CULTURAL INFLUNCE AND DIVERSITY

It was such an amazing experience for me to be watching the new Thandiswa Mazwai live recorded dvd, “Dance of the forgotten free”. I had always been a fan of the great Ms Mazwai. As she walks onto the stage, I am immediately drawn to the whole process of addressing her ancestors and lights up some “impepho” (incense) on stage.

 As she squats to address the ancestors, layers and layers of leather are stylishly layered onto the floor. It is different skins of different animals that are designed in a wrap-around form. One of the most raw and artistic things I had ever seen. She has thrown this masterpiece on top of a black A-line skirt. The black background given by the skirt gives allowance to the beautiful colors of the leathers to play. She gyrates and dances to the strong beat of the drum like a spirit child in a trance. The movement of the leather strips is even more spectacular.

From this day I start obsessing over how garments of our late grandmothers and fathers have influenced our modern way of style and design. I start googling the likes of Stoned Cherrie, Sun Goddess and Palesa Mokubung. I realize now more that ever that the relationship is so intense. So similar, if not exact at all.

I even see a lot of our black diversity in the amazing creations of Marianne Fassler. It is actually very amazing. It hits me that all the “new” trends that we are slapped with and made to purchase at sometimes ridiculous prices, are actually the same frocks that our great Mirriam Makebas, Dolly Rathebes and Busi Mhlongos were rocking all along.

It is all the same things, just twisted here and there to make it fit and more appealing for our modern fashion way of dressing.

 It is the same sort of influence that has taken place in music and politics. Only this time it has become even bigger because fashion, much like music, is a big part of our everyday. Whether you choose to be conscious about or not, fashion affects you. Yes, you. The very same you who says it does not matter what u put on your back because it does not make you who you are. Well, fashion still affects YOU!

The relationship between fashion and music is also so amazing. They are literally husband and wife. I’m just not sure who is the wife. Musical artists who take their crafts seriously will tell u that music is nothing without fashion because without the right image, you’re basically screwed. It is for the same reason that you have a soundtrack at a fashion show. The same reason that you dance when you fit you clothes in a fitting room at that store (I hope you all do because that is what I do).The same reason why that song you listened to in the morning had so much to do with what you are wearing now. Think about it. Really. Think about it.

So whether we like it or not, before Stoned Cherrie first put the “isidwaba” on the ramp, Busi had already worn it in Europe. Before JC Ngandu made the “isibheshu” look so sexy @ Fashion Week, Mahlathini had already worn it on stage with the Mahotella Queens. I am not saying that designers are any less talented, just saying that we give credit to the great ones that came before. So, Mam’ Busi Mhlongo, Mam’ Miriam Makeba, Mam’ Dolly Rathebe and the great Mahotella queens, thank you for setting the vision and laying the foundation. And thank you to Princess Magogo ka Dinizulu for making raw animal look oh so couture.

Thank you to the Thandiswa Mazwais, the Simphiwe Danas, the Camagwinis, and the Lebo Mathosas for keeping the fires burning.

Thank you to the Palesa Mokubungs, the Marianne Fasslers, the Stoned Cherries and the Sun Goddesses for you vision and perseverance to keep our heritage alive. Our heritage, our ancestry and diverse cultures are a great part or our artistry and are a reminder of who and what we are. We are Africa and we are Artists. More than anything, WE ARE FASHION!!!