Kadelwa Arts Molds Zimbabwean Stories Into Digital Art
Long before digital art became a career, Kadelwa Joab Ndlovu loved drawing from childhood.
Growing up in Dombodema, Plumtree, his fascination with cartoons and storytelling gradually developed into a passion for visual art. While his family did not initially understand his interest in cartoons, Ndlovu continued drawing and found inspiration in the work of Zimbabwean painters.
In 2009, he began taking his art more seriously. His journey later moved from traditional drawing into digital art and 2D animation, influenced by international animators as well as artists who use visual storytelling to communicate ideas and preserve culture.
Today, professionally known as Kadelwa Arts, the self-taught artist uses his work to tell African stories while creating opportunities for young people to explore their own creativity.
Through his registered creative company, Kadelwa Arts, Ndlovu provides training in drawing, digital art, documentary filming and animation. Some of the programmes are offered at no charge, including engagements with young people and people with disabilities.
In 2023, he took his work to another level with Digital Roots, his solo digital exhibition, bringing together his interest in technology, art and Zimbabwean culture.
His creative journey has also earned recognition beyond his community. In 2025, he won Best in Visual Arts at the Men of the Year Awards and Best in Youth Enterprise at the Matabeleland South Awards. He was also runner-up in the Creative Pillar of the Value Creation Challenge and finished second at the Cape Town International Animation Festival in 2024.
Ndlovu has also received recognition from the Office of the President and Cabinet in Matabeleland South for his creative and community contribution.
As a semi-finalist under the Social Impact Award in The List Awards 2026, Ndlovu sees the recognition as an opportunity to bring greater visibility to his journey, his community and the possibilities of African digital art.
Coming from a rural background and building his career as a self-taught artist, he hopes his story will encourage other young creatives to pursue their ideas regardless of where they come from.
For Ndlovu, recognition is not the destination. He plans to continue developing Kadelwa Arts and Kadelwa Animation Academy, creating African stories through animation, promoting indigenous languages and culture, and opening creative opportunities for young people.