ADVERTISEMENT:
Read: 3946
The 28-year-old Shadrack Hlungwani, who sat around his older brother all the time and observed him as he was hewing wood and fashioning it into amazing pieces of art, has now created a museum at his home in Kwaaimani section of Valdezia.
“I do larger-than-life statues using ceramic and cement, telling the history of our country and her people,” he said. “While I observed my brother when he worked on his art, he didn't teach me; I am a self-taught artist.”
He stated that, as a child, he had a dream of becoming a famous artist such as the late Jackson Hlungwani and Noria Mabasa. “So, growing into a fully skilled artist has never been an easy journey for me since my role models were internationally renowned masters of the craft,” he said. “It meant that I also had to produce art pieces of the highest merit.”
Shadrack won local arts and culture competitions that were hosted annually by the Valdezia community some years ago, and they motivated him to work even more and take his work seriously.
In the earlier years, the artist created the busts for celebrities and high-profile politicians, such as the late Collins Chabane, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, Casper Nyovest, Stanley Mathabatha, and Jacob Zuma.
“I have turned my home’s yard into an amazing museum,” he said. “People marvel when they pass by in the street. The scene in my yard is so amazing and eye-catching that one cannot easily ignore it.”
He is currently showing his latest work in his yard, termed “Union Buildings”. “People from all walks of life are welcome to visit me and have a view of the Union Building,” he said. “It includes some larger-than-life statues of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Nelson Mandela.”
Shadrack can be reached on 076 787 5241.
Shadrack Hlungwani is seen here with the R2 coin that forms part of the "Union Buildings" exhibition at his yard in Valdezia.
Shadrack Hlungwani with the "It's Time" statue of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
|
|
Tweet |
 |
Shadrack Hlungwani with his Nelson Mandela statue.
By: Tshifhiwa Mukwevho
Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho was born in 1984 in Madombidzha village, not far from Louis Trichardt in the Limpopo Province. After submitting articles for roughly a year for Limpopo Mirror's youth supplement, Makoya, he started writing for the main newspaper. He is a prolific writer who published his first book, titled A Traumatic Revenge in 2011. It focusses on life on the street and how to survive amidst poverty. His second book titled The Violent Gestures of Life was published in 2014.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT:
During a Sunday sermon, Bishop Johannes Muofhe of the World Mission Church’s Fondwe branch prophesied that a musician, someone other than a member of the worship team, would emerge from the church.
With a successful roots-reggae album titled “Shandukani” to his name, Fhatuwani Richard Mashele is quickly becoming a household name in South African music. Better known as Jah Saint in music circles, Mashele believes that success does not come overnight and that one must work hard to earn it.
Khathutshelo Dzaga from Thohoyandou Block G, known as Khathu within music circles, has captivated her fans with her latest song, “Muvhonetsheli”. The song is a collaboration with Uber Black and features Racha Kill. The song is in Khathu’s familiar style, often described as a mixture of amapiano and Afro-beat.
“Music should help address societal issues that are affecting the community,” says house musician Meshack Nemakhavhani, better known as Mesh De Vocalist. The musician from Tshaulu Buluni has released a new album, titled “Mbilu I Khombo”.
ADVERTISEMENT