Bhut Malumz Publications

King William’s Town born and grew up in Komani creative, Anathi Pongoma is finally living the dream he was treating as a hobby in his pre teen days.

Music has always been on Pongoma’s heart from early days of his childhood and his wonderful voice somewhat illusionary paved a way for a dream in music. As things stand, he couldn’t get a chance to invade the space of music as a vocalist but lockdown made him develop a new skill. It was only last year that he learnt how to mix music out of boredom of being indoors all the time. It took him creating a SoundCloud account and playing from numerous clubs. SSS Top Bar being one of the clubs he frequently played at with blends in poetry and R&B music. Organic Live being the huge event Pongoma recently played at.

As a homosexual, Pongoma received plenty of homophobia in his home area. Which resulted in him finding a new home of curating his art in 2019 when he enrolled in Rhodes University. The social media and his friends were the inspiration and motivation behind this artistic persona he is. Unlike most people who find strength in opposition, Pongoma says that homophobia didn’t build him to be this bold. If it wasn’t for him standing up for himself, he wouldn’t be where he is, not homophobia.

“Yes! Fashion is a safe space for Queer people. I honestly feel like black Queers women, men, they/thems are the headlines in fashion and travels right now but we’re not credited for such and a lot of what is showcased in these current trends has been taken from Queer culture. Where heterosexual people have been Queer-bating and not giving the Queer community credit where its due.”

As far as classism goes in the Queer community, Pongoma hasn’t received any in his career. Although he have witnessed a lot of classist nature within the community. Where certain people are being sidelined because of how they look, their socio-economic status and that there is only a room for pretty and privileged. Hence Pongoma says that there’s gatekeeping in the Queer community. The Komani creative Pongoma looks to work with is Inga Dangazele. His only daily motivation to do what he does is money.