What defines blackness? Thembisa Mdoda, Dineo Ranaka, Tol A$$ Mo and others speak on ‘Black Conversations’

After Kanye West's viral interview questioning Trevor Noah's ethnicity sparked conversations around what defines blackness, Mzansi Magic's Black Conversations could not have come at a better time. 

The first episode of the four-part series premiering on October 20 features Tol A$$ Mo, Dineo Ranaka, Celeste Ntuli, Phil Mphela, Mthokozisi "MaBlerh" Cele and Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo unpacking cancel culture and its ripple effect.

The show, conceptualised as a component to drive Castle Milk Stout’s “Don’t Fear Black; Savour it” campaign, tackles thought-provoking conversations through a panel discussion. 

Musa Mseleku, Rhodé Marshall, Felix Hlophe, Gogo Skhotheni, Lesego Tlhabi, Aubrey Masango, Refilwe Modiselle, Penuel Mlotshwa, Felix Hlophe, Musa Mseleku and Ayabonga Cawe are other personalities who contribute to the conversation and engage on issues which impact Africans.

TshisaLIVE viewed the first episode and got a peak at others at the launch held at The View Boutique Hotel in Auckland Park. 

We spoke to some of the panelists for their take on how they define blackness. 

This is what they had to say:

“Black is who you are. It's not plastered on your life, on your name, on your culture, or your colour, which is why you can never be wrong .” Thembisa Mdoda.

“The colonialised blackness tells you that whatever you achieve or do is only for you and your family. The true essence of blackness says you cannot sleep when in your neighbourhood you have communities that are starving.” Musa Mseleku. 

“I was so excited because this has been my conversation so shout out to Castle Milk Stout because it's the only brand that has contributed to the idea of just talking about blackness. I have a show where I say black love is a revolution.” Celeste Ntuli. 

“Everyone was given a chance to hear different opinions, which changed my mind on a few things, but I was also heard. I feel like people don't give a voice to people who don't sound like 'this' or talk like 'this' or come from certain schools. We don't get given space on that black table and have that voice. I liked that my opinion was heard and was just as valid as the other panellists.”  Lesego Tlhabi.