By Ashley Dean Misho | Arts and Entertainment Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Mthokozisi Khumalo, born and raised in Emganwini, Bulawayo, a neighbourhood that shaped his world with the rhythm of Ndebele chants, street markets, and a single mother who kept the home lit while his dreams flickered in charcoal sketches.
At just four years old, an elderly neighbour’s habit of tossing bond papers into a makeshift “godini” (trash heap) and shouting “Umlalazi!” became the unexpected catalyst that pushed young Mthokozisi to pick up a pencil and never let go.
Early Years – Art Against All Odds
School was a battlefield. While his classmates chased textbooks, Mthokozisi chased lines and shadows.
“I wasn’t allowed to take art as a subject because all my attention was on drawing,” he recalls.
No formal art school, no mentors—just the raw, relentless practice of copying whatever he saw on walls, in books, or on the dusty streets. The only classroom he needed was the world around him.
The Bulawayo Reality
Today, Bulawayo boasts a vibrant, underground art scene, yet it suffers from a chronic shortage of galleries, limited access to quality art supplies, and a public that seldom prioritises cultural funding.
“There are many artists in corners, but being seen and supported is hard.”
“We don’t have many galleries, art materials are scarce, and the city doesn’t support music, drama, or visual art enough,” Mthokozisi explains.
He points to a bitter irony, Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage—Ndebele beadwork, stone sculptures, and historic narratives—offers fertile ground for tourism‑driven art, yet economic pressures force most creators to juggle survival jobs while nurturing their craft in stolen moments.
The following are some challenges and advantages artists face , Material scarcity, such as Paints, canvases, and brushes are expensive and hard to find, Financial risk, Inconsistent income pushes many to abandon art.
Cultural wealth, a living history that translates into authentic, marketable pieces
Community spirit, Street art festivals and informal collectives keep the fire alive.
Digital savviness, Social media (Instagram, TikTok) lets artists reach national and global audiences without a gallery.
“Stay consistent, let the world see what we create, and one day it will pay off. Support each other—visibility will follow.”
He urges young creators to build networks, share resources, and leverage every platform whether it’s a WhatsApp group, a local café wall, or a TikTok tutorial—to keep the momentum.
looking ahead, Mthokozisi hopes to secure a small exhibition space in Bulawayo’s upcoming “Arts in the Park” festival.
He also dreams of a community workshop where budding artists can access affordable materials and mentorship.
Mthokozisi’s story is a reminder that talent often blooms in the toughest cracks. If Bulawayo and Zimbabwe at large—invests in its creators, the city’s streets could soon echo not just with music and drama, but with galleries, murals, and stories painted by those who never stopped drawing
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