swaziland times

BHUNYA – The art of painting gave a 25-year-old orphan a chance to have a one-on-one conversation with the king.Samkello Holofe said he had come all the way from Mankongko to present a portrait to the king. The artist said he lost both his parents and was raised by his aunt and grandmother.He said he was told that the King would be visiting the Zondwako Clinic and Montigny Investments so he decided to try his luck. Hlophe first tried to exhibit the portrait after the King opened the Zondwako Clinic but did not stand a chance. Hlofi did not want to give up his desire to show his work to the King, so he followed the King to Montigny, where he finally had the opportunity to talk to the head of state and show his art.

The king was impressed by his work and asked him if he had done the portrait alone, to which Hlofe replied in the affirmative. The king then instructed his praise singer, Sandile “Msandi Kababa” Nxumalo, to record the man’s details as per his wishes. Nxumalo did as the King instructed and took down the contact details, while Hlophe could not contain his excitement and smiled widely. When asked what inspired him to create the King’s portrait, Hlofi said he loved the King very much and he wanted to use his talent to do something good for him. “I love the king dearly and the inspiration for his portrait came from my love and respect for him. He was very impressed and spoke to me, which meant everything to me,” he said.