what is verve?
VERVE MAGAZINE is a platform where the goal is to expose the work of the many talents that reside in South Africa. That is our priority.
verve - (noun) the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or performance
VERVE encapsulates everything we want from this project as admirers of the spirit of what we as creatives have to offer, and we believe this project will be the conduit to exposing these talents.
Our magazine won’t be limited to what we think is popping, we want it to be a space for anyone with a voice, which we want to help amplify.
Brought to you by Ntsika Novoyi, Jeriah (Chef J) Fredericks, and Vuyo Polson, our plan is to do our utmost best to help creatives grow and give them a platform to help grow their brand to their highest level.
Ntsika Novoyi
"A world without music is the closest thing to hell"
Ntsika Novoyi grew up in a household surrounded by music. Having taken part in choir during his schooling days, Ntsika took his love for music and writing further in his early years, studying Communication Sciences and writing for small time music media outlets.
His love for the local music scene stemmed from the days of growing up listening to the names of AKA, Emtee, Khuli Chana and many more.
With all the information and experience gained over the years, Ntsika has taken the next step in his journalism career, starting VERVE with the goal of pushing Cape Town potential within the SA creative scene.
Chef Jeriah Fredericks
Stumbling into hospitality the year after high school, Jeriah discovered his passion for people. Driven by the adrenaline of the industry, he always pushed to craft a better experience for the guests that he served.
After 8 years on the restaurant floor he decided to pursue another passion, and restart his career as a chef. Having previously run the kitchen at Deer Park Cafe in Vredehoek for a year, he has now delved into fine dining and is looking to expand his skill set as a Chef De Partie at The Pot Luck Club.
VERVE is a combination of those two passions, and an opportunity to meet new creatives and learn more about food, while at the same time exploring what being a chef means to him.
Vuyo Polson
Vuyo is a visual artist, writer and photographer from Johannesburg, currently based in Cape Town. He discovered the camera in 2023, and it became the catalyst to a creativity he never knew existed.
His work now explores the necessity of presence in the navigation of daily life. Through capturing and bringing attention to the overlooked moments of daily life, he draws attention to the human condition, commenting on what has been lost and what needs to be regained. His work is invitation, inviting the viewer to a world they have forgotten.
His intention is born out of his discovery of creativity. He believes VERVE has played an indisputable in finding his voice - and he hopes to help do the same for every other creative that VERVE will reach.
Nicole Chetty
Nicole Chetty is a multidisciplinary artist and writer for Verve Magazine. Based in Cape Town, she brings a rich background in theatre, performance, and storytelling to her work. Currently in her final year at the University of Cape Town, she is pursuing a degree in Theatre and Performance, majoring in Performance Making. She, now, merges her love for words and performance to craft compelling narratives that engage, challenge, and inspire.
Through Verve Magazine, Nicole brings a fresh and thoughtful perspective to the world of arts and culture, drawing on her diverse artistic practice to write with depth and authenticity.