In terms of artistic talents, Ofhani Matsa has obviously been blessed with a lot of it. One only has to look at his beautiful paintings and drawings to know that he is surely one of Ha-Thukhutha village in Thohoyandou's most gifted hidden gems. This young man will undoubtedly go far with his art.
Ofhani (23) was born and raised in Ha-Thukhutha. When he was 12 years old, he saw a drawing done by one of his classmates and it left such an impression on him that he became determined to learn this skill. "It all began for me when I was in the sixth grade in 2011, at Muratho Primary School and I saw Thendo Thukhuta's artwork. That was the inspiration that spurred me on to start drawing," he said.
Ofhani honed his skills on his own at first, but was left feeling stuck because he had no one to provide direction. For eight years his art basically came to a standstill. Two years ago, he met local artist Bono Siaga from Luheni, who taught him how to customise shoes and clothes. "At that point I did my final drawing as I felt I was going nowhere because of the limited knowledge I had of finer art. So, Bono Siaga taught me a new trade," he said.
Earlier last year, he enrolled at the Ndalama Art Academy - an art centre under the veteran multi-talented artist and art facilitator Avhashoni Mainganye from Phiphidi village. "I finally started to learn the different forms of art; drawing, painting, sculpting, abstract art and all the rest."
He agrees that art definitely has a kind of therapeutic effect on an artist. "It's a therapy for some, a form of expression for others, and a source of calm and joy for the rest. I prefer to craft abstract art because it releases bottled-up emotions and stress, leaving me with an inner peace."
Ofhani said he wanted to have his own art gallery someday where he could market and sell both his own work and those of other artists.
For those interested in his work, Ofhani can be reached on 076 160 5130 (phone calls or WhatsApp).