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Conrad Mupesa, Mashonaland West Bureau
IMAGINE if the legendary Conrad Gessner, the mastermind behind the pencil, were alive today!
I can picture Tawanda, son of the veteran broadcaster Regis Mhako, raising a glass to him in gratitude.
You can bet that Regis would delight in inviting Gessner for a celebratory drink at his favourite haunt in Chinhoyi’s buzzing Coldstream area.
And why not?
The Mhako family is riding high on a wave of excitement!
Gessner, who passed away in 1565, changed the art world forever with his innovative idea of encasing graphite in wood, a game-changing development that allowed artists to create with remarkable precision.
In a time when people were still grappling with thick, brittle sticks of graphite, Gessner’s invention opened the door to a world of fine lines and artistic expression.
Enter 19-year-old Tawanda Mhako, a dynamic artist and who is bravely pursuing his dreams at Chinhoyi Technical High School.
With an engineering career in his sights, this talented young man has never lost his childhood love for the pencil, a lifelong companion that has been his tool for creating magic since kindergarten.
Thanks to his remarkable artistic skills, Tawanda has mingled with Zimbabwe’s elite—his stunning portraits of influential politicians, entrepreneurs, and even international soccer stars have earned him quite a reputation.
Among his prized pieces-Incredible drawings of football legends Lionel Messi and Sadio Mané, created with striking detail and finesse.
But the real excitement-Tawanda’s show-stopping entry at the recent Colours of Recovery Art Competitions in Harare has earned him an all-expenses-paid trip to Greece this December!
Yes, you heard that right!
A single artwork, crafted with just a pencil and a paintbrush, has propelled him onto the international stage.
“I was thrilled to place among the top five artists out of 80 participants in the 18-30 age category at the “Colours of Recovery,” Tawanda said.
“My work emphasizes the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“+Winning this competition means I’ll be representing Zimbabwe in Greece, and I couldn’t be more excited!”
The competition spotlighted efforts to combat drug abuse, with Tawanda’s powerful artwork echoing a call to action.
His drawing, depicting hands grasping the earth, symbolises the urgent need for united global efforts against substance abuse, all while encouraging awareness campaigns in schools.
Tawanda passionately believes that art can deliver vital messages.
“My drawings warn against the dangers of drugs. One piece portrays a world in crisis, proposing that the solution is simply to toss away drugs and illicit substances into the trash.
“If we don’t address these issues in schools, we risk creating a generation of lost youth,” he insists. His victory not only brought him a US$500 prize but also an essential drawing kit, launching him further into his artistic journey.
His father, a talented journalist, is brimming with confidence about Tawanda’s talent.
He believes that storytelling is an art form, one that Tawanda has inherited and championed.
“Journalism is an art,” he asserts. “True communication with your audience requires a storyteller’s skill. I’m confident that Tawanda has these innate traits.”
Unlike some parents, Mkoma Reggie supports Tawanda wholeheartedly, encouraging him to explore his talents beyond traditional academics.
“The days of pressuring our kids to stick solely to academics are over. It’s time to let them discover and cultivate their natural talents. Life is about embracing a range of skills, not just academic degrees!”
Tawanda’s journey is just beginning, and the world is watching!
Online Reporter