Kunye Colab Nurturing Talent and Creativity: Meet Artist Sibu
At the heart of Melkbosstrand, Kunye Colab is more than a sculpture studio - it’s a space where creativity, mentorship, and community come together to shape the next generation of South African artists. Founded by Dirk and Katlijn Durnez, the studio embodies its name, Kunye, meaning “together” in isiXhosa, uniting artists from diverse backgrounds in pursuit of artistic excellence.
But perhaps the most inspiring story emerging from Kunye Colab today belongs to Sibu, a young, self-taught artist whose journey captures the heart of what Kunye represents: talent nurtured with care, perseverance, and opportunity.
Meet Sibu
Born on 28 February 2008, Sibu grew up in Dunoon, a township in Cape Town, with roots tracing back to Engcobo in the Eastern Cape. At just 17 years old, he is already showing remarkable skill as a mixed-media artist, working with charcoal, pencil, pastels, and painting. While still a part-time artist as he completes his schooling, Sibu has dedicated himself to developing his craft over the past three years.
“I didn’t study art formally,” Sibu explains. “I’m self-taught, and I’ve been practicing since I was 14.” His discipline is impressive: every Monday, he begins a base layer for his artwork, washing his uniform and doing homework on Fridays so that weekends are fully dedicated to drawing. On Saturdays, he starts at 8:00 a.m. and works until 9:00 p.m., a routine he maintains with remarkable consistency.
Sibu’s Artistic Journey
Sibu’s passion for art began during high school, even as he initially dreamed of becoming a football player. He recalls, “In primary school I wanted to play football, but when I started high school, everything changed. I started drawing small pieces on A4 paper, and my classmates would always praise my work.”
Despite early setbacks, Sibu persevered. His Visual Arts teacher, Mr. Ngeleka, encouraged him: “Failure is part of the process to become successful.” That mindset, combined with opportunities through Kunye Colab, has allowed Sibu to grow both as an artist and as a young person navigating life in a township.
Living in Dunoon presents unique challenges. “In the township, teenagers face daily pressures,” Sibu says. “Many fall into drugs or alcohol. Art has kept me focused, inspired, and away from negative influences.”
Pyjama People: Art With a Message
One of Sibu’s standout projects is the Pyjama People series. These works feature African monkeys dressed in bold, colourful garments - not for whimsy, but as a quiet revolution.
“These monkeys, once ignored and considered unworthy of protection, have stepped into visibility through metaphorical camouflage,” Sibu explains. “They reflect us - their habits, comforts, even fashion - and their gaze is steady and self-assured. They seem to say: ‘Look at me. I am like you. Don’t erase me.’ The pyjamas, absurd and tender, symbolize a shift from invisibility to recognition.”
Through Pyjama People, Sibu communicates resilience, survival, and the importance of being seen - an apt metaphor for his own journey and for the young artists Kunye Colab supports.
Inspiration and Mentorship
Sibu credits much of his growth to Dirk and Kunye Colab, as well as the community at ART@AFRICA. “They treat me like family,” he says. “Dirk’s trust and faith in my abilities gives me confidence to call myself an artist. My teacher always told me not to rush, and Dirk reinforces that - he lets me try, knowing I can do it.”
He also draws inspiration from other artists such as Eben, David Chiponda, and Wendy, while the structure and encouragement from Kunye Colab have helped him navigate the challenges of township life and the demands of becoming a young artist.
“Art washes away the dust of everyday life,” Sibu reflects.
Supporting the Next Generation
Sibu’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when talent meets opportunity. Every Saturday and during school holidays, he hones his skills at Kunye Colab, with all profits from his artwork going directly toward supplies, education, and his development as an artist.
Through mentorship, dedication, and a supportive creative community, Sibu is not just growing as an artist, he is defining what it means to thrive against the odds. As he continues to explore mixed media, colour, and storytelling, one thing is clear: the world has only begun to see what Sibu can achieve.