LAUNCHING DECEMBER 2024
What it Takes Book v.2
a coffee-table compendium of creative advice from African creatives who have shown they have a what it takes be a creative.
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Overview
What It Takes: Volume 2 is a compendium of wisdom, advice, and personal stories from 60 African creatives across various disciplines. This beautifully curated collection serves as both a guide and a source of inspiration for aspiring and established creatives. Featuring insights on navigating the creative journey, overcoming challenges, monetizing talent, and maintaining mental health, the book provides practical lessons for building a successful and sustainable creative career.
Through notes and curated essays, these creatives share their personal experiences of finding their unique style, leveraging technology, and balancing creativity with business. The book emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community, and resilience, offering valuable advice for those looking to thrive in today’s creative industries.
What It Takes: Volume 2 is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the realities of the creative path, offering readers the opportunity to learn from those who have paved the way before them. It’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the diverse voices shaping the future of the African creative landscape.
Featured Creatives
Ishaarah Abrahams, Nandi Dlepu, Modupe Oloruntoba, Tandile Mbatsha, Robyn Keyser, Siviwe James, Thoriso Moseneke, Mpho Jacobs, Mbhali Manzini, Hloni Coleman, Elsa Bleda, Hunter Rose, KB Mbiola, Ntsikelelo Meslani, Nosipho Nxele, Bright Shitemi, Katlego Tshuma, Kenyaa Mzee, Phillipe Nyirimihigo, Josiane Faubert, Lulama Njapa, Mpumelelo Mfula, Faatimah Mohamed-Luke, Didintle Ntshudisane, Caron Kganyago, Banele Khoza, Dinika Govender, Anita Hlazo
This diverse lineup showcases an exciting array of perspectives from across the African creative landscape, each contributing to the rich narrative of what it takes to succeed and innovate in the creative world.
Volume 2 is dedicated to our friends Mduduzi Andrew Simelane, Nas Hoosen, Ben Moyo, Shoni Lethole, Lunga Ntila, Aaron Yeboah Jnr and Siyabonga Mkhasibe who were instrumental to the growth of the African Creative & Cultural industries.
PUBLISHED 2018
Overview
Featured Creatives
Aaron Yeboah (Visual Designer and Curator, Accra), Abdul Dube (Visual Artist, Aarhus), Amanda Sibiya (Creative Designer & Entrepreneur, Johannesburg), Amy Jephta (Playwright, Screenwriter and Theatre Director, Cape Town), Anaka (Multidisciplinary Artist, New York), Andile Buka (Photographer, Johannesburg), Andrew Simelane (Founder of Black Nation, Johannesburg), Andy Mkosi (Rapper & Photographer, Cape Town), Anelisa Mangcu (Curator, Cape Town), Anthony Bila (Visual Artist, Director & Photographer, Johannesburg), Atang Tshikare (Artist, Cape Town), Athandiwe Ntshinga (Musician, Johannesburg), Charmaine Ngobeni (Creative Designer & Entrepreneur, Johannesburg), Cherae Robinson (Founder of Tastemakers Africa, New York), Daniel Ting Chong (Designer, Illustrator & Artist, Cape Town), David Tshabalala (Illustrator & Designer, Johannesburg), Dylan Valley (Filmmaker, Johannesburg), Elisha Mpofu (TV Producer, Johannesburg), Gareth Pon (Photographer, Chicago), Itumeleng "Solar" Modise (Content Creator & Muse, Johannesburg), Jade De Waal (Chef, Cape Town), Jade Doreen Waller (Artist, Cape Town), JOJO ABOT (Artist), Kent Andreasen (Cinematographer & Photographer, Cape Town), Kent Lingeveldt (Shaper & Photographer, Cape Town), Khanya “kyeezi” Siyengo (TV & Radio Host, Cape Town), Khanyisile Mbongwa (Artist, Performer, Curator, Cape Town), Kunyalala Ndlovu aka Fort Rixon (Artist, London), Kurt Orderson (Filmmaker, Cape Town), Lethabo Mokoena (Entrepreneur, Johannesburg), Lidudumalingani Mqombothi (Writer & Photographer, Johannesburg), Lindsey Appolis (Photographer, Cape Town), Maneo Mohale (Writer & Performer, Johannesburg), Marco Morgan (Skateboarder, Cape Town), Mushambi Mutuma (Speaker & Entrepreneur, Johannesburg), Mx Blouse (Writer & Performing Artist, Johannesburg), Nas Hoosen (Writer, Illustrator & Comics Creator, Johannesburg), Nereya Otieno (Writer, San Francisco), Nokulunga Mateta (Cultural Producer, Cape Town), Noncedo Gxekwa (Photographer, Cape Town), Nthabiseng Mosieane (Director & Blogger, Johannesburg), Palesa Kgasane (Writer & Blogger, Cape Town), Rendani Nemakhavhani (Graphic Designer & Illustrator, Johannesburg), Rizqah Dollie (Photographer, Cape Town), Robin Brink (Drummer, DJ, Producer, Performer, Artist, Cape Town), Sam Turpin (Musical Artist, Johannesburg), Senay Berhe (Cinematographer & Photographer, Stockholm), Shallom Johnson (Multidisciplinary Artist, Vancouver), Sibusiso Mkhwanazi (Industrial Designer & Entrepreneur, Johannesburg), Sindiso Nyoni (Illustrator & Graphic Designer, Johannesburg), Sinomonde Ngwane (Graphic Designer & Illustrator, Durban), Sphiwe Giba (Designer & Cafe Owner, Johannesburg), Success Maake (Designer, Johannesburg), Teddy Goitom (Content Producer, Stockholm), Tiisetso Molobi (Product Designer, Johannesburg), Tsoku Maela (Photographer, Provocateur & Artist, Johannesburg), Vincent Manzini (DJ & Entrepreneur, Cape Town), Vincent Moloi (Filmmaker & Director, Johannesburg), Vuyolwethu Dubese (Corporate Innovator & Blogger, Cape Town), Yannick Noir aka Petite Noir (Singer-Songwriter, Johannesburg).
This group represents a diverse array of disciplines including photography, videography, design, music, filmmaking, writing, and entrepreneurship, hailing from cities across Africa and beyond, such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, New York, Accra, London, Stockholm, and Vancouver.
Credits
Illustration: Musonda Kabwe
Design: Abel Siminya and Kat Love
Curated by dillion s phiri