As Pride Month draws to a close, Channel O (DStv Channel 320) is set to make a grand, unapologetic statement with the premiere of Young, Gifted & Queer on 31 October. This groundbreaking documentary will shine a spotlight on the trailblazing black queer voices that are shaping Mzansi culture—challenging norms and creating a vibrant, forward-thinking future.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Renaldo Schwarp, Young, Gifted & Queer features the captivating stories of three of Mzansi’s most influential Black queer figures: Andiswa Dlamini, founder of Other Village People and a key curator of queer spaces; Umlilo, the genre-defying, intergalactic ‘kwaai diva’ and S’bo Gyre, a pop-rapper who has, in his own unique way, redefined entertainment in the country.
These bold creatives’ personal journeys are woven together with insights from iconic queer voices, cultural icons and journalists, creating an electrifying portrait of Black queer life—its struggles, its triumphs, and its lasting impact on the local arts, music, and activist scenes.
As Charis Coleman, the doccie’s executive producer, puts it, Young, Gifted & Queer is more than just entertainment—it’s a celebration of culture, resilience, and joy in the face of adversity. “This documentary is about embracing who we are and how Black queer lives continue to influence and shape the world around us,” says Coleman. “In a time when hate crimes against the queer community are rising, we are choosing to celebrate and uplift our voices.”
Schwarp echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the film’s celebration of Black queer brilliance. “This isn’t a story of struggle or sorrow. It’s a loud, unapologetic celebration of the immense creativity, power, and influence of Black queer individuals. These are the people who are transforming South African art, music, and culture, and this will show the world just how dope and revolutionary they are.”
For Andiswa Dlamini, participating in the documentary was a deeply meaningful experience. “This project made me realise just how much more time and space we need to truly share our stories,” she says. “I hope that when people watch, they will see that there is community, beauty, love, and celebration within the LGBTQIA+ community.”
For S’bo Gyre, the documentary is a powerful milestone in the ongoing journey to elevate queer stories. “I remember watching Paris is Burning and thinking that we need our stories told with the same level of care and nuance,” he says. “Being part of Young, Gifted & Queer is a dream come true because it is a powerful, multi-generational look at the Black queer experience in Mzansi, and it’s a chance to shift how people view queer excellence—not just through art, but through our lived experiences.”
Mlilo says she is excited to be part of a film that is telling a story of queer joy and. “Often we only see horror stories and don’t celebrate the amazing queer people in our country so I’m super proud to be a part of that,” she says. “I hope that viewers can forget that they are watching queer people and just see us as humans with families, lives, hopes and dreams just like them.”
Featured alongside Andiswa, Umlilo, and S’bo are other leading figures in the queer scene, including Lelowhatsgood, Olwethu “Ms Party” Mlotshwa, Ashwin Bosman, Dr. Bev Ditsie, Lula Odiba, and Sibs Matiyela, among others.
Main Image: Channel O
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