BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MANZINI – Before audiences knew him as Slim Bee, Wesley Bonkhe Masuku was a young creative drawn to drawing, art and the simple joy of making people laugh.
Today, the entertainer is building a creative identity that stretches beyond comedy, combining his work as a comedian with a growing career in visual art. Masuku says his interest in drawing started at a young age, eventually leading him to study Fine Art and Ceramics. The experience taught him that artistic talent needs to be supported by discipline, patience and consistent practice.
For him, comedy and visual art are not competing identities but different ways of telling stories. “With comedy, I use my personality, expressions, and creativity to entertain people. With art, I use my hands and imagination to communicate visually,” he explained.
The two sides of his creativity have also benefited each other. His comedy has introduced his artwork to audiences who may otherwise not have encountered it, while his artwork has allowed people to see a different side of Slim Bee.
One of the milestones in his artistic journey has been taking his work beyond personal spaces and into exhibitions. Masuku has hosted exhibitions locally and internationally, experiences he says have shown him that being an artist from Eswatini does not have to limit the reach of his work.
That belief was also behind a drawing he created following an international figure’s visit to Eswatini. For Masuku, presenting the artwork was more than a personal achievement; it was an opportunity to put his creativity and Eswatini’s artistic talent before a wider audience.
His approach to creating artwork is deliberate. He begins with an idea and considers what he wants the piece to communicate before working through composition, references, proportions, light, shadows and detail. Some pieces take hours, while more complex works can take several days.
Social media has become another important part of that journey, allowing him to showcase his work beyond traditional galleries and connect with audiences in different countries. However, Masuku says one of his challenges has been convincing people to take his visual art seriously because of his association with comedy.
He has chosen not to let those perceptions define him. Looking ahead, the artist wants to stage more exhibitions, collaborate with established artists and brands, and take his work to international audiences.For Masuku, the bigger goal is not simply fame, but building a lasting artistic legacy. “The journey is still beginning,” he said.
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