Fresh talent Francesco Mbele explores the beauty and inclusiveness of his faith by capturing the young, talented, creative and also just-so-happen-to-be Muslim crowds in both Cape Town and his native Johannesburg. By shooting this diverse cast of characters, who each practice their faith in their own way, the photographer’s portraits show Islam, which is so often misunderstood and maligned, as a personal power that can transcend race, class, sexual orientation and gender. Through this work, Mbele hopes that he will be able to show other Muslim youths that, “It is normal to be different to all the others around you and that it is better to embrace what makes you different.”

Aziz Seedat
Born to a Jamaican mother and South African father in Johannesburg, Aziz Seedat is a nature photographer and student of The University of the Witwatersrand. Faith has been a constant for him and is something which he hopes will be used as a way to cultivate love and respect for everyone.

“I am proudly Muslim, and I feel that the faith has always been a provider of hope for me. Growing up in a multicultural household has shaped my outlook on Islam. I believe that it is important to accept diversity as a Muslim, especially in such a globalised and changing world. In my own community I have faced multiple instances of discrimination. Islam, however, provides a framework for unity and tolerance. I have always looked to Islam when faced with judgement. Islam is love.”

Haneem Christian
Existing beyond binaries, queer artist Haneem Christian is making waves in Cape Town’s creative scene. Family is key with the artist frequently collaborating with her brother, Imran, and first finding faith through her mother’s teachings.

“As I’ve grown and evolved, so has my relationship to Islam. As I exist right now, Islam means peace. My mom always taught me that Islam holds many truths. My queer identity can’t be separated from my Islamic identity – just like any other intersection of my identity. My queerness informs my experience of Islam and vice versa. Through and exploring my queerness I found power within myself. Both have been avenues of self-discovery and now I feel like they’re converging into one path as I fulfil my purpose. I believe that Allah created me as I am supposed to be and to question my identity is to question God. Inshallah, one day those who can’t comprehend me will find the truths to set them free.”

Queezy
Gender fluid artist Queezy is never far from any relevant happening in Cape Town. From doing sets for Boiler Room or performing for the likes of Levi’s and Adidas to modelling for Nataal, this multi-disciplinary artist possesses talent in spade-fulls.

“Islam, to me, is embedded in a culture that is rich in history and stories that are truly inspiring with confounding lessons on how to discover inner peace through Allah. My family is from all over, Vanguard Estate to Egypt, and while I am no longer fundamentally practicing any religion, Islam still lives though me. My queer identity does not inform my Islamic identity. Once when I was in Jeddah I got publicly called ‘gay’. It's a much scarier experience over there than it is here in South Africa where my community has mostly treated me with love and respect.”

Shuaib van der Schyff
A final year student at the University of Cape Town, as well as being a model, Shuaib van der Schyff has Arab, Malaysian and Dutch heritage and lives in a predominantly Muslim part of town. For him, spirituality comes before all.

“Islam is more than just believing that there is one God and that Prophet Muhammed is his last messenger. It is living consciously, pleasing my creator and treating all people with love and kindness. My family’s mixed heritage has of course greatly affected my culture. And my queer and Muslim identity still requires deep personal reflection but what I know for sure is that my creator truly knows what’s in my heart, and my spirituality will always come first. I’ve recently found progressive Islamic communities who have accepted me, but I don’t require people to comprehend me, because I live for Allah.”

Zia
Converting to Islam in 2017 after a spiritual journey led her to the faith, Zia is a Hijab-wearing, Benoni-based influencer whose aim on social media is to connect with young Muslim girls, so often ignored and underrepresented in traditional media.

“I have lived my whole life in Benoni, everyone there knows everyone’s business. With my faith, I can sometimes be made uncomfortable by the community. For example, if I'm at the petrol station, other black people treat me different merely because I am a black Muslim woman. I am constantly faced with stares. Wearing a hijabi shouldn’t make the people around you uncomfortable. Covering my hair was my choice. Other Muslim women might not feel as comfortable in a hijab and that is valid as well, but it is my decision to wear it. I think that black Muslim girls need to see someone that looks them because there are so few of us. Me being on social media allows visibility to those who might feel like they are the only person that’s like them in the world.”