[10.54..ESWATINI] Giving Back By Design with Khulekani Msweli

WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY In this episode, Kondwani interviews Khulekani Msweli, a fashion designer, artist, entrepreneur and activist from Eswatini. Khulekani discusses returning to Eswatini after studying abroad to give back to his community through art and community development projects. He shares how art can speak truth to power and reflect societal issues. Khulekani also talks about building appreciation for the arts in Eswatini and making it a viable career option. LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARNKhulekani name means "collective prayer" which embodies his Christian upbringing and personal philosophies.He currently lives in northeast Eswatini running his design and art-based business.Khulekani works in various artistic media like sculpture and performance art with no limits on expression.He uses art to reflect political and societal happenings in Eswatini.Arts are still very much on a growth trajectory in some African countries.Art means different things to different people and it’s important to remember this as a creative. Living as a successful artist in Eswatini encourages youth to pursue creative careers.In high school, Khulekani’s tutors guided him to study fashion design while pursuing his art interests.Fashion is one of the easier artistic routes to enter, particularly regarding finances. Art is Khulekani’s highest form of expression, there are no limits when he is creating. He set up a fashion and art-based business in Eswatini after studying abroad.Khulekani is involved in community development projects through his parents' foundation. BEST MOMENTS..OUR HIGHs (NO LOWs) 11:18 “[Art]It’s allowed me to express a lot of what’s happening in the community in my country” 12:56 "Art and politics tend to go hand in hand."  13:23 "Art reflects society of the day. It could be good politics, it could be bad politics." 13:48 "Art is a great tool for speaking truth to power."  17:13 "I took it upon myself to say, you know what, I'll be that person...which even the kids can say, well if Khulekani can make it in Eswatini, well maybe mom and dad do allow me to give it a go."  19:24 "At the back of my mind I just wanted something where I would literally be able to start my own business” FIND & FOLLOW - Resources and more https://www.instagram.com/khulekani_msweli/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/ Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com  54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story at a time.