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Yvonne Ncube, Showbiz Correspondent
PICASSO Leon Siziba, a portrait painter has earned a reputation for himself by sketching portraits of South African artistes who visit the country for shows and handing them over as presents.

His most recent portrait was that of Amapiano artiste Nkosazana Daughter, who was in Bulawayo for a performance on Monday.

The 19-year-old artist said this was his longest project as it took him 48 days. Normally, he said it takes him about a week.

“The portrait for Nkosazana Daughter was my longest project. It took me 48 days to draw because I wanted to perfect it. She was also the first female that I’ve drawn thus far.

“I handed her the portrait on Monday and she was shocked and excited at the same time. I’m glad that she loved it,” he said.

Siziba thanked music promoter, Mdu Mdlongwa for continuously facilitating meetings with the South African celebrities for him.

“I hope to continue doing these projects as a way of introducing myself to the South African Amapiano industry. So far, I’ve gained recognition from quite a number of artistes through my management, Ashley Ncube and Mduduzi Mdlongwa.

“They’ve helped me with the marketing and facilitation of appointments with these artistes for me whenever the celebrities come to the country for shows,” Picasso said.

He said this has given him a lot of exposure.

“So far, I’ve drawn and handed over portraits to Young Stunna, Musa Keys, Major League DJz, Amaroto and Nkosazana Daughter,” he said.

Picasso said he was named after Pablo Picasso, a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist and theatre designer who was recognised as one of the most influential artists in the 20th century.

“I grew up in a family of artists. My father was an artist, that’s why he named me after Pablo Picasso. I started drawing when I was nine-years-old,” he said.

He said he perfected his skills during the initial Covid-19 lockdown.

“During the first days of the lockdown, I started mastering my skills, specifically in portrait art. As I practiced, I got inspired by a South African artist called Young Creator. Things went well and I managed to get clients and earned a few coins.

“As time went on, I told myself that I want to use this niche to venture into Amapiano music through portrait art. For me to succeed at that, I had to start drawing Amapiano music celebrities. The likes of Bassie (Basetsana Kumalo) started recognising my work and I kept pushing until I found an opportunity to draw Young Stunna and meet him here in Zimbabwe.

“He was the first artiste that I handed over my portrait to and he liked it,” Picasso said.

The plan going forward, Picasso said is to make money out of his art.

“I’m looking forward to doing more work and being able to make a living out of this. I want to make money out of this as a guy from Pumula South,” he said.