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“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“Pockets of Peace”

FRAGILE, DO NOT TOUCH.

📸: @vee.bolt

“My music is strictly personal, always has been. I feel that’s what gives it its depth and longevity... personal equals relatable.”
March cover star @thabsie_sa is in her element, intentional, expressive, and moving with purpose.
Appearing in partnership with @courvoisiersa she lets us into her world in an exclusive story and striking shoot.
Tap in properly, the March issue is on shelves nationwide now. Go get your copy.

Photography: @sincerelyobby
Digi assist: @thatomabena_
Lighting: @vee.bolt
Agency: @justexistsagency
Editor-in-chief: @molifekumona
Art Director: @keenan.jeppe
Written By: @shannon_dawn11
Styling & Creative Direction: @hlonixmbhele
Thabsie stylist: @eric_thatboyy
Assistant styling: @cwengahlanjwa
Grooming: @tinyikon.makeup_
Location: @mirasandton

“My music is strictly personal, always has been. I feel that’s what gives it its depth and longevity... personal equals relatable.”
March cover star @thabsie_sa is in her element, intentional, expressive, and moving with purpose.
Appearing in partnership with @courvoisiersa she lets us into her world in an exclusive story and striking shoot.
Tap in properly, the March issue is on shelves nationwide now. Go get your copy.

Photography: @sincerelyobby
Digi assist: @thatomabena_
Lighting: @vee.bolt
Agency: @justexistsagency
Editor-in-chief: @molifekumona
Art Director: @keenan.jeppe
Written By: @shannon_dawn11
Styling & Creative Direction: @hlonixmbhele
Thabsie stylist: @eric_thatboyy
Assistant styling: @cwengahlanjwa
Grooming: @tinyikon.makeup_
Location: @mirasandton

“My music is strictly personal, always has been. I feel that’s what gives it its depth and longevity... personal equals relatable.”
March cover star @thabsie_sa is in her element, intentional, expressive, and moving with purpose.
Appearing in partnership with @courvoisiersa she lets us into her world in an exclusive story and striking shoot.
Tap in properly, the March issue is on shelves nationwide now. Go get your copy.

Photography: @sincerelyobby
Digi assist: @thatomabena_
Lighting: @vee.bolt
Agency: @justexistsagency
Editor-in-chief: @molifekumona
Art Director: @keenan.jeppe
Written By: @shannon_dawn11
Styling & Creative Direction: @hlonixmbhele
Thabsie stylist: @eric_thatboyy
Assistant styling: @cwengahlanjwa
Grooming: @tinyikon.makeup_
Location: @mirasandton

Exciting update 📸 My new website is finally live!! a space to showcase my work, stories, and a few projects I’ve been holding back until now.

I’m also proud to share that I’m now represented in Cape Town by the amazing team at @herocreativemanagement ,while still working closely with @redhotops_official in Joburg.

Take a look at the site when you get a chance — there’s fresh work and unreleased projects I can’t wait for you to see.

All links on my bio.

Exciting update 📸 My new website is finally live!! a space to showcase my work, stories, and a few projects I’ve been holding back until now.

I’m also proud to share that I’m now represented in Cape Town by the amazing team at @herocreativemanagement ,while still working closely with @redhotops_official in Joburg.

Take a look at the site when you get a chance — there’s fresh work and unreleased projects I can’t wait for you to see.

All links on my bio.

Exciting update 📸 My new website is finally live!! a space to showcase my work, stories, and a few projects I’ve been holding back until now.

I’m also proud to share that I’m now represented in Cape Town by the amazing team at @herocreativemanagement ,while still working closely with @redhotops_official in Joburg.

Take a look at the site when you get a chance — there’s fresh work and unreleased projects I can’t wait for you to see.

All links on my bio.

Exciting update 📸 My new website is finally live!! a space to showcase my work, stories, and a few projects I’ve been holding back until now.

I’m also proud to share that I’m now represented in Cape Town by the amazing team at @herocreativemanagement ,while still working closely with @redhotops_official in Joburg.

Take a look at the site when you get a chance — there’s fresh work and unreleased projects I can’t wait for you to see.

All links on my bio.

Exciting update 📸 My new website is finally live!! a space to showcase my work, stories, and a few projects I’ve been holding back until now.

I’m also proud to share that I’m now represented in Cape Town by the amazing team at @herocreativemanagement ,while still working closely with @redhotops_official in Joburg.

Take a look at the site when you get a chance — there’s fresh work and unreleased projects I can’t wait for you to see.

All links on my bio.

Exciting update 📸 My new website is finally live!! a space to showcase my work, stories, and a few projects I’ve been holding back until now.

I’m also proud to share that I’m now represented in Cape Town by the amazing team at @herocreativemanagement ,while still working closely with @redhotops_official in Joburg.

Take a look at the site when you get a chance — there’s fresh work and unreleased projects I can’t wait for you to see.

All links on my bio.

Exciting update 📸 My new website is finally live!! a space to showcase my work, stories, and a few projects I’ve been holding back until now.

I’m also proud to share that I’m now represented in Cape Town by the amazing team at @herocreativemanagement ,while still working closely with @redhotops_official in Joburg.

Take a look at the site when you get a chance — there’s fresh work and unreleased projects I can’t wait for you to see.

All links on my bio.

New Cover for @billboardafrica featuring @moliymusic

Thank you to the amazing, hard working team who made all of this possible.

photographed by Obakeng Molepe @sincerelyobby /Red Hot Ops @redhotops_official
Lighting assistant: Warren Sithari
Digi Assistant: Larry Ntuthuko @larry_walkhardt
Videography: @Irjproductionstudios
Creative Direction by Itumeleng Kwele @ikwele
Styling by Mpumi & Wanele Ngcobo @waningcobo
Hair by Mamello Makha @mm_exotic_salon
Make-up by Lekeko.lab.

Additional production by Lekgotla La Dikakapa. Ezokhetho Seven Colour Cropped jacket, Inqina Polka Dot Bubble fress, Zodwa Faux Leather pink belt. Shoes, stockings: stylist’s own.

New Cover for @billboardafrica featuring @moliymusic

Thank you to the amazing, hard working team who made all of this possible.

photographed by Obakeng Molepe @sincerelyobby /Red Hot Ops @redhotops_official
Lighting assistant: Warren Sithari
Digi Assistant: Larry Ntuthuko @larry_walkhardt
Videography: @Irjproductionstudios
Creative Direction by Itumeleng Kwele @ikwele
Styling by Mpumi & Wanele Ngcobo @waningcobo
Hair by Mamello Makha @mm_exotic_salon
Make-up by Lekeko.lab.

Additional production by Lekgotla La Dikakapa. Ezokhetho Seven Colour Cropped jacket, Inqina Polka Dot Bubble fress, Zodwa Faux Leather pink belt. Shoes, stockings: stylist’s own.

New Cover for @billboardafrica featuring @moliymusic

Thank you to the amazing, hard working team who made all of this possible.

photographed by Obakeng Molepe @sincerelyobby /Red Hot Ops @redhotops_official
Lighting assistant: Warren Sithari
Digi Assistant: Larry Ntuthuko @larry_walkhardt
Videography: @Irjproductionstudios
Creative Direction by Itumeleng Kwele @ikwele
Styling by Mpumi & Wanele Ngcobo @waningcobo
Hair by Mamello Makha @mm_exotic_salon
Make-up by Lekeko.lab.

Additional production by Lekgotla La Dikakapa. Ezokhetho Seven Colour Cropped jacket, Inqina Polka Dot Bubble fress, Zodwa Faux Leather pink belt. Shoes, stockings: stylist’s own.

New Cover for @billboardafrica featuring @moliymusic

Thank you to the amazing, hard working team who made all of this possible.

photographed by Obakeng Molepe @sincerelyobby /Red Hot Ops @redhotops_official
Lighting assistant: Warren Sithari
Digi Assistant: Larry Ntuthuko @larry_walkhardt
Videography: @Irjproductionstudios
Creative Direction by Itumeleng Kwele @ikwele
Styling by Mpumi & Wanele Ngcobo @waningcobo
Hair by Mamello Makha @mm_exotic_salon
Make-up by Lekeko.lab.

Additional production by Lekgotla La Dikakapa. Ezokhetho Seven Colour Cropped jacket, Inqina Polka Dot Bubble fress, Zodwa Faux Leather pink belt. Shoes, stockings: stylist’s own.

New Cover for @billboardafrica featuring @moliymusic

Thank you to the amazing, hard working team who made all of this possible.

photographed by Obakeng Molepe @sincerelyobby /Red Hot Ops @redhotops_official
Lighting assistant: Warren Sithari
Digi Assistant: Larry Ntuthuko @larry_walkhardt
Videography: @Irjproductionstudios
Creative Direction by Itumeleng Kwele @ikwele
Styling by Mpumi & Wanele Ngcobo @waningcobo
Hair by Mamello Makha @mm_exotic_salon
Make-up by Lekeko.lab.

Additional production by Lekgotla La Dikakapa. Ezokhetho Seven Colour Cropped jacket, Inqina Polka Dot Bubble fress, Zodwa Faux Leather pink belt. Shoes, stockings: stylist’s own.

Editorial still for the cast of Emphini for @showmaxonline

Talent: @ladynam_bm @siyabonga_thwala12 Owen Shake @nqo4reel

SNR Art Director: @dizzytyd
SNR Copywriter: @nezworx
SNR designer: @nishkarsingh
Marketing Manager: @vuyopam
Marketing Producer: Beth Maaroganye
Marketing Coordinator: @vee_kadalie

Production: @redhotops_official

Photographer: @sincerelyobby
Digital Assistant: @justzembe
Lighting assistance @odd_ic
Stylist: @francois._ferreira
Make Up: @mirriammachuchamakeup
Executive Producer: @lulamamabi
Producer: @lola_waafurika

Editorial still for the cast of Emphini for @showmaxonline

Talent: @ladynam_bm @siyabonga_thwala12 Owen Shake @nqo4reel

SNR Art Director: @dizzytyd
SNR Copywriter: @nezworx
SNR designer: @nishkarsingh
Marketing Manager: @vuyopam
Marketing Producer: Beth Maaroganye
Marketing Coordinator: @vee_kadalie

Production: @redhotops_official

Photographer: @sincerelyobby
Digital Assistant: @justzembe
Lighting assistance @odd_ic
Stylist: @francois._ferreira
Make Up: @mirriammachuchamakeup
Executive Producer: @lulamamabi
Producer: @lola_waafurika

Editorial still for the cast of Emphini for @showmaxonline

Talent: @ladynam_bm @siyabonga_thwala12 Owen Shake @nqo4reel

SNR Art Director: @dizzytyd
SNR Copywriter: @nezworx
SNR designer: @nishkarsingh
Marketing Manager: @vuyopam
Marketing Producer: Beth Maaroganye
Marketing Coordinator: @vee_kadalie

Production: @redhotops_official

Photographer: @sincerelyobby
Digital Assistant: @justzembe
Lighting assistance @odd_ic
Stylist: @francois._ferreira
Make Up: @mirriammachuchamakeup
Executive Producer: @lulamamabi
Producer: @lola_waafurika

Editorial still for the cast of Emphini for @showmaxonline

Talent: @ladynam_bm @siyabonga_thwala12 Owen Shake @nqo4reel

SNR Art Director: @dizzytyd
SNR Copywriter: @nezworx
SNR designer: @nishkarsingh
Marketing Manager: @vuyopam
Marketing Producer: Beth Maaroganye
Marketing Coordinator: @vee_kadalie

Production: @redhotops_official

Photographer: @sincerelyobby
Digital Assistant: @justzembe
Lighting assistance @odd_ic
Stylist: @francois._ferreira
Make Up: @mirriammachuchamakeup
Executive Producer: @lulamamabi
Producer: @lola_waafurika

Editorial still for the cast of Emphini for @showmaxonline

Talent: @ladynam_bm @siyabonga_thwala12 Owen Shake @nqo4reel

SNR Art Director: @dizzytyd
SNR Copywriter: @nezworx
SNR designer: @nishkarsingh
Marketing Manager: @vuyopam
Marketing Producer: Beth Maaroganye
Marketing Coordinator: @vee_kadalie

Production: @redhotops_official

Photographer: @sincerelyobby
Digital Assistant: @justzembe
Lighting assistance @odd_ic
Stylist: @francois._ferreira
Make Up: @mirriammachuchamakeup
Executive Producer: @lulamamabi
Producer: @lola_waafurika

Recently got a chance to shoot the greats @murdahbongz & @dlalathukzin for @gqsouthafrica x @courvoisiersa

Photography: @sincerelyobby
Digi assist: @thatomabena_
Lighting: @vee.bolt

Agency: @justexistsagency

Editor-in-chief: @molifekumona
Art Director: @keenan.jeppe
Written By: @shannon_dawn11
Styling & Creative Direction: @hlonixmbhele
Thabsie stylist: @eric_thatboyy
Assistant styling: @cwengahlanjwa
Grooming: @tinyikon.makeup_
Location:@mirasandton

#GQxCourvoisier

#gqxmörda

#gqxdlalathukzin

Recently got a chance to shoot the greats @murdahbongz & @dlalathukzin for @gqsouthafrica x @courvoisiersa

Photography: @sincerelyobby
Digi assist: @thatomabena_
Lighting: @vee.bolt

Agency: @justexistsagency

Editor-in-chief: @molifekumona
Art Director: @keenan.jeppe
Written By: @shannon_dawn11
Styling & Creative Direction: @hlonixmbhele
Thabsie stylist: @eric_thatboyy
Assistant styling: @cwengahlanjwa
Grooming: @tinyikon.makeup_
Location:@mirasandton

#GQxCourvoisier

#gqxmörda

#gqxdlalathukzin

Recently got a chance to shoot the greats @murdahbongz & @dlalathukzin for @gqsouthafrica x @courvoisiersa

Photography: @sincerelyobby
Digi assist: @thatomabena_
Lighting: @vee.bolt

Agency: @justexistsagency

Editor-in-chief: @molifekumona
Art Director: @keenan.jeppe
Written By: @shannon_dawn11
Styling & Creative Direction: @hlonixmbhele
Thabsie stylist: @eric_thatboyy
Assistant styling: @cwengahlanjwa
Grooming: @tinyikon.makeup_
Location:@mirasandton

#GQxCourvoisier

#gqxmörda

#gqxdlalathukzin

Recently got a chance to shoot the greats @murdahbongz & @dlalathukzin for @gqsouthafrica x @courvoisiersa

Photography: @sincerelyobby
Digi assist: @thatomabena_
Lighting: @vee.bolt

Agency: @justexistsagency

Editor-in-chief: @molifekumona
Art Director: @keenan.jeppe
Written By: @shannon_dawn11
Styling & Creative Direction: @hlonixmbhele
Thabsie stylist: @eric_thatboyy
Assistant styling: @cwengahlanjwa
Grooming: @tinyikon.makeup_
Location:@mirasandton

#GQxCourvoisier

#gqxmörda

#gqxdlalathukzin

🚨 PRINT ISSUE OUT IN STORES 🚨

Introducing our first cover for the March/April Sports Issue featuring football legend and icon @lucasradebe in collaboration with @layssouthafrica

From his unforgettable days on the field to his continued impact in the world of football, Lucas Radebe has earned his place as one of South Africa’s greatest athletes. His leadership, skill, and dedication to the game have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations.

In this issue, Lucas reflects on his football journey from Soweto to global stardom, his lifelong passion for the game, creating success both on and off the field, family, and the notion of legacy.

Editor-in-chief: @molifekumona
Art Director: @keenan.jeppe
Written By: @shannon_dawn11
Creative Direction and Styling: Hloniphile Mbhele @hlonixmbhele
Grooming: @carolinegreeff
Photography: Obakeng Molepe @sincerelyobby
Photographer's assistant : @vee.bolt

The issue is available on shelves nationwide and digitally at the link in bio.

#GQxLaysSA
#GQXLucasRadebe
#GQxSports
#NoLaysNoGame

BTS from my shoot with @moliymusic for her new @billboardafrica cover.

MOLIY photographed by Obakeng Molepe @sincerelyobby/Red Hot Ops @redhotops_official
Lighting assistant: Warren Sithari
Digi Assistant: Larry Ntuthuko @larry_walkhardt
Videography: @Irjproductionstudios
Creative Direction by Itumeleng Kwele.
Styling by Mpumi & Wanele Ngcobo.
Hair by Mamello Makha @mm_exotic_salon
Make-up by Lekeko.lab.
Additional production by Lekgotla La Dikakapa. Ezokhetho Seven Colour Cropped jacket, Inqina Polka Dot Bubble fress, Zodwa Faux Leather pink belt. Shoes, stockings: stylist’s own.

Essence of @tnxbk

Producer: @tracymokgopo

Assist: @thatomabena_
Stylist: @tracymokgopo
MAU: @skyyyyyyyyyyeee @skyedoesfaces
Dressed by: @gadathouse

Thanks again to this lovely team, Thank you @tnxbk for making the time and being a lovely Muse, I can’t wait to share the rest of the images from this series.

#portrait #photography #fashion

Essence of @tnxbk

Producer: @tracymokgopo

Assist: @thatomabena_
Stylist: @tracymokgopo
MAU: @skyyyyyyyyyyeee @skyedoesfaces
Dressed by: @gadathouse

Thanks again to this lovely team, Thank you @tnxbk for making the time and being a lovely Muse, I can’t wait to share the rest of the images from this series.

#portrait #photography #fashion

Essence of @tnxbk

Producer: @tracymokgopo

Assist: @thatomabena_
Stylist: @tracymokgopo
MAU: @skyyyyyyyyyyeee @skyedoesfaces
Dressed by: @gadathouse

Thanks again to this lovely team, Thank you @tnxbk for making the time and being a lovely Muse, I can’t wait to share the rest of the images from this series.

#portrait #photography #fashion

Essence of @tnxbk

Producer: @tracymokgopo

Assist: @thatomabena_
Stylist: @tracymokgopo
MAU: @skyyyyyyyyyyeee @skyedoesfaces
Dressed by: @gadathouse

Thanks again to this lovely team, Thank you @tnxbk for making the time and being a lovely Muse, I can’t wait to share the rest of the images from this series.

#portrait #photography #fashion

Essence of @tnxbk

Producer: @tracymokgopo

Assist: @thatomabena_
Stylist: @tracymokgopo
MAU: @skyyyyyyyyyyeee @skyedoesfaces
Dressed by: @gadathouse

Thanks again to this lovely team, Thank you @tnxbk for making the time and being a lovely Muse, I can’t wait to share the rest of the images from this series.

#portrait #photography #fashion

Essence of @tnxbk

Producer: @tracymokgopo

Assist: @thatomabena_
Stylist: @tracymokgopo
MAU: @skyyyyyyyyyyeee @skyedoesfaces
Dressed by: @gadathouse

Thanks again to this lovely team, Thank you @tnxbk for making the time and being a lovely Muse, I can’t wait to share the rest of the images from this series.

#portrait #photography #fashion

Portrait of one of the dopest humans you will ever come across @odd_ic

Portrait of one of the dopest humans you will ever come across @odd_ic

Some film stills I grabbed in between my shoot with @zintathu for @gqsouthafrica

The Godly Digi assistant: @theblvr_za
Lighting: @justzembe
Editor-in-Chief: @molifekumona
Art Direction: @keenan.jeppe
Written by: @shannon_dawn11
Creative Direction: @hlonixmbhele
Styled by: @styledbyboogy
Hair: @iamdeborah_king
Makeup: @livhu_mua
Location: — @beachhousecollectionsa

Some film stills I grabbed in between my shoot with @zintathu for @gqsouthafrica

The Godly Digi assistant: @theblvr_za
Lighting: @justzembe
Editor-in-Chief: @molifekumona
Art Direction: @keenan.jeppe
Written by: @shannon_dawn11
Creative Direction: @hlonixmbhele
Styled by: @styledbyboogy
Hair: @iamdeborah_king
Makeup: @livhu_mua
Location: — @beachhousecollectionsa

Some film stills I grabbed in between my shoot with @zintathu for @gqsouthafrica

The Godly Digi assistant: @theblvr_za
Lighting: @justzembe
Editor-in-Chief: @molifekumona
Art Direction: @keenan.jeppe
Written by: @shannon_dawn11
Creative Direction: @hlonixmbhele
Styled by: @styledbyboogy
Hair: @iamdeborah_king
Makeup: @livhu_mua
Location: — @beachhousecollectionsa

OBAKENG MOLEPE

ARTIST STATEMENT

Tumelo

Both bodies of work belong to my series titled Tumelo, a word that directly translates to “Faith.” I created Tumelo as a way to explore the duality within faith and religion, revealing the tension between the absurdity of blind faith and the profound beauty of human beings choosing to believe in something greater than themselves.

This project also served as an ongoing conversation with myself regarding my beliefs. After years of studying the Stoics’ idea of Amor Fati - Latin for “love of fate” — I kept returning to the concept of not only accepting but actively embracing all aspects of life, both good and bad, as necessary.
Considering this idea in the context of religion naturally led me into a conversation about blind faith.

Many people, like those depicted in these photographs, sacrifice significant time, money, and resources to prove their faith. From a social perspective, this form of blind faith has given rise to new movements of
“mushroom churches” and self-appointed priests or prophets who may exploit that devotion. We have seen churches appear overnight and disappear just as quickly, sometimes taking their followers’ hopes and resources with them. Countless stories exist of priests fleeing after financial misconduct or churches collapsing under the weight of deceit…

SHOWING | NOV25-FEB26

OBAKENG MOLEPE

ARTIST STATEMENT

Tumelo

Both bodies of work belong to my series titled Tumelo, a word that directly translates to “Faith.” I created Tumelo as a way to explore the duality within faith and religion, revealing the tension between the absurdity of blind faith and the profound beauty of human beings choosing to believe in something greater than themselves.

This project also served as an ongoing conversation with myself regarding my beliefs. After years of studying the Stoics’ idea of Amor Fati - Latin for “love of fate” — I kept returning to the concept of not only accepting but actively embracing all aspects of life, both good and bad, as necessary.
Considering this idea in the context of religion naturally led me into a conversation about blind faith.

Many people, like those depicted in these photographs, sacrifice significant time, money, and resources to prove their faith. From a social perspective, this form of blind faith has given rise to new movements of
“mushroom churches” and self-appointed priests or prophets who may exploit that devotion. We have seen churches appear overnight and disappear just as quickly, sometimes taking their followers’ hopes and resources with them. Countless stories exist of priests fleeing after financial misconduct or churches collapsing under the weight of deceit…

SHOWING | NOV25-FEB26

OBAKENG MOLEPE

ARTIST STATEMENT

Tumelo

Both bodies of work belong to my series titled Tumelo, a word that directly translates to “Faith.” I created Tumelo as a way to explore the duality within faith and religion, revealing the tension between the absurdity of blind faith and the profound beauty of human beings choosing to believe in something greater than themselves.

This project also served as an ongoing conversation with myself regarding my beliefs. After years of studying the Stoics’ idea of Amor Fati - Latin for “love of fate” — I kept returning to the concept of not only accepting but actively embracing all aspects of life, both good and bad, as necessary.
Considering this idea in the context of religion naturally led me into a conversation about blind faith.

Many people, like those depicted in these photographs, sacrifice significant time, money, and resources to prove their faith. From a social perspective, this form of blind faith has given rise to new movements of
“mushroom churches” and self-appointed priests or prophets who may exploit that devotion. We have seen churches appear overnight and disappear just as quickly, sometimes taking their followers’ hopes and resources with them. Countless stories exist of priests fleeing after financial misconduct or churches collapsing under the weight of deceit…

SHOWING | NOV25-FEB26

OBAKENG MOLEPE

ARTIST STATEMENT

Tumelo

Both bodies of work belong to my series titled Tumelo, a word that directly translates to “Faith.” I created Tumelo as a way to explore the duality within faith and religion, revealing the tension between the absurdity of blind faith and the profound beauty of human beings choosing to believe in something greater than themselves.

This project also served as an ongoing conversation with myself regarding my beliefs. After years of studying the Stoics’ idea of Amor Fati - Latin for “love of fate” — I kept returning to the concept of not only accepting but actively embracing all aspects of life, both good and bad, as necessary.
Considering this idea in the context of religion naturally led me into a conversation about blind faith.

Many people, like those depicted in these photographs, sacrifice significant time, money, and resources to prove their faith. From a social perspective, this form of blind faith has given rise to new movements of
“mushroom churches” and self-appointed priests or prophets who may exploit that devotion. We have seen churches appear overnight and disappear just as quickly, sometimes taking their followers’ hopes and resources with them. Countless stories exist of priests fleeing after financial misconduct or churches collapsing under the weight of deceit…

SHOWING | NOV25-FEB26

OBAKENG MOLEPE

ARTIST STATEMENT

Tumelo

Both bodies of work belong to my series titled Tumelo, a word that directly translates to “Faith.” I created Tumelo as a way to explore the duality within faith and religion, revealing the tension between the absurdity of blind faith and the profound beauty of human beings choosing to believe in something greater than themselves.

This project also served as an ongoing conversation with myself regarding my beliefs. After years of studying the Stoics’ idea of Amor Fati - Latin for “love of fate” — I kept returning to the concept of not only accepting but actively embracing all aspects of life, both good and bad, as necessary.
Considering this idea in the context of religion naturally led me into a conversation about blind faith.

Many people, like those depicted in these photographs, sacrifice significant time, money, and resources to prove their faith. From a social perspective, this form of blind faith has given rise to new movements of
“mushroom churches” and self-appointed priests or prophets who may exploit that devotion. We have seen churches appear overnight and disappear just as quickly, sometimes taking their followers’ hopes and resources with them. Countless stories exist of priests fleeing after financial misconduct or churches collapsing under the weight of deceit…

SHOWING | NOV25-FEB26