Shibambu can can listen and speak through his art

Fanelo Shibambu, a 24-year-old artist from Gumbani in Malamulele, is making a name for himself in art circles with his exceptional drawing skills. Despite living with a hearing problem, Shibambu has captivated many art lovers with his unique creations.

His journey into the art world began during his primary school days when he first picked up pencils and crayons. From a young age, Shibambu dedicated most of his after-school hours to honing his craft, drawing various subjects and experimenting with different styles.

“I used to play by drawing anything I saw with my eyes, and little did I know that I would attract lots of clients. I believe I was born to do art, and I enjoy every moment. To me, art is life, and I relish every moment, which ultimately makes my clients love my work,” he said.

Shibambu’s determination and passion for art have allowed him to overcome the challenges posed by his hearing impairment. His deep love of art, nurtured over the years, is now bearing fruit as he earns a living from his artwork.

“With the high unemployment rate, especially among young people, I support myself through art. It wasn’t easy at first, due to my hearing problem, but I’ve found ways to overcome them by requesting pictures from clients, so that I can accurately fulfil their requests,” he said.

“I now apply skills I’ve acquired from YouTube tutorials, helping me to improve more. Many clients commend my work and recommend it to others, which encourages me to work more. I am also willing to teach young children with an interest in art,” he said.

Date:27 July 2024

By: Thembi Siaga

Thembi Siaga started as an intern during 2021. He assisted with video photography and editing. He also produced numerous small documentaries, focusing on the Vhembe region and its people. Currently he works as a freelance journalist, covering stories in the Elim area. Thembi studied at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed his diploma in Journalism in 2021.

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