feature: braamfontein’s gold – vibrant cultural scenes in johannesburg

Johannesburg is an unbeatable blend of stunning nature and a colorful collection of humans. This secret gem was revealed to me by my mother, an avid traveler herself. I expected nothing when I made plans to visit Johannesburg but instead I left with an enriched soul and a renewed mind because of the characters I encountered while scanning the street for charismatic faces.
Thanks to the guidance of new friends, I was introduced to two very important cultural gatherings in the city of gold. Both of these gatherings were in opposite directions of what I consider to be one of the hippest cultural arcs, Braamfontein. Braamfontein is a central suburb that is connected to the city center by the Nelson Mandela Bridge.

Words & Photos by Bukunmi Grace, AFROPUNK Contributor *

My first introduction to Braamfontein was the Arts on Main street fair. Arts on Main welcomes visitors with delectable world cuisine wafting through the air, impeccable fine art and design and the lightness that comes with being surrounded by cultures of all sorts.

My second introduction to Braamfontein was at the Neighborhoods market, another popular fair that contains only food and beverage vendors. What better way to spend a Saturday in JoBurg than atop a roof with a few friends, brews and any cuisine you can think of. I was especially fond of the Paella, a dish I had yet to master from my time in Spain.

Food, dress and drink aside, the thing I love to experience the most of when traveling is people. When shooting, I look for the same qualities in subjects as I do in friends. Often times, this results into subjects being friends and friends being subject. I look for honesty, openness and an inviting twinkle of the eye. I look for souls that shine through everyday costume and adornments and JoBurg had plenty of soul. Check out some photos of my favorite souls below and after that, do consider a trip to Joburg.

* Bukunmi Grace’s website: http://www.bukunmigrace.com

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