New style shows beam on DSTV’s Honey channel
LootLove, Gert- Johan Coetzee, Palesa Mokubung, Adeola Ariyo and Nikiwe Dlova are all heading for HONEY TV ( DStv173) in two fresh new style shows this April. BATTLE OF THE ANKARA premiered on DStv 173 on Friday 15 April at 16: 00 ( CAT). This fashion design competition brings together ten gifted aspiring fashion designers from Ghana, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa in a contest judged by Palesa Mokubung and Gert- Johan Coetzee. The contestants include Fungai Muzoroza ( Zimbabwe), James Moroeng ( South Africa), Mau Ackon ( Ghana), Keneilwe Khobo ( South Africa), Michael Sibanda ( Zimbabwe), Moitshepi Mokaila ( South Africa), Rutendo Chidawanyika ( Zimbabwe), Shepard Mokgotho ( South Africa), Thobey Cooper ( South Africa), Xolelwa Mnyamana ( South Africa).
The action takes place at the FEDISA Fashion School in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, where each week the contestants are given a challenge inspired by Ankara fabrics. They must design unique outfits that stand out in a crowd and still deliver on the brief. Deeply associated with West Africa, Ankara fabrics are influencing fashion across the continent
and beyond as a must- have in wardrobes around the world.
The show is hosted by radio DJ and presenter Luthando “LootLove” Shosha who found fame as the host of the Live Amp music show and has now gone global with Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio. She says, “The most exciting thing about this show is the incredible talent we get to witness. These designers are the literal definition of young, wild, talented, and free. Being around that energy and passion was beautiful.”
As the ten contestants vie for a spot at the top, they face criticism from the show’s esteemed judges, Palesa Mokubung and Gert- Johan Coetzee. Mokubung is the founder of Mantsho, a fashion brand that has travelled across the globe as far as New York, India, Senegal and Greece. “The most exciting thing for me was the relationship between the designers and their work,” she says. “What makes this show so special is that it showcases the talent from different parts of the continent.” Gert- Johan Coetzee is a pop culture phenomenon and the go- to designer for women across the world. “Seeing the abundant artistry there is in Africa and how the young talent develops from week to week is exciting,” he says. “It’s reflective of what a bright future African fashion has on a global scale.”
Another show to look out for is HAIR TO THE THRONE which premiered on 11 April at 16: 00 ( CAT); it is a jampacked hairstyling show in which ten of Africa’s hottest up- and- coming stylists from Angola, Zimbabwe and South Africa fight for the throne. It is hosted by Nigerian supermodel Adeola Ariyo who says, “The contestants brought so much spice to the show, and I can’t wait for the viewers to see it all.”
In each episode, the contestants are given a new theme to execute, which tests their technique and ability to work fast. The challenges range from the Design Crown and Fulani Braids to Creative Up- dos and Box Braids. The resident judge is hair art creative, Nikiwe Dlova whose work has been featured in Beyoncé’s Black Is King. Named a Design Indaba Emerging Creative in 2021, Dlova is a force in the world of hair and provides expert guidance to the contestants through weekly feedback and critiques. Of her experience on the show she says, “I got to meet talented hair designers who pushed themselves in every challenge and they took their hair skills to the next level by getting out of their comfort zone. It takes a special talent and skill to execute creative hairstyles under pressure. The audience will learn a few tips that they can use on their own hair too.”
“Our style shows are an extremely important part of the channel,” says Zinzi Velelo, HONEY’s Head of Content.
“Between Battle of the Ankara and Hair to the Throne we get to explore and celebrate vibrant young Africans who are modern, talented and cool.”
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