Online Reporter
Gift Moyo, [email protected]
SINCE he started drawing in 2019, Musa Musema has steadily built a name for himself as an emerging artist in Bulawayo, capturing people’s faces and expressions one portrait at a time.
Musema, a multifaceted artist, has taken part in several exhibitions at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo since 2023. Over the years, he has sharpened his skills and is now beginning to see his career take shape.
Specialising in acrylic art, Musema has turned his passion into a growing business by creating portraits for clients.
Social media has also helped him reach a wider audience. By sharing pictures and videos of himself presenting portraits to clients, Musema has attracted attention across Bulawayo for his ability to capture people’s likenesses and bring them to life on canvas.
Musema knew that making a living as an artist in Bulawayo would not be easy. However, the challenges facing the arts industry did not discourage him. Instead, they pushed him to work harder and find new ways to develop his craft.
“In terms of who inspired me, it’s both odd and crazy. The situation in the arts industry is that it is difficult being an artist. A lot of people don’t encourage you to take on this profession, especially parents.
“They’d rather you be a doctor or a pilot. I’ve always believed that anyone can make it in any industry as long as they’re willing to put in the work.
“I only began drawing back in 2019 just to experiment and release some stress, but the more I drew, the better I got and over time started making money from my work. I believe in creating memories and having those memories stored forever in the form of art,” said Musema.
One of Musema’s biggest moments came in June at the red-carpet premiere of the film Becoming
Madam Boss, where he presented Madam Boss with an acrylic portrait of herself.
She received the artwork with gratitude and said she would hang it in her bedroom.
Since then, Musema has continued creating portraits for clients in Bulawayo and beyond.
One of his most recent high-profile subjects was South African amapiano singer Zee Nxumalo.
Musema had the opportunity to present the portrait to her during her recent performance in Bulawayo.
Explaining his creative process, Musema said each portrait begins with choosing the right paper and deciding on the style he wants to use.
“It starts with choosing the right paper. Everything in art is expensive, so it’s important for me to choose the right paper to ensure that the drawing comes out as best as possible.
“Depending on the style of art, I use graphite, and then looking at the image that I am capturing as the drawing, I draw an outline, and then an initial shade, and lastly I add the details,” he said.
Despite growing demand for his work in Bulawayo and other parts of the country, Musema continues to explore other creative interests. He is currently writing a book while continuing to develop his visual art.
Musema is also preparing for a solo exhibition this month, where he will showcase a selection of his works.
More details about the exhibition are expected to be announced closer to the date.
