Watch this behind-the-scenes video from our Simphiwe Dana cover shoot and then read what our features editor Phila Tyekana had to say about our September cover star.
Why Simphiwe Dana?
September is heritage month and Simphiwe has always pushed for the celebration of heritage and African pride. She’s an iconic musician both with her music and image. She’s in the works of a new album and is always relevant. So why not have her? Simphiwe is the traditional woman of today, she’s outspoken and stands up to anyone/thing that seeks to demean her yet still true to her roots. She’s an inspiration all round.
What was her reaction to being on Bona magazine?
Excited and said yes without hesitation. That’s always great to hear because then the cover star is 100% in, in representing the magazine.
How was it like interviewing her?
Simphiwe has probably done hundreds of interviews and for some she might have opened too much about herself and the journalist took advantage of that and misrepresented her. With me she was very guarded in her answers and was sometimes uncomfortable in speaking about herself.
How was she at the photo shoot?
We shot on one of the coldest days in Joburg and as this was our spring issue and cover shoot meaning the wardrobe was all spring. While the BONA team was in warm jackets, she had to stomach the cold in light spring clothing in the blistering cold and look happy doing it. She soldiered on and that was impressive.
What was the inspiration behind the September cover?
Spring itself was the inspiration. The outdoors and bright colours…we juxtaposed this with Heritage Day with Simphiwe’s wardrobe being African inspired.
What can readers expect from the story?
Insight into this powerhouse of a woman. What she lives for, what she believes in and what inspires her music and what we as fans may expect from her soon to be released album. And of course her comment on her Twitter wars.
Get our September issue, in stores NOW
