By Nokwanda Sibandze | 2019-01-19
Sifiso Nxumalo and Vuyiswa Malie are two young people dedicated to the arts. They work hard every day to ensure that they put the word out. Having started this entire project back in 2017, the two have achieved more than they thought they would.
“We are a self funded visual arts, film, literature and media production movement founded in 2017 by Sifiso Nxumalo and Vuyisa Malie. Our aim is to create a worldwide social cognisance within all demographics. Our organisational structure currently comprises of three members; Sifiso Nxumalo and Vuyisa Malie as co-founders and Lee-Ann Reagon as our editor-in-chief.”
The project is called Overrated, it was birthed by a conscious decision in realising that society is numbed to contemporary issues. “We are a movement with artistic roots but our vision is fixated mainly on pursuing high levels of truth, particularly around social issues.”
They say they are the voice for the young, the old and everyone in the society. They say they want to talk about issues that people shy away from and ensure that these issues are sorted and never become a problem again.
According to the two, Overrated offers their followers a sense of feeling which flirts in liberation of creating a free speech movement. “We attempt to bridge diverse cultures, experiences and perspectives through a contemporary approach.”
Through visual arts and other forms of art, they try to communicate their feelings. Overrated is also involved in other projects that aim to empower young people.
Nodding to creativity and innovativeness unleashing the potential of minds to conceive new ideas, Overrated does not only seek to rewrite existing narratives, but to offer new ones: Ones that represent contemporary art and issues in this country, the continent and beyond. All of this in giving voice to the new generation and all demographics.
We have seen a number of projects and many young people who come up with events to make sure their voices are heard. Overrated does not only allow other young people to be part of this entire movement. They record most of what they do and post their pictures and videos on their social media platforms so that other young people could be able to see their work and be inspired.
Speaking to the two you get the sense that the two are dedicated and love what they are doing. Its the way they explain their projects that gets you roped into the talks. “Overrated is in conversation with international publication companies in hopes to secure world class publication (both online and offline). The brand’s current medium is social media, with a page on Instagram (@overrated_sz), we plan to have a limited print edition of HER-STORY so be on the lookout on our Instagram page for that announcement.”
Their main intention though is commentate on social issues using artistic and creative ways and be a transcendent catalyst for change in that context.
Inspires
You must ask yourself what inspires two young people to start such a movement, well the answer to that is clear. The two said it was the burning desire that they have always shared, “we are both naturally uncomfortable with being caught up in the bandwagon of social clout but we want to be positive influencers to our generation. Both our fathers are men that brought change to their society - that could be another factor bringing change is deeply ingrained in us.”
They say they have a lot of really compelling projects on the way that are still ideas/concepts for now and they cannot share them with the world right now but an announcement on their next project and publication will be posted early February on their Instagram page
“Our 10 year plan includes having an inclusive and endless concept of home. To be established enough to traverse borders, to be able to house victims of displacement and reclaim refugees. To open doors beyond the ones laid out for us.”
Excited
However, they were very excited to talk about their new project. They said it was a bit different from the usual but they had fun publishing and working on it. “Our new project HER-STORY is a mélange of photography, poetry and autobiographies; geared towards showcasing our women.
It’s a celebration of womanhood and becoming. HER-STORY features compelling personal stories by Samiswa Ngubane, Mthandazo Dlamini, Stfombolesihle Dlamini and Manesi Mamba. We are still amazed and thankful at the way this project was received, it was downloaded 500 times in 24hours and the reception was overwhelming with nods from people in the UK, Taiwan and other parts of the world.”
Overrated is working on securing affiliation with renowned South African publication brand ‘The Craft Media’. The brand has collaborations with international photographers and models in the UK, Taiwan and South Africa thus far. Samiswa Ngubane from Manzini, who is currently studying in the UK, was photographed by Jordan Wiltshire in the UK and was featured in ‘Her-Story Edition 1’.
You can follow them on all their social media platforms to find out about more of their projects and also get involved in the conversations that they speak about on a daily basis. “It is time as young people we get involved in such conversations especially because most of them involve us.
“It is also important as young people to support each other and ensure that the world sees a united front at all times. Young people are the future and together we can achieve more than we think.”
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