Studio Nxumalo

In January 2025, I spent time documenting the process of harvesting logs from a landfill and a river that runs through the Alexandra Township in Johannesburg. The logs were later transformed into life-size public sculptures on the banks of the very same river (Jukskei River) by Alexandria-based artists, led by prominent South African visual artists.

In this episode, Nxumalo briefly reflects on how the documentary "Lost and Found" has influenced his interest in diversifying his archive and publishing of his work moving forward. He introduces his newly launched website www.musanxumalo.com and emphasizes the idea of considering the podcast as a journal that functions as an extension of his overall practice. Furthermore, Nxumalo hints at the upcoming exhibition of a mentee with whom he has been working since 2024.

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Timestamps

(00:00:00) - Introduction (00:00:26) - Season 3 Launch(00:01:53) - Inspiration from Ernest Cole Documentary(00:03:16) -The Importance of Archiving & Technology(00:05:06) - My digital archive Recovery (00:06:57) - Podcast, Website, and Social Media(00:08:38)- Brief overview of my website (00:10:27) - Exhibitions and Project Details(00:11:53) - Future Podcast Plans & Episode Structure(00:13:19) - Mentorship Announcement & Upcoming Exhibition(00:14:41) - Closing & Subscription Reminder

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Contacts

WhatsApp : +27815706323

Email : [email protected]

Web: www.musanxumalo.com

IG : Musa Nxumalo Studio

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Credits

Produced and Written by Musa N. Nxumalo

Theme Music by Mobigratis

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Links & Mensions

"Lost and Found" directed by Raoul Peck"

"Video of Raoul Peck discussing the documentary"

In this episode, Nxumalo introduces the third season of the podcast "Wandering Nxumalo Podcast". He shares his mission to explore Southern Africa's landscape using a vintage Jeep and an analog camera, while reflecting on his work and passion for photography, coffee, overlanding and culture. Musa announces a new, more personal journaling approach for the podcast, aimed at sharing his artistic journey and cultural interests. He invites you to subscribe and join him for bi-monthly episodes, with seaso three officially launching on the 1st of September 2025

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Contacts

Email : [email protected]

WhatsApp : +27815706323

Instagram : @wanderingnxumalo

Instagram : @musannxumalo

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Credits

Produced by Musa N. Nxumalo

Theme Music by Mobygratis

In this episode, photographer Mandisa Mkhwanazi from KwaZulu-Natal shares her journey into photography, inspired by her grandfather’s legacy and childhood. Mkhwanazi discusses her early experiments with cameras, encouragement from teachers, and her subsequent formal training at City Varsity. Mandisa further speaks on blending environmental themes and personal storytelling in her work, her experience at the Photo Incubator program, and her aspirations going forward. 

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Contacts

WhatsApp : +2781 570 6323

Email : [email protected]

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Credits

Produced by Musa N. Nxumalo and Dee Siko

Theme Music : Mathroom (Fraderick Clarke 

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Follow Mandisa Makhwanazi on instagram: @mandisamkhwanazi 

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[Timestamps]

(00:00:00) Mandisa introduces herself, shares her background

(00:01:12) First Camera and Early Interest

(00:01:26) Grandfather’s Photography and Influence 

(00:02:52) Early School Years and First Photos 

(00:03:39) School Trips and Teacher Encouragement 

(00:04:32) Making Photography a Hobby 

(00:05:35) Keeping Early Photos and Reconnecting 

(00:06:31) First Formal Training: Local Workshop 

(00:07:06) College and Formal Education 

(00:08:34) Details of the Market Photo Workshop

(00:09:40) Mandisa on choosing Photography in College

(00:12:38) Mandisa on developing Artistic direction 

(00:13:29) Commercial vs. Conceptual Focus in College 

(00:15:01) The influences and Artistic Practice 

(00:16:13) Recycling, Environment, and Self-Expression 

(00:19:14) Intentions and Future Goals

(00:21:34) Personal Enjoyment and Nostalgia

(00:22:23) Photo Incubator Program: Discovery and Application

(00:25:55) Experience in the Incubator Program

(00:27:43) Looking Forward: Exhibition and Collaboration

(00:29:34) Pricing Artwork and Valuing Effort

(00:30:09) Closing Reflections and Host’s Feedback 

(00:32:10) Outro and Final Thoughts

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[References]

Tools and Websites

"Photo Incubator Program"

"Market Photo Workshop"

Notable Mentions

"Roger Ballen"

Concepts and Ideas

"Three Rs: Re-use, Recycle, Reduce"

General Themes

"Environmental Awareness"

For more information: instagram: @_marketphotoworkshop

For more information | instagram: @_marketphotoworkshop

For more information | instagram: @_marketphotoworkshop

For more information | instagram: @_marketphotoworkshop

For more information | instagram: @_marketphotoworkshop

For more information | instagram: @_marketphotoworkshop