My name is Tapiwa Nhekede, I was born in October 1985 and I am the fifth child in a family of nine.

l have a passion for art and initially my family and friends encouraged me to pursue my dream. l went to school at Churchill Boys High in Harare and received the prize for best art student for three years, from 2000 to 2003.

After school l then continued with art and was referred to Dominic Benhura and at his art studio. Dominic inspired me to try sculpting with the help of other artists such as Samkele Mhlaba. They helped me develop the skill and techniques of stone sculpting. I have been sculpting commercially for ten years now and am
inspired by the natural world.

I took part in the Germany Zimbabwe society for Young Artist Competition held by Kristen Diehl and also “Live and Direct” held by the Zimbabwe National Art Gallery Council in Harare.