Some of Soweto’s uniquely talented creatives, who were given a platform to showcase their abilities at the iconic Soweto Theatre by Vuma and the Soweto Wine and Lifestyle Festival, will now have their inspiring stories brought to life in Vuma’s first-ever My Community Cooks video documentary.
This documentary explores Soweto as a melting pot for undiscovered talent and features some of the community’s finest local creatives and trendsetters, including quick-stepping Pantsula pioneer, Sthembiso “Madamo” Makhanya, self-taught head chef, Mpho Phalane, owner of Morara Wine Emporium, Mnikelo Mangciphu, and the founders of the acclaimed food, music, and art platform, Native Rebels.
“Our documentary captures the essence of where some of the country’s top creative talent grew up, what inspired them, and what they are doing to encourage other creatives in their communities to achieve their dreams,” says Lianne Williams, Head of Marketing at Vuma. “This is yet another reminder that our communities have powerful and beautiful stories to share and that by shining the spotlight on them, we can give them a springboard to grow and inspire others to create and innovate.”
Vuma’s documentary also showcases how connectivity is reversing the devastating effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on the livelihoods of South African creatives by enabling them to connect with their followers on digital platforms.
“As a creative, I’ve been able to install Vuma fibre at my house and watch videos on YouTube and TikTok to teach myself how to create and upload my own videos, says Makhanya. “I now have close to 40,000 followers on TikTok watching my videos.”
