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Image courtesy of Fonseca & Mokgata

Fezekile "Khwezi" Kuzwayo. Oil on Canvas.

Spotlight: Fonseca and Mokgata's Artworks Explore Past and Present Societal Traumas

Get familiar with the work of South African visual art duo Carla Fonseca and Nthato Mokgata.

In our 'Spotlight' series, we highlight the work of photographers, visual artists, multimedia artists and more who are producing vibrant, original work. In our latest piece, we spotlight Carla Fonseca and Nthato Mokgata, a Johannesburg-based South African duo whose multimedia visual artworks explore historical and current societal traumas in South Africa. Read more about the inspirations behind their work below, and check out some of their stunning visual works underneath. Be sure to keep up with the duo on Instagram and Facebook.

Their responses have have been edited for length and clarity.


Briefly describe your background as an artist and what led to you creating art.

Mokgata: I have always loved visual art since I was young, and despite always having fun with drawing, I thought it was not for me. I would doodle and draw and think how terrible my work was in comparison to my peers. It was only after dropping out of med school that I decided to dedicate myself to various forms of art and developed my visual art through graphic design work.

Fonseca: I've been creating art all my life. I use many different mediums to achieve my objectives namely such as theatre, film and performance art. This is my first time openly sharing my love for creating fine art.

What are the central messages or themes underpinning your work?

Mokgata: My artistic practice is focused on challenging notions of the "black aesthetic", history, self-determination, nationhood, identity, and pan-Africanism. I use my art to express the perspectives of a highly innovative, tech savvy and highly traumatised generation of South Africans. I consider the function of my work to be social therapy; to confront our collective trauma and find healing through the manipulation and transcendence of aesthetics.

Fonseca: My work is often based on a struggle to see the end of all forms of gender-based violence in our society. Stylistically, our work addresses themes of aesthetic politics, language and hierarchy, history and the power dynamics surrounding historical presentation, migration, power and violence as a language in culture. We explore painful and dark themes that are symptomatic of our society; while also reaching for a better reality. We use our work as an antidote to denialism in our society.

What would you describe as your best work thus far?

Mokgata: It is hard to pick a favourite, as I think the different works and series have vastly different merits, but I have been enjoying Umama Uyakhala a lot lately. In referencing the Black Madonna, Umama Uyakhala––a meditation on SA's repugnant culture of gender-based violence––calls on a universal and ageless vision of the long-suffering, responsible, loving and devoted mother. A highlight of Marian devotion, the original icon of the Black Madonna goes back to medieval tradition, and possibly further back.

Fonseca: Tough question but I'll highlight one of our works that means a lot to me––the portrait of Fezekile Khuzwayo. She is kind of a martyr of our failed state, a representative of so many women who have suffered the injustices of violence and lawlessness in our country. It's a dedication to a woman I respect with all my heart and in some way, a portrait of my own trauma.

Bumaye. Oil on Canvas.Bumaye. Oil on Canvas.Image courtesy of Fonseca & Mokgata


Hypatia's Theory. Oil on Canvas. Hypatia's Theory. Oil on Canvas. Image courtesy of Fonseca & Mokgata


Josina Machel. Oil on Canvas. Josina Machel. Oil on Canvas. Image courtesy of Fonseca & Mokgata


Error404 - Ancestor 4, 2019(c). Oil on Canvas. Error404 - Ancestor 4, 2019(c). Oil on Canvas. Image courtesy of Fonseca & Mokgata


Fees Must Burn. Oil on Canvas. Fees Must Burn. Oil on Canvas. Image courtesy of Fonseca & Mokgata


Pastor Khandi'Mali I. Oil on Canvas. Pastor Khandi'Mali I. Oil on Canvas. Image courtesy of Fonseca & Mokgata


Rainha Makeda. Rainha Makeda. Image courtesy of Fonseca & Mokgata


Error404 - Ancestor 1, 2019(c). Error404 - Ancestor 1, 2019(c). Image courtesy of Fonseca & Mokgata

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Trevor Noah To Host Prime Video's First South African Show

Trevor Noah is teaming up with Prime Video to Release the a new South African Show Called ‘LOL: Last One Laughing.'

Trevor Noah is taking his comedic chops to Prime Video with LOL: Last One Laughing, a six-episode stand-up comedy competition series that will be released in 2024.

Noah will be hosting the show, which will feature 10 South African comedians competing to see who can keep a straight face the longest while also trying to make their opponent laugh. The comedians will be given a list of challenges and scenarios in which they must maintain a stoic expression. Each episode will end with the "Last One Laughing" taking home a cash prize of 1 million Rand. LOL: Last One Laughing will be Prime Video’s first South African Original. And with Noah’s sharp wit and comedic acumen at the helm, it will be interesting to see LOL: Last One Laughing come to life in South Africa.

In a statement released to Variety, Noah said:

“I’m excited to be back home to host Prime Video’s first South African Original, LOL: Last One Laughing, and to have a chance to connect with my home audience... I am equally delighted for the opportunity to be working alongside my fellow home-grown comedy stars on a show that not only entertains but gives back to the South African production and charity communities.”

Ned Mitchell, head of Africa and Middle East Originals at Amazon also spoke highly of the upcoming show.

“Comedy, in all its forms, shines among South Africa’s most valuable treasures. Together with an A-list roster of this country’s incredible home-grown comedic talent competing for a great charitable cause,” Mitchell said. “Trevor and Prime Video are demonstrating the depth of our shared ambition to invest and elevate the very best of South Africa for audiences locally and around the world.”
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Photo Credit: Amazon

Watch the Trailer for 'Gangs of Lagos,' Amazon's First African Movie

Amazon's Gangs of Lagos will premiere on April 7th.

Nollywood is coming to Prime Video.

On Monday, the conglomerate announced that it would be releasing Gangs of Lagos, its first original African movie, on April 7th. The project, which is directed by renowned filmmaker Jáde Osiberu, features Nigerian stars like Tobi Bakare, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Chukwuka, and Iyabo Ojo.

The movie will follow the lives of a group of friends as they navigate the bustling streets of Lagos.

In a press release, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, head of Nigerian Originals at Prime Video, described the movie as a story that highlights the importance of friendship and family.

"Gangs of Lagos is a unique story about family and friendship, against the action-packed backdrop and striking set pieces of the streets of Lagos,” Mba-Uzoukwu said. “As the first Nigerian Original to launch on Prime Video, Gangs of Lagos sets the tone and standard, with the authentically Nigerian storyline in a genre that is so popular around the globe, making it a movie for our audiences at home and abroad.”

Gangs of Lagos - Official Teaser | Prime Video Naijawww.youtube.com

Located on the country's southwest coast, Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria. Over the years, the vibrant city has become known for its bustling economy, eclectic culture, and rich history. The crime drama promises to showcase the nitty gritty rumble and tumble of Lagos, as well as the authentic elements that make it one of the most renowned cities in the world.

Ned Mitchell, head of African and Middle East Originals, Prime Video said that with the roll out, Prime Video was hoping to connect with original voices.

“At Prime Video, we are looking to work with original voices to create spectacular stories and events that audiences can connect with wherever they may be,”

Mitchell said. "Gangs of Lagos launching will truly be a global cultural moment that marks the beginning of a new era in storytelling, where audiences everywhere can see the full power of Nigerian and African voices and the depths of our continued commitment to the local TV and film industry.”
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Photo by Robert Okine/Getty Images

Davido Releases His Highly-Anticipated ‘Timeless’ Album

Afrobeats megastar Davido has released his highly-anticipated fourth studio album Timeless.

After months of anticipation, Afrobeats superstar Davido has finally released his fourth studio album, Timeless.

The album, which is the first since his 2020 album A Better Time, includes 17 tracks featuring music heavyweights like the legendary Angelique Kidjo, Asake, Skepta, The Cavemen, and more. The album also includes the smash hit “Champion Sound,” which features Amapiano frontrunner Focalistic.

Timeless is Davido’s first album following his long hiatus from the limelight. After the loss of his three-year-old son Ifeanyi Adeleke—and his social media pause—fans poured out love to the artist in droves. In many ways, Timeless is a sonic resurgence of the “FEM” singer, albeit in a more seasoned way. With Timeless, Davido peels back another layer to his artistry, showcasing his ability to evolve as an entertainer.

The album also arrives on the heels of Davido’s revelation that he had married longtime sweetheart Chioma Rowland. During an interview with actress Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, he said:

“Just being away, you know I have had a lot to think about definitely. Time to rest, reflect on a lot of family time and time to make music again. You know, I remade the album. Before I went on a break I actually had an album ready... I had a tour ready. You know we did the album. I traveled. It was crazy. I’m married. A lot of different things but yeah, we are ready now to get back on the road. The album is out, it’s amazing.”

A day before the album’s release, Davido partnered with Spotify to release an exclusive trailer.

In a statement about the album roll out, Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artist and Labels Partnerships Manager for West Africa, said that the platform was excited to support the album.

“This release is a much anticipated moment for one of African music’s greatest ambassadors of the digital era,” Okpala said. “Spotify is committed to providing a platform for global audiences to connect with African content and we are glad to support Davido as he achieves another milestone.”

Exciting things are in store for the Davido Music Worldwide boss, who also recently signed two new artists, Morravey and Logos Olori, to his DMW record label.

Stream the new album below.

Timeless


Timeless by Davido


Timeless by Davidomusic.apple.com


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Photo Credit: Wizkid's YouTube

Watch Wizkid’s Glitzy New Video For ‘Money And Love’

Afrobeats singer Wizkid has released the music video for his song “Money and Love.”

Nigerian superstar and Grammy award-winning artist Wizkid has just released a new music video for his song “Money and Love.” The DK- directed music video features vibrant colors and beautiful people. In November last year, the “Essence” crooner treated fans to his highly anticipated fifth studio album, More Love, Less Ego. “Money and Love” is one of the album's top tracks. Wizkid —who is also known as “Machala '' by his loyal fan base, Wizkid FC — displays his suave star power and swagger in the music video.

Throughout his career, Wiz has garnered a reputation for taking his time with his art, and this music video reflects that. The offering is a deliberate and well done visual output that showcases his ability to be chill, yet intentional about whatever project he puts his name on.

Over the years, the “Bad to Me” singer has been known to use a blended aesthetic of urban energy and relaxed, Afro-centric glamor in his visuals. In “Money and Love,” Wiz leans into that same urban energy by basking in vibrant colors and dynamic camera angles.

Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, first caught his big break in 2010, and has come a long way since his "Holla at Your Boy” days. He has since released several successful singles and albums, including Superstar (2011), Ayo (2014), Sounds from the Other Side (2017), Made in Lagos (2020), and More Love, Less Ego (2022). He has also collaborated with several international artists, including Drake, Beyonce, and Skepta.

Beyond the release of his recent music video, Wizkid has been booked and busy. The 32-year-old Afrobeats icon will be performing at festivals across Europe and the United States this the summer.

Watch the spanking new video below.

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