We are proud to introduce our latest collaborative project, ‘TA PINDA’, a limited edition publication commemorating queer art collective, Banana Club’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the resilience, beauty, and creative prowess of black African queer bodies.
The zine was brought to life but the collaborative efforts of Banana Club and Parisienne based Feu Magazine.
Ta Pinda, a Kalanga and Shona phrase meaning “we are entering” or “we are passing through,” serves as both an announcement and an acknowledgment of our presence. In this endeavour, we declare our entry into the homes, hearts, and histories that shape the dynamic tapestry of our community. Through the pages of this zine, we embark on a journey of recognition and exploration, unravelling the stories and images behind the scenes of the 2023 Banana Club Artist Fund.
At the core of this zine lies the transformative force that is the Banana Club Artist Fund (BCAF). Born from a vision to depoliticize Botswana’s queer representation, the BCAF is not merely a residency program; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to empower emerging creative entrepreneurs from underserved communities. Through the residency, we provide not only financial support but also safe spaces, mentorship, and curatorial guidance, fostering an environment where artistic visions can flourish.
The essence of BCAF is the intentional dismantling of stereotypes that confine LGBTQIA+ individuals within narratives of poverty and social ills. We open doors for visual artists across all disciplines, showcasing the diversity and richness of creative expression within our community. It is a call to action against harmful narratives and a celebration of the inclusivity that defines the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.
For the 2023 residency, we were privileged to collaborate with Visule Kabunda, a Zambian-born visual artist and Graphic Designer. Kabunda’s lens captured the invisible threads that weave together the artistic process and community dynamics inherent in executing a successful residency. Through film photography, he immortalized the moments that often go unnoticed—the behind-the-scenes magic that gives life to the finished masterpieces.
Ta Pinda signifies our intentional arrival into the various collaborative encounters such as BCAF that form part of Banana Club’s growing network and resource sharing for marginalised communities. It is a call and response, a collective endeavour to locate ourselves within the vast expanse of creativity, kinship, and difference. As Banana Club, we stand at the intersection of African world-making, crafting spaces that are spacious and embracing of all forms of expression.
May Ta Pinda be a guide, a witness, and an archive of our intentional arrivals, pointing towards a future where art transcends boundaries, challenging societal norms and carving out a space where every voice is heard and celebrated.
With deep gratitude,
Tanlume Enyatseng
Banana Club Founder & Creative Director
To buy a copy, please email tanlume@bananaemoji.com
Banana Emoji 