On Thursday, 8 May, Crispy Skateboards took over the streets of Rosebank, Johannesburg, with a two-venue cultural takeover that fused skateboarding, art, and live performance in a celebration of South African creativity. ESA was front and centre at “Crispy Skateboards Presents: A Night at Origin Art” followed by “Not An Afterparty”—two back-to-back experiences that spotlighted the Motion and Expression collection in collaboration with local visual artists.
The evening kicked off at Origin Art Gallery, where the walls were adorned with custom skate deck designs from a recent Crispy art competition. Earlier this month, the brand invited local creatives to submit original skateboard designs reflecting the raw spirit of skateboarding. From over a hundred submissions, three winners were chosen: Meli Ndlovu, handpicked by Crispy Skateboards; Steezkatt, selected by Origin Art Gallery; and Allas du Plooy, the people’s choice through a public vote.
“We wanted to highlight the richness of South African creativity and give emerging artists a platform in a tough industry. Crispy is becoming more than a brand—it’s a creative space where art and skate culture intersect.”
Crispy co-founder Kaelik explained the vision behind Motion and Expression:
The event continued into the night at Democracy Bar, where the energy ramped up—literally. A custom-built skate ramp inside the bar turned the venue into a true skate haven, honouring street culture in the most authentic way. All three winning decks were unveiled, surrounded by a vibrant crowd of skaters, artists, and music lovers. Live sets by the Lerato Orchestral Collective and Aura Electric added sonic texture to a night already buzzing with creative energy.
Meet the Artists
“I’m a skater myself—I grew up in the culture. So, expressing myself on a deck tells the story of who I am. Winning was unexpected, but being seen and supported like this means everything.”
Johannesburg-based graffiti artist and skater Meli Ndlovu shared his excitement about being part of the campaign:
Tattoo apprentice and artist Steezkatt brought a dose of Johannesburg street wit to his design.
“I wanted to reimagine the everyday graffiti—stuff like the ads you see everywhere—and give it my own twist. This city and its hustle inspire me constantly.”
Each artist brought their own lens to the theme, but the thread running through all the decks was unmistakable—skateboarding isn’t just a sport, it’s a language, a lifestyle, and a form of visual protest.
Pushing Culture Forward
Crispy Skateboards continues to establish itself as a premium South African brand blending high-quality craftsmanship with bold, artist-led design. Their approach includes limited-edition releases, in-house manufacturing, creative partnerships, and community-building events that celebrate the convergence of art, skateboarding, and street fashion.
Their goal? To provide a platform where expression thrives, youth culture is championed, and boundaries are constantly pushed.
With its latest showcase, Crispy Skateboards has once again proven that skateboarding in South Africa is more than just tricks on concrete—it’s a movement fueled by passion, talent, and a drive to reimagine the ordinary.
To stay in the loop with future collaborations, workshops, and product drops, follow Crispy Skateboards and the artists behind the decks.
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