Nthabiseng Faith is a 23-year-old born and raised in Gaborone, She is the creative director of Kwa Jewelry, A jewellery brand founded by artist and arts educator LegakwanaLeo Makgekgenene.

She is also a model signed to Kult Models. Nthabiseng has worked with Glotto and LWE over the last three years, curates her own photoshoots, and collaborates with other creatives. In this conversation, she discusses how she got into the model industry, her work for Kwa Jewelry and much more.

How did you start your modelling career, what sparked your interest in the field?  

I actually was never interested in pursuing modelling until later on in life. I've always loved fashion for as long as I can remember, however growing up I had other outlets of expressing myself such as photography, thrift upcycles and writing. I started when a mutual friend (Thuto from Path Images) kindly reached out for a test shoot cause he believed I had "the look". The shoot was surprisingly comfortable and spontaneous for me which I absolutely adored, topped with the very lovely end results. So I decided to research the industry intensively and give it a try with more intention and direction.

Was it easy for you to get comfortable with being in front of the camera or just being around a couple of people during photoshoots when you started modelling?

Yes it was, I never struggled to switch on what I refer to as my alter ego. When shooting the outer world all becomes a blur to me, my periphery focuses solely on the lens plus allowing my body and expressions to flow as one with the camera.

Which photoshoot/campaign that you have done, is your favourite?

I don't quite believe in favorites. I am very peculiar with what I shoot and with who, so everything I have done I value.

Nthabiseng Faith photographed by Juliana Schaller

You are Kwa Jewelry’s creative director, how did that come about and what do you like most about the brand? 

I have previously worked closely with the founder as their personal art assistant, so when they decided to relaunch the jewelry brand I was fortunate enough to be on their mind. Even though I had not done something like this before, they believed in my artistic mind and work ethic which I am very grateful for. Which brings me to your next point, honestly everything the brand embodies is very likeable.

Since joining the Kwa Jewelry brand, how are you adjusting to the role and what have you learned from the experience?

Honestly, the adjustment was seamless. If anything, it just amplified parts of me I kept suppressed over the years. So it has been such a reaffirming journey. I can be harshly critical of my work so the biggest takeaway for me right now would be learning to trust myself despite not knowing how people will receive or interact with the content.

How would you explain the experience of being a model in Botswana, and how are you dealing with it? 

All cards on the table? It has been such a horrible experience for me locally. Again, as previously mentioned I am very particular. So I think that can easily be interpreted as being "difficult" which has resulted in such a disconnect and void. I am at a point where I no longer overanalyze or beat myself about it though. Still very grateful for all experiences, everything is a learning curve.

Nthabiseng Faith for LWE (then Versa La Troy) , SS23 POLENA Collection photographed by goodlivingmedia

Are you a freelance model or are you under management, between the two which is more is easy to work under?

Since I started in 2018, for most of my career I have been a freelance model. However, early this year I got signed internationally with Kult Models in Cape Town. As for which is easier to work under, each has its pros and cons. Also it would depend on your experience and the kind of modeling one does among other thing.

You've modelled for LWE since 2021, how did that come about and did you expect this 'partnership' with Troy Gabolwelwe to continue till now?

Troy reached out to me , which I was very open to without hesitation as I could see his passion and determination. Over the years I have watched him grow and hone his skills as a designer, each collection building towards a very distinctive style which absolutely makes me happy and proud of him. I think we are able to work so well together for so long as we have since built a friendship and connection where we are able to share our dreams and hold each other accountable.

Kwa Jewelry has branded itself as an Afrocentric brand, why did you choose to do so?

(I was not the one that decided on going with Afrocentric elements, I was fortunate enough to work with a team that allows me full creative expression, so my process does get inspired to create and lean more towards Africanity inevitably)

Nthabiseng Faith for Glotto SS23  “Glide into The Last Days of Summer” campaign photographed by Wenzile Dube

How do you balance staying true to your creative vision while also adapting to industry trends

By not adapting to trends. As cliche as it sounds, literally just doing me on a daily. Each day simply aiming to enlighten my creative self through experimentation and execution.

Where do you see Botswana’s fashion industry in the future and what role do you want to play in its development?  

Honestly hard to say but I hope we grow to be open-minded and respectful of all the different roles and of one another within the industry.

 What is the biggest you’ve had moment in your career? 

My biggest moments are yet to come.

Nthabiseng Faith photographed by Juliana Schaller

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in Botswana’s creative industry? 

Myself.

 What message do you have for young aspiring creatives?  

Do not shy away from being different. With it may come being or feeling alone. Find comfort and affirmation in knowing that despite all of that, there is a tribe for you somewhere out there and someday you’ll know when you have found it. People who will not only resonate with your highest growing self but make you feel seen, heard and understood.

What’s next for you Nthabiseng?

By Atang Moalosi & Tefo Kosie

With his unique delivery and downright passion for bass-pumped beats and hard-hitting drums, 84 conveys personal and societal struggles riddled with kasi lingo and distinctive annotations. We chatted to him about his lyrical content, and production choices among many others.

We're obviously going to ask you about your name, how did that come about?

My uncle was born the year 1984. He was my Superman growing up. 84 is my tribute.

When did you figure out you had a passion for rapping and how did that then translate to writing and recording music?

Back in primary, my older cousin used to be part of a rap group. When I finally gained the courage to ask him for a feature, he said no. In that, writing music began. After high school started recording.

You've been consistently releasing singles since last year, how has the reception been from your fans, have you felt any pressure to release a  project?

To say I have fans is a blessing. The reception is good, overwhelming sometimes. I plan on dropping a project or two this year.

The first track of yours we heard was xeta lobaka, how did you find out about us?

Instagram, I saw your page. Le bereka overtime. True embodiment of Bots.

Your songs have these distinct melodic loops, are you the one producing them or there's someone behind the production?

Majority of the instrumentals are produced by Tsutsurika Tata (Dj skinny D), influenced by the kasi.

You work really closely with the dj/producer Dj Skinny D, how is that experience like?

That’s my brother. Its us against the world.

Along with the distinct production in your tracks, you have this "chaotic" flow/delivery when rapping that has you switching between the pitches of your voice, how did you get into it?

Freestyling. Started expressing myself with no filter. Found me.

Tell us about DAW, what is it and how did it come to life?

DAW is a creative collective made up of Tsutsurika Tata, Dj.getsyouwetter, Gambit & myself. Our support system. An acronym for DO ALL WILLINGLY, which we try live by.

You've also had the chance to perform live, when was your first ever performance and how was the experience?

First performance was an event in 2019 called VAARBZ. A real confidence booster. Entered knowing no one, by the end of the night everyone knew my name.

You recently released a track "I LOVE YOU" along with some visuals featuring kgalie, how long did it take for you to shoot the video and would you say it was challenging for you to try and portray the message behind the song?

The video was shot in a couple of hours. Coming up with the concept wasn’t necessarily challenging. Recently went through a break up so I had time to self reflect and accept. In that, the video was born.

Like most rappers, you tend to narrate a lot of elements of your daily life and tinges of the common social ills affecting people, you have tracks like Battle Of Dimawe which touches on a historical event in Botswana, would you take us through the process of how it came about?

Ke godisitswe ke Bakwena. Hearing stories of Kgosi Sechele I around camp fires, ignites a great sense of belonging. A past I am proud to tell.

What can we expect from you as we go further into 2025?

Music & Art.

Good evening,

On today’s fun panelist session we had Igor, major shot photographer, speak on the business of Photography. Igor, a Serbian origin (now Tswana) photographer, has been working in Botswana’s commercial photographic market for quite some time. Inspiring story about how he came up to owning one of Botswana’s grandest photographic houses and is more than keen to give back to the community. Which is something that is admirable, considering that he actually has a home where he could be helping but chooses to help where he is based. A lot of his work is just great!