King of portraits to visit Bulawayo

IT will be a weekend to remember for photogenic individuals in Bulawayo as Florida-based photo and cinematographer, Liberty “Leo” Mudenda is set to visit Bulawayo on Friday and Saturday.

Widely known as the king of portraits, Mudenda who owns Leo Studios, a photography stable of aesthetic proportions will be in town with the lucky ones set to have photoshoots with him.

In Bulawayo, Leo will reunite with an old acquaintance, kwaito singer, Mzistozz Mfanafuthi as a shoot has been lined up. Those keen to see the king of portraits in action can do so at the Bulawayo Centre where he is set to make appearances.

His work has led to encounters with Vuyo and Ammara Brown, South African singer and actress Simphiwe Ngema, Master KG, Boity Thulo, and Mzistozz Mfanafuthi.

In an interview from his home city of Victoria Falls, Leo said visiting the city of Kings and Queens makes him happy.

“It feels great to be back home and visiting Bulawayo. I’ve been here before and enjoyed my visit. I’m looking for more of the same as I embark on a two-day visit to take my photography to the people.

“Being away from home for so long has filled me with nostalgia and one of the places I’ve been longing for is Bulawayo,” he said.

Being in America for a while has exposed Leo to many things, chief among them being the importance of talent identification and specialisation.

“I’ve learnt that intelligence is not on paper only, brawn muscle is equally important. On that side of the world, talent identification at the grassroots takes precedence and artisanal acumen is encouraged. I think photography should be added to the curriculum, with both theory and practical lessons being taught at schools. That would help and alleviate the unemployment scourge,” he said.

Leo is a product of pursuing one’s own artisanal passion after he left his job at a pharmacy to pursue a job in making visually-compelling photographs. — @MbuleloMpofu