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As a new generation emerges, we could have chosen dozens of young creatives to keep an eye on this year. But Milisuthando Bongela was allowed to pick just five. Here they are:
ART: Tshiamo ‘Tiger’ Maremela
A month ago, Maremela was trending on Twitter because the insanely talented visual artist was looking for a job and people couldn’t believe he didn’t have one.
His video and graphic work looks at masculinity from a post-rainbow nation perspective and beautifully incorporates elements of protest, pop and life as a young black man.
Twenty-four hours after #FindTigerAJob went viral, he was employed. In 2016, he wants his work to continue to be a visual representation of the various “must fall” movements.
. Go to vimeo.com/tigermaremela to see his work
FASHION: Rich Mnisi
Everybody’s talking about Mnisi, one of the most important young fashion designers working in South Africa today.
His clothing epitomises the multiple influences of our contemporary nation.
He has been consistent in the delivery of high quality, really good clothing since winning the best designer award at African Fashion International in 2014.
. His clothing is available online at richmnisi.com
LITERATURE: Nangamso Koza
Based in the Eastern Cape, Koza is a literary activist for an educational organisation called the Inqubela Foundation, which has benefited from her being a Mandela Washington Fellow.
The foundation works with public schools in areas such as Queenstown and Whittlesea to develop leadership and literacy programmes with the help of local municipalities, government and community members.
Koza has just finished writing her first Isixhosa children’s book, which is due for publication this year.
FILM: Sheetal Magan
Magan is a busy young South African film maker. When I saw the trailer for The Fall of Ganesh, her 24-minute short, I sensed a new generation of narrative complemented by a strong visual eye.
The 28-year-old wrote and directed the film about the everyday realities of prejudice.
She has just completed another short called Paraya, which will open the Director’s Fortnight in Cannes as part of the South Africa Factory.
In 2016, Magan will develop her first feature as well as an eight-part miniseries set in KwaZulu-Natal called Acts of Man.
MUSIC: Msaki
Asanda Mvana – AKA Msaki – is an indie Afro folk singer, songwriter and visual artist who I first saw perform in East London in 2013.
I had the pleasure of witnessing her musical maturity recently when she visited Johannesburg to perform songs from her soon-to-be-released full-length debut album Zaneliza: How the Water Moves with an orchestra, which included a variety of strings, flutes, drums and the award-winning pianist Nduduzo Makhathini. She also features on the Revolution House hit Spring Tide.
. Visit facebook.com/msaki for more
