Hennessy brought one of the most published and most respected photographers in hip-hop culture to South Africa: Jonathan Mannion for his ‘Beyond The Covers’ exhibition.
Jonathan is widely known for launching his career with Jay Z’s Reasonable Doubt album in 1996 and producing over 300 more album covers since. He also conducted Aaliyah’s last photo shoot before she died in 2011. Jonathan convinced DMX to immerse himself in blood for the Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood album cover.
Now, Jonathan in partnership with Hennessy, has worked with SAs popular acts such as Riky Rick, Rogue, AKA & Cassper. Being only introduced to the SA industry this year, Jonathan has shown his enthusiasm with working with the biggest names in the South African hip hop industry. He explains it as a “new portal” moving forward.
Mannion also gives a glimpse of his excitement about the feud between Cassper and AKA saying it is just like when he was still shooting with Jay Z and Nas or Ja Rule and DMX: He sees it as each of them inspiring one another to go farther and higher.
“Riky Rick, my brother, I appreciate you for bringing your A game and collaborating so generously with me!” Jonathan posted about Riky on his Instagram, “Your spirit is beautiful! We’re just getting started!” he continues, giving hints that there could be more local collaborations in the future.
The world renowned photographer assures that he is only giving the gift of his work and of his talent. Therefore we can’t wait to see his talent on these upcoming album covers. We can’t wait to see one of our local artists on Jonathan’s next Beyond The Cover Exhibition.
He talks to us about his creative processes and who he’ll be working with here in SA.
The exhibition took place on the 3nd of November in Braamfontein, Thirteen.
By Thabiso Molatlhwa
