Global footwear brand Converse has done it again, in the hopes of being a pillar for young creators across the globe they have once again selected two creatives as the winners for the 2023/2024 All Star Projects Programme.

This year’s winners Oratile Mogodi and Yamoria are showcasing self-expression through their winning projects in fashion and spoken word.

The brand’s endless passion for young creatives has inspired this ongoing programme that supports and highlights the ideas of the Converse All Stars. Now in its third year, Converse meticulously sieved through all the application entries and ultimately selected Oratile Mogodi and Yamoria by sisters Mfumo & Fumane Ntlhabane as this year’s recipients. Their self-expressive nature in how they create comes through beautifully as South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy and shining a light on Human Rights this March.

Mfumo & Fumane Ntlhabane aka Yamoria have created multiple spoken word events but this one will come with a twist with adding visual art and dance as additional forms to continue spreading awareness through their storytelling.

“Our society is so clouded with different voices, brands, and ideas. It is a full-time job trying to find a brand that speaks in an authentic voice that you are still able to connect to. A voice that adapts but does not lose what makes it unique and sets it apart. Converse for us, has always been that brand, able to speak directly to our hearts with their messaging. The truth is that we see a bit of Yamoria in Converse. We strive to build a world immersed in art and genuine messaging that is still sustainable. When Converse launched the “Our Roots” campaign and utilized poetry to tell our stories and honor those who came before us, the brand stole our hearts. To be a part of such a ground-breaking campaign and do what we were made for is an experience that will forever be close to us. It definitely put poetry on the map on a global scale;” said 2023/2024 All Star Projects Recipient spoken word duo, Yamoria.

This multi-disciplined structural spoken word performance will come to life at the Joburg Theatre on 24 March. These live performers will be joined by a line-up of other great multi-disciplinary creators such as Modise Sekgothe, Masai Sepuru, Hector Xquizified, Neosoul, Sisanda and Sne, and Knockxy.

Oratile Mogodi (20) is boldly making a statement through her up and coming sustainable streetwear fashion brand Huios. This young creative uses fashion and art as a tool for self-expression and activism. She uses these mediums to unpack narratives to uplift and empower marginalized women in South Africa.

“In relation to my project, Converse’s journey towards sustainability has been a profound learning experience for me, particularly in understanding our impact on the planet. The Renew Labs project inspired me to make more sustainable choices in my life, especially in the realm of fashion. My brand, Huios, is on a mission to become a fully sustainable streetwear brand. Through this project, I aim to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry and explore what we, as creatives and consumers, can do to reduce our carbon footprint,” said 2023/2024 All Star Projects Recipient, Oratile Mogodi.

For more information about these projects, please visit www.converse.co.za , @yamoria_ and @rati.huios