Crispy Skateboards Hosts Dynamic Night of Art, Skate Culture, and Live Music in Rosebank
Crispy Skateboards Transforms Rosebank with Skate Culture and Creative Energy
On Thursday, 8 May, Rosebank pulsed with the energy of raw creativity and skate culture as Crispy Skateboards hosted a groundbreaking two-part experience: A Night at Origin Art and the Not An Afterparty at Democracy Bar. Urban Lifestyle was there to witness a night that pushed the boundaries of South African skateboarding, celebrating art, culture, and movement in one unforgettable collision of expression.
The event spotlighted Crispy Skateboards’ Motion and Expression collection—an artist-led campaign that fuses the world of skateboarding with local South African visual artistry. The celebration was the culmination of a month-long competition that invited local creatives to design custom decks. After a rigorous selection process, three winners were announced: Meli Ndlovu (Crispy’s pick), Steezkatt (chosen by Origin Art Gallery), and Allas du Plooy (the public’s favourite).
“With ‘Motion and Expression,’ 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.”
Speaking at the event, co-founder Kaelik of Crispy Skateboards emphasized the brand’s mission:
The first venue, Origin Art, hosted an art-forward exhibition showcasing finalist designs and connecting artists with enthusiasts, collectors, and fellow skaters. Then the scene shifted to Democracy Bar for the Not An Afterparty—a celebration that turned a downtown bar into a makeshift skate park. A custom-built mini-ramp took center stage as the boards came alive under spotlights and DJ beats, giving attendees a true street skate experience indoors.
Crispy turned the bar into a full sensory experience, bringing in the Lerato Orchestral Collective and electro-soul duo Aura Electric for live music performances that lit up the space. With graffiti, board art, music, and movement fusing into one, the event perfectly embodied the spirit of “Motion and Expression.”
“I’m a skater myself, so being part of this campaign was personal. It gave me a chance to tell my story through art, to show how I grew up in the skateboarding community. Winning this competition wasn’t just about the artwork—it was about recognition, and being seen.”
Meli Ndlovu, one of the winners, shared what the moment meant to him:
“I wanted to remix something we see every day in Joburg—and make it mine. It’s weirdly part of our visual language.”
Steezkatt, another winning artist and tattoo apprentice, spoke to the everyday inspiration behind his board:
By giving artists like Meli, Steezkatt, and Allas du Plooy a platform, Crispy Skateboards continues to cement itself as more than just a skateboard brand. It’s a movement rooted in culture, expression, and community.
From limited-edition deck drops and artist collabs to immersive events and workshops, Crispy is shaping the future of skateboarding in South Africa—one board, one mural, one night at a time.
Follow Crispy Skateboards for updates on upcoming releases, events, and community projects. The next wave of art-meets-skate may be right around the corner.
