All print versions of Fifty Four now available digitally Explore the Digital Library →

Tag: Fifty Four

Art

Seated in Power

3 min read

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is currently presenting One Must Be Seated, an acclaimed solo exhibition by Ghanaian-American artist Rita Mawuena Benissan. Opened on 13 November 2024, this groundbreaking exhibition runs until 5 October 2025 and delves into the cultural traditions of Ghana, particularly the symbolic practices of Asante chieftaincy.


Image credit: Dillon Marsh, courtesy of Zeitz MOCAA


Exploring Asante Heritage Through Art


The exhibition places a spotlight on the enstoolment ceremony, a significant ritual marking the appointment of a chief. Through a blend of traditional symbolism and contemporary artistry, Benissan reinterprets the iconic royal stool and umbrella, offering visitors a layered perspective on the cultural heritage of Ghana. Her multidisciplinary approach combines sculpture, photography, video, and textile work to create a deeply immersive experience.


The Royal Umbrella Reimagined


Central to the exhibition is Benissan’s exploration of the royal umbrella, a longstanding emblem of authority in Asante tradition. Historically, this object has represented leadership, concealing the thoughts of its bearer while signifying their elevated status. Benissan collaborates with skilled artisans from Kumasi, Ghana’s Asante capital, to craft her pieces, blending traditional techniques with her own artistic innovations. Her work honours these artisans as co-creators, emphasising their crucial role in preserving Ghanaian heritage.

One standout piece, The Triumphant King Rules (Ɔhene a wɔdi Nkonim No Di Tumi) (2023), features a reinterpreted umbrella made with rich velvet and kente cloth, adorned with archival portraits of past chiefs. This fusion of historical imagery and contemporary textiles bridges past and present, celebrating the enduring relevance of cultural symbols.


An Immersive Journey


The exhibition is designed to mirror the stages of an enstoolment ceremony, guiding visitors through symbolic spaces. Works like We Process at Sunrise (2024), a detailed tapestry depicting the palace at dusk, and We Give Power to You (2024), an umbrella piece rendered in green tones, lead the journey. The experience concludes with a striking golden throne, symbolising the culmination of leadership and legacy.


About the Artist


Rita Mawuena Benissan, born in Côte d’Ivoire and raised in the United States, is celebrated for her research-based practice that bridges history and contemporary art. Her works are part of prestigious collections globally and continue to resonate with audiences through their cultural depth and artistic innovation.


Rita Mawuena Benissan | Image credit: Lauren Theunissen


Exhibition Details


One Must Be Seated is part of Zeitz MOCAA’s ongoing series of solo exhibitions highlighting African and Diasporic artists. It is generously supported by Gucci, the Mellon Foundation, and BMW South Africa.



Image credits above: Dillon Marsh, courtesy of Zeitz MOCAA

Main image credit: Rita Mawuena Benissan, Detail of We Process at Sunrise, 2024. Embroidery on canvas, 250 x 500cm. Image: Nii Odzenma; Courtesy of the artist and Gallery 1957.

Lifestyle

Luxury Boutique Escape in Johannesburg

2 min read

Tucked away in Sandhurst’s leafy embrace, the Saxon Hotel offers an air of refined exclusivity, a world apart from the hum of Johannesburg. Here, luxury is neither loud nor ostentatious but expressed through immaculate attention to detail and a quiet sense of serenity. The lush, expansive gardens envelop the property, creating a haven of calm where time seems to slow.



The suites strike a perfect balance between indulgence and comfort, with understated African influences woven into a contemporary design. Whether in the main hotel or the secluded villas, each space feels thoughtfully crafted, from the fine linens to the beautifully curated décor. Service is effortlessly intuitive—always attentive but never intrusive, anticipating your needs before you’re even aware of them.



Dining is a highlight of the Saxon experience. Qunu’s menu combines bold, locally sourced flavours with an inventive touch, while the Olive Bar’s relaxed yet polished atmosphere makes it ideal for an evening drink overlooking the gardens. Breakfast in the Piano Lounge is an indulgence of its own, featuring freshly brewed coffee, seasonal ingredients, and a setting as inviting as the meal itself.



The spa, a jewel in the Saxon’s crown, offers a tranquil escape where award-winning treatments are delivered with an unrivalled focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. Surrounded by calming design and soothing gardens, every visit feels like an immersive reset for the senses.


Fashion

The Quiet Art of Breaking Barriers

1 min read

As we entered a quaint and cosy photo studio in the suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa, the crew awaited the arrival of a true game-changer. Our high spirits were palpable as we converged to create a set of beautifully produced photographs that would star a living legend.

Upon arrival, Thando’s sweet and composed persona captivated everyone. She greeted each crew member and took her seat for hair and make-up. As we engaged in candid conversations about her children and aspirations, her warmth drew me in; her honesty was palpable and contagious. I found myself speaking to someone who, although a stranger, has the infectious energy and confident demeanour to encourage us all to open up. It’s no wonder she’s reached such incredible milestones in her life – she says what she means and means what she says, giving herself over to any challenge she commits to and often exceeding expectations.

(read the full story in issue 08)

Entertainment

Breaking Barriers Through Song

1 min read

In a world where stories of resilience often get overshadowed by the noise of daily life, the Ndlovu Youth Choir rises above. Their journey from the rural village of Moutse in Limpopo, South Africa, to the world’s grandest stages is not just an inspiring story, but a celebration of breaking barriers and transforming lives.

What started as an after-school programme for orphaned and vulnerable children by the Ndlovu Care Group has evolved into an international sensation, captivating hearts worldwide. Since its beginnings in 2009, the Ndlovu Youth Choir has rewritten the possibilities for African youth, showing that even in the face of adversity, hope can not only survive but thrive.

(read the full story in issue 08)

Culture

Raising Consciousness with Thando Hopa

1 min read

Thando Hopa has been on my vision board for years. And, luckily for me and every reader soaking in these pages, she graciously agreed to carry our ‘Breaking Barriers’ issue. There’s no more fitting cover star for such a profound theme.

The cover photoshoot was planned to, dare I say it, perfection. Then, of course, life swooped in and reminded me how laughable that was, and I found myself hospitalised during the days she was set to shoot with our team. The shoot carried on without me and the images produced are stunning (find them in our Fashion section on pages 21).

But as I kept revisiting the gallery, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. I wanted not just to showcase Thando’s striking beauty and enviable fashion sense, but for these pages to act as a vessel for her story – a story that’s woven with lifelong threads of curiosity, bravery, creative energy and unrelenting commitment to self-exploration and collective expansion. Or, as Thando so eloquently puts it, “Media is a way for people to access perspectives that they usually would not have access to. As Africans we are so curious about ourselves, there is aliveness, this rising of consciousness.”

(read the full story in issue 08)

Culture

Engage! The Africa Experience

1 min read

There are two kinds of journeys in life. With one, there’s a path to follow – perhaps one carved by generations past – but you have no idea of where you might end up.

The other journey is the opposite; you can see the destination clearly, but there’s just one problem: the road hasn’t been travelled or even built yet.

Bringing Engage! Summits to Africa was the latter kind of journey. Engage! is the premier luxury wedding and events industry summit of its kind – the original masterclass, if you will. For 16 years, it has brought its curated gatherings – complete with sought-after speakers and revered industry thought leaders – to the most awe-inspiring corners of the world.

Whether I was drooling over the dreamy images and videos they would post from the likes of Dubai and Dublin or, eventually, attending a summit myself as a guest, I always had one unshakable thought: I’m going to bring this to Zambia.


(read the full story in issue 08)

Culture

Mystical Morocco

1 min read

Morocco is a land where your senses go into overdrive, from the heady scent of spices to the vivid colours that light up every souk (market). This is a country that takes you by the hand and pulls you deep into its ancient rhythms, where modern-day life and ancient traditions swirl together.

Whether you’re sipping mint tea on a riad rooftop (traditional house) or watching the sun dip behind the Sahara dunes, Morocco leaves its mark long after you’ve said goodbye.

Ready to lose yourself in the magic? Here’s where to go, stay and eat in this enchanting land.

 

 

(read the full story in issue 08)

Culture

Defying Odds and Redefining Justice

1 min read

In the heart of Britain’s esteemed legal system, where tradition often casts a long shadow, a bright new figure has emerged, defying expectations and breaking through barriers that once seemed insurmountable.



Jessikah Inaba’s journey to becoming the UK’s first blind Black female barrister is a story of courage, resilience and an unyielding belief in justice. Her life symbolises the power of perseverance, a vivid illustration of how determination can illuminate even the darkest paths.

(read the full story in issue 08)