BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – You know you have done something right when you start attracting International brands.
This the story of local pencil artist Thembinkosi Mabuza (23) who hails from Ludzeludze in the Manzini region who had been named brand ambassador of a Zimbabwean magazine,Romourzw.
We caught up with him and he told us more about his passion for art, and the industry in general.
How did you get the ambassadorship gig?
Actually they interviewed me and they ask me if I don’t mind to be their brand Ambassador because they looking forward to introduce the magazine in Eswatini. That’s how I got the opportunity to be a Brand Ambassador of the Magazine on 3 October 2024.
This is my first magazine as brand Ambassador Volume 11 Africano Edition.
Which your favourite art piece so far?
My favourite piece is the drawing of Clare Matisa because it’s be best drawing I did so far and I had learn a lot from this drawing. It’s also show that I had improve from the way I was drawing.
Whom would you like to paint one day?
I would love to create a drawing for King Charles from England , as well as a number of local influencers as well to show that I appreciate their craft too.
So far I have painted a couple celebrities from South Africa, including Big Zulu ,DJ Tira,DJ Maphorisa to mention a few.
According to you, how’s is the art industry locally?
The industry is growing so fast and people are starting to understand what ART means. However,I think the are few things that the government needs to do to improve the art industry.
The competition is tough ,people are working so hard to deliver the best to the audience. I can’t lie if we continue to have such competition,it shows that we are growing in numbers that we want to see in the art industry.
When did you fall in love with art?
I started drawing at very tender age when I was doing Grade 7at Ludzeludze Primary School.
I was inspired by an artist, Wandile Shlongonyane who is a tattoo artist and a painter as well. He used to pass by my homestead carrying paintings .One day I had a chance to pay him a visit ,that’s how I got inspiration from that moment I fell in love with art up untill today.
Can artists survive in Eswatini with just their craft?
For now I can’t say an artist in Eswatini can survive through art as I stated above that the government has to play a part in providing a some facilities and infrastructure to showcase our talent.
