadow in Diamond Crumbles, R540
BE THE CENTRE OF ATTRACTION (AND THE COOLEST GIRL YOU KNOW) WITH TRENDS THAT SCREAM MAIN-CHARACTER ENERGY
3. Crimson upgra : With burgundy and oxblood slowly becoming the shades of the season, it seems a good time to dust off that red lipstick and give it a richer, more luxurious treatment. The trick is to wear it in unexpected ways: go for glossy, duo-chrome lipstick formulas or rich red lipstick layered with scarlet glitter toppers, or mix two contrasting red shades for an ombré effect or customised shade.
Try: The Body Shop Freestyle Multi-Tasking
Matte Colour in Real 15ml, R240; Fenty Beauty Gloss
Bomb Cream Color Drip
Lip Cream in Fruit Snackz, R470
2. The new ‘clean’ girl: The clean-girl aesthetic is letting loose as freshfaced coverage becomes more achievable. Think skincare-loving clean girl who’s had a little party fun and missed a few Zs. Skin looks pared back with a slight lived-in sheen (likely from the emergency application of a hydrating facial mist) but may have dark circles and blemishes that are minimally perfected with the help of concealer.
Try: Huda Beauty Easy
Blur Primer 30ml, R620; Yardley Stayfast Pressed Powder Sheer Matte Finish in Walnut, R240; MAC Studio Radiance 24HR
Luminous Lift Concealer in NC45 9ml, R670
4. Club d vision: Don’t freak out… Diesel just gave us the coolest sci-fiinspired, club-kid look to try this party season. Mixing artistry and SFX makeup, models were given eerie stares by way of coloured contact lenses with matching lashes and eyeliner. Go bold and add coloured contacts or skip them entirely and go for eyelashes and liner in vibrant, matching hues, such as blue, orange, or neon yellow, for a more wearable version.
Try: Fenty Beauty Flypencil Longwear
Pencil Eyeliner in Lady Lagoon, R565; Benefit BADgal Bang! Volumizing Mascara in Bright Blue, R515
ASHLEY WILLIAMS
Cool girl hair
1. Brat green: Embrace the “365 party girl” aesthetic with the offi cial brat calling card — acid green. This may not be for everyone, but for the die-hard brat girls it’s a must to fearlessly dye hair in varying shades of green, from chartreuse and acid to neon. Take the plunge with a full head of green locks, green ombré wigs or braids with green highlights. Consult a professional hairdresser if you want a perfect dye job and maintain hair health.
2. Just showered: Channel ultimate cool-girl energy with hair that looks freshly washed with no time to style it perfectly, wet from an ocean dip or slightly sweated out on the dancefloor. At Andreadamo, N°21, and Dhruv Kapoor, models sported hair that was brushed off the face as if combed through with the fingers, with a dampened, broken-apart texture and tousled, controlled frizz at the ends.
3. Princess hair: Take your cue from actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph with hair that looks ethereal, care-free, and hyper- feminine. With 2024 having been dubbed the “anti-bob year”, get Rapunzel-esque butt- grazing lengths styled in loose, ethereal waves. Whether you prefer wigs, weaves or braids, go for double-digit inches when it comes to length or add long clip-on hair extensions.
4. Clean-girl rows: Calling all the girlies who want to give clean girl with an edge this festive season. Mix the best of cornrow and goddess-braid worlds with cornrows styled into a low bun and weave two wavy hair pieces into braids, as when doing goddess braids, at the hairline to create wispy, face- framing pieces. Finish off by laying down baby hairs using an edge-tamer gel to give the style that super-sleek clean-girl feel with a twist.
5. Clip nostalgia: Why settle for just one hair accessory when cool girls everywhere are overloading their tresses with artfully mismatched accessories? Y2K snap clips, claw clips, and bows are given an editorial refresh when overloaded into buns, braids or loose hair. The key is not to over-think it — and steer away from having accessories looking too carefully placed. Keep placement along the hairline or scattered over the entire head, stopping in line with the ears.
THE COOL-GIRL CLUB HAS AN ALL-ACCESS PASS THIS SEASON AS HAIR CELEBRATES INDIVIDUAL STYLE, UNBOTHERED PLACEMENT, AND “GIRL’S GIRL” ENERGY
Drop earrings, R1 950, Swarovski 2. Prada sunglasses, R6 190, Sunglass Hut 3. Hoop earrings, R5 000, Swarovski 4. Versace sunglasses, R4 550, Sunglass Hut 5. One of Each clutch bag, R3 000, The Local Edit 6. Dorina lingerie, R329, Superbalist 7. H&M dress, R429, Superbalist 8. Shirt, R839, Zara 9. Pretty Little Things skirt, R829, Superbalist 10. Mia Mélange shopper, R1 350, The Local Edit 11. Necklace, R8 800, Swarovski 12. H&M top, R329, Superbalist 13. Karl Lagerfeld platform heels, R5 990, Europa Art 14. Mini wrap skirt, R769, Zara 15. Puma sneakers, R1 899, Superbalist 16. Shoes, R4 399, Birkenstock
1.
LEGALLY BOLD
production : LISO CEZA
photography : STEVE TANCHEL
text : EMMANUEL TJIYA
Heeding her parents’ wishes for her to have a legal career, Filah Lah Lah got her law degree from the University of Limpopo. But her heart always belonged to music, so, when her family urged her to practise law for at least a year (her older brother Karabo is also a lawyer), she decided to bet on herself instead. It has all paid off — she’s on a winning streak as one of the artists who have made local R&B new again.
“My dad did political science and became a diplomat, but I think he always wanted to be a lawyer and he sort of passed that on to us,” she notes.
The 29-year-old singer found her voice in varsity, after her roommate’s boyfriend had heard her sing and invited her to join a band. She thought she was going to sing backup and was more than happy to do that — Mariah Carey started as a backup singer. But, to her surprise, she was the lead singer and the band Redwood was formed. For most of her varsity years, they performed at campus events and at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World in Polokwane.
FILAH LAH LAH WAS ON TRACK TO BECOME A BIG-SHOT LAWYER, BUT HIT THE R&B NOTES INSTEAD
After graduating in 2019, she went solo with the release of her debut single, Feel’s Like. A year later, during the Covid-19 pandemic, she self-recorded her first EP, Filahsofy, on her smartphone using the Apple software app GarageBand. She then released a six-track offering the same year, with songs such as Defiant and Hate Crowds taking off with R&B lovers. In 2021, she followed with her breakup EP, We’re Gonna Be Just Fine, before she was signed by Sony Music Entertainment Africa.
“I don’t really talk about that one [We’re Gonna Be Just Fine] that much,” she says. “I don’t like that I spent that much time on that situation. Even the title was a sentence and you know, when there is a sentence, you are going through the most.”
Filah has since found love (more on that later).
Her 18-track debut album On Air dropped in April, featuring fan-favourites Past Myself, Ready, and Call Me, plus guest appearances by Blxckie, Patty Monroe, Ndabo Zulu, and Mars Baby. “The album is inspired by the media and how the media influenced my desire to become an artist, watching Destiny’s Child on TV and listening to The Cheetah Girls,” she explains. “On the album there are these radio skits that make your feel like you are driving in a car.”
Cover and below: Earrings, stylist’s own; long-sleeve shirt, R200; tooth-link necklace, R90, both Mr Price; double-layered T-shirt, R699, H&M; tennis socks, R169, Woolworths; Milano Big Buckle sandals, R3 999, Birkenstock
Stockists
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H&M
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Woolworths woolworths.co.za
Not only do R&B fans love her sound, but she has also gotten the nod from the SA Music Awards, Basadi in Music Awards, and Metro FM Music Awards.
“2024 has been challenging, meaningful, eyeopening, hilarious, and all about womanhood,” she says. “This is the first time when I could confidently say, ‘I’m fully a woman and no longer a girl.’ I love this grown version of me.”
Real name Reabetswe Fila Ranamane, she was born to a diplomat father and geography-teacher mother. Her stage name, Filah Lah Lah, is an homage to her grandmother, with whom she shares her middle name and who was nicknamed “Lala”.
“The first few years of my life, I got to travel and see the world, which is why I speak funny,” she says, referencing her hodgepodge accent. Filah spent the first five years of her life in Los Angeles and then lived in Indonesia for the next five. “Being introduced to different cultures in such aggressive ways moulded how I am with people and how receptive [I am] to everything,” she adds.
Her family returned to SA when she was 10, moving to Pretoria East. “I’m not going to say where exactly, because everyone is going to think that I’m bougie,” she laughs. “High school was when it was cemented that I’m South African. Don’t let the English accent fool you, ke motho wa mo gae [I’m fully South African]. I don’t think I ever fully fitted in, but I was accepted. I didn’t like school because it didn’t agree with me. I would have benefitted more from homeschooling. I was just not stimulated enough; I felt boxed in.”
Away from her budding music career, Filah has found love. “I have a great relationship,” she says. “He directed my visual album and he’s on his way to becoming one of the best directors in the country. That’s my bestie.”
Filah is most at home performing live. I first got a taste of her unique sound during an unforgettable experience in September when she staged an intimate concert at Untitled Basement in Braamfontein, Joburg, with fellow songbird Shekhinah cheering her on and singing along front row. Her joy onstage is genuine and contagious. For that reason, Filah’s big dream is to tour globally — that is, if she’s not too busy collaborating with her heroes Robert Glasper, Frank Ocean, SZA, Elaine, Tyla, and Lordkez.
text : EMMANUEL TJIYA
production : LISO CEZA
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LORDKEZ
: STEVE TANCHEL
INTRODUCING THE NEW PRINCESS OF R&B AND NEO-SOUL
ith a rich music catalogue yielding songs such as Judas, Glory, Holy Matrimony, Heavens Gate, Sunday, and The Lord’s Prayer, the artistic path of Lordkez is bursting with biblical metaphors, Christian tropes, spiritual overtones, and devotional undertones. The artwork for her debut album Testament includes themes of religious iconography, with a crown of thorns, a cross necklace, and a wimple covering her head.
The 25-year-old singer’s genre-fluid and distinct sound fusing R&B, neo-soul, and hip-hop makes her one of the most exciting names to watch, and she won her first SA Music Award (Sama) four days before her SMag cover shoot.
Real name Keziah Zoë Meyers, she was born in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, where she was raised in a religious household. One of her biggest influences is her grandfather, a priest. Her mother and father played the pipe organ, later teaching her to play when she was in the church choir.
“I fell in love with music then. My mom listened to a lot of India Arie and Whitney Houston — that’s where my love for R&B came from. My dad listened to a lot of heavy rap, from Tupac Shakur to Nas, Jay-Z, and The Notorious B.I.G., which is where all the rap influence comes from.”
In grade 9 she and her mother, Theresa Meyers, relocated to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, and that’s where her musical ear became pitch perfect. “It was a huge culture shock, coming from a small town and seeing the world for what it is, experiencing different cultures and people. That’s when I realised that I could also follow my dreams, like my mother.”
At about the same time she learnt how to play guitar and started posting music covers online. Later, when she was about 17, she recorded her first original song with a friend. Although she would rather forget that period, I do manage to get the name of the song out of her. It was called Hold You Down and was uploaded onto SoundCloud. “It was terrible. It was inspired by Amy Winehouse. It was very raw and cringe. My family was very supportive and shared the song,” she laughs.
She also released her first EP, which she has since taken down on all digital music platforms. “It was also very experimental with a lot of house influence. Nobody will ever get to hear it again — it was embarrassing,” she says.
Around 2018, she moved back to SA, leaving her mother behind. As she was homeschooled, she went back to Kimberley, writing her matric finals in the church. Then she moved to Cape Town to study sound engineering but dropped out. “It was too much for me — there was a lot of physics and instruction manuals. I just wanted to sing,” she says.
photography
After joining independent record label Stay Low (then called Co4lition), she released her six-track EP Revenge Season, which caught the attention of Apple Music after it backed her on the coveted New Artist Spotlight in June 2019. But, if she was going to achieve all her dreams, like her mother, she had to move to the City of Gold. “I was a very repressed and angry teenager,” she admits. “I felt that a lot of people didn’t believe in me — not my family, but friends and boyfriends. I was driving with this boy whom I used to date and I was excited, hyping up the project and playing it for him. But he turned it down. I thought to myself, ‘I have to release it now, you are making me angry.’ I don’t know where he is now — but who cares, look where I am.”
Her nine-track EP Charcotta, featuring Rain and Warrior Daydream and a guest appearance by fellow Sama winner Priddy Ugly on the song Sunday, followed in 2020. “We also collaborated with local artist Mduza [real name Mduduzi Ndlovu], rest in peace, because he passed on. He did artwork for each of the songs. Charcotta is the name I gave to myself because I used to write poetry and that was my alter ego. I wrote a cute poetry book,” she explains.
In 2021, she released Juicebox, a four-track EP, followed the same year by the seven-track EP Midsummer, which was groovier than her previous work. She scored some huge guest appearances on the offering with rapper Maglera Doe Boy jumping on the song Glory, chanteuse Shekhinah on Belladonna, and songbird Nanette on Handmedowns. In order to release a full-length
album, Lordkez took a year off afterwards and her 12-track project Testament was born in June 2023.
“I needed to experience things — you can’t be in the studio every day of your life or you are going to run out of things to say,” she says. “I took some time off to figure out, ‘What do I want to say? Is the world still going to be the same if I do the project or not? Is it going to help people or trigger them? Is it going to make them happy or sad? Is it going
This page, top: Headline logo cap, R499, Levi’s; rings, model’s own; archival pocket gilet, POR, Uni Form by Luke Radloff; vest, model’s own; archival luxe tracksuit bottoms, POR, Uni Form by Luke Radloff
Cover and right: Dress, R2 299, H&M Studio; rings, model’s own
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Uni Form by Luke Radloff uniformza.com
to make them fall in love?’ Because that is what music is to me. Testament is also an accumulation of lessons. Learning so much about myself and who I want to be. And it’s a testament to every young Coloured girl. I wanted to pay homage to how much my religion has played a role in who I am.” Testament has become her most commercially successful work to date, earning her a nomination for Female Artist of the Year at the Samas and winning Best R&B/Soul Album.
“Ihoped and prayed, every night after I found out about the two nominations. I said, ‘God, two is asking for a lot, just give me one,’” she says. “It feels like my hard work paid off. I put my everything into this album. It talks about fearlessness and you can’t be fearless without being vulnerable. For the first time, I was absolutely vulnerable in my music. This album changed my life.”
Next, she hopes to tour the world once again, having performed in Barcelona, Paris, London, Dublin, and Glasgow earlier this year.
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SHAYA IDOMBOLO!
What do you get when you cross the beloved dombolo with the magical power of White Star Super Maize Meal? A tasty twist on the classic African steamed bread.
Umpheko food stylist and Sowetan Flavours of Africa judge Mpumelelo Dhlamini is always ready for a challenge — this time it was giving dombolo a White Star Super Maize Meal finish. The verdict? Chef’s kiss!
Now he is challenging SMag readers to try something new and adventurous this Christmas. “Adding an element of our culture and a modern twist to Christmas lunch keeps it authentically South African,” Dhlamini says.
When experimenting with White Star, he emphasises that you have to go with your instincts. “Follow your heart. Sometimes you need to add more water than what is stated in the recipe. Add a little at a time and go with the flow. Cooking is all about feeling, so trust your gut.
“Toasting leftover dombolo the day after Christmas is one of my favourite holiday food memories. I would make a toasted cheese-andtomato sandwich or have it with butter and black tea.”
YOU ARE IN SAFE HANDS WITH WHITE STAR
WHITE STAR DOMBOLO
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup of White Star Super Maize Meal
• 1 cup flour
• 30ml salt
• 5g dry yeast
• 350ml warm water
• 1 medium-sized loaf tin
• spray oil or a knob of butter to grease the cake tin
METHOD
1. In a large bowl, add the maize meal, flour, salt, and dry yeast. Combine.
2. Slowly add the warm water — don’t pour it all in at once. Keep an eye on the consistency of the mixture to see if you will need more or less.
3. Mix until you have a thick batter. Note that it won’t resemble the dombolo mixture that only consists of flour. The maize meal will alter the consistency of the dough.
4. Cover the bowl with a cloth and set aside in a warm area. Allow it to rise for 30-45 minutes.
5. After the first rise, transfer the mixture into the greased loaf tin. Cover and set aside for a further 20 minutes.
6. Fill a large pot with one-fifth of water and bring to the boil on medium to high heat.
7. Slowly lower the tin into the boiling water and cover, allowing it to steam for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
8. Poke the steamed bread with a knife to check if there is any uncooked batter.
9. Once fully cooked, set it aside and allow it to cool.
text : NOMBUSO KUMALO
A CHRISTMAS PICNIC TO REMEMBER
It’s time to deck out those picnic tables and take the Christmas spirit outdoors.
If you want to make new family memories with a flavourpacked menu that is light on kitchen duty, foodie and regular collaborator Mpumelelo Dhlamini has some top tips.
How to ace the perfect Christmas picnic? Firstly, “don’t overthink it”, Dhlamini advises.
And then? “Pick your favourite dishes or recipes that work together and that speak to each other as a meal. The main thing is to spend time with your loved ones. Collect all your favourite recipes and try them out days before Christmas Day. If you follow your heart, the rest will fall into place.”
To make it extra easy, Dhlamini has provided a few epic, hassle-free dishes with simple ingredients.
STICKY ROAST PUMPKIN
INGREDIENTS
• 1kg pumpkin, cut into wedges
• 1 whole lemon, both the zest and the juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• A pinch of salt, to taste
METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 200 deg C.
2. Combine all the ingredients in an oven roasting pan, making sure the pumpkin is coated.
3. Roast pumpkin for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Serve as a side dish or enjoy as a snack.
TANGY LEMON-ANDHERB CHICKEN ROAST
INGREDIENTS
• Whole chicken (butterfly and remove the backbone)
• Oil, to grease the saucepan
MARINADE
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tsp chicken rub
• 2 tsp green-onion spice
• 2 tsp mixed herbs
• 1 tsp sugar
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3 garlic cloves, freshly grated
• 1 lemon, both zest and juice
• 5ml sunflower oil
METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 180 deg C.
2. In a bowl, mix the marinade ingredients.
3. Spread marinade over the chicken, starting with the back.
4. Grease the saucepan with oil.
5. Place the chicken with the top facing up. Marinade the top part of the chicken.
6. Place in the oven.
7. Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until golden brown.
FORGO THE SIT-DOWN LUNCH AND TAKE THE FESTIVITIES OUTDOORS WITH A DELICIOUS, NO-FUSS MENU
HONEY-AND-MUSTARD ROASTED SMOKED GAMMON
INGREDIENTS
• 1 x 25g sachet concentrated chicken stock
• 3 cups hot water
• 1.5kg smoked gammon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp flour
METHOD
1. In a medium to large pot, bring water and chicken stock to the boil. Add the smoked gammon (remove the plastic, but not the net). Cook on medium heat for 40-45 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 180 deg C.
3. Remove the gammon from the pot and place aside to cool briefly.
4. In the remaining water, which now has become stock, add honey, Dijon mustard, and flour. Let the sauce cook for 4-7 minutes on low to medium heat.
5. Remove the net and score the skin of the gammon to create a diamondlike pattern. Then pour the sauce over, allowing it to seep into the pattern.
6. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
8. Serve with your Christmas lunch or enjoy it in a sandwich .
STRIKE A POSE
The Nest Space is making the healing power of yoga more inclusive
text : PALESA BUYEYE
Banesa Molauoa Tseki and Dr Anesu Mbizvo are game changers in the fitness and wellness world, having carved their own path over the past six years. The Nest Space, which they founded, is an inclusive yoga and wellness studio in Parktown North, Joburg. Here, they have created a sanctuary where people from different walks of life can invest in their own wellness. The space is rooted in the ethos that if it is not inclusive, it is not really wellness.
“I was working in the medical field, as a doctor, and yoga had always been a personal place of healing for me. [Doing yoga], I didn’t need to compete or have a certain outcome or goal, unlike medical school, which was the opposite. Yoga felt like a safe space for me to just be,” says Mbizvo. “It started off as physical exercise only, but then I began to tap into the spiritual side of understanding myself and my purpose. I decided to move away from medicine because I was not feeling fulfilled. I felt as though I didn’t have the time to make a deeper connection with my patients and their healing; it was more about curing diseases than healing people.”
Mbizvo experienced first-hand the healing power of yoga and felt that sharing that magic with others would allow her to connect more with the practice of healing. She was also inspired to take it further when she realised that she was often the only Black person in class.
“You’re told how to get into a posture and what your body should look like but, as a person of colour, you feel as though something is wrong with you because your body looks different. We have bigger bums and flatter feet,” Mbizvo laughs. “We would do practices that were themed around passion, equality, and unity, but there weren’t any discussions about racial or gender politics; they would often shy away from social-justice issues.”
Having worked as a medical doctor in the public sector, Mbizvo understood the importance of addressing social justice within spaces of healing. She had seen the ways in which poverty, abuse, and discrimination caused a response in
the body that required healing. It was evident that a wellness space that catered to all was needed.
“The idea of needing an inclusive wellness space was important because we had both studied and practised yoga in Cape Town, which, as we know, is notorious for segregation and not being conducive to people of colour living a certain lifestyle,” adds Tseki, who joined Mbizvo as a business partner a month after she had started the venture.
Tseki had experience in branding, so she brought a wealth of marketing knowledge.
“In the same way women often feel safer in an LGBTQ environment, white women often feel safest in spaces created for people of colour — when you cater to the marginalised you subconsciously end up catering to all,” adds Tseki.
Mbizvo (from Zimbabwe) and Tseki (from Lesotho) bring their own much-needed multicultural perspective to healing. In just six years, the duo have headlined major wellness events and are now collaborating with footwear brand Birkenstock in hosting the Breathe with Birk wellness event on the rooftop at 44 Stanley in Braamfontein Werf, Joburg, on 30 November. The experience — which includes a wellness talk, breathwork, and a sound-healing session — is part of the celebrations for Birkenstock’s 250th anniversary. Birkenstock has also launched the Art & Sole concept store at 44 Stanley.
“We don’t run our yoga studio like a lot of other studios,” says Tseki. “We work on a trust system and find that the people who come into the space are generally there to add value. We do not turn you away if you cannot afford to pay for a session, you can always pay later.”
The space also offers free moon ceremonies, which incorporate breathing, movement, and meditation and can be streamed live online. “What we do is very spiritual — putting a price tag on it does not make sense. It is not radical or evolutionary to do that,” Tseki adds.
Yoga is an umbrella term used to describe a number of common forms. Although all are centred around the
idea of connecting to one’s body and inner self, different types of yoga have different wellness benefits. There are also different levels to each practice.
“The spiritual side of yoga is based on mindfulness and finding the answers to questions through stillness, within yourself. It is about connecting with your breath. This has psychological aspects that allow you to tackle things like anxiety, stress, migraines, and depression,” says Tseki. “The physical aspect of moving your body also allows things to flow, which can result in correcting a number of ailments and restrictions within the body.”
There are also modern forms of yoga such as hot yoga and power vinyasa, which have cardio benefits, are fast paced, and can aid with weight loss. But students are encouraged to focus not on the outcome of the practice but more on being present, as benefits are often felt within the session. As with any wellness journey, yoga is a lifestyle, with diet being of importance.
“It is about intentionality — being intentional about every choice you make in your life, including food. We are big on sustainability and zero waste. It is about choosing food with packaging that won’t affect the environment or animals. It is about conscious living,” says Mbizvo. She also emphasises that being vegan does not make one more advanced than an individual who chooses to eat meat — it is also about knowing your reasons when you make such choices.
YOUR HEALING JOURNEY
Start today, start now , don’t put it off. We tend not to prioritise our wellbeing because we think we have time. — Mbizvo
Start small, you don’t have to make drastic shifts in your lifestyle.
— Mbizvo
Yoga is not a trend , it is a lifestyle.
— Tseki
Come as you are , you don’t need to know all the postures and movements already. — Tseki Yoga is spiritual because it is healing, it is not religious. We have many Christians and Muslims in our classes. — Tseki
FRESH FROM THE “FOR YOU PAGE”
FIND THE PERFECT SUMMER READ
Looking for some summer reads to take to the beach or the couch? BookTok has the best holiday romances for every type of reader. If you have a favourite trope, want something to escape into, or just need a quick read to finish your reading challenge, Exclusive Books has three perfect books for the holidays.
JUST FOR THE SUMMER, ABBY JIMENEZ
Justin has a curse: every woman he dates goes on to find her soulmate the second they break up. Emma, who has the same problem, agrees to go out with Justin so they can date, break up, cancel their curses, and find the love of their lives. It’s supposed to be a quick fling, but the pair are suddenly navigating a lot more than expected — including catching feelings. What if fate had brought them together?
FLAWLESS, ELSIE SILVER
When star bull rider Rhett Eaton comes under fire for his bad-boy image, Summer Hamilton is tasked with keeping him in check for the rest of the season. Rhett is less than thrilled to be saddled with his employer’s daughter, yet the more time they spend together the more the line between their professional and personal relationship begins to blur. But Rhett’s reputation can’t take any more hits and Summer’s heart can’t take any more damage…
THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT, CARLEY FORTUNE
Every year, Lucy vacations on Prince Edward Island, spending time with her best friend Bridget and having some fun with local barman Felix. A week before Bridget’s wedding, she flees to the island without a word and Lucy drops everything to help her bestie. Something is different about Felix this year, but Lucy must keep her feelings at bay to help Bridget through her crisis.
THE MEETING
Buntu: A friend decided to hook me up. She felt it was time that I found love. So, she went on X (formerly Twitter) and put me on blast, Bachelorette style. She asked men who were bold enough to date me to step forward and Londa happened to be one of those to rear his head. He instantly caught my attention, plus he had seen me on campus [University of the Witwatersrand], so there was no pressure in terms of what he expected me to look like. We proceeded to the talking stage at the beginning of 2018. We officially met for the first time when school opened in February.
Londa: One could say we had our “love is blind” moment, even though I had seen her before on campus. When we were on holiday in January, we’d speak every day and fell in love with each other before we met in person. I felt all sorts of emotions meeting her for the first time because Buntu was a big personality at Wits and I was more laid-back and calm. Before we even said “Hi” she kissed me — that somehow relaxed all the rules and made it easier for us to vibe.
THE DATING LIFE
Buntu: We made things official a week after meeting. From the very beginning, I was clear about what kind of relationship I wanted because, prior to Londa, I had been in relationships that weren’t clear and I wasn’t going to put myself in such a situation again. Luckily, he was on board because he was looking for the same thing I was. Our dating phase felt very intentional on both ends.
Londa: The first three months of our relationship were quite testing because we’re both opinionated people. There was a lot of unlearning we had to do but, after the breakthrough happened, we got to a common ground that is stable.
Love is blind WEDDING
text : MASEGO SEEMELA
THE LIGHTBULB MOMENT
Londa: I had several moments when I knew Buntu was the one, but the one that stands out is when she lost a friend’s jacket, in June 2018. We were trying to find the same jacket at the shops so we could replace it. As a broke student, all I could do was pour petrol in my car with my last money. Buntu was left with her last R700, but she bought the jacket. From that, she got only R200 in change. We were at Sandton City, both feeling hungry, and she decided to use her last money for pizza and a 2l Coke. I looked at her and thought, “Damn, this girl must really love me because she used all her pennies to make sure that we’re fed.” I saw her as my ride or die.
Buntu: It felt as though this was it from the minute we started texting. Meeting and going on dates solidified it even more because I got to see how compatible we are. I knew I loved him in our fourth month of dating. I loved how he made me feel about myself. He allowed me to be vulnerable and break down some of my walls.
THE PROPOSAL
Londa: I knew for a long time I wanted to marry her. I just needed to figure out the technicalities. I picked out the ring with her cousin but had to hide it for a whole month. We then flew to Cape Town in June 2023 and I had to hide the ring even more. [Actor] Thapelo Mokoena is my friend’s older brother. He helped me plan a beautiful proposal at a vineyard but, because the weather was pretty bad, we had to change our plans. We moved to plan B, which was a proposal on the beach, but the weather was horrible there too. We then switched to plan C, which was an enclosed wine tasting at a cellar. In the cellar there was a sign saying, “Will You Marry Me?” — but Buntu didn’t even realise it was for her.
Buntu: I thought we were walking in on someone else’s proposal. I remember crying like a baby because of how beautiful it looked.
Their internet romance was so intense that Londa Mavundla and Buntu Petse fell in love before they even met
LOBOLA NEGOTIATIONS
Londa: Buntu is Xhosa. I broke with her cultural custom of first asking her dad for her hand in marriage before proposing to her, but I only did that because I wanted to give her that fairytale experience. We later involved everyone else — my uncles went to her family and engaged in a robust affair that benefited both of us. I’m Zulu, so we blended our customs during the negotiations and, I must say, it was a beautiful dance.
THE WEDDING
Buntu: We chose to have strictly traditional weddings. Our first one was an umembeso and the second one is umabo [traditional Zulu wedding ceremonies]. We chose to go the cultural route because it makes economic sense, instead of focusing on a white wedding. We also didn’t want to be that couple who’s left with debt when all the celebrations are finished. We made sure to make it very intimate, even though a lot of people felt that, because they see me on TV [Buntu has acted in SABC 1’s Generations: The Legacy and the Netflix series Miseducation], they too needed to come and celebrate with us, so controlling that traffic was something we had to deal with.
THE WEDDING FITS
Buntu: I used Pinterest for ideas on traditional dresses. I then drew the design I wanted and got two beautiful dresses custom-made for me. Londa wore a Xhosa-inspired suit as a way to honour my family. Londa: Since umembeso was done at Buntu’s family home, we all chose to wear Xhosa attire, but when they come to my hometown for the final wedding, we plan to wear Zulu-inspired creations.
LEVELLING UP
The House of Vans festival has returned to Joburg with a bang. For three days in November, 68 Juta Street, Braamfontein, became a melting pot of music, fashion, art, and skateboarding culture.
The cherry on top was when British-Nigerian artist and Vans ambassador Little Simz took to the stage as the headliner with an electric performance that included her smash hits Woman and Gorilla. Local acts Muzi, Internet Girl, K.Keed, Marcus Harvey, Lordkez, and Ebumnandini were also featured in the lineup.
Away from the stage, skateboarding took centre stage with Vans South Skate Team and select riders from the European side. The Mzansi skaters included Kyle Kheswa, Marci Rodrigues, Yann Horowitz, Thalente Biyela, and Melissa Williams (AKA Suzy Snakes), who were joined by Londonbased skater and Vans ambassador Helena Long. Nelson Mandela Bridge became a playground buzzing with skating demos, free skating sessions, and workshops.
On the art front, Crispy Skateboards, David Shiffman, Grant McLachlan, Chenai Gwandure, Suzy Snakes, Tkay Modise, Kyle Kheswa, and Sam Clarke showcased artwork that best captured Mzansi’s street culture. Njabulo Hlophe (AKA Dirty Native Chief) ran a press-printing session and festivalgoers took home custom-printed T-shirts.
A retail pop-up experience offered attendees a chance to buy exclusive merchandise from partners such as Milk Eyewear, Broke, Bantu Records, Franasonic, Studio Bananaaa, Shelflife, Sealand Gear, and Baseline.
“Bringing House of Vans back to Joburg has been a massive highlight. It’s not just about the music or the skate demos — it’s about the community,” says Vans South Africa’s head of brand, Warren Talbot. “[The weekend] showed the energy and creativity of the city and it’s been a privilege to see so many people embrace and celebrate the culture that Vans represents.”
House of Vans festival skates the city alight
sowetanlive.co.za
THABISO
LOO K MUSICAL OOMME Man
MME
PLAYS MUSICAL CHAIRS
OFBAD A BOY
THABISO MOLOKOMME
IS NOTHING LIKE HIS
pray in tongues. I’m a young man who prays in tongues, I rebuke the devil,” Thabiso Molokomme bursts out laughing, explaining that, in real life, he’s nothing like his bad-boy character Paxton Kgomo.
The 23-year-old has nailed the Skeem Saam script portraying the spoiled, selfish, reckless, and rebellious son of Mr Kgomo (Lebohang Elephant) and Ivy Kgomo (Molobane Mbatha). While Molokomme has delivered a star-making performance on the SABC 1 daily drama, when he steps on set escorted by an entourage of two friends (Lerato Ntombela and Mogomotsi Modikwe), it’s evident that he’s nothing like Paxton.
Brimming with energy and overflowing with joy, Molokomme lights up the room with natural comedic timing and an effervescent personality. “Most people will be surprised to learn that I’m a Christian and have devoted my life to Jesus. I’m a sweet boy who serves at church,” he says, beaming.
The middle child of three, Molokomme was born in Seshego Zone 4, Polokwane. He mentions that his family is strong on academics. After high school, he studied operations management at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). For the past three years he has devoted his time to Skeem Saam and his religion, and he’s ready to be more outgoing in the new year.
“I want to be more social, have more fun, and go to social events,” he says. “I don’t want to be a recluse anymore, that’s my 2025 resolution. I don’t drink or club. I’m always on set. I love travelling, that’s what I do for fun. I don’t date, I have never dated before, but I get many DMs. In university I wanted to succeed at academics, so that was the focus, because my sister was a top student at UJ. I do want to date, but I feel like I’m busy, still young, and getting to know myself.
I’m not ready for a relationship.”
Before he was cast on Skeem Saam, Molokomme was a presenter on SABC 1 youth programme YoTV. “I made a deal with my mom that, when I moved to Joburg, I would join an acting agency,” he says. “I wanted to study at UCT [University of Cape Town], but she wanted me closer to her. So, my one demand was joining an acting agency. My first year of varsity, I would skip class to go to auditions and I never got a single one. My second year, my agent sent me to a YoTV audition and I never wanted to be a presenter. After six rounds of auditions — everyone wanted to be on YoTV — I got it.”
Previous page: Archival red shirt, POR, Uni Form by Luke Radloff; ribbed vest, R179, H&M; archival red trousers, POR, Uni Form by Luke Radloff; Arizona sandals, R2 999, Birkenstock
This page: Tailored jacket, R42 000, Viviers; button-front jacket, R799; ribbed vest, R179, both H&M; Bermuda shorts, R260, Mr Price; tennis socks, R169, Woolworths; Boston clogs, R3 799, Birkenstock
Uni Form by Luke Radloff uniformza.com Viviers viviersstudio.com Woolworths woolworths.co.za
Ayear and half later, Molokomme was asked to audition for the role that has made him a household name. He notes that he first auditioned for another character in the soapie when he was in grade 11 and wasn’t cast.
“Skeem Saam reached out to me to try for the role of Paxton — they had been looking for some time, but weren’t satisfied,” he remembers. “I was excited, Skeem Saam had just asked me to come audition. I messed up four times in the audition room, the nerves just hit me hard. When I left, I was sure that I wasn’t getting the role, and then I got the gig.”
Wherever Paxton goes, drama and trouble follow. Molokomme enjoys sinking his teeth into the nuanced writing. “It’s so nice to play a bad boy,” he says. “The audience just want to slap him most of the time. I’m nothing like Paxton, I’m the opposite. I’ve never been that person. In high school I had intense classmates who were the bad boys. Then you had the cool kids, who were always admired by the girls. Now, I get to play that handsome bad boy, very naughty and admired by girls. It’s nice.”
In 2022, when he was 20, he graduated cum laude at UJ. His graduation pictures went viral on social media and that’s when he knew he had arrived. “When I joined Skeem Saam, I just thought acting was this cool thing. When I was given my first script, my producer told me my life was about to change,” he says. “At the time, I didn’t understand it, I thought they were referring to my getting a pay cheque or maybe getting more followers on social media. But the attention I have received since has gone beyond my expectations.”
Molokomme is also an entrepreneur, as the founder of start-up skincare business Ba Kene. “We have three products. Our target market is young people, particularly teenagers,” he says. “We want to educate young people to take better care of their skin so they can better manage acne as young adults. A lot of people only start taking care of their skin once they are going through something. It gets overwhelming and expensive when you deal with skin impurities. When I was a pre-teen, my older sister advised me to take care of my skin and recommended some products. I have never had bad skin because of that advice. That’s why I started Ba Kene — so I could be a big brother to young people the same way my sister was to me.”
LOVE NEVER LIES: SOUTH AFRICA
The local spin-off of the international reality show where deception costs money and the truth comes with a grand cash price of up to R1-million will debut on Netflix on 29 November. Another episode will air on 6 December and the reunion special on 8 December. Minnie Dlamini hosts the local adaptation, which was filmed in Knysna. The format of the show sees six couples putting their love to the ultimate test by being subjected to an eye-scanning lie detector.
NETFLIX’S REALITY-TV UNIVERSE JUST GOT HOTTER
Buckle up for relationship drama and an all-access pass into the lives of Africa’s top stars
YOUNG, FAMOUS & AFRICAN
The third season of the SA Film and Television Award-winning celebrity reality show promises to be even more explosive when it returns on 17 January. Expect eight binge-worthy episodes with new ventures, jaw-dropping drama, and epic parties. Mzansi influencer Kefilwe Mabote and Nollywood actress Ini Edo are joining the star-studded cast. Luis Munana, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, Diamond Platnumz, Shakib Lutaaya, Kayleigh Schwark, Zari “The Boss Lady” Hassan, and Nadia Nakai are all set to return.
IMPRINTDYNASTY
MFASHION DESIGNER MZUKISI MBANE WILL CELEBRATE HIS LABEL’S 10TH
zukisi Mbane is growing the Imprint ZA family with the addition of two Jack Russell terriers, which are in tow when he arrives for his SMag shoot with new-season garments from his label, loved for its vibrant and unique African prints. Zion and Levi are super friendly and athletic, keeping the 35-year-old designer in top shape. He later tells me that owning the two dogs have taught him a lot about patience and being less in control.
While he gets ready for his close-up, his cousin and fashion stylist Thobeka Mbane keeps an eye on Zion and Levi. His friend and fashion designer Mpumelelo Dhlamini, of the label Ezokhetho, is there for support and to double up on reinforcement — Zion and Levi are that much of a handful.
“They were surprisingly well-behaved today, at home they wreak havoc,” Mzukisi quips at the end of the shoot, right after they join him on set (they seem a bit camera-shy).
Zion and Levi are not the only new additions to the Imprint family. Mzukisi has also bought a new house in Joburg, with an Imprint i-Khaya glass-walled cottage serving as his home office, atelier, and store. He reflects on his winning year, his partnership with Birkenstock, Imprint turning 10, his plans for the holiday season, and more:
What was your highlight of 2024? My decision to buy a brick-and-mortar ikhaya [home] for the brand. It resembles the solid anchor of the brand; an anchor symbol forms part of our logo.
How do you keep Imprint ZA relevant? With my ability to reference the past, see its importance, and move forward. Many people who look back are unable to look ahead and find themselves stuck in the past, and vice versa. With the brand, I’ve found that people are excited by its nostalgia, the familiarity that comes with something that is not too new, and the appreciation of the freshness of newness that is not stuck in a specific trend or era.
How are you celebrating Christmas in your new home? Now I’m in my mid-thirties, festive has a more special meaning. I have my own home and I can invite loved ones who have been part of my journey, both my immediate family and the people whom I consider family [even though] we are not related by blood.
What is the dish you are looking forward to this festive? My mom’s homemade custard and jelly. I do the cooking on Christmas, but I have reserved that for her. It’s her thing. I believe it makes her feel seen as the mother.
Cover:
Hat, model’s own; Imithandazo shirt, R4 800, Imprint; ribbed vest, R179, H&M; jade stone rings, R60, Mr Price; African stone party trousers, R5 400, Imprint; Kyoto sandals, R3 799, Birkenstock
What are some of your big plans in the new year? I’m excited about my return to the Menswear Fashion Week runway in Cape Town. They gave birth to Imprint ZA. Next year, we are celebrating 10 years of both SA Menswear Week and Imprint ZA, and we are planning to go big. When I did my first show in 2015, I was working backstage and was responsible for all the designers’ clothes. All I wanted was to be on the ramp. I was scouted by them, and they gave me my first runway opportunity. I’m excited to partner with them and to celebrate what they gave me and what they continue to stand for.
Your latest collection, Sizalwa Ngobani, features designs from the brand’s first print [red, blue, and white]. What does the founding print symbolise for the brand? The red, blue, and white print was inspired by “masigoduke” bags. It was always about finding our roots and a place we can call home, which the bag symbolises. Years on, home is this new place. It’s a space where people can come and experience both the brand and me. Imprint is an extension of who I am. Why was it important to refresh the red, white, and blue print and incorporate the designs into your latest collection?
Life began to feel like I was always chasing the next thing, and I needed to reconnect with the story of Imprint ZA. The last time I showcased that print was 10 years ago. The concept behind Sizalwa Ngobani wasn’t about reclaiming our ancestry but about who we are as a brand. The red, blue, and white founding print symbolised our beliefs and dreams for the brand. In our constant chasing after newness, we forgot the importance of being rooted in something that gave life to the brand.
Imprint ZA continues to have a longstanding partnership with heritage footwear brand Birkenstock — how is that going? I initially didn’t think Birkenstock was a thing for me, until they approached me to collaborate on a national in-store campaign. For the collection, we paired the Buyel ’ekhaya collection with their styles, which translated beautifully. Since then, we have partnered on runway shows at SA Menswear Week last year and at AFI [African Fashion International] Cape Town. Through the campaign, my admiration grew for the brand; they have a beautiful story and remain rooted in their heritage, never compromising. They are my footwear partner of choice.
1. G-Star RAW baseball cap, R899, Superbalist 2. Prada sunglasses, R7 320, Sunglass Hut 3. Necklaces, R140, Markham 4. Vest, R189, Woolworths 5. Karl Lagerfeld tracksuit bottoms, R5 590, Europa Art 6. Politix shirt, R1 299, Woolworths 7. Fossil watch, R3 999, Superbalist 8. Gaston Luga bag, R999, Superbalist 9. Overshirt, R1 999, Zara 10. H&M knit, R699, Superbalist 11. Bermuda shorts, R679, Zara 12. K-Way jacket, R1 499, Cape Union Mart 13. Boots, R2 599, Zara 14. Gaston Luga bag, R2 699, Superbalist 15. Sandals, R1 899, Birkenstock 16. Crocs, R 1999, Shesha
FROM SMART ROUTINES TO RECOVERY HACKS, THIS SEASON IS ALL ABOUT GROOMING SMARTER, NOT HARDER
GET INTO THE GROOVE
YOSHIO KUBO
1.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: PARTY PACK
THE GROOVIST’S CHEAT SHEET NAVIGATE FESTIVITIES LIKE A PRO WITH QUICK-FIRE HACKS FOR A CAREFREE GROOMING ROUTINE
Aah,yes,
it’s finally here — Dezemba, the Big Days, Festive or whatever term of endearment you use for South Africans’ favourite time of year. The excitement is palpable and out-of-office modes feel long overdue. Whether you’re planning on enjoying languid beach getaways, festivals, chilled shisanyama days or a bumper-to-bumper club schedule, this year, it’s all about finding a bit of balance and keeping your routine in check while having a good time. You’ve worked hard and it’s time to enjoy a little downtime, so it’s only natural to want to work smarter, not harder, when it comes to maintaining your grooming routine. Prioritise skin protection, health, and speedy recovery with multi-use products that streamline your routine, overnight potions that help with skin recovery, and SPF-infused formulas.
TRENDING: SWAGGED OUT
TRY THESE 3 STREETAPPROVED TRENDS THIS FESTIVE TO BE THE COOLEST
GENT ON THE BLOCK
Headscarf combo: There’s no cooler way to keep up with your sun protection than by adopting this styling hack. As seen on celebrities and street sartorialists, printed silk scarves are combined with hats for a cool twist. Whether you choose a cap, bucket hat or beanie, fold the scarf into a triangle; wrap it around the head, covering the hat and back of the neck; and secure under the chin. Artistic braids: This is no time for boring hairstyles — add an artistic twist to your braids or dreadlocks. Place colourful beads at the end of short braids, twists or dreads to channel your inner island boy or take your cue from rapper ASAP Rocky and add intricate braided designs, slogans or shapes to cornrows. Bling overload: There’s no “too much” this season, especially when it comes to accessories, so don’t hold back. Don’t be afraid to use statement shades, earrings, ear cuffs, chains, or faux piercings as the finishing touches to your routine.
01. Do wear hybrid SPF formulas to make sun protection easy, with tinted sunscreens or skincare infused with SPF properties, such as lip balms, serums, and primers. Use a tinted SPF for lightweight coverage that will even out skin for a freshfaced appearance and wear better in humidity. Add some concealer for coverage on unwanted blemishes or dark circles.
02. Do take lip care seriously and keep chapped, dry and cracked lips at bay. Invest in your lip service with hydrating, restorative properties — go for pocket-friendly sizes and buttery, emollient lip balms, lip oils, and overnight lip masks with nourishing ingredients such as squalene, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids that will help hydrate and provide skin-barrier support.
03. Don’t skip hydration of any kind. The festive season can be hot and long, so make sure to keep both your body and your skin hydrated. Moisture-rich facial mists, hyaluronicacid serums, and lightweight body lotions will help with recovery and maintain your skin’s moisture level and a healthy glow.
04. Do lean on multi-use products to simplify your grooming routine. These are your friends on busy days when you need to get up and go. Update your arsenal with tints, balms or twoin-one serums that can be used on the lips, cheeks or cuticles for an eff ortless look and easy grooming.
05. Get an emergency grooming kit to help skin and body recover. Just as you have go-to hangover remedies, you should also have a kit of trusted products, such as overnight masks, cooling muscle balms, and eye creams that can soothe sensitivity, revive tired eyes, quench dehydrated skin, or combat body aches.
1. The Body Shop Peppermint Invigorating Foot & Leg Mist 100ml, R160
3. The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm 15ml, R220 4. Bio-Oil Body Lotion 175ml, R150
5. Hello Sunday The One That’s A Serum Moisturising Serum SPF50 30ml, R375 6. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist 100ml, R550 7. Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask 100ml, R780
irror, mirror on the wall, I have found the top spot for the most amazing Instaworthy reflection selfie in the world — a looking-glass selfie so mystical it’s guaranteed to liven up any ’fit check and shift your algorithm to paradise.
Let’s refer to it as the “Magic Mirror”! It’s the kind of modern design essential for nailing the fairest #OOTD post and leaving your socialmedia followers green with envy. The type of mirror selfie that demands a photo-dump carousel, supported by a chichi caption that reads, “Reflecting on my inner glow.”
It’s only reasonable that I drop the location pin but, be warned, it comes at a hefty price. First, secure a flight ticket and then travel 8 728.18km by air (about 10 hours) from Joburg to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in France. Then, a two-hour train ride from Paris Montparnasse station will take you to your final destination — Maison Courvoisier, overlooking Charente River in the heart of the Cognac region.
M JOIE DE VIVRE
2 Place du Château 16200 Jarnac has been the beating heart of the premium cognac brand since it was founded in 1828 by Félix Courvoisier, with the spacious interior boasting four reception rooms, six bedrooms, and a tasting room. The exterior of the five-storey château retains its classic design with medieval stone walls, wrought-iron gates, a wooden arch, towers, and windows.
text : EMMANUEL TJIYA
The stylish entryway gives the first impression of the modern transformation of the décor at Maison Courvoisier. Mirror- lined walls and eye-catching contemporary artwork give guests not only a warm but also a #InstaCool welcome.
On-trend yet timeless, this is my home for the next three days. How do the upper crust eat? We are making the most of the serenely warm weather with an alfresco lunch in the Tuscan-style courtyard.
Wildly talented Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier, of French architecture and interior-design agency Gilles & Boissier, were tasked with injecting modernity into the historical space while preserving its rich identity, heritage, and spirit. The night before heading to Jarnac, I meet the duo for a tête-à-tête at their Avenue Montaigne studio in Paris (walking distance from the prestigious Hôtel Plaza Athénée) and, later, a tapas feast at Beefbar restaurant. I learn that the project was five years in the making.
“I would describe this project as joyful, artistic, and bold,” says Boissier. “This big house was Félix’s house, where he worked and lived with his family. But when we arrived it was no longer a family home, it was sort of an office space and it was losing its soul. We wanted to recreate how he had welcomed his guests, with a special entrance in a certain style, talking about nature and creating special art for the place. Then you would be in this big salon, where you could rest and drink, with all these cognac colours around you.”
Proving that a picture is worth a thousand words, the red bar lounge
illustrates the story of Courvoisier with a gallery of photographs, artworks, and medals offering a timeline wall curated by in-house historian Isabelle Vignon.
Next door is Boissier’s favourite room, which happens to be the tasting room — it’s the smallest in the house but also where most of the entertainment happens. On the first night we have a formal, three-course dinner with the moist, homemade strawberry cake my first culinary delight of the trip. With a palissandro marble table in the middle, the colour tones of the room are khaki and brown, complete with hand-carved wooden panels by French artist Zoé Ouvrier.
It’s not until the second day that the inspiration behind the room’s muted décor is put into context. A stroll and tour of the 200-year-old cellar, Chai Renard (where the Courvoisier is aged in oak casks), connect the dots. Cellar mould has turned both the interior and exterior black, while the woody aromas hit you from afar.
History meets modernity in Maison Courvoisier’s interior revamp
“It was not a nice room before — it was blocked, with no sunshine,” Boissier says of the old tasting room. “I like it because it expresses cognac to me; all the walls are in wood panelling and at the bottom there is black paint directly on the wood panelling, as though you’ve splattered paint. When cognac is in the barrels there is a special smell and vapour going through it. In the process, it stains the walls, and outside the cellar you see there is black coming through on the façade because it has been ‘attacked’ by the smell of alcohol.”
To access the first floor, which is far more intimate than the ground floor, you use either the staircase or elevator. Here, one salon is masculine with high-contrast, moody tones and sharp lines, complete with a mirror ceiling — another selfie haven. Next to it is a more vibrant and feminine salon with soft hues, bolder furnishings, and luxurious textures.
I’ve never been a morning person, so, on day two, the dawn lesson in cru cognac (I hope I’m saying it right) goes straight over my head. Indulging in freshly shucked oysters for breakfast softens the cru education — still can’t remember much. I do recall the discovery of the sharp tangy taste of L’Original Bouteville vinegar (the most delicious French gourmet vinegar) while standing on a hilltop taking in the stunning view of Segonzac.
Later, there’s a vineyard tour in Les Métairies, surrounded by sunflowers and beehives, followed by a tranquil lunch under a tree, prepared by cookbook author Signe Meirane. She uses freshly picked and organically grown vegetables, fruits, and herbs for that homegrown flavour you just can’t buy. “My food is cooked with love — just like your sunglasses,” she quips when I compliment her menu, referencing my heart-shaped eyewear.
And just like that, Meirane sums up my trip. It is filled with love — the love of food, cognac, art, design, fashion, selfies, and architecture (and definitely not Emily in Paris).
* Tjiya was a guest of Courvoisier
Maison Courvoisier
Emmanuel Tjiya and artist Fhatuwani
Mukheli
EKHONENI
TEKO MODISE
FAVE FESTIVE-SEASON MEMORIES
Back in the day, I had huge responsibilities because of the brands I represented. So, I would never really enjoy the festive season fully. I’d often be jealous when I’d see how much fun other people were having, but I had to play the ambassador role, which was a priority at the time. I would always look forward to our football breaks. I would use those moments to detach from the world and go on trips, even if it was only for two or three days.
I don’t want to travel this year; I plan to spend time with my family. I want to be indoors most of this festive season. I’ve been doing so many things this year, all I plan on doing is to reconnect with everyone with whom I couldn’t spend time these past months.
STYLE TIPS
Style is personal expression through the use of clothes. As footballers, we never had the opportunity to express ourselves, as we always had to wear our footballclub uniform. This is why freedom of expression is very important to me. I always go for comfortability more than anything else but, in the same breath, I don’t overthink what I wear because most of what I wear is mood dependent. Trying out various combinations of colours usually sets you apart from the norm. I always try to push boundaries and take fashion to the edge, beyond what the average guy would necessarily do.
GROOMING TIPS
I lead a very healthy lifestyle, it’s important for me to stay fit. I’m at the gym a lot. It’s crucial to inherit the culture of exercising, it’s good for you as you age.
I go to the hair salon once a week to get my hair done. Looking neat and presentable usually speaks highly of you.
I get my nails done every two weeks.
I’ve made it a point to invest in facial products. [As a matchday analyst] I’m usually on set and get makeup done — using good products will help preserve and protect your skin.
I make sure to wear sunscreen when I’m out and about.
KEEP WALKING WITH JOHNNIE WALKER
I prefer my Johnnie Walker neat. When I started drinking whisky, I didn’t know what to mix it with, so, as a result of not finding the right mix, I resorted to drinking it neat.
I also enjoy it in cocktails. I always opt to try out cocktails when I’m at an event. I love to tantalise my palate with different tastes.
My favourite is Johnnie Walker 15 Years. I’ve yet to try the 18 and the Black. I love how effortlessly easy [the 15] is on the tongue, and how accessible. You will never see a shortage of it in stores, plus it’s easy on the pocket as well.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRANT FOOTBALLERS
Love and respect the football industry because it requires a lot of sacrifice and dedication. It’s tough at times because life passes you by, but there is a bigger goal to achieve and staying focused is key.
If you want to become a renowned footballer, you need to remember that football comes first and everything else is second. Often players do the inverse and that can be detrimental to their careers.
Be the best teammate. Whenever you play, always remember it’s not about you. Play your part and let everyone else have a chance to shine.
Don’t be scared to make mistakes. What defines you is how you bounce back. The more accountable you are, the easier it is for you to bounce back because your conscience is clear. Take care of your mental health. Usually, footballers never talk about how draining their journey can be — a healthy mindset usually helps. Don’t be scared to be different and live boldly in who you are.
