Twenty Magazine Issue 1 by Twenty Magazine

103 Sir Lowry Road , Woodstock @cornerstoreCPT

Image courtesy of Corner Store CPT , Sol-Sol , 2bop & Youngandlazy

Eds Note Not so long ago I got an amazing team together to start an online mag (only but a few of the crazy things I have done) I realized that we need more spaces and publications where being black can be celebrated and appreciated loudly, proudly and unapologetically. These past few months has been nothing but amazing. There has never been a greater time to be young and black in South Africa. It’s exciting how we’re finally starting to realize our power, it’s like they say on Twitter “being black is lit!” Launching the first issue of TWENTY in the month of June, we couldn’t think of a better way to commemorate this historic month by showcasing and appreciating the youth. How far we’ve come and how far we’re still going hence the cover line “WE GON BE ALRIGHT”. Content consist of interviews with amazing creatives and innovators that’s been challenging the status quo, a showcase of new talent , thought provoking imagery and a pleasing visual palette that artistically showcase the beauty that is Africa and it’s diversity .

Yolanda Willie Chief Editor

Editor:

Landa Willie Info@landawillie.co.za

Art Direction & Design: Nkabanhle Mawala

Illustrator:

Songezo Zantsi

Photographers: Sibusiso Sikani Meegan Mitchell

Writers:

Sisipho Sodge Ola Inga Mnyasane

Contributors:

Siya Mahomba Stephanie Mzee Ziphozakhe Hlobo

PR Coordinator:

Wongie Mafilika wongiemafilika@gmail.com

Cover:

Model - Theodore Afrika Photographer - Tsoku Maela

Twitter: Twenty_mag Instagram: Twenty_mag

CONT 4

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TSOKU MAELA

WOMAN

30 10 16 37

SANELE XABA

Talks about his modeling career and breaking strereotypes about albinism .

ART

WHEN WE WERE BLACK

PROFILES

David Thabalala Dillion Phiri

FASHION

SOL - SOL x MAXIVIVE ‘We’re not here to be forgotten’

REVIEW

The Hive - Johannesburg

ENT

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tsoku maela Writen By. Sisipho Sodge Ola

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Visual Artist & Photographer

aiting, I’ve never had to wait for anyone in my life, not because the people I meet are always on time, but because I’m always late. I thought the same would be true for this interview, but no. I was early. I thought I’d give an hour to myself to babysit my nerves because I didn’t want to look like a complete bari when Tsoku comes. So there I was in my yellow sunflower dress nervously waiting at Woodstock Lounge. He arrives and I assumed he’d order a strong cuppa Joe but instead gets us chocolate milkshakes. Hehbana, who is this person? Tsoku Maela is a Limpopo born visual artist and writer that moved to the Cape a few years back. What I appreciate about his art is the thoughtfulness that goes into creating it. He always seems to portray a narrative in his visuals right down to the 140 characters in his captions. “Tsoku is a name that was passed down from my grandfather; I don’t

know where it comes from. I don’t know what it means. We have some Khoi lineage, but it is predominantly a Pedi name.” We spoke about how he got to be in the Cape and how his journey started. “I grew up in a household where becoming an artist wasn’t really an option. My mother was a teacher so you either had to become something that’s mainstream. I went to UCT to study Biochemistry and Chemistry and for some reason couldn’t finish. A week before term started the next year, I found a film school because I wanted to learn how to write,so from there I started thinking about art.” Laughs And Truths. The interview was starting to feel more like having a conversation rather than a formal interview. We ordered chocolate milkshakes for goodness sakes! Our defences were lowered and honest opinions were shared. I asked him what his favourite thing about being black was; “That I don’t have to pretend to be”.

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Truth. “The best thing about being black to be honest is that we have culture and heritage. We have history. We have something beautiful. I don’t have to pretend to be black, I don’t have to apologise. I love that black people are starting to be aware of their power. It’s really exciting. (I always tell my friends what a time to be black)– it’s a great time to be black. Our stories are popping. “ I asked him whether he had a dreaded three numbered occupation: nineto-five. “I do have a 9 to 5; being a scriptwriter for Hectic-9-nine. “ Jaw drops. That doesn’t sound like an average job ! ”The template’s flawed man. Everybody romanticises the idea that being an artist you have to be starving or you have to start at the bottom. I’m grateful I never did that. Not every story has to start like that.

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I don’t feel like having a 9-5 takes me away from my photography. I feel like it doesn’t take away, but actually relieves me to think about something else, because my 9-5 would technically be my photography.” My perspective changed.

Breaking Into Broken Things When I first experienced Abstract Peaces a chill slipped down my spine. I didn’t know what I was looking at exactly, but God damn, I could feel it! It was a slightly different story for Broken Things. It was a soft love story yet still had an uneasy tone to it. “It’s actually weird because when I was creating Broken Things I was already working on Abstract Peaces. I just felt like I‘ve been talking to a lot of people who were really finding it hard to love themselves. I was just like, I wanted to make a series about self-love. It’s important. You can’t love anything or anyone before you love yourself so why don’t we just talk about it [selflove] openly. I paused from Abstract Peaces and then made that. We showcased it.

It became a big thing. The work still had an uneasy tone to it. I didn’t want to go to the surreal Abstract Peaces and then go into the real world. I hated going into the real world completely. I still wanted to stay in my style and talk about real world issues. So why not bring in that freakiness into it? I mean that’s my style. Broken Things was exhibited at 99 on Loop Gallery, I remember walking into the gallery the opening night and my friend was like ‘Yo man this is gonna sell out’ and I was like bra you’re crazy. Like look at these pictures. Who’d want these pictures in their house? True story: the next day I came back; the lady who curates the work in the gallery is running down the stairs sweating and she’s like you won’t believe this. Somebody just walked in and bought the whole thing.’ I’m standing there like; somebody bought all these pictures? It’s crazy. At the same time realising that you can take an idea that’s nothing, really believe in it, create it ,put it out there and trust that it’ll find its audience.

Put it out there; let the world decide. And that was that. It taught me to love myself.” So before I ended our interview I Jam-Alley-Surprise-Game-Show’d his ass and threw a game into the mix. Simple game; I gave him four random words and he had to tell me the first thing that popped to mind when he read the word. Dark: “Yo, I just think about art when I think about dark. I’m inspired by the dark. I sit in the darkness half the time not because I hate the light but because naturally it sounds quieter. I don’t know; the dark is a sound that I can’t explain. I get inspired by the dark to create light. “

and change in perspectives, mindsets, uuhm different shades and hues in the world like a change in perspective, definitely. “ Comfort: “Hell no.” Expectations: “I have none for others, uhmm I can’t say I don’t have any for myself. I know where the bar is, the bar is quality, but it’s also not set in stone. There’s always room for failure because if you don’t fail, you’ll never learn. So my expectations are, you’ll get there, but don’t expect to get there without trial and error.” Thank you Tsoku, for paying the bill and changing the game.

Self-Love: “I think about maturity

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david tshabala Graphic Designer. illustrator. Enterprenneur. Interviewed by. Landa Willie

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1. When did your love for designing start and has always been a medium of choice? My love for design and art started way back in primary school. I used to love Pokémon and Rugrats cartoons and I knew then that I want to do something similar at the very least. 2. What is the philosophy behind your brand and what are some of the challenges around running your own brand? My primary focus is on my Design Agency called Suketchi and right now the challenges are gaining retainer clients and just bread and butter work. The philosophy behind my company is just being an inspiration for other young black business owners in the creative industry. 3. What is the inspiration behind your work? I’m inspired by pop culture and hip hop music from the 90’s era. Bright colours and just fun narratives around how design and illustration can be used by creative to tackle social issues and solve societal ills in general 4. I am very interested in the series of portraits Run the world and Proud Monkey you have created. Can you tell us a bit more about that? Run the World is inspired by females whom I find cool and inspirational. I came up with an idea of an instabition where I illustrate one portrait a

day in August and feature them on Instagram. One portrait a day for 31 days. Proud Monkeys was inspired by Penny Sparrows social media racist outburst and I sought to link that with Kendrick Lemars lyric from one of his songs. 5. You wrote on your Facebook “Design taught me about handling rejection, starting over, winning, losing, learning, teaching and sacrifice.” A lot of creatives can’t deal with rejection and losing .How did / do you? I simply move along to the next project and try my best. I also look at my past work and it picks up my mood, I look for mistakes and victories I’ve done in the past and I seek to learn from those. 6. As people of colour we are not exactly taught and told to follow our passion and making lucrative businesses out of it. Do you think the narrative is changing? Thanks to Media platforms, both traditional and digital, that narrative is changing. Our parents can see our passions changing to profit and interviews like this validate our hard work all the time. 7. What is your thoughts and views on collaboration? My growth and development is built on mentorship and collaboration. I swear by it. You can do so much more by getting help from others but still

claiming work as your own. It’s also important for me to be associated with other peers doing amazing things. 8. Creatives are not always as good with business as they are with their art. Some don’t see the importance of it. Being a creative entrepreneur, can you tell and stretch the importance of being able to own both these skills. Business definitely comes first because once you’ve mastered your craft to a certain extent, learning things you don’t know about business makes sense. Business skills are very important and I’m fortunate enough to learn from the mistakes of mentors. 9. Lastly, you being based in Joburg, Do you think Johannesburg offers enough platforms to support and showcase creatives? Jo’burg is honestly the best place in terms of exposure and opportunities. Cape Town probably comes after and then Durban based on my experiences.

Check out davids work: http://suketchi.co.za/

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DILLION PHIRI Interviewed by. Inga Mnyasane

Founder & Creative Director of Creative Nestlings 1. Who is Dillion Phiri? Minimalist father, husband, creative entrepreneur on a savage journey.” Currently sitting mainly as Founder & CEO of Creative Nestlings. 2. What inspires you, do you have a muse or is it just work ethic that keeps you going? I am inspired by evolution.I am inspired by darkness as in darkness only can we appreciate light. I am inspired by my wife Nokulunga, my son Wandile as he explores the world. I am inspired by photographers and filmmakers and how they document the world. What keeps me going is that we need to make Africa Great Again. 3. What is Creative Nestlings about? What inspired the idea? Creative Nestlings is a creative network of young Africans who are making Africa great again. It operates daily as a business that works with young African on their ideas, projects, careers and businesses 4. How did your childhood shape the creative in you My childhood was great, my mom made sure it was interesting. We were

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not well off financially but we lived well. I was born in Mbizo, Kwekwe in Zimbabwe but on holidays we were sent to the rural areas to herd cattle and help on the farm at my grandmothers. That really gave us a balance life of urban and rural and that’s how I explore life. My personal philosophy is use what’s available to start and always ask for help when stuck because you never make alone. We moved a lot so I am used to interacting with new people, cultures and languages. 5. Would you say your love for art supersedes your love for people? People are people. Art is life. 6. Do you think that art could change the world? If so in what way? As long as we are alive we are changing the world that is living. Just try and make it better 7. Your thoughts shape your words as well as your actions, what would you say is the one thought/s that has shaped the major moves you have made in the creative industry? I don’t work in the creative industry. We work across all industry and life. Creativity is everywhere. The work we have done has been possible because

I and everyone involved care and work collaboratively and are fucking crazy. 8. What advice would you give to young creatives? START /// USE WHAT YOU GOT/ COLLABORATE 9. Where South Africa is right now, in terms of political standing, social issues, all various struggles, how can young creatives use their gifts to fight these battles? BE PRESENT. BE ACTIVE. SPEAK UP. WE ARE THE ANSWER. READ. RESEARCH. CHALLENGE. BUILD 4 THE BETTER. 10. Growing up, people of colour arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exactly taught to be artistic, we are told to aspire towards more orthodox professions like medicine, education etc., do you think the narrative is changing in the modern society, are parents becoming more approving of artistic and creative careers? They have no choice but to allow us to make the world better. 11. What plans do you have for Creative Nestlings to reach higher heights? We are currently restructuring our company. We are focusing on the business. Also we are starting to go back to our roots creating relevant content for our continent and people. Publications, books bigger better. More spaces across the continent. More partners. More members. 12. How does creatives go about becoming a part of Creative Nestling? Join the Young African Creative NETWORK and letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make Africa Great again.

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the nest

DESTROY x THE JIGGY We’re Not Ouchea To Be Forgotten Model – Lubabalo Nkobo (Funky) Photographer – Sibusiso Sikani Concept + Direction +Styling – Landa Willie

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CLOTHES BY.

MAXIVIVE & SOL-SOL

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Chu Suwannapha

Fashion Designer & Director Interviewed By. Landa Willie

1. Chu Suwannapha, also known as the Prince of prints. What is the meaning behind your name? Actually my full name is CHULARP which means “Luck and Success”. 2. Has your childhood and upbringing played a big role in your love for fashion and design ? Spending time with my 4 fashionable sisters might be the reason why I love fashion and design. 3. Where did your love for prints originate from? It might be from the love of AFRICA Cultures. 4. Has fashion designing always been a medium of choice for you? YES, since I was 5 or 6 years old if I could remember.

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5. You have over 25 years of fashion experience. What are some of the most valuable lessons you have learned and DO’s and DON’T’s when it comes to the fashion industry DO: Respect other people’s work and opinions. DON’T: Take anything in any situation for granted. 6. Like everything else, the fashion industry is evolving, do you think there has been much growth when it comes to the African fashion scene? Definitely yes, but as long as you can keep it current and not too touristic. 7. You are originally from Thailand and studied fashion in Paris. What inspired the move to South Africa? The diverse of the cultures and the opulence of the landscape.

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8. You were once a Monk. How did you get from being a Monk to being one of the greatest and most innovative fashion designers and directors of our time? Thank you so much for the complement. I’m not sure about the answer but believing in myself and being humble that is what take me to where I am today. 9. Now, let’s talk a bit about your label ‘CHULAAP’ which means luck and success. What is the message behind it ? CHULAAP is a South African Label which is produced in Africa. It’s inspired by Africa Street Styles with art and cultures influences. #celebratingafrica. 10. What are some of the biggest challenges you face with running your own label? Finding the right fabrics, at the right price, and the reliable

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manufactories. 11. You are the first African designer to be signed on by Superga to collaborate and create a collection that “celebrates Africa”. How has that experience been? Honoured and humbled. 12. You said something that I found quite interesting in an interview done on you about your collaboration with Superga you said “I don’t want to go big too soon”, why do you feel that way ? Flame can be lit up in a second and over in less than a minute. 13. You captioned a picture of yourself and friends “together we can do more” Now when it comes to collaborations, some people are still sceptical to work together, and create new ideas, etc. Do you think there’s power in collaboration? It’s depending what or how you

will want to get the benefit out of it. Some people are doing the collaboration just for the exposure. But for me…my collaboration is all about support and building the empire with the other. I’m doing it to expand my imagination. Everyone has got dreams. 14. How do you juggle being fashion director of YOU , Huisgenoot and Drum magazine and still running your own label ? Not sure how did I manage it? Keeps calm and focus. And also I will take leave about 2-3 weeks from work when I have to do the production of each collection. 15. Any exciting new projects you have in the pipeline? Showing my Spring-Summer 2016/17 at SA Menswear Week in CT on the 6th July at the Green Point Stadium.

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LADY $KOLLIE Interviewed by. Meegan Mitchell

Visual Artist It has been said she gives an erotic jolt to the art world, can we just say that we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t agree more!

1. Who are you and what do you do? My name is Laura Windvogel and I produce work under the pseudonym, Lady $kollie. 2. What do you think are some of the qualities that define an artist? Being able to articulate social qualms, troubles and triumphs via the medium of art. 3. John Rivera-Resto said â&#x20AC;&#x153;An art can only be learned in the workshop of those who are winning their

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bread by it”- your thoughts. True, I don’t debate or discuss art with those that are dabbling in hobbies. There is an urgency and dedication that goes hand in hand with producing work that is your only means of income and living. 4. Tell us about your work/process when creating. Do you have any rituals? I think about my work and contexts for a very long time before making any kind of physical mark. 5. Your work has changed the traditional set up of the art world. How do you feel about the restrictions we still have in the art space? I think the only thing I’ve done is highlight that at the end of the day, galleries need US we don’t need THEM (if we know what we are doing). 6. Why the move to Johannesburg? Money. 7. Many artists are afraid to shed light on social issues and ruining their reputation – your thoughts.

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Many artists are afraid of their opinions won’t hold if they come under fire. Just have a strong opinions that make sense and won’t ruin your reputation. 8. What role does early child development and parent-child interaction play in the molding of the “artistic “child? Fundamentally important. My mother listened to a teacher that told her I needed proper artistic guidance, more than they could offer me at the school I attended. Thanks to that interaction I was sent to an extracurricular art school, Frank Joubert Art and Design Center and learned how to critically think of art. Listen to your child’s talents, or at least know how to identify them and get whatever help you need to hone it further. 9. Is your work gender specific? No. But if you’re asking who I care most about receiving my message, then yes, women. Through and through. 10. Forming a brand and identity is very necessary. What are some of your struggles and how have you

managed to stay consistent within that journey of self-expression and forming a brand? Consistency is key. Clever editing is key. 11. What are some of the things that ignite you as Laura? Gangster rap, winning, shocking others and the love of my partner. 12. What has been a seminal experience/encounter in your career thus far? Being chosen as an African Voice in CNN’s newest segment, the support of the Michael Stevenson Gallery, the support and guidance of WorldArt Gallery, SKATTIE, Alice Toich, Batandwa Alperstein, Ilze Wolff, Kate Desmarais, my sister Kim.

The lady skollie gallery

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SANELE XABA Model

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Interviewed By. Landa Willie

1. Who is Sanele Xaba? Sanele Xaba is South Africa’s first male model with albinism , A man on a mission and with a vision, A creative introspect and a wannabe Bae 2. Can you tell us more about your upbringing .Any cool childhood memories you’d like to share with us and has your childhood and upbringing played a role in your love for modelling ? Hmmm, well… I was born and raised in Durban by a single mother and a host of very loving devout praying women. Unfortunately I was a very naughty kid so I was nicknamed “You can’t take him anywhere” but they still digged me. I Never really wanted to be a model as a kid (I don’t even think I knew what that was) I still wanted to do basic stuff like be a: Doctor, Lawyer, Accountant… You know, the usual stuff 3. What would you say to the younger you Kill Giants and Walk on water kIddo… You’re too great to be ruined 4. Do you think there’s a difference between living and surviving, if yes, what is the difference and what are you doing? Living is doing everything that makes you happy without anyone’s approval, living is being vulnerable and open, Surviving is the direct opposite, surviving is like doing a 9-5 job knowing

very well that you’d rather be a theatre performer but you choose to work at the office because its “safe” and there are benefits… Surviving is living for Fridays and dreading Sundays . I’VE BEEN Living . 5. What is the one thing people don’t know about you I’m very eclectic, I loooooove my Jazz, I’m Related to Robert Glasper, He just doesn’t know it yet oh and I’m a Mommas Boy. 6. How was it growing up with albinism? I mean back in the day people were not as informed and didn’t have the internet at their fingertips as they are / have now Hmmm, I was lucky to have a family that knew about my condition so everything was chilled at home just got a lot of stares and random comments but I would shut people down fast if there were insults so I just had to learn to grow tough skin … but I had to do a lot of educating as a kid, as people didn’t understand and know about albinism. But thanks to media and the interwebs people know a bit more (well some) lets bear in mind the digital divide. 7. What are some of the biggest misconceptions and preconceived ideas people have about albinism Well!!!! Some include that people with albinism disappear when they die and that they shouldn’t have salt… don’t

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ask me why. Some people also call people with albinism “albino’s” which is confusing because albinism is a condition not a race.

society as “different” and introduce diversity in the modelling industry as I noticed we had a lack of that in this country (which we still do).

8. Now let’s talk about your modelling for a bit .Has modelling always been a medium of choice for you or is it something you accidently fell into

9. You have used your platform as a model and public figure to raise your voice, educate and inspire. How important do you think it is for people of colour to tell their stories?

Well I got scouted at the age of 16 so I accidently fell into money. Firstly it was about the money (because I like things too much)… but as I grew older modelling become more like being an advocate for people who are seen in

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Yes I have, I have done a number of talks at schools in the locations, educating kids about albinism and the importance of self-love which is my main focus. Many people of colour

have stories to tell good and bad and I really think that it is highly crucial that we educate and share knowledge and uplift our fellow brothers and sisters of colour, lack of education is detrimental. We should tell our stories to educate and open people’s minds. 10. You write on your Facebook profile “at the end of the day I just want my work to transcend my physical voice .I want everything that I do to become a voice of my own.” With the work you do, is that not a bit difficult? I mean people so often just see the “glamorous” side of modelling. The beautiful clothes

and pictures and so often look past the message I try my outmost best to use my platform to break stereotypes about albinism and also to show people that it’s merely just another shade, My status meant that I don’t want to be remembered as just another model but I want my work to tell a story and to inspire someone else that no matter how you look or what people say about you anything is possible and attainable, that is why I choose the gigs that I do wisely (and the photographers too). 11. What are some of the most valuable lessons you have learned in the modelling industry We are all unique and that too is worth a lot and interesting – it shows what a creative and colourful God we serve. 12. What does creativity mean to you? Inner Expressions, Intercourse

Thoughtful

CHECK OUT SANELES WORK h t t p s : / / w w w. i n s t a g ra m . co m / sanele_xaba/?hl=en

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WHEN WE WERE BLACK

Dear educated child, This is from your uneducated parent.

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By Landa & Jaden Willie Phographer.

Luxolo Poyo

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ILLUSTRATIONS BY

kgaogelo & Manyaku Mashilo Check out work:

Facebook â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cult of noodle nerves Instagram - @Cultofnoodlenerves

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WHERE IS ‘ME’ IN MEDIA

- THE BLACK WOMAN By Stephanie Mzee

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The black woman . Constantly depicted in a negative light Always told how dirty and loud she is Media has oppressed and deemed her as less . Where is me in media?

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THE HIVE JOHANNESURG

A successful entrepreneur requires innovation,

determination, resilience and an incredible amount of hard work.

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ccording to the latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report released in February 2016, South Africa has been rated one of the worst performing African country in terms of entrepreneurship. With unemployment levels on the rise in South Africa, many young people face a bleak future. The more ambitious among them look to starting their own businesses as a way of keeping their heads above water. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Entrepreneurship is the key to the future success of South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy, this much we all know and it was this reason that a group of creatives and entrepreneurs

collaborated and formed The J&B Hive which introduces an ecosystem of creative entrepreneurs designed to support initiatives, facilitate collaboration and bring truly revolutionary pieces of culture into South Africa and eventually abroad, said Andrew Simelane, co-founder, The J&B Hive. A successful entrepreneur requires innovation, determination, resilience and an incredible amount of hard work. The J&B Hive gives all entrepreneurs in their ecosystem the right tools, training and mentoring they need to in order for their respective businesses to thrive. “If South Africa’s economy is to

continue to see healthy growth, we need more people actively involved as employers, and not just employees. Creating employment is one, if not the most important challenge for South Africa, and if we are going to tackle it effectively, a change in perspective is required on several fronts,” said Simelane

whether it’s innovative new products, completely new sales channels, initiatives with the potential to massively impact communities or pieces of content that tell your story your way. We invite all entrepreneurs to be part of our ecosystem as this will link them up with like-minded individuals and create business leads.

The Hive belongs to game-changers;

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STICKY HODGE PODGE LOOKBOOK Flourish Wherever You Are Planted By Landa Willie Photographer: Meegan Mitchell Model: Sinazo Kraai

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We will flourish wherever we are planted. WE ARE FLOURISHING .

Neck Pieces By.

Siya Mahomba @Stickyhodgepodge

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