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Jamu

Tawanda Matanhire and Bornwise Mtonzi Arts Reporters
Upcoming visual artist Raphael Jamu added another accolade to his cabinet at an international competition held in Namibia last weekend. Jamu, who was representing Zimbabwe and Africa against 65 artists from across the world at the “My Mother” competition, came out first

He walked away with an art kit valued at $20 000 and $500 in cash.

Eighteen artists from the Americas reportedly pulled out of the competition after they saw Jamu’s piece.

Jamu’s art recently saw him winning awards in UK and Germany at the Adolf Hitler Museum. He will be travelling for the awards on January 10.

During the “My Mother” competition Jamu painted a piece called “Xenophobia,” depicting how foreigners were attacked and killed in South Africa.

In an interview with Herald Review, Jamu said he was moved to create his piece by the cruelty shown in the attacks.

“I painted the piece to depict the hardships many families faced at the hands of the criminal. People were burnt and killed. I brought that to life in the piece,” he said

Jamu said many Africans lost their lives in South Africa for no apparent reason and for him, art was the only way for championing their cause.

“You stay with someone for years thinking you are friends only to find out that the same friend turns against you,” Jamu said.

“Looking at the painting one can sense the emotions that easily capture the message I am trying to portray,” he added

Last year, there was a spat of violence in South Africa leading to the death of many Africans.