By Wanique Block
“Listen to the kids bro”, a sentiment made by controversial American rapper Kanye West during his 2015 acceptance speech at the MTV awards.
Though not new, the sentiment highlights the importance of supporting younger generations of creatives and professionals and reiterates the old notion that the youth are the future.
Seven years later since Kanye’s “Listen to the kids” rant, yet nothing seems to be more relevant and necessary.
In South Africa, artists like the late Riky Rick, who shared the same sentiments as Kanye West, often placed emphasis on the importance of youth development by dedicating his time to assisting and supporting young visionaries.
This movement of Youth Empowerment has not only aided in the birth of a new era, but it has facilitated and supported an array of young innovators, especially in a time where the odds seem to be stacked against the youth of South Africa.
Today, as we celebrate Youth Month, we speak to South African Nail Artist and self-professed ‘Nail Pimp’, Sista Ntswembu.
Bold, Girl Boss and Trailblazer these are the words that came to mind when I first met Sista Ntswembu.
Born and bred in Soweto, Johannesburg, Naledi Thabo popularly known as Sista Ntswembu is a self-taught nail artist and hair stylist.
Inspired by the human experience of life itself, Sista Ntswembu provides all customers, of all genders with unique, colourful and playful customized nail designs.
“I draw inspiration from a lot of day-to-day things, especially living in a city like Johannesburg, where the human experience itself is such a beautiful thing to experience and witness. I find beauty in everything!”, Sista Ntswembu shares with Kaya 959.
At only 20-years-old Sista Ntswembu is redefining societal beauty standards and places emphasis on the narrative that Beauty is Art.
“I don’t believe in conforming to societal beauty standards. If that’s what you want, then do what you want!”, Sista Ntswembu expresses.
In continuation Sista Ntswembu notes: “Within the Beauty industry there’s not enough representation for beauty artists, especially in the arts department. And when you look at women’s hairstyles on a day-to-day basis, there’s just so much art, beauty, creativity and geometry! There’s so many different designs, colors and textures to play around with. BEAUTY IS ART, because it really is!”
Sista Ntswembu uses her craft as a medium for self-expression and creativity.
“A lot of the work I do is so much for self-expression. I want people to be able to [confidently] express themselves in how they look, how their hair looks and how their nails look”, Sista Ntswembu explains.
Confident about the future of the South Africa’s youth, Sista Ntswembu reminds me of how so many young people in South Africa are occupying spaces that weren’t meant for them.
“This year a lot of youth are occupying various spaces, whether that be the creative scene, art, music, medicine, everything!”
She continues by reiterating Kanye’s 2015 MTV acceptance speech.
“Listen to the kids, because the kids are here to take it!”
So in the wise words of Kanye, Riky and Sista Ntwembu, Listen to the kids bro!
Read Next: #YoungTrailblazers: Celebrating Youth Month with Miss Teen SA Khanyisile B. Mahlangu
