From Africa, With Love: OOSA Meets JAMBO Africa
Some things you don’t just choose they choose you. That’s exactly how it felt when Marc and James, OOSA’s cofounders, stepped into the world of JAMBO Africa.
Founded by Elma and Brian, JAMBO is more than a marketplace. It’s a living, breathing love story to the continent a hand-curated collection of Africa’s most beautiful, soulful, and skillfully made pieces. Think heritage crafts reimagined for modern living. Think textures that tell you where they’re from before you even ask. Think objects that carry the warmth of the hands that made them.
The Art of Curation
Elma and Brian don’t just stock products; they curate moments. Each item whether it’s a handwoven Zulu basket, a carved wooden vessel, or a piece of contemporary African design is selected with the kind of precision and care usually reserved for art galleries.
And that’s what drew Marc and James in. For OOSA, curation isn’t about filling shelves it’s about telling stories. In JAMBO Africa, they found kindred spirits who understand that beauty is richer when it’s rooted in authenticity.
“When you pick something from JAMBO, you’re not just buying an object — you’re carrying a piece of Africa’s soul into your home,” James says.
From the Continent to the Heart of Munich
Now, for the first time, JAMBO Africa’s treasures are arriving on German soil, exclusively through OOSA. This isn’t about mass import or trend chasing; it’s about slow, thoughtful selection. Marc and James spent hours with Elma and Brian, exploring, touching, and hearing the backstories behind every piece they chose.
Some pieces whisper history. Others shout colour and joy. All of them speak of craft, culture, and connection.
The Future of South African Design: An Evolution in Motion
As The Cape Town Furniture Week comes to a close, one thing is clear: South African design is not just having a moment—it’s shaping the future. With its seamless fusion of heritage, sustainability, and innovation, the country’s design industry is proving that African aesthetics belong on the global stage.
Cape Town has continuously redefined itself as a design capital, blending historical craftsmanship with future-forward innovation. From its roots in indigenous artistry to cutting-edge technological advancements in furniture design, the city’s evolution is a testament to its adaptability and creative spirit. As event organizer Y notes, 'The Cape Town Furniture Week isn’t just about celebrating design—it’s about shaping the future of how we create and interact with furniture in an ever-changing world.' The next wave of South African designers is fearless—embracing technology, sustainability, and cultural storytelling to craft pieces that resonate far beyond the continent’s borders. Whether it’s in the form of biodegradable seating, 3D-printed ceramics, or reimagined indigenous weaving techniques, the future of South African furniture is as exciting as it is responsible.
For design lovers, collectors, and connoisseurs, The Cape Town Furniture Week is an invitation to explore, appreciate, and be inspired. Plan your visit today to witness firsthand the groundbreaking innovations that are putting South African design on the global map. Because here, in the Mother City, design isn’t just about furniture—it’s about a way of life.
The Meeting Point
OOSA’s Munich store has always been a place where South African design meets European curiosity. With JAMBO Africa in the mix, that bridge just became wider — stretching across the continent and carrying with it the voices of the artisans, the heritage of the materials, and the magic of objects made with purpose.
*“Our job,” Marc says, “is to make sure every piece we bring to Munich feels as alive here as it did where it was made.”
In other words: these aren’t just things. They’re pieces of a story you get to keep.
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