Watching Boris Ndayizeye with his phone trying to sketch a cartoon, you have no idea about the outcome, till he is done, leaving you mesmerised.

The 20-year-old cartoonist is also skilled in other kinds of art such as sculptures (using white cement, wood, metal, sand powder, stones, among others), ceramic art (made from ceramic materials, including clay) and assemblage (where he uses wires and paintings).

He gives his art value and time, adding one piece to another to form whatever he desires, while taking his own pace, but yet determined to perfect his work.

Although Ndayizeye was so talented in art even at a tender age that he succeeded in school drawing competitions, he didn’t give much meaning to art. 

 Some of his artwork. 

It wasn’t until he joined secondary school at Ecole d’art de Nyundo that his skills were enhanced. However, he still lacked a sense of direction.

One time, while watching TV on one of the local channels, they hosted an artist who explained how he was earning from his art. That young artist inspired Ndayizeye as he yearned to be just like him. 

He decided to use his talent to enliven the young generation but also start his own business, and he hasn’t looked back.

Ndayizeye creating one of his paintings. / Photos: Courtesy

In 2017, he officially started his small art business although he still operates from his parents’ home in Gisozi. He has been able to gain clients, and afford art materials even though they are expensive. 

His challenge, however, is that art requires time and expertise to perfect, sometimes he is paid peanuts or nothing at all, as its market is still lacking locally. At times he works under pressure anticipating to be paid, only to be disappointed by clients. 

He believes that there should be more sensitisation about the value of art in the media, and from other platforms or concerned bodies, otherwise artists will still work under losses and ingratitude. 

When asked whether he would choose any other profession, he says no, because art is able to say things that words sometimes can’t. It’s a global language that anyone from anywhere can apprehend and be inspired by.

In addition, he notes that art is therapy for stress and mental health, like many health experts say. 

"With paint, or any art materials, I am able to be more creative. Art also assists in the development of motor skills (a learned ability to cause a predetermined movement outcome with maximum certainty),” he says. 

The cartoonist explains that if all people cherished art, the world would be a better place as art makes people positive about the future. But also through art, a message of motivation can be spread—making people achieve great things in life and focus on common issues for the refinement of humankind. 

He has started offering art training to some of his colleagues. He is also currently undertaking a short course in animation at African Digital Media Academy in Kigali.