By Benevolence Mazhinji
There’s another awe-inspiring mural in town, painted by Makhanda artists Mook Lion and Phila Phaliso, with assistance from Manners Dutuma and Lulutho Madolo. The piece in Cuyler Street is part of the Osaziwayo Bomculo Basekoloni Project, a Visual Arts Mural initiative celebrating iconic musicians from the Eastern Cape.
It was commissioned by Africhili Entertainment, headed by creative producer Simamkele Mahambehlala, after the organisation secured funding from the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) programme. The MGE aims to grow South Africa’s cultural and creative industries by supporting projects that generate employment and recognise the arts as a key economic force.
Honouring the legacies of music legends Dr Latozi Madosini and Stompie Mavi, the artists chose a bold, graphic, black-and-white look to evoke a sense of nostalgia. Explaining this artistic choice, Mook Lion said, “We went for a black and white aesthetic just to give that legendary feel, like something that reflects the feeling of the past.” He also noted, “I think music and art are definitely connected, when I watch live music, I get very encouraged and motivated to pursue my own art.”
Murals like this remind us that investing in public art is a powerful way to renew the community and secure cultural memory for the future.
