Charls Jonam is a talented African beader and artist known for his intricate beadwork depicting the natural world. Based in the Garden Route of South Africa, he draws inspiration from the region’s diverse wildlife, particularly the animals found in Knysna, such as the endemic Knysna seahorse. Charls masterfully combines traditional beading techniques with his passion for nature, creating stunning wire animals that bring to life the beauty of the South African landscape. His work captures the essence of the local fauna, showcasing both the delicate detail and vibrant colors of these creatures. Through his art, Charls Jonam highlights the unique connection between culture, nature, and conservation.
AFRICAN INDIGENOUS CRAFT/CUISINE VILLAGE
GRIQUA CRAFT
The Griqua Craft Stall at the Air Festival will offer a vibrant showcase of the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the Griqua people. A true celebration of creativity, this stall will feature a variety of handmade goods, each piece reflecting the deep history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of the Griqua community.
The heart of the Griqua Craft Stall will be its stunning array of hand-painted textiles and material prints. Local artisans will display intricately designed fabrics, featuring traditional Griqua motifs that reflect nature, heritage, and spirituality. These textiles, often used for clothing, home décor, and accessories, are hand-dyed and painted using age-old techniques passed down through generations. Expect bold geometric patterns, earthy tones, and vibrant colors inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape, from the arid Karoo to the flowing rivers of Griqualand.
In addition to these beautiful crafted goods, the stall will be a space for learning, where visitors can interact with the artists and crafters, gaining insight into the rich history and cultural significance behind each piece. The Griqua Craft Stall at the Air Festival will be a true celebration of Griqua heritage, where creativity and tradition come together to tell the story of a resilient and proud people.
WASHEN KAMUPAMBE
Washen Kamupambe is a talented artist based in Plettenberg Bay, known for crafting traditional African musical instruments, including marimbas, mbiras (thumb pianos), and rain sticks made from bamboo. In addition to his musical craftsmanship, Washen is passionate about upcycling and creates African soccer balls using plastics, contributing to environmental sustainability. His musical style, “Marimba Original Rhythms Of Africa,” showcases his unique talent for creating original rhythms with the marimba, blending tradition and creativity in his art.
MARGARET OMARI
Margaret Omari is a talented Kenyan crafter known for her exquisite woven bags, which showcase her exceptional craftsmanship and artistic flair. Each bag is carefully crafted using a combination of traditional weaving techniques and vibrant, exotic beads, creating unique designs that reflect her deep cultural heritage and creativity. Margaret’s work has gained recognition for its intricate details and bold, colorful patterns, making her bags not just accessories, but pieces of art. Passionate about preserving and promoting Kenyan craftsmanship, she continues to inspire with her innovative approach to design, blending local traditions with contemporary aesthetics.
CHARLS JONAM
GRIQUA CULTURAL CORNER AND CUISINE
At the Air Festival, a vibrant Griqua food stall will showcase a rich blend of traditional flavors that reflect the community’s heritage and love for hearty, flavorful meals. This market stall will feature a selection of offal dishes, fire-baked breads, and other cherished Griqua staples, offering festival-goers a unique culinary experience that blends history, culture, and authentic flavors.
Traditional Offal Recipes
A highlight of the menu will be various offal dishes, a beloved part of Griqua cuisine. These will include tender sheep liver fritters, where the liver is expertly seasoned, fried to perfection, and served crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. There will also be offal stews, slow-cooked with aromatic spices, vegetables, and hearty gravy, offering a deep, rich flavor. For those looking for a more adventurous bite, sheep tripe and kidneys will also be on offer, prepared with traditional Griqua spices to bring out their unique flavors.
Fire-Baked Breads
The aroma of fire-baked breads will fill the air, as traditional brokwa (Griqua bread) is made fresh at the stall. This round, rustic bread is baked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a rich, smoky flavor and crispy crust. It will be served warm, ideal for pairing with stews or enjoying on its own with a dollop of homemade preserves. The breads come in different varieties, including soda bread and traditional cornmeal bread, offering a comforting base to the other dishes.
Griqua Traditional Beer
For those seeking an authentic taste of Griqua culture, the stall will feature traditional Griqua beer. Made from fermented grains, this homemade beer is a true reflection of the community’s brewing tradition, offering a slightly sour and malty taste, perfect for pairing with the rich, savory dishes. The beer is brewed using age-old methods passed down through generations, adding a refreshing touch to the food experience.
Coffee Cakes and Sweet Treats
To satisfy sweet cravings, there will be freshly baked coffee cakes, lightly spiced and served with a rich coffee, just as the Griquas would enjoy in their homes. Koeksisters (fried, syrup-soaked doughnuts) and rusks (crisp, dry biscuits perfect for dipping in tea) will also be available, offering a taste of the Griqua’s love for sweet, indulgent treats.
This food stall at the Air Festival will transport visitors to the heart of Griqua culture, where every dish tells a story of tradition, resilience, and community.
Boitumelo Pitso
Boitumelo Pitso creates authentic South African beaded accessories, including vibrant earrings, bold neckpieces, and elegant bangles, seamlessly blending African heritage with contemporary fashion. Each meticulously handcrafted piece reflects rich cultural artistry while empowering black women entrepreneurs and celebrating African craftsmanship.
Mike Kinuthia
Cape Wooden Crafters is the work of Mike Kinuthia, a talented Kenyan artisan known for his vibrant, handcrafted sandals made from colorful rope. Each pair reflects his dedication to quality and Kenya’s rich cultural heritage. In addition to sandals, Mike crafts beautiful grass-woven baskets, showcasing traditional Kenyan techniques.
With a focus on sustainability and craftsmanship, Cape Wooden Crafters combines art and functionality, offering unique, locally-inspired pieces that tell the story of Kenya’s creativity and heritage.
Linda Gusha
Master Beadwork Artisan & Fashion Designer
With over 22 years of experience in the intricate art of beadwork, Linda Gusha is a renowned artisan and fashion designer, celebrated for his expertise in both Western and traditional beadwork jewelry. His passion for the craft extends beyond creating stunning pieces; he is also deeply dedicated to passing on his knowledge to others. Festival goers will have the unique opportunity to witness Linda’s artistry firsthand as he beads at his stand, showcasing his intricate work. But that’s not all—Linda invites you to sit alongside him and immerse yourself in the world of beadwork, where he will offer expert guidance to help you create your own masterpiece.
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, including children, Linda’s warm, engaging teaching style makes beadwork accessible and enjoyable for everyone. He has a proven track record of conducting successful beadwork classes at schools and non-profit organizations, where he has inspired countless students to embrace the art of beadmaking.
Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the best in the business!
Indigicul
Where Heritage Meets Modern Craftsmanship
Step into the world of Indigicul, where the heart of African heritage is beautifully woven into every meticulously crafted leather bag. Founded by the visionary Dante, Indigicul is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich cultural traditions of Africa through the art of fashion. Each leather bag tells a story, honoring the vibrant artistry, timeless techniques, and deep cultural significance of African communities.
At the Air Festival, Dante and the Indigicul team invite you to experience the fusion of sophisticated design with the soul of Africa. Every bag is a journey—a wearable piece of history and craftsmanship that speaks to the spirit of African heritage, beautifully adapted to the modern world. Indulge in the beauty and meaning behind each unique piece, expertly crafted to reflect the elegance and resilience of African traditions.
Don’t miss the chance to explore these stunning creations at the Indigicul stall, where the past and present come together in a collection that is both meaningful and stylish.
Find them online:
Instagram: @indigicul
Facebook: Indigicul
AIR PROJECT EXHIBITION
The African Indigenous Project (AIP), led by Professor Dizu Plaatjies, is a creative and educational initiative that brings together artists to explore and revive traditional African instruments. Under Professor Plaatjies’ guidance, these artists learn the intricate craft of making indigenous instruments, incorporating cultural knowledge and artistic skill into their creations.
The project culminates in the AIR Festival, where the artists showcase their work—an impressive display of craftsmanship and musical innovation. Among the highlights of the festival are the artists’ Uhadi (a traditional bow instrument), each uniquely beautified with individual artistic flair. In addition to the Uhadi, the festival will feature a variety of other indigenous instruments, including drums, flutes, and self-resonating gongs. These instruments represent not only the rich cultural heritage of Africa but also the evolving fusion of tradition and modern artistry.
The AIR Festival offers a vibrant celebration of African craftsmanship, music, and culture, providing an opportunity to witness both the artistic process and the final products of these talented creators.
AIR PROJECT EXHIBITION
The African Indigenous Project (AIP), led by Professor Dizu Plaatjies, is a creative and educational initiative that brings together artists to explore and revive traditional African instruments. Under Professor Plaatjies’ guidance, these artists learn the intricate craft of making indigenous instruments, incorporating cultural knowledge and artistic skill into their creations.
The project culminates in the AIR Festival, where the artists showcase their work—an impressive display of craftsmanship and musical innovation. Among the highlights of the festival are the artists’ Uhadi (a traditional bow instrument), each uniquely beautified with individual artistic flair. In addition to the Uhadi, the festival will feature a variety of other indigenous instruments, including drums, flutes, and self-resonating gongs. These instruments represent not only the rich cultural heritage of Africa but also the evolving fusion of tradition and modern artistry.
The AIR Festival offers a vibrant celebration of African craftsmanship, music, and culture, providing an opportunity to witness both the artistic process and the final products of these talented creators.
