Mzansi’s Trailblazers: Channel O’s Young, Gifted & Queer

As Pride month comes to an end, let’s celebrate with a film that shines a spotlight on the empowered Black queer community, highlighting their struggles and triumphs. Channel O presents Young, Gifted & Queer to Mzansi’s screens. A cinematic movement that seeks to empower and inspire a new era.

By Tshegofatso Tube

Channel O (DStv channel 320) is premiering a new documentary as Pride month ends. Young, Gifted & Queer is an insightful documentary that is primarily focused on the Black queer voices that are making their mark in Mzansi. This documentary challenges the status quo while paving a bright path for the future.

The documentary is directed by award-winning filmmaker, Renaldo Schwarp. Following the journeys of three of Mzansi’s most influential black queer figures, this documentary is a monumental achievement that brings awareness to Black queer stories. Andiswa Dlamini, the founder of Other Village People and a key curator in queer spaces; Umlilo, the genre-defying ‘kwaaidiva’ and S’bo Gyre, a pop rapper who is reshaping the entertainment culture in the country are the main figures in the documentary.

Young, Gifted & Queer paints a beautiful portrait of Black queer life as these creatives take us through their journeys with insightful stories from other amazing queer voices, journalists, and icons. All the world is a stage and the queer community has taken center stage. These stories shed light on the struggles and issues that tend to be ignored and silenced within the Black queer community. The documentary’s executive producer, Charis Coleman, expresses the purpose of the documentary. “This documentary is about embracing who we are and how Black queer lives continue to influence and shape the world around us. In a time when hate crimes against the community are rising, we are choosing to celebrate and uplift our voices.”

The documentary’s director, Renaldo Schwarp emphasizes the importance of the film and it’s unique storyline. “This isn’t a story of struggle or sorrow.It’s a loud, unapologetic celebration of the immense creativity, power, and influence of Black queer individuals. These are the people who are transforming South Africa art, music, and culture, and this will show the world just how dope and revolutionary they are.”

Andiswa Dlamini expresses her thoughts on the documentary. “This project made me realise just how much more time and space we need to truly share our strories,” she says.” I hope that when people watch, they will see that there is community, beauty, love, and celebration within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Starred alongside Andiswa, Umlilo and S’bo are many other influential figures in the queer community such as Lelowhatsgood, Olwethu “Ms Party” Mlotshwa, Ashwin Bosman, Dr. Bev Ditsie, Lula Odiba, and Sibs Matiyela.

Tune in to Channel O (DStv Channel 320) on Friday 31 October at 9 pm for the premiere of Young, Gifted & Black. A film that brings a fresh new perspective and hopes to inspire a new generation.