By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
Pumlani Plaajie is a force to be reckoned with. He is arguably one the most gifted young painters in Mzazi, yet unrecognized.
It is a fact that Pumlani is still young, but there is no doubt that this gifted 23-year-old is going to give other artists a difficult time!
Though the boy is not in competition or wants to be compared to anybody, other known artists have serious mission ahead of them, which is likely to silence their popularity.
When we spotted Pumlani, he was selling a piece of art near Boxer Store in Alexandra, Johannesburg.
Pumlani, the visual artist, originally from Indwe Eastern Cape, who started art when he was in grade 2, is the real deal.
The young man painted pictures of Uzalo actors like Njenza (Nkanyiso Makhanya), Sbu (Simphiwe Mazozi), Nkuzi (Msoja Msiza), Nonka (Thuthuka Mthembu) and musician Kwesta (Senzo Vilakazi), all without flop; all the portraits resemble real people.
Although he was not taught art by anyone, his visual art model is Themba Mkhangeli.
“Nobody taught me to draw because I grew up loving to draw and I always thought I wanted to experience and do more,” he said.
He is a devoted young man who wants to see himself as a successful artist and to play a major role in South Africa.
His guidance to other young artists, is as follows:
“Continue to practice and feel proud of your drawing style.”