MSWENKOxMZANSI
^{Meet the people behind the winning
#MswenkoChallenge entries}

Best Keamogetswe Ncube 
Winner

I am Best Jr Keamogetswe Ncube and I am a South African Digital artist from Soshanguve, Pretoria. My style of illustration exhibits a great deal of versatility because I can create abstract compositions and realistic designs/illustrations. What inspires the creation of a lot of my pieces is the influence of the vibrant and energy-filled culture of Pretoria. This has aided me in producing an abstract and obscure view of creating an art piece whether for myself or for the public eye to consume.

Given Michael Mathebula
3rd Place

I’m Given Michael Mathebula known as King Geejah in Tembisa where I’m from. I’m a musician who was influenced by Kwaito at a very young age. I started writing Kwaito songs in 2006 before I got into Hip-hop music in 2008. I grew up listening to the likes of Spokes H, Brown Dash, Flabba and a lot of Soul Brothers, which is why I’m such a versatile musician. 

My music is predominately about motivation, past experiences and life in general. I have previously performed alongside big artists such as K.O, Shimza, Touchline, Nadia Nakai and Solly Mahlangu, just to mention a few. I’m inspired by the likes of Cassper Nyovest, Sjava, Riky Rick and many more. My biggest goal is to change people's lives through music and inspire the young ones in the township and beyond. I’m also a fashion model with a brand called Thandazinto which means to "like things". My debut album titled "Inkuzuko: Never Stop Believing" is available on all digital platforms. 

Mlotshwa Bantu
Finalist

My name is a true representation of who I am "Bantubonke". I am a people’s person whose creativity resonates around exploring different individuals in their element. "The creative mind can be like a sponge, if you feed that curiosity and get involved with individuals that you can learn from, you continue to build your passion and interests for the design field".  I am a business management graduate but graphic design has always been within my blood. The passion behind it eventually forced me to become a self-taught graphic designer and at a later stage, I decided to open up my own company called Paint Digital Studio. I partnered up with an individual who had the same drive and weirdness as me. Together we paint magic, we bring ideas to life. I originally hail from the East Rand in a small town called Springs.

My inspiration comes from constantly trying to be different. I thrive on creating simple designs that speak volumes. I believe a great design stems from great inspiration, constantly pushing the envelope to reach innovative heights that inspire the world.

Qondile Dlamini
Finalist

My name is Qondile Dlamini, aka Qew Doodles. 

I am a freelance designer and illustrator based in Joburg. I love drawing, not only as a job but also as a hobby. Drawing helps me understand the world and definitely calms my mind. My illustration work predominantly focuses on women, especially Black women - how we look, how we move, how we feel, in all our magic. I find women very inspiring and I'd like for my work to exhibit our glory. I'm also a huge fan of umswenko and a lot of my illustrations include outfits I would love to wear. 

Mpho Sefolo 
Finalist

My name is Mpho Sefolo aka IaMph0$ta from Garankuwa, Pretoria. I’m a University of Technology student and rap artist at heart. The label that resonates well with me is being a “Hustle – preneur”. I’m an activist and my biggest inspiration is J. Cole. Growing up, my dream was to have my own record label and a clothing brand similar to the hottest brands in the city namely, GALXBOY & POM. 

Sibusiso Hope Nkosi 
Finalist

My name is Sibusiso Hope Nkosi (also known as Sibusiso the Creator). I'm a 20-year-old graphic designer, visual artist and photographer based in Benoni. I'm a creative person by nature - always have been. I'm inspired by everything that's around me, everything that I see and observe adds to my creative energy and imagination. I'm focused and pretty determined. I’m a proudly African artist. 

Azhar Abrahams
Finalist

My name is Azhar Abrahams, I'm a multi-disciplinary artist and graphic designer based in Cape Town. I've always been interested in art and design since high school, but never really considered taking it up as a career. Not until I met Russell Abrahams aka Yay Abe in 2017. Seeing how passionate he was about his work and how proud he was to work with the brands he has worked with really inspired me to want to pursue a career in design.

I studied Visual Communication Design at CPUT and completed my studies last year.

My design style is deeply inspired by my roots and cultural experiences, and I aim to share that with the world through my work. I recently started experimenting with Arabic calligraphy and I draw a lot of inspiration from Islamic art in the way it makes use of geometrical shapes to form patterns. My work represents the amalgamation of two worlds, my Islamic roots, and Urban Street culture.