Online Reporter
Sipepisiwe Moyo [email protected]
IN a memorable moment, local artist Picasso Leon Siziba presented rising South African Amapiano vocalist Thatohatsi with a custom portrait on stage at the Harris Music Festival in Bulawayo on Saturday.
The event brought together music enthusiasts and predominantly artistes from South Africa, with Picasso’s heartfelt gesture standing out as one of the night’s most memorable highlights.
Picasso, who is known for his striking celebrity portraits, has previously produced artworks for South African artistes Young Stunna and Kwesta. His custom pieces are celebrated for capturing the true essence of his subjects, earning him recognition as a highly sought-after creative.
Explaining the inspiration behind the portrait, Picasso said he was honouring a promise he had made to Thatohatsi after the two met last year.
“I started working on the artwork on Friday evening, around 7PM, and finished it on Saturday at exactly 5PM. The artwork is 60 x 80cm, done on canvas using acrylic and powder paints. The reason I did Thato’s portrait only is because we had a word last year. She gave me her number, and we started talking on the app.
“When I first approached her, I just wanted to create a piece for my studio as a fan. But due to client work, exhibitions, and other important projects, I never found time to start working on it until Friday. What pushed me was the need to keep my promise and take advantage of the opportunity to meet her.
“As soon as I finished, I messaged her to confirm if I could bring the artwork. She asked me to bring it to the hotel, that’s how we met and how I sold the artwork. We then decided to also bring it on stage,” he said.
Picasso said the process of working on and completing the artwork within a single day was far from easy.
“It was painful creating the artwork in such a short space of time, no lies. But Thato made it worth it — she made my day, and I honestly appreciate her and the Harris team for facilitating the presentation,” he said.
He hinted that his next artwork could feature Cowboii, another rising South African Amapiano artiste, who is expected to visit the city next month.
“The next painting might be Cowboii’s, as he might be visiting next month.”
