Akula x Nina Minke Art | Denim Jacket Auction for Umoja for Africa

Cape Town multimedia artist Nina Minke Holloway and visionary artist Akula (Visit website) have collaborated on a one-of-a-kind denim jacket to raise funds for Umoja for Africa (Visit website), a transformative NGO empowering disadvantaged and vulnerable women through skills development. This exclusive piece, featuring Nina’s vibrant painted design and Akula’s intricate beaded embellishments, will be auctioned to support Umoja’s mission of fostering independence through education and training.

Crafted with passion, the jacket blends Nina’s bold carpet motif using acrylic —with Akula’s exquisite beadwork and embellishments. Together, our work celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of female voices, reflecting the spirit of empowerment at the heart of Umoja’s programs.

Umoja for Africa has trained 50 people annually for 10 years, placing 500 men and women from diverse backgrounds into secure jobs through sewing and beading programs. With the help of a friend, Akula herself benefited from Umoja’s training, later becoming a mentor to others. This auction supports their ongoing work to uplift women across Africa.

Be the first to bid on this wearable artwork and contribute to a meaningful cause. Sign up below to receive exclusive updates on the auction date, bidding details, and behind-the-scenes stories of our collaboration. Join us in celebrating art that empowers!

About the Artists

Nina Minke Holloway: A Cape Town-based multimedia artist known for mixed media paintings, printmaking, textiles, and digital art. With exhibitions at 196 Victoria Gallery, Artklub (2015–2024), and her 2024 solo show, Open Studio, Nina’s work explores psychology and beauty, inspired by Western Cape landscapes and her high school fashion design roots.

Akula: A visionary artist and fashion designer Justina Malina, owner of Akula specializes fashion and in intricate beadwork and embellishments, bringing tactile elegance to this collaborative jacket.

About Umoja for Africa

Umoja for Africa empowers disadvantaged and vulnerable women across Africa through skills development in sewing and beading. Over 10 years, their training program has equipped 50 people annually, placing 500 men and women in secure jobs, fostering independence and economic stability. This auction supports their mission to transform lives through creativity and opportunity.

Sign up now to join the auction and support Umoja for Africa! Explore Nina’s art in the Shop or follow us on @ninaminke_art and @akula.rwrkd for updates. Contact us on instagram for inquiries.