Side Missions by M.Phasha: 3D(ipopeye) Building Blocks

In the fast-paced age of information and technology, digital transformation is an everyday aspect of our changing lives. From how we communicate to how we shop, it begins to reshape the way we see our culture. At the forefront of the three-dimensional interpretation of heritage is an artist's unexpected side mission. We follow M.Phasha as he reflects on and explores his Pedi heritage, fostering a new trade for his people and their tools of habits (or, in this instance, our future artifacts).

Nuance with a narrative - We often stumble upon revolutionary ideas when we are not even looking. Imagine leveraging 3D software tools to build digital monuments to our diverse cultural histories. This is merely a timestamp and an early read of how “Side Mission” introduces the 3D building blocks for safeguarding culture and acts as a digital pedagogy for passing on heritage to future generations.

The Power of 3D(itshomo)

3D technology offers a unique and powerful means to document and preserve cultural artifacts and sites. By creating detailed digital replicas of physical objects, we can capture their every nuance and intricacy. These digital models serve as precise records, allowing us to study and appreciate these cultural treasures in ways that were previously impossible.

A Pot: "The thing we use to prepare many of our traditional foods"

• Pitsa/SePedi-SeTswana-SeSotho

• Poto/SePulana

• Poto/XiTsonga

• iBhodwe/isiZulu

• Bodo(ya mulenzhe miraro)/TshiVenda

• Libhoda/SeSwati

• Imbiza/isiNdebele

• Imbiza/isiXhosa

Porridge: "A breakfast for many"

• Motogo(wa mabele)/SePulana-SeSotho

• Motepa(wa mabele)/SePedi

• Ting ya mabele/SeTswana

• Lambazi/isiNdebele

• Mukapu(wa makhaha)/TshiVenda

• Mukhapu/XiTsonga

• uMboko-iDokwe/isiZulu

• Isisdudu/isiXhosa

• Mdoko/SeSwati

Bottle: "Sometimes we use it as a goal post, 1 pal".

• Lebotlelo/SePedi

• Lepotlele/SePulana

• Lebotlolo/SeSotho-SeTswana

• Bodelo/TshiVenda

• Bodlela/XiTsonga

• Mbodlela/IsiNdebele

• Bhodlela/isiZulu

• iBhotile/isiXhosa

• libhodlela/SeSwati

An Immersive Experience for Education + Entertainment

One of the most exciting aspects of 3D technology is its ability to create immersive experiences, blending education and entertainment seamlessly. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications allow creative control in building and stretching ideas beyond the simple. This enhances our storytelling abilities and provides educational support and opportunities by making cultural heritage accessible to a broader audience. These immersive tools also offer unique ways to teach language by providing contextually rich environments where learners can engage with historical and cultural narratives in the language of the artifacts' origin. This method enhances language acquisition by associating words and phrases with tangible, visual representations, making learning more intuitive and engaging.

3D(iboko)

The side mission quest surprisingly still anchors and models after the artist's primary vocation of poetry and jazz-infused sonics in the alternative music scene. Speaking on culture, truth, and the journey of embracing your past in order to redefine your future, M.Phasha finds the balance between his native tongue Pedi and English. He keeps his love for Traditional Folk music in an urban setting present while relating to the everyday tale of Modern South Africa. See "Re Tsogile," a retrospective piece about creating art in a dark time.

I think the artist's intention can be affirmed accurately when more than one medium still speaks to the same truth. Interesting, however, wouldn't it be an amazing gesture to see the meeting point of these two paths? How does music contribute towards 3D imaging and how does 3D imaging give back to art?

Aside the side mission:

Probably a new discord in itself, having borne witness to cultural world-building in the Metaverse by Gift Kgosi at Soda World. A few ideas come to mind and completely parent a new way of dreaming. Who are we in the digital? And do we preserve yesterday's story or perhaps tell a new one? - See https://linktr.ee/sodaworld

3D(ipopeye) for the Culture

I guess the "side mission" will become our ground zero as technology continues to evolve—the potential for 3D building blocks in cultural preservation, a limitless tool that can help us reimagine history. From creating virtual museums to developing interactive educational tools and animations, the applications are vast and varied.

The promise of such a feat can only be best achieved through collective effort. As we continue to support innovative and independent thinkers, we are truly impressed by the thoughtful pursuit of expression and the additive contribution towards Southern African culture. To M.Phasha, we thank you for leading this "side mission" journey. May the culture be in your favor. Rea leboga.