EMERGING CREATIVES

FROM THE PERFORMING ARTS TO POETIC GENIUS, WE'RE APPLAUDING LOCAL CREATIVES WHO ARE MAKING A MAJOR IMPACT ON THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT

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THUSO MBEDU

Actor

Born in Pietermaritzburg, KZN, Thuso Mbedu is known for her incredible work in local shows such as Scandal! and Is Thunzi, and US series The Underground Railroad. She has quickly solidified her place as someone who is dedicated to telling powerful African stories and embodying fierce female characters who push boundaries and bring injustices to light on screen. Interestingly, she aspired to be a doctor, but it was the idea of pursuing drama that truly captured her heart.

Her most recent role as Nawi - a young woman who rejects the confines of long-standing traditions and the idea of an arranged marriage - in The Woman King (alongside Viola Davis) has caught the eye of critics around the world. The award-winning, Emmy-nominated star has proven that she's willing to use her voice as a weapon, and push her body with physical training and martial arts movements. "I knew that this was something I would want to do for the rest of my life because I saw the opportunity to use drama and performance as tools to change and fuel people," she says. "I haven't looked back since."

Thuso is flying the SA flag high as a world-class performer determined to hone her craft and, hopefully, become an anime character too someday.

THEBE MAGUGU

Fashion designer

The mission for this young, pioneering designer - who's positioned himself at the crux of SA's 'cultural renaissance' - is to honour African culture, spirituality, authenticity and a reimagined future for the continent through his designs and motifs.