10 Nov umemulo: celebrating when a zulu girl turns 21

Umemulo, is a coming of age celebration, when a Zulu girl becomes a woman. It is a ceremony undertaken, in South Afrika, for a girl who turns 21. My birthday was not so much a celebration, but a reminder of what I have yet to achieve. As a young (South) Afrikan, currently studying in the Diaspora, I could not have an authentic Umemulo. However, I decided to try and recreate the symbolic ceremony, in Canada; and isn’t that what culture is about- adapting, evolving and reforming over time?

My Umemulo took place at an intimate photography gallery called ViewPoint, in downtown Halifax. The theme of my party was formal all white for the ladies, and formal all black for the men. In the spirit of Afrikanism, I asked my friends to add an element of AfroPunk, to their attire. The gallery was filled with beautiful pictures, beautiful people, good food, and good music. It was heartwarming to be surrounded by people whom I have grown to love and care for. Oh, and shout out to my sistah, Frances (royrayalli@gmail.com), who threw it down in the kitchen!
Cheers,
Ntombs. x
Instagram: @ntombi.isabelle
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MO HANDAHU