Telling Our Stories in Colour: Lelo Mncwango on Street Art with Meaning
In this captivating online interview, I speak with Lelo Mncwango, a talented and passionate street artist based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Renowned for her vibrant, colourful murals that fuse fine art with storytelling, Lelo’s work brings walls to life with cultural richness and social relevance. Her murals often explore themes of identity, heritage, and community — told through a deeply personal and artistic lens. Lelo talks about her journey into the art world, tracing it back to her childhood in the rural parts of South Africa. She reflects on the challenges of growing up under difficult living conditions, where access to resources, exposure to the arts, and everyday comforts were limited. These early experiences, she explains, built her resilience and determination — qualities that continue to drive her creative work today. Her story is one of grit, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of her artistic voice. Throughout the conversation, Lelo offers insight into her creative process — from how she conceptualises a mural to the technical aspects of using spray paint as a primary medium. Her fine arts background shines through in her compositions, and she shares the practical realities of working on large walls, often high off the ground. Whether using scaffolding or balancing carefully on a ladder, Lelo speaks confidently about her lack of fear when it comes to heights, and how she maintains control and precision even while working at scale. She is also a key contributor to the Love Howick project, a community-based initiative dedicated to beautifying and revitalising the town of Howick through public art. In this role, Lelo collaborates with local artists and residents to create murals that reflect shared values and aspirations — turning public spaces into vibrant canvases that uplift and inspire. This interview offers a powerful glimpse into the life and mind of a muralist who is using her art not just to decorate, but to celebrate, educate, and transform.
https://lelotheart.com