Saul Molobi: Welcome. I have the distinct pleasure of joining two incredibly talented guests whose artistry knows no bounds at the “Intimate Art Encounters”, a spellbinding series hosted by Lohini Moodley at her cosy Johannesburg home. Rather than me doing the honours, I’ll let them introduce themselves.
Shui-Lyn White: Thank you, Saul. I’m Shui-Lyn White.
Kensiwe Tshabalala: And I’m Kensiwe Tshabalala.
Saul Molobi: Allow me to share a personal anecdote about these two remarkable women. Recently, I attended an intimate art gathering hosted by my dear friend and former colleague, Lohini Moodley. Little did I know, I was about to witness a performance that would touch me to the core. Shui-Lyn and Kensiwe graced the stage with a mesmerising display of their talents, evoking emotions within me that I hadn’t felt since the passing of my father in 2009. Today, they’ve joined to share their story and their craft with all of us. Ladies, please, tell us more about yourselves and your work.
Shui-Lyn White: Our journey began with a simple question: what is the role of women in art? This question sparked a deeper exploration into the often-marginalised contributions of women throughout history. We embarked on a mission to shine a spotlight on the stories of eight extraordinary South African women who have shaped our society in profound ways. Collaborating with visual artist, Christian Diedericks, we set out to honour these women through art and performance.
Kensiwe Tshabalala: Working alongside Shui-Lyn has been an incredible journey for me. As a dancer and performer, I’ve had the privilege of bringing these women’s stories to life through movement and expression. Our collaboration merges visual art, poetry, and dance to create a powerful and immersive experience for our audiences.
Saul Molobi: Your performance is truly captivating. Kensiwe, could you share more about your personal journey into dance and how it aligns with this project?
Kensiwe Tshabalala: My love for dance began at a young age, starting with ballet and expanding into various other styles. Through dance, I found a unique way to express myself and connect with others. Collaborating with Shui-Lyn has allowed me to merge my passion for movement with her evocative poetry, creating a dynamic and compelling performance that resonates with audiences on a deep level.
Saul Molobi: It’s clear that your collaboration has yielded something truly special. And speaking of collaborations, I can’t help but feel a sense of missed opportunity knowing I wasn’t in Italy when you guys met in Venice – I completed my tour of diplomatic duty in that country end June 2016. I must say you could be the best production to ever grace the South African Pavilion stage at the Venice Biennale.
Shui-Lyn White: The opportunity to showcase our work on a global stage is a dream come true. Our goal is to amplify the voices of these remarkable women and ensure their contributions are recognised and celebrated on an international scale.
Saul Molobi: Your dedication to honouring these women’s legacies is truly inspiring. Before we conclude, do you have any messages you’d like to share with our listeners?
Shui-Lyn White: I encourage everyone to revisit the stories we’ve been told and question whose voices are missing. By acknowledging and elevating the stories of women, we enrich our collective history and create a more inclusive narrative for future generations.
Kensiwe Tshabalala: We’re living in a time where embracing diverse perspectives is more important than ever. Through projects like “Infinity to the Power of Women,” we can uncover hidden histories and inspire others to embrace the full spectrum of human experience.
Saul Molobi: Thank you both for sharing your insights and talents with us today. For those interested in learning more or getting involved, where can they reach you?
Shui-Lyn White: You can contact me via phone or WhatsApp at +27834563288, or follow me on Instagram. Additionally, visit my website, www.shui-lynwhite.com, to explore our artwork and performances.
Kensiwe Tshabalala: You can find me on Instagram or reach out via email at kensiwephotonia@gmail.com. I’m always eager to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and collaborators.
Saul Molobi: Thank you once again, Shui-Lyn and Kensiwe, for your time and dedication to your craft. To those interested, please tune into 101.9 Chai FM or stream live from www.chaifm.com to catch my captivating interview with these phenomenal ladies in my jazz show, “Sunset Serenade”, on Sunday, 17h00. The two will be my Artists of the Week.