14-year-old art prodigy pens two comic books

Blessed Moyo, Sunday Life Reporter

IN a world where creativity knows no bounds, 14-year-old Shayne Ncube is rapidly cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative young artistes to emerge on the local scene.

With a pencil as his trusted sidekick, Shayne has been entertaining audiences with his breathtakingly beautiful artwork, transporting viewers to a world of wonder and awe with every delicate stroke and vibrant colour. 

A Form Two pupil going to Form Three next year at Embakwe High School, a Catholic-run institution situated deep in Mangwe District,  Matabeleland South Province, Shayne has other pupils eating from his palm.

Shayne’s artistic prowess does not stop there as he has also just released not one, but two electrifying comic books that showcase his remarkable storytelling skills and boundless imagination. 

Speaking to Sunday Life, Shayne said he discovered his passion for art at the tender age of seven, when his parents first noticed his innate talent for drawing and encouraged him to hone his skills.

“My parents realised my artistry talent when I was doing my second grade at Mgiqika Primary School in Nketa 9 and I was only seven years old, when I was just drawing random things at home,” said Shayne.

Since then, he has spent countless hours perfecting his craft, teaching himself various techniques and styles, and experimenting with different mediums and materials.

He said his hard work and dedication has paid off spectacularly, as he has delighted fans of all ages with two action-packed comic books.

“This year alone I managed to produce two full comic books and it took me restless nights to get through them considering that I am also a student,” said Shayne.

He said that he got his inspiration from the Marvel and Doctor Comic (DC) fictitious superhero and action-adventure storylines that make up his books.

“My comic books tell tales of how superheroes gained their power and became heroes, bringing together multiple heroes from different universe or teams,” he said, explaining the content of his comic books.

With his pencils, crayons, and passion, Shayne is on a mission to challenge societal norms and spark meaningful conversations through his thought-provoking artwork.

This talented teenager’s latest creations are more than just visually stunning, they are also a powerful commentary on some of the most pressing issues of our time, including gender-based violence, criticism, and social inequality. 

Shayne said that his art seeks to raise awareness, promote empathy, and inspire change, using his platform to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard.

“I have seen husbands harassing and abusing their wives in public and that did not go well with me, I am using this platform to spread a message of awareness and love,” he said.

With his unique blend of creativity, conviction, and courage, Shayne is fast becoming a leading voice among his peers, and his artwork is a testament to the transformative power of art to challenge, inspire, and uplift.

He said he believes that no child at school deserves to be bullied as this may destroy one’s self-esteem at a younger age.

“I have also seen other students bullying other pupils through criticism and discouragement hence killing their self-confidence making the victims anti-social children. I don’t like that,” said Shayne condemning bad behaviours at school.

Shayne said that his artistic talents have earned him recognition at the highest levels, participating in various district and provincial art tournaments.

“As a testament to my exceptional skill and dedication, I have been awarded a prestigious certificate, a notable achievement that underscores my status as one of the region’s most exciting young artists,” said Shayne.

As the adage goes, behind every successful artiste is a supportive family, for Shayne, his loved ones have been instrumental in nurturing his passion for art.

He credits his family for their unwavering encouragement, revealing they have always prioritised his artistic pursuits.

“My mother (Cynthia Ncube) can forget to buy something on her grocery list, but she will never forget to buy my pencils and crayons,” he said.

On his future aspirations, Shayne said; “I would like to be a surgical doctor in the future. I am focused on my academics as I would love to make myself and my parents proud. When we were screened for the Form Three for next year classes I was deployed in the Science Class as I have been doing fairly well in my school work as well.”