01 NICOLAS HUCHARD AND FRIENDS
This issue’s guest editor, performer and choreographer Nicolas Huchard, welcomes us into his world and creative collective in Paris
02 LE SOLEIL EST MON AMOUR
This collaboration between Armando Cabral and Nataal channels the sensual energy of Kizomba
03 CHLOÉ ANAIS LOPES GOMES
The renowned ballet dancer on standing up to racism and finding her own boundary-breaking path
04 BONGEZIWE MABANDLA
As his fourth album drops, the artist discusses the importance of connecting with people through love and honesty
05 SKATEPAL
The NGO helping the skateboarding scene in Palestine to fly
06 THE BLUES
Art Comes First’s short film shot in Ethiopia is a rallying call for unity
07 VNJ BALL
Lelo Meslani is spearheading ballroom culture, the South African way
08 CATEDRAL SIN RELIGIÓN
This story from Colombia gives praise to inclusive love and liberation through nature
09 THE BODY IS BEAUTIFUL
A homage to the virtuoso paintings of Kerry James Marshall and iconographies of Jean Michel Basquiat, this fashion tale celebrates the Black femininity
10 PHOTO LONDON
Nataal’s portfolio of exciting works being shown at the international photography fair in London
WELCOME
This digital issue of Nataal magazine is dedicated to dance and considers how the body in movement can be a tool for self-expression, for political statement, or simply pure enjoyment. Enter our guest editor than Nicolas Huchard. This renowned dancer, choreographer and movement director curates a special section revealing his artistic vision, one driven as much by making social change as it is by unadulterated energy. He also presents a line-up of talent that make up his world in Paris. This tight-knit crew of Black creatives show love and support each other as the collectively move the cultural dial. Elsewhere, we do the kizomba in Abidjan with Armando Cabral, talk ballet and activism with Chloé Anais Lopes Gomes, go vogueing in Joburg with VMJ Ball, explore the skateboarding scene in Palestine and feel the blues with Art Comes First in Ethiopia. Shall we dance?
TEAM
Guest Editor NICOLAS HUCHARD
Creative Director MARIE GOMIS-TREZISE
Editorial Director HELEN JENNINGS
Design Director JOEL ANTOINE-WILKINSON
Associate Editor MIRIAM BOUTEBA
Social Media Editor XANTHE SOMERS
Editorial Assistant BLESSING BORODE
Contributing Editors AMBER NICOLE ALSTON, BINWE ADEBAYO, STÉPHANE GABOUÉ, WANJERI GAKURU
Founder ALASSANE SY
CONTRIBUTORS
Andrea Gil, Andrew Mkhize, Anita Jolles, Aram Sabbah, Aurélie Chantelly, Ayomide Tejuoso, Bagaté Tatiana, Beatriz Guerrero, Bruno Claire, Cédric Akanza, Chiao Chenet, Chloé Hirschman, Daniel Obasi, Diana Ramos, Doueu Kiéla Michèle Annie, Enorck Desruisseaux, Faouziat Biera Faous, Feramni Eso, Frederic Troehler, Gabriel Balcha, Gam Concepts, Greg Holland, Gregory Turchi, Ines Vansteenkiste-Muylle, Iris Nguyen Van, Iryna Polieshchuk, Iviu Torre, Jaissers Jiménez, Jessica Madavo, Joe Penney, Josefina Santos, Keisha Finai, Liam Derouiche, Lou Boidin, Maëlys Jallali, Maen Hammad, Maono Ya Nafsi, Marco Marchetti, Mercure Perrot, Nahom Samunegus, Omar Fiusa, Paula de Almeida, Rayan Souaidi, Réda Ait Chégou, Salomé Mesdesirs, Saloua Derbali, Sam Lambert, Sephora Makosso, Shaka Maidoh, Shirlene Malambo, Sophie Tracy May, Stephania Yepes, Swan Arnaud, Travys Owen, Uche Uba, Xander Ortiz, Yara Forster, Zorina Marulanda
THANK YOU
Armando Cabral, Amy Belledin , Studio Private, The Genesis Group, Farago Projects