IN an age where politics and social stereotypes are rife, Poptee was born, which sees young masterminds Thando Mbadi and Njabulo Hlongwa join forces to address the multitude of issues relevant to the youth in their communities the best way they know how – through trendy slogan t-shirts.
The creators of thought-provoking statement t-shirts, Thando and Njabulo, from Musgrave and Woodhaven respectively, are shaking things up with their intriguing tees. The Poptee brand can be understood as ‘popping with art culture’ because the pair is driven by using art as a means of communication.
When asked how this unique idea came about, Njabulo said: “My partner and I have always had an interest in approaching activism through a different route. We noticed the growing of statement tees making a comeback and so we decided to jump on that train too, using universal quotes from the internet which also serves a platform for people talk about things that are close to their hearts or concerns them most.”
Whether serious or light-hearted, the duo addresses any and every social issue under the sun through their work. When asked which social issue is closest to her heart and why, Thando said issues faced by women resonate with her the most. “Both Njabulo and I have been raised by single mothers and I admire their strength. Women in our society have suffered the most because of outdated patriarchal systems, whether it be in religious or academic spaces. Women are not seen or heard yet they play the most pivotal role in society on any level. A society that doesn’t respect women in any capacity is one that is stunted in my opinion,” she explained.
Njabulo also explained that through this initiative they also seek to bring art into the forefront for both its visual and intellectual value, by subverting certain subjects, creating discourse and simply engaging the mind on a higher level of thinking.
“We also want to start a podcast and blog from all this too, to get people talking and sharing what they know for the benefit of the collective. Working with major established platforms in the near future would be great too,” he said.
Njabulo and Thando mainly do pop-up stores in different university campuses around Durban as this makes them mobile and accessible to the community. “We feel that this is the age where relevant conversations need to happen, even if it is started with a t-shirt. Our initiative appeals to anyone who may need validation, closure, a form of healing, a chance to be heard or just to tell their story, through such a platform of simply wearing one of our tees. It’s activism with your whole body,” he said. For more information follow Poptee on Facebook @ Poptee or on Instagram @Poptee_za.
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