CONTRIBUTORS

Liam Brickhill
Liam is a multidisciplinary creative who works as a writer, videographer, editor and photographer (he’s a really great DJ, too). Born in Zimbabwe, he lives between Harare and Cape Town. You can find his magical piece of fiction, “Tempest Other”, illustrated by Gerald Bakasa. “This story is my attempt at Zimbabwean Gothic aesthetic,” says Liam. “It looks for the mythic in the quotidian, and attempts to allow the miraculous, the mundane and the comedic to coexist.”

Tess Ntswaki
Tess is a Gaborone-based writer and YouTuber with a soft spot for good coffee, local art and spaces that bring people together. For this issue she gives us the insider’s lowdown on the Botswanan capital (“With Love From Gaborone”), showing us that there is a lot more to the city than you’ll find in the guidebooks. “Community is everything in our tiny-nyana country,” she says. “Writing this piece reminded me that the beauty of Gaborone lies not just in its landmarks, but in the warmth and creativity tucked into its corners.”

Gerald Bakasa
When we put a call out on Instagram to find illustrators to join Design//Life Africa, we were blown away by the talent that appeared in our inboxes. One of the very best was Gerald, whose glorious illustrations fit beautifully with Liam Brickhill’s short story, “Tempest Other”. “My life has changed in ways I could never imagine,” says Gerald. “I never thought I’d see my drawings published in a magazine – it still feels quite surreal. I’m going to keep chasing my dreams.”

Sandra Ndoro
Sandra is an artist, writer and all-round creative magician. For this issue she immerses herself in Afrohouse and Zimbabwe’s vibrant music scene (tough gig, but someone’s got to do it), interviewing the country’s most exciting DJs for “All Hand On Decks”. She also had the pleasure of sitting down with mix master Nitefreak for “Unfiltered”. “I love seeing how Afrohouse is starting to travel the world,’ Sandra says. “This is Africa’s rhythm and it’s making every dancefloor pulse with life.”

Jon Weale
Jon joined Design//Life Africa earlier this year and has revolutionised our lives with his gentle humour, unwavering support and meticulous attention to detail. With a background in the arts, there is nothing this man cannot do. “Assisting the editorial team has offered me insight into the thoughtful rhythm and quiet rigour that brings each issue to life,” says Jon. “I love being part of a group so committed to excellence and authenticity. It’s a real education in the art of collective creation.”

Leo Muzivoreva
Leo is a Zimbabwean journalist and Managing Editor of the Southern African Times. His work explores art, culture and the shifting identities of contemporary Africa. For this issue, Leo explores Africa’s changing architectural skyline (“Structural Integrity”) and the way in which Africa needs to reclaim its narrative (“Beyond The Single Story”). “Africa is a place of resourcefulness, vibrancy and possibility,” Leo says. “The time has come for Africa not just to be spoken of, but to speak for itself.”