Bulawayo animator’s first flight leads to career breakthrough in Lagos

Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

FOR Bulawayo-based 2D animator Wayne “Left Hand Animation” Ndebele, attending the Création Africa Forum 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria, was a life-changing experience — both professionally and personally. The event not only marked a significant milestone in his animation career but also his first time travelling by air.

Held from October 16 to 18, the forum brought together over 1 000 African and European creatives, including filmmakers, animators, designers and digital innovators, all focused on building a stronger and more inclusive creative economy for Africa.

Reflecting on the experience, Ndebele described the event as “breath-taking”.
“I got to learn from industry animation experts about which direction to take my career and how to improve both creatively and business-wise,” he said.

Ndebele gained insights from world-class sound designers, including one of the creative minds behind Lego Star Wars: The Movie, which deepened his understanding of multimedia production.

He met and interacted with some of Africa’s leading animation figures, including Mbuotidem Johnson and Ayodele Elegba, CEO of Spoof Animation, as well as teams from Basement Animation and Spoof Animation.

Beyond animation, he networked with professionals from the fashion, music, film and gaming industries — an experience he said broadened his appreciation for the interconnectedness of the creative sector. A major highlight for Ndebele was learning how to better attract investors and funding for creative projects.

“For years, I viewed my work only through my creative lens, which led to unnecessary mistakes. Now, I understand the importance of viewing things from a funder’s perspective. I’m a changed man with a new strategy that’s bound for success,” he said.

Outside the workshops, Ndebele enjoyed exploring Lagos, immersing himself in its vibrant art, music and culinary scene, which he described as “phenomenal”.

This was not Ndebele’s first time shining on a regional platform; in July, he represented Zimbabwe at the Ultimate Battlerivalskool Africa 2025 in Johannesburg. However, the Lagos experience — fuelled by his first flight — has lifted his ambitions even higher.

“Now, my goal is not just to meet Annecy and Cannes award-winning animators from Africa, but to join their ranks,” he said confidently. — @MbuleloMpofu