By Nosipho Mabuza (Intern)
MALKERNS — While the world rushes toward digital perfection, 29-year-old Mlandvo Ncamiso Dlamini—better known as Khuxido or Bodmas to friends and fans—is choosing to keep things real, raw, and beautifully imperfect.
With nothing but pen, paper, and a mind overflowing with imagination, he’s turning everyday ideas into eye-catching, emotionally charged illustrations.
Born and raised in the artistic heart of Malkerns, with roots in Egebeni Endlinilembi, Khuxido is building a legacy—one detailed drawing at a time. His work is a bold mix of fantasy and emotion, where modern symbolism dances with old-school craft.
Khuxido’s creative journey kicked off in 2009 during his Form 1 technical studies class at St. John Bosco High. It wasn’t fine art that hooked him—it was technical drawing, thanks to the charismatic teacher Mr. Size Nxumalo. That class sparked something that never dimmed.
“I had to try something new every period, which was a challenge but amazing for a beginner like me,” he recalls with a grin.
But the turning point? A fellow student, Ayanda Ndlangamandla, whose work earned him the legendary nickname “God of Art.” That rivalry lit a fire in Khuxido.
“He evoked something in me I never knew was there,” he says.
Though his roots are in the classroom, Khuxido proudly reps the self-taught artist title. His growth has been powered by curiosity, competition, and a whole lot of late-night sketching. With just HB pencils, coloured pens, and A4 paper, he’s created everything from surreal dreamscapes to twisted takes on cartoon classics.
Case in point: one fan-favourite sketch features a red-toned eye surrounded by flowing, abstract emotions. Another reimagines Mickey and Minnie Mouse—but with a personal romantic spin.
“I create what I like. It helps me draw your attention even deeper,” he says. “I usually vibe to Hip Hop when I draw. Lately, it’s been AKA’s Touch My Blood. That gives me that zill.”
He may not draw daily—life and work get in the way—but Khuxido never stops creating. At least once a month, he sits down and lets the ideas flow. Fantasy remains his favourite genre, giving him freedom to play, provoke, and connect.
“To me, art is a silent messenger,” he explains. “It sends a message without ever using words.”
Despite staying under the radar (for now), Khuxido’s art has sparked love from nearly everyone who sees it. From friends to fans online, the reaction is always the same: Wow.
“It truly motivates me,” he says.
His next phase is going digital. Not because it’s trendy—but because it’s mobile. “With gadgets, I can work anywhere—even in bed or inside a bus,” he laughs.
He’s dreaming big, too. A digital catalogue. Maybe an exhibition. Definitely a side hustle.“We all need a side hustle these days,” he jokes.
Whether it’s a quick sketch on the go or a fully fleshed-out masterpiece, one thing’s for sure: Khuxido’s journey is just beginning.
Follow the Artist
Stay in the loop as Khuxido turns pages into portals and pens into magic wands.
Facebook: Mlandvo Bodmas
TikTok: @bodmas313
