Thanda Indaba: Silas Lekgoathi

      1.     Please give us a brief story of your childhood and how you found
yourself at Design indaba?

My childhood is a mix between township upbringings that were one day flipped on the head in exchange for a suburban adolescent phase. I suppose that's what might have led to my ability to connect with all types of individuals from different backgrounds and it’s probably why I have been asked to come on board and engage with the masses with Design Indaba.

      2.     What is the weirdest advice you received to calm your nerves for

I'm good with individuals but I can be strange around large numbers. I approached a comedian friend of mine after one of his shows for advice and his bit was to just speak as though you are speaking to a close group of friends.  People will only engage with you comfortably if you reciprocate that and they feel that energy from you. I suppose I’ll just smile laugh and talk to my friends. Who knows by the end of the night I may just walk away with a group of genuine friends. There's an upside.

      3.      What do you hope to gain from this opportunity?

I hope to meet the kind of minds and people that can help me achieve my goals and desires. If there's any possibility to explore different places and meet new individuals well then I can’t complain.

      4.      Can you describe your approach as a mc, how do you prepare?

Engage with people as often as possible.  Let them see your character because after all that’s what you're selling. Your ability to captivate an audience. Go out and meet folks and test your strengths.

 

       5.     What else is are you known for?

Apart from being a Mc I'm also an Illustrator, voice actor I also write for a wine magazine and on the odd occasion I model.

      6.     Where to after the Design Indaba? Sao Paulo  Brazil  :)

      Silas will be the MC at Converse presents: Design indaba music circuit 2014 on the 26th of February. See and hear his work on behance

Written by: Lethabo Ngakane

Twitter: @lambisking

Tumblr: http://www.its-lambisking.tumblr.com/

Thanda Indaba: Maria Lebedeva

1.      Can you give us a brief history about yourself and how you got into art?

I was born in Moscow, Russia, and moved to South Africa at the age of 6. I have loved drawing since early childhood, I remember keeping myself entertained for hours making illustrated books. When I finished school I knew I wanted to do something in the arts, and landed up studying Information Design at the University of Pretoria. Illustration was a component of the course, and I realised that that is what I really wanted to do, so I went on to complete an Mphil specialising in Illustration at the University of Stellenbosch. This is where I really embraced my first love, making more illustrated books :)

 

 

2.      Can you describe the energy that your work gives off?

Interesting question :) I would like to think it's a soft, delicate energy, with a tinge of happiness and sadness intertwined.

3.      How did you develop your particular style and what inspired it?

I think the idea of 'style' is debatable, I would like my work to be recognisable as being mine, but not in the sense that everything looks the same! I try to experiment with the way I draw constantly, trying out different mediums, and different techniques. I like to keep a delicate, sensitive quality to my work at all times, which I feel is my 'style', in a way. This delicate quality was attained through hours and hours of sweat and tears during my time at Stellenbosch University, and I am still working on improving my technique daily. I am also always on the lookout for new inspirational illustration work, which will also have an influence on the way I am drawing at any given moment. Currently I am very inspired by the work of Isabelle Arsenault, a French Canadian illustrator. 

4.      I have noticed that many of your art works express a whole lot of loneliness, whether it is an empty chair, a lone fox in the forest or a middle aged man sitting by the pool/beach. Is there a subconscious message that you sending out there?

I think so, yes. It's so great that you picked up on that! I'm absolutely fascinated by the idea of emptiness, of something missing. I think it's influenced by my upbringing (being an immigrant always leaves you with a slight but ever-present feeling of emptiness), and by my fascination with narrative. When something is missing (like a chair missing an occupant), there is a story there, you begin to question the image.

 

 

                                

5.      What do you expect to achieve at Design Indaba?

I'm hoping that my work gets some local and international exposure. Hopefully it leads to some new interesting work, partnerships, collaborations... I am also really looking forward to seeing everyone's stalls, I'm always so inspired by the way other people work! So I'm sure I'll get a good dose of inspiration from the experience too. 

 

6.      Do you listen to music when working on your art and if so what genre/artist puts you in the “zone”

Yes, I often listen to music, and I'll sometimes try and select music that matches the mood I'm trying to convey in the illustration I'm working on. That really helps to get me in the "zone"! Mumford & Sons, Florence and the Machine, Of Monsters & Men, and Lana Del Rey are some go-to favorites.

 

 

 

Written by: Lethabo Ngakane

 

Twitter: @lambisking

 

Tumblr: http://www.its-lambisking.tumblr.com/

Authenticity : 3 ways to beat a writer's block

 

A blogger once wrote that, the place where your creativity and your authenticity intersect is a place that is pure, energised and free flowing. This, many of us agree, is a utopian place, whether in our personal lives or in the crafts we perform each day.

Authenticity can be described as “the degree to which one is true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, despite external pressures”; and Creativity can be defined as “the impetus to action which arises from the person in question, and not externally imposed.” Creativity and Authenticity both require that, you engage yourself, then take on actions that will be meaningful and/ or reflective of whom you are; Authenticity can therefore be described as the Siamese twin of Creativity.

By consciously becoming and remaining curious about our true selves and making informed decisions about how we choose to pursue our life experiences for a greater purpose, socially and personally, we are essentially engaging in a process of Creative Authenticity. It is beneficial for people to remain committed to realising and creating a true authentic self and to be awakened to that reality in all decisions & actions. This can be done in many forms- but here a few good launching pads:

1. Love your space and your people: Surround yourself with people and spaces that make you feel good. Being surrounded by positive ‘affirmations’ has the potential to create positive mental shifts about the perception you have of yourself and your world.
2. Me time: Introspection allows you to engage with yourself and your own opinions, this is good for clearing your internal world as well as unleashing and engaging with the universal intelligence stored inside you. Some good self lovin’ can go a very long way.
3. Love what you do and do what you love: Write, paint, scrapbook, garden, sew- engage in the creation of something that stimulates your mind, that you love, allows you to focus, and awakens your senses.

IDEO founder David Kelley says that when one is truly authentic, they accumulate creative confidence, which then leads to them pursuing a broader creative purpose that could benefit their immediate and wider communities. Think Ghandi, Picasso, Steve Biko, Beyonce.

 

Written By: Tiisetso Noxolo Skosana



Thanda Indaba: Colour Ikamva

1. What is ColourIkamva?

ColourIkamva is an idea inspired by the the amazing work of IkamvaYouth, an after school mentoring and tutoring program for learners in disadvantages communities.  They work by a ‘culture of responsibility’ that has empowered students to lift themselves and each other out of poverty and into tertiary and employment opportunities. These kids are smart, charismatic and beautifully talented and our goal is to work with the students in co-creating an environment that reflects the beauty they all hold within. Our vision is to evolve the current discourse surrounding public schools in our country. The challenges facing our educational set-up are vast and layered. We are trying to slowly deconstruct these issues with a module that focuses on quality education in an inspiring, positive environment and collective empowerment though creativity.

2. How did this project come about?

In preparation for this project, we spent almost six months gathering ideas and solutions from creative thinkers all around the world, documenting their thoughts into a body of evidence supporting our goal of transforming South African schools.  We learnt that there is a clear relationship between physical space and the emotional and social development of people. After speaking to accomplished artists, community leaders, city arts planners and even a monk from Nepal, we became even more convinced of the need to address the environments where young people go to learn. As young South Africans we felt compelled to use whatever skill set we have been given or learnt to try and be  a apart of the solution. Given that we all have different individual talents and the need for attention so vast, collaboration is key. 

3. What is the biggest challenge for ColourIkamva

The biggest challenge is just the amount of work that needs to be done! Neglecting our schools is ultimately an oppression of our potential, when the system fails us at an individual level it tragically hinders the growth of our entire nation.  The challenge is creating something sustainable, and this is a long process that involves navigating through the project in a way that is conscious of all the social, economic and historical sensitivities that exist in South Africa. This takes a lot of communication, understanding and time. We are trying to pass on tools for empowerment, as opposed to a 'giving' people a new environment where that they have no connection of personal ownership or investment in. 

4. How are the children reacting to the newly painted and colourful spaces?

Everybody seems so happy! I think the main thing was us actually spending a lot of time working with educators and students and building relationships with them. Watch the video for some of the reactions! We're doing academic research through NW University on the impact... official results in waiting :)

5. What's the next project?

We're in the process of securing our next school in Cape Town. We're going to try and capitalise on our status as an official WDC project,  and continue to get the word out to potential supporters and collaborators. 

6. How did you feel when you were chosen to exhibit at Design Indaba and how do you see it helping with your project?

I think it's a great opportunity to connect with like minded people as well as showcasing how design can be used for social upliftment. I'm excited!

Please check out their video

and check out there website on www.colourikamva.co.za

The Reporter That Paid: Kendrick Lamar

 Kendrick Lamar finally made it to Johannesburg South Africa. I was amongst the first to purchase the Golden circle ticket in 2013, the last to arrive at the *press conference due to an overpriced and under skilled tuk Tuk driver who would stop at every intersection to ask for directions and speed off halfway during the understanding. So being such an overly dedicated fan of King Kendrick Lamar I decided that I would have to get as close as humanly possible to him during his performance. 
*I am greatly dissapointed at the generic questions that were thrown around there, so many months to prepare and you still asking about album covers? The price of being late.

The first stop was always going to be the beer tent and thank the heavens for the sponsor we were treated to R30 worth of cold piss in a plastic cup, with no choice I made my purchase and bumped into familiar faces from the streets as well as the corporate world…I’m talking CEO’s and Kitcheners cavalry bar regulars and that goes to show the power of the tiny giant we were all here to see.

Unfortunately I was late for Reason’s performance as I gradually smuggled myself right through the Versace clad crowd on my way to the front of the stage (pretending my “girlfriend” is waiting for me somewhere in the near distance”. I got there in time to see him perform with veteran Kabelo from the legendary kwaito group TKZee alongside Maggz. They performed a new track called lendlela which has been seeing m.a.a.d airplay on Chanel O. Reason brought on to stage the legendary Tumi from the Volume who seemed a little out of the latter as the sound went through a bit of a low while performing Keep Debiting, none the less we know what to expect of him and his team, pure talent and lyrical dexterity and that was duly delivered through historical references, complex flows, punch lines and metaphors. The set was then ended with an interactive Do it like I can shembe Gospel rendition which had everyone singing along and smiling from ear to ear. Reason’s set had a great amount of energy. He is indeed a crowd pleaser, check out his latest single Bump The CheeseUp.

During the intervals the crowd grew rapidly restless and started chanting Kendrick’s name which was a disappointing scene seeing as we are supposed to be supporting local music as well and the fact is that the  homies were bringing it!!! Anyways on to one of my favourite acts of the night Khuli Chana backed by Raiko, performed high energy crowd favourites and even brought on Da L.E.S (who wore a Compton cap?) and Magesh for Hape le hape (Pt 2), I sluggishly zoned out and remembered listening to a song called Jozi City lights from the Maru a pula album back in my college years while sharing a plate of pap and meat with a friend, realising the hardships of Joburg and BOOM! Khuli brings out KG and Towdee Mac on to the stage; 2 thirds of his former group Morafe serving us a nostalgic moment as we sang along to one of their hit singles “You ain’t heard the whole thing”.  Khuli performed Dikeetane from   Khuli Chana’s Lost In Time album, it was my first time hearing the joint but I fell for it. It has the classic playful social commentary that Motswako Music became known for, I can’t believe Towdee  is still as sick as ever, this was also made evident in his single Habashwe . Khuli brought a triple stack set with a drummer, dancers, Keyboardist, supporting acts as well as astounding lighting and energy to the stage.  Another element that stuck out was a dread locked rapper who just appeared out of nowhere and faded into a Khuli Chana's  Dikeetane  with an amaaaaaazing flow. Ladies and gentlemen this was soon shaping up to be a night of lyricism, energy and clinical execution.

After that set you could feel the anxiety creeping into the crowd, a sheet of light rain dropped, draped and cooled us down as we made small talk with the people around us, I helped some tired legs to sit down while we waited for an agonizing 45 minutes for Kendrick…look we support your music, we love your music, we even F*@k to your music but damn man 45 minutes? Cramps, thirst, unruly behaviour will arise homie…anyways I put away my pen and paper for this one, this performance was more personal than any I have attended.

see I was the first person to play Kendrick Lamar on radio in South Africa before he even had an official twitter account so I really knew his music well and have played it over and over on my phone, in the production studio, at parties and pretty much anywhere where the was a sound output…I even pretended to be him at Rocking theDaisies reciting a broken verse from the Black hippy U.O.E.N.O. I had come to see if he would really bring it or be like every other rapper who comes on stage recites a couple of verses and leaves with a “We love you South Africa, I’ve just got paid”. Kendrick Lamar is as sick live as he is recorded, you get the picture? He had a more chilling energy, I was confused whether it was sinister or humbled as he got the crowd to chant his name, I guess everyone at that level of progress, with so many followers all over the world has the right to lean back and pimp the crowd on some “what’s my name” type tip. You could tell that he was genuinely there and happy to be in South Africa and reminded us that ashy skin and nappy hair is all natural and shouldn’t really be compromised. He threw out a few of his classic tracks from Section 8.0 namely A.D.H.D, Hol’Up, Hiii Power and Ronald Reagan Era which got the crowd in a jovially rebellious mood as they threw their three fingers in the air while singing along.

He also featured some of the catchy tunes from his official debut album Good Kid M.A.A.D City namely, Money Trees, Good Kid, Swimming Pools, Recipe, Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, Backyard freestyle even spitting Dre’s verse in the process. He brought on his little brothers to show them the magnitude of what he does so that they can learn from it at a young age as it took him 27 years to get to this point he said. This showed that Kendrick really believes in developing the youth and shaping the future. A surprise track I must admit was cartoons and cereal….AAAAAAH one of my favourites and least expected jams.

Towards the end of his show he made people take their phones out (the modern day lighter) and wave them In the air as he passionately stated that if he had to die right at that very instance, we should sing about him; Then he performed sing about me. I saw teary eyes in the crowd, niggers who looked like Mac 10 and E-40 were pushing streams back into their eye balls while maintaining their gangster lean. Other tracks that were performed were Collard Greens by School Boy Q and P&P.

 Photo by: @TsumeAlphaWolf

 

Video by: Itumeleng Modise

video by: Byron goldberg

Over all I was overwhelmed by his aura, his delivery – no gasp – no water, his stage presence and his near outer body experience when he raps, it honestly felt like he was travelling right through the crowd interacting with each individual on their own level. The down side were a few glitches from the DJ, the sound from the base bin on the left hand side of the stage and also the bland screen at the back, he could’ve put an animation or something to enhance his act. Either than that it was an emotional performance. BIG Ups to Our South African performers you were an amazing build up and we keep supporting you from oppie koppie all the way to the 6o’s and maybe Vegas?

Video by: Itumeleng Modise



Written by: Lethabo Ngakane

Twitter: Lambisking

Instant Kaffein: Soweto Rock Revolution

If you asking the “whats” and the “wheres” then you have already missed the first one, The bands, the scene, the quarts, the mosh pits, tattoos and cigarette burns…the pilot project that got the big cheese; The Soweto Rock Revolution : Punk Fuck event hosted at the Street Hawker Concept Store in Dube Soweto.

The organisers have been so busy building on the great success of the first edition of the event that it was fitting for us to sneak in an Instant Kaffein interview, where we asked them a few quick questions on who they are and what you should expect for the next instillation pragmatically called Soweto Rock Revolution: Punk Fuck II.

               

  

      

      1.       How did Soweto Rock Revolution come about?  

                 Collaborative effort between musicians, creatives and artists.

     

      2.       What were the major challenges in planning Soweto Rock Revolution:     

                Punk Fuck? 

                Money.

      

      3.       The first offering was really dope, great crowd and a diverse selection of    

                bands. How did it make you as the founder feel when it all came      

                together? 

                Happy as fuck, what a success.

      

      4.       Any highlights at the first Punk Fuck event? 

               The bands, the crowd, love, skating, beer, kids, tattoos, art, creativity; We 

               just wish Nelson Mandela was still alive to see this.

      5.       How do you see this event impacting on your community?

                Kids will see life differently and realise there is so much more to it, when    

                they go outside it would be nice to look around and hopefully get inspired to   

                take over the world through art. 

     6.        What should we expect from the upcoming Punk Fuck gig in   

                February?

               Come with an open mind.

   

Written by: Lethabo Ngakane
Photography and editing: Lethabo Ngakane
Follow on Twitter: @Lambisking or @kaffeinmagazine
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Thanda Indaba: Wonder Meyer

1. Please give us a brief story of who you are and what you do.

I'm a 24 year old illustrator originally from the small coastal town of Jeffreys Bay, although I've been living and studying in Port Elizabeth for the past 4 years. I majored in printmaking and illustration at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, and now that I’ve graduated I'm all set to move to Cape Town in March to work as a freelance Illustrator. I'd love to eventually write and illustrate my own series of children’s books and exhibit internationally.

 2. Can you describe the world you escape to when putting together your artwork?

I’m inspired by the myths, folklores and fairytales we encounter as children, and I am also inspired by childhood itself. My own childhood took a pretty adventurous turn when my parents took me out of school to sail around the world. Being exposed to so many different cultures, environments and unique experiences at such a young age made the world seem like a very mysterious and magical place where just about anything could happen. I often find this sentiment echoed in the environments depicted in my illustrations- a whispered world that floats somewhere between reality and make-believe.

3. Who is this little girl who seems to be the main subject of your

 Current works?

As much as I don’t want to say it’s me, because it sounds so narcissistic... it’s probably me. My illustrations are definitely a form of self-expression. I find that many of our experiences are indescribable, because so much of what we perceive is intangible. As many myths do, my illustrations are explorations of the ambiguities and contradictions of human existence. They are a way for me to give form to the ineffable emotions and personal experiences I encounter. Because I use visual metaphors to relate these feelings and experiences, I suppose I draw young female characters as representations of myself in these personal mythologies.

Thunder In Our Hearts

 4. You seem to enjoy mixed media, what is your favourite medium to work in?

The mediums I use most are pen and watercolour. I really enjoy good old pen on paper drawing, and love getting lost in the detail of fine, clean lines, but there’s not much room for error. Watercolour and inks allow for a lot more freedom, as they require less control, so the combination of the two work well for me. I’m also attracted to the ghostly appearance of emboss, and I've recently started experimenting with painting on glass in conjunction with pen and paper illustration. I'm also really keen to play around with ceramics this year after making my first porcelain character- there is something very satisfying about seeing your character come to life in a 3-dimentional form. 

 5. Where was your first exhibition and which artwork was the first to sell?

My first exhibition was in 2009 at the EPSAC gallery (now artEC) in Port Elizabeth. I sold an etching for next to nothing but thankfully I’ve learned a thing or two since then. Nevertheless I was pretty psyched at the time!

6. Can you take us through the message behind your work titled “In the face of Adversity?

‘In the Face of Adversity’ illustrates a metaphorical encounter with an insurmountable problem. The subject matter deals with an intangible human experience and incorporates symbolism in order to convey meaning.  The mountains represent resilience, dominance and a refusal to yield, and the bison echoes the same immovable qualities. However, the bison’s expression is benevolent instead of threatening, which leads the viewer to question who represents adversity to whom. The work is an observation of the relationship between humans and animals and carries an environmental message that points to the threat that mankind poses for the animal kingdom.

7. Finally, how are you feeling about being part of the young guns to show case at Design indaba.?

I’m super excited! I feel so privileged to be a part of the Emerging Creatives program, and really look forward to the experience! It couldn’t have come at a better time since I am relocating to Cape Town, which has also been awarded the title of the Design Capital for 2014. It’s no secret that the art world is a tough nut to crack in terms of forging a career for yourself, but I could not have asked for a better launch pad than Design Indaba.

Feel free to check out more of her beautiful work .

Words by: Lethabo Ngakane

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