Last week Wednesday evening, G-STAR brought together some of South Africa’s most forward-thinking creatives, cultural tastemakers, and media for a night that was never just about fashion. Held at the iconic Youngblood Gallery in Cape Town, the brand marked its latest collaboration with award-winning jazz pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini—a partnership rooted in creative freedom, heritage, and unapologetic expression.
The evening opened with a hypnotic, multi-sensory performance by creative collective Dear Ribane, setting the tone for what followed: a collision of sound, style, and soul. Guests were then immersed in a live set from Nduduzo Makhathini, an artist whose deeply spiritual and improvisational jazz turned the gallery into something electric, reflective, and entirely his own.
Guiding the evening was actor and presenter Siv Ngesi, who served as MC, weaving the night together with insight and energy.
At the core of the event was a candid and compelling conversation between Makhathini and cultural curator Nandi Dlepu. Together, they explored the intersection of artistry and intention, breaking down what it means to create work that holds weight—visually, emotionally, and culturally. The dialogue revealed a natural synergy between Nduduzo’s layered storytelling and G-STAR’s craft-driven design ethos. Both rooted in purpose. Both pushing forward.
This was never just about denim,” said Wedaad Lima, Marketing Manager at G-Star South Africa. “It was about merging worlds, sound and style, in a way that’s grounded in intention. Nduduzo’s creative energy and the way he shows up with depth, clarity, and edge is exactly the kind of spirit G-Star was built for.
The guest list brought together some of the country’s leading creative voices, including Glamour Editor-in-Chief Nontando Mposo, GQ Editor-in-Chief Molife Kumona, designer Lukhanyo Mdingi, and visual artist Trevor Stuurman. Also in attendance were Jo-Ann Strauss, former Miss South Africa and global media personality, as well as radio presenter Jamie Domburg. The energy in the room was one of respect, resonance, and real conversation—a reflection of G-STAR’s commitment to building platforms for culture shapers.
With Nduduzo Makhathini set to perform alongside global icon Black Coffee at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the event served as a powerful prelude—a celebration of what happens when music, fashion, and storytelling come together with purpose.
This collaboration joins a growing list of G-STAR partnerships with cultural icons who break boundaries and challenge convention—from Burna Boy and Magnus Carlsen to Walter Van Beirendonck and Cara Delevingne. With Nduduzo Makhathini, G-STAR continues to rewrite the rules, proving that expression has no single format—just real stories, told boldly.
