South African jazz photographer Lerato Pakade is proud to announce her second solo exhibition Of Spirit & Song. Currently on show  at local arts and creative hub KwaNtu Art Space in Maboneng, Johannesburg, the exhibition delves into the profound and enduring tradition of storytelling through music, a powerful medium that has long served as a refuge and a source of strength. This collection emphasizes the way music serves as a sanctuary, providing prayer, resistance, healing, joy, and love. Each piece captures the emotional and spiritual journeys of both the creators and those who engage with it. Through her work, Pakade invites viewers to reflect on the transformative power of music as both a personal and collective force, weaving together themes of resilience, celebration, and connection.

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“This collection represents moments where my spirit was stirred by song and in obedience, my eyes and hands simply did as they were told”, South African Jazz photographer Lerato Pakade explains. “It is a reflection of how the rhythm and emotion of the music led me to capture the essence of the moment, where my creative instincts took over, and I surrendered to the flow of the art”, she concludes. 

While the exhibition is a showcase of excellence in its own right, it will be enhanced by an artistically fitting partnership with music publication Musicist.co.za and music community platform Saccharine Radio to deliver an all-round experience to the audience. The three-way curation partnership will see the publishing of an article series accompanied by companion playlists that give the audience a look into the moments captured and Pakade’s journey to exhibition. 

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The exhibition’s opening celebration will be held on 25 January 2025 at The Social Table in Johannesburg. The public is invited to attend, and tickets are available here for R200 on Quicket. Attendees can look forward to an unforgettable experience with intimate, guided artist walkabouts, offering a personal glimpse into the inspiration behind the work. As an exciting bonus, there will also be surprise performances, adding an extra layer of creativity and energy to the celebration. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, making it the perfect afternoon to soak in art, music, and great company.

Jazz lovers, fans and admirers are invited to submit song suggestions for the viewers’ playlist edition – the song should be inspired by the exhibition – songs that come to mind while going through the exhibition. A suggestion box is available at KwaNtu Art Space or they can DM Saccharine Radio or Musicist for submissions. 

Pakade is known for her skilful use of lighting and unique perspective and her sole intention is to make art that moves people and to let each piece speak for itself to each viewer it encounters. This collection features some of South African’s top jazz musicians namely, Bra Herbie Tsoaeli, Thando Zide, Mandisi Dyantyis, Kyle Shepherd, Simphiwe Dana, Dumza Maswana, Zamajobe, Malcolm Jiyane, Zoë Modiga, and Lwanda Gogwana.

Selected photographs are available for purchase and are limited to an edition of ten and the catalogue can be viewed here. For more information on the exhibition and article series, follow @leratopakade and @musicist.co.za on Instagram. The exhibition is open to the public and scheduled to run until the end of February 2025.