It’s day one for our fabulous new editor, Zanele Kumalo! We ask her to answer ten of our team’s burning questions…
1. We hear you are one of four girls. What was that like growing up?
I have three sisters, one older and two younger. It means I grew up with a ready-made support structure, with best friends, cheerleaders and critics around me 24/7. It’s crazy whenever we’re all together because everyone talks at the same time, with strong opinions, and we’re all obsessed with music, art, writing, travel, food, language and fashion. Sometimes it feels like one head with four different hearts and bodies… Or the converse. But I love it!
2. At Grazia HQ, each team member has their own DJ name. What would you like yours to be?
Cute! My social media handle is misszan, so I’ll stick with that.
3. Talking about DJing, rumour has it you also spin the decks from time to time. Tell us a little more…
I do, I do. My sister Zodwa Kumalo-Valentine and I sometimes play together at private events, but I also play separately from her. Whatever works. She started spinning at varsity and I picked up the baton after falling in love with vinyl a decade ago. The first gig we played together was at a 24-hour music festival called Littlegig.co.za in February, and now we play regularly at our new space, Town, which is a dim sum and beer bar in Workshopnewtown at Newtown Junction Mall. We play a mix of disco, hip-hop, vintage and electro R&B, chill and vocal house and jazz. She’s more down- and I’m more up-tempo.
4. You have such a unique style, where do you draw your inspiration from?
I dress according to my mood. Sometimes I enjoy a more tailored uniform – give me navy, camel, beige and black – and other times I just want to play with items from designers/brands like Stella Jean, Maki Oh, Duro Olowu and See by Chloé. I’d say I get most of my inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest but a lot of the time I’ll walk past someone who looks interesting and think, “Ooh, I’m going to try that next!” After watching the latest season of House Of Cards, I need Claire Underwood’s Louboutin sky-high heels in black and nude – aren’t they called So Kate’s?
5. What beauty product never leaves your handbag?
I’m a M.A.C girl, so a matte lippie in either a deep red or orange – and a small bottle of my favourite scent.
6. How would you describe a typical Saturday?
The afternoons and evenings are all about welcoming friends and guests to Town. I’ll use the morning to catch up on errands but I should go gallery-hopping more often because that feeds my soul. Shopping I leave for weekday evenings.
7. What’s the most used app on your phone?
I would love to say Podcast! But it’s probably WhatsApp and Evernote.
8. What book are you reading at the moment?
The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma. I was drawn to it because it’s about four brothers, and the writer is Nigerian – they are incredible storytellers.
9. What series are you currently binge-watching?
Recently it was Making A Murderer and The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst. After binging on the first season of the podcast series Serial, I can’t get enough of murder mysteries. I’m also a huge fan of Master Of None, Girls and Dineo’s Diary.
10. What are you doing/getting for your mom this Mother’s day next week?
We won’t be together unfortunately, so I’m getting her a voucher so she can pamper herself somewhere special.