Mbali Sebokedi is using book covers to create makeup looks

What do you get while you mix books and make-up? Well, books as lewks in fact – using book covers as inspiration for makeup looks. Mbali Sebokedi is the creator behind this incredible concept. The Daily Vox chatted together with her to learn how she got here up with this idea. 

First of all, please inform us slightly bit about your self?

I’m at the moment finding out and I’m doing my masters in literary principle. The focus of my thesis is the concept of motherhood and nationhood in African literature. I’m specializing in three girls writers – from Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia. I’m wanting to see if there are any new concepts or if the concepts of motherhood have shifted in any means. Other than that I assessment books on Instagram below books as lewks. That’s me mainly. 

Sebokedi’s thesis will likely be specializing in The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell, House of Stone by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma and The Kintu Saga by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi.    

Before we get to the #booksaslewks, what drew you to studying and books? 

From childhood, I used to be surrounded by lots of people who learn from household buddies to cousins and my dad. Reading has at all times been a factor within the household. I at all times brag about this – it’s my best achievement. In grade one, I obtained a 5 on my report card for studying when the very best quantity was 4. So I might learn from grade one and from then it was the varsity library and native library. Christmas was for books. I’d get a funds of like R1000 to purchase as many books. 

Sebokedi grew up studying Enid Blyton’s books just like the Famous Five and Gcina Mhlophe’s folktales. She additionally found her love of African literature. 

So let’s flip to Instagram – what made you begin reviewing books on the platform?

So my Instagram began out regular like everybody else. I’d share what I used to be studying however I by no means reviewed it. So lockdown helped however actually books as lewks was a fluke. I noticed that folks had been getting attracted to the face worth of the looks after which they might additionally learn the assessment as a result of it was there. So that’s once I determined this was what I used to be going to do. And I don’t suppose I’ll ever cease. It’s so good to see folks DM me about what they’re studying and simply to see folks learn for enjoyable. 

Were you shocked on the optimistic response?

I used to be shocked as a result of once I shared it, I observed there have been extra likes than normal. Then I shared it on Twitter and it blew up. People had been saying we by no means would have considered makeup and lewks and I used to be like – sure, mine neither. It simply grew from there. Many folks additionally stated they didn’t know what to learn so clearly many individuals need to learn as effectively. 

So what in the end made you determine to marry books and makeup?

So it began with this problem known as “Books as outfits” in the beginning of lockdown. I simply didn’t have the wardrobe to do the problem so I advised a pal who wished me to do the problem that I’d use makeup. For essentially the most, the book cowl does all the work. Like I didn’t suppose sure color combos would work however they work on the duvet so clearly they might work on my face. It’s additionally about me pushing myself when it comes to looks I created. 

One of Sebokedi’s favorite looks was the one she created for Mia Arderne’s Mermaid Fillet. 

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These are a few of her different favourites as she actually had to exit of her consolation zone to create them. 

Some of the authors have even recognised her work like Akwaeke Emezi and Arderne. 

Okay, these had been your favorite looks, however what have been your favorite books from the previous 12 months?

Mermaid Fillet. Reading the book felt like dwelling as a result of I grew up in Cape Town. Those Who Live in Cages by Terry-Ann Adams. It’s the significance of Eldorado Park being represented and the story itself was wonderful. Black Leopard Red Wolf by Marlon James. It felt like a fever dream and I cherished the book. Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta. The writing is unimaginable – 5 pages in and I used to be tearing up. Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko. It was excellent – the storytelling, characters and magic system was wonderful. 

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Terry-Ann Adams is writing about Eldorado Park 

Sebokedi says her TBR (to-be-read record) is very annoying because it retains rising. 

As an avid reader and educational, why would you say studying is so essential?

So empathy is crucial to me. I feel you may use theories to determine race, gender and many others however on the base of each principle is empathy and humanity. Through studying, I’ve grown my empathy. I’ve learnt issues with out being violent in the direction of others. Some folks say it’s curiosity nevertheless it’s violence. It’s helped me to perceive and helped make me a greater individual. In a really humane a part of your life, it is so essential to learn. It’s essential to learn far and huge for empathy, understanding and significant considering. 

Featured picture supplied.