Dive into the colourful and vibrant life of a Skhothane with Material Culture reality show that premieres on Mzansi Wethu Channel 163 on 06 July at 19h30. You will realise that behind every Versace shirt and Amakipkip tracksuit, is a South African hustler looking for a better day and an even greater party.
With Material Don Dada, (real name Tshepo Pitso) as the charismatic kingpin of Material Culture crew, he digs deep into his pocket to keep the movement going. His vision is to have Material Culture self-sufficient with a worldwide membership. To date he has some 2 000 members who are active on social media and attend the events he organises such as Sula Fashion Picnics every two months in Gauteng. He uses Sula not only to connect Skhothanes all over Africa but also attract other subcultures like pantsulas, mabojwa, mavintage and matarianas.
Material Culture takes you into the personal spaces of Skhothanes, meet their families and peers and discover the obstacles they face and the joys and pain they encounter.
A proud Mosotho man from the Vaal, now based in Soweto, Don Dada demonstrates that being a Skhothane is not only about actions. It is also how you dress and handle yourself. Skhothanes are hustlers, they glow, shine, dress expensively, smell nice and dance until the sun comes up. They are fun and have poignant back stories that tell of struggle, suffering and secret lives.
Other stars of the show are Killa Kau who reached national fame with his hit single Tholukuthi Hey. Last year after hitting the number 3 spot in the music charts, Killa still aced his matric exams. He and Don Dada hang out every Sunday and revel in their newly found celebrity status although Killa still lives with his parents and only goes out when they agree. Killa is confident and bold, but will this young man survive the entertainment industry and continue to excel at school?
Kabelo is Don Dada’s younger brother who is a full time Skhothane influencer and is handy behind the lens, shooting music videos and infomercials about the sub-culture. Kabelo is also rebellious and doesn’t always agree with how Don Dada leads the culture which has led them to always be at loggerheads.
Vandal’s claim to fame is the ability to convince good looking folk to feature in music videos, parties, dramas and social events. Once reliant on drugs, Don Dada helped him quit and they enjoy bromance coated in glitz and glamour, but also deep caring.
There are many more equally interesting Skhothanes who share their stories and add their charm to the show.
Philly Kubheka, HOD: PR & Publicity Local Entertainment Channels enthused: ‘Material Culture is an irreverent look at a fascinating subculture. It’s uninhibited, comical, strongly opinionated, sexy and trendy as well as spontaneous. Our viewers will fall in love with these colourful characters and discover that Skhothanes are not only about spilling custard and burning notes, but theirs is a journey of young African men fighting to earn their own in a complex and challenging world.’
Catch Material Culture on Mzansi Wethu, DStv Channel 163, from 06 July at 19h30