'Green Shoots' CPT Skate Video by Leaf Apparel & Sole DXB (Interview)
Released yesterday in partnership with Sole DXB and Power Horse, 'Green Shoots in South Africa' see the Leaf Apparel skate team and friends destroying Cape Town's most iconic spots. The video explores the ever-evolving legacy and future of Cape Town's skateboarding scene, highlighting the places and faces shaping it, while also acknowledging the past and the role Apartheid played in forging the Mother City's skate culture.
Accompanying the skate film is an insightful written piece by Luke Doman, as well as black & white film photography from Matthew Johnson and Doman. It's definitely worth a read at SoleDXB.digital.
We had the chance to ask Salik (founder of the Leaf Apparel brand) some questions about his latest video, his brand, what CPT skate culture looks like and more. Check them out below!
We loved your new Green Shoots in South Africa video with Sole DXB. How did it come about?
It came about when Sole DXB came to Cape Town in 2018 to feature the Leaf Skate Team in the magazine and to document the skate culture out this side, and ever since then they have been doing things to continue the conversation and do things to uplift the skate culture. This time around Power Horse energy drink came on board to support the project, so a huge shoutout to them for making it possible.
How would you describe the skate culture in Cape Town to someone who’s never been here?
The city is bustling with skaters more now than ever. Iconic spots gave birth to our street skateboarders but with new developments in the city constantly happening, more skate spots are being born everyday - as well as new young bloods taking charge and showing old heads a new look at iconic spots. The skate community is small and very welcoming to new skateboarders, I like to think of us as a family.
How did Cape Film Supply help the project come together?
Cape Film Supply helped us with everything film related as well as allowed us to use the space to scan our negatives and helped us with all the gear we needed. Huge shoutout to them for all they are doing for the film community.
Which entities are really helping to shape the skate culture in Cape Town?
I would have to say Session Magazine, Vans, Baseline Skate Shop, Where To From Here, Slappy Skateboards,
Rollers Skate Shop, and SoleDXB.
Besides Leaf Apparel, which other local brands were representing in the Green Shoots video?
Power Horse, who have just launched in SA, helped support the project. Also we had a lot of support from local skate brand owners such as Space Spinach, Face Ooze,and Slappy Skate Boards came onboard as skaterboarders and videographers.
Any exciting projects we should look out for from yourself or the Leaf Apparel brand?
Look out for the Pot Plant Club store launch, a concept store by Leaf Apparel.
