The Throne Magazine Aug/Sept 2020

THE THRONE ISSUE 11 | AUG/SEPT 2020

WWW.THETHRONE.CO.ZA

MULTICHOICE MULTICHOICE PRESENTS PRESENTS AFRICA'S AFRICA'S MOST MOST LOVED LOVED STORYTELLER STORYTELLER ISSUE ISSUE

LEBOHANG MASANGO

THE THRONE Publisher Brand Campaign Agency Cover Star Cover Interview Photographer Retoucher Make-Up Artist Hair Stylist Cover Design Account Manager Host

Caron Williams MultiChoice Africa's Most Loved Storyteller Duma Collective Lebohang Masango Gomolemo Lesejane Austin Malema of RTC Studios Banele Mazibuko Nureen Barriel Smangele Sibisi of Indalo Nubian Naturals Panganayi Rupango Melanie Williams Nozipho Mahlangu

The Throne Magazine is an independent magazine published by The Throne Agency (Pty) Ltd caron@thethrone.co.za | www.thethrone.co.za

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COVER STORY

AFRICA'S MOST LOVED STORYTELLER Words by By Gomolemo Lesejane

True to form as an acclaimed voice on the South African arts scene; poet, author, anthropologist and PhD candidate Lebohang Masango speaks delicately and most endearingly about storytelling as an amazing way of staying on the pulse of who we are as Africans, but also how we’re carving out new ways of being and expressing ourselves. Her work is testament to this because we’ve seen how a range of media platforms have published her literary and academic work in the last few years.

Narrating MultiChoice’s latest television commercial through a bespoke poem she was commissioned to write and perform by the brand, Lebohang describes the experience as “magical” from inception.

Not only because it’s given her a pan -African platform to speak to the multifaceted and dynamic nature of Africans, but also because she has identified synergies between her and MultiChoice in how they convene communities and archive important conversations that centre and dignify the people behind them. She believes that MultiChoice has had this impact on African television consumers for as long as it’s been around. “Telenovelas, big sporting tournaments, political news and animated children’s shows do, to a large extent, bring people together to share in their pleasure

and joy; but also to collectively work through their pain. These forms of storytelling are capable of changing people’s minds about each other, and MultiChoice has created a home and a platform for this documentation; undoubtedly making it one of Africa’s most loved storytellers”, she quips.

Lebohang recounts how the approach to her life’s work has been greatly inspired by the reality of her parents having lived through complex and tumultuous times; and this sparked her desire to honour people, where they come from, and what they’re about. It has, she adds, also been stimulated by having grown up in Johannesburg – the setting for both her books Mpumi’s Magic Beads (David Philip Publishers, 2018) and Mpumi and Jabu's Magical Day (New Africa Books, 2020).

While many associate the city with the relentless pursuit of chasing a dime a day; Lebohang is fascinated by a Joburg she knows to be a haven that enables people to create joy; children to thrive, and city dwellers to learn to live and love amongst the proverbial rot.

Because of its cosmopolitan nature, this city has been a notable instigator in the formation and sustaining of popular culture ideation and formation for the rest of South Africa, but in some cases, beyond

MULTICHOICE: AFRICA'S MOST LOVED STORYTELLER

Neckpiece by MaXhosa Africa

Outfit: Masango by Siphosihle. Glass by Dior Earrings by Kisten Goss

MULTICHOICE: AFRICA'S MOST LOVED STORYTELLER

Blanket by MaXhosa Africa

Outfit: Masango by Siphosihle. Glass by Dior Earrings by Kisten Goss

the country’s borders as well. In the same breath, the stories taking root in Johannesburg have, over time, been told in and through various mediums of technology as they became available.

While African folklore depended on the oral tradition of sharing stories, this has evolved, and we now have a myriad of platforms and channels through which people can access stories from wherever they are.

It’s this sense of ownership and belonging that Lebohang wants readers, listeners and viewers to take from her art and this collaboration with MultiChoice in particular. She exclaims that “That’s the thing about stories – by engaging someone else’s, the unsaid within me comes to light.

“IF SOMEONE CAN READ SOMETHING I’VE WRITTEN AND BE PROPELLED TO CREATE, THEN MY ART WOULD HAVE SERVED ITS PURPOSE”.

- LEBOHANG MASANGO

Poetry, books, songs…all these forms of artistic expression from other creators ignite light bulbs within me. If someone can read something I’ve written and be propelled to create, then my art would have served its purpose”.

Speaking of her hope for the future, Lebohang is resolute on paving a way for young people to see the viability of a career in the arts. While South African school -going children may know of potential careers as artists to include being an actress or musician, very few are exposed to the broader spectrum of work in the industry; but more importantly, how to access information on getting their foot in the door. This is exacerbated by a lack of structural support, which does very little for the development of young artists – whether it looks like investing in their education or connecting them with helpful networks to aid their progress.

Her affinity to storytelling and the charisma in her delivery has undoubtedly carved Lebohang’s path as one of this generation’s foremost poets; but it’s her deliberate efforts in humanising the people she writes about; paying it forward; and working to create space for the next writers and artists and academics that we hope will see her stand the test of time in what can be a fickle business. Her parting shot? “Knowing each other’s stories can help us in creating a just and more inclusive world. It’s not a cure for the ills we face and won’t make waves all at once, but it’s an attempt at progress; one plot at a time”. We couldn’t agree more!

Dress by MaXhosa Africa

Dress by MaXhosa Africa

THE THRONE MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2020

I stand as one, But I bring ten thousand stories.

Ten thousand journeys of flesh, Heartbeat,Voice , Breath.

Blood lines running like rivers wild.

Vessels of DNA crisscrossing this continent.

As I stand firmly in the soil of my origin, I carry the hopes of Africa in my chest, And our defiant elders in my lungs And we have always lived with our hearts towards The sky We phoenix-like rise to new heights Cradling the aspirations and dreams of our beautiful children The visions of every little one with imaginations as precious and as agile as rain Cradling waves of our narrative lineages from the beginning to the present Our stories are embellished on the great wings of tomorrow So when I speak, I do so as one but I come as many because conjuring purpose and passion from pain has always been our people’s true alchemy When we are all gone, These testaments will remain.

The future ones will know us by our works of heart.

Time will stand tall and bear witness to us in all our glory.

Our beginning, middle and end is commanded by a spirit greater than anything we have ever known So… Tell your story.

Let it reverberate through the universe, Take up space in places you have never been, Occupy new worlds.

Stare down the sky and let them know that you intend to leave this world as you came…

A collective kind of unconquerable.

We come as one but we stand as ten thousand stories.

Ten thousand journeys of flesh, Heartbeat, Voice, Breath.

- Lebohang Masango

10 SOUTH AFRICAN BASED BEAUTY CONTENT CREATORS TO FOLLOW

MIHLALI NDAMASE Mihlali is an award winning content creator, brand strategist, certified make-up artist, and the co-founder of Siyasizana Foundation. Her content focuses on all things beauty, lifestyle and travel, her most interactive platforms are YouTube and Instagram.

LUNGILE THABETE Lungile is a professional make -up artist and beauty content creator who has worked for some of the world's leading brands. She is also the Head Make-up Artist for Scarlet Hill Beauty, a division of the Mr Price Group.

TOP 10 SA BEAUTY CONTENT CREATORS

CANTARA FAROUK Cantara is a digital content creator and professional make-up artist based in Johannesburg. Her content is aimed at educating women and men about bold, vibrant and create make-up techniques through informative, fun and upbeat tutorials.

FOYIN OG Foyin Og is a Nigerian-born, Johannesburg-bred and Cape Town-based beauty, and lifestyle content creator. Formerly a fashion and beauty copywriter, she is passionate about digital media, the beauty industry and social issues such as inclusivity, feminism and body positivity. Her platforms aim to uplift, educate and inspire women by teaching them how to look and feel their best, no matter their budget, situation or skin tone.

CYNTHIA GWEBU After identifying a gap in online influencer marketing in South Africa and with a successful YouTube channel boasting over 2 million views, Cynthia Gwebu has converted what was a passion for storytelling into a lucrative business modelled around social media communications and digital media production in the categories of beauty and lifestyle.

TOP 10 SOUTH AFRICAN BASED BEAUTY CONTENT CREATORS

KAY YARMS Kay is a leading South African beauty influencer and content creator. She's amassed almost 100 00 subscribers on her popular YouTube channel and over 200 000 followers on her Instagram account. She's cemented her influence with her #21beats4kay hashtag and has worked with brands such as Brutal Fruit and Nivea.

ZEE ONLINE Zama is a beauty and lifestyle digital creator. She is a full-time YouTuber and online creator with a combined following of over 80 000 followers. She is passionate about giving young black women a voice in the beauty industry and is passionate about inclusivity.

Through her content, she focuses on making the beauty industry accessible to the ordinary person and aims to entertain and to empower..

TOP 10 SA BEAUTY CONTENT CREATORS

MBALI MKHIZE Mbali is a leading content creator, professional make-up artist and TV personality. She featured on the first season of The Bachelor South Africa, as well as on Africa’s very first MTV Guy Code Season 1 and Season 2. She is also the co -founder of The Experience Beauty Masterclass held at the Houghton Hotel.

THANDI GAMA Thandi is a Strategic Brand Communication’s graduate, entrepreneur and leading beauty content creator, who after working a year in the marketing industry, decided to pursue Influencing full time. She has leveraged her influence in the social media space to launch her own successful lash brand.

VONGAI MAPHO Vongai is a Zimbabwean born, South African based content creator. She is an award-winning beauty influencer and professional make-up artist with over 65 000 YouTube subscribers and 70 000 Instagram followers.

She has been able to utilise her platforms to work with various brands such Revlon, Johnson’s, Sensodyne and more.

INFLUENCER OF THE MONTH | KAMO MAFOKWANE

BLOGGER FOUNDER OF WILLKATE FASHION & LIFESTYLE INFLUENCER

Kamogelo Mafokwane is a the founder of WILLKAT and a reputable luxury influencer. She begun studying a two year advanced MAC makeup course in Johannesburh and soon went on to study a diploma in Fashion Media and Communication and later graduated from being a Bachelor of Arts Honours, Creative Direction for Fashion London College of Fashion student.

As a creative director, stylist, motivational speaker and influencer Kamogelo's passion in the blog continues to increasingly grow. She collaborates with many individuals globally in fashion, lifestyle and beauty. Kamogelo has gained a unique reputation and has landed the opportunity to work with well-known luxury brands such as IWC Schaffhausen, Cartier, Wolford, Eylure, Feather's London, Topshop Unique amongst many others.

INFLUENCER OF THE MONTH | KAMO MAFOKWANE

Website: www.willkatelady.com Twitter: @willkatelady Instagram: @willkatelady

D

ounded in 2019 by Shelley Mokoena, Connade is a South - African based womenswear brand creating contemporary pieces with understated details for

effortless and bold style.The brand name derives from ‘Contemporary narrated designs’ which represents designs inspired by present day stories, heralded by the women who have come before us and have cultivated us to be the women we are today.

The Collection - Basadi ba Lesedi (Women of light) Bold and warm colours with a mixture of subdued, earthy and neutral tones are the main features in thiscollection.

The rich-red and burnt-orange tones represent the rising sun at dawn. These rich tones are alsoa representation of the women who inspire this collection.“My intent with creating this collection was to see women like me, not even in the literal or physical sensebut in a way that embraces their complexities and make them feel like their best selves. A woman who isnot afraid of who they are, despite her many flaws and exudes her best self with impeccable style andgrace” says Shelley.

0.1

Creative Director: Shelley Mokoena Photography: David Blaq Motsomotso Photography assistant: Zwele Buthelezi Models: Dami Oni Vanessa Ngolo Kemi Kayode

INTERVIEW

THE UYINENE MRWETYANA FOUNDATION, POWA AND MULTICHOICE JOIN FORCES AN INTERVIEW WITH MASIMBULELE BUSO AND JEANETTE SERA

As we celebrate Women’s Month and the incredible contributions made by South African women, both past and present, we’re also moved to reflect on the reality many of us face on a daily basis.

Gender-based

violence

continues

to

impact the lives of countless women and children, and surge has led many to take a stand.

The Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation, POWA (People

Opposing

Department

of

Women

Social

Abuse),

The

Development

and

MultiChoice have recently partnered to speak out and act against gender-based violence, with MultiChoice serving as a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices and strides of those in

for change and keeping the spirit of positivity alive. The foundation’s focus areas are the prevention of gender-based violence through advocacy and awareness campaigns, educating and

training

communities,

offering

holistic

support services by providing a safe haven for displaced women and children, and providing support networks to survivors. The foundation is also committed to facilitating Youth Leadership Development

by

partnering

with

tertiary

institutions to provide accredited courses on gender sensitive leadership skills.

The 24th of August will mark a year since

action.

Uyinene’s untimely passing and the foundation

Founded by those dearest to her, the Uyinene

ideals she stood for. “On the 24th of August, what

Mrwetyana Foundation was launched with the aim of celebrating her life, paying homage and preserving her legacy, as well as being a catalyst

hope’s to commemorate her memory and the we want to focus on is engaging people and making sure that we are keeping up with our theme which is “arise”. What was meant to

INTERVIEW

silence or bury us will be used as an opportunity

MultiChoice has also partnered with POWA,

to reclaim our power and to talk and engage with

which is a feminist organisation whose primary

society,” explains Masimbulele Buso, Managing

objective is to provide direct services to survivors

Director of the foundation.

of domestic and sexual violence. “We provide counselling to survivors experiencing abuse in

With various initiatives set out for the month of

their

lives.

We

do

it

through

face-to-face

August, the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation has

counselling and we are also able to reach

also partnered with MultiChoice to strengthen

survivors through telephone. That service is very

and further amplify their cause. As Masimbulele

important in that, although we are based in

explains, “the collaboration with MultiChoice is

Johannesburg, we are able to reach survivors

something that we are in awe of. Putting this

around the country. We also provide shelter for

campaign together has been such a beautiful

women who find themselves needing to move

experience of healing and sharing our stories. The

out of an abusive situation together with their

partnership has offered hope. What MultiChoice

children. We’ve got shelters in the West Rand and

has done is take initiative - they’ve asked what

in the East Rand. We also have a second stage

they can do to help and offered us their platform

house that is in Johannesburg,” explains Jeanette

to use as we wish. For us, it’s beyond the hashtag,

Sera, POWA’s Counselling Services Manager.

I think it will showcase to other corporate companies and to government that when you say

On

you want to inspire change, you have to support it

Jeanette explains that the partnership is

with action.”

POWA’s

partnership

with

MultiChoice,

INTERVIEW

Whilst both the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation and POWA have gone to incredible lengths to empower and protect women, they require all facets of society to aid in spreading awareness of and combating gender-based violence. “We need to have programmes that run 365 days a year because the reality is that women experience domestic and sexual violence every day of their lives. We cannot lose momentum, we have to talk about gender-based violence every day, it should be on our tongues every day until it ends. We need to eradicate violence in our country, in our lives, in the lives of women, children, girls and non-conforming

communities,”

empahises

Jeanette.

As the 24th of August will mark a year since Uyinene’s passing, the foundation would like for her passion for life and vibrancy be what she is most remembered by. “Uyinene’s legacy is one that is so beautiful and one that is too dynamic to capture in just a sentence. She was such a lively, bubbly person. Her whole life was a celebration.

She didn’t let anything stop her from life, she had especially key as it’s Women’s month. “They have

no boundaries in terms of what she could do. She

great reach, so partnering with us is important in

was a leader, an artist, she played sports, she was

aiding us to spread our message against gender-

into

based violence. The lives of women and girls

academics. Uyinene was an activist and she was

matter, their rights are also human rights and by

never deterred in terms of her opinions - she had

partnering with MultiChoice the message will be

strong opinions about the oppression of women,

sent around our country. As an organisation

patriarchy and calling out men. She left a fire

alone, we wouldn’t be able to do that. POWA

burning for each and every woman in this

alone won’t be able to make it, government alone

country. I think that’s how we want to carry out

won’t be able to make it. All of us as citizens of

her legacy, we want to continue to ignite that fire

South

and

- whatever your activism looks like and whatever

contribute in order for women and girls to live in

your joy looks like, we want to activate that and

a country free of gender-based violence.”

put it out into the world and into society.on

Africa

have

to

come

together

fitness,

health,

art

and

she

was

into

INTERVIEW

"YOU ARE SEEN.

You are seen, you are strong and you are

YOU ARE

�If you would like to donate or volunteer with the

STRONG. YOU

www.uyinenefoundation.co.za,

ARE POWERFUL."

powerful.

Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation, you can do so directly

on

the

foundation’s

website

POWA

also

welcomes volunteers to join their database. If you would like to offer monetary donations or donations in the form of clothing, toiletries food, and baby clothes for displaced women and children,

you

info@powa.co.za,

can or

e-mail visit

them

their

on

website

www.powa.co.za/POWA for more informati

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH |

TREVOR STUURMAN

www.instagram.com/trevor_stuurman

Trevor Stuurman

Trevor Stuurman is a revered photographer and multi-media visual artist. His increasing acclaim has seen him seamlessly swapping street style photography for high-end fashion events such as London, New York and Milan Fashion Week. Stuurman knows how to carefully capture colour, character, texture and feeling to breathe life into his still images. He is passionate about embracing African culture and heritage in his work. Stuurman often speaks about drawing his central inspiration and drive from South African cultures and the continent at large. His growing global footprint has led him to being to work on BeyoncĂŠ's hailed Black is King project.

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH |

TREVOR STUURMAN

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH |

Top: Tony Gum Right: Adonis Bosso

TREVOR STUURMAN

I S S U E ONE | MYPLAC E -