OHANNESBURG, 20 MARCH 2024: Global footwear brand Converse has done it again, in the hopes of being a pillar for young creators across the globe they have once again selected two creatives as the winners for the 2023/2024 All Star Projects Programme.
This year’s winners Oratile Mogodi and Yamoria are showcasing self-expression through their winning projects in fashion and spoken word.
The brand’s endless passion for young creatives has inspired this ongoing programme that supports and highlights the ideas of the Converse All Stars. Now in its third year, Converse meticulously sieved through all the application entries and ultimately selected Oratile Mogodi and Yamoria by sisters Mfumo & Fumane Ntlhabane as this year’s recipients. Their self-expressive nature in how they create comes through beautifully as South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy and shining a light on Human Rights this March.
Mfumo & Fumane Ntlhabane aka Yamoria have created multiple spoken word events but this one will come with a twist with adding visual art and dance as additional forms to continue spreading awareness through their storytelling.
“Our society is so clouded with different voices, brands, and ideas. It is a full-time job trying to find a brand that speaks in an authentic voice that you are still able to connect to. A voice that adapts but does not lose what makes it unique and sets it apart. Converse for us, has always been that brand, able to speak directly to our hearts with their messaging. The truth is that we see a bit of Yamoria in Converse. We strive to build a world immersed in art and genuine messaging that is still sustainable. When Converse launched the “Our Roots” campaign and utilized poetry to tell our stories and honor those who came before us, the brand stole our hearts. To be a part of such a ground-breaking campaign and do what we were made for is an experience that will forever be close to us. It definitely put poetry on the map on a global scale;” said 2023/2024 All Star Projects Recipient spoken word duo, Yamoria.
ratile Mogodi (20) is boldly making a statement through her up and coming sustainable streetwear fashion brand Huios. This young creative uses fashion and art as a tool for self-expression and activism. She uses these mediums to unpack narratives to uplift and empower marginalized women in South Africa.
“In relation to my project, Converse’s journey towards sustainability has been a profound learning experience for me, particularly in understanding our impact on the planet. The Renew Labs project inspired me to make more sustainable choices in my life, especially in the realm of fashion. My brand, Huios, is on a mission to become a fully sustainable streetwear brand. Through this project, I aim to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry and explore what we, as creatives and consumers, can do to reduce our carbon footprint,” said 2023/2024 All Star Projects Recipient, Oratile Mogodi.
For more information about these projects, please visit www.converse.co.za , @yamoria_ and @rati.huios
ENDS
About Yamoria
Yamoria is a Johannesburg-based collaborative spoken word duo birthed by two South African Poets, Writers, Presenters, Authors, and Podcast Hosts. Mfumo, a performer who is adamant about redesigning the sculpture of black women in society, and her sister Fumane, who draws her inspiration from the strength that lies within the human form. Throughout their career in the arts, the duo has gone on to feature in multiple voiceovers and television advertisements. In 2020 Yamoria worked alongside Converse as lead poets for their Converse ‘Our Roots’ international campaign. The following year they collaborated with the brand again for their Converse “Create Next” initiative as the lead poets for their TVC. By 2022 the artists had begun exploring the voice-over space and worked with Standard Bank for their nationwide “10 PM” social media and television campaign as spoken word artists. As professionally trained and well-seasoned writers the duo has worked with brands such as Standard Bank Africa and Nedbank Group Technology and Nedbank to help bring their visions alive through words. In pursuit of bringing their own vision to life, they published their first book “Colour Me Melanin” in 2019. The book is a coloring and poetry collection that celebrates 27 different African Cultures, Black Girl Magic, and the acknowledgment and appreciation of Black Women
About Oratile Mogodi
Oratile Mogodi, is a 20-year-old self-taught visual artist from South Africa. Specializing in pencil drawing and mixed media, Oratile’s artistry extends beyond the canvas to the world of fashion. As an aspiring fashion designer, she is the proud owner of an up-and-coming streetwear brand, Huios. Oratile’s work is more than just art and fashion; it’s a powerful form of self-expression and activism. Her poetry and art intertwine to create compelling narratives that challenge the status quo and inspire change. In addition to her individual pursuits, Oratile is the co-founder of @feminin.power, an Instagram account dedicated to uplifting and empowering marginalized women in South Africa. Through this platform, she strives to create a supportive community where women can find strength and solidarity in a society that often makes it challenging to be a woman. Oratile Mogodi is not just an artist or a fashion designer; she’s a storyteller, an activist, and a beacon of hope for many. Her journey is a testament to the power of art, fashion, and social media in driving social change and empowering individuals.
About Converse:
Converse Inc., based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, Converse is recognized as a brand for self-expression around the world and across cultures. The interpretation and adoption of its iconic sneakers, including the Chuck Taylor® All Star®, the One Star® and Jack Purcell® span decades. See the latest by following @converse.
About Converse All Stars:
The All Star Community serves as a global network connecting All Stars to each other and to Converse via digital and physical brand experiences, commissioned brand work, and formal mentorship opportunities. Our community is a vibrant collective inclusive of emerging creatives from traditionally underrepresented communities across Style, Sport, Art, and Music related disciplines. Converse strives to support individual All Stars from underrepresented groups through dedicated funding and mentorship, to bolster their portfolios, connections and advance their creative careers. By funding these projects and supporting via mentorship, Converse aims to both break cultural barriers by creating more access to opportunity in the creative fields and to accelerate the individual impact of these All Star community members.
Add comment