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By Siphesihle Dlamini
Nkosinathi Mamba, a self-taught fine artist from Eswatini, is making waves with his powerful and diverse artwork. From pen and pencil drawings to vibrant wall paintings, his ability to tell stories through various mediums has earned him a growing following.
In an exclusive interview with Eswatini Financial Times, Mamba shares his creative journey, the challenges of making a living from art, and his vision for the future of Eswatini’s art scene.
Eswatini Financial Times (EFT): Nkosinathi, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive straight into it. Tell us more about your art.
Nkosinathi Mamba: It’s a pleasure to be here. I would describe myself as a self-taught fine artist who believes deeply in the power of storytelling through art.
My work spans across several mediums—pen and pencil drawings, wall paintings, stencils, wallpaper designs, and even oil and acrylic paintings on canvas. I’ve always felt that art is a way to communicate what words sometimes can’t express.
EFT: That’s an intriguing approach! What would you say is your personal definition of art?
Nkosinathi Mamba: To me, art is more than just creating pretty pictures. It’s about control—control over what’s around you, your environment, and the materials at your disposal. It’s about taking things, sometimes things that seem unimportant or insignificant, and giving them meaning.
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Art is the ability to create value out of what surrounds us, to take the mundane and make it extraordinary. It’s a way of breathing life into the ordinary and giving it a sense of purpose, beauty, or message. Ultimately, I believe art is a form of alchemy—the art of turning what’s around you into something valuable and meaningful.
EFT: That’s beautifully put. So, what inspired you to pursue art?
Nkosinathi Mamba: My inspiration, I believe, comes from a higher place. I see art as a divine gift, something I was blessed with by the Almighty. My journey in art began with a natural attraction to it. It was as if art chose me, rather than the other way around.
I’ve always been fascinated by how artists can express so much emotion or story with just a few strokes or colors. But it’s not just the process that inspires me—it’s the effect art has on people. Art can heal, it can provoke thought, and it can bring about change
EFT: Now, we’d love to hear about the exhibitions you’ve been part of.
Nkosinathi Mamba: Honestly, I have yet to exhibit my work. I’ve always wanted to, but the opportunity has not yet come my way. I am still hoping that one day I’ll have the chance to be part of an exhibition where my work can be seen and appreciated by a larger audience.
For now, I focus on honing my craft, sharing my work through social media platforms, and connecting with people who enjoy my art.
EFT: How do you make money from your art?
Nkosinathi Mamba: Well, my approach is a combination of crafting, creating, and marketing. I make my pieces, advertise them on various social media platforms, and then wait for people to show interest.
A lot of my work comes from commissions, like personalized portraits—those are always fun because they involve a connection between me and the person commissioning the piece.
It’s not just about the art; it’s about understanding the person behind the request. People come to me with creative ideas, and together, we make those ideas come to life. I also get exposure through word of mouth—when people see what I can do, they often recommend me to others.
EFT: Who are some of the artists you look up to, and what do you admire about their work?
Nkosinathi Mamba: There are quite a few artists I admire deeply. Thabo Lukhele, for instance, has a dynamic style in his paintings that just captivates me. He has this way of bringing vibrancy and life to everything he touches.
hen there’s Joseph Musisiphi—his intricate and thoughtful pen drawings have always amazed me. Mncobi Mndzebele is another artist whose work speaks to me, particularly his pen sketches, which I find incredibly detailed and moving.
I also admire Lindani’s expressive use of colors in his paintings, Moletsane’s mastery of pencil work, and Phillz, whose portraits are captivating.
EFT: Can you take us through your creative process?
Nkosinathi Mamba: Sure! My process starts with gathering all the materials I need—paper, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and sometimes reference images. I like to prepare my paper by securing it to a flat board to ensure it stays in place as I work.
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I start by sketching out the rough outline of my subject, making sure the proportions are right. Then, I gradually build up the details, starting from the darkest areas and moving to the lighter ones. I work patiently, layering the pencil strokes to create depth and texture.
What I love about working with pencil is the control you have over shading—it’s almost like sculpting a piece of art with your hands. And to create the perfect environment, I make sure I have a playlist of my favorite music playing in the background.
Music has a huge influence on my mood, and it often helps me get into a rhythm while working. Once I’m satisfied with the piece, I let it sit for a bit, come back to it, and make any final adjustments.
EFT: Lastly, do you have any advice for upcoming artists?
Nkosinathi Mamba: To all the upcoming artists out there, I’d say this: It’s never easy. The road to success is filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But that’s the nature of the creative journey.
You must push through those tough times, stay true to your passion, and continue creating, no matter what. Don’t be discouraged if things don’t happen overnight.
Even the most successful artists have had to put in years of hard work before they saw recognition. My advice is simple—keep creating, keep improving, and never skip a day without a session. Even if you only have 15 minutes, use that time to sketch, to think, or to experiment.
