Beauties who contested at the 2012 Miss Simply Blue where Candice (in a straw hat) won and took the 1st princess award.
Location: Booysens, Johannesburg.

Our gorgeous went home with all smiles

The previous princess of Ms Queen of Queens & Black Pride was one of the judges…

@ Soweto Theatre

Thandiswa Mazwai’s performance and later won an award.

Check this link for more:
http://www.mbokodoawards.co.za/

A short documentary captured during our Amsterdam visit in Dec. 2013.

In song, dance and poetry, the great man’s spirit was kept alive even though he was no longer there.

Thanks to ZAM for making the function possible,
held at Stadsschouwburg, Amsterdam

Camera by Zanele Muholi.
Edited by Malibongwe Swane for Inkanyiso.

by Yaya Mavundla

I have attended a few album launches in the past and that includes Zulu Boy, LIRA, Mi Casa and Zakes Bantwini to mention a few. All these spaces have always been packed to the full capacity with friends and family In support of the projects.

We arrived in Daveyton at Two Tones Lounge at about 18h00 straight from WITS Arts Museum and Nqobile Zungu coming from Sibonelo Muholi’s wedding in Southgate so excited about Shaz Jones and Major Jacobs (JacobJones) album launch for their debut album titled Nett/so and it was a total different case from what I have experienced in any album launch in the past.

At the door we met with Major who introduced us to the bouncers and gave us our passes to come in. Nqobile Zungu and I started arguing on who is buying the album because we both wanted to own it. We then agreed I get it.

I then joke with Major that I want mine to be autographed.

Shock of my life when I got inside the venue! I have never in my life, what an embarrassment. No representation from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community from Daveyton. I was sad, confused and very angry.

The ONLY people from the LGBTI community I spotted was Collen Mfazwe who arrived the same time as we did and left 30 min later. Vuvu Mtsweni, and Lesiba Mothibe.

Arriving 45 minutes before the launch finishes was Kgomotso Mashapa (Reigning Miss Valentine Daveyton) who made an excuse that she had an appointment.

Another let down with little success was Xoli Lewinski who was supposed to be the MC for the evening didn’t pitch and apparently sent a message to a friend that he had too much to drink and won’t be able to attend. Luckily there was someone who was on the standby to cover for him. What a disgrace! The level of unprofessionalism is shocking.

Beauty queens and drag queens such as Thabo Menu aka Miss T, Thabo Mathenjwa and Nathi Dlamini to mention a few were nowhere to be seen even though there is a song dedicated to them and these are the same people who will do anything to be featured on the music video that is scheduled to be shot soon.

In attendance there was also Shaz’s mother Mrs. Mthunzi and her uncle Sticks Jones who came to support their child launching her album. Even the 10 year old was from next door was in attendance to support great talent and a good neighbor of course.

The popular single Top 10 and Drag Queens which are featured on the album were definitely the audience’s favorite as they sang along these two songs and even asked for more.

Sadly the people who the music was dedicated to were not there to witness this.

I was so embarrassed that Shaz and Major are basically risking losing support from straight audience (which is majority) in support of the LGBTI people that doesn’t care nor support them.

Part two with comments from artists, families, management and people in attendance to follow.

To interact with me please follow me on twitter and Instagram @YayaRSA or follow Zanele Muholi @MuholiZanele / Inkanyiso @Inkanyiso_Org

Previous by Yaya

2014 March 30: Bright future for Mzamo

by Sebenzile Nkosi

I have been in good spirits the whole day I can’t wait to get home, it feels like forever and it feels good I can’t wait to see them. I have not been home since October 2012. See I always made it a point to go home at least once a year, since I moved to Johannesburg from Mpumalanga. When I got sick I had appendicectomy done and then I got worse when it went septic about 4 times. My family was not at all supportive, that was when I stopped going. What they did just broke me. Of course I missed them, but a phone call just seemed enough. I did not seem to be able to get past the hurt.

However they had been reaching to me because they are missing me.  Even my mother, whom I can describe as being stubborn is said to be staring at my pictures. My father such a loving man, but not very expressive when it comes to his feelings, even called to say he loved me. I admit I have missed him the most. My baby sister sent me a picture of herself last December and I hardly recognized her!  She had morphed, her hips and all. In my mind, I thought she would always be 12 forever.

My cousin has been nagging me, asking when was I coming home. I know my parents are going to insist I go see my grandparents.  I did not like going to my grandparents’ house because I don’t like being paraded around.

I cannot say I am looking forward to that visit. Oh yes then there is my brother and his wife both whom I have on my Facebook and by now they know I’m coming and yes I would have preferred if they didn’t because they are just too much. Oh but I miss my nephew, yes the niece too but I don’t know her that much. They bought a house and as the first aunt, I have to go and set foot there. I hope they do not get ‘kidnapped’ by them like last time when I visited. They live in areas that are not accessible to public transport so one has to depend on them for transport, which can be so frustrating because you will be operating on their time

So much has changed though. There are so many people in this taxi who speak Sotho, though I can tell the difference from it to Pedi and Tswana, and I can hold down a conversation. Makes me wonder though what happened to Ndebeles, Xhosas and Swatis?
The taxis are still too expensive for an hour ride at R90.

It had been just two weeks since I had been last home, when I got a message on April 25, 2014, that my grandfather had passed away.

He was not my paternal grandfather, but my mother’s only living brother, making him technically my uncle. but we were very close. On the April 23, during my lessons, one of my grade six girls, Paige was busy asking silly questions and we all ended up laughing, then I told them about my very funny grandfather who gave two of his sons a name that meant the same thing.  One is Phepha and the other is Khasi – which both mean paper. He was an interesting man.

Getting the news couldn’t have come at the worst time ever. I was still angry about something plus I had so much work.  I was with one of the grade 7 girls when I received the call. The girl had upcoming auditions at the National School of the Arts in the room with me when I received the news.

The first thing that came to my mind was denial. My mother sent me messages about four times. She probably was not sure if I had received it. Each time I would look at the messages I would pass out and eventually I broke down and cried.  The student hugged me but she did not know what was going on.   I explained why I had just had a breakdown like that, and assured her I would be fine. It was still early in the morning and I did not want to upset her. I told her that I needed to calm down and did not want to upset her and that she should probably practice during one of her breaks and sent her away.

We called my mother’s uncle Mkhulu Kaiser, loosely translated to mean grandfather Kaiser.
So many memories of him just kept flashing through my mind.  I remember that after my father suffered a stroke he got very depressed, probably from the feeling of helplessness. Mkhulu Kaiser always came to visit with him; this would leave my father jovial for days. Mkhulu was a very funny man.  My dad would always ask him “umkhukhu of umjondolo ukhetha ini?”,
It was funny when he said it in his husky voice. Of course we would point out that they both meant the same thing which is a shack, and we’d chose non.Mkhulu was a very educated man. After getting injured at work he had to stop working while at his peak. He always insisted that we studied hard.

After my grandmother got married, they never did umhlambeso, which is the exchanging of gifts between the two families, so we wanted to do that for my grandfather because everyone else who has been married after that cannot do it until my grandfather has fulfilled his requirements. As the grandchildren, we took it upon ourselves to do this on his behalf.
Mkhulu Kaiser is the last blood relative of my grandmother.
So what now?
I don’t know why I am even thinking about this now. I just wish he could have lived longer.

I eventually called my mother who said, he had passed away around 3am in his home.  During the mourning and burial, I had to appear strong as I had exams coming up.

I called my grandmother, who just broke down and cried, the softness of her voice just breaks my heart. She lost the last member of her family and I felt her hurt and pain. I know how fond of each other they were.

My grandmother calls my father umkhwenyana (son-in-law) or Nkosi.
In my family when a child is born, that child would be sent to her for naming. My grandmother would name the newborn (this is my maternal grandmother as my paternal one passed away long before we were born).
After my birth was I was taken to her and before she could name me, she took a look at me, and then my father and said uSebenzile Nkosi (which means you have worked Nkosi).
Everyone thought that was the name and they just loved it and do I.

About the author

Sebenzile Nkosi was born in 1985 in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
My parents got it all – a son/a lesbian and a daughter, I’m a lesbian.

I am a tenor saxophonist teacher and music arranger. I write to easy the pain, cope and find hope.
I moved to Johannesburg to study music in 2007 my dream was to play for one of the bands in the South African Defense Force. I attended one year at the Funda Community College in Diepkloof, Soweto. With no money to pay for fees, I kept my marks high and became the spokes person of the students there. That awarded me with a scholarship.  I later joined The Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company that year and trained as a music teacher.
In 2008 I started teaching music to primary school pupils focusing on grades 4-7, while still teaching advance recorder for the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company.
I am currently completing my degree in education through University of South Africa (UNISA) focusing on Intersen phase (Grades 4-9).

Intersen phase refers to grades 4-7, whereas Foundation phase are between grades 1-3 and Senior phase is from grade 10-12.

I became section leader of the tenor saxophones in the South African National Youth Orchestra in 2010.

My dream is to have an Orchestra Company of my own that will do more than just teach kids to play instruments. I will motivate them to write their own music. South Africa have initiatives like Idols and SA’s got Talent, there should also be big bands showcasing in those platforms for the youngsters with music instruments to be given an opportunity to play and fully realize their talent.
I would move and inspire education department to employ individuals who are capable of reading music to be the ones teaching at our schools and beyond.

I’m featuring in Faces and Phases portraiture series by Zanele Muholi, my portrait included here was taken in Parktown (2012) at the place I shared with my partner, Sade. She actually introduced me to Muholi.

Previous by Sebenzile

2014 May 7:  Voting for the first time today

and

Related articles of some of the participants featuring in Faces and Phases series

2014 Feb.5:  “No one can live without love”

and

2014 Jan. 9:  “Enforcing my existence”

and

2013 Nov.25:  “We live in fear”

and

2013 Oct. 22:  I thought university was for the rich

and

2013 Oct.16:  I am a beautiful young dyke, a woman lover

and

2013 Oct. 12:  I just feel she deserves much better

and

2013 Aug. 22:  Am exactly where I’m supposed to be

and

2013 Aug. 12:  The importance of self acceptance

and

2013 July 15:  The virus has become a silent relative

and

2013 July 9:  Living in and loving the lesbian boarding house

and

2013 May 7:  Black lesbians on pap test

and

2013 April 30:  this summer

and

2013 April 1:  Who are you to tell me who I am?

and

2013 March 19:  The monster

and

2013 March 10:  “I love women and they love me”

and

2013 Feb. 12:  A dildo is not a man; it’s a fantastic toy…

and

2013 Feb. 28:  I am not a Victim but a Victor

and

2013 Feb. 11:  I almost wished

and

2013 Feb. 10:  Stolen Innocence

and

2013 Feb. 8:  “Let your voices be heard”

 by Sebenzile Langa (previously known as Nkosi)

As hard as it is, it is so worth it. My marimba band performed at this year’s Sasol Bird Fair 2014 and they have been performing at the festival since 2011. Every year they get better. The hardest part is starting a new band every year as pupils leave to go to high school. Teaching music comes with its joys but it is also hard because students grow so fast and so do parents, and as much as things change, they also stay the same.

It is proven that music makes one smarter. One then wonders why when the pass rate of our country is 30%, a small number of children are picking up instruments and many of them in the sports field?

Our education department has grown a lot, adding arts and culture in its curriculum. However many of these children are being taught by people who have no training in the field. It is criminal really.  The grade 7 textbooks is really the best book in arts so far, however I wonder how those teachers are coping in teaching activities that require marimbas.  In the suburb I teach in, in the south of Johannesburg, we are the only school with marimbas. Most schools have recorders. There are not many teachers trained or that can even play instruments, while many trained musicians go without jobs hoping for get employment from the army or police bands.

Playing in orchestras is not cheap, you have to pay a fee, just for the experience.

Two of my students made it into the National School of Arts (NAC). As happy an occasion as it is, this means I now have 6 pupils that have made it through. I pray for their future.

25 June is instrument demonstration at Mondeor Primary School. I hope more children pick up an instrument and stay off the streets.

Previous by Sebenzile

2014 April 30:  Good spirit dampened by my grandfather’s death

by Sicka Star-ban

My Faces and Phases journey started in the year 2013 when I met author and visual activist, Zanele Muholi.
I, Nonkululeko Sharon Mthunzi known as Sicka Star-ban, remember her reaction when she first saw my cousin Nontuthuzelo Mduba and I.   Her exact words were “I don’t work with people under the age of 18 years”, we laughed and told her our ages.

The 2013 Mr Daveyton winners. From Left – Right: Nontuthuzelo Mduba, Lebo Magaela and Nonkululeko Sharon Mthunzi.

A lot was going on that year. It was our first time entering Mr Lesbian Daveyton and my cousin Ntuthu walked away with the title of First Prince and I with the title Mr Personality. It was also the year I started my music career, and not forgetting that it was the beginning of my Faces and Phases journey. My first photo shoot was the day after the pageant at my home in Daveyton right along with Nontuthuzelo Mduba, Lebogang Magaela who was Mr Lesbian Daveyton 2013 and we were in our formal wear. At first I was nervous because I was not used to huge cameras but I soon relaxed.

Muholi told me to relax and so I did and soon got used to it. From thereon, we took amazing portraits. In the Faces and Phases book, two of my pictures are featured, one which was taken on the day of my first shoot with Muholi and the other which was taken at my home in my bedroom while in my traditional/ancestral clothes. In my hand I carried ishoba lamadlozi. I love how my two portraits contradict each other to the viewer but I am a traditional healer as well as a musician/composer. I straddle two worlds that most people deem highly impossible to mix. They say however that I am the living proof that now can be steeped in their traditions and culture but at the same living and creating in the 21^st century, a testament that both elements can exist.

I have many goals, hopes and dreams – some which I have attained – but I never pictured myself in a book. To me this is extraordinarily beyond what I had set out to achieve in 2014.
2014 is my year because I was crowned Mr Lesbian Daveyton 2014, I am featured in the Faces and Phases (2006 – 2014) book and my music career is taking gigantic leaps. I had the honor of composing the Faces and Phases song, which I performed at the successful book launch.

Previous links

2014 July 10: My remarkable Durban experience

by Lerato Dumse

A two-day surprise 25^th birthday party for Akhona Nolusindiso Hailele, was celebrated mid November, in Alexandra Johannesburg.

Akhona’s partner, Zandile Makhubu (22), thought it fit to throw the denim themed, surprise party for her live-in partner of 4 years, who was born in the Eastern Cape on November 6.

Our lovely couple Akhona Hailele and Zeeany Makhubu.                                                                                                               © All photos by Akhona & Zeeany (first published on their Facebook pages)

Zandile’s aunt, who lives in the same yard, was used as a decoy and an unsuspecting Akhona was told the surprise party was for the aunt.

Zandile’s mother, Duduzile Khanyi , opened the event by explaining to the partygoers that she wants order and discipline and cautioned against reckless behaviour when leaving the yard, as it was at night.

Sharing from a conversation, Duduzile said she was hurt when she heard Akhona say she has not had a party in many years.

It was further revealed that when Zandile approached her cousins and aunts who live in the same yard, to ask for assistance with the party, none of them refused, having accepted Akhona as part of the family.

Duduzile described her daughter’s partner as respectful, and thanked her for that. She (Duduzile) also thanked her sisters for accepting Akhona with warm hands.

The family refused to let the downpour dampen their mood, as they were adamant the party will go on.

In giving context, Duduzile explained that she didn’t know her daughter was lesbian, but noticed that she preferred shopping in the boys’ section, and walked with a step that had an extra bounce.

She admits that she chose to remain in a state of denial, until her daughter eventually came out to her. Duduzile adds that the revelation caused her to lose her breath, while her knees went weak, but she tried to maintain a straight face and responded by saying, “If that’s how you were born, then there is nothing I can do about it.”

Then headed straight to her late mother’s bedroom to confide and her mother, who responded by saying, “what God has created, you can’t change.”

Duduzile ended her speech by saying she does not condone gays and lesbians, and acknowledged that its not easily accepted, as many ignorant people call it a curse, “but you can’t live your life trying to make others happy,” she said.”

Charmain Carrol also added a few words, saying it is not often that people in lesbian relationships are as accepted as Akhona has been.

Reminiscing about previous events she has attended at the home she said, “we eat and get a safe place to sleep, and we feel the love from the home.”

Before adding that no one fights with Akhona, and she never fights anyone.

Akhona joyful as she enjoys life…

Handsome or beautiful???

Akhona’s friends also party lovers. From left to right – Nqobile Zungu, Charmain Carrol, Lerato Dumse and Smangele Hegeni.

Many speakers agreed that Zandile’s family is welcoming to lesbian people who visit the home.

Even Zandile’s grandfather shared a few words of gratitude, even though they feared what his reaction would be, when Akhona moved to the home.

The rain took a break and allowed for the dishing out process, which was setup outside. The was a variety of food and meat to choose from, while more meat was being prepared on the braai.

With the speeches out of the way and stomachs full, the attention turned to the DJ who was playing good music that led to all sorts of dance moves, the party then continued until the next day, those who had left, returned for some more partying.

Akhona Hailele as she appeared in Faces and Phases (2006 – 2014) book.

by Lebo Mashifane

Previously I spent my Christmas days by going to church then back home to my grandmother’s house to eat Sunday food and dessert. When I became a university student in Cape Town I celebrated it with my lover, at the time. Later on when I was single I then spent it alone. Another year I spent it with friends. However, this year’s Christmas has been different and memorable like in 2009. I was with my sweetheart’s lovely family in the South of Jozi. Their warmth and welcoming home is so beautiful from all its corners.

We made the preparations the night before which required that we buy a bottle of beer. To my surprise, I thought that mom had intended for her own consumption, only to realise that she needed it for the meat (gammon) she was cooking. I didn’t know that beer could be used to prepare meat, I thought wine was.

I woke up around 5am thinking of how bloated I felt, which made me panic as I was looking forward to having a feast. What kept me excited however was photographing my newly found family. There was a beautiful, sunny ambiance, environmentally and emotionally. Sweety promised to see to it that I have a good time and I sure did.

We ate such hearty food made with love. Extended family members came over for Christmas lunch and it was lovely to meat, I mean meet them. We enjoyed a healthy balanced meal which was just sufficient. The Soil (SA afro pop music group) kept us company as they emanated from the car sound system singing songs such as “We are family”.

It was lovely to see the bicycle (in the backyarkd) that has a child seat. Present, were dedicated fathers who showed that they cared for their families for example sharing bicycle skills with the youngsters as they cycled backwards while carrying a baby passenger on the baby’s seat.

Happy family enjoying the photo taking moments…

Lebo having fun with Lwandile (Sweety)

At the same family photos were taken including a group photo of everyone who was at the gathering. It was really beautiful how they were keen on participating in that photoshoot. None of which were intended to lend anywhere in particular but on family memories. They looked so beautiful in their dresses, jeans and shirts, and then some of us had on shorts and flip flops.
Two boys, born in the year 2014 wore red and white Christmas hats – rocking the new age St Clause look.

It was stunning how each group of nuclear family members were quite creative with their brilliant poses such as simultaneously jumping in the air. Symmetrically laying on the grass holding hands and posing by the best bicycle, etc. Even after all the eating, the family did not stop playing. The mother of the house and her first born (both “just above 25, yet just under 60”) were running around in the street. In that case the mouse was chasing the cat…only on Christmas day would you get that miracle hey…when the sun is said to be dancing at 5am. Is that really true?
And all this chasing was not for cheese, but I think for a rubber ball. This ball was the cause of carbs digest, the way it kept the family of all ages and genders, patrolling on quiet suburban streets.

I would rather not post the various pictures so as not to abuse my privileges of being granted permission to post the group picture. Although I would really love to share more, visually, because that’s my thing. It was pleasant enough to have them say “no problem”. My biological family would definitely decline my plea, they probably wouldn’t even want me to capture them.

So here’s a question I was asked to answer.
“If things were going your way, what would you like to do or receive for Christmas?”

hhhhhhooooooo this question teases my fantasy. First of all I don’t quite understand what Christmas really is; with the career choices I have made Christmas is another day to work. The work which I love, which I can do anytime of the year, which is capturing videos and photos especially of arts events. People spend the day with family, that is lovely. Family gatherings, lot’s of food and for others it means alcohol and parties.

So to answer the question

The most amazing event would be if a flying chariot, propelled by deer, with elves and a saint were to roam the skies dropping off gifts. Then if things were going my way I would be receiving a neatly rolled certificate and a thinly packed envelope – handed to me by the saint, self then the most queer elf ever would hand me my sack of gifts, and then a genderless deer would bow before me so I can stroke it on the head and kiss its horns. So now let’s get to the finer details of what content would be in my gifts!!!

*rubbing hands*

The neatly rolled certificate would be my production house certificate of registration.

The thin layered envelope would be vouchers that allow me to redeem production equipment (cameras, sound suites, lighting suites, editing programmes/applications/suits, computers and laptops) at stores such as Mac, Cannon, Panasonic and and and.

The sack would have no boxes… just new pairs of Converse All Star Chucks and keys to a VW micro bus and Recreational Vehicle that is fully equipped and has a shower, toilet, kitchen and sleeping area. I’m talking about a caravan of love! My mini mobile studio/slash nomad soldier residence.

My black beauty (camera) is comfortable in people’s hands, as we share her to take photos, make and mark memories. I love it when people around me are interested in learning photographic skills.
I love shooting as much as I love people that shoot. Yes I love both guns and soldiers and if my kind of war (of capturing moments) was an army then I would be grateful to recruit troops. Cannons supplied to equip us with victory to regain black power, using black beauty.

Now to my 2015 budget speech… *clear throat*…*fix spectacle possition*

My name is Lesbo (silent “s”) and with a fist in the air I say

WOZA 2015!
WOZA 20FistTeam (silent “s”).

Previous by Lebo

2014 Oct. 18: With Young Queer Youth Leaders in KwaThema

by Katiso Kgope

It’s been days since we returned safely to Johannesburg from Durban. I must say it has been a phenomenal experience, one that I will never forget. I’m so grateful that I was selected to be part of this great opportunity, and I’m thankful to Zanele Muholi. We traveled to Durban from Johannesburg on the morning of December 30, and the road trip to Durban was very memorable. We took photos and video clips to document those moments; with our cameraman was Phumlani Mdlalose (who documented most of our moves), he is such a funny tall guy. It felt like I was part of a reality TV show, and we were all stars of the show.

The first stop when we arrived in Durban was the beach, a friend said “open the window, smell the clean fresh air that is Durban and listen to the ocean waves.” I must say Durban air is refreshingly calming; I couldn’t get enough of it. The first thing I wanted to do was to feel the sand under my feet while I run around, playing with water like a 4 year-old, but it wasn’t time yet. We then headed to Muholi’s hometown of Umlazi. the sections of Umlazi aren’t named liked the sections we usually use such as extension 2, or extension 3, they are called according to the alphabets but have a specific way to call them, such as kwa A, kwa B and kwa C, and we stayed kwa P.

Muholi’s home had very pleasant and welcoming people, who are Muholi’s family members. We first familiarised ourselves with the place and it was very lovely. We then went to the mall to buy groceries for our visit, and when we got back, Charmaine cooked up a storm, preparing a delicious home cooked meal that we all enjoyed. We then dealt with the sleeping arrangements, some slept on the bed, some on the floor and some on the couch. There were other places we could sleep at, but we wanted to be together so we slept in the same house.

L-R: Katiso Kgope (the author) and Lu Mzimela (the new friend that Kat met in Umlazi in Dec. 2014). Photo by Zanele Muholi (1st Jan. 2015). Lagoon Beach, Durban.

We woke up the next morning and had a meeting to discuss everything we wanted to do while we were in Durban. Top of the list was the beach; we took everything we needed, before heading to there. On our way we picked up a girl called Luyanda Mzimela, I think Muholi planned to hook us up because we instantly clicked as if we’ve known each other for a very long time.

We immediately became best friends, we looked very much alike, and people thought we were twins. While driving to the beach I was so excited (apart from the fact that it wasnot as hot as I expected). It was kind of cloudy but that didn’t stop us from having fun at the beach and touring the different beaches such as North beach and South beach.

We were in the water for the whole day. We even had a mini beach shoot, nothing serious, but Zanele said in order to have a proper beach shoot, we need proper swimwear, so a proper beach shoot awaited us. Later that evening we returned toed Muholi’s home,
everyone had made their own plans. That all failed, so we ended up spending the night there. It was amazing; we danced, and laughed while meat was prepared in the braai.

Then came time for the countdown, moments away from 2015. I could just see the joy in everyone’s face, waiting for the clock to strike 00:00. When the New Year came in, Umlazi blossomed with beautiful fireworks that were a work of art, which is one of the highlights of the trip.

Then came the day of the beach photo shoot, the day I had been waiting for. We drove around town looking for props for the shoot and found beautiful hats along with underwear that complimented the swimsuits. While doing the last minute shopping for the shoot, we came across an old woman from Muholi’s church. I was shocked to find out that the elderly lady is a lesbian. I’ve never met an old lesbian or gay man before. It was an honour to meet her.

When we arrived at the beach it was so packed, since it was January 2. We struggled to find a spot to shoot, until we found a nice corner by the ocean at South beach. Luyanda was the first to do her shoot. Looking at her made me feel kind of intimidated to be in front of the camera, worse we were in a public space with everyone watching us.

I was really afraid to be in front of the camera because I’ve never done a photo shoot with an audience spectating. My turn to be in front of the camera came. I was afraid to take off my wrap around because wearing only a costume made me feel a bit naked for the first few shots. Muholi kept reminding me to be free and be myself, because above all, I don’t know these people and they don’t know me.

That gave me the confidence to give it my all and the more shots I took, the more confident I felt. The sun was so hot that while shooting, I felt like my make-up was running down my face. Luckily I had a helper to wipe my shiny face, and motivated me by making me smile. Above all it was an amazing day, couldn’t ask for anything more. A Top Shayela like Muholi would say, “This is how we do it”. I felt like a real model and when I walked around the beach, I was respected for the right reason for a change.

We then went to a braai in KwaMashu, were we met a lesbian’s family which surprisingly enough, also has a gay son and cousin. I felt comfortable in an inviting environment. We had so much fun (like we always do), we had a 7 colour meal, followed by having some fine wine then we all danced like there was no tomorrow, then we left and went home.

For our 2^nd last day in Durban we went to book bus tickets and found that they were expensive. Even though I would have loved to catch a flight back home, we had to settle for a taxi. On the last day we woke up early, thinking we would leave in the morning. We all bathed, had breakfast, some were doing laundry and some were watching the news. Everyone was packed and ready to leave. The transport came, we loaded our luggage in the taxi, we said our final goodbyes and as hard is it was to leave, the vacation had finally ended.

2015 Jan. 2: After the photo shoot @ Durban South Beach…

If it was up to me I would have stayed for 3 weeks, but that was out of question. Those who remained behind took us to the taxi rand to catch a taxi back to Joburg. It was so hard to leave. I felt like I found home away from home, but we had to get back to reality.
Durban was fun, I would not have changed any single moment because every memory is memorable. I hope someday I could return for another visit to my new family that I found in Umlazi.

Related links

2015 Jan.20: Year 2014 was not all great

and

2015 Jan. 17: My Durban virgin-ity breaks

by Shaz ‘Sicka’ Mthunzi

Like most people, I enjoy having nice things every once in a while. I am obsessed with cars that have power and balance, brands like Mercedes Benz, Land Rover/Range Rover. I wish to see myself owning all of them in future, living in a beautiful, warm home with my very own “wife and kids”.

I’m a musician who loves listening and collecting old school music. I recently found myself listening to Benny Goodman, who is a jazz musician. I love a bit of jazz every now and then. Although people in my age group won’t agree, to me, music is more than just sound. I hear with my ears, but to me music is like being addicted to morphine and when ever you get a dosage of that drug everything falls in place.

Sicka outside Munch Museum, Oslo. Photo by Zanele Muholi (23/02/2015)

I promised myself that my house will have a music room. When it comes to clothes I’m not really a brand person. When I wear clothes I want to be the only person who owns that attire. I wear clothes designed for me or if someone has bought me. I am told I’m very talkative and I’m good with people. I can’t disagree with that because I love people and I love learning and understanding other people, guess it comes as a package of my many talents that I’m blessed with.

Most people see my calling to be a sangoma as torture. However, to me it is something I would never trade for anything because I have passion for helping others and tend to forget about myself. I want to travel a lot; Norway was just the first step to traveling. I want to see myself performing as the first African lesbian hip-hop artist in places like New York USA, Tokyo Japan, Paris France, Dubai, Australia, London England. I would also love to perform all over Africa but I fear for my life. In most African countries homosexual people are being victimized on a daily basis.

When I was contesting to be Mr Lesbian Daveyton 2014 I was asked if I had a wish what would I wish for? My answer was peace and freedom, because peace brings calmness in human beings and homosexual people will have the freedom of expressing themselves without being discriminated or victimized. I want to see a lot of things change in my country and the world. To have gay family on a Colgate advertisement, be in a township community that accepts gay people, see a lot of churches accept homosexual people.

As an artist growing up in a township like Daveyton, which is full of life and LGBTI entertainment, I would like to see more townships making room for more LGBTI entertainment. Our lives should not be about us only being victimized, let us have fun and celebrate our homosexual lives.

Being in Norway has taught me a lot about life and the world. It makes me curious, I find myself asking questions about the influences our world and time posses. Norway is an hour behind from South Africa, during their winter because they have very short days. People in Norway are very fit and their shops have good quality and healthy food and they maintain an equal environment.

Their low temperature keeps their skin light and clean. I would love to visit Norway again and have more experiences and also because Norwegian people are very warm and welcoming. My favourite sports are swimming, cricket and my newest favourite is skiing. I tried it for the first time and “fell” in love with the snow. I feel Norway has changed the way I take care of myself. I find myself drinking tea, which is something I am not used to. I find myself having healthy habits, which is a good thing because it means a longer life for me. I even have a favourite tea, called sweet mint, a mixture of peppermint, ginger, black tea and schisandra. I also found new love with wholesome bread with some paste we discovered, (how nice) I am definitely enjoying my stay in Oslo. I am not very keen on food when its hot, my mum always tells me she loves and is proud of me, but would be happier if eat my food hot, I burst with laughter and tell her I’m going to eat and she shouldn’t stress. Wintertime is when you will see me eat because comfort food makes me happy and when its cold your body needs heat, so eating cooked food keeps you warm. I think its safe to say I am winter’s biggest fan. When its cold your body needs heat so eating cooked food keeps you warm. In time I will have more things to like after exploring places, food and everything and anything.

Previous articles

2015 Feb. 22: Paving a new way forward

by Sicka ‘Sharon’ Mthunzi

What a “turn up” as we say when an event is supported by many. People came in all shapes and sizes, from the ladies in their gorgeous dresses to the gentleman with their smart casual wear. Not forgetting laba bebashaye umswenko hah bahle abantu emzansi jealous down.

On the 28^th of August 2015 we touched down at Two Tone Lounge where I was crowning the next Mr Lesbian Daveyton 2015 King. The crowd was there, the gay contestants were there as always, but as usual, butch lesbians and trans men were less. To my fellow brothers (as we call each other), we need to understand that the main reason behind entering these pageants is that it’s not about winning. It is about building self-esteem, confidence, image and creating awareness.

The reasons why we are always side-lined from society is that we also don’t come out as the beautiful/handsome, intelligent, capable and innovative people that we are. I mean we need to show the world that our sexuality doesn’t mean we are not capable of being in boardrooms, senior positions and etc. What I have noticed is that most people think the only jobs we are capable of doing is hair dressing and fashion designing. While some of us party and drink as a career, and it’s not supposed to be like that, anyway back to the pageant.

From L-R: Refilwe Pitso, Vuvu Mtsweni (seated in front, 2015 Mr Lesbian Daveyton) and Lebo Magaela. Sicka Mthunzi (standing at the back) after the crowning of the 2015 Mr & Miss Gay Lesbian Daveyton.                                   Photos by Lindeka Qampi

As the crowd waited impatiently the gentleman got ready for their first attire, there were only three of them, Refilwe Pitso, Lebogang Magaela (Mr lesbian 2013) and Vuyelwa “Vuvu” Mtsweni. Due to the shortage of lesbians, the organiser Lesiba Mothibe, decided that the lesbians will contest alone and crown the king, then after that, the gays and transwomen will compete. My boys as I call them went in while I escorted them to the run way. They impressed the crowd with their different attires, which was creativity, tradition and formal.

Before the crowning, I entered the stage with a performance with the modeling team and my cousin Nontuthuzelo Mduba, who was the 1^st Prince in 2013. It was fun modeling again, even though at first we had a bit of a breakdown but we managed to polish it, after all, these things happen. Our wonderful judges were ready to announce the winner.
The 2^nd Prince was taken by Refilwe, the 1^st Prince was Lebogang and Vuyelwa was a well-deserved King.

I respect Vuyelwa because she has been entering these pageants not expecting to win nor lose but to have fun and celebrate being queer. I couldn’t document due to me moving up and down and assisting the contestants. To all those who enter pageants, to me you are all winners because at the end of the day it takes guts to be in front of a crowd.

L-R: Funo Dlangamandla (2nd Princess), Somizy Sincwala (2015 Miss Gay Daveyton winner), Sakki Leota (1st Princess) and Kgomotso Mashapha (the 2014 Miss Gay Daveyton winner in red).

We were blessed with two amazing MC’s the lovely Xoli Lewinski and gorgeous Labels kept the crowd entertained. The ladies were ready and they dragged their way to the run way looking beautiful with their exotic and unique outfits. Nathi Dlamini took the Miss Personality title, our 2^nd Princess was Funo Ndlangamandla, the 1^st Princess was Sakki Leota, and our Queen, Somizy Sincwala.
We were entertained by our very own Dj Puggy and blessed with drag performances by Kat, Xolani and JacobsJones.
The support from the community was surprisingly wonderful and I wish this initiative is good for our LGBTI image and it also brings the positive side in our lives. For all those who risk their lives going to spaces that danger their lives, I say come support initiatives like this for it brings joy to many, rather than us fighting and crying over hate crimes.

I wish we could have a lot of people like Lesiba who help create awareness through entertainment. If she didn’t give people the platform, I don’t think Sicka would be so great. Entering pageants helped me a lot and I must say it helps calm my nerves before getting on stage.

Related link

2015 Aug. 30:  Losing and regaining self love

and

2014 Oct. 13:  The most exquisite Miss & Mr Gay Daveyton 2014

and

2013 Sept. 15:  Lack of SA Queer History knowledge at the Miss & Mr Gay Daveyton

Theatre performance review by Lebo Mashifane

I feel the chill of “the winter rain”…no; the chills of a great performance as I become engulfed by Sibulele Gcilitshana playing the role of Thokozile in a  A New Song play written and directed by Napo Masheane, opened on Wednesday, 28 October 2015.

Sam Mathe – live theatre (The Sunday Independent, October 25 2015, p. 2) “A New Song will make history… when it becomes the first theatre production to be staged at the Market Theatre with a woman as a producer, writer and director.” 

This beautiful busy bee butterfly – yes, I said it, bee butterfly; has been locally and internationally active as a performer, publisher, executive member and founder of several items and she still breathes and bleeds for women empowerment.

I personally remember Napo as the voice that said “Whatever you want, wants you. Whatever need, needs you. Whatever you seek, seeks you” (a poem she recited). As if she spoke directly to my soul and made me feel like I could grip a dream and have what is impossible, become tangible. She has returned to my attention, this time with A New Song depicting beauty and bravery to captivate my soul, skin and site. One woman, one face as the emphasis of their concept that every woman is different even though they have struggles and successes.

Four black women are “domestic workers” to lonely white women. Napo could have her own way of describing it perhaps. Themi Baleka who plays a role of Bantu,a helper that looks after a white-owned family house and raise a baby of the white-owned family to eventually calling the baby that she raised as “madam” as she now works for her. Bantu being the first to “comply” to the passbook system yet eventually reaches her demise. These black women carry different domestic struggles from their homes to their “madams” homes. By “their home” I also consider the home of their core, their hearts – their hearts’ desires and their hearts’ destructions.
They thirst for freedom, liberation from racism and sexism.

The portrayal of black heroines who fought to death in the 50’s in South Africa. They fight for their rights no to carry pass books/ “reference book” (a barcoded booklet from the home affairs department issued to the black citizens). The guts of a brave and bitter black woman make her the leader of the Congress movement that eventually makes her an independent free woman. ‘Sbindi uyabulala, sibindi uyaphilisa’ (a Zulu saying translated to bravery you kill, bravery you rescue).

Lebo Mashifane, featuring in Faces and Phases series.                    Photo taken at District Six, Cape Town, 2009

“Sometimes silence is the best conversation”. “Sometimes silence is the only weapon” are the words of not a black, nor a white woman, but an Indian woman who plays a discreet yet dense role in the play.

The intense feeling along with the astounding lighting and music that includes Congo drums made me quiver and chant to “Mayibuye iAfrika” (Africa must return to its rightful owners – as the character Thokozile well defines the Zulu phrase). A fusion of images displayed from an overhead projector, words, emotions, acting, dance and music that gives one the shivers.

I cried tears of joy when I read that the main theatre at The Market Theatre is changing to John Kani Theatre in honor of the great legend of South Africa. It is paramount to honor our pioneers while they are still alive; unlike nonsensical practices of honoring them when they are dead whereas opportunities availed for them to witness their commemoration.

Let Africa return to its rightful owners. Since even street names are changing in the country, perhaps in the near future even The Market Theatre could be renamed… maybeeee Gcina Mhlophe Theatre!!!

ONE WOMAN, ONE FACE!

Previous by Lebo

2015 Jan. 17:  My Durban virgin-ity breaks

Photo Album
by Lindeka Qampi/ Inkanyiso media
What: Black Girls Only
Where:  Women’s Jail, Braamfontein, Con Hill
When: 31.01.2016
Camera used: Canon 6d hand held

About the photographer

2015 Sept. 12: ‘2015, the year of breaking silence’

Text by Lebo Mashifane
Photos by Tumi Nkopane

The practicals of our PhotoXP have been exciting, they got even more exciting when we went to Joburg CBD. On Saturday 14 May 2016, we shot a concert hosted by 1Future. It was also based on the event we had attended the previous day at Constitutional Hill, Not Yet Free. The artists that were at Con Hill had an exhibition at Bassline. The exhibition was then followed by a concert and a live interaction of visual arts by Samson Mnisi. Both exhibition and concert were a collaboration of South African and American artists, Masello Motana, Angelica Vox, Samson Mnisi, Cannon Hersey, Martin Machapa, and many more…

There were  amazing local bands such as Brothers of the Movement giving us spiritual mantras in their music. These flamboyant musicians come on stage wearing leggings. Leggings are currently worn by women in general society and here we see a band of 5 men rocking colorful leggings on stage.  Despite their vigorous appearance, their vocal and instrumental performance was great. YJOH!!!!
No words can explain the feeling I experienced at that concert. I moved until I became motionless. I watched, listened and felt my body dance with goosebumps. I realized that my body can’t move the way my heart desired.

The programme director was a strong woman, Masello Motana, who believes in rights for women and appreciates music. ”6 decades of music” she says as she introduced mam’ Masuka to the stage. Masello schooled us with History, Geography, Linguistics, etc.
She conducted lessons at a concert, how enlightened is that?!!!
She spoke about Amharic, the oldest spoken language in Africa. She engaged with the crowd, asking questions and sending the mic to the audience for responses. She even had a posing competition, bringing some attendees on stage to pose – like a beauty contest (things that are part of activities in schools).

The line up of performances was breathtaking.  Dorothy Masuka takes us to reality from Mzukwana (back in the days) when Black South Africans were faced with racial segregation. As a black woman, her music sends messages of women liberation. The crowd was young but knew mam’ Dorothy’s music and they enjoyed singing along.

 
There was another powerful sister on the line-up, Thandiswa Mazwai. She was in a collaboration with BLK JKS (how deep can she be??) this time she came with a band and bang of aero-dynamic digits distort sound. She was dressed like an extraterrestrial being only to be performing in collaboration with a band that was also part of the concert’s lineup from the beginning. It wasn’t like the band was there as backing support band for music, no. It’s not like bringing your own mic to the concert, no, it’s deeper than that. Deeper to the sense that it’s like you are wearing an outfit that changes to the same color as the lights of the concert stage management setting. It’s like you are the lecturer that gets to lecture the students and the lecturers. To the point that this lecturer is even the lecturer of lecturers when the university’s curriculum or syllabus changes as a whole. The kind of lecture that invites lecturers to learn about their work. Like being a trainer of trainers as well as trainees of the trainers.

The universal language of music was well received by all through dance – regardless of “lifetime” of being a black lesbian or a white heterosexual. There we were one through art. The sound of guitars and how they were strung was something out of this world!!! Where music was the form of a universal message… Or a calling to a meeting where the message will be delivered.

Thembi Seete and Theo Nhlengethwa of Boom Shaka. Photos by Tumi Nkopane (2016)

Boom Shaka was there as well. It was my first time to see them perform live and Lebo is not with them anymore.

My dream was to dance for Lebo Mathosa, I wanted to finish school before I could concentrate on being a dancer for her. She was that woman that completes me. Even to her passing, I was able to receive it with acceptance of nature; I knew to wait for the next lifetime to reconnect with her soul in a new form or both of us in a new lifetime of a new form. Like the love of a mother and a child… the love of a lover with a lover with mutual love for the lover, faithful and willing to let nature be the separator. Like accepting that before you raise a butterfly, you need to raise a cocoon. A cocoon that will bring a worm before it gives you the love of your LIFE-time’s eternity. Like in that sense, I accept to lose her as a lover by being in a “mother-daughter” relationship.

This concert became an embrace of good memories and eventually realising other things. Like being taught by a dead person through spiritual telepathic contact with your soul. like they said things to you when they were still alive. they told you something serious or taught you a lesson but you just laughed and missed the lesson when you thought they are missing the joke. only to find that you missed the intensity of the depth of the actual message in what they said to you. that’s how human end up with “you don’t know what you got until it’s gone” because you realise only after a person is dead that you had to pay attention. Then you start witnessing REGRET…GRUDGE.

But the experience for me didn’t get me there. Instead it got me to the realizing the actual emotion within the actual message… grasping what was above-mentioned as “intensity of the depth of the actual message”. It’s like getting the joke eventually, when it was initially intended to be a joke in that instance of the instant (moment), moment in that lifetime. and the response is laughter. with no regret held. embrace even after the loss in physical existence.

My dream to dance for Lebo was the love I had for her in this lifetime. I love her to that point that I submitted myself to embrace her with my ability. When she died my mother was the first person to inform me but I didn’t believe her.  My mother is the person that I listen to the most in my life that I never disobey or disbelieve anything she says. She is that lecturer in my life, but that instant I disbelieved what my mom told me. Like a mother when they inform her that her child had died, she gets in to a trans and starts to jump… jump to say, oh Lebo will be back soon from school, I need to prepare for my child when she gets back home from her next day that leads to the teachers at her school praising her. Certifying her as an ambassador, a black child in a white and coloured surroundings. Like saying that you organize even the most organized people.

Lebo Mathosa was my love. And her passing made me a week person that fell alone. Like cheating on your true lover. Just because I lost her in this lifetime didn’t mean that I was supposed to love another. I knew better but I failed myself. But like the prodigal son, I returned back home and find it still there, waiting for me. Like knowing what you HAVE while it’s still here. Then you appreciate more and love it unconditionally. In this lifetime I slid… I fell in love with Thandiswa. She was like the rebound that I eventually really fell in love with.

The concert gave me an opportunity to confront them both, Lebo and Thandiswa. This is where I got the “intensity of the depth of the actual message” and accepted it well as part of nature of unconditional love or agape love.

Not yet uhuru are words that still hold truth. Like that lesson that contained “intense depth of the message it conveyed.” Boom Shaka opens with the song “Be Free”, this song is more that a decade old however it stands relevant today. This song holds power and answers. I quote a lines from the song “…I’ll find a place where true love lives. I’ll be free from the pain, free from these chains that are binding me…” This song gives us a solution to FREEDOM of Not Yet Free – and the solution is TRUE LOVE.

Then things got very interesting when they sang “Bambanani”, it has a isi Zulu into followed by Lebo singing. The intro is “Ayi hlale phansi ibamb’umthetho” which means sit down and obey. This requires the performers to sit down or kneel. Boom Shaka, which now consists of 3 members – Thembi, Theo and Junior after the passing of Lebo. Theo and Junior knelt at the intro of the song, while Thembi laid down. When Lebo’s part entered, Thembi rose up to sing it. It was a reflection of her raising Lebo from the dead. Even after all these years, Thembi is still flexible, she can raise her leg up high, jump up and down and dance in hills. Did I mention that she is still as hot as ever?

I realized how Boom Shaka invented Nae Nae, twerking and can I be safe in saying Beyonce is a replica of Lebo. Lebo existed as the diva that dresses and dances the way Beyonce has been doing lately. Lebo did it from the 90’s, Beyonce appeared years later. The blond hair, revealing outfits, fit thighs, stockings and hills, etc.
The Boom Shaka song Thobela is danced similarly as ‘Nae Nae’. The Boom Shaka song It’s About Time has a part of the dance where they twerk. These are dances from the 90’s, imagine how creative these people have been.

When Boom Shaka came on stage, I stopped shooting and lived in the moment. I was having fun dancing and observing all the realisations that came to me. We were in the frontline, in da Bassline, reggaefied, jazzified, it was rocking, kuze kuse.

Previous by Lebo

2016 May 12: Free PhotoXP training for Kwa-Thema youth

by Zuko Zikalala

Nelson Mandela Day has arrived, an annual day to commemorate the life and legacy of Madiba. As I write this, Doc Shebeleza’s kwaito music hit “Ebumnandini”, is still ringing in my head, not only because it is a great song that induces a heightened nostalgic among us 90s kids, but because of how we chose to commemorate the day this year. It is important that I mention kwaito music, how it played in the background at Mr. Butchers – a ‘braai and chillas’ hangout spot in Daveyton because it captured a genuine township sensibility. Moreover, the kwaito music genre highlights the necessity of a post-apartheid Black youth creating their own narratives in response to the urban landscapes which they find themselves in. It is about agency. When the Miss Gay Daveyton 2016 finalists in their their denim jeans and heels, loud, proud and fierce,  took to the streets it was clear that many LGBTQI folk in our township communities are rising up and challenging imposed narratives.

Because the actual day, 18^th July falls on a Monday, many around the country chose to dedicate 67minutes of charitable service in their communities over the weekend.

Zanele Muholi came through to Daveyton with her friends Mpho Nefuri and Senny Mzolo conducted a photo shoot at Mr. Butchers. Local residents and friends were enjoying good wine, beer and braai meat, and a group of young men huddled not too far off. Every now and then one would spot young children playing and running about like they knew their curfews were close, and yes, I will say it till you do the kwasa-kwasa, a kwaito playlist was booming in the air.

The Miss Gay Daveyton finalists all very keen for this year’s pageant, in between stopping traffic (literally!) with their poses, and shots, took time to mention what they would be doing this year as part of Nelson Mandela Day. Vilender Twala said that usually she helps with chores and activities in surrounding orphanges in her community, of Nigel and would be doing that most likely this year. Balang Khofu, stated that there two charity events that she would be taking part in; the first is with a company called Black Soul which will be supplying meals to charity organisations on the day. The second, which she spearheads, is a drive that is concerned with donating clothes and blankets for the needy in her community, she currently has five blankets. Funo Ndlangamandla, associated with the LGBTQ organisation Uthingo, which was founded by Lesiba Mothibe, usually participates in functions with the organisation. Uncertain of whether or not she would be involved with it this year because of work commitments, she revealed how every now and then she cooks and has meals with and H.I.V infected boy in her neighbourhood whom she sometimes helps with school uniforms and stationary, and that she had not seen him in a while and that she would be having lunch with him so as to catch up.

Of course, we also enjoyed some braai vleis and good music, the journey to the crowing of Miss Gay Daveyton continues. Walking the streets of Daveyton with the contestants, I could not help notice some of the gawks and stares of a select few in the community, these were not met with insecurity or shyness, but with pride and fierceness. Nelson Mandela Day is not merely about performing charitable works, it is a moment to pause and reflect on the legacies we have inherited and the work to be done in our community at large, the black LGBTQI project continues. I can truthfully say that visibility outside horrific news of violence against LGBTI is gained every time we enter  public spaces and dance, pose and just breathe. That’s what we did today.

Senny Mzolo I, Observatory, Cape Town (2011) 

For transwoman Senny Mzolo, who was visiting from Durban, today has been a very educational day. Before arriving in Daveyton, Muholi took her and Nefuri to the Constitutional Hill where she encountered the histories of Gandhi and Madiba. The music at Mr. Butchers took her back to when she was growing up, back when Boom Shaka, TKZee and Abashante dominated the airwaves. Mzolo, holds the titles of Miss Gay Durban 2009, Miss B-Zone 2004 and a 2^nd Princess Gay UKZN. She is currently working on starting her own organisation which will be dedicated to raising awareness for transgender persons in KZN province. It will be focused on making access to facilities, doctors and psychologists. For Mzolo, today was about experiencing the love and affirmation from her community in Daveyton, she quite perceptively notes how the owner of Mr. Butchers was welcoming and open, and how the space in its entirety was gay friendly. These are the narratives that do not make mainstream news.

by Sebenzile Langa

Being a classically trained Tenor Saxophonist means I have been on stage more times than I can remember. This was different though.

Being invited to Cincinnati, Ohio in the United States of America to interpret the Faces and Phases series and Somnyama Ngonyama photo series both produced by Zanele Muholi was way different. I was called to merge song and voice to the series’ in ways that was different. You would have to walk around and wonder what type of music do we listen to, and as Muholi says when taking pictures, “there’s nothing funny about being a lesbian.” I know there’s nothing funny about being a woman. Being the only female Tenor Saxophonist in The Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company, being a music teacher not only for the cognitive development of the child but also to pass on this skill that has brought me here; hoping my learners go even further than I ever will.

Just before going on stage my final thoughts were, “I take you serious, Zanele Muholi, the Inkanyiso team, the audience, the FotoFocus Personae exhibition. Thobeka Bhengu, as you move and dance to my voice, the voice I give to the lesbians on these walls, so serious they look, you can tell they take their lives seriously as well and they take every day as hard and easy as it may be.” I take myself serious, everywhere we are even when we having the time of our life, it’s never a joke. I think maybe we will have to account for what we have done, for walking our truth and reflect who we really are inside when we see those women that make our hearts skip a beat; two women in love.

At times life feels like a staccato, short and detached, but here we are one. And this is my voice to celebrate the life, love and being thankful to have made it this far. I hope life treats you like royalty, because you have been shown to the world majestically.
#Sisonke

Before The Performance

It is hard to believe that I have put my foot so far from home.

It’s quiet here, very quiet almost too quiet. Feels like all of my senses are working at the same time. I’ve done more creative thinking here than I do in a day back home. As a first time visitor in this country, so far America isn’t hype; however Cincinnati in Ohio is beyond gorgeous.

Being one of the musical capitals, it’s no wonder no one asked me if I was carrying a piano while I walked downtown listening to the buzz in the city. Everything is where it should be and the place is so clean. However it’s a bit awkward at times when I forget about the pigmentation of my skin. Funny enough it’s not something I’m constantly thinking of or aware of as a black music teacher leaving in the suburbs of South Africa.

I’ve noticed that with the Black Lives Matter and black killings going on, people are more sensitive to us as black people. The people are friendly and accommodating and I think they are more excited about us being from Africa than we are. I miss my husbian, my kids and especially South African food, but even more I miss tea.

I’d like to see the parks where they have replaced the old jungle gyms with outdoor musical instruments, the zoo, botanical garden and lots of parks. Mostly there are music concerts in summer here in Cincinnati. Although we are in autumn, it is still very hot here. I would absolutely love to see a live musical performance and visit a music shop.

I took a walk in the neighbourhood we are in, I don’t think people could tell we came far to be here, we probably seemed more like the new neighbours. I understood why my father was so excited about this trip. My ancestors have never set foot so far.

I’m alive from Ohio Cincinnati, hello world.

Sebe centred by new friends Fiko Mdanda and Thobeka Bhengu.   Photo by Lindeka Qampi (2016/10/08) 

Previous articles by Sebenzile

2014 April 30:  Good spirit dampened by my grandfather’s death

and

2014 May 7:  Voting for the first time today

by Thobeka Bhengu

The 29th edition of Johannesburg Pride had another run on the 25th to the 28th of October 2018, packed with multiple events that ranged from a lifestyle conference focusing on health and LGBTQ+ rights, a fitness event, a gala dinner showcasing community heroes, the official pride parade and festival, closing with a family brunch on the 28th. The event that seems to attract large numbers of the LGBTQ+ community is the official pride event, which is a parade and festival; with the festival attracting the largest numbers of people and the event trending on social media.

On the 27th of October, I was up early in the morning after a six-hour drive to Johannesburg with my acquaintances. After a few drinks and light conversations when we arrived on the 26th, I was certain I was skipping the parade as I was the only one who had asked if we were going to make it to the parade. The responses made it clear that the parade was not the main event of pride, the responses seemed quite familiar to me. This didn’t come as a shock as I have never had any desire to persuade or share my thoughts with my friends and acquaintances on the importance of pride marches. The morning of the 27th we woke up around 11 am, leisurely got ready and headed for the pride festivities and I couldn’t help but be anxious about what I was to expect since it was the first Johannesburg Pride I have ever attended.

After we had arrived at Melrose Arch, we decided to take a quick walkabout trying to figure out what was happening around the venue that saw large numbers gathered at Melrose Arch. People were still arriving in their numbers hours after our arrival, within the first hour of being in the space my feet were sore and there was no way of getting a seat in the packed venue with small to large groups randomly spread in selected spots that they could find in the venue. I watched as large numbers of queer people tried to move about to and around the packed beverage stalls in their fashionable clothing, looking like they just stepped out of the runway. It was refreshing to see so many diverse queer people looking their best. As the sun began to set, the venue was packed to capacity, leaving very little room to move around and socialize, as groups gathered in their preferred spots dancing to their favourite jams and enjoying live performances from various artists such as Toya Delazy as a headlining artist, DJ Tinks, DJ Biskit and many more. Johannesburg Pride 2018 was precisely what they had promised, a festival at Melrose Arch that was meant to “Colour the Streets in our Diversity.’’ A few people expressed their disappointment about the turnout at the parade as opposed to the festival.

After reflecting on my experience I had a better understanding of the importance of the discussions around the politics of pride. Without failure to acknowledge that the politics of pride have evolved over time. We have to acknowledge that for some people, pride festivals are merely a platform to celebrate and be merry and for others it is political. Whilst I recognize the diversity amongst the LGBTQ+ community, it is a shame that we continue to allow the commercialization of pride and consciously disregarding the opportunity to join the ongoing fight for LGBTI+ rights in our numbers at pride parades.

There are clear odd dynamics created by the origins of pride celebrations, that were born of strong political acts and the current pride celebrations across the world have become more about the fun and parties. South Africa is no different from the rest of the world and has hastily moved towards the commercialization of pride festivities across the country. The discussions of the politics of pride are still continuing around South Africa. As deliberations continue and in some spaces still being overlooked, we have a number of questions to ask ourselves as the queer community about the aim of these pride celebrations. Have we won the fight for acceptance, respect, and equality for LGBTQ+ people in South Africa? Is there no longer any violence and oppression of LGBTQ+ people in South Africa? I have a lot of questions in mind that would suggest there is an ongoing necessity for a political pride before the big party. As long as LGBTQ+ people are still targets, to corrective rape, murder and discrimination then there is still a need to organize and address the ongoing violations of basic human rights for queer people in South Africa.

As we celebrated and enjoyed the festivities of Johannesburg Pride 2018, let us not forget that our voices are louder when we stand hand in hand and completely disregard the idea that pride is just a loud party but highlight the importance of visibility and the ongoing fight against discrimination and homophobia. Let us work towards inclusive and safe pride celebrations across the country.

About the author

Thobeka Bhengu is a performance art & human rights activist, performer, choreographer and an artistic director of the Rainbow Theatre Company, a project of the Gay & Lesbian Network. She was born in Inanda, Durban in 1988 and lives in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal.

She studied BA Drama & Performance Studies at the University Of KwaZulu Natal in Pietermaritzburg; where she performed in productions such as William Shakespeare’s Mid-Summer Night’s Dream directed by Paul Datlen, Tortouise’s Dream directed by Ntokozo Madlala, The Beatles & Young Gifted and Gorgeous(Musicals) directed by Peter Mitchell.

She was introduced to theatre and dance when she was doing her first year of Law in 2007 and had chosen drama as an elective.
In 2010 she dropped her Law degree and registered for a BA in Drama & Performance Studies. She started taking extra dance classes with Vusi Makhanya, Mandisa Roelene Haarhoff, Mlondi Zondi, Mbo Mtshali and Kwanele Finch Thusi.  Dance became a language that she understood, a way to tell stories using the body as a tool. She first performed on a professional stage outside the University in 2011 at the Jomba Contemporary Dance Festival (Fringe) in two works by Mandisa Roelene Haarhoff and Zenzelisphesihle “Sparky” Xulu.

            In 2013 she moved to Cape Town and joined the Earth Child project as a volunteer, teaching drama and contemporary dance.

After her first tour in 2014 to Swaziland & Zimbabwe with a production titled Sound Gaze: Moving Images of Marie in Woyzeck , directed by Juanita Chitepo, she decided to dedicate her career to creating work that moves people, a platform for dialogues and work that addresses social ills, injustices and violence directed towards marginalized people, specifically focusing on the LGBTI+ community and women.

 In 2015 she took her first production as a working artist to the Jomba Contemporary Dance Festival (Fringe)  with the Rainbow Theatre Company. In the same year, she launched her first photography exhibition that represents and captures from a different eye, a series of well-known hate crime cases in South Africa and original stories of real life LGBTI+ members around Pietermaritzburg, through the use of photography, performance art and music. This exhibition supported by the Gay & Lesbian Network became part of the Pink Mynah Festival Film & Arts Exhibition, which is an annual festival aimed at celebrating diversity within communities, bringing people together and creating awareness.

She has created several works such as Ab/normal; My Body, My Life, My Decisions; Reality Check: Living Vulnerable lives; Breaking Dawn.

Her recent interest in photography has given her a platform to include images of her visual work in performance.  Some of the visuals were included in the 2016 National Arts Festival (Fringe) production titled My Body, My Life, My Decisions by the Rainbow Theatre Company.

by: Lindiwe Dhlamini

Professor/Sir Zanele Muholi’s longstanding photographic project known as; Faces and Phases (F&P)celebrates thirteen years in existence. Some of the faces have faded with the phases and some of those still alive were in attendance. On the 19th of July Muholi celebrated their birthday as the installations were taking place for what was termed ‘mini LGBTIAQ+ Pride’ taking place on the 20^thJuly 2019 in Parktown North, Johannesburg at the Stevenson Gallery.

Friends, collaborators and family pose for a photo after watching the Lion King movie in celebration of Muholi’s birthday © Thembela Dick

Faces and Phases is renowned for the documentation of Black African lesbians and transgender men and woman from various countries. The images have been exhibited in over 40 countries since its inception. In 2014, a second book was published as a literary archive to preserve a rich part of our history that is often ignored or recognized when attacked, bullied and ridiculed. Thus, F&P is a very important historical archive for future generations to know, see and read about these faces and the phases in their lives.

Inkanyiso crew organized for the participants to be in attendance, people from Eastern Cape, Durban, Cape Town, Gauteng and other parts of the world graced the place with their presence. It was lovely to see people taking selfies next to their images displayed on the wall, for some of them it was their first time as F&P participants. People looked free, happy and filled with pride which was my highlight of the day. The performances that took place were amazing and as Muholi took the stage to give a speech, they did not spare us their comedic side.

Annalyzer next to her portrait is one of the participants who gave a stunning performance © Nonkululeko Dube

Andiswa Dlami (left) another Faces and Phases participant with fellow Dj on the day Ellen Chilemba ©Nonkululeko Dube

The day before the event I had the pleasure of interviewing some of the participants to check which phases in their lives they were in and how has it been since their images were first taken. I cannot emphasize how proud it made me to learn that education and acquiring qualifications has been a phase they have passed or are currently in. It is important to celebrate LGBTIAQ+ success because mainstream media airs the broken, raped and murdered phases of our stories and very seldom our victories and achievements.

Speaking and meeting some of the faces only I had seen in the book and written about in my academic papers really warmed my heart. Hearing some of their stories and seeing them rejoice gave me hope that maybe things really do get better with time. People looked beautiful, their outfits and hair were on point you can tell it was a very well planned affair. Inkanyiso and Stevenson Gallery teams have worked tirelessly for the success of the event and the results were outstanding. Everything was well taken care of from the wonderfully curated and installed show to the great tasting food and refreshments provided.

Inkanyiso Team members Tinashe Wakapila (left) and Thembela Dick worked hard in the media department © Nonkululeko Dube

It was a bit of a nightmare to find parking space since the gallery is situated in a very busy road and we had to park there but, the care and security was reassuring. There were mini bus taxis organized to make sure people returned home safe and for those who were from outside of Gauteng province hotels and guest houses were secured. For some of the people it was their first time in Johannesburg and you could see and feel the excitement and I hope they enjoyed themselves. The festivities of the day ended with a few after parties in Maboneng, Braamfontein and Melville while others chose to chill at the hotel.

New Faces and Phases participants from Port Elizabeth traveled with their partners to see themselves ©Bathini Dambuza

Once again Prof/Sir Muholi had outdone themselves with a beautiful show and while it was Muholi’s birthday weekend they chose to spend it with people. A leader who acknowledges that umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu and practices that philosophy selflessly. The show is opened till 30 August 2019 and I encourage people to go and see it, it really will make you appreciate the beauty of our people on the walls a view I wish to see for years to come.

Related Articles:

https://inkanyiso.org/2016/10/15/2016-oct-15-a-decade-of-faces-and-phases/

https://inkanyiso.org/2016/05/09/2016-april-27-reuniting-with-faces-and-phases-on-freedom-day/

https://inkanyiso.org/2016/04/06/2016-april-2-faces-and-phases-follow-ups/