When Middle-East based collective WAASTAA asked us to produce custom bags and pins we were stoked, to say the least. WAASTAA is an online social and creative networking service that showcases creative work from across the globe. Their Instagram profile is one of our go-to places for inspiration and features some of the best photographers and artists. Based on their briefing we came up with two shoots to capture the Cape Town vibe in a WAASTAA kind of way.
Shoot 1: Polony Gasby
A “Polony Gasby”, previously a South African, lower-cost workers snack bought at corner stores on the way to work. More recently its making its way to the “foodie” radar with multiple variations being made at markets and speciality stores. Similar to Durbans “Bunny Chow” and Johannesburg’s “Kota”.The pickup is Pang’s Nissan 1400 “Bakkie”, which was manufactured in South Africa from 1971 to 2008. For many a vital tool for any small business owner in South Africa. It contributes to Pangs hustle, for example: Pang moves coffee machines between his store and the markets.
In this shoot we mix many favourite regional elements. A young talent, fueling up in the warm CPT light for the mission ahead.
Shoot 2: Chess
Beach and Inge met for the first time, had some coffee and played a game of chess in the cobble streets of Bo-Kaap. This is a popular culture reference from other movies and shoots and religious references (woman and man in front of a Mosque who do not follow islam but are covered up).
We witness people from different backgrounds and views sharing a moment for the first time and potentially the last time. This community predominantly follows Islam, which was imported to the country with Slavery. The history of the country dictates that people were segregated not only by their colour but Religion too. The layout remains to this day, thankfully there is a change and religion is no longer a dividing factor.
Model: Inge Beckmann
Inge is a South African Actress, been in hollywood films (Escape Room, Scorpion King), most recently featured on Netflix horror movie “8”, which is featured in South Africa at the moment. Some in Cape Town remember Inge from an awesome Band called “Lark” and “BEAST” from the early 2000’s. Since then it appears as if her venture into film and music never revelented.
We bumped into her at a coffee shop a few weeks ago and her vibe was also interesting, another example of Cape town vibes. Josefin asked her to join the shoot, they clicked, and we got these images in Bo-Kaap.
Model: BEACH BODY
Comedian (and Agency owner) half Kenyan, half South African. A friend of Pangs coffee store (also Pangs Photography) We made him eat a Vegan Gatsby a little too early in the day, so thanks for putting up with that. His general vibe is badass.
Photographer: Pang
Pang is a professional photographer based in Cape Town, Barista winner, coffee shop owner and overall a great guy
Shoots produced by Jos
Jos (Josefin) remains pretty low-profile. Behind the camera BTS from her Fujifilm x100v and iphone for evening shoot (safety). Has a lot of experience in Business Strategy and with Brands but wants to get into film as a Producer.
Art direction/concept: Dane Zijlstra & Pang.
Client: WAASTAA