#BlackLivesMatter has been trending, again, because an unarmed black man was killed by police, again. While many black people and their allies march all around the world in solidarity of the movement, there is a separate conversation about celebrating black lives that we need to be having. Black lives matter so does black art and black voices and black creatives. This article is dedicated to shining a light on black creatives in different fields. I want you to not only retweet news in solidarity of the moment but also, follow & support black artists. By supporting black creatives you strengthen black voices and visibility. You allow black people to be seen through the lens of their own art and not false or narrow caracichers. You give way to self-representation and diversity. You make it possible for black people to continue to stand firmly in our beauty and light regardless of what challenges we still face.

Picture 1.png — Karabo Poppy Moletsane

Karabo Poppy Moletsane is a multi award winning Illustrator, Graphic Designer and Street Artist from Vereeniging South Africa. Here is how she talks us through what inspires her work, “I am inspired by the visual aesthetic of Africa, both contemporary and traditional. Our aesthetic has a long rich heritage rooted in constant innovation and hybridity. I believe that every African carries this with them daily and I believe that it is in the everyday seemingly mundane events where this aesthetic is at its most beautiful to me.”
You can follow her work on behance https://www.behance.net/Karabo_Poppy/info or follow her on IG: karabo_poppy

Picture 7.png — Fundiswa Ntoyi

Fundiswa Ntoyi is a remarkable, award-winning self-taught photographer. She has been capturing stories behind faces since 2010. Ntoyi’s fascination with portraiture began with drawing portraits taken by other photographers and noticing that there is an art behind an interesting image. Fundiswa morphed her love for one art form into the development of another. She now works as a brand content strategist as well as photographer effortlessly capturing timeless moments of joy, art and life.
Follow her on IG: fundiswantoyi

Picture 3.png — Mel Madiba

Mel Madiba is a fine arts artist who uses a soldering iron and pigments that act as paint to create beautiful pieces of art. Drawing inspiration from herself and her story, she also describes herself as a person with a passion for creativity and life. “My content attracts people who love art, music and authenticity. Not only am I relatable, but I deliver my content in a refreshing and creative way, particularly on YouTube” says Madiba.
You can follow her on IG: @melmadiba

Picture 4.png — Sihle Bolani

Founder of Konnekted, a membership-based career development platform for black women, Sihle is also an author, a content creator and all round creative. Sihle is a multi-talented mother of one who has worked in many different industries as a brand communication strategist. Her book “We Are The Ones We Need: The War on Black Professionals in Corporate South Africa” gives a voice to the many black people, often women, who find themselves constantly having to choose between their wellbeing and corporate success.
You can purchase her book here: https://www.afrokulcha.co.za/product/we-are-the-ones-we-need/ or follow her on Twitter @SihleBolani

Kokoroko

KOKOROKO are a London based Afrobeat 8-Piece. This talented group consists of talented singers, composers, a saxophonist, drummers and a pianist and more. They have been taking the world, one carefully and beautifully tuned performance at a time.
Their latest single ‘Carry me Home’ is available on multiple platforms - https://kokoroko.lnk.to/carrymehome
You can follow this band on IG: kokoroko and Twitter @kokorokomusic
Image source

Picture 8.png — Lerato Moloi

Upcoming fashion designer, Lerato Moloi is not only talented but takes her craft very seriously and thus puts in the hours. “I was inspired to start my own Fashion House as early as my teens. The idea of creating my own garments and seeing them come to life from sketches has always been my dream.” Lerato is creating beautiful garments locally but has captured interest from abroad.
If you have any enquiries for this creative, you can reach her here : dressedbyarato@gmail.com
You can also follow her on Twitter + IG: @dressedbyarato

Picture 9.png — Palesa Mlangeni

Palesa Mlangeni is a 27 year old self taught makeup artist and plus size model. She finds herself endlessly intrigued by life’s possibilities and the ability to take charge of your own destiny. “We live and learn everyday which gives us leeway to explore , grow and learn from everything and everyone around us on a daily basis. That’s why I never limit myself because we can be whoever we want if we put our mind to it”
You can follow her on IG at @Palesa_MUA or book her services on @Makeup_by_Palesa

There are so many other black creatives whose voices can be amplified by you just taking notice and supporting their work. Engage with us and share who you think should be recognized on this list. This list is not exhaustive nor complete. We will always have room to celebrate more creatives of colour.

Remember, matter is the minimum. Black lives are beautiful, they are precious and they too, are meant to be celebrated.

Written and curated by Phemelo Segoe

The All Black List