For 4 years, we’ve been chasing this moment, just the three of us, a dream team with moodboards stacked like secret diaries, waiting for the stars (and the shoes) to align. It’s funny how something as small as “what shoes do we wear?” can stall an idea, but maybe that’s what makes this one so special we had to earn it.
iQHAWE is more than a women-led creative agency and media publication; it’s where we connect brands to culture and culture to its people, creating worlds that feel like they were made just for you. At the heart of it all, we celebrate creative heroes, those who make you pause, feel, and see differently.
So here we are, finally stepping into frame. This is your chance to sit with us, laugh with us, and get to know the women behind iQHAWE.
Renaè
Founder, Editor-in-Chief & Creative Director – iQHAWE Magazine
1. Genesis Moment – Do you remember the exact moment you decided iQHAWE Magazine had to exist? Was it a slow burn or a lightning strike?
I don’t remember the exact moment, but I clearly remember the feeling it was definitely like a lightning strike, mostly fueled by my impulsive nature. It was as though the idea had been gnawing at me, and then one morning its time had come to be born, and it had to happen instantly. The building of the entire thing, however, took five years, which I guess might make up the 10 000 hours.
2. Vision vs. Reality – What has been the biggest surprise about leading a platform like iQHAWE; what’s turned out completely differently than you imagined?
I can honestly say that what stands out most is the way the magazine has grown and found its place within culture. I feel it emerged at a time when a young, Black female voice was needed in the creative space, and it’s been breathtaking to witness the pivots, the growth, and the beauty of it all come to fruition. At the same time, I won’t lie, it’s also been extremely nerve-wrecking.
Creative Chaos – Take us behind the scenes of a production day, what’s the funniest or most chaotic moment that still makes you laugh when you think about it?
I think the most memorable moment was when a photographer walked off set and refused to continue shooting. I won’t share the full story, but let’s just say, it was a very interesting time.
The Power of Representation – iQHAWE has become a platform for shining light on creatives who might otherwise be overlooked. How do you personally decide who or what deserves that spotlight?
Believe it or not we’ve actually developed a feature criteria. But I genuinely believe it has always come down to three key things: Are they consistent in what they’re doing? Are they building a career, and is their work of significance? This doesn’t necessarily mean political, but rather does the work have any impact? And lastly, which I hadn’t mentioned before, sometimes it’s simply about feeling and connection to the person’s life story, and sensing that it could be impactful when told
Future Forecast – When you dream about iQHAWE ten years from now, what do you see? A magazine, a movement, something we can’t even name yet?
Something we can’t even name yet! Maybe we might even go into mining or even transportation, who knows?
Hlengiwe
iQHAWE Media/Magazine; Head of Production Operations & Music Content Producer – iQHAWE Magazine
Accidental Beginnings – You started by simply lending a hand at an event , how did that small act turn into a full-blown leadership role?
I typically enter work spaces as though they are my own house. With this, I therefore care sincerely for the movements within the space and I think that’s what kept me here with iQHAWE; I immediately moved like I was sold out to the cause. I also really love being a part of things that I believe are impactful and so it was easy for me to “put my body on the line” for this specific house, and be of aid to the actualisation of a vision that is bigger than me.
Production as Heartbeat – You run the operational engine that keeps iQHAWE moving. What’s the most beautiful part of being behind the scenes?
This is an easy one because it’s simply that I get to work with Ana and Renae who have become my sisters who I love deeply. I also get to closely interact with their beautifully creative minds which, at the risk and at full “heck yeah” of sounding like a fan, is quite the privilege.
Unscripted Moments – In production, things rarely go exactly as planned. What’s your favourite “we had to improvise” story?
We were shooting our first series of digital covers where we featured 9 artists from different fields, i.e., film, fine art, and music. The day started out okay but with forecasted rain, the usual set delays, the day became quite a mess. We had to commit because landing on the date and aligning with everyone’s schedules was quite the task; and with the insanely limited budget at hand, we had no liberty of changing plans.
The day demanded a lot of improvisation, but the biggest came when the photographer stepped off set due to frustrations; we had to ask Nkateko Mondhlana, who was our Digi tech, to shoot the rest of it. Also, back in my early days of production, I would keep extra jerseys on set days in the car just in case anyone from the crew got cold—those jerseys came in handy that day.
It’s not only my favourite improvisation story, but for sure also sticks as my favourite thuggin’ it out testimony because the photography outputs came out incredibly beautiful.
Music & Media – You wear two hats , production and music content producer. How do those two passions feed each other in the way you tell iQHAWE’s stories?
They both mainly rely on care and curiosity. I use those two tools as starting points in carrying anyone’s narrative and relaying it to our audience.
Legacy Thinking – As Head of Operations, where do you want to take iQHAWE next; what feels urgent to build, launch, or disrupt in the next chapter?
There’s lots to do, but so little time [screams internally]. Long story short, it’s time for the great lock-in; let’s get to work, banyana.
Anastatia
(Vice-Editor & Art Director – iQHAWE Magazine; Co-Founder, Head of Creative & Marketing – iQHAWE Media)
From Voice to Vision – You’re responsible for shaping how iQHAWE looks and feels. What’s the first image or aesthetic that made you say, “Yes, this is us”?
Issue 11: The Elements of Music which explored the elements that make up music. I was actively involved in the creative direction of this one , working with Onti Seroalo, our Graphic Designer at the time. We showcase 18 artists who we believe are essential to the growing music industry. We used colours that represent natural elements to categorize each of these artist having Disruptors as Earth (brown/green) , Producers and DJ’s as space (grey/black), Women shifting hip hop hegemony as air (blue) and Women with soul, rhythm and blues as fire (red). The illustrations were fun and strong and the rollout was also very intentional. It influenced how we roll out brand campaigns today.
Art as Advocacy – You’re deeply invested in telling stories about women, politics, and creativity. How does that shape your editorial choices?
The art industry has had many controversies in the past 4-6 years in South Africa where I have been actively trying to define it for myself and how we can report on it within the publication. So I’ve chosen to operate from taste and the artist’s rationale and work ethic. Mainly featuring artists I’ve interacted with and I am drawn to for authentic storytelling. Women in Art are my favourite but I still aim to strike a balance in representation and styles of art.
Defining Taste – How do you balance your personal creative vision with the ideas and input from your co-founders and contributors? & How do you decide what deserves to be platformed; what’s your internal filter?
I have a 15 point checklist that I’ve created for the team to use. It came from struggling to craft impactful roll out’s for the features due to low-resolution imagery or complete lack of images for the promotional aspect. I am lucky that Renaè and Hlengiwe agreed with me because that is the last criteria in the checklist for approval. My personal creative talent is very important to me and so is the brand’s mission. I never want to put out work that doesn’t reflect our high level of professional skills.
Behind-the-Scenes Bonding – What’s a moment from working with Renaé and Hlengiwe that made you realise this is more than work, it’s family?
Renaé and Hlengiwe stress me out a lot with how much they love me. I am an only child so having two sisters is a bit overwhelming. I have to see them daily, talk to them every second. It’s too much but I wouldn’t have it any other way. They are my left and right hand.
The Big Picture – You’ve always been future-facing. What’s the dream campaign, cover, or activation you’d risk it all to make happen?
Oh ,this is a tough one! But I want us to shoot an editorial in all countries in Africa. So all 53 remaining, highlighting creatives in each country.
Creative direction: Renaè Mangena , Anastatia Nkhuna & Hlengiwe Mkwayi
Cinematographer/Editor: Majid Harun @_iamjeed
Photography & Image Retoucher: Nondumiso Shange @nondumisoshange
Lighting Technician: Hlengiwe Lala @hlengilala
Makeup artist: Shakirah Sithole @kirahsart / @shakirahsithole
Agency: Ofyt Agency
