My name is Thandi Promise Mashaba, I am 31 years old, a phenomenal woman and the founder of Focus Mamelodi Community NPO—a certified life coach and life coach for kids. I am fearfully and wonderfully made – a truth. I didn’t always believe in myself.

Growing up, life was not easy. From an early age, I was bullied because of things I couldn’t change: the colour of my skin and the depth of my voice. I was constantly mocked, ridiculed and made to feel like I didn’t belong. The bullying started in primary school and followed me into high school. I was called names and physically attacked. All this made me shrink inside. I struggled with my confidence. I constantly felt the need to defend myself or explain who I was. And because sometimes I fought back physically, I was often misunderstood and labelled as aggressive when in truth I was just trying to survive.

But everything began to change when I received salvation. That was my turning point. Through faith, I started doing inner work to heal my wounded inner child. I began to look at myself through a different lens- through the eyes of love, grace and peace.

I began to affirm myself with words like ‘I’m fearfully and wonderfully made’, knowing that I am not a mistake and that I have a purpose and a destiny to fulfill on this earth. Slowly, I started to believe it. I found my healing. I found my freedom. And with that healing came forgiveness- not just for me but for the people who hurt me, also for the parts of myself that I had rejected.

It was from this place of transformation that Focus Mamelodi Community NPO was born. I knew my story wasn’t just for me. I understood that through god’s grace, I could also help others see themselves beyond the limitations placed on them by society, bullies, or even their own insecurities.

Focus Mamelodi Community NPO became my way of mentoring and counseling teenagers and youth in my community, of telling them that no pain lasts forever, and that their identity is not defined by others but by the one who created them. Today, I embrace every part of who I am. I will never bleach my skin. I will never hide my voice. I no longer seek to fit in. I was born to stand out.

Message to the community:
To anyone going through bullying or struggling with self-acceptance, I want you to know this:
Do not change who you are for anyone
Do not silence your truth to make others comfortable, you are enough

Yes, the pain is real, but so is your power. When you forgive, you set yourself free. When
you speak life over yourself, you begin to rise. And when you believe in your worth, the
world cannot ignore your light.
Beauty isn’t defined by society or filtered by the world. True beauty is how you feel about
yourself- boldly, deeply, and unapologetically.

You can find me on these platforms
Email: thand.mashaba@gmail.com
Facebook: Thandi Thandy Thandie

The post I AM SATISFIED~ By Thandi appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

If you had told me a decade ago that I’d become a voice of creative influence in Uganda—while raising two sons, surviving the chaos of post production, and working on studying human rights law in Japan—I probably would’ve laughed, spilled tea on your shoes, and gone back to sketching dramatic storyboards with an empty stomach and a full heart.

My name is Nicole Priscilla Lawino, though some know me as Lawino, The Goddess, or “that girl who’s always filming something deep.” I wear many hats—filmmaker, musician, fashion designer, mental health advocate, and social worker—but what ties it all together is a deep, almost spiritual commitment to telling African stories with emotional truth and intellectual bite.

My journey began in the slums of Namuwongo, not with a camera, but with a clipboard and a heart full of social work theories. I saw the world in raw form—mothers fighting addiction, children raised by trauma, and entire communities surviving on resilience. That front line exposure to human suffering sparked my need to create The Glass Cage, a film that juxtaposes a child’s crib with prison bars to show how cycles of abuse are born in silence and confinement. I didn’t set out to make art. I set out to scream—beautifully.

Later, in Hebrews 13:5, I aimed my lens at the grotesque hypocrisy of fake pastors—somewhere between satire and spiritual exorcism. The film wasn’t just a clap back at corrupted faith; it was my way of healing from the mental strain I experienced while working under immense pressure, juggling survival, sanity, and expectations. That’s when I knew I had to speak up about mental health too—not as a trending hashtag but as lived reality. For creatives, especially women, especially mothers, especially me—the mind is our medium. And it’s fragile.

Now, through my production company, Haus of Alkebulan, I’m creating space for bold, intellectual African cinema that blends culture, history, and healing. My upcoming projects explore Luo migration from Nubia, colonial reclamation, and even fast fashion’s impact on African land-fills. I want our people to see themselves in high-definition—sacred, scarred, stylish. I don’t have a blueprint, only a burning purpose. Every grant I apply for, every song I record, every eco-fashion piece I design, is stitched with the same thread: art must serve.

Some days I feel like a hot mess with vision. Other days, I see the seeds I’ve planted growing into something generational. Becoming a voice of influence wasn’t the plan. Becoming a vessel for untold truths—that’s always been the calling.

And if I can do it while raising future kings, crying over rough edits, and dreaming of a glass house on the Nile? You can too. Just bring your broken pieces. We’ll make art.

Written by: Nicole Priscilla Lawino

My social media handle is “The Goddess Lawino” on Tiktok, Spotify, X/ twitter, Vimeo and Instagram

Instagram

The post “From Cradle Bars to Camera Lenses: How I Accidentally Became a Voice of Creative Influence in Uganda”~By Nicole appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

I had impulsively cut off my dreads because I felt deep within me that it was time for a new era, time for me to embody my higher self and live in God’s dream for my life. A time to live in my true authentic self without fear or restrictions. Finalising this artwork gave me great validation and conviction to stand firm in who I AM.
I AM Blessed, Loved, She, He, Alive, Seen, Heard, Him, Her, Beautiful, Healed
I AM the Battle axe of the lord I AM the moving train of the Lord,
I AM a white tiger, I come once in every generation I AM the hammer head of the lord
I AM the Solid rock of the lord I AM I AM that I AM

 Adorabrands – Instagram

The post This artwork is a symbol of me appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

AfroWomenPoetry founded by Antonella Sinopoli narrates the stories of African women through poetry moving from country to country across Sub Saharan Africa. In collaboration with AfroWomenPoetry, SheEvolves invites you into the world of Ghana’s female poets

Poem by Nana Nyarko Boateng

Black List 

Merge discrete metals to smithereens
blacksmith who ain’t black
and don’t smith

Black Africa
a golden ring with a diamond
a diamond ring with a golden rim?

I am Black
not because I am African
Black is what I feel
an explicit soul speaking lingo
a never melting candle
lighting deeper character

Africa is my home
An aesthetic sanctuary
A giant fortress of rolling cultures

Where are the black souls blackheads
black deeds black countries that made Africa?
Where are the black voices black Art
black masses that move the world?

Children gather in black magic global village
to listen to songs of the black beast
black tales too tall to be written
on black boards in black ink in black english
I am black
I am a black sheep in a blackout globe
a black mark that keeps my black look black eye untie
I had/have a black lamp
Uncle Tom and Stepin Fetchit sold for free
on black market day

Kokrokooo!
I am not a crow
I enter black mood morning
in a big black hooded cloak carrying
a blacklist of black pride, black love
blackstrap black stamp black top black waters

Home people, gone people, all people
welcome to black people
Smitten black
a black hearted African
a black nippled pelican
blackity black-tie black
blacken blackish blackfish
blacked blackest blackbird

Mama Africa
a black hole feeding black hills with
black panthers black monkeys black guards

Ena Africa
you went beyond black shirts black bile
black widow and black friars
undo black death in my home

Catch the black ball
keep the black thorn
swim the black sea
find the black belt
erect the black economy

Stop oh Black Maria!
hit me with the black jack
put me in the black box
kiss my black… leg
fight me for my black spot

Black-currant growers
black pudding eating liberators
black ice breakers
find air in black pool
then paint me black
absolute black invincible black ubiquitous black
black black
Black Power Black

© Copyright – All rights reserved. AfroWomenPoetry

Nana Nyarko Boateng – Instagram

Nana Nyarko Boateng – Facebook

Antonella Sinopoli – Facebook

Asmilinglife – Instagram

AfroWomenPoetry – Facebook

Afrowomenpoetry – Instagram

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I grew up watching tons of cartoons on Cartoon Network. I found the characters extremely fascinating, and I often wondered how these fantastic characters and animations were brought to life with such relatable adventures and humour. This fascination grew my interest in illustrations as a form of art, communication and activism. I realised that illustrations are the first creative steps to what later becomes animation, and I absolutely loved this creative space. However, I simultaneously realised that women, particularly back women, were underrepresented in this creative space. My love for animation and the lack of black female representation contributed to my passion for digital illustrations. 

After completing my degree in Food Science and Technology, I had a lot of time to kill. So I then decided to teach myself how to draw and use different software sets, and little by little (haba na haba ), I began improving and learning tricks of the trade. I now create eclectic illustrations, cutting through various territories, such as city life, fashion, and glimpses of human emotion, such as happiness (raha). I now celebrate African women in my illustrations because African women have a resilience that needs to be honoured. African women are the backbone of African societies. They are the architects that instil morality into future generations, the caregivers that nurture our continent’s people, and the hands to which we trust our cultures’ institutional memory.

By Diana K

photo_duka –  Instagram

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For most young black girls living in remote rural and underdeveloped villages, dreams and goals seem arid and/or impossible to reach. I know that because I was once that young black girl whose dreams were clouded by the societal misconceptions of what a woman can and should be. Having a conversation with Noxolo felt like revisiting the long-buried memories of my childhood. A time when I had an irresistible burning desire to be heard, seen, and recognized for what I could offer the world. And for a moment, I wished someone had told me that I wasn’t crazy for wanting to be more than what society had dictated for my life. Which is why sharing Noxolo’s passion for art, an area predominantly known to be a “white man’s field”, was an honour. This is how our conversation went:

MK: Briefly tell me about your upbringing, qualifications, aspirations and hobbies.

Noxolo: I am 22 years old. My grandmother raised me in Ntinini village, in KwaZulu-Natal. Later in 2016, I moved to Gauteng to complete grade 11 and 12 at Boitumelong Secondary School, located in Tembisa township (Sedibeng section). In 2018, I started my National Diploma in Food Technology at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Now, I am a quality intern at Kellogg’s Springs Plant.

I do a lot of writing. I write short stories, poems and some of the poems have been published by Avbob poetry. I was also shortlisted in writing a children’s anthology by Kwasukasukela books. And last year, I fell in love with painting and drawing.

My hobbies include acting, monologues, writing, painting, watching animation and comedy movies. My greatest aspiration is to bring change to the world through art.

MK: At what age did the desire to create art through writing, painting, and drawing arise?

Noxolo: When I was nine years old, my mother passed away. Life became so hard because I started a new life with my grandma’s family- my mom’s aunt. I found it so hard to adapt and fit in at my grandma’s place from the very start. One of the reasons that made it challenging to adapt was that no one really understood me because I was slightly introverted. My heart was constantly aching and bleeding because the scene of my mother’s last days was stuck in my mind, and I had no courage to talk about it. So during those difficult times, pen and paper became my friends. At first, I used to write letters for my late mother. That is when I realized that writing was my healing process, making me feel happy.

I fell in love with poetry after reading the poetry anthology titled “Izinkwazi Zothukela” by M. Makhanya. I was intrigued by the nature of poems, and I got a lot of inspiration from that book. So, in 2017, I started to write poems. Over the years, I have been writing about hope and love. Fortunately, some of those poems have been published. I love poetry because it allows me to touch souls and hold the hands of the hopeless.

The idea of a painting came when I was building characters for my short story. In brief, the story narrates as follows: “There was this young widow named Grace. After her husband and her only child lost their lives in a horrific car accident, Grace was left swimming in the pool of tears, breathing pain, and there were absolutely no words that could make her feel better.” So from that, I asked myself, “what is it that can possibly make my protagonist “Grace” feel better?” And the answer that came to my mind was “paintings”. And instantly, I knew I had to try to execute this idea.

I chose painting because sometimes words aren’t enough, but what we see is all that matters, and we can analyze or narrate our stories from what we see. So, when Grace glanced at the wall, she saw this painting that whispered in her ears. And suddenly, a smile appeared on her face. Well, that’s how I started painting. Some of the paintings I’ve done taught me that painting is not about perfection but the emotions it evokes when looking at it.

MK: Ever since you started writing, did you have any challenges that made you want to quit? Challenges such as; prolonged writer’s block or inevitable personal challenges that made writing seem pointless.

What did you do to overcome those challenges?

Noxolo: I have never been in a position where I felt like quitting because every single day, it’s like a new fabric that I use to create stories. However, like anyone else, I have had challenges here and there. The major challenge is that I tend to jump from one story to another before finishing the previous one from a writer’s perspective. Ironically, I know how to fix this problem, but I still repeatedly find myself hurdling the same situation.

At some point, I realized that my dream of having a successful novel on the market was probably a vague idea. So last year (2020), I decided to focus only on poetry and do the collection titled “The rainbow of feelings”. In the turn of events, I even transformed some of the pieces I never finished into free verse poems. And by God’s Grace, I believe that I will finish it.

MK: Most often, it’s either you draw and paint, or you write. It’s rarely both. You are amongst the few artists who them simultaneously, and on the other hand, you still managed to pursue a career in food sciences. What’s the trick?

Noxolo: That’s a good question because food science is a busy industry, primarily where I work. However, if whatever you have on your plate makes you happy, it doesn’t affect the scale. Art is my therapy and forever joy. Sometimes I thank God for it because it helps me ease the stress of work.

MK: Would you, at some point, consider creating art (through creative writing, painting and drawing) as a full-time career? Or is it something you want to keep as a side hobby/side-hustle?

Noxolo: No. I don’t think I would be financially stable if I could consider art as a full-time career. It’s better as a hobby/side-hustle.

MK: Most people see art as a risky and unstable career. What was the primary inspiration behind your vision to “create” from such a young age? But I guess you have answered it, or is there something you would want to add to that?

Noxolo: I totally agree. Art is a risky career. However, if you try to blend it with other things, the statement changes. That’s what I want to do. At some point, I want to integrate art with food science. Part of my vision board includes a dream to start a coffee shop business with a unique touch of art in it. Depending on my customer’s preferences, it won’t be just a cup of coffee, but a cup of coffee topped with an original quote or an illustration.

MK: You have a creative mindset. Open-minded and goal-driven young individual. I love that about you. What message(s) would you say you are trying to translate through your art?

Noxolo: *All shall be well*.

It might not be today, but eventually, everything will fall into place. I want people to know that some things are beyond our control. Like when God has decided to agree with life’s enemy, life has no choice but to come to an end. So, what can we say without saying goodbye?

Mostly, I want people to see a glimpse of hope through my work.

MK: When you hear the phrase “Start Now”, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?

Noxolo: There’s no better time than now, and you’ll never know your capabilities until you try. I know this because I wouldn’t have ever known that I could paint if I didn’t try.

MK: Last but not least, what does self-evolution mean to you?

Noxolo: To me, self-evolution is about being aware of your strengths and weaknesses. The corrective actions you take to improve yourself and to know what keeps you going.

The post Noxolo Zungu says that Art is her therapy and forever Joy appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

With each new decade comes an opportunity to gain some new wisdom. At this junction in my life, as a new mom, business woman, editor and wife, one thing that I (and many of my friends in similar positions think and talk about often), is how to save better. Whilst I will always be a fan of traditional saving methods. Methods such as putting a certain amount of money in a bank account every month. Nowadays I have been searching for other ways to make my money work for me. After talking to a few friends in finance and getting their views. I thought I’d share some of their tips for saving that goes beyond a savings account.

1. Tax-free shares account: One thing I realized once I started doing some research was just how many saving options there actually are. Options that are right in front of us, but perhaps not very visible. One of those ways is through a tax free shares account. From my understanding of this type of account, the idea is to save a certain amount of money a month which is then used by investors to buy shares in various companies on the stock exchange. Currently I have one such account that is not only a no brainer but that only invests my money in companies that are safe. Which means I don’t have to worry about losing it. Also when I need it, I can just sell my shares and get the cash out within a couple of days. This may vary depending on your country and bank, but a little research and a chat with a banker could help shed some light.
2. Art: Whilst art is not the most common thing to see as an investment. One thing I will always remember from growing up is how much art my more well-off friends parents had around. Whilst it did add style, color and texture to their homes. Since speaking to one of my friends who is an art curator, I see how many of the pieces could have been investments. Its a great way to make your money work for you whilst also serving a purpose (making your home beautiful).  Talk to an art curator like Khumo Sebambo who we interviewed here.
3. Education: One thing I am a huge fan of is self investment. And this often means investing in my own education and knowledge of certain industries and skills. And whilst formula education is a great investment. You don’t have to commit a few years to learning. You can commit to a few months or weeks through online courses and workshops. Currently I am paying an application for online french classes. A good use of my time, and money as I live in a french speaking country.

The post 3 Alternative investment and saving opportunities appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

With so much going on in the world, it’s good to take a moment to look at the arts for inspiration and light. Which is why we asked Gaze founder and art consultant and curator Khumo Sebambo to share five emerging artists she is excited about.

Zandile Tshabalala: I am interested  in how she approaches the topics of representation. Particularly the representation of the black women in historical paintings. Her beautiful charcoal black figures are hard to forget,

Shakil Solanki: He is obsessed with the colour blue and I enjoy this singularity. I am interested to see how his practice and use of colour will develop.

Lunga Ntila: Recognised by Victoria Beckham and Pharrell we at home have always known that Lunga Ntila and her photographs are to be treasured. The images are digital collages which make for an interesting gesture in self-exploration and identity.

Callan Grecia: I enjoy the works — they are reminiscent of cartoons, post stamps and doodles. There are elements of pop culture, fashion and hip hop in his works which makes his paintings playful. They seem ‘anti-art‘ in a sense but that really appeals to me. Callan Grecia is painting on his own terms.

Tizita Berhanu: The use of heavy brushstrokes in her works makes the emotions of her subjects palpable to me as a viewer.  I see and I feel when engaging with her paintings.

The post Bite Size: Emerging artists Gaze Founder is excited about appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

A frank discussion with art curator, consultant and Gaze founder Khumo Sebambo

Whether you are new to the art scene, an expert or just an onlooker, there is no doubt that we could all do with some art education on some level or other. After all, art is a representation of our society. A mirror reflecting the times we are living in and a way to make sense of these crazy, beautiful, difficult, awe inspiring, wonderful times. We sat down with art curator Ms Khumo Sebambo and discussed the importance of representation and staying curious. 

Phindile Sithole-Spong: I’ll be honest, I’ve known you for some time now but it took me a while to understand the magnitude of what you do. Not only do you run Gaze advisory but you are an impressive art curator who’s curated some monumental shows. How has it been working in the art world as a young black woman?

Khumo Sebambo: It has been like an interesting journey that has come with its fair share of ups and down. Definitely more ups — I have met interesting arts practitioners, seen incredible art and had unforgettable experiences.

PSS: What are some of the challenges you have faced, especially being so young and navigating a space which can be very white? 

KS: The biggest challenge has been not having my efforts recognised — I often walk away from projects or jobs feeling dejected because the value I know I bring wasn’t acknowledged in a meaningful way. That’s been hard.

PSS: How do you pick yourself up in those instances and continue doing what you are doing?

KS: After allowing myself to be upset about it, I dust myself off and allow my passion to pull me back into it.

PSS: I feel like for so many people of colour, art and art appreciation is reserved mainly for white people. Maybe it has to do with the artists we learn about in school and the vast amount of white male artists that are considered to be THE GREATS. As a young black woman working in the art space what are your thoughts about this and how did you overcome this idea that only one skin tone and voice made great art? And when and how did you start to feel like people that looked like you and I belonged in this space?

KS: What is taught about fine art in school reflects an art ecology that is dominated by white men. But mixed in there are places where art made by black people and women is recognised — I remember being taught about Dumile Feni, The Rorkes Drift Art Centre, Helen Sebidi and Gerard Sekoto. These works appealed to me so I never adopted the idea that interesting art only came from white men.

And to your question about belonging, I wouldn’t say I feel like I belong now.

PSS: Looking at past shows that you have curated, it is easy to see how much you appreciate and advocate for black artists. How did you start advocating for black artists? Especially when so few are visible? 

KS: I advocate for black people so it was natural to advocate for black artists. Because I advocate for black artists I spend a lot of time reading about their work, researching their practice and scrolling the timeline for their work and it doesn’t seem to me that there are few black artists visible.

PSS: Inclusivity and diversity are terms we hear thrown around often nowadays but what does this actually mean and how can it be translated into the art world? 

KS: To me it means that every aspect of the art community has to dedicated inclusivity — exhibitions, curatorial teams, gallerists, scholars and collectors. The business of art is ruled by white men and it’s important to factor in the economics when speaking about inclusion and diversity.

PSS: Let’s shift gears and talk about Gaze. How did the idea to open an art advisory business come about and what do you do at Gaze?

KS: I’d been working in galleries and institutions and so my friends and family would ask for advice about buying art. This year I felt that my time working in galleries was up and this was a natural transition for me. What do we do? Gaze is an art advisory — I connect with art collectors, budding and seasoned, to guide them in making decisions about collecting art. Gaze also has a projects “space” that will host exhibitions and workshops in the future.

PSS: Thats exciting. Do you plan to work exclusively in South Africa or are you planning to work in other parts of the world too?

KS: The collectors that I’m working with are in various locations around the world but I’d like to grow this network. And in the future, I’d like to become an art tourist and learn more about different art communities.

PSS: As you know, my husband and I recently bought our first piece of art with your help via Gaze and it was such an exhilarating experience. In part because like I’ve said before, I always felt like art was reserved for a select few. But also because you didn’t make us feel like we were some dumb kids and you really took your time with us and made sure we were both comfortable and well informed. Can you break down the process we went through together and the process you go through with your other clients looking to buy art? 

KS: First I interview collectors and we speak about who they are, what art they like and why they collect or want to collect. When I know this information I’m equipped to introduce them to works they’ve never seen — sometimes the process is easy and people take a liking to things I show them immediately, other times its far more challenging… But no two people are the same and I’m always learning about what works for different people. But my job in the end is to share insights on artists and artworks so that collectors walk away with something they love.

PSS: One of the best parts about working with you was feeling like I could buy art again and was really equipped to do so either with you or alone. What advice would you give a first time art buyer looking to make a purchase? What are some things they should keep in mind? 

KS: It seems that people don’t think they can buy art because it is inaccessible. My advice is to be curious.You’re on your phone all the time anyway, why not keep up to date with what’s happening in the arts? You’ll find art that appeals to you and at your price point. Also keep in mind that there may be other costs involved like shipping and crating. Be prepared for this when you budget. And lastly buy what you love and you’ll never stop collecting.

PSS: As a black art curator and advisor how important do you think it is for more people or color to buy art?

KS: Absolutely vital — we need to be involved in the entire chain. We need to be in the museums, the galleries, we need to curate the show, and review them. We need to be the scholars and we also need to be the buyers. I always get frustrated when I see amazing black artists being given the support by white owned institutions and white collectors when we also need to come in and form strong communities around the artists.

PSS: If you could curate your ideal show where would it be, what would be the theme and who are some artists works you would like to showcase? 

KS: It wouldn’t be a show — it’d be a series of shows, workshops and talks around textile arts. I already started this long research project when I curated a show two years ago titled Conversations in Texture. I’d showcase work by Kresiah Mukwazhi (again), Sepideh Mehraban, Kimathi Mafofo, Anya Paintsil and Bulumko Mbete among other incredible artists working in this medium.

PSS: Apart from Gaze and curating art shows what else do you enjoy doing? Do you have any hobbies or things you are interested in?

KS: I’m moving house in a few weeks and I’m bordering on being obsessed with shopping for home decor — trying to find the right item in the right colour, at the right size and price. Other than that I’ve always been an avid reader and I’m trying to be more dedicated about giving myself that time — I have books by James Baldwin, Ben Okri, Sello Duiker and Toni Morrison on my bedside. Also — walking is a big lifesaver at the moment.

PSS: Final question, what does self evolution mean to you? And how do you make sure you are constantly growing and evolving?

KS: Evolution means learning to recognise that that I’m the author of my life — capable of change, healing, creativity and personal transformation.”

To learn more about emerging artists and get in touch with Khumo follow Gaze on Instagram @gazeartadvisory or email khumo@gazeadvisory.com for more information or assistance buying art.

The post Why people of colour need to buy more art and the woman helping them do just that appeared first on Sheevolves.world.