By Phumzile Ndlovu
MBABANE- Sketching Success Mabuza makes Eswatini proud!
At just 20 years old, Eswatini pencil artist Thembinkosi Mabuza is quickly becoming a name to watch on the African art scene. Recently crowned Best Young Achiever Pencil Artist of the Year 2024/25 at the inaugural Young Achievers Africa Awards, Mabuza has proven that raw talent, passion, and community support can take you far.
Held on May 17, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, the awards celebrated young talents from across the continent. Although due to financial challanges he didn’t attend the awards ceremony, this win marks a significant personal and professional milestone.
“It’s every artist’s dream to represent their country internationally,” he said. “Winning this award means everything to me. It motivates me to keep pushing and working hard. I’m truly grateful to my fans and friends who voted for me.”
Born in Mbabane and raised in the Ludzeludze Community of Matsapha, Mabuza began drawing as early as Grade 2. What started as cartoon sketches soon evolved into more detailed and expressive portraits. Inspired by the few artists he saw mastering realism; he honed his skills through self-practice and mentorship.
He credits Wandile Sihlonyane as a key mentor who guided him for two years and Mzwandile Moletsane, whom he connected with on Facebook, for additional drawing techniques.
“They’ve both helped shape my journey as an artist,” he says.
Social media sparked the spotlight interestingly; his path to nomination was powered by fans on social media. After being tagged in a call-for-nominations post, Mabuza caught the attention of the award organisers.
“The public believed in me before I did,” he shares with a smile. “They made this possible.”
Although he’s still in discussions with organisers about the official prize, the recognition alone has already changed the way he views his career.
“This is my first international award. It’s a call for more work. Now the whole country is watching, and I want to represent them well.”
Known for his striking portraits of celebrities—like his recent favourite piece of Kabza De Small—Mabuza is also venturing into glass art and contemporary pieces. He dreams of collaborating with banks and corporate entities to bring large-scale art events to Eswatini.
“Art is too broad to limit yourself,” he says. “I’m exploring ways to expand and introduce new art platforms.”
Though proud of his roots, Mabuza sees room for growth in the local creative industry.
“The art industry here is still growing. We need more awareness, support from the government, and infrastructure. But as artists, we are ready to change that and make it better—just like what South Africa is doing.”
Mabuza draws inspiration from both local and international talent. He names Cynthia Phillz, Wandile Sihlonyane, and Mzwandile Moletsane as local heroes; while internationally he looks up to Jono Dry and Left Hand Boy.
So what’s next for Mabuza? Given the opportunity, Mabuza says he’d love to create a piece that connects deeply with everyone, not just celebrity fans.
“I want to create art that resonates with people’s emotions and experiences—not just faces, but feelings.”
To aspiring artists, he offers this advice: “Don’t rush. Take your time, work hard, put God first, and always invest in your craft.”
With humility in his heart and graphite in his hand, Thembinkosi Mabuza is a young talent representing Eswatini with pride—and he’s only just begun.
