Mam'gobozi Design Factory

27/11/2024

Throwback to some of our printed poster for Africa Film & Art Festival

04/10/2024

In 2022 we were challenged by to design a logo for them that pays tribute to the profound knowledge rooted in Africa. Our creative journey led us through exploring Afrikan fractals, delving into the binary code of the Bamana tribe, and investigating the binary system within the African divination systems of the Yorùbá tribe. Despite these efforts, we felt that these approaches did not fully capture the essence of the task. Our quest for a more fitting solution led us to explore ancient African writing systems, focusing on Nguni writing symbols.

The outcome is a design that pays homage to the rich tapestry of ancient African knowledge. It stands as an emblematic symbol, ideally suited for a research lab committed to addressing Africa’s challenges through the development of AI solutions tailored specifically for Africans, by Africans.

Font used: Gothiks Condensed
Created by:

23/03/2024

In late 2016, Mam’Gobozi Design Factory came to life at Wanderers Taxi Rank in Johannesburg, founded by Osmond Tshuma and Nontokozo Tshabalala . It all began with a conversation—one inside the taxi, the other outside—setting a transformation within the Southern African design industry in motion. Our journey unfolded organically, from crafting simple greeting cards to establishing a dynamic design playground. With no business skills, we just wanted to create without being caged. Our vision was simple; to create a space where we can be ourselves, create work we are proud of, and a place to experiment.

Eight years later, as we continue to navigate this beast called entrepreneurship, our commitment to experimentation and authenticity remains unwavering. Today, with a heavy heart, we announce the departure of Nontokozo Tshabalala from Mam’Gobozi. This moment echoes the inception of our venture, reminiscent of that fateful conversation at the taxi rank (one inside the taxi, the other outside). Nontokozo embodied disruption—an agent of change, an advocate for unconventional approaches, and a spirited collaborator. We will fondly recall her discerning eye, penchant for pushing boundaries, and unwavering dedication to our craft. Together, we crafted remarkable pieces of work that bear her indelible mark (of course, she will deny this because that is who she is). Our collaboration will endure in some form as we move forward. We wish Nontokozo all the best in all her future endeavors, knowing that her essence will always be part of Mam’Gobozi’s DNA.

12/02/2024

Early 2023 connected the founder with us. For the past four years, the Africa Film & Art Festival needed a distinct identity.

We faced the challenge of crafting an identity that resonated with the essence of the event. Africa is a diverse continent, how do we design a mark that celebrates that diversity? How can we merge the music (art) and cinema (film) in a mark? These were some of the questions we asked ourselves throughout the process.

To underscore the significance of cultural preservation, we finally drew inspiration from one of Burundi’s lost/ stolen wooden shields. The geometric patterns on the shield become the foundation for our visual style, elegantly incorporated into the logo. Subsequently, we developed two distinct visual languages-one resembling a mask & a musical drum and the other resembling a mask & a film camera. The outcome is a captivating and unique identity designed to make a lasting impression and set the AFAF event apart.

Design:
Client:
Pangea Afrikan Font design:
Agency country: South Africa 🇿🇦
 
                       

06/01/2024

Lelapa AI is a homage to ancient African knowledge; Nguni writing symbols to be specific. We believe it's an ideal symbol for a research lab that solves Africa's problems through building Ai solutions for Africans, by Africans.


Check out the full project here:

BriefWe were challenged to design a logo that pays tribute to the profound knowledge rooted in Africa. Our creative journey led us through exploring Afrikan fractals, delving into the binary code of the Bamana tribe, and investigating the binary system w…

28/06/2023

Congratulations to our cofounder for being one of the 200 Young South African winners for 2023 in the ‘Arts and Entertainment category’👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 👏🏾and congratulations to all the winners 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

This year’s installation of M&G’s 200 Young South Africans boasts over 15 inclusive categories that aim to recognise and reward youth who have created resilient, entrepreneurial and robust solutions.

31/03/2023

Introducing Kabo Kekana

“I am a graphic designer who is currently studying at the I enjoy illustration, photography and animation. My interest in design is the process of creating a solution to the problem. There are many ways to solve a problem but there isn’t much recognition placed on the in-between What makes me different from other designers is that I solve the problem by combining multiple solutions into one.”

31/03/2023

Thank you to the ‘Mam’Gobozi Internship class of 2022’ .designs for trusting us to be part of your journey.

31/03/2023

Introducing Jessica Mulombo .designs

" Hi! I'm Jess and I am a freelance graphic designer based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Being a versatile creative allows me to learn and to express myself in different ways, especially through colour exploration as it can say many things when applied to different design contexts. Design, allows me to learn new ways of exploration and that is why I know that design is my domain.”

31/03/2023

Introducing Asanda Silo

Asanda Silo is a nonbinary graphic designer and musician from Johhanesburg, South Africa. Asanda’s designs value diversity, connection and inclusivity and their work is focused on illustration that celebrates the proudly African and LGBTQI+ identity.

31/03/2023

A couple of months ago we had the honour of hosting our first group of interns. Might we say they are an exceptional and passionate group of beautiful humans filled with a passion ready to take over the industry. We just want to say thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey.

31/03/2023

Introducing Nwabisa Salukazana
“One thing about me; I love storytelling. I try to conceptualize what more could there be from
what exists now and how can I share that with others through graphic design or my photography. As a 3rd-year student, I have a passion for branding, logo design, packaging, conceptual photography, portraiture, and more. I'm also aspiring to learn filmmaking and explore my creative ideas even further. I eat creativity for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!”