Open Eyes: A Conversation with Shakes Mbolekwana

Nqaba Shakes Mbolekwana is a hard man to pin down. A visual artist, photographer and independent curator, his work often dives deep into the layers of South African identity and memory. But when the sun goes down, you’ll likely find him behind the decks as a house music DJ, navigating the rhythmic pulse of the city.

We sat down with Shakes to talk about his world - from the importance of physical health to the "hopeful gesture" of local craftsmanship.

The Uniform: The Trafton in Yellow

Shakes’ current go-to is the Trafton with Yellow lenses - a bold, sporty silhouette that bridges the gap between his two worlds.

"I’m an active guy in the night and in the day," Shakes tells us. "I love the Traftons because when I DJ at night they are not dark so I can see well and of course stand out. Besides them being sporty, they work well with some of my date night outfits or formal wear occasions."

On Culture & Community

Working at the intersection of arts and entertainment, Shakes sees African culture as a living, breathing thing. For him, the inspiration is everywhere, but it hits hardest on the dance floor.

"African culture shows up in the music and the dance moves that follow thereafter," he says. "Which is what makes me love being a South African house music DJ."

But it isn't just the big stages that keep him grounded. It’s the small, local connections, and a phone call home. "The people I keep around me help me stay grounded. Every now and then a phone call with my mom and dad always leaves me optimistic about my daily life."

A Hopeful Future

When we talk about Ballo’s commitment to handmade, plant-based hardware, Shakes sees it as part of a larger movement toward a better future. To him, local craft represents "longevity and a true sense of appreciating our environment and the people that live in it."

Looking forward, Shakes is advocating for a more active city. He’s passionate about physical health and the activation of public workout facilities in Cape Town’s parks, spaces that bring people together through movement.

It’s that kind of community-minded, high-energy perspective that makes Shakes a true friend of the brand.