SA: Platoon unveils The Art of Women mural and playlist

The mural is courtesy of renowned South African artist, Dbongz Mahlathi while the playlist was curated by Platoon. The initiative seeks to celebrate African female artists and their voices in society as well as highlight gender-based violence in the country.

The mural will be on display until 9 October at the Maboneng Precint in Johannesburg. It features nine South African female artists including Msaki, Zu, Azana, Ami Faku, Zolani Mahola, Mila Smith, Zoë Modiga, Kanyi Mavi and Dope Saint Jude.

Street art and murals are a medium used to express and give meaning to African heritage, struggles and pop culture.

Speaking to eNCA, Modiga said: “I think our stories are beautiful. I think our stories are not a monolith, but they are so impactful and it’s so beautiful to have spaces created for us to exist. Spaces that see us, spaces that celebrate who we are and for that I’m truly grateful.”

The interactive mural also features a QR code that takes viewers to a playlist, which comprise music by Ami Faku, Zu, Simi, Mila Smith, Makhadzi, Amaarae, Amy Ayanda, Makhadzi, Zolani Mahola, Azana, Inga Hina, Manu Grace, Kanyi Mavi, and Zoë Modiga. Other featured artists outside South Africa are Karun (Kenya), DJ Cuppy (Nigeria), Amaarae (Ghana) and Valerie Omari (DRC/SA).

Women's Day is celebrated annually on 9 August in South Africa to commemorate about 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against legislation aimed at tightening the apartheid government's control over the movement of black women in urban areas. August has now become symbolic in celebrating and reflecting women's achievements and their significant role in society. 

Listen to the The Art of Women playlist here.