Boozoo Bajou present their fifth full length studio album ‘Finistère’

Nov 10, 2023 | New Release, Music

25 years after their first 12″ release, ‘Night over Manaus’, downtempo heroes Boozoo Bajou present their fifth full length studio album, ‘Finistère’.

The Nuremberg Downbeat Funksters have 12 tracks ready for release on 3rd November 2023, and they chose ‘Finistère’ as the title for this masterpiece, issued on their own label, Pilotton. This double vinyl album alongside the digital release shows the return of Boozoo Bajou to their roots, manifested in 2001 with their timeless debut album ‘Satta’.

The musical ingredients include Soul, Dub, Jazz, Latin and Blues vibes, played and arranged in classic Boozoo Bajou style. Being strictly downtempo, ‘Finistere’ manages to melt all these elements and influences into one warm sounding listening experience based on excellent mixing and mastering by Boozoo Bajou member Peter Heider. Vocals are delivered by Steve Spacek and Jules, while Fürsattl and MODALiST participate as Co-Producers, and the vinyl edition contains exclusive album versions.

Stream + Purchase ‘Finistère’ HERE

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

TshegoTMM releases deep house track ‘Stay With Me Tonight’

Nov 10, 2023 | New Release, Music

“This is a deep house from South Africa, but not as we know it. This is straight up, classic sounding late naughties gear and doesn’t conform to the expected chuggy notes of what we know and love about the current output from RSA.  Tshego has made a real mark on Atjazz with these three original sounding pieces and they have, with great patience, been waiting a good while for release.” – Atjazz Record Company 

Tshegofatso Mokgethwa AKA TshegoTMM is a DJ / Producer based in Pretoria (South Africa). He started his musical journey in 2011 as a DJ and began to produce music from 2013. Tshego released his debut EP in 2019, under Sound Vessel Records (U.S.) in the same year he released his second EP under 48 Records in Turkey. TshegoTMM’s style of play is deep house, deeptech and soulful house with techno intermixed. 

Stream ‘Stay With Me Tonight’ HERE

Press release courtesy of Atjazz Record Company 

Viviers SS24

Nov 9, 2023 | News, Fashion

VIVIERS, the South African fashion house, unveils their concept-driven fashion experience at South African Fashion Week (SAFW). With the debut of their SS24 fashion film ‘Re-Trace, Re-Memory, Re-Set, Re-Culture,’ VIVIERS highlights their unwavering commitment to the South African fashion landscape and their larger vision of fostering a homegrown African fashion community and clothing industry.

Having emerged on the SAFW scene through the Fashion Bridges Program in April 2023, VIVIERS returns to SAFW, reinforcing their dedication to the local fashion industry and their aspiration to create a thriving African fashion community. This is not merely a showcase of garments; it’s a statement of purpose.

“Through a collective and creative hybrid space called ‘Hub-of-The-Hand,” VIVIERS collaborate with numerous South African Artisans, using South African raw material like Cape Wools, South African Mohair, Ostrich products, Gold and Diamonds and South African Leather, with the idea to further promote the South African clothing, textile and luxury Industry, as well as preserve South Africa’s heritage of craftsmanship. 

“Through visualisation and co-emergence, we aim to contribute and to establish South Africa as an Eco-Hub or destination for Supreme Craftsmanship in Luxury manufacturing; a country that leads with its slow and Conscious approach. Showcasing our collection not only on a global platform such as Milan but also within SAFW in Johannesburg is a pivotal element of our commitment to this initiative” said Lezanne Viviers, the creative director and founder of VIVIERS. “This also give me a unique opportunity to edit and change the styling of my collections to respond to future of these two different platforms, as every iteration opens up the collection to a different audience.”

Indeed, VIVIERS recently presented their artisanal capsule collection SS24 ‘Re-Trace, Re-Memory, Re-Set, Re-Culture’ as part of the official Milan Fashion Week, marking their second live event in a year, following their digital debut in September 2022.

The SS24 fashion film, ‘Re-Trace, Re-Memory, Re-Set, Re-Culture,’ serves as a unique canvas, offering a glimpse into the soul of VIVIERS’ SS24 collection. It’s not just a film; it’s a conceptual statement.

‘Re-Trace, Re-Memory, Re-Set, Re-Culture ’– VIVIERS ’SS24 Fashion Film: was conceptualised by Lezanne Viviers and brought to life by her long-time friend and photographer, Eva Losada, ‘Re-Trace, Re-Memory, Re-Set, Re-Culture’ is more than a fashion film; it’s an investigation into our collective history and shared Origin Stories. Exploring universal myths, legends, archaeological discoveries, astrology, visionary philosophy, and spiritual truths, the film is a patchwork of human experiences. From the Crystal Skulls to the Phoenix, from Plato’s ‘Allegory of the Cave’ to Baba Credo Mutwa’s thoughts on ancient Gold astronauts, VIVIERS contemplates the potential for transformation and cultural redefinition. The stories in the film transcend borders, cultures, and religions, acting as bridges between our quest for truth and the interplay between the physical and metaphysical realms. The film embodies a vision of art and clothing as conduits for unity, connecting our shared history with our vision of a harmonious future.

Lezanne Viviers sums it up beautifully, saying, “All-is-One. The idea of co-existence, co-emergence, symbiosis, and our shared Earthly Re-Birth: Unity in Individuality, rather than separation.” Indeed, VIVIERS chose to hold the release and premiere their fashion film at SAFW, as the audience has a very clear insight and understanding of the sacred African sites chosen as the location. It felt right to premiere it to a local audience and the local team that created it, before it gets broadcasted internationally, because of its cultural significance. The stage design of SAFW and technical screens also lends itself to screen the film, with a full captivating audience.

The film, directed by Eva Losada, offers a poetic, atmospheric, and surreal journey through fragmented narratives. It creates a visual and emotional experience, and Eva’s unique style is also evident in campaigns she has shot for VIVIERS.

The film was shot at two sacred sites – The Cradle of Humankind and Waterval Boven in South Africa. These sites were chosen for their cultural and spiritual significance in our shared origin stories. The Origin Center in Maropeng, The Cradle of Humankind, is one of South Africa’s nine World Heritage sites, housing archaeological treasures like Mrs. Ples, Little Foot, and Homo Naledi. Waterval Boven is the epicentre of South African Stone Circles and home to remarkable sites like Adam’s Calendar, aligning with the stars and Sacred Geometrical patterns. Alessandro Gigli, with his cinematic soundscape, draws inspiration from the resonance of rocks and ancient instruments. This soundscape transforms time into crystalline sounds and ancient memories into present-day experiences, creating an auditory journey into our past, present, and future.

‘Re-Trace, Re-Memory, Re-Set, Re-Culture ’- VIVIERS ’SS24 Fashion Collection: The Unity of Past and Future. The collection conveys the ‘idea of unity in individuality,’ through VIVIERS’s inclusion of a very diverse cast, but also by the continues collaboration with many South African artisans and the continues use and inclusion of South African raw materials in the making of 100% South African made garments. This theme of unity in creation and collaboration is the core message of the film and the collection. VIVIERS’ SS24 Runway show at SAFW is a fusion of their artisanal collection showcased in Milan and their first ever ready-to-wear line. This collection is about more than fashion; it’s about accessibility and sustainability. Collaborations with Crystal Birch, Europa Art, and Cape Cobra reflect a commitment to responsible South African fibres and materials like Ostrich leather, Merino Wool, and Mohair. These materials create clothing that transcends time and blends beautifully, promoting responsible luxury raw materials from South Africa worldwide.

Crystal Birch’s hats are created in the same collaborative spirit and approach to working with local craftsmen championing local production for global locations. Preserving the art of millinery; while simultaneously re-introducing us to the inherent power that only the hat can hold for completing a look, Birch’s power lies in her rare ability to elevate hat-making as effortlessly contemporary. Cape Cobra Leather goods are a third-generation, South African-family run business, with a long legacy of manufacturing bags for luxury fashion houses around the world, using exceptional local artisans, gives Cape Cobra Leathercraft’s pieces their elegance and depth as heirloom investment pieces, investing in the heritage of the past, combined with meticulous moments spent in the present.

The overall runway aesthetic was slightly reimagined through the styling with more traditional styling, by including these heritage items that convey a message of an old-world heirloom house. The versatility in styling from Milan to South African, reiterates the message that VIVIERS items are long-term investment pieces, made with an approach of uncompromised quality. The collection’s palette and textures draw inspiration from the James Webb telescope’s images of galaxies, planets, and stars, contrasting with earthly elements like rocks, fossils, and crystals. The result is a collection that feels otherworldly, capturing the essence of our shared history and the
limitless potential for change.

‘Re-Trace, Re-Memory, Re-Set, Re-Culture’ is more than a fashion collection; it’s a journey through space-time and an exploration of unity. VIVIERS’ SS24 collection seeks to transcend traditional boundaries and celebrate the duality within each of us, reflecting a vision of harmony and inclusion. The film and collection are an ode to the power of clothing as art, a bridge connecting our past to the positive change VIVIER’s aspire to in the future. The vision of the brand is to bridge between communities that see themselves as mutually exclusive, by creating a manifesto where narratives meet in the raw form of the arts. VIVIERS facilitates an umbrella-like platform, where through the arts, for artisanal collaboration and architecture, creatives can challenge institutional norms through clothing.

VIVIERS CAMPAIGN CREDITS
Spring/Summer 2024

Photography: @eva.al.desnudo
Styling, Creative- and Art Direction: @lezanneviviers and @eva.al.desnudo
Styling Assistant: @chiara__galvani
Clothing: VIVIERS STUDIO
Jewellery: Signature VIVIERS jewellery, mixed with Lezanne Viviers xx James Barry
Slabbert sculpted pieces. @jamesbarryslabbert
Model Agencies: @myfriendned @boss
Models: @okmordecai, @Bethany.dewaal @macs_kmcd
Hair: @saadique
Make-Up: @alexandra_julliet_mua
Production: @Kirstyswiss
Production assistants: @anelka_poultney_ @thando.nyweba
Videography: @thulanisejo @kaykayribane
Lighting Assistant: @Odd_ic
Drone ops: @Dzagzin_productions
Location: Maropeng Sterkfontein Caves and Watervalboven Stone Circles
@maropengsa
Artisans: @Wraptknitwear @stephanie.bentum.textiles @nutcase_acts @bunnycorp
Sponsors and Support: @capewools @mohairsouthafrica
Samil, African Expressions yarn: @samil_natural_fibres
KRONE:@kronecapclassique
Maropeng, Sterkfontein @maropengsa

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

adidas Originals and Wales Bonner Present Fall/Winter 2023, dropping in-stores and online today

Nov 8, 2023 | News, Community

adidas Originals and Wales Bonner continue their collaborative partnership with the release of their Fall/Winter 2023 collection -marking the continued evolution of this synergistically, perfect partnership.

Staying true to the designer’s ongoing exploration of athletic codes, the apparel offering reimagines adidas’ sporting legacy through a selection of refined and elegant archival looks. Off-pitch styles include an elevated knit set in mahogany brown alongside football shorts in a sand colored nylon with the iconic Three Stripes contrast. Swapping creative sources of inspiration from the 70s to the 90s, key pieces are rendered in a lightweight nylon fabrication, including a pale sky tracksuit with reflective piping and a black nylon top with a contrasting vivid green knit collar. All pieces are available in unisex sizing.

Similarly, the footwear selection continues to evolve Wales Bonner’s now signature take on the adidas Originals Samba silhouette. A duo of looks incorporate luxurious faux pony-hair uppers and gum soles – one in leopard print, the other in a light tan colorway – while another set features suede overlays and signature contrast stitching.  

Marking a departure from previous seasons, the campaign visuals swap evocative landscapes for a more refined, studio setting. Decidedly new, yet still grounded in the adidas Originals by Wales Bonner lexicon, the visuals capture a mix of models and street cast figures, as well as skateboarder Na-Kel Smith, against minimal backdrops – highlighting the simplicity of the silhouettes and the evocative complexity of the characters themselves. Accompanying the campaign images are a set of short interviews and moving vignettes, with the cast answering interview questions hosted by playwright, actor, and philanthropist, Jeremy O. Harris.

The adidas Originals by Wales Bonner Fall/Winter 2023 collection is available from adidas V&A + Sandton, adidas ECOM and Shelflife stores from Wednesday 8 November.

Press release courtesy of Playmakers

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

Film Director Robert dos Santos On Heeding The Creative Call

Nov 7, 2023 | Interviews, Creatives

There is a cohesive thread running through the many, many talented people that I have spoken to over the years for CEC. When I look back at our conversations, I am drawn to this understanding of what CEC has intended to do; that is, a curious investigation of this abstract force inherent in all the greatest things we love as human beings. We call this thing ‘creativity’ – this multi-faceted human trait that seems to operate outside the bounds of almost anything else. Through this force, we generate ideas and dreams into tangible and ferocious statements about our lives; how life was, how it could be – where is it going? I don’t know of any other phenomena so fluid and unknowable as creativity, nor how it manifests – or that it occurs at the individual level yet leads to cultural and social variance in untold ways, throughout time. Sometimes, I think I take for granted what I really mean by ‘creativity’ in these conversations with creative beings. It takes a conversation like this, with a person like Robert dos Santos, to be reminded. 

Robert is a multi-award winning film and commercial director and co-founder of And. Production Company – but this is actually his most recent incarnation. A few years ago, Robert was a practising attorney, donned in robes – his set, the High Court in Cape Town. In a kind of Proustian awakening, Robert was jolted awake by that thing Jung described as ‘a confrontation with the unconscious’ – that is, suddenly that hard-achieved suppression of ones’ ultimate self-discovery could no longer be shut away. The price? A total abandonment of what was before. In our conversation, I ask Rob why he thinks this happened for him – the call to abandon the prestige of being a lawyer in pursuit of creative expression, to which he says “you only live once and we are alive for only a very short span of time. So, you might as well do the most ridiculous thing you possibly can and do it with enthusiasm and excitement – with the willingness to fail. My friend hit me with a quote, ‘man has two lives and the second one begins the day he realises that he’s going to die’. I think that’s the impetus behind why I am the way that I am, why I do the things I do – and why I did what I did. I just simply had to. I had no other choice but to do this, to create.” Rob talks of that inner-voice that only ever came out with close friends – that admittance in passing of ‘oh, there’s this thing I really want to do or make.’

South African director Robert dos Santos, Photographed by Ryan Hing

Furiously and urgently, this voice became louder and louder – until Robert knew that he had to leave law. On the difficulty of this choice (we humans are creatures of comfort and safety), Robert describes that “it was utterly and devastatingly difficult to make that choice. The whole world is trying to tell you who you should be and the entire structure of schooling, university and society is to get you to conform. I’m not saying that’s necessarily bad, I understand the need for uniformity, at the same time there’s absolutely nothing wrong with breaking that system. In fact, I think for some people – it’s completely necessary.” Like almost all of us, Robert was inclined by the world to pursue the path already taken. So many of our sacred cows as a society are, in many ways, hindrances to our creative freedom; the job, the family, the two-story house and how these can only be ‘really’ achieved by the tidy boxes ticked by those before us. Rob argues, though, that distraction is one he faced, but also that’s one that most people need to face, saying “my personal belief is that everyone knows exactly what they’re meant to do with their life. If I sit someone down for long enough and ask the right questions, I’m going to get it out of it. They might squirm and squeal or lie. Eventually, they’ll say, ‘you know what, I always wanted to be ___’. I knew it from an early age. I knew I wanted to write and to create. I just happened to have the misfortune of my writing being visual. If my writing were words, then I could just sit, shut away in a room – but my style of creation is in moving images. My writing means I need to raise a lot of capital and storm the castle with a brigade of fellow crewmen.”

So, what does starting from scratch look like, after reaching the apex of another career? Robert says, “all I knew was I wanted to be in this world of film. I started shooting things for myself and I started to write, to edit. I spent a good amount of time doing a lot of other things like producing, shooting and a bit of sound. I figured out that I liked them all equally and being a director means you get to do a bit of all of that, pretty equally. The most important thing for me was to be doing – it was all in the learning and testing that I was able to make that move from where I didn’t want to be, to where I am now.” This lesson is one that all creatives must undertake; that in the making, is the refining – in the menial tasks or experiment – is how one’s point of view is carved out. Robert says, “my friend and I took R4000, a skateboard and a bakkie – and we went and shot the very first commercial I ever did. That is still one of the best things I have ever made. We got three award nominations. From that, I was very lucky to be put in touch with Warner Music, who asked me to do a music video. The trajectory for a lot of South African directors is music videos. They’re the perfect space in which to make mistakes because generally the artist likes that. The more wild, the more strange it is – the better. Warner gave me a lot of room to play and that was essentially my film school. Every shoot I would do something different – one shoot, I would shoot only on long lenses. On another one, I would make sure the camera never stops moving – or I’d make sure that the camera was completely still. I used every music video as a lesson to figure it out.”

Robert believes that commercials are just as artistic as feature films. There is this tension in the film industry – a lack of ‘artistic valuation’ towards the commercial format and its supposed stifling of the creative process. Though, what else could be more challenging than to invoke emotion from a mass audience, than advertising? Robert’s specialisation is vehicle commercial for the likes of Mercedes Benz and in the few years he has been answering his creative call, has come 40+ awards and nominations around the world – from the US to the UK, Germany, France, Croatia, South Africa and more – his first narrative short film, ‘A Moment’ won best film at the Los Angeles Film Awards. We often talk about creative destiny on CEC – Robert is embodying precisely this.

With a feature film in the pipeline (which can’t be disclosed just yet), I ask Robert whether he’s found his voice? To which he says, “Yes, I have – and you have no idea how good it feels to finally be able to say that. I think it’s a painful rite of passage for any creator or artist. Sharing your voice is really the core of what you’re doing when you make anything. Finding my voice came from accepting the fact that we exist. I know that might sound odd, but it is such an anomaly that we exist on this planet, in this solar system and in this universe. This life is such a rare and unique mistake. We, as human beings, happen to be unlike anything else that we know of. We are sitting here talking to each other through a mixture of silicone and metal, at a distance. When I realised that my voice is about taking this extraordinary chance that we are alive and speaking about it through my work. I don’t want to be blase about being alive and if my work can demonstrate anything, it’s how incredibly cool it is to be alive. Seize the fucking moment.” 

Explore Robert dos Santos’ work HERE
Explore And. Production HERE

Written by: Holly Beaton

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

Confections X Collections: Local Designers Join The Show Line-Up At Mount Nelson

Nov 3, 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.

Due to visa complications, Nigerian-based Bubu Ogisi of IAMISIGO and Adeju Thompson, founder of Lagos Space Programme, will no longer be showing. In response, the much-anticipated event will see an update to the show line-up, with the introduction of celebrated local designers Wanda Lephoto and Lezanne Viviers of Viviers Studio.

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

Showcasing an all-star cast of fashion designers from South Africa – the iconic pink hotel will shine the spotlight on slow, considered fashion… and cake!

8 Nov: Wanda Lephoto 
9 Nov: Viviers Studio  
10 Nov: Sindiso Khumalo 
11 Nov: Mantsho
12 Nov: Chulaap

Tickets available at ZAR995 via Dineplan. 

For reservations and more information, please contact

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

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

The Will Barnes Quartet present their debut album, ‘Source of the Severn’

Nov 3, 2023 | New Release, Music

The Will Barnes Quartet, in collaboration with skilled landscape artist Erin Hughes, are proud to present their debut album, ‘Source of the Severn’. Will Barnes (guitar) is joined by James Batten (drums), Jack Gonsalez (piano) and Clovis Phillips (bass) – a tight collective of highly experienced jazz instrumentalists.

This album of original music is a modern take on the classic bebop-era with influences of Wes Montgomery, Bill Evans, Pat Metheny and Oscar Peterson, further taking inspiration from the exquisite landscape of Mid-Wales and the Marches. Erin has created 9 original pieces in response to the music utilising her meticulously hand-marbled papers as her artistic palette to skillfully craft collages that emulate the traditional artistry of Pietre Dure.

They will be touring extensively through late 2023 and 2024 with Erin Hughes providing a special live visual show alongside the quartet’s performance, igniting the imagination of the audience, and making this a performance not to be missed.

“A thoroughly enjoyable performance from this highly accomplished young quartet. The collective rapport was sharper than ever and the individual playing excellent all round” – Ian Mann, JazzMann

Stream ‘Source of the Severn’ HERE

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

Afropop superstar Mr Eazi has shared his long-awaited debut album ‘The Evil Genius’

Nov 3, 2023 | New Release, Music

Recorded between Ouidah and Cotonou, Benin; Kigali, Rwanda; Accra and Kokrobite, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; London; Los Angeles; and New York City, The Evil Genius Features some of Mr Eazi’s most personal work, as he dives deeply into subjects like love, betrayal, loneliness, and family, expressed through three distinctive acts. 

Guest features on the project come from Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Tekno (Nigeria), Efya (Ghana), Whoisakin (Nigeria), Joeboy (Nigeria), and three-time Grammy winners Soweto Gospel Choir (South Africa). Contributing producers include Kel-P (Nigeria), Knucks(U.K.), Michael Brun (Haiti), Andre Vibez (Nigeria), Yung Willis (Nigeria), Nonso Amadi (Nigeria/Canada), KillBeatz (Ghana), M.O.G Beatz (Ghana), E Kelly(Nigeria), Type A (Nigeria), Stikmatik (U.K.), Phantom (Nigeria), Venna (U.K.), KDream (Nigeria) and Mr Eazi himself.

In a first-of-its-kind fusion of African music and art, Mr Eazi commissioned visual artists from across the continent to create a unique, physical art piece to represent each of the album’s 16 tracks. Noting a lack of meaningful collaboration between Africa’s exploding pop music scene and the continent’s fine art creators, Mr Eazi personally handpicked 13 artists, representing eight African countries, adding art curator and patron to his already extensive resume of pursuits. 

As part of the rollout, Mr Eazi has been inviting the public to experience the music alongside the art at multi-sensory exhibition listening experiences, with the first two taking place in Accra, Ghana and London (where it was part of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair) earlier this month. The exhibition will next head to MrEazi’s home country of Nigeria, where it will appear as a special project within ART X Lagos, West Africa’s premier international art fair, in November. Additional exhibition locations are soon to be announced.

1EAS Photographed by Daniel Obasi

Visual artists who contributed to the project are: Alpha ODH (Nairobi, Kenya), Chinaza Nkemka (Lagos, Nigeria), Dominique Zinkpe (Cotonou, Benin), Edozie Anedu(Lagos, Nigeria), Elangwe Sesse (Cameroon), Ikechukwu Christian (Lagos, Nigeria), Kufa Makwavarara(Zimbabwe/South Africa), Patricorel (Cotonou, Benin), Samuel Tete-Katchan (Accra, Ghana), Sandra Seghir(Dakar, Senegal), Sinalo Ngcaba (Cape Town, South Africa), Tammy Sinclair (Abuja, Nigeria), Tesprit (Lomé, Togo)

For the album’s cover art, Mr Eazi collaborated with celebrated Nigerian stylist, designer and photographer Daniel Obasi, known for his work with Beyoncé and Louis Vuitton. Obasi shot, styled and designed the album’s cover image, letting lyrics from “Orokoro,” “Chop Time, No Friend” and “Advice” guide its dense narrative. “In a metaphysical and surrealist portrayal, the cover art draws from the composition and ideals of the last supper and David’s prayer of Psalm 23,” Obasi says. “Spirituality, love, confidence, betrayal and thanksgiving are themes.” 

On Sunday, Mr Eazi issued “Exit” featuring three-time Grammy winners and South African music legends Soweto Gospel Choir, alongside infectious production from Grammy-winning Nigerian beatmaker Kel-P (BurnaBoy, Wizkid). Set atop South Africa’s famed Drakensberg, amidst the oldest mountain range in the world, the”Exit” video delivers heavenly visuals befitting of the song’s spiritual theme.

MR EAZI is a musical innovator, business leader and philanthropist. As a recording artist, the Nigerian multihyphenate is the voice behind afropop hits “Pour Me Water,” “Skin Tight” and “Leg Over,” as well as groundbreaking collaborations with the likes of Beyoncé and J Balvin, and the creator of Banku Music, a fusion of Ghanaian and Nigerian sounds and culture. A serial entrepreneur, he founded emPawa Africa in 2018 as a talent incubator program designed to accelerate the careers of African artists.

Hailed by CNN, Rolling Stone,Billboard and Forbes for its innovative approach to expanding African music’s global reach, emPawa Africa has since grown into one of Africa’s largest independent music companies, with a track record of breaking global stars like Joeboy and Major League Djz. Mr Eazi has clocked over 4 billion streams of his songs across DSPs, making him one of the most streamed African artists worldwide. 

Listen to ‘The Evil Genius’ HERE

Connect with Mr Eazi
Facebook: @officialMrEazi
Twitter: @mreazi
Instagram: @mreazi

Press release courtesy of Sheila Afari PR

Ana Frango Elétrico releases their album ‘Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua / Call Me They That I’m Yours’

Nov 3, 2023 | New Release, Music

With two critically acclaimed albums and a swathe of award-winning production turns under their belt, Ana Frango Elétrico presents their most confident and accomplished work to date: Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua / Call Me They That I’m Yours. Gesturing to a tradition of Brazilian boogie music, but bouncing with modern pop ebullience, the album sees the Rio artist evolve from a captivating upstart into a surefooted scene leader in full stride. 

At just 25, the prolific artist and producer has already garnered worldwide admirers. Ana’s sophomore Little Electric Chicken Heart was nominated at the 2020 Latin Grammys. Since then, standalone singles have received the WME ‘Best Music Producer’ Award, recognising Ana’s deep passion for music production – a passion which has led to collaborations with nascent Brazilian stars Dora Morelenbaum, Illy and Sophia Chablau. Most recently, Ana was hailed for their co-production of Bala Desejo’s 2022 Latin Grammy-winning album Sim Sim Sim. 

The new album finds Ana at their most assured and full voiced. Album opener “Electric Fish”, with funky bass and shimmering backing vocals, sets a buoyant tone. “Boy of Stranger Things” is its bombastic counterpart. It’s the grooviest Ana has ever sounded. And the most brazen. Lyrically, where Ana was once oblique on personal matters, they are now forthright – lucidly exploring their gender identity, citing accessible cultural references, and often singing in English.

“I started this album in 2021 with the intention of showing, in means of sound, understandings and feelings about queer love, subjectively exposing myself,” the non-binary artist states – before qualifying that though “feeling was its driving force, the album is really about musical production.”

“There’s so many references to different decades,” Ana explains. “Seventies drums with eighties processing … Going back, getting beyond … Testing the limits of organic sounds”. Characteristically playful, on Me Chama, Ana takes vivid and rewarding detours through funk-inflected R&B (“Dela”) and art pop (“Dr. Sabe Tudo”). “Nuvem Vermelha” is a cinematic chanson with lush strings that recalls Arthur Verocai. Then, “Coisa Maluca” loafs with the indie insouciance of Canadian slacker Mac Demarco. Later, “Let’s Go Before Again”, is a full-on drum machine workout evocative of Stereolab. 

“Even if people don’t find my own references here, they’ll find theirs,” observes Ana, “Maybe that’s this record’s biggest goal.”

Stream ‘Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua / Call Me They That I’m Yours’ HERE

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

Chapter 21 | Your 15 Summer Essentials From Homegrown Brands

Nov 1, 2023 | Fashion, Interlude

Last week, CEC put out a call for South African designers and brands to share some of their key pieces for the summer season ahead. To say we were overwhelmed with responses is an understatement and this exercise proved my initial hypothesis for Interlude, our fashion column conceived some 22 months ago (this is chapter 21!). This hypothesis is something along the lines of: fashion in South Africa is accelerating in a big way and across many stratas of accessibility and price-points, stylistic considerations such as streetwear, contemporary apparel, luxury and ‘wearable art’. Interlude serves, in some small way, to capture this as it happens. 

South African fashion thrives in the realm of balmy, sunny days. This time is the most seasonally relevant and in and amongst our penchant for incredible dressing, is our intrinsically South African commitment to breathability, comfort and ease. One thing about South Africans; we know how to chill and how to look good doing it. For the purposes of streamlining this guide, we had to whittle it down to 15 pieces by 15 local brands; but don’t for one second think that this list is comprehensive or exhaustive regarding the brands that are creating the future of design. The most telling part of this submission process has been just how many young designers are realising their ability and visions – I refer them to Virgil Abloh’s FREE-GAME digital resource for taking an initially conceived design idea and making it into a solidified brand. This blueprint is one of Virgil’s many last legacies. 

Finally, some of the pieces featured are not necessarily the very newest offering by a brand. Rather, we opted to approach this guide true to the South African seasonal timeline; that is, brands know the power of perennial styles. To be a local brand in a small industry, is to not buy into the global industry’s penchant for constant newness and hyper-consumerism. These pieces are lovingly, locally-made and in adding these to your Christmas wish list or December style rotation, there is an assurance of sustainability-led and mindfully-approached support for South African fashion.

Cango Maxi | Rethread 

Alexa Schempers’ Rethread is the ONE for the gals. In our conversation with Alexa here, we learned that Rethread’s commitment to sustainable design covers three tenets: upcycled, new and vintage. The Cango Maxi dress has been a serious cult-classic – with Rethread customers snapped in their piece from Paris to Lake Como and back to Cape Town. Made by women in South Africa, the dress features a form-fitting corset bodice, drop-waist and a bubble skirt – conceived to flatter all bodies and babes. 

Purchase the Cango Maxi HERE

Jessica wears the Cango Dress by Rethread, photographed by EVOLVE Production

Monokini | P.Exotic

It’s been a minute since we caught up with the ‘Patron Saint of Pink’, Phuti Styles. So, when we realised her label – P.Exotic – has cooked up just about the sexiest piece one can imagine for summer, we were finished. Part of the label’s ‘WET’ collection, the Monokini comes in hot pink (duh!) or electric blue, with elastication for a better fit and breast support – and is made in a thick, double lined Lycra fabric. Perfect for the beach, the pool or on a night out – the Monokini is an essential. 

DM to order The Monokini HERE

The Monokini, Courtesy of P.Exotic

Staple Summer Vest | Broke 

Two things are true: a well-fitted tank vest is an essential – and so is owning a piece by Broke. We love the simplicity of this piece and better yet, we love the sneak peek by Joburg-based 99 Design Store of this piece in action; shot by Luke Ncube, 99 Design are about to drop their summer lookbook featuring a myriad of local brands for the season ahead. Made from 100% cotton, we urge you to stop by 99 Design if you’re in Joburg for this vest and to fulfil all your sartorial needs – they’re our favourite concept store right now. 

Purchase the Staple Summer Vest HERE or DM 99 Design

Broke Staple Vest by Broke for 99 Design Store, photographed by Luke Ncube

‘Another Country’ Football Jersey | Wanda Lephoto 

Soccer is an essential sartorial inclination in South Africa and few are more equipped to bring us a football jersey as thoughtfully conceived as Wanda Lephoto. Part of their 5th anniversary celebration, the ‘Another Country’ Striped Away Jersey features a ‘No.05’ along with other signature motifs for the brand. The shirt is a hybrid of various African nation flags and pays specific homage to soccer culture across the continent. 

Purchases the ‘Another Country’ Jersey HERE

Molemo wears ‘Another Country’ Football Jersey by Wanda Lephoto, photographed by Paul Shiakallis

Bell Sleeve Bustier | SELFI 

This one is for all our dreamy, ethereal girlies wanting to invoke equal parts fairy-maiden and structural, chic modernist. Celeste Arendse’s SELFI is known for its incredible ability to weave feminine, soft silhouettes through an architectural lens – particularly the label’s mastery of unique sleeves. The Bell Sleeve Bustier is form-fitting, 100% cotton and biodegradable, with the constructed bell-sleeve detail serving as the perfect, airy ‘long-sleeve’ for summer.

Purchase the ‘Bell Sleeve Bustier’ HERE

The Bell Sleeve Bustier by SELFI, courtesy of selfi.co.za

Broad Stripe Mesh Shorts | Human By Nature

We wouldn’t leave you hanging in the bloke-core era without a pair of shorts inspired sports. Human By Nature’s ‘Tokyo Athletic Club’ is a perennial offering by the brand, focused on athleticism as sartorial inspiration. The Broad Strip Mesh Shorts “reminisces on retro basketball aesthetics and colour schemes using the iconic colours of the New York Knickerbockers. Our double-lined mesh shorts, pay homage to the vintage Washington Bullets logo and feature a font reminiscent of the New York Times logo for a unique blend of nostalgia and style.” We love HBN’s unisex adaptation of their pieces – these shorts are definitely essential.

Purchase the Broad Stripe Mesh Shorts HERE

Whitney wear the Broad Stripe Mesh Shorts from Human By Nature, photographed by Mikayla McClean

Broad Stripe Mesh Shorts from Human By Nature, photographed by Mikayla McClean

The Soft-Shell Zip Up | Lazy Stacks 

Samson Ajibade’s Lazy Stacks has grown from strength to strength. One of the strongest streetwear labels in the country, this guide would be remiss without a piece by the brand – particularly their Soft-Shell Zip Up, as premiered at SA Menswear SS24. The softshell fabric consists of two layers, with a fleece which protects from cold and a dense fabric which reduces water and wind penetration – perfect for protection from Cape Town’s wind and our sometimes inconsistent weather around the country during the warmer months.

Purchase at INFLUHKS in Cape Town or DM Lazy Stacks

The Soft-Shell Zip-Up by Lazy Stacks, photographed by @27syx

SA MENSWEAR WEEK SS24

The Soft-Shell Zip-Up by Lazy Stacks, photographed by @27syx

White Denim Maxi Skirt | Me&B 

Mother-daughter duo Betina and Kelly are behind Me&B – and the brand has taken off across the country for women of all ages. As one of the most thoughtful, size-inclusive local brands in South Africa, Me&B is a one-stop shop for all seasons. Their White Denim Maxi Skirt speaks to the powerful return of the denim skirt as a staple. Repurposed from their Wide Leg Jeans, the skirt is 100% cotton. 

Purchase the White Denim Maxi Skirt HERE

White Denim Skirt courtesy of Me & B

Zoe Dress | Float Apparel 

If ever a brand epitomised a Cape Town summer, it would be Float Apparel. Influenced by the city’s surf, skate and street culture – Float are about to launch their summer lookbook, so we thought we’d look back to a piece from the year past. Still an essential, the Zoe Dress features an Argyle stretch fabric and is one size fits all; this is also perhaps the last chance to grab it. With an adjustable strap and one size fits all, Zoe is your ultimate beach companion and can we just say…THAT ORANGE. 

Purchase the Zoe Dress HERE

Whitney wears the ‘Zoe Dress’, courtesy of Float

Crochet Knitted Shirt | Patrick James 

Patrick James is a menswear brand to-watch. Founded on principles of contemporary luxe, the brand’s vision is to instil local menswear with quiet confidence, minimalist lines and clean design. Their Crochet Knitted Shirt is a vibe – we love confident men showing some skin – and is perfect for warmer days. Made from mid-wight luxury yarn and in a tonal shade of ‘Ecru’, this one is for the dudes invested in their tastemaking endeavours. 

Purchase the Crochet Knitted Shirt HERE

Crochet Knitted Shirt by Patrick James, photographed Andy Turner-Dauncey

‘Not A Boy’ Jorts | CRIPPLEDMND

Mphoentle Ramorei’s CRIPPLEDMND is for our grunge, punk babies looking to expand their wardrobe. Nothing has quite surprised us as much as the return of the JORTS – jean shorts and we are here for it. CRIPPLEDMND is y2k and 90s infused – with references to punk, Japanese Harajuku energy and more. This brand is one to watch.

DM to purchase HERE

‘Not A Boy’ Jorts by CRIPPLEDMND, photographed by @neverthoughtiwoulddoit

Recycled Swing Crossbody Bag | Sealand Gear

Sealand Gear is one of South Africa’s most treasured, sustainability focused brands. Specialising in gear and accessories (particularly bags), Sealand has reached cult status – least not for their commitment to the planet, enriched by the brand’s foundational story from surfing around the country and world, with the founders witnessing firsthand the crisis of waste and its effects on the oceans. Their Recycled Swing Crossbody Bag is made from ECONYL® Regenerated Nylon, “this range of gear is made from nylon waste that has been through a radical regeneration and purification process. Infinitely recyclable, never-ending possibilities. For the people and the planet.” 

Purchase the Recycled Swing Crossbody Bag HERE

The Swing Crossbody Bag by Sealand Gear, courtesy of sealandgear.co.za

High Neck Performance Top | ASA SADAN  

Imran Mohamed’s ASA SADAN is a suffusion of luxury, heritage, tradition and modernity. Drawn from the rich sartorial heritage of the muslim community in the Cape, their latest pieces introduced ‘ASA SPORT’ – a continued enhancement of the brand’s technically-minded design vision. The collection titled ‘Reclamation’ forms part of a wider, ongoing dialogue initiated by the brand, titled ‘Circle of Protection’. This was one of the most incredible fashion stories to land this entire year, with the show notes explaining:

Exiled communities from the East were brought to the Cape by the Dutch East India Company in their imperial expeditions to the Batavian region. Amongst these communities were high ranking individuals, such as rulers, royals, military generals and scholars. It was this initial diaspora community that founded Islam in the Cape.

Islamic scholars of these communities transcribed the Holy Quran from memory, and established institutions of learning to preserve and expand Islam in the region. This was concealed from the imperial regime, as religious practices and cultural traditions were prohibited from being practised, in an attempt to remove the individual and communal identity.

In commemoration of the pioneers of Islam in the Cape, known as ‘Auliyaah’ (pronounced ‘oh-lee-yah’) or ‘friends of Allah [God]’, special mausoleums or burial sites, known as ‘Kramats’, were erected in their honour at approximately 20 outdoor locations around the Cape Region, many of which are renowned for their historical significance and/or natural beauty.

According to local legend, the circular positioning of these Kramats (one of which can be seen in the film, at the foot of Signal Hill) around the Cape are said to have fulfilled an ancient prophecy foretelling the strength of the religion in the region. This is known locally as the ‘Circle of Islam’, beginning at Signal Hill, extending around Oudekraal beach to Constantia and Macassar, ending at Robben Island.

It is said that the orientation of the Kramats has delineated a ‘Circle of Protection’ around the region, a region where Islam and eastern heritage now thrive. 

The High Neck Performance Top is cut from lightweight, technical fabric and is the perfect second-skin for the heat. In the signature ASA SADAN orange, the technical wrap skirt is also one to consider. 

Purchase via ASA SADAN stockists HERE

Hishaam wears the High Neck Performance Top by ASA SADAN, photographed by Luke Doman

Cross Over Shirt | UNI FORM

Luke Radloff is one of the best designers in the country. It also remains a longstanding CEC dream to have his pieces from UNI FORM in our wardrobes. The label’s vision is to see Johannesburg known as any other major fashion capital and UNI FORM’s array of clean silhouettes and structural mastery are a testament to this. A shirt from UNI FORM is not just a shirt; it’s a symphonic expression akin to tailoring seen at The Row and the like. Seriously. The Cross Over Shirt is cut from cotton and draped to wrap the body – this is an essential. 

Purchase the Cross Over Shirt HERE

Cross Over Shirt by UNIFORM, courtesy of uniformza.co.za

Shopper | Porter 

We are obsessed with Porter’s answer to the slouchy, casually beautiful carrier. Made from soft knits in a variety of colours and patterns; Porter feels intrinsically Cape Town and evokes the movement and experience of an endless summer. Named simply ‘the Shopper’, there’s a reason it has been pictured by customers all over the world.

Purchase the Shopper HERE

Navy Green Stripe & Blue Green Swirl Shoppers by Porter, photographed by Enhance Retail

Pink Red Stripe Shopper by Porter, photographed by Enhance Retail

BW Check & Green Lime Large Shopper by Porter, photographed by Enhance Retail

Written by: Holly Beaton
For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za