Features

In Conversation with Sheila Afari

There are some people who seem almost mythical in presence, their legacy larger than life, yet their humanity grounding them in the most profound way. Dr Esther Mahlangu is one such figure. When I meet her—albeit virtually—she is petite in stature, her smile warm and inviting, but there is a quiet power that emanates from her even in her silence. Her intricate Ndebele-inspired works have graced everything from galleries in Miami and Switzerland to the body of a BMW, but what truly resonates is her ability to carry the weight of her cultural heritage with grace, ensuring it is not only preserved but celebrated globally.

Versed in the art of acting, well-spoken in the discipline of presenting, and polished in the craft of the voice over artistry, multi-talented TV personality Nkanyiso Makhanya is the type of man who gives a deeper and broader meaning to wearing many caps.

A playful, heartfelt dive into how they fell for each other—one moment at a time.

Between playful bombastic side-eyes, endless smiles, and undeniable sparks of affection, Moozlie and Jr Ecko’s love is instantly felt in our three-way virtual conversation. The couple, ever eager to express their adoration, recently celebrated their first year together. As their love deepens with each passing day, they say they’re embracing the journey at their own pace—falling for each other, one moment at a time.

Fashion has long been a reflection of culture, a means of self-expression, and, at times, a tool of oppression. Fashion Accounts in Museum Africa is a groundbreaking exhibition that reimagines how we view and archive fashion, particularly in the context of Black South African histories. Curated by Wanda Lephoto, Erica de Greef, and Alison Moloney, this thought-provoking exhibition sheds light on the erasure of Black South African fashion from museum collections while creating space for powerful stories of memory, resistance, and preservation.

For Sabrina, music isn’t just a career—it’s a way of life. Born into a music-loving family in Cameroon, where melodies filled every corner of her home, it was almost inevitable that she would become a singer-songwriter and performer. In 2020, her professional journey took off when she signed with AFROBIT Productions, marking the beginning of what has already been an extraordinary career.

A dedicated actress, a vibrant TV personality, a soulful musician, and a boundary-pushing creative, Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku possesses a multi-hyphenated portfolio that doesn’t only speak to her versatility but also to her dedication to take up space and maximise all her artistic faculties. Credited in the realms of filmmaking, producing, as well as modelling, she is a thoroughbred of the entertainment space in every sense of the word.

Taking Pretoria’s unique sound to the mainstream has become a top priority for Shoshanguve-born star Pabi Cooper. This mission has influenced the young artist so profoundly that her latest track, Pabi Jo, serves as a tribute to Pretoria’s distinct bacardi sound, skillfully blended with the global beats of amapiano. Like many of her previous hits, the song has taken the internet by storm, with the 23-year-old proudly calling it a ‘God-given’ track.

All-round music creative Desiree’s latest EP, *Intersexy*, opens a door to her world as an intersex woman in South Africa. With just two songs, this EP—which follows her debut project, Femme Tech—captures not just a sound but a profound journey of self-discovery, resilience, and artistic growth. It’s a vibrant testament to embracing oneself and creating magic from life’s complexities.

The Christmas season often shines a light on joy and togetherness, but for many, it also brings into sharp focus the absence of loved ones. As I prepare for the holidays this year, I reflect on the journey I’ve walked since losing my son in February 2023. His assassination left an unfillable space in my heart, and grief became my constant companion. But it’s in this grief that I discovered something transformative: the power of grace.

Since her formidable debut in the entertainment industry, Kim Jayde Robinson has been a force to be reckoned with—an icon who moves effortlessly between the worlds of fashion, media, and entrepreneurship. From working with global giants like Nike, Adidas, and Converse to collaborating with visionary South African designers such as Rich Mnisi, Thebe Magugu, and Nao Serati, Kim has carved out a lane entirely her own.