A Love Letter to Gqeberha: The Exhibition is an intimate showcase featuring the evocative artworks of Sinoxolo Qeqe, who illustrates her deep connection with her hometown and the influence it has had on her spiritual journey. Alongside her pieces, the exhibition presents futuristic and showstopping garments by Khanyiso Miliho, highlighting the creativity, talent, and promising future of Gqeberha-born creatives in their professional pursuits of success in the creative industry.
Artist Biography
Zikhona Bisholo is an events coordinator and the co-founder of Artistry Unveiled Events which specializes in curating immersive experiences. She has hosted Sip and Paint sessions in Gqeberha, most recently at the Windermere Hotel, where art meets elegance. Her collaboration with Nqabisa Mtyhobile has enhanced her skills in event organization and décor. Additionally, her creative direction talents were honed while assisting TsiTsi in the Host Your Show initiative at One Room. Documenting LoveSeed’s performance preparations for the Mandela Bay Arts Festival 2023 further solidified her passion for storytelling through events.
Sinoxolo Qeqe is a visual artist, writer, and curator from Gqeberha, South Africa. Her self-portraits and creative writing serve as visual and literary representations of the intersecting worlds that shape her reality. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in the township of Kwazakhele, Sinoxolo evokes nostalgia and celebrates the creativity and vibrant lifestyles found in township and rural spaces in 21st century South Africa.
Unathi Ntlabati, known professionally as TsiTsi, is a South African singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Gqeberha, TsiTsi began her musical journey in church groups. She later toured with the renowned gospel acapella group Vocal Blend. TsiTsi was a finalist in the first season of Sing Off SA and has shared the stage with notable artists such as the late Sfiso Ncwane, Zakes Bantwini, Khaya Mthethwa, Vusi Nova, Busi, The Soil, and many others. She has also toured with Ntsika Ngxala. During the pandemic, TsiTsi served as a backing vocalist for the Ebubeleni 9th Annual Festival, which was broadcasted. In 2022, she collaborated with Ebubeleni again for their All-White Picnic Festival. Recently, she performed with various artists at the IsiXhosa Music Festival and was one of the vocalists for Africa Day, hosted by Titi and Friends. At the local theatre, The Opera House, she participated in the Night of Voices and has recently joined the LoveSeed Foundation for their project, Embracing Africanism in Song.
Aphiwe Skosana is a writer and storyteller from Gqeberha, South Africa. He uses his art to express and highlight the beauty of African traditions and customs, sharing these stories in his mother tongue, IsiXhosa.
Khanyiso Miliho is a self-taught designer who began his journey in 2019 by customizing clothes. In 2020, he took his passion further by creating original pieces from scratch. One of his first designs was a t-shirt, which laid the foundation for Miliho Designs. Inspired by luxury brands like Nike and Adidas, Khanyiso aims not only to sell quality products but to introduce fresh, innovative ideas. His growth and creativity suggest that Miliho Designs will become a notable brand in the coming years. Khanyiso draws inspiration from his life experiences, his community, and other garments, adding his unique twist to each creation.
Credits
Event Producer and Creative Director: Zikhona Bisholo
Creative Director and Curator: Sinoxolo Qeqe
Singer: Unathi Ntlabati (TsiTsi)
Writer/Storyteller: Aphiwe Skosana
Fashion Designer: Khanyiso Miliho
Visual Artist: Sinoxolo Qeqe
Photographer: Tabo Mavis Jona (Blackmanseason)
- Daily during the Festival 09:00 to 17:00
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Daily entry to the exhibitions is free. The scheduled walkabouts have a minimal cost and booking is essential.