Latest news with #Thabo
Daily Maverick
18 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Art tours frame Soweto's vibrant culture and heritage in canvas, mosaic and mural
Visiting the township's galleries, studios and cultural hubs gives tourists a sneak peek into its vibrancy and talent as tour guides recount the area's storied history and encourage debate. We meet on a sunny morning at Lebo's Backpackers in Orlando West. The place is buzzing: music is playing and tourists are heading off to see the sights of Soweto on bicycles and tuk-tuks. Maria Malepa, the owner-manager of Lebo's, has just managed to herd 15 visiting Australian journalists onto a bus and greets us with coffee and vetkoek. The new Soweto Art Route, she explains, is a creative collaboration between Lebo's Backpackers and Toura Travel Therapy, a local tour company owned by Thabo Modise, also known as Thabo the Tourist. He's unmistakable, a head and shoulders above the rest of us, and has the funkiest hairstyle. Thabo is an 'art concierge' and takes art tours across Jozi city and now Soweto. The tours are part of the work by the Jozi My Jozi Soweto chapter to diversify Soweto's tourism offerings. 'This one's for the culturally curious,' says Thabo. We're also joined by Thami Ndimande from Soweto Experiences, a born and bred Sowetan and brilliant raconteur and guide. One of the great delights of the Soweto Art Route is the storytelling that happens along with the tour. In between visiting artists and their studios, the tour takes us past murals, parks and places of cultural significance, and Thabo and Thami regale us with tales of Soweto's rich artistic heritage and the people who made it. Up and over the hump First stop is Nkungu Street in Orlando West, which is also known as Mzimhlope, famous for its so-called elephant houses – who knew? – whose roofs are concrete humps. It's fabulously outlandish. One elephant house is decorated in the colours of Pirates, the legendary soccer team. Another has a memorial to anti-apartheid activist Lilian Ngoyi with a quirky sewing machine sculpture outside. We visit the sun-filled studio of Lerato Motau, a small and purposeful space whose walls are decorated with deliciously colourful artworks. Motau does textile works using fabric, embroidery and mixed media and is famed for her series Ten Thousand Women. Despite having dyslexia, Motau went on to become an accomplished artist who has exhibited all around the world. She shares her story with us, explains how her daughter also overcame dyslexia to become a fashion designer, and that her work raises awareness about dyslexia. Her works are rich and feminine. The storytelling continues as we take a drive to Mofolo. We pass a famous mural of the 1976 Soweto Uprising – and hear the poignant story of the dogs depicted in it – and swing by the funky Matchbox Gallery, a contemporary art space at the top of Vilikazi Street, which shows the work of local street artists. We drive past the house of the late Gibson Kente, a playwright, composer, producer and director known as the father of Black Theatre. We listen to anecdotes and stories of the writers, poets, musicians and artists of Soweto. Cultural hub The Mofolo Arts Centre feels so peaceful, with its 1950s buildings surrounded by lawns and shaded by trees. It's across the road from Mofolo Park, which is a popular concert venue and has some fabulous murals. The centre was a cultural and artistic hub in the 1970s and 1980s. Famous artists such as Jabulani Sam Nhlengethwa, Durant Sihlali and Ezrom Legae studied here, before the place was abandoned and fell into disrepair in the 1990s. The Mofolo Art Centre is now being revived and has studios, workshops and a gallery space. Stepping into artist Bra Kenny Nkosi's studio here is like stepping onto another planet. He uses plastic and all sorts of waste to create incredibly intricate sculptures – powerful art that depicts the horror of war, the madness of life and the beauty of music. Bra Kenny looks like a jazz musician, and his studio is full of mannikins, paintings, old boots and dead appliances. 'Everything is a metaphor,' he says. He also works with fabric paintings that portray people's daily lives in Soweto. Bra Kenny tells us that it's been a full circle for him coming back here because he studied and taught at the Mofolo Art Centre in the 1980s. We meet one of his former students, Zanele Mashumi, who now promotes Nkosi's work and those of other contemporary African artists through Mashumi Art Projects. 'There is no script anymore,' she says, 'Artists are creating what they like.' We bump into jazz musician Morake Koali and pop into the mosaic studio of John Mbulaheni, who also offers children's art classes, a sanctuary for young creatives. Heritage and memory Heads full of stories and images, we hop back on the bus and head to the Eyethu Shopping Centre. It's great to drive around Soweto and see daily life here. The parks and trees, the school kids, the traffic, the suburbs and shops. Should we still call Soweto a township? That's one of the questions we debate. Isn't it a city? Is the word 'township' inherently demeaning? Big and bold murals by contemporary artist Senzart911 fill the outside walls of the Eyethu Heritage Hall. Once the iconic Eyethu Theatre, the first black-owned cinema in Soweto, the building has been restored and transformed into a funky contemporary venue. The building's interiors are just incredible. The walls are lined with old posters and cinema memorabilia: movie tickets, newspaper cuttings, record covers, the famous actors and actresses of Soweto, the musicians, the movies of the 1960s and 1970s. It's one big visual history lesson. We are shown around by Zanele Tshabalala, who takes us on a journey of the golden age of this Soweto venue, how it came to be a cultural hub. It was built in 1969 by her grandfather, Ephraim Batana Tshabalala, the great entrepreneur of Soweto, who quit his job in 1946 with £20 in savings and began a meat business, then went on to build a retail empire that included garages, bottle stores, fish and chips outlets, supermarkets and dry cleaning depots. It was this cinema of which he was most proud. What an amazing story and space. Journey's end We return to Lebo's Backpackers for lunch at its outdoor restaurant, a thatched boma with beach vibes (the bar, cocktails, murals) that serves daily braais and potjiekos. It's opposite a green field with painted walls, near a path that local pedestrians use. There are tourists and guides popping in and out; a herd of goats causes a disruption. Lebo's is a convivial space and it's advisable to spend the night here after the tour. The experience calls for a beer or a glass of wine and a gentle afternoon and evening contemplating the rich art and culture of Soweto. Time to process and kick back, letting life imitate art. DM Photo walks It's not part of the Soweto Art Tour, but we took a visit to the Mandebele Photo Gallery in Braamfischerville. Documentary photographer Gopolang Ledwaba manages this community photo gallery and resource space in Soweto. It has artworks, photographs and books, and is a space for conversations, discussions and workshops. It's also the starting and finishing point for Ledwaba's photo walks around the area and to the nearby cemetery. Ledwaba also offers photography lessons to locals and kids. 'We are dedicated to elevating consciousness through the arts and photography,' he says.
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘Africa Day' celebrated in Sligo with music, dance, crafts and good food
Sligo Champion There was plenty of music, dance and food as Africa Day was celebrated at The Model on Sunday of last where Sligo Global Kitchen, Aremoja Women's Group, and the African communities in Sligo. Highlight was the choral performance in response to Julianknxx's exhibition (currently on display at The Model) with acclaimed singer Thabo and members of the African community of Sligo, which was formed especially for Africa Day 2025.
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
September could be headed back to SuperSport United
"Right now, coach Thabo is back in Gauteng and he's exploring a couple of options before he commits," a source told Phakaaathi. Thabo September, former head coach of Chippa United is interviewed after the Betway Premiership 2024/25 game against Stellenbosch FC at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 30 April 2025 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix Thabo September could be in line for a return to SuperSport United after departing Chippa United. Although his departure has not been officially confirmed by the Chilli Boys, the 42-year-old has already relocated back to Gauteng. His contract will not be renewed by Chippa, despite his good relationship with the club chairman, Siviwe 'Chippa' Mpengesi. United finished 11th in the Betway Premiership standings and narrowly missed out on a top eight spot by just two points. ALSO READ: Kaizer Chiefs transfer target not here to 'impress big teams' It is not yet clear why the Gqeberha-based club chose not to retain September, but it is believed that the former defender is not short of admirers ahead of the next season. 'Right now, coach Thabo is back in Gauteng and he's exploring a couple of options before he commits,' a source told Phakaaathi. 'He did well at Chippa and other clubs have shown interest. The good thing is that he leaves the club on good terms, and his relationship with Chippa is still good. A couple of teams are monitoring him as a potential addition to their technical team.' It remains to be seen whether the former Matsatsantsa a Pitori legend will return to his beloved club or take on a new challenge elsewhere, as teams in both the Premier Division and Motsepe Foundation Championship have shown interest in his services.
News24
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Thabo Makhetha's SS25 collection is a love letter to Lesotho's vast lands
Thabo Makhetha showcased at SA Fashion Week day two. The collection is reminiscent of what spring and summer in Lesotho looks like. The luxury label has baby clothes and more up their sleeves for the future. Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana has given South Africa luxury women's fashion with a taste of Lesotho for more than 15 years. The latest collection in her eponymous women's wear label features distinct patterns reminiscent of nature and shades of green and brown that represents Thabo and Lesotho's rich lands. The hustle and bustle of fashion season ended after the South African Fashion Week spring/summer 2025 runway shows in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, from 24 to 26 April 2025, with Thabo Makhetha designs showcased on day two. Redefining Basotho culture After the show, Thabo gave TRUELOVE some insight into the inspiration behind the collection. 'I think, for me, when I do collections, you have to balance functionality and creativity. So, what I usually try to do is to have pieces that you could wear every day. But when you showcase it on the runway obviously you want to elevate it, you want to give entertainment and excitement. But obviously, we also see with our showstopper. That's the art and the craft of it that comes out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thabo Makhetha (@tmakcc) Thabo continues, 'That last piece really tells the story because we're talking about thethana, which is the maiden skirt that they wear. It's made from a grass reed and then they roll it together. So, we're taking that kind of inspiration and redefining it, making it luxurious, making you look at it in a different way; that's always been the point. 'This is Basotho culture but let's redefine it, let's take the story to the world. Let's get someone in Europe, in Asia, in America, wherever, being able to access our culture and tell the story behind it, not just wear it because it's fashion.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by South African Fashion Week (@safashionweek) When it comes to the specific colours chosen for the collection, Thabo explains how Lesotho's luscious green fields brought alive by its rainfall made a big mark on her inspiration. She says, 'With the colours I chose for this one, it's supposed to be spring/summer and I just thought in Lesotho when it rains, and the mountains are so rich and green and then the rain falls down and almost like on the slate and we see these strong blacks against the green. So, my colours actually just came from that idea of ha ke Lesotho, what does summer and spring actually look like.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by South African Fashion Week (@safashionweek) For the people Not only have Thabo Makhetha designs become popular across the country at locations like the Soko District in Rosebank Mall, the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and Africa Arise in Sandton, but the brand dipped its toes into homeware with a limited edition tile range with CTM. While Thabo is looking to expanding into homeware, for now she wants to focus on getting her designs to her loyal customers. 'I think I want to focus on getting the product to the people. I've got baby clothes – there are things you haven't seen because I sit, and I make up the stuff and you only see it now and again in moments. So, I think I want to get the stuff out to the people, then after that we'll start looking at moving out more into the CTM and following those things. 'But I think for now the call has been, 'girl, I don't have your stuff. You're not around, where can we find you?' So, let me sort out my tribe, let me sort out them first, and then we'll look into more collaborations thereafter.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thabo Makhetha (@tmakcc) To close off a successful show, Thabo leaves us with a few words of wisdom she would tell her younger self if she could. 'You weren't wrong for all off your stubbornness, for all the heartache, for all the doors that were shut in your face, you were not wrong, girl. And I'm saying to me now at this age, keep doing it. Keep going.'
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Black TikTok Creator Claims Police are Targeting Him for His Exotic Monkey, But His History Tells a Different Story
Some of your TikTok feeds might feature the content of Kim Raymond 'Ray' Feaste , a Black man who is often seen living his best life with his pet monkey, Thabo. However, the creator claims he's been the target of both critics and cops following a series of complaints. Feaste toldLocal 10 News his life with Thabo began five years ago when a Las Vegas lab donated the baby monkey to him after the animal's mother died in the lab. Thabo ended up in the lab's custody from a long line of African vervet monkeys who were imported for polio vaccine research, some of whom escaped and found safety in the wild by Dania Beach, Fla., the report says. Since the two have been together, Feaste documents his daily life with Thabo through a series of amusing social media posts. From them going on shopping trips to the supermarket, hopping about hotel rooms and munching down on chicken wings, the trend across content is often that Thabo is let loose in the environment. The two have rendered over three million followers. Here, Thabo appears to tear up a hotel room: Biologists have grown concerned about Thabo's content, arguing the monkey needs to be in the wild instead of living the life of a domesticated pet. Veternarian Dr. Pete Otovic told Local 10 its highly unlikely a facility would simply give away their baby monkey. Other monkey experts worry about the safety of human beings around these animals as well as the health of the monkeys themselves. 'I'm concerned for the welfare of the monkey, because I know he's not being properly taken care of and they do need lots of mental enrichment, healthy appetite, those types of things' said Dr. Deborah 'Missy' Williams, an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, via the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Experts aren't the only ones who were bothering Feaste about his monkey. The creator uploaded a YouTube video showing body camera footage he obtained from the Dooly County and Turner County Sheriff's Offices in Georgia when he was stopped by officers back in October of 2024. In one clip, Turner County Sheriff's Deputy Justin Partain pulled Feaste over for allegedly following too close to the tractor trailer in front of him. Dash camera footage shows the two vehicles weren't even in the same lane. During the encounter, the video footage shows the officer notice Thabo, who was in a cage in the back of the vehicle, asking Feaste if he had paperwork to transport the monkey. 'There's no paperwork required if I'm just traveling through the state,' Feaste responded. 'Yes sir, you got to have paperwork with you to transport a monkey,' the officer said. Though, he never produced information as to what paperwork Feaste needed. As a result, Partain made Feaste step out of his car and frisked him for weapons. Then, he left Feaste with a warning. 'I have two sheriff's departments that are conspiring and colluding to send me away to prison for literally no reason and all of the evidence to show that I'm innocent is on video,' Feaste said in the video, arguing that his constitutional rights were violated. Further fueling the concern about Thabo is the fact Feaste's record isn't necessarily squeaky clean. CBS reports that back in 2013, he was arrested in Florida on the suspicion of stealing an endangered loggerhead sea turtle as well as seizing sea turtle eggs from their nest. However, the charge was dismissed after the judge found officers didn't read him his Miranda rights and determined he was incompetent to stand trial, per Sun Sentinel's report. As of now, Feaste isn't on the radar of The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, allowing him and Thabo to continue living life like its golden, per Local 10. Though, the chance of him being apprehended by authorities is still likely. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
