The title of this exhibition references a song of the same name by the Soul Brothers, echoing the lament of children, mothers and the wives of men who left home due to South Africa's migrant labour system. 'Bazobuya' is an isiZulu phrase that translates to ‘they are coming back’ and, for this exhibition and the project of which it forms part, it is used as an umbrella term to speak to various issues concerning "the socio-political navigations of black men in South Africa".

Bazobuya... they are coming back is part of a greater project – fundamentally an artist mentorship and support programme hosted by Occupying the Gallery (an initiative headed by Mary Sibande and Lawrence Lemaoana) that makes Gallery 1 at Keyes Art Mile its temporary base. 

For a number of weeks, artists have been given studio space at Keyes Art Mile, creating a makeshift open studio in an unsuspecting white cube. The aim has been to encourage and unpack how peer and public engagement informs the processes of making. The studios have been open for visits throughout and the space has become one of conversation between the artists and with those who enter the front door, curious to see what's happening in the space. 

Lemaoana and Sibande chose five art projects by five emerging artists and have served as mentors for this process. Masculinity, its implications and impact, are at the heart of this exhibition. All of the five participants are black men whose bodies of works focus on foregrounding narratives from their marginalised communities. The participating artists are Bongani Ndlovu, Hoek Swaratlhe, Lusanda Ndita, Mlondi Magubane and Ngoma KaMphahlele. 

Each artist has used this space and time to unpack stories from their communities, particularly focusing on gender and masculinity through various visual arts mediums. The exhibition takes place at Gallery 1 at Keyes Art Mile and is supported by Danger Gevaar Ingozi Studio.  

Bazobuya... they are coming back closes on Thu, Oct 5 at Keyes Art Mile before Occupying the Gallery moves to a new location.