Capturing the Vibrant Soul of South Africa's Youth: A Visual Odyssey

In South Africa, recent news headlines have highlighted various national challenges such as frequent power outages, the highest unemployment rate worldwide, and a shortage of housing. However, a new photography exhibition called "A Young South Africa" presents a refreshing perspective on the innovative and vibrant cultural landscape created by the country's youth. Taking place at the NOW Gallery in London until November 19, the exhibition features the works of six photographers and creatives who capture the diversity, talent, and flourishing subculture of the "Ama2000s," referring to Generation Z in South Africa. Moreover, the exhibition also sheds light on the evolving cultural identity of a young nation.

Karabo Mooki, one of the featured photographers, explained over a video call that South Africa has only been a democracy for 29 years. He emphasized that it is a relatively young culture. Mooki's showcased series, titled "Island Gals," beautifully captures the skateboarding community of young Black women in his hometown, Johannesburg. Founded by Thato Moet, a 21-year-old skater, Island Gals serves as a "safe space" where girls can gather and skate.

Being a skateboarder himself, he was well aware of the predominantly male cisgender environment that dominated skateboarding. He was determined to bring attention to the emerging community of Black women who were part of Island Gals. "I recognized the importance of shedding light on the untold story of the skateboarding culture, which has been largely ignored by the mainstream media," he explained.

Karabo Mooki documented the young Black female skateboarders of Johannesburg.

Karabo Mooki

Mookis captures the skaters in intimate moments of connection, whether in parks, on streets, or other public areas of the city where women frequently experience harassment and violence. Each portrait is accompanied by the personal story of the woman, as shared with Mooki. These stories range from struggles with mental health to challenging sexist stereotypes in skateboarding. According to Mooki, black women are often confined to societal stereotypes, but his intention is to honor the beauty of this community and the boundaries that Island Gals is breaking. Not only has Mooki documented the Black punk scene in Soweto, a township in the city, but they have also extensively covered local skateboarding groups. Mooki firmly believes that community is fundamental to the youth culture in Johannesburg.

In the townships of Langa and Nyanga in Cape Town, designer and creative director Anita Hlazo, 26, collaborates with photographer Luxolo Witvoet to take us on a visual journey through the captivating photo series "Afrogrunge". Drawing inspiration from her own teenage years, Hlazo expertly blends elements of pop and grunge fashion, incorporating studs, piercings, platform boots, and second-hand clothing to establish her renowned fashion brand, Afrogrunge.

Anita Hlazo documents the discordant reality of expressing her Afrogrunge style in Cape Town's rural townships.

Luxolo Witvoet

She explained to CNN via email that the style is a fusion of culture and subculture, combining influences from various parts of the world. The aim is to dress in a way that deviates from our everyday cultural norms and appears foreign. According to Hlazo, Afrogrunge demonstrates that the youth culture in South Africa is aware of the global society. If they cannot access it directly, they bring it here and embrace it on their own terms.

The showcased photographs delve into the experience of being an "Afrogrunge girl." They capture young women expressing themselves through alternative fashion and style, often in stark contrast to their usual urban surroundings.

Fede Kortez, the photographer, also honors the beauty and individuality of two other areas within Cape Town: Bo-Kaap, a culturally rich hub for Cape Malay traditions with its vibrant painted houses, and Woodstock, renowned for its thriving art scene and young resident community.

Fede Kortez celebrates the artistic history of specific Cape Town neighbourhoods such as Bo-Kaap, famous for its pastel-hued houses.

Fede Kortez

Johannesburg-based photographer Nikki Zakkas showcases portraits of young individuals from South Africa who are gaining recognition for their talent. These individuals come from various fields such as music, football, and ballet. Zakkas explained that her goal was to highlight the diverse aspects of contemporary youth culture. She collaborated with her subjects to capture them as they saw themselves.

Zakkas captures the young creatives in locations that hold personal significance to them. For example, 24-year-old ballet and contemporary dancer Bhungane Mehlomakulu is photographed in Sasolburg, where he grew up and discovered his passion for dance. Indie musician Red Robyn is portrayed at a closed beachfront amusement park in her hometown of Durban.

Photographer Nikki Zakkas captures the youth of South Africa engaging in their craft: From ballet dancers to musicians and footballers.

In the series "Back to the Soil," Johannesburg-based creative director Bee Diamondhead collaborated with photographer Travys Owen to depict the impact of three influential queer male musicians in South Africa: Desire Marea, Muneyi, and Thuthuka Sibisi. The photographs exhibit the men in a state of nudity, adorned with clay and earth, assuming poses reminiscent of classical figurative sculptures. These portraits reflect upon the musicians' captivating beauty, gentle nature, nurturing qualities, and vulnerability, effectively challenging the prevailing concept of toxic masculinity.

Photographer Matika Wilbur embarked on a mission to capture portraits of each Native American tribe - these are the outcomes.

Through his series "My Liewe Land (My Great Land)," photographer Aart Verrips commemorates South Africa's youth-led subcultures with vivid and diverse silhouette portraits. Showcasing young individuals making waves in music, fashion, and performance - including the vibrant Amapiano music subgenre and voguing nights - Verrips immortalizes them as emblematic figures through his photography.

Aart Verrips creates multi-colored silhouette portraits of young South African creatives.

The exhibition was sparked by the growing worldwide appeal of Amapiano music, a genre that originated in South Africa during the mid-2010s. NOW Gallery's curator, Kaia Charles, pointed out the current revival of South African music, particularly through the lens of Amapiano, which has resonated with many young people and allowed them to connect with the culture. Expanding on this dialogue seemed like a beneficial direction.

Charles, a former resident of Cape Town, admires the remarkable tenacity displayed by these young individuals despite the numerous obstacles they encounter, such as the exorbitant living expenses, limited access to education, and unreliable public services. In terms of the creative industries, South Africa is undeniably avant-garde, a fact that often goes unrecognized by many. With this show, Charles aims to shed light on the abundance of talent present in the country, in hopes that people will come to comprehend and appreciate it. Don't miss A Young South Africa: Human Stories, currently running at Londons NOW Gallery until November 19.