“I am a stylist who is inspired by all forms of art;
I reflect art through my clothing style.” _Donna
When
I first met this rather poised gentleman I was quite intrigued and taken aback
at how well put together he was; dressed in a men’s polo neck and a grey,
tailored suit with brown Brogues, and I don’t fairly remember the colour of his
Fedora, but the man looked respectfully attractive –like he just stepped out of
a timeless movie. On September, 29th
2013 I arrived at Klipspruit, Soweto where I was attending a poetry session.
Fanyana Mathole, known by his friends as Donna (Soulaquarian Mgasha) was there
with his crew taking pictures of the moments. I remember saying to him, “hey,
I’d like to work with you some time.” Surprised at my gesture he just nodded.
LOL
A
few months passed and I suddenly got the urge to scout out upcoming artists;
musicians, vocalists, photographers, poets, fashion designers, stylists and
entrepreneurs who incorporated a dress sense to their craftsmanship. I thought
it a good idea to write features, profiles and reviews on them. Donna was a
perfect candidate after a few articles I had written and I just couldn’t wait
to start writing J
At
the start of the interview, he seemed a little apprehensive, but later
explained that he was just distracted; needless to say, a man of very few
words. Donna reflects a sense of humility, a bit of coyness and based on what
I’ve seen, quite playful too.
Born
and raised in Klipspruit, Soweto, he lived with his mother, grandparents, and
uncle. He later moved to Orlando East in Bom town due to changing of schools
and later came back to Klipspruit. “My
childhood was bliss. I loved soccer growing up, even played for Pirates Junior.”
Fanyana grew up being surrounded by a lot of soccer and that’s where he got the
nickname ‘Donna’ from. At the time he wanted to pursue a career but soon
realised that he had other interests, “well,
when I was younger I always thought I would be a great soccer player, playing overseas,
but due to these distractions, all the disappointments and politics I was
facing at the time, I decide to pursue my other passions – the love of art is
my second love.” He started gaining interested in fashion and lifestyle and
was privileged enough to have witnessed it in his own household, his grandfather
was a very stylish man; he was humble and loved his jazz music and clothes. “My grandpa grew up in the Kofifi times; he
was a very stylish man.” Photography became one of the things he developed
love for during his travels. “I like
adventure, capturing whatever is eye-catching and blend it with my fashion
style and it must be storytelling.”
His
most memorable moments of his childhood he says were when he and his family
would go out to soccer matches where they would sit and watch him play. “I was a humble kid.” He said. Donna is
now a freelance stylist who sells tailored vintage suits, he is the owner of Formula Bar
in Klipspruit where he hosts events like poetry sessions, live bands, and mini
art displays. He’s an art driven model who’s inspired by history and any form
of art that catches his eye. “I’m passion
driven, it’s what I love, I believe that you must do what you love and the
money will follow.” When asked if he thinks that art should be funded he said: “Yes, art should be privately and publicly
funded the crap out! In schools, in universities and at private event; encouraging
artistic inspiration and creativity is what helps us develop as humans and
express that very humanity in so many ways. Without art, we are simply vessels
without an outlet waiting to burst. Art is an outlet that makes what could be
seen a negative energy and funnels it into something that can be seen as
beautiful. Art has no boundaries so there is nothing to dislike about it. An
artistic outlook on life is sometimes difficult to find at times in our
everyday life to observe and explore our immediate surroundings, to take in the
neighbourhood and reflect on constant changes taking place around us. He
believes that art should be able to involve its residents as active
participants in the arts, to provide an opportunity for people of all
backgrounds, ages, abilities and interests – to look out, reflect on their
ideas and create new approaches to help develop an environment where creativity
thrives. Donna’s short term goal is to own a clothing store. For orders and
measurements you can follow him @donnalidinho and on Facebook he is donna
soulqaurian mgasha.
“The art
life is not lonely when you are surrounded by people who compliment it.” -
Donna
We would gladly appreciate your comments at the bottom and about this feature. Follow us @RVL_boutique :)
© Angela Nimah
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