Ruramai Musekiwa

FOUNDER OF SIBAHLE

Black women deserve praise, but unfortunately the portrayal of said demographic in mainstream media isn’t always positive. Musekiwa decided this was unacceptable, took to acting and formed Sibahle.

Inspiration for your idea?

I wanted to use creativity to transform African narratives in mainstream media. Using our beauty, our stories and our creative energy as Africans as a message to cultivate positive African stories through visual art, product design, publications, literature and ground-level activations specifically meant for African women and youth.

How does it work?

Our Sibahle projects include: Sibahle Magazine, which showcases African creative talent; The Sibahle Poster series, which celebrates phenomenal African Women; a published African children’s book called Tshomo Ya Tiisetso, which encourages literacy and the preservation of African languages; and we have ground-level activations like Sibahle Women’s Network events.

We’re creating a platform which makes African creatives visible to the public.

Five-year plan?

I hope that Sibahle will become a global brand connecting creatives in Africa and the diaspora. I want to create events geared at women and curate exhibitions that will build inroads into African countries and the world. I also see an African-inspired product range including children’s books, artwork and textile ranges in our future.