adidas Originals x Bad Bunny Release collaborative sneaker ‘Response CL’

Oct 26, 2023 | News, Fashion

Bad Bunny x adidas put an exciting twist on an iconic silhouette with the launch of the Response CL. This design, full of surprises, is a reflection of the talented artist’s vision and passion. 

Benito always seeks a different angle and way to tell a story. When he feels comfortable in a space, he moves with The Paso Fino: that unique, elegant, and confident walk, towards the unknown because that’s where he can discover something new, and in that revelation, surprise us all.

This drop, inspired by a Western universe, is a reinterpretation through Benito’s style, using the desert as a territory that offers infinite possibilities. It is a seemingly distant place, but one that transforms and takes on new meaning for those who can perceive its full potential.

The Response CL colorway evokes the arid tones of the land, with a palette of browns in various shades and touches of deep purple. The textures and lines characteristic of the mountains are masterfully intertwined while maintaining maximum comfort and support, including the classic Response CL rubber outsole, three stripes and characteristic Benito’s eye.

The latest iteration of adidas Originals x Bad Bunny brings us one step closer to an artist who, in pursuit of telling a story, is not afraid of the uncertain. Benito invites you to embrace The Paso Fino with him – that unique, elegant, confident walk – and move towards the unknown with him, because it is there that you can discover something new.

The new Response CL will be available online, in selected flagship stores including V&A, Mall of Africa, Sandton on 28 October and will retail for R3299.00

About adidas Originals: 
Inspired by the rich sporting heritage of adidas – one of the world’s leading sports brands and a global designer and developer of athletic footwear and apparel – adidas Originals is a lifestyle brand founded in 2001. With the adidas archive at its foundation, adidas Originals continues to evolve the brand’s legacy through its commitment to product innovation and its ability to filter the creativity and courage found on courts and sporting arenas through the lens of contemporary youth culture. Marked by the iconic Trefoil logo that was first used in 1972 and championed by those that continue to shape and define creative culture, adidas Originals continues to lead the way as the pioneering sportswear brand for the street.

About Bad Bunny 
Bad Bunny is a multi-platinum recording artist, multiple Latin GRAMMY® and GRAMMY®  winner, who consistently manages to break international barriers and dismantle cultural norms, becoming a global icon of culture and entertainment. In 2021, he was named one of Billboard’s 10 most popular superstars in the world and earned the title of the #1 Latin artist of the year for a third consecutive year. In addition, after amassing an impressive more than 9.1 billion streams, he became the only Latin artist who, for two consecutive years, has been proclaimed the most listened to artist globally on Spotify – all of this without releasing a new album.   

In 2022, his tour “El Último Tour del Mundo” became the most globally successful tour of current times, selling out its 35 functions and breaking sales and attendance records. On the heels of his global success he released a new album, “Un Verano Sin Ti,” which became the second all-Spanish album to reach number 1 on the Billboard 200 Chart. The first album to accomplish this was Bad Bunny’s “El Último Tour del Mundo.” The album earned 356.66 million on-demand official streams in its premiere week, registering the largest streaming week ever for a Latin music album; it also set a record by posting its 24 songs on Billboard’s “Hot Latin Songs.” Currently, the megastar just kicked off his first stadium tour across the U.S. and Latin America, setting the record for the highest-grossing concert in each of the venues he has performed so far and the highest-grossing concert by a Latin act.

Press release courtesy of Playmakers

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

‘Ukujaiva – To Dance’ A look at how dance culture is intrinsic to South Africa

Oct 25, 2023 | Lifestyle, Community

In the famous words of T’zozo “Ukujaiva, ngakqala ngimgaka (sho) ngabamgaka manje sengimgaka” which loosely translates to “Dancing? I started that when I was yay tall, now I’m here!”.  It’s no secret that the everyday Mzansian could easily audition to become the new dance captain of Beyonce’s crew, we’ve even seen this first hand in her forever revered music video, ‘Who runs the world (GIRLS)?’  where Bey is seen stepping swiftly into the beloved pantsula academy. Although famous for isipantsula, South Africa  isn’t like most other countries – it is not limited to one to two or three nationally recognised dances. Many would even argue that people from this country came out of the womb dancing. In a country of 11 official languages, it only makes sense that there is one language that is fluently understood and spoken  across the board; the language of rhythm. 

The history of dance in Mzansi predates that of us avid readers, going as far back as since the stretching of the first animal skin drums. Africa has had an unbreakable connection with the sound known as “isigubhu’’ – a dance that makes for an iconic storytelling combo, now clearly seen with the sensational amapiano’s ‘logdrum’ takeover. Throughout the ages, song and dance have not only been a source of entertainment but also a way to document history and relay messages, making it easier to pass on the vital information that helps preserve culture as generations transition from one era to another. Warriors did it with spears and shields en route and on the battlefield and once that dust settled, the women did it with a sultry shuffle and sway by the watering holes. Later on during the jazz-centric the mid-1900’s pata-pataring was happening all over by local taverns and shebeens and was a cultural, creative expression of the struggle for freedom.

By Cotton Bro Studio, courtesy of pexels

Amongst the many movements shaking up everyday life, most – if not all – of the country’s most groundbreaking dances stem from Black communities and townships taking ownership of their creative talents. Where they were once stifled under Apartheid law that forbade cultural expression and the intermingling of tribe and race, while restricting freedom of movement and self-actualisation, dance represents more than just the joy we experience as a people; it is our liberation. Dance and the enjoyment of it at the time was a profound form of rebellion. We see this with the more frank jump-step protest dance famously called toyi-toyi formed by people of South Africa as a phalanx against their then oppressors. Even in its evolution, dance is still seen as a tool to express and help document the times. One of the youngest of them all is the dance style that stems from the musical genre Amapiano – a slower-paced chimaera of deep house’s vast terrain and kwaito’s unabashed calls for expression – the Amapiano dances encapsulate that right now, the aim is not to sweat in a harsh working covid stricken economy. During a time of hustle culture with little to no reward, don’t sweat.

A natural healer is what dance is to the people and the proof is in the science, as written by health professionals on Dance – health benefits. Dance is a medicine that has no age restrictions, from gogo to your newborn. 

Movement is meditation. Dance can improve your body image and through learning different moves that coincide with your musical faves, one will soon realise that good dancing doesn’t come with mastering the latest TikTok trend but rather, it’s about feeling good and comfortable in your bodily capabilities.  It also encourages social bonding which is perfect for the socially anxious. When no words need to be said and just a shared joy over a fire tune is your ice breaker, the rest is easier to manoeuvre regardless of age, race, class or sexuality. They don’t call it ebumnandini (where the fun is at) for nothing. It’s said to be able to ward off dementia, as detailed in this piece on Dancing and Brain Health and this is probably why a lot of doctors recommend dance therapy among other body conscious activities like swimming and cooking, as ways to help retain the memories of their patients. I assume from the multiple senses stimulated during the advised activities, one’s memories can easily be triggered through an old song, smell or movement made in their younger years. Kind of like how I still have that random jingle stuck in my head that takes me to the summer of 2002 every time that I randomly think of it. 

Dance is also said to be able to facilitate a spiritual experience or at least foster emotional competence – dancing turns emotional experiences into art. So whether you’re dancing for rain or dancing because you’re in a rainy season in your life, know that keeping it moving and popping is a step in the right direction. Just shake it off and if not, shake with it!

Today dance has taken a whole form of its own, thanks to platforms such as TikTok and their constant nudging to ‘get out of your comfort zone’ with challenges such as ‘jerusalema’ (which took the world by storm) or the Bacardi Original ‘bheba’ which is now evolved to South African songstress’ Tyla and her Water challenge, created by Tyla’s choreographer Lee-che´ Janecke. Dance challenges are now competitive and new moves are picked up and adapted much quicker than ever. South Africa is still proving itself to be a leading contentender in this category, deservingly so and we have so many homegrown faves to thank for this. Starting with the late and ever charismatic Costa Titch and Killer Kau who, even though they’re gone too soon, have left legendary steps in the dance community of this country. One can only imagine the impact awaiting had they been honoured with more time on this earth. We also give mention to game changers such as Bontle Modiselle and Tarryn Alberts who started their own academies spreading the spirit of umjaivo to anyone willing to learn.

Along with Kamo Mphela, Lorica Cooper, Musa Motha, Trompies, Babes Wodumo, Lebo Mathosa, Somizi, Thuso Phala, Motsi Mabuse, Teboho “Tebza” Diphehlo, Lindi Mlaba, Gregory Maqoma and so many more…

The list is endless because like I said, it would seem that rhythm simply flows in the veins of the everyday South African.This is a language that precedes us and will continue to do so generations from now, because that’s what we Mzansians do: we not only keep moving forward, we shake things up along the way. 

For further reading:
Dance culture in South Africa
South African dance – News, Research and Analysis
How South Africa’s Dance Floors Provide Hope and Safety in the Face of Oppression

Written by: Thandiwe Magwaza

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

TFG’s Online Platform Bash Launches ‘Meet The Makers’ to Spotlight South Africa’s Emerging Fashion Designers

Oct 24, 2023 | News, Fashion

Bash, TFG’s online mega shopping platform, is proud to support young South African designers with its ‘Meet The Makers’ series. The series showcases the first fashion collection from TFG’s Design Incubator Program, which sees ranges conceived by four exceptionally talented South African designers. The young creatives include Mbeko Nonkenge, Wandile Ngcobo, Kone Muthinge, and Andisiwe Vena. Each capsule collection launched on Bash on 6 October 2023 and is supported by a content series of editorial stills and behind-the-scenes footage. 

The Design Incubator Program provides a unique platform for emerging talents to showcase their creativity while making a positive impact on the environment. “Building the local economy by supporting up-and-coming brands is part of the broader TFG approach to sustainability and ties back to one of the UN-17 goals for economic growth. Bash’s whole approach is centred around innovation and entrepreneurship so we felt it was very aligned with our values and the platform itself, which has started introducing new brands to the TFG customer. It’s a great opportunity for young designers to access a broad customer base while not having to invest in their own stores.” Says Bash’s Head of Design, David West.

The four designers were hand-picked through a rigorous process, with collaborations with established and respected institutions like the Cape Town Fashion Council and SA Fashion Week. This ensures that Bash provides a platform for outstanding talent with long-term potential to excel in the fashion industry. “These designers were largely chosen because of how they would appeal to our existing customer base, offering them something fresh, local and unique.” West added. The Design Incubator Program provides a 6-month incubation period for the designers, fostering their growth and honing their skills.

Andisiwe Vena

Kone Muthinge

Wandile Ngcobo

Mbeko Nonkenge

Driven by their passion to transform their ideas into wearable art, Kone Muthinge described being part of the Design Incubator Program as an invaluable opportunity. “The program provided essential insights into the business side of fashion. Through workshops, I learned about production, and retail strategies that I was not exposed to before. This knowledge is pivotal in ensuring the commercial success of my designs.” says Muthinge. 

Through mentorship and assisted learning, designers were taught the importance of a sustainable approach to fashion and each underwent comprehensive learning about zero-waste design techniques. Mbeko Nonkenge found this part of the program insightful saying that “sustainable fashion resonates with me the most as my brand motto is: ‘Take care of our planet.” 

The market access opportunity through Bash’s over a million app downloads, is designed to create long-tail impact and allow the designers to establish a national presence, which is bolstered by some of the designers showcasing at the renowned SA Fashion Week. Speaking of aspirations, Wandile Ngcobo says; “One day I hope to own my own CMT and have a solid design team for my brand.” Andisiwe Vena added to this sentiment saying that “TFG and Bash has given me a foot in the door and helped me get exposed to the world of retail… I will use this opportunity to make my brand bigger.”

See the Meet The Makers collection on Bash here
Follow @friendsofbash on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to access Meet The Makers content

Press release courtesy of MOOD creative agency

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

The Celebrification of the Creative Director role

Oct 23, 2023 | News, Fashion

Today it was announced that A$AP Rocky has been appointed by sporting giant Puma in the role of creative director for the brand’s partnership with Formula 1. The multi-licensing deal between F1 and Puma is set to catapult the F1 brand into the sartorial stratosphere: as both institutions look to capitalise on the convergence between streetwear and motorsports. 

As Business of Fashion’s Daniel-Yaw Miller wrote, “The first products of the partnership will come in the form of a limited edition Puma and F1 collection of accessories and apparel, set to be released at the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix in late November, according to Puma chief executive Arne Freundt. Teaser images show Rocky sporting a co-branded black tracksuit from the current Puma-F1 collection, as well as racing gloves and a pair of red, orange and white Puma “Inhale” sneakers.” In the upcoming year, Rocky is set to create a range of exclusive capsule collections associated with prominent Formula 1 events taking place in the 2024 season.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Puma envisions granting A$AP expanded creative authority in the Puma-F1 collaboration, utilising his involvement and fashion-tastemaker status to shape the design of race apparel, fan merchandise and cutting-edge fashion collections.

A$AP Rocky for PUMA X F1, Business of Fashion

This is the latest in a string of celebrity appointments to major fashion brands. Other examples include Pharrell at Louis Vuitton, Future at Lanvin or Kendall Jenner as the creative director at e-commerce giant FWRD (a role she stepped into in 2021 and continues in) and – Kimmy K co-designing the ‘Ciao Kim’ collection with Dolce & Gabbana for Spring/Summer 2023. Then there’s Dua Lipa’s Versace collection and Beyonce’s Balmain collection.

Major discourse has run rampant across fashion-spheres – is this just the new era of celebrity endorsement? What does this mean for the future of designers and creative directors, looking to make it in an industry that prioritises fame? With impossible schedules and job descriptions already, what do we imagine a celebrity can offer a brand and its production process? Is this pattern as lucrative as the trend of appointments suggests? We leave these questions for a broader discussion in the future – but for now, let’s see what A$AP can do for motorsports…right?

Pharrell, @pharrell IG

Future, @future IG

Ciao Kim Campaign featuring Kim Kardashian, @dolcegabbana IG

Beyonce for Balmain,  @balmain IG

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

Are you having a Quarter-Life Crisis?

Oct 23, 2023 | Lifestyle

It hit like a runaway train; a sense of existential dread that’s frankly impossible to capture in words. Three years ago, to this very week, I had my 25th birthday. This was back when Oom Cyril still had us on a semi-tight leash and the COVID-19 pandemic still rampant. I woke up in a cramped Airbnb that I had gotten stuck in for far longer than I would have liked. I had no sense of excitement with no real aspirations of what I wanted in the present or the near future. Despite my family’s and loved ones’ best attempts, I didn’t feel special or seen. All I felt was lost. My quarter-life crisis had hit and let’s just say I’m still getting rag dolled on the regular by this cold, cruel bitch.

The truth is – the cute, neatly considered script I had carefully curated mentally in my teens had simply not become a reality and my life was nowhere near it. I didn’t picture the white picket fence with an Afrikaans girl in a sundress, two kids and a Golden Retriever waiting at home for me, but I had just imagined more. More stability, more financial freedom and more life experiences in general. The reality was far more bleak. I felt creatively stifled, constantly questioning how secure my meagre paying job was and I had recently been told by the person I was seeing that she simply had zero feelings for me (only a couple of days before my birthday, mind you). OUCH!

So I did what any sane, kind of insane person would do and booked a week long trip to Cape Town with nothing but escapism on my mind. It was a week filled with untamed, unadulterated debauchery involving copious amounts of whiskey and wine, Iggy Pop’s Radio Confidential, an intoxicating short-term sexual relationship with a model and a butt plug (but that’s a story for the memoir).

Image by Nick Fancher, courtesy of DTS

Chaotic as all this may sound, it did lead to a semblance of clarity for me with what I wanted going forward in both a professional and personal capacity, at least short-term. As therapist Satya Doyle Byock mentions in an article for the New York Times, “We’ve been constrained by this myth that you graduate from college and you start your life,’ she said. Without the social script previous generations followed — graduate college, marry, raise a family — Ms. Byock said her young clients often flailed around in “a state of extended adolescence.”

Which brings us to the big question: what the fuck are we all even suppose to be doing right now? The big question simply raises a litany of smaller, more convoluted questions on how to cosplay being a functioning adult successfully. Should I have life policies in place that will pay out when I retire? Should I have started using retinol earlier? Should I start using retinol now? Should I have a will? Should I be on the property ladder? How do I get on the property ladder? Or should I say ‘fuck the conventions’ and do the best Eat, Pray, Love impression that I can muster – travelling around the world making memories while meandering through monotony with minimal responsibilities?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Also, unlike your favourite out-of-touch-with-reality social media influencer, I recognise that giving overarching advice would be nothing short of irresponsible. Simply put, I am a mostly faceless online asshole who writes silly little one-liners and gets paid for it. I am in no position to give any form of financial or lifestyle advice, particularly because I myself am somewhat loose with my finances: see Casey’s Cape Town sexcapade from a couple of paragraphs ago as an example. From that shortlist of lingering questions, the only one I would say you absolutely should get on ASAP is retinol (I’m in my skincare era, besties). For the rest, we need to consult our elders, those who have been there and seen that. I’m not saying take every single detail to heart – our parents and grandparents lived in a very different world – but their insights can still be pretty valuable.

Image by Nick Fancher, courtesy of DTS

Image by Nick Fancher, courtesy of DTS

I’m about to hit you with the whole ‘comparison is the thief of joy spiel’. Cringe as it may be, this truth is plainly and simply the case. We must look inward and cut out the news of all the outward influences. Fuck the bloke bragging about their bug-eyed BMW, fuck the endless holiday trips, engagement announcements, apartment acquisitions accompanied by the obligatory “We did a thing” caption. You are not lagging behind or failing because you don’t have x,y and z (yet). The sooner we realise that there is no universal timeline, the sooner we can breathe. We are often our own worst enemy, placing enormous pressure on ourselves to have every little detail of life figured out, making ourselves go mad trying to micromanage the absolute uncontrollable chaos of everyday life. Psychotherapist Tess Brigham suggests in her article in Forbes that we should “PAUSE- Practice mindfulness, acknowledge your past, understand you now, stop judging yourself and enjoy the process.”

Admittedly this is one of those acronym buzzwords that make my skin crawl because it sounds like some shit anti-drug campaign you’d hear about in Life Orientation class, but it does touch on a couple of crucial points. There is a focus on reconnecting to self and allowing that to be the guiding factor. Do what feels right to you, and “right” is a vast spectrum. If you want kids and can afford to give them the life you want, go for it. If you want to prop up your looks for a couple more years with some preventative Botox, be my guest. Do you want to try and swindle money from your former high school peers with a “great business opportunity” because you find yourself caught in a pyramid scheme? Kindly fuck off. I’m not talking to you here.

To my mind, the quarter-life crisis is simply a crisis of time. Time which, yes, passes but something to which we give far more meaning to than it deserves. It’s always a case of “I need to be here by that age. I need to achieve this by ____.” rather than accepting and acknowledging that maybe, just maybe, all we need to achieve what we want is a little more patience and a little less focus on some socially constructed timeline.

Do as best as you can because that will always be more than enough.

Written by: Casey Delport

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

Peacey releases new single ‘Hold Me Back’ feat. Clyde & Atjazz

Oct 20, 2023 | New Release, Music

For this impressive first single taken from his forthcoming debut album ‘Play It By Ear’ (due April 2024), UK DJ and producer Peacey is joined by label-mates Clyde and Atjazz for ‘Hold Me Back’. Co-written and sung by Clyde, it’s an organic yet polished bumpy dancefloor cut, topped and tailed with horns by Toronto-based Octavio N. Santos.

It might be his debut album, yet Peacey’s ‘Play It By Ear’ is a body of work crafted as though by a scholar. Where better for this work to emerge from than Atjazz Record Company, a label with a rich heritage and many strings to its bow? This eclectic sonic journal catalogues the evolution of Peacey, documenting his interactions with, and influences from, some of dance music’s notable players. It’s an album that will attract discerning ears and open minds; minds attuned to a multitude of genres as it visits Hip Hop, Nu-Soul, House, Garage, Boogie and Fusion.

As well as the expanse of influences it draws on, “Play It By Ear” presents its distinctive characteristics: accomplished songwriting, skilful production and heartfelt performances from all. The clear drive to propel dance music is evident throughout. Not only are the songwriting and performances incredible, but the whole album drips with rich production from the use of vintage mics, classic synths, Rhodes Piano and plenty of live instrumentation.

Stream ‘Hold Me Back’ HERE

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

Neo-soul collective ‘Miss C-Line & The Rabidz’ release their eponymous, debut album

Oct 20, 2023 | New Release, Music

Following three successful singles, ‘MISS C-LINE & The Rabidz’ is the show-stopping debut album from the eponymous neo-soul / jazz collective, which comprises MISS C-LINE, James Iwa, Eric Valle and Iannis Obiols.

The project quickly developed from jam sessions between the four artists, and in September 2022 they flew to Spain to record the album. Within 4 days the entire work was created, an intense yet incredibly creative time. Afterwards MISS C-LINE took over the post-production for another 3 months.

The genesis of the album reaches to New York, where MISS C-LINE met the US-American artist Casey Benjamin to work on the common song “Burnout”. Rapper Jay Jules, whom MISS C-LINE already knows from her teen years, could not be missing, of course, who was also present in the studio in Spain, Girona and appears on three tracks from the album, “I know you do”, “Burnt” and “Burnout”. MISS C-LINE & The Rabidz took inspiration from artists like J Dilla, The Roots, Rage Against The Machine and contemporary artists like Kendrick Lamar and Robert Glasper.

The sound aesthetic plays a big role in this, as the album combines live instrumental jazz music with hip-hop and R&B vocal productions, shaping the era of neo-soul in a new way. This live aesthetic was important to make the message, honesty and imperfection of the music clear. With their sound, they create a bridge between Jazz, R&B and HipHop and develop the already existing Genre Neo Soul. The significant highlight of the album is the musical and emotional roller coaster of the trilogy with the titles “Push Down”, “Squeezed” and “Last Drop”. Here the artists show themselves diverse, improvisational and profound.

MISS C-LINE  is a rising Neo-Soul singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Switzerland. Her music blends soul with elements of hip-hop and jazz, resulting in a unique and memorable style. With influences such as Erykah Badu, The Roots & Robert Glasper, MISS C-LINE writes and produces her own songs, and has already earned a nomination for the Kick Ass Award 2019. She has collaborated with international artists and won the “New Generation Jazz Lab Contest 2021“. Currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Music Production, MISS C-LINE is a charismatic performer who effortlessly blends singing and rapping.

Stream ‘Miss C-Line & The Rabidz’ HERE

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

Flvme Releases Highly Anticipated Ep ‘note To Self’

Oct 20, 2023 | New Release, Music

After releasing an unexpected EP earlier in the year (following a robbery that saw him lose this very project), The LOST PACK Vol 1, followed by a successful single in the lead-up to a highly anticipated EP, Flvme has solidified his position among the best hip hop artists coming out of South Africa. 

The title ‘NOTE TO SELF’ speaks for itself. The track is straightforward yet carries a powerful message, mirroring the essence of the music within. Speaking of the project, Flvme says, “it comprises seven reminders I frequently revisit to stay motivated and resilient. Through this audio diary, I aspire to offer insight into my own journey while also helping you discover more about yourself. DO RiGHT iNTRO’ was the first release from the project” and “it’s a song about finding balance, peace and navigating through hardships as I grow older. It’s also about me leaving behind certain things to transition into the newer version of myself”, Flvme says.

Stream ‘NOTE TO SELF’ HERE

Connect with Flvme
Instagram: @flvme_sa
Twitter: @FlvmeSA

Press release courtesy of Sheila Afari PR

MOONGA K. ushers in a soulful spring with the release of his album ‘GARDEN’

Oct 20, 2023 | New Release, Music

MOONGA K. shares his long-anticipated album GARDEN. The album spans joy, rage, love, power, and powerlessness, all artfully woven together by MOONGA K.’s undeniable soulful vocal talent, interrogative writing, and deep commitment to creativity and self-knowing. 

 About MOONGA K. 
Moonga Kapambwe, popularly known as MOONGA K., is a Zambian-born and Botswana-raised singer, songwriter, activist, creative director, and sociologist. Now based in South Africa, his musical journey resembles that of his own self-discovery. “I’d like to think my music creates safe spaces for marginalized groups of people,” Moonga says, “I like to be a voice for people that are afraid to speak out, but more so amplifying their voices.” 

From a firm musical background, Moonga started singing at 6, performing at 9, and was prompted to write after hearing Frank Ocean’s ‘American Wedding’ at age 14. “It all stems from my childhood,” he says. “I’m obsessed with sci-fi and the way that we can be whatever we want to be in different worlds and universes so that inspires my big, experimental ideas”.

About the album GARDEN
Encompassing a diverse blend of futuristic funk, jazz, pop, soul, grunge, afrobeat, Latin, hip-hop, and electronic elements, the second studio album by MOONGA K. sees him exploring confidence in his vocal performance and songwriting. GARDEN is an ode to fostering the foundation of power within oneself whether that is through finding freedom, falling in love, and owning who you are. Produced by quietmoneymusic and FDeeZus, the album features a collaboration with childhood friend, Nkosilathi, and background vocals from artists, Sio and Amarafleur.

MOONGA K. takes us on a track-by-track journey of GARDEN:
the revolution: I wanted to start the album with rage. Something that spoke on not caring about fitting in the pressures of the music industry and really just not caring about being told how to be accepted in society. ‘the revolution’ is for the misfits who exist against the status quo with pride and resilience. feels like: I had this idea of creating my own version of Lionel Richie’s ‘All Night Long’ in the realm of creating an anthem folks from my generation could sing and scream along to until we’re 80 years old. It’s a song about feeling good and reveling in the freedom of joy.

i’m gonna make it: I wanted to send a message that through the ebbs and flows of life, we must hold onto hope because as long as we have breath in our lungs, we are going to be okay. It’s a mantra we should repeat to ourselves in our highest and lowest moments.

lonely forever: This is a song that blatantly speaks on how falling in love has been difficult for me, perhaps because of my choice of lovers, and so it’s a public plea of wanting guidance on finding the right person, to avoid eternal loneliness.

be mine: This song features one of my childhood friends and one of the best voices I have ever heard, Nkosilathi. She was visiting from London and I had to get her into the studio to record this track. It’s what I’d hope would be a contribution to old-school ballad-y R&B, with us going back and forth pouring our hearts on wanting to make a relationship work regardless of who is right or wrong. We just want to let true love lead the way.

wallflower: This song speaks on my battle with depression and anxiety, and how I’ve always felt out of place in social situations. I have found healing in expressing this truth, but I still find myself feeling like I don’t belong, and that is such a debilitating experience.

ritual: A complete 180 from ‘wallflower,’ ‘ritual’ is a song about loving yourself, and embracing the ways you can overcome the darkness that tends to consume us sometimes. Co-written with one of my best friends, Sio, it’s a futuristic funk track that I hope brings out the confidence in the people who listen to it. 

‘wave (that’s me)’: This is a futuristic funk love song that has me confidently telling a potential lover that the perfect match you’re looking for is here – he is me. I wanted to end this album on a high, and what a perfect way than with a cheeky love song.

Stream ‘GARDEN’ HERE
Connect With Moonga K
Instagram: @moongak_
Twitter/X: @moongak_
Facebook: Moonga K
TikTok: @moongak_

Press release courtesy of Sheila Afari PR

Confections X Collections: African Fashion Meets Afternoon Tea At Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel

Oct 19, 2023 | News, Fashion

This November, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town will host CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS (CxC): an annual coming-together of creative expression fusing five days of exclusive salon-style fashion shows, with designer-inspired confectionery. During this much-anticipated event, the iconic pink hotel will showcase an all-star cast of leading fashion designers from Southern and Western Africa – shining the spotlight on slow, considered African fashion.

Taking place from 8 – 12 November 2023, the property will host two daily fashion shows per designer, at 11:00 and 15:00.

Bubu Ogisi of IAMISIGO

Chu Suwannapha of Chuulap

Adeju Thompson of Lagos Space Programme

Sindiso Khumalo

Palesa Mokubung of Mantsho

This year’s trailblazing lineup includes two Capetonians: the “Prince of Prints” Chu Suwannapha of Chulaap, as well as returning talent and internationally acclaimed winner of the 2020 LVMH Prize, Sindiso Khumalo. Joining them is Nigerian-based Bubu Ogisi of IAMISIGO, dedicated to preserving the ancestral textile techniques of her heritage; Adeju Thompson, founder of Lagos Space Programme; and Johannesburg-based Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung, whose bold, print-centric garments are rooted in African indigenous culture.

Mount Nelson’s pastry chef Vicky Gurovich will collaborate with each designer to create bespoke creations of their imaginings for the limited-edition menu – completely invigorating the hotel’s institutional Afternoon Tea. To curate this celebration of creativity, culture and cake, Mount Nelson partnered with Twyg, an independent magazine operating at the intersection of fashion and sustainability. “Being involved in CXC from its inception has been such a privilege,” says Jackie May, Founder and Editor of Twyg. “This year, we’re excited to be showcasing homegrown talent, as well as two West African slow-fashion designers. For the second year running, we are highlighting the work of those who are championing a culture of care, honouring their artisans, and celebrating African fashion.”

“Set in the vibrant heart of Cape Town, it’s only fitting that we should shine a spotlight on the city’s buoyant creative spirit, from the arts and fashion to culinary delights. Championing Africa’s leading fashion designers is just one of the ways in which we’re doing this.” says General Manager Tiago Moraes Sarmento. 

In celebration of its 125 years in 2024, ‘The Nellie’ will continue to make its mark as the beating, cultural heart of Cape Town with an annual programme of celebratory touchpoints, across the arts, design, gastronomy, and fashion, to launch next year.

Mount Nelson

Confections x Collections at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town

Mount Nelson

Tickets available at ZAR995.

For reservations and more information, please contact:

[email protected] or call +27 21 483-100

Press release courtesy of avenue

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za