WATCH: Alex artist inspired by ubuntu
ALEXANDRA - An artist from Alexandra is paying homage to South African political heroes through his art drawings and believes that this could help in bringing back Ubuntu among the community.
An artist from Alexandra is paying homage to South African political heroes through his artwork and believes this could help in bringing back ubuntu among the community.
Jabu Thomas Howard was born in Standerton and has lived in Alexandra for the past 30 years. Howard said he was drawn to Alexandra by his first love, music. However, it was through music that he met people who inspired him to make art.
The artist said he only started drawing in 2002 and it was not easy, as many people mocked his drawings. “People used to laugh at my art and that inspired me to prove them wrong,” he said.
“I am not intelligent, I am inspired and blessed by the grace of the Lord. God continues to bless me every day with new ideas and my art is getting better every day.”
The 57-year-old said he used to paint rural scenes, and it was only in 2012 that he was inspired to draw the late African National Congress heroes when the ANC celebrated 100 years of existence that same year.
WATCH: Jabu Thomas Howard says he is inspired by his heroes
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“I wanted to know how these 100 years came about and that is when I found out about John ‘Langalibalele’ Dube, the founding president of the ANC. Most of my artworks are inspired by him,” said Howard.
He hopes that through his drawings he can help bring back the spirit of people such as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Albert Luthuli and John Dube – people who practised ubuntu.
“I want them to be recognised for their work and the sacrifices they made for our people. Most people do not know them and that hurts me. I want to make them visible to society through my drawings.”
The artist said he would one day love to have his own art centre and wants to help inspire the youth. “I would also like to inspire more people and help the youth of Alexandra, but at the end of the day the drive is within them,” he said.
