NO MORE CLICHÉS, PLEASE

Friends talking shit

a collage of voice messages stitched into a conversation

Image of a poem titled 'Am I beautiful?' by Stephanie Wanga, discussing themes of self-worth and societal pressures.
Silhouette of a person seated on a bed with voluminous hair against a bright window backdrop.

Storm in a tea cup

(FT. Antonine)

Text discussing Sans Souci Girls' High principal retiring after protests over alleged institutionalized racism and claims about rules discriminating against African pupils. Western Cape Education Department investigated and addressed the issue.
Text discussing class, beauty, race, and colorism, with historical context and references to studies and literature. Mentions media representation, skin lightening practices, and associated social dynamics. Cites works by Gooden and Hunter.
Text discussing use of skin lightening products and representation in US black press.
Woman with afro hairstyle adjusting hair in modern interior

MHLANTLA

FT. Andiswa Mkosi

Close-up of smiling person with glitter on lips and hands
Facebook post featuring a person with short hair in a dimly lit room, with text expressing concern about violence against lesbians, mentioning the murder of a young woman named Noxolo.
Person lying upside down on a bench wearing a flower crown and white ruffled outfit in an urban setting.

Anosmia (ft. Siki Msuseni)

“Give me my flowers while I can still smell them”

Black and white photo of a person wearing a hat, sunglasses, and leather jacket, pointing towards the camera, with a cityscape in the background.
Black and white photo of a woman with long braided hair running across a field, an outstretched arm pointing in the foreground, urban buildings in the background.
Black and white image of a woman with long braided hair turning back, standing outdoors with city buildings in the background.
Black and white photo of a person with braids running outdoors near a graffiti-covered wall.
Black and white photo of a woman with braided hair running in an open field, with a person standing in the background near a building.
Black and white photo of a person wearing sunglasses and a floral shirt, reaching towards the camera. Background is clear sky.
Screenshot of an email dated 12/1/13 with no subject. The content is a detailed, emotional narrative describing feelings of anguish, hurt, and revelation following a strained interpersonal encounter. The sender reflects on personal emotions and interactions with another person. Sent from a BlackBerry device.
Silhouette of a person sitting on a bed with a white background.

BOY, GURL, WHO CARES?