Amid the uncertainty, plaque of the dark cloud in the Eastern Cape Province following the unfortunate passing of our children. During times of war across the world, people living on medication due to the anxieties and the worries we go through behind closed doors. Hunger and inflation rate rising above the sky: Generation Z, or I should say ama2K as they are popularly known, have brightened up our mood once again.
Indeed there is never a dull moment with this wholesome generation, as they are full of surprises!
There is a saying in my mother tongue that “into entle iyanconywa,” simple meaning ‘give credit where it’s due’. I might not have had the correct translation. After all, isiXhosa asitolikwa!
Spread positivity around; the world needs it.
Ama2K (RESPECTFULLY) has taken us by storm the past few days, and I’m here for it. Spreading love through fashion and music, they took over social media platforms such as Facebook and Tiktok with their vintage clothing (the 70s & 80s) trends. At first, I was like, ‘mhh okay,’ but as the days went by, I was like … man, this is dope!
As a fan of the retro lifestyle, I couldn’t keep it to myself but had to play my part one way or another. I wondered how I could show Generation Z for bringing a great atmosphere in dire times of need. I said to myself, I am a writer and that’s what I know best, then why not write something to express my gratitude, love, and compassion and applaud ama2K for bringing this up.
The lesson learned in this trend is to smile and appreciate small details that bring warmth and tranquility to our lives. Whether this trend lasts or not, it brought joy to many hearts and is something to give gratitude towards.
The vintage collection brings bitter-sweet memories into the historical complexities of South Africa. This reminds us of a nation where we, as people of color, were deemed inferior and undeserving of livelihood by the racist system. It took our memories down the train when our fathers, mothers, and our grandparents were ill-treated by white people of South Africa. When they were fed Bantu Education, removed from their land, and forced to be a cheap labor force for the white man.
On the brighter side, this (vintage trend) also reminds us of a time when our people lived their best lives under the terrain treatment. How they managed to find joy in such unbearable circumstances, is a miracle to me. I have no idea how they did it.
The fashion trends have got some of us looking back into Sophiatown: the legendary black cultural hub. Sophiatown: our very own Harlem of the 1920s. This trend has got me searching on YouTube for Mam’ Miriam Makeba’s music. Mafikizolo’s songs, Bra Hugh Songs, Steve Kekana, and many more brought joy to our parents during the apartheid system, a system designed to deprive our people of the very right of life.
To all those who took part in this vintage trend, our question is simply why stop now?
This is truly amazing, we would like to thank our 2Ks for keeping us entertained, please keep it going: at Ink Globe Press we love it!