Lungelo Gumede: The uncanny art of wax sculpting
The South African artist who is on a mission to create the country’s first wax museum
As you enter Lungelo Gumede’s studio, in the heart of South Africa's coastal city of Durban, you are greeted by the smell of paint, clay and other materials.
Across the room, what you see is surprising. At first glance, you are looking at Nelson Mandela, the recently departed King of the Zulu Nation, Goodwill Zwelithini and Queen Elizabeth II. As you get closer, of course, you discover they are wax figures elegantly dressed in real clothes.
That's what Lungelo specialises in - life size statues of prominent global figures in politics, sports and entertainment, with a special focus on African heroes. His art is celebrated across South Africa and, at only 36, he’s on a mission to create the country’s first ever wax museum.
Mpho Lakaje spends a week with Lungelo to discover what it takes to make a new wax figure.
Presented by Mpho Lakaje
Produced by Betsy Shepherd and Mpho Lakaje for the BBC World Service
**Image: Courtesy of Lungelo Gumede**
Last on
Broadcasts
- Tue 22 Jun 202103:32GMTBBC World Service except Australasia, East Asia & South Asia
- Tue 22 Jun 202104:32GMTBBC World Service Australasia, South Asia & East Asia only
- Tue 22 Jun 202110:32GMTBBC World Service
- Tue 22 Jun 202121:32GMTBBC World Service except Europe and the Middle East
- Tue 22 Jun 202122:32GMTBBC World Service Europe and the Middle East
- Sun 27 Jun 202101:32GMTBBC World Service Australasia, South Asia & East Asia only
- Sun 27 Jun 202118:32GMTBBC World Service News Internet
