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By Siphesihle Dlamini
Eswatini’s artistic renaissance has a few names that stand as prominently as that of Ronnie Ndzimandze, an unassuming yet revolutionary force in the world of portraiture.
Known widely by his artistic alias, Dlalapencil, Ronnie’s work is a blend of raw emotion, technical mastery, and an intimate understanding of his subjects. His signature sharp pencil has not only captured the essence of his clients but has redefined the very landscape of portraiture in Eswatini.
From his humble beginnings in the Lubombo region, specifically Mpolonjeni, under the Shoba Umphakatsi, Ronnie’s journey into the world of fine art seems almost destined. However, his path to mastery is anything but traditional.
Unlike many of his peers, Ronnie did not walk the well-trodden route of formal art education. Instead, his artistic evolution has been shaped through perseverance, resourcefulness, and a deep, unyielding passion for his craft.
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“I am a young man hailing from the low veld of Eswatini, specifically in the Lubombo region. To be more precise, my roots are planted in Mpolonjeni, which falls under the Shoba Umphakatsi,” Ronnie shared with pride when asked about his origins.
“My educational journey began at Enhlabeni Primary School, and I continued to Lasi High School, where I completed my Junior Certificate.” But it was after his formal schooling that Ronnie found his true calling in the world of art.
In the early years, art wasn’t part of his curriculum. Neither primary nor high schools in the region offered formal art lessons. This education gap didn’t deter Ronnie; rather, it fueled his determination to explore art on his terms.
His toolkit, refined over time, is both unique and masterful. Ronnie, whose preferred medium is pencil, employs a variety of techniques to bring his art to life. Using pencils, cotton, tissue, and makeup brushes to blend pencil powder onto paper, he creates intricate portraits that seem to breathe life.
The softness of his shading adds a deep nuance to his work, enabling him to capture the full spectrum of emotion and personality in his subjects.
“I never received formal art education,” Ronnie revealed during our conversation, “so I had to forge my path in the art world.”
This self-taught artist turned to YouTube as his classroom, immersing himself in a world of tutorials from artists around the globe.
“Through these resources, I learned invaluable tips and tricks that helped me refine my craft,” he added. His ability to adapt and learn independently has allowed him to experiment with his medium, pushing boundaries and creating a style that is unmistakably his own.
Ronnie’s works focus primarily on custom portraits. “I deliver my work locally, but my aspirations extend beyond local recognition. My long-term goal is to gain international visibility,” he confessed.
His dedication to his craft has made him a sought-after portrait artist, with many entrusting him to immortalize their loved ones on paper. For Ronnie, each piece is more than just a commission; it is an opportunity to connect with his clients on a deeply personal level, understanding their desires and weaving their emotions into his art.
The financial aspect of Ronnie’s work is simple yet rewarding. “I sustain my passion by offering a unique artistic service – meticulously crafting portraits that capture the essence of individuals’ loved ones,” he explained.
He emphasized the symbiotic relationship between the artist and the client. “Clients entrust me with the task of immortalizing cherished memories on paper, and they compensate me for my labour upon completion.
This allows me to support my craft and weave meaningful connections through the strokes of my pencil.”
As an artist deeply rooted in his community, Ronnie remains grounded despite his growing success. “Art is a diverse range of human activities,” he shared, reflecting on what art means to him.
“It creates visual, auditory, or performance artefacts expressing the creator’s imagination, conceptual ideas, or technical skill, intended to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power.” But for Ronnie, art is also personal.
“It is an expression of thought and ideas and portrays a message especially. It is not only limited to using pencils, but it also incorporates other mediums,” he said, emphasizing his ever-evolving approach to his creative process.
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When asked about his inspiration, Ronnie humbly reflected on the broader artistic community. “I find it challenging to focus on just one artist when it comes to my artistic inspirations,” he admitted. “Each artist I encounter adds something to my journey.
Lwazi Tsela, for example, captivates me with his intricate details and distinctive style.” He recognized the contributions of many talented local artists, acknowledging that it was a mix of influences that shaped his evolving style.
Yet, despite his growing recognition, Ronnie remains modest about his achievements. “I have yet to taste the sweet victory of winning any competitions or participating in any major exhibitions,” he confessed.
“I have not actively competed in contests that would allow me to showcase my skills and creativity.” Still, this doesn’t dampen his passion. “For me, the true measure of growth lies not in external accolades but in the transformation, I undergo throughout my creative journey.
It’s about the person I become in the process of creating,” he said, hinting at a deeper, more personal relationship with his art than simple public recognition.
Ronnie has undoubtedly reshaped the portraiture landscape in Eswatini, bringing new techniques and sensibilities to the forefront.
But beyond his technical skill, it is his emotional intelligence—his ability to connect with the essence of his subjects—that makes his work so compelling.
For emerging artists, Ronnie’s advice is both encouraging and insightful.
“Art is a continuous journey, and each step, no matter how small, contributes to your growth,” he offered. He urges newcomers to embrace the learning process. “Take the time to delve deeper into the materials you use; understanding their properties and potential can elevate your work in unexpected ways.
” His encouragement to explore resources like YouTube reflects his self-taught journey, emphasizing the importance of independent learning and experimentation.
