“I believe that it’s essential that the youth tell their own stories and so with this project, we wanted to facilitate a platform for us, by us. The entire team was under 23 years old,” says Mbele, whose signature lo-fi style captures the line-up in a cosy living room setting. “I wanted to shoot it like an old school confessional tape but make it affectionate and warm at the same time by recording everything on analogue equipment.”

Mtshali believes that he and his peers are at a turning point in 2021. “We are trying to create more diversity within cultural expression. So, the cast in this project is a reflection of what Siyababa Atelier looks to represent,” he says. From model and artist Farah Dindar engulfed in a huge black bow to student Msangambe Sigudla in cowboy hat-to-toe zebra print, this flamboyant label is pioneering a new African avant-garde with its fearless silhouettes and daring proportions.