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On Saturday 15 April 2023, Thebe Magugu’s Spotify Fashion Forward

playlist was brought to life through artist performances and folktales

at NIROX Sculpture Park in Johannesburg. Magugu was the first African

designer to curate the global streaming platform’s Fashion Forward

playlist, using music by South African artists to tell the stories that

inspired his latest Folkloric collection.

On the night, the folktales were recreated by black-clad muses

throughout the event and artist performances by Zoë Modiga [1],

UkhoiKhoi [2] and The Brother Moves On [3], which combined 21st century

sonic storytelling while paying homage to African customs and

traditions.

“Across Africa, storytelling is key in highlighting and celebrating

creative pursuits whether it be through music, fashion, or art. Thebe

Magugu’s ability to intersect music with fashion through story-telling

is really inspiring,” says Spotify Sub-Saharan Managing Director

Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy.

The night’s programme was centred around the four elements of air,

water, earth and fire and the intersection of music and fashion was

evident throughout the event, from the matching ponchos for each of the

guests, to the muses who walked among the gathered guests and the

mythical choreographed piece which infused elements of folktales which

opened the event. The artists’ performances transported guests to the

ancient storytelling around the fireplace, dating back to ancient times.

Magugu’s playlist is a collection of songs that have inspired him, as

a designer and as an African, and tells the story of his journey towards

becoming one of the most celebrated South Africans in global fashion. He

joins international fashion designers and stylists including Yoon Ahn,

Brandon Blackwood, Bobby Wesley, No Sesso, Zerina Akers and Misa Hylton

who have all taken over the playlist in the past.

Check out Thebe Magugu’s Fashion Forward [4] playlist live on Spotify.