Vela Projects | Iyabulela iLali

Vela Projects is honoured to present Iyabulela iLali, Songezo Zantsi's second solo exhibition.

In this body of work composed of 11 paintings, the artist invites us to witness and engage his portrayal of a family wedding he attended in Qumbu, in Eastern Cape. In this joyous Xhosa matrimonial occasion, two families, in fact an entire village, came together to witness the bride and the groom’s union. A ceremony of this nature is marked by singing and dancing, feasting, and the drinking of umqombothi, the traditional brew.

Iyabulela Ilali, unlike Iinkumbulo, is a celebration. It is a celebration of community, unions, customs and culture. It is an atmosphere of revelry, a take on all weddings that have come before, and all weddings that are to come after. And, as is the custom for such occasion, everyone is invited.

This show runs from 12 July - 24 August 2024.