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Beyond aesthetics: art that gives voice, creates change and shapes the scene

Beyond aesthetics: art that gives voice, creates change and shapes the scene
Dj Maphorisa and Kabza De Small at YFM Big Announcement on October 26, 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Image: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape
Shérie Vollenhoven
By Shérie Vollenhoven
27 Dec 2024
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The year’s Artist of the Year runners-up have each pushed the limit in their chosen medium, bridging beauty and activism to produce something fresh and evocative.

Bachir Mohammad


The Lebanese artist’s work has become a symbol of art’s power to evoke social change, transcend political divides and give voice to the voiceless. His installation of 15,000 teddy bear sculptures, each with its feet encased in concrete, was a striking representation of the children who have lost their lives in the Gaza conflict. 

But this installation was more than just a visual tribute; it was a powerful call to action. Bachir Mohammad’s work turned the gallery space into a platform for activism, bringing attention to a humanitarian crisis that continues to claim innocent lives. By raising substantial funds for relief efforts, his art became a means of support for the survivors and a channel for the global community to respond to the ongoing tragedy. 

The emotional weight of the installation was felt worldwide, and it sparked important conversations about the human cost of conflict, reminding us that behind every statistic there are families torn apart and futures stolen. Mohammad’s art reminded the world that empathy and action must go hand in hand.

His artistic achievements have made Mohammad an indispensable voice in contemporary art, and his ability to inspire global action through his work demonstrates the far-reaching impact of art that goes beyond aesthetics.

Zanele Muholi


Zanele Muholi Zanele Muholi (2024) (Photograph: Jorge Meza | Southern Guild)



A celebrated contemporary photographer, Zanele Muholi’s pieces consistently challenge societal norms and give visibility to marginalised communities, particularly South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ population. Muholi’s approach to photography goes beyond traditional portraiture; their images serve as powerful tools for advocacy and social change, capturing not only the beauty and strength of their subjects but also the adversity they face in a world that marginalises them. 

What sets Muholi’s work apart is their commitment to telling the untold stories of individuals who have been silenced, often through violence or discrimination. Their photographs do not merely capture a moment in time, they capture the essence of the people in front of the camera, highlighting their dignity, humanity and resilience. 

Their photography has been exhibited internationally in prominent institutions such as the Tate Modern in London. Through their lens, Muholi has created a visual archive of survival and resistance in a society that has often been hostile to those who do not conform to traditional gender and sexual identities. By capturing these moments of intimacy and defiance, Muholi’s work challenges us to rethink what it means to live authentically.

Muholi’s art is a reminder that photography is not just about documenting the world, it is also about shaping the world. Their work is a testament to the ways in which art can serve as both a mirror and a lens, reflecting the realities of marginalised communities while also providing a means of empowerment and resistance.

Kabza De Small and Mthunzi


kabza de small ofentse Amapiano meets Classical music at the first Red Bull Symphonic in South Africa with DJ Kabza De Small, orchestra conductor Ofentse Pitse and the Symphonic Orchestra. (Photo: Supplied)



Kabza De Small Dj Maphorisa and Kabza De Small at YFM Big Announcement in 2021 in Johannesburg. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)



These are two of the most influential figures in amapiano, a South African music movement that has rapidly gained international acclaim. Kabza De Small and Mthunzi’s collaborative album Isimo has become a cornerstone in the development and popularisation of the genre that fuses deep house, jazz and traditional African sounds into an infectious rhythm that resonates with listeners worldwide.

Their album won several awards at the South African Music Awards, including Album of the Year, Duo/Group of the Year and Best Amapiano Album. It solidified their place as pioneers within the genre. What sets Kabza De Small and Mthunzi apart is their ability to blend various musical influences while still staying true to the roots of South African culture.

The artists have played a pivotal role in elevating amapiano to the global stage, introducing it to international audiences and reshaping the soundscape of modern African music. Their innovative sound has not only reshaped South Africa’s music industry but has also contributed to the global conversation about African music and its influence on contemporary sounds worldwide. Their work has also sparked a cultural renaissance locally, giving young South Africans a sense of pride and identity through music.

Kabza De Small and Mthunzi’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity and cultural pride in shaping the future of music. DM

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