Thumbnail: Miselo Shakes Aphelele uses art to combat gender-based violence and inspire young people to be agents of social change. He is the founder and coordinator of Shakes Entertainment, which combines entertainment, social responsibility, and community empowerment to fight social challenges. Aphelele faces continual resistance and sacrifices time and comfort to achieve his goals.

Profile: Miselo Shakes Aphelele has spent his life in the Western Cape of South Africa. He experienced firsthand the harsh realities of poverty, deprivation, and youth unemployment in Mbekweni, roughly 68 kilometers northeast of Cape Town, and considered using art to fight these social ills.

“I grew up playing soccer,” he remembers, “but because of experiences of poverty at home, I ended up voicing my grievances and those of fellow youths through the art of poetry and fell in love with it. In my quest of finding closure and self through writing, I met a guy named Sivuyile Sijaji, who inspired me in this art journey with his life story.”

Popularly known as King Pie, Aphelele first formed the New Generation Acapella Group: “I started performing live on stage in 2017, with my two popular poems, “Akamhle Sisimanga” and “You Are So Beautiful”, to honour the beauty of women in my community.”

In 2020 Aphelele formed Shakes Entertainment, a community-driven organisation and youth initiative with the aim of combining entertainment, social responsibility, and community empowerment: "We understand that art, music, and community service can be powerful tools for change. Since its formation, Shake Entertainment has worked to create platforms where people can be inspired, supported, and united through meaningful programmes.”

Aphelele and his colleagues have held several interventions—from campaigns against gender-based violence to anti-drug abuse initiatives. In April 2025, they hosted a well-attended march in Mbekweni. The following year, they held a Men's Dialogue with *#LangaForMen* Human Nature Community Project: “The Men’s Dialogue created a space for men and boys to discuss responsibility, gender respect, masculinity, mental health, and how men can contribute positively to community development. This shows that our organisation does not only respond to immediate needs but also addresses social attitudes and long-term change.”

Recent studies have shown that South Africa has one of the highest cases of violence against women in the world: Each day, 100 women are raped and 11 women are killed. To promote dignity for young girls, Shake Entertainment provides sanitary pads to girls and women. “Many girls,” says Aphelele, “miss school because they cannot afford sanitary products, and this programme sought to restore dignity, confidence, and uninterrupted education.”

Aphelele and his colleagues also hold cultural events to restore the cultural heritage and dignity of their communities. The Voices of Cape Town Annual Festival

showcases choirs, youth groups, and artistic organisations such as Kamvalethu Youth choir, Ingomsolethu Youth Choir, Ukhanyolwethu Art Organisation, Ikhono Youth Group, New Powerful Art Organisation, and Heavenly Sent Youth Choir. “Events like these celebrate culture, unity, and talent while also giving young performers exposure and confidence,” said Aphelele.

Aphelele is convinced that his work can draw young people out of drugs and crime and promote safer communities: “The organisation also uses events as a way to build community pride and create safer recreational spaces for young people. Instead of allowing youth to be drawn into crime, drugs, or destructive environments, Shakes Entertainment provides spaces where creativity, discipline, and positive social interaction can thrive. In addition, the organisation promotes collaboration with schools, youth groups, churches, and local leaders. By involving different sectors of the community, it ensures that its work reaches more people and creates lasting partnerships.”

Shakes Entertainment isn’t limited to entertainment; it also addresses education, empowerment, health awareness, youth expression, and social cohesion. As Aphelele says, “What makes the organisation unique is its belief that helping people should not be separated from celebration and culture. Music events become spaces of healing. Donation drives become acts of restoring dignity. Dialogues become tools for changing mindsets. Through this model, Shakes Entertainment continues to grow into a movement that blends service and creativity for the betterment of Paarl and surrounding communities.”

Aphelele’s work—planning, organizing, fund-raising, traveling, coordinating volunteers—is not easy. He sacrifices time, rest, finances, and comfort for the cause of others. In addition, there are risks, first from people who don’t believe in his mission and then from “carrying other people’s pain, especially when dealing with poverty, young people losing hope, or women facing dignity challenges.”

Despite the difficulties, Aphelele is determined: “Not even once did I think of giving up my love of art, because art is what gives me life. It is what makes my days on earth worth living, knowing that I am impacting the lives of many.”