"Cult of self" explored in One Small Seed's anniversary edition

This issue has a few more interviews than we normally use because we wanted the artists to express themselves in their own words. International names like Nigerian-born, and now Germany-based, singer-songwriter Nneka, James Lavelle from British musical outfit UNKLE, and old-school Hollywood filmmaker Melvin van Peebles. Local subjects include musician/producer/composer Markus Wormstorm, Skoonheid director Oliver Hermanus, and Zoo City's author Lauren Beukes.

On the visual side, there are chats with Supakitch and Koralie, two graffiti artists who paint whatever town they're in, red - and every other colour under the sun. From Cape Town to New York, with an 11-page Skype conversation, Supakitch and Koralie tell you about the video of them painting a wall for The Museum of World Culture in Sweden.

Cover and feature

llustrator/photographer/digital artist Natalie Shau's arresting work demanded pride of place on this issue's cover, with a full feature of her works inside. This issue's fashion shoot is inspired by the theme of the magazine and is titled "Self-Made". Shot by Sam Norval at Flash studios in Cape Town, there's behind-the-scenes footage waiting for you on onesmallseed.tv

Significant changes in music industry are also explored from various points of view. Record producer (The Smiths albums, "Blur" and "The Cranberries") Stephen Street gives a caustic take on the very technology that artists like Blitz "The Ambassador"and Dan Mendez have depended on, while local writer David Chislett stakes out the middle ground in a feature titled "Art of Noise". Someone goes into the underbelly of Joburg to hang with the "Jozi Punx", while in Cape Town there's a look at the ever-growing global revival of swing and the people who are making it happen.

A feature entitled "Dream a little Dream" offers insight into one's changing online persona - and enforces the goal of this issue: to challenge you, your self-awareness and what makes your essence as a human being, being human.

To check out a full breakdown of what you'll find in Issue 23 of One Small Seed, go to www.onesmallseed.com/2011/09/magazine-preview-issue-23-cult-of-self