Latest Features

From the Current Issue

The Rise of DIY Venues in Johannesburg

Inside the warehouses and basements shaping the city's live music scene

This feature explores the network of DIY venues that have emerged across Johannesburg, from repurposed industrial warehouses to intimate basement spaces. Through interviews with founders and regulars, we uncover how these spaces foster creative freedom and community. The piece also examines the challenges they face, from licensing issues to gentrification, and why they remain vital to the city's cultural ecosystem.

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Street Art as a Visual Diary of Cape Town

How murals and tags reflect the city's social and political shifts

Cape Town's walls tell stories that mainstream media often overlook. This article documents the work of local street artists who use public space to comment on inequality, identity, and hope. From large-scale murals in Woodstock to stencil art in the city center, we trace the evolution of the scene. The piece includes insights from artists about their creative processes and the public's response to their work.

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Underground Fashion: Reclaiming Identity in Durban

Emerging designers blend tradition with subversion on the city's streets

Durban's underground fashion scene is a vibrant mix of heritage and rebellion. This feature profiles designers who are challenging mainstream aesthetics by incorporating traditional textiles and bold silhouettes. We attend underground fashion shows and visit local ateliers to understand how these creators are building a distinct visual language. The article also discusses the economic realities of independent fashion and the community support that sustains it.

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Common Questions

Before You Dive Into the Scenes

Straight answers about how we cover the culture, where we go, and how you can get involved with what's moving in your city.

How do you choose which artists and venues to feature?

We spend time in the spaces themselves. Our editors attend openings, hang around after shows, and follow the people who are actually making things happen. If a studio, gallery, or DIY venue has a consistent presence and something real to say, it ends up in our pages. We don't cover trends; we cover what's already been building for a while.

Is Oxyoze only about Johannesburg and Cape Town?

No. While those cities get a lot of attention, we regularly document scenes in Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, and smaller towns where independent culture is thriving. Our guides to creative districts are built from on-the-ground visits, not press releases, so coverage follows where the work is happening.

Can I submit my own work or venue for consideration?

Yes. Send an email to info@oxyoze.com with a short description of what you do, where you're based, and why it matters right now. We read everything, though we can't promise a visit. The strongest submissions include a link to your work and a specific reason you're part of the local scene.

How often do you publish new issues and guides?

We publish a new issue every month, with shorter photo essays and playlists dropped in between. Gallery and studio guides are updated as spaces open, close, or shift location. If you're planning a weekend of gallery hopping, check the guides close to the date.

Do you sell tickets or promote paid events?

No. We're an independent publication, not a promoter. Our event listings point you to exhibitions, releases, and gatherings that our editors have verified. We don't take money for placement, so what you read reflects what's actually worth your time.

How can I get in touch with the editorial team?

The best way is email at info@oxyoze.com. For time-sensitive questions about an event or a venue, include the location and date in the subject line so we can route it properly. You can also reach us by phone at +27(34)3344703 during office hours.

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