This February Cerbastian Davids of Black Privilege, Nthabiseng Letsoso The Fashion Sangoma and Black Rose Mbalemnyama Radebe came to Cape Town from Joburg and Soweto to paint a mural in Baz Arts IPAF International Public Arts Festival which took place in Salt River. These artists partnered up with Pattern Nation's Cydney Eva and Costa Besta to create the clothing and jewelry for a photo and video shoot in front of their amazing new murals. During their stay at the Pattern Palace live work studio in Cape town Black Rose and the Fashion Sangoma made all the jewelry for the shoot and Cerbastian partnered with Cyd and Costa to create a new collection of clothing remixing Black Privilege T-shirts into new garments. The collaboration was
captured by the amazing cinematographer King George of Back Bone Media who also edited the film. This shoot celebrates self-expression and creativity and brought together artists from Gauteng, Kwazulu Natal and Canada all connecting in the CPT. PatternNation asked Black Privilege, Black Rose and The Fashion
Sangoma what drives their creativity, the concept behind their IPAF murals and the deeper message behind the art they make.

What was the concept behind the mural you painted in Salt River for IPAF?

Mbali: The subject for IPAF was digitalization of the arts and my concept behind the mural was to bring colour into peoples spaces especially places that have been deserted or abandoned by hopefully plugging on Wifi access to the community because that would be how we digitalize the artists and the work they do internationally and this is how we open up more knowledge by giving access to these communities as well.

Nthabiseng: It was our first experience with BlackRose to paint a public mural so we wanted to communicate
more using colour and incorporate the Seven principles of Kwanzaa, which emphasizes connectivity of every community. So we brought color, creativity and connectivity to our mural.

Cerbastian: “Digitalization”. In conclusion I would like to depict the possibilities that are not just out there
but right in front of us, for our youth to explore, Educate and equip themselves with skills and to succeed in
this world. You will be a fool if you do not make full use of what has been provided in the 21st century we live in. Our days of struggling to excess technology are over, its freely available. Use it do not abuse it.

What clothing or jewelry did you make for the collaboration? 

Mbali: The accessories I made were the necklaces and hat I'm wearing in the video, its was an interesting
process as it was my first time making them and using the equipment I used too. The accessories were made from rope and recycled materials from Pattern Nation who also assisted in the workplace and workshops. I loved it so much that I'm currently adding accessories to my Art works now for the future of Mbalemnyama
Art.

Nthabiseng: For the collaboration I had so much fun with Colour learning to make accessories ,from
yarn making pom poms earrings and neck pieces with rope and fabric cut offs . It was so exciting being part of this as everyone had something to contribute and could be whatever, so I got inspired so much by the creative energy that I was surrounded with at Pattern Nation Studios.

Cerbastian: It was a collaboration of Myself and the Pattern Nation crew that made the trousers and
T-shirts. Using my Black Privilege prints and their expressive patterns we came with these sick new looks.

What is the vision behind your artistry?

Mbali: My art is focused on highlighting beautiful images of black women and the culture around them, And I
love using bright colors and adding educational concepts on the pieces, because it creates interesting conversations for both the audience and myself.

Nthabiseng: The vision behind my artistry is to always bring more creativity in all my expressions. I do this
through Colour and what is considered as waste.

Cerbastian: I do not consider myself an artist. I am simply an expression, sharing my stories, opinions and knowledge about South Africa though, I believe it is our responsibility touse our natural given talent to empower and educate the youth about their history and present times to better equip and prepare them for the future.

What mediums do you use to express yourself?

Mbali: The mediums I use are mixed media, which contains of canvas, charcoal, paper mache, acrylic and oil
paint.

Nthabiseng: I express through Paper Waste Art, photography, fashion, music and graffiti.

Cerbastian: I express through painting, murals and canvases. I use rubbish I find in streets and upcycle it
into art. I’m also the founder of a fashion line called “Black Privilege”.

What does “Black Privilege” mean to you?

Mbali: Black Privilege means that I understand who I am, what my true history is and how I can always be
expressive about the black nation and my culture at large.

Nthabiseng: On Black Privilege.It means I am the carrier of the seed of humanity. That is a privilege.

Cerbastian: It is the vibrancy and diversity in food, music, language, fashion and art found in Black Cultures
and Traditions around the world.

How do Colour and Pattern influence your life?

Mbali: Colour and pattern mean a lot to me due to my traditional history being Zulu. We are a very expressive culture and we have used these mediums to communicate as the Zulu tribe.

Nthabiseng: Colour and Pattern brings vibrancy and positivity in my life. Awesome engaging energy. Always.

Cerbastian: They give me the freedom to be expressive. I get to manifest my thoughts through colour and
patterns and create my own reality and it becomes a way of life every day is a new canvas so put your signature on it.

Pattern Nation is ran by interracial couple, Cydney Eva who is white from Vancouver Canada born and
raised on indigenous unceded Coast Salish territory and Costa Besta who is of Zulu descent born and raised in Kwazulu Natal and Free State South Africa. We believe in the power that comes from indigenous people and colonial allies coming together to make positive change in the world. We are so often polarized in our communities and our collaboration with the brand Black Privilege is allabout unity. Both South Africa and Canada are countries with long histories of colonialism and mixed race artists like Cerbastian Davids want to see white people join the conversation about race and identity politics. Therefore he encourages white folks to buy and wear Black Privilege gear. He speaks about creating opportunity for radical conversations through having non-black people rep his message, Black Privilege asks us to celebrate the beauty, ingenuity, diversity and genius of black people.

This team of creatives felt it is a privilege to work together on this project and the essence of our collaboration inspired us all to make new art and be innovate with our given talents. All thanks to the amazing IPAF festival ran by Baz Arts who brings in local and international muralists to paint the Salt River district. The project brought us together to learn about each other’s cultures,backgrounds, stories, strengths, and most of all, to live together and break bread as one.

Pattern Privilege Collab with Black Privilege for THREE MAG

Team Credits:

Model, muralist, fashion designer:Cerbastian Davids of Black Priviledge @cerbastian_davids @blackk_privilege

Model, fashion Designer,musician, photo editing: Costa Besta of Pattern Nation @costabesta@pattern.nation

Model, fashion designer, writer: Cydney Eva of Pattern Nation @cydeva @pattern.nation

Model, muralist, jewelry designer: Mbalemnyama Radebe Black Rose @blackrose_dynasty

Model, muralist, jewelry designer: Nthabiseng Letsoso @thefashionsangoma

Photographer, videographer and editor: Kind George Back Bone Media @back_bone_studio_africa

Murals for International public art festival: Baz Arts@bazart_ngo @ipaf_festival_sa

Music: Mzanzi Today by Soundz Tabuu @soundztabuuand Costa Besta of their album Bantu Rhythm Rap.