The Dwell 24: Mlondolozi Hempe

Cape Town designer Mlondolozi Hempe interweaves the folklore of his native South Africa for his furniture brand, Umongo.

Sep 13, 2022 - 16:34

Cape Town designer Mlondolozi Hempe interweaves the folklore of his native South Africa for his furniture brand, Umongo.

Cape Town designer Mlondolozi Hempe interweaves the folklore of his native South Africa and stories from his childhood into his designs. Take Hempe’s Imbadu bench for his Umongo furniture brand.

Inspired by imbadu, a custom in South Africa’s villages in which elders congregate to discuss issues important to their community, the bench is supported by seven legs, each in a different shape, representing the individuals working together to uphold the fabric of society or, in this case, the seat.