In all societies there is one district yielding within its DNA the opportunities desired to carve out financial wealth for the family left behind. Parents (mine included) have forever described a place of lights that was far from reach for most yet a dream-come-true retreat for most who had packed up their lives in pursuit of a better life. “Jozi, Mabobeng,” they would say; “That’s where all the money is!” their eyes gleefully implied.
It still holds true to this day; the tale that is the utopia away from poverty. We all have that one family legend of our parent’s parents departing for a place two, maybe three provinces away so they could give our parents what they never had growing up. This legend is a common thread that weaves through all our lives regardless of whence we heil. The dreams we pursue have altered, somewhat, but remain true to the core essence of the pursuit of happiness; the quest of the pleasure of doing for a living what one loves.
Get Inspired
In this quest, The Maboneng Pricinct is the place to be (even if it is for a day or two). Its streets are meandered by artists of all types, the stores adorned in African-inspired attire and the atmosphere scented with inspiration sought after the world-over. Maboneng is an artistic muse after the creative’s heart. Every creative (no matter how seasoned) gets a case of the creative-block blues. This is the reason why I think this oasis makes for the perfect restart button to be perused and explored to reconnect with one's artistic muse once again.
Portions of the populace do not know of this (not so) hidden gem. It astounds me the amount of artistry living and breathing in the Maboneng district that appears to be the merging of the budding innocence of the starry-eyed visionary with a drive fed only by the unbound love of the arts.