Nkuli Mlangeni-Berg: The Creative Visionary Weaving a New Legacy for the African Diaspora
What happens when two worlds—distant in both time and place—collide through art? Can the threads of history be woven into the fabric of the future? Nkuli Mlangeni-Berg, a visionary South African textile designer, doesn’t just pose these questions; she brings them to life. Through the interplay of thread, tradition, and innovation, she seamlessly connects cultures and generations, creating a vibrant thread of shared stories and new possibilities.
Learn How to Leverage Your Story through our Story To Asset Transformation (S.A.T) Framework.
Seven years ago, Nkuli traveled from Johannesburg to the Peruvian Andes to explore weaving techniques that spoke to something deep within her own heritage. What she discovered was a powerful narrative of connection, a story that spans continents and generations, and it’s one that’s still unfolding.
In a world constantly defining itself by struggle and survival, Nkuli’s work is a reminder that creativity can be the ultimate vehicle for healing, unity, and change. This week, Nkuli is being celebrated as an African Diaspora Influencer, a true pilar for those who wish to make an indelible mark on their communities and the world.
Her mission: to leave a legacy of innovation, empowerment, and cultural exchange, all through the fabric of her craft.
A Journey Across Continents: Connecting Dots of Heritage
In 2016, Nkuli Mlangeni-Berg’s life took an unexpected turn when she traveled to Lima, Peru, to study the textiles of the Andes. The decision was simple, born of a deep-seated curiosity about craftsmanship, tradition, and the role of textiles in identity. But what she uncovered during this research was profound, and it would alter the trajectory of her career.
See also Small Business Q&A – How To Do Audience Research For Your Business As An African diaspora
While in Lima, Nkuli met Mario Quispe, a Quechua artisan whose geometric weavings caught her attention. What struck her immediately was the pattern: the same geometric motifs that adorned the walls of her Ndebele community in South Africa.
Ndebele art, known for its bold colors and geometric shapes, is deeply tied to the spiritual and ceremonial life of the people. For Nkuli, it was as if these textile traditions separated by oceans had found each other across time and space.
Her meeting with Mario became more than a professional exchange; it marked the beginning of a cross-cultural collaboration that would shape her creative journey. “I’ve always believed that textile design is about connecting cultures,” Nkuli says.
See also How To Research Your Content Creation
“What I saw in Peru was a recognition that our stories—though told in different languages and materials—are the same.” She returned to South Africa inspired and determined to continue this conversation, not just through designs, but through sustainable collaborations that honor indigenous practices across both continents.
The Power of Textiles: More Than Just Fabric
Textiles in Nkuli’s world are never simply decorative; they carry cultural weight, memory, and emotion. Raised in Kagiso, a township outside of Johannesburg, Nkuli was steeped in a world where fabric was integral to daily life.
Her Ndebele heritage places textiles at the center of major life events: births, coming-of-age ceremonies, and funerals. “When you’re born, you’re given a blanket. When you reach adulthood, you receive another. And when you pass away, your casket is wrapped in a blanket,” she explains.
This rich cultural practice informed her work in profound ways. Through design, Nkuli honors the symbols and rituals of her upbringing. Yet, it’s not just about preserving tradition—it’s about revitalizing it.
In her hands, the Ndebele patterns take on new dimensions, integrating the beading and cloth of her Swati roots, as well as the creative resourcefulness of her parents’ generation.
See also Monetizing Your Story: The Story to Marketing Assets
During apartheid, her parents adorned their homes with grass mats, handmade clothes, and everything that allowed them to carve out dignity in a hostile world. “Design back home is often about making the best of what you have,” she reflects. “That’s the kind of resourcefulness I want to bring into my work.”
Her designs are a direct response to the tension between heritage and innovation. But they are also about resilience, a quality that resonates with African diaspora entrepreneurs who are often tasked with navigating the complexities of maintaining cultural integrity while embracing global markets. Nkuli’s work shows that it’s possible to keep tradition alive while making it relevant in today’s world.
The Ninevites: Building Bridges Through Art
Nkuli’s quest to merge her South African heritage with global design took shape in 2012 when she founded The Ninevites, a collaborative studio dedicated to creating sustainable, handwoven textiles.
The name, a nod to the ancient city of Nineveh—once a hub of cultural exchange—reflects the studio’s mission to be a meeting point for creativity and community. The studio brings together artisans from across Africa and South America to create pieces that fuse diverse traditions into timeless designs.
One of the most notable products of this cross-continental collaboration is the Sankara Rug, which was named the most beautiful object in South Africa at the 2017 Design Indaba.
Woven from mohair, alpaca, and sheep wool, the rug blends the intricate patterns of South African heritage with the weaving techniques of the Andean region. “It’s a conversation between the loom and the pattern,” says Nkuli. “It’s not about ‘who owns’ these designs; it’s about how we can come together to share our practices and learn from each other.”
The Ninevites’ work has garnered international recognition, but Nkuli’s focus remains rooted in the African continent. Despite working with high-profile international brands like Svenskt Tenn, Nkuli has always returned to her core mission: to empower African artisans and create a sustainable model for design that prioritizes craftsmanship over mass production.
In doing so, she is contributing to a broader movement of African entrepreneurs who are reimagining the possibilities of African-made products on the global stage.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Sustainability
In an Ok Africa feature, the article highlights Nkuli Mlangeni-Berg being awarded ‘Best New Talent’ by Monocle. Her designs draw from the rich beauty of her childhood, her Zulu-Ndebele heritage, and a profound love for South Africa, all of which inspire her distinctive creations.
Notably, in 2017, Nkuli Mlangeni-Berg’s Sankara Rug was named the “Most Beautiful Object in South Africa” by Design Indaba, marking a defining moment in the rise of this exceptional talent.
Nkuli’s work isn’t just about making beautiful objects; it’s about fostering empowerment within African communities. As an African Diaspora creative entrepreneur, she understands the weight of legacy and how it extends beyond profit margins.
Her mission is clear: to contribute to the community while preserving culture and creating opportunities for future generations. Through The Ninevites, Nkuli has created employment and training for local artisans, particularly women, in remote regions of South Africa, such as the Karoo Desert, where traditional weaving techniques are at risk of being forgotten.
This commitment to sustainability and community-building aligns with a broader trend of social entrepreneurship in the African Diaspora. According to the African Business report, African social enterprises contribute significantly to job creation and poverty reduction across the continent.
Moreover, African entrepreneurs are increasingly recognized for their role in shaping the global economy through innovation, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices. Nkuli’s work is emblematic of this shift, showing that business can be a tool for both financial success and social impact.
The Call for a New African Identity in the Global Market
If you look around her work, you will see that Nkuli’s influence extends far beyond the realm of design. Through her travels and research, she’s developed a deep curiosity about how African American art movements of the 20th century sought to reconnect with Africa.
She sees parallels between these movements and the ongoing quest for African Diaspora entrepreneurs to reclaim their cultural identities and assert their place in the global marketplace.
“I’m very curious about what connects us as a people beyond the struggle,” she says. “I think we need to heal ourselves and decolonize all these ideas that we grew up thinking and feeling, and all these things that we had to subscribe to as Black people and as Black artists.”
This perspective is powerful, particularly for young entrepreneurs in the African Diaspora who are navigating the complexities of modern business. Nkuli’s work is a call to rethink the narratives we’ve been handed and to challenge the assumptions that limit our potential.
See also Amplify Your Story: The Story to Marketing Assets (SMA) Series
Nkuli’s impact as an African Diaspora influencer is not just about the work she produces, but the conversation she fosters around identity, collaboration, and decolonization.
For African creatives seeking to make a positive impact in their communities, Nkuli’s journey serves as a beacon of possibility: a reminder that success is not just about profit, but about contributing to a legacy that uplifts and empowers others.
Creating a Global Impact: The Future of African Design
As Nkuli continues her work in Sweden, studying how African American art movements intersect with African traditions, her focus remains on creating designs that tell stories of connection and healing.
Her work is evolving, not just in terms of artistic expression but in how she sees her role as a bridge between cultures and histories. “Art, design, and culture are all about healing,” she says. “We have the power to heal ourselves and each other through what we create.”
The future of African design lies in its ability to remain rooted in tradition while embracing global influences. Nkuli’s collaboration with Algerian artist Walid Bouchouchi and her work featured on the cover of NoViolet Bulawayo’s novel Glory demonstrate the power of collaboration across the African continent.
By collaborating with artists and authors from the African Diaspora, Nkuli is cementing her place in a new narrative of African art: one that transcends borders and embraces the complexity of the African experience.
Conclusion: A Creative Legacy That Will Endure
Nkuli Mlangeni-Berg’s work is more than just design—it’s a mission to heal, empower, and connect. As she continues to weave together the threads of her heritage and the stories of others, she’s carving out a legacy that will endure long into the future.
For African Diaspora creative entrepreneurs, Nkuli is proof that the impact of creativity extends far beyond personal success. It’s about shaping the future of communities, preserving culture, and leaving a legacy that resonates across generations.
Nkuli’s journey reminds us that, at its core, business is not just about what you build; it’s about what you leave behind. Through the loom and thread, she’s creating something far more lasting: a cultural renaissance that will inspire and uplift those who come after her.
Learn How to Leverage Your Story through our Story To Asset Transformation (S.A.T) Framework.
