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Our love story

A journey through time

March 11 2023

When you look at the picture, you’ll wonder what we’re thinking, what we’re looking at with those quiet eyes fixed on the camera. It’s a moment that says everything—Mdu and Bubu, captured in time. It’s then that it hits us: how far we’ve come, how much we’ve shared.

It all started with a chance meeting at the library on your birthday, two souls crossing paths at just the right time. We began with long, thoughtful messages, each one a thread weaving us closer. I tried so many times to meet you, eager to see you face-to-face.

We shared playlists that echoed our thoughts, our moods, and the subtle rhythms of our growing connection. In June and July, when we met again, the world felt still as we sat in the shade of the campus trees, playing card games with the sun overhead, laughter rising into the air. Those afternoons were ours, simple yet perfect.

After our 16:30 walks to St. Ermins, we’d retreat to my place where Solange filled the space between us—her music, a soundtrack to the moments we were building. And though it wasn’t anything grand, I’d bring you your favorite Rum and Raisin chocolates, a small gesture that became a cherished memory, sweet and simple.

Then, there was The Mick—you, reluctant at first, but eventually laughing with me as we spent hours together, binge-watching it late into the night. That Friday sleepover, the first night we spent together, marked the beginning of so much more—a journey that is still unfolding.

Mdu and Bubu, a story in motion, and this is just the trailer. The best is yet to come.

Our First Date

Nov 16 2023

The days leading up to our trip to Gold Reef City were filled with the usual chaos of school, but also those quiet moments of honesty. I remember telling you how terrified I was of presentations. It was my first time using English every day, and I had never felt more out of my comfort zone. But we got through it, just like we always do—together.

Then there was that time when my friends created the Avengers for the assignment and how funny it was, and it felt like we were part of something bigger (lol). But I hadn’t admitted it yet—how scared I was of heights. Gold Reef City would be the day I discovered that fear. You were so much braver than me, and I loved how you teased me, “forcing” me to take on the rides, especially the Anaconda. I swear, I felt like I was going to fall—my heart racing, the world spinning. It was crazy, but as I stood there with you, taking those steps, I knew it was all worth it. It was out of my comfort zone, but I would do it again and again with you

The time after exams was a blur of joy, spent together making memories. You were Team Natalie on Survivor, and I was Team Tony, and I smoked your team (sorry, but I had to mention it). And as for the Gold Reef trip, well, let’s just say “Agent C” had us in for a wild ride, with bad trips and everything. But those were just learning curves, weren’t they?

Every time I hear “Section 80,” I think back to that day, especially the track "F*ck Your Ethnicity." A certain guy was in his philosophy bag—or so he thought—and the advice you gave him that day, “Baby, don’t do ----s,” still sticks with me. Those moments, those songs—we were building something special. And let’s not forget Wu-Tang; you put me on to it, and I’ll never forget how much I learned from you. I still remember the first Brent Faiyaz song I liked—“Invite Me.” You always had a way of opening my eyes to new worlds.

Year of growth and reflection

March 2024

2024 was a year of growth, of lessons learned, and of appreciating what we had. I remember how much I looked forward to meeting you after school. Despite the chaos of Honours, you became my peace. It wasn’t easy—Honours was tough, and I found myself exhausted, sometimes even falling asleep out of sheer fatigue. But in those quiet moments with you, I felt at ease. You became my escape, the one person I could truly open up to, the one person who understood me even when I couldn’t fully express myself.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. You were going through so much—tough decisions, challenges we had both faced. And I couldn’t help but feel responsible for putting you in that uncomfortable position. It hurt me to see you going through such a hard time, and I wished I could’ve taken on some of that burden, or even switched places with you. You deserved peace, not the struggles that came your way, and I hated knowing I had played a part in that.

Still, there were positives. You became my best friend, my constant. We spent more time together than with anyone else, and it felt right—like nothing else mattered. In the midst of everything, you were there, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Top 2 and not 2

April 2024

That weekend was something else—it’s my favorite, hands down. Nothing could ever come close to it. It’s intangible, like something from a dream, a moment frozen in time that I’ll always treasure. We both fully opened up to each other—sharing our struggles, our pasts, and our traumas. It felt like the first step in letting our walls down, the beginning of something deeper, something real.

We spent that weekend in the most carefree way, binge-watching Survivor like it was the only thing that mattered. I’m pretty sure we finished an entire season and then jumped straight into the next one, laughing and talking through every episode. Every weekend after that felt like an extension of that one, with us just being together, learning more about each other, and growing together.

Then there was that Sunday. We watched Arsenal play, and, of course, they bottled the league when Aston Villa beat us 2-0. I’ll never forget the embarrassment I felt—especially in front of you, my girlfriend. But even that was a part of it, wasn’t it? That weekend is definitely top 2, and not 2. I know you probably have a different favorite, but for me, that weekend was my number one.

Little BuBu, Big Ninja

June 15 2024

Remember when we went to Total Ninja? We were so hyped up from binge-watching Survivor, thinking we were definitely going to dominate the obstacle course. And honestly, we did have a blast. Watching you dive into those challenges, getting active and giving it your all—it was so interesting, and I couldn’t help but admire how into it you were. It was one of those days that just felt right, full of energy and fun.

After the semester ended, it was like we couldn’t get enough of each other. We spent days watching roasts and old movies—those laid-back moments that felt like a world away from everything else. It wasn’t about anything but enjoying our time together.

I remember the Monday when your pops came by to fetch you. We didn’t want it to end. We didn’t want to say goodbye. We were so caught up in each other’s company, not wanting anything else but that. It was one of those moments where everything else just fades into the background, and all that matters is being with the person you care about most.

Kaytranada Timeless Jozi Leg

Jan 11 2025

You’d been putting me onto Kaytranada for what felt like forever, and I have to admit, I used to tease you about it because I wasn’t exactly sold on it at first. I wasn’t that into it, but somehow, over time, something clicked. Your enthusiasm, the way his music became a part of your world, it slowly pulled me in. And when I finally gave it a chance, I realized I had been missing out.

So when Kaytranada finally came to Johannesburg earlier this year, it felt like something more than just a concert—it was a dream I never knew I had, made real. Watching you there, so in your element, so happy—it was everything I could’ve hoped for. I’m glad I was there, sharing that moment with you, because it was truly special.

And hey, don’t let this guy off easy—he owes you a Kaytranada impression. I promise, I’ll make it good.

 

Moments in Stereo