Bold. African. Unapologetic.

Jewellery designer Koketso Mohlala’s latest Adinkra-inspired designs are indicative of her brand values and passion for the mother continent. Founded in 2013, Ditsala Designs is an African jewellery brand dedicated to crafting bold, unique and authentically African pieces that celebrate heritageand culture. This is seen in the names Mohlala gives to her pieces and collections, among themBontle Ba Africa(Beauty of Africa),Onalenna(God is with Me) andKhensani(Gratitude) to name a few.

Her work, which has been worn by the likes of Thuso Mbedu, Bontle Modiselle and Somizi Mhlongo, also includes a stunning neckpiece worn by singer Maleh on the cover sleeve of her latest singles,BabaandBula Ditsela. Mohlala’s brand was the jewellery supplier for bothShaka iLembein 2024 and the Miss South Africa finale last year. In 2020 her work was also featured in the Black Parade Route directory curated by Beyoncé’s stylist Zerina Akers.

“For me, celebrating African heritage and beauty as an artist and brand is more than an aesthetic choice,” Mohlala said during our interview. “It is a profound commitment to reclaiming our narratives and fostering cultural empowerment.” In ancient Africa, jewellery had many uses and purposes. Beyond a status symbol for wealth and social standing, various communities used it for tribal identification, spiritual protection and currency for trading.

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Mohlala continues the tradition by using her work to remind, affirm and celebrate our Africanness in a modern world often defined by Western beauty standards. “I draw inspiration from ancient African art and fashion, as well as from other African designers like Adele Dejak, who has been a formidable presence in the industry for years.” Handcrafted with love, Mohlala’s creative process involves methods like hand hammering, filigree and casting to produce mind-blowing bespoke designs. While cowrie shells, beads, wood, bones and leather can produce mesmerising pieces, metals such as silver, bronze and brass are Mohlala’s materials of choice.

Her motivation to start Ditsala Designs came from frustration. “I grew tired of seeing young Africans follow trends set by Americans and Europeans, so I decided to be the change I wanted to see.”

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