Exploring Ebony with Mmangaliso Nzuza

Across countries and cultures, art forms an integral part of African identity – shaped by our natural and cultural heritage and expressed in powerful, distinctive ways. Through our 'Africa Is…' series, we’re exploring art, design, craftsmanship, and storytelling from across the continent to showcase the depth and diversity of talent found here.

In this episode, Singita’s in-house writer, Michael Schapiro, speaks with South African artist Mmangaliso Nzuza ahead of his artist-in-residence programme at Singita Sabi Sand. Their conversation moves through stillness as a creative necessity, the multi-faceted importance of community, Mmangaliso’s process in the context of his debut solo exhibition, and nature as a teacher rather than a subject.

Recorded in two parts – before and after Mmangaliso’s two-week stay at Ebony – the episode reflects on how his time in the Sabi Sand unfolded beyond expectation, and how those experiences transformed into a new body of work, marked with oil paint, patience, and stories drawn from the people and landscapes that shaped it.

Mmangaliso was joined along the way by videographer Julian Robinet, who captured his experience in a video that will be released as part of our upcoming 'Africa Is… Mmangaliso Nzuza' series. You can stay in the loop by subscribing to our newsletter, Stories from Africa.

If you enjoyed this episode, you can read more about Mmangaliso’s experience in his own words in the latest volume of the Singita Magazine, themed around Symbiosis, and follow his journey on Instagram. Read the Singita Magazine · Browse our Africa Is... series · Explore Singita Ebony · Follow Mmangaliso on Instagram · Singita website