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A celebration of contemporary African design – the blending of an African aesthetic with modern materials and inspiration.

There is a wonderful creative spirit in Africa, and this program aims to show what this brings to the design space.

Hosted by Ayanda Thabethe, Afrimaxx seeks out the continent’s finest design innovation across the spectrum – from design and architecture to fashion, arts and gastronomy. It showcases the sleek, the sophisticated and the startling. Design that makes a difference, buildings that make a statement.

Episode 1

On Afrimaxx, creative minds spark ground-breaking concepts representing modern Africa. Movers and shakers take risks to bring fresh, new concepts in the industry. Furniture design is more than just wood and metal for Mpho Vackier and Sifiso Shange.

African culture and traditions are celebrated through their modern pieces. Mpho unites modern and traditional hairstyle weaves from the past in her work, solidifying African oral history. Inspired by a beautiful love story, Sifiso embraces elements of a couple’s love into his geometric designs.

Accessory genius, Aphia Sakyi, designs accessories that combine different African elements, she redefines what modern design look like. Through her accessories, she hopes the rest of the world will appreciate the rich art and fashion in Africa, representing who we are and where we come from.

In Kenya, travelling around in the city is always a pleasure in a Matatu souped up by Mohammed Kartar. This talented, graffiti artist is a force to be reckoned with. Using an artistic approach, Mohammed breaks the rules, rather than follow them.

When it comes to Architecture Mphethi  Morojele and Francis Kéré are at the forefront of African design. They create masterpieces with mere bricks and mortar. The lively night life in Ghana is made complete with this electrifying Akpeteshie drink. Extracted from palm trees or sugar cane, this traditional spirit is transformed into a vibrant cocktail with a strong kick; giving you a splash of what Africa is all about.

Episode 2

Afrimaxx travels to Northern Africa to meet creative geniuses who use their talents in more ways than one. In the bustling city of Lagos, muralist Cera Cerni has a whole city as her canvas. Inviting us into her artistic paradise, she paints the city in vibrant colours with each mural telling a different story. Through her determination and passion for her work, she changes stereotypical perceptions about women artists and ignites a fiery enthusiasm for the craft in the hearts of many.

Visiting Mauritius, we meet Chef Yu who creates a feast for the plate using a multitude of local ingredients, creating tantalizing locally inspired signature dishes. Driven by her respect for produce, and the historic melting pot of cultures, this Mauritian brings a diverse palate to the competitive culinary world. Settling in the buzzing streets of Soweto we meet Kholofelo Masha. When he’s around you, you best believe that time definitely waits for man.

Kholofelo works around the clock to create watches with a touch of history, reminding us of where we come from and where we are going. As we touch down in the diverse town of Swakopmund, dancer and musician, Ravanelli Inichab takes us on a journey through his hometown exploring different hotspots such as the striking sand dunes; Namibia is known for, historical significant gravesites, vibrant township life, and the cherished beaches. 

Episode 3

Afrimaxx follows trailblazers as they alter the modern creative space. From the heart of Limpopo, artistic powerhouse Kgaogelo Mashilo aka Cow Mash centres her art on religion, culture and identity, exclusively using the sacred cow as her symbol of expression. Using synthetic materials, she demonstrates how culture is changing and moving with the times.

Zanzibar is home to fashion designer, Doreen Mashika, who creates island life fashion pieces. Using beautiful Kanga fabric, she keeps the Swahili expressions on the clothing, applying that as a form of communication. She wishes to inspire people to be daring by doing what they love. Nairobi Street Kitchen, in Kenya, is the place to be. Its vibrant and the eco-friendly designs create a platform for artists, fashioning it into a local and social art space, offering a mishmash of delights both for the eyes and the palate. It brings international food and drink to Nairobi’s doorstep creating a love for exotic food preferences.

British-Nigerian, Yinka Ilori, crafts a luminous place of reflection and meditation in bustling London. His dynamic designs, greatly embraced by the public, bring a buoyant ambiance to the gloomy London streets. His pieces became the public’s very own, giving them a sense of belonging. His West African inspired designs are his way of celebrating his backgrounds.

Episode 4

Representing African excellence is what Afrimaxx does best. We look at creatives who strive to put Africa on the map. Imane Ayissi is the pure definition of haute couture. Cameroon-born, his work is inspired by African and European cultures. He wishes to convey through his designs pieces that can still compete internationally, keeping his African hand craft training alive.

Ayissi hopes that his clothes aren’t only admired but bought by African customers looking for traditional, yet elegant designs. Nigeria is home to Taeillo, a furniture company owned by Jumoke Dada. In the heart of Lagos, Jumoke created a brand that embraces locally produced raw materials bringing a fresh, African twist to the usual mix.

For a country that depended heavily on international furniture purchases, innovators such as Jumoke close the gap by embracing design pieces that are different, yet affordable. Vilakazi street, Soweto gives rise to the first female brew master, Aphiwe Mawela. Honouring her clan name Tolokazi by naming her brewing company after her clan. She uses the same love and passion taught by her mother and grandmother when brewing the traditional beer umqombothi.  Inspired by the African traditions, she keeps the age old customs thriving in the memories of the new generation.

Episode 5

Afrimaxx follows legends in the making who are trendsetters, not trend followers. Malawian fashion genius, Lilly Alfonso, creates alluring fashionwear with her The 100 year plan she is an inspiration, transferring her designing expertise to the new generation, reshaping the future of African fashion.

From the precious jewel that is Mauritius, Vinesh Chintaram creates beautifully structured buildings awakening a connection to people and their surroundings while being visually and physically accessible.  ‘’One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’’

That’s what plastic is to KZN artist, Mbongeni Buthelezi. With plastic as his paint, he creates breathtaking art, taking recycling to a new, unique level. His artwork communicates hope, making people realize that it is possible to create something out of nothing.

Trends continuously evolve, creating fresh and stimulating ways for creatives to put Africa on the map. Afrimaxx follows legends in the making.  Malawian Lilly Alfonso, creates alluring fashionwear rooted in Africa’s forgotten history while Mbongeni Buthelizi, with plastic as his paint, he creates breathtaking art, taking recycling to a new, unique level.

From the precious jewel that is Mauritius, Vinesh Chintaram is the honcho of architecture. Beautifully structured, his buildings awaken a connection in people to their surroundings while being visually and physically accessible.

Episode 6

African artistry is at its greatest and that’s where Afrimaxx steps in. Stay tuned as we admire the magic that is created by these talented whizzes. Crowned the snail queen, Nigerian-born, Chef Obehi takes us by storm as she prepares her scrumptious signature dishes using fresh sea snails as the main ingredient.

Emerging from the dancing nation that is South Africa, choreographer and renowned performer, Tom London, fuses traditional pantsula and isbujwa dances to create unique and culturally diverse modern dances.

Episode 7

African artistry is at its greatest and that’s where Afrimaxx steps in. Stay tuned as we admire the magic that is created by these talented whizzes.

Crowned the snail queen, Nigerian-born, Chef Obehi takes us by storm as she prepares her scrumptious signature dishes using fresh sea snails as the main ingredient.

Emerging from the dancing nation that is South Africa, choreographer and renowned performer, Tom London, fuses traditional pantsula and isbujwa dances to create unique and culturally diverse modern dances.

Accessory genius, Aphia Sakyi, designs accessories that combine different African elements, she redefines what modern design look like. Through her accessories, she hopes the rest of the world will appreciate the rich art and fashion in Africa, representing who we are and where we come from.

For more information visit:
DW: https://www.dw.com/en/afrimaxx/s-62439774
The Home Channel: https://thehomechannel.co.za/afrimaxx/

#afrimaxx

Episode 8

Venturing through art forms, culture and modern living is what Afrimaxx does best. Join us today as we take a trip to Forum Homini’s Roots Restaurant where we learn a little bit about the beauty behind different wines and pairing with food.

From a journey through self-discovery to the top of the fine arts plane. Amoako Boafo used just his two hands to paint his way into being a globally famed visionary and one of the world’s most in-demand artists.

On the shores of beautiful Lake Malawi, one woman finds a way to cultivate sustainable agriculture into a lifestyle that is beyond fruitful. Yielding the nutritiously enriching benefits of the land she has nurtured for decades not just for herself but for Makuzi Beach Lodge guests as well.

A mother’s passion for fashion turns into the origin story behind her son’s culturally grounded brand and legacy. Turning a disappointing story of getting a sewing machine instead of a TV into a fruit-bearing, burgeoning fashion powerhouse.

In East Africa’s only glassblowing factory, Anselm Croze takes re-cycling to a new and creative plane. Taking broken and discarded glass into his studio to give it a new life through the art of glass blowing.  

Episode 9

Exploring the arts in all forms is what Afrimaxx is here for.

Tune in with us as we travel to the Anton Smit Sculpture Park where we learn about how one man turned his passion into a fruitful legacy.

Nigerian designer Tunde Owolabi uses locally sourced fabrics to give new life to everyday item and accessories from shoes to handbags.

Nana Akua Birmeh has grown this largely female firm into a pioneering force in Ghanaian architecture. Re-envisioning the face of Africa’s landscape, one property at a time.

Episode 10

Travel with Afrimaxx through Africa as we explore the arts. In this episode we visit Satyagraha house to learn more about Mahatma Gandhi’s way of living and philosophies behind, as well as diet of choice. 

In Kenya we meet David Avido who designs symbols of hope for the less-privileged through his masterpiece clothing line, showing that poverty does not determine who you can become.

Take some time to journey with us to Osse Greca Sinare’s favourite shooting spots in Tanzania and get some tips on how to better your composition skills.

Stay with us as we find out how one almost fatal story birthed Sphelele Chinow’s legacy business known as Ntozinhle.

Episode 11

We discover how one man turned a backyard music talent showcasing idea into a bigger and better platform for musical talents.

Abai Schulze shares her story of how the knowledge she acquired from the states linked in with her childhood home’s most valuable resource to generate wealth and income to Ethiopia.

We learn more about the traditional headwrap art of Gele tying with the award-winning headwrap crafter, Tolu Adedara.

In Johannesburg, Mopani Queen, Phuti Kabasa finds an innovative way to make nutritious and delicious snacks for all.