I wish someone had told me about the perfect harmony in art

“I wish someone had told me” is a series of posts that feed into our inquisitive nature at CN&CO. Each week we hear from someone in our network about something interesting or surprising that’s recently happened or occurred to them – or lessons they learnt. These blogs are a way to pay it forward and form part of CN&CO’s belief that the world can be a better place – and we all have a responsibility to make it so. This week’s post is by digital nerd, Neo.

Harmony, as defined is “a pleasing combination of elements as a whole”. We all strive to have a balance in our lives – whether it is in work, our callings in life, friends and family or within ourselves, we all seek to accomplish a pleasing combination in all that we do.

Similarly, in the arts, I have found a fusion of food, fashion and music, to be the perfect combination, or the rather the perfect harmony.

As the arts evolve and continue to thrive in South Africa – taking on the unique flavour of the country – one cannot deny the irrevocable force of the passion found in art. In the midst of revolution, a new breed of artists, fashion designers and musicians is changing perception on how the world views our country. It gives a gleaming insight into our art heritage.

It is not every day that one gets to embark on a journey that harmonizes the three different cultures into a single fusion. I have been fortunate enough to be exposed to the full range of artwork and experience thee “perfect harmony” at the events / festivals I attended earlier in the year:

One source live:
One Source Live is an event that celebrates African creativity by bringing together a African artists, musicians, fashion designers and photographers to collaborate. One source hosted a festival in partnership with leading brand of premium vodka, Absolut. The all-day festival brought together the various elements of food, fashion and great South African music into one experience. These artists came together to tell a new, uplifting, and positive story about Africa.

A celebration of Bra Hugh Masekela:
Joburg Theatre, in collaboration with The Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation, held four shows as a tribute to the late legend, Ntate Hugh Masekela. The event showcased his best known songs and compositions, such as songs of migration, and Gone Native: The Life and Times of Regina Brooks. Performances also included combinations of songs from Sarafina, giving us a full theatrical experience. Thandiswa Mazwai and mam’ Sibongile Khumalo also graced the stage with some heartwarming performances.

SA Fashion week:
South Africa fashion and style continues to fly the flag high. The SA Fashion week put the spotlight on the versatility and creativity of SA’s designers at the launch of the Spring/Summer 2018 collection. The “who’s who” also made an appearance on the red carpet to various shows.

Locrate Market:
Locrate market open every first Sunday of the month, from 11:00-18:00. The locrate, inspired by the local street fashion and DJs, has best the vibes all around. It features mixes of food trucks, craft beers, cool handmade items and the best vintage finds. The market open to people of all ages – there’s always something for everyone to do.

Olive Tree Theatre:
I screened a documentary, Troupes of War- Diturupa at the Olive Tree Theatre (OTT), the brainchild of Ntshieng Mokgoro, an award winning director and playwright. The theatre celebrates South African arts and culture – giving opportunity to upcoming artist to showcase their talents. The world class theatre productions featured give a sense of the South African consciousness, as well as expose Alexandra residents to an experience of theatre.

If you haven’t tasted fashion, heard the sound of food or touched music, you’ve only had half the experience.