EMALAHLENI – When Surprise Sbusiso Magagula lost his job in 2022, the future became uncertain. With no steady income and few opportunities, he turned to the one thing that had always given him hope – a pencil and a blank sheet of paper.
Today, the charcoal and coloured pencil artist from Empumelelweni in eMalahleni is rebuilding his life one portrait at a time.
Born and raised in Nhlazatshe, where he completed his matric, Magagula has been pursuing art professionally since 2018. He now earns a living through commissioned portraits and occasional jobs while steadily building a name for himself as a visual artist.
Raised by his mother and grandmother, Magagula says his childhood shaped his resilience.
“My mother worked while my grandmother sold sweets, snacks and peanuts. We didn’t have much, but I had a good childhood,” he said.
His passion for drawing began in primary school, where he spent his free time sketching cars and Goku from the popular anime series Dragon Ball. He also credits his older sister for inspiring his creativity.
“I used to watch her draw flowers and design dresses, and whenever I saw artwork in newspapers or on the streets, I wanted to be able to create something like that.”
Although art had always been part of his life, Magagula began taking it seriously in 2018 after meeting professional artist Thabo at a driver’s licence testing centre.
“He brought some of his artwork with him and I couldn’t stop asking questions. He guided me and taught me most of what I know today. He’s my mentor.”
Magagula specialises in charcoal portraits, a medium he believes captures emotion better than any other. Depending on the size and level of detail, a portrait can take between five hours and two weeks to complete.
One of his proudest pieces is a 2024 artwork titled Time, which explores the idea of change.
“It’s difficult to explain because visual art speaks for itself. You have to see it.”
Despite his growing portfolio, earning a living from art remains one of his greatest challenges. After losing his job, a loyal client helped him restart by paying upfront for a commission, allowing him to buy materials.
“Since then, I’ve been getting clients here and there. It’s enough to get me to the next month, but it’s not easy.”
Finding customers, he says, is often harder than creating the artwork, with some months passing without a single commission. Even low engagement on social media can test his confidence.
“I’ll post a drawing and get only two or five likes. Sometimes it gets to me. But I can’t stop creating.”
His family remains his biggest support, while he believes the community is slowly beginning to recognise his talent.
His ambitions stretch beyond Mpumalanga. In the short term, he hopes to win the NkAMA Award and gain wider recognition. Within five years, he dreams of owning a professional art studio and gallery, with his portraits exhibited and sold internationally.
For aspiring artists hesitant to pursue their dreams, Magagula has simple advice.
“First make it exist, then make it perfect later. We learn through our mistakes. The only way to find out what works is to start.”
Every portrait he completes is another step towards rebuilding the future he imagined for himself.
