BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – Eswatini-born visual artist Sinenkosi Msomi, has been selected to showcase his work at the upcoming World Culture Festival, set to take place in Karachi, Pakistan, from October 30 to December 7, 2025.
Based in Mbabane, Msomi draws inspiration from his childhood memories in an extended family setting. He reflects, “Growing up has enabled me to recollect my childhood memories, revisiting fragments of what was, creating photographs that tell captivating stories and celebrate identity.”
Since falling in love with photography and art in 2019, Msomi has recognized the vast opportunities within the art world. He credits Yebo Art Contemporary Gallery as a fundamental pillar in his growth as an artist, allowing him to explore the different facets of art that he had previously overlooked.
The opportunity to participate in the World Culture Festival came unexpectedly when Umesh Ladhani, Deputy Project Director at the Arts Council of Pakistan, first reached out to him via Instagram. “I didn’t believe it until I received an official invitation letter,” Msomi recalls. “That’s when I realized how my work was making an impact in the art space and in social initiatives that drive change.”
For Msomi, seeing his experiences and imagination captured in photographs is an overwhelming yet fulfilling journey. “It feels incredible to see something that was just a thought turned into a photograph that will live forever,” he explains. This process not only helps him archive significant elements of his memories but also creates a space for healing.
As a self-taught photographer, Msomi emphasizes the challenges photographers face today. He advises aspiring artists to adapt and explore various types of photography to ensure a consistent income. “It’s essential to learn and use the Internet to access more opportunities,” he suggests.
The World Culture Festival in Karachi promises to be a significant platform for Msomi, showcasing his unique blend of visual storytelling, activism, and personal reflection. His work, rooted in themes of memory, loss, and healing, is influenced by his family experiences and the early loss of his father. After studying business at the University of Eswatini, he fully committed to photography in 2018, gaining recognition with his solo exhibition All That Glitters is Not Gold in 2020.
Known for his emotionally charged images that utilize natural light and symbolism, Msomi explores critical themes such as mental health, masculinity, and identity. Drawing inspiration from African photographers like Justice Mukheli and Michael Aboya, he is part of a new wave of artists using their work as a tool for activism and self-expression.
As he prepares for the World Culture Festival, Sinenkosi Msomi stands ready to share his captivating photography with a global audience, further solidifying his place in the international art community.
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Courtesy Pic)
