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Meet Dr. Esther Mahlangu, an 85 year old South African Artist Known for her large scale contemporary paintings

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Dr. Esther Mahlangu, the 85-Year-old South African artist, decorates cars and houses in an exotic and exceptional way.

Esther Mahlangu was born in 1935 on a farm outside Middleburg, in what is now the Mpumalanga province.

Esther Nikwambi Mahlangu is a woman of many names. “Dr. Mahlangu, Mam Esther, Esther Mahlangu, Gogo, Mother, Daughter of Africa,”

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Esther Mahlangu is a South African artist from the Ndebele nation. She is known for her bold large-scale contemporary paintings that reference her Ndebele heritage.

Esther Mahlangu was conferred with an honorary doctorate by the University of Johannesburg, 9 April 2018.

Esther Mahlangu paints bold, geometric canvases inspired by the patterns and palettes of Ndebele house painting and beadwork.

Mahlangu’s pioneering use of the crafts of her Ndebele people of south-eastern Africa has brought her huge success on the world’s art markets. She is globally acclaimed for her bright and bold abstract paintings that are inspired by Ndebele design.

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Mahlangu was the first person to transfer the traditional Ndbele style of mural painting to canvas. She painted her geometric patterns on a BMW 525i in 1991, becoming the twelfth artist and first woman to take part in the BMW Art Car Project after figures such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

In the years that followed she exhibited work in countries around the world, from Mexico to Switzerland to Australia.

With the goal of preserving her cultural heritage, Mahlangu started an art school in the backyard of her home in Mabhoko (Weltevreden) in the KwaMhlanga district in Mpumalanga Province.

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She funded the school herself, and when not travelling for exhibitions she mentors young artists in the traditional style of Ndebele design. Pupils learn how to mix pigments and paint straight lines, freehanded and without sketches, using their fingers or chicken feathers.

Mahlangu’s work is featured in collections in South Africa, the United States, Japan, Germany, France and elsewhere.

Her awards include the South African government’s Order of Ikhamanga, silver class, in 2006, as well as the Mpumalanga Arts and Culture Award, an award from the French Ministry of Culture, two awards from Radio Ndebele and others from South Africa and abroad.

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Source: Sintim Media 

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Africa Tourism

Reconnect with Your Roots on the Ghana Sankofa Cultural Tour 2026

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If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Africa of walking through living history, dancing to the heartbeat of ancient drums, and connecting deeply with culture — Ghana is the perfect place to begin. Known as the “Gateway to Africa,” Ghana welcomes travelers with warmth, safety, and unforgettable experiences that blend tradition, creativity, and modern energy. And there’s no better way to explore it all than through the Ghana Sankofa Tour 2026, an immersive cultural adventure designed to let you live Ghana, not just visit it.

Running from July 10 to July 31, 2026, the Sankofa Tour — meaning “go back and fetch it” in the Akan language — invites participants to rediscover African heritage through drumming, dance, history, and art. Hosted by African Dance Rhythms, the tour takes you through four of Ghana’s most captivating regions: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, and Volta. From the bustling coastal capital to serene lakeside retreats and sacred forests, every stop is an opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired.

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Your journey begins in Accra, Ghana’s lively capital, where tradition and modern culture exist side by side. Here, you’ll be welcomed with music, dance, and the friendly smiles Ghana is known for. You’ll explore Jamestown, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, where colonial architecture and vibrant murals tell stories of resilience. The group will also visit Makola Market and the Accra Arts Centre, where artisans craft batik fabrics, beads, and baskets — perfect chances to learn Ghana’s creative traditions hands-on.

History comes alive with a moving visit to the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles — UNESCO World Heritage Sites that stand as powerful reminders of the transatlantic slave trade. Walking through their stone corridors, participants reflect on the strength, courage, and endurance of the African spirit. The experience is emotional yet healing, offering a chance to honor the past while celebrating how far Africa and its diaspora have come. You’ll also walk among the treetops at Kakum National Park, where the famous canopy walkway offers breathtaking views of Ghana’s rainforest.

In the Ashanti Region, the tour dives into the heart of royal heritage and tradition. You’ll visit the Manhyia Palace Museum, the official seat of the Asantehene (Ashanti King), and explore Kejetia Market, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. Guests will learn Ashanti drumming, take part in cooking workshops, and even experience a traditional naming ceremony, connecting directly with Ghana’s cultural heartbeat. A day trip to the sacred Lake Bosomtwe adds a touch of serenity and reflection amid nature’s beauty.

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The journey continues to the Volta Region, home of the Ewe people, known for their joyful Borborbor drumming and dance. Participants will visit the Wli Waterfalls, West Africa’s highest waterfall, and the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, where friendly monkeys and lush greenery create a peaceful retreat. Nights in Volta are spent in eco-lodges by the river filled with music, stories, and laughter, before returning to Accra for a final cultural showcase and farewell beach celebration.

Safety and comfort are top priorities throughout the Sankofa Tour. Ghana is one of Africa’s safest and most welcoming destinations, known for its political stability and friendly hospitality. Participants will be accommodated in quality hotels and lodges with private ensuite rooms, enjoy freshly prepared meals daily, and travel together in group transfers with trusted local guides.

The three-week package costs $3,200 USD, covering accommodation, meals, workshops, and all cultural excursions. For those who may not be able to join the full duration, there are now flexible options:
Two-week package: $2,400 USD — includes all major cultural activities, regional tours, and workshops.
One-week package: $1,600 USD — a condensed version highlighting Accra, Cape Coast, and key cultural experiences.

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The only additional cost is your flight to and from Ghana. Whether you’re an artist, dancer, history lover, or simply someone curious about their roots, this journey promises not just sights, but transformation.

By the end of the tour, you won’t just have visited Ghana — you’ll have experienced it. You’ll dance to its rhythms, wear its colors, and carry its stories in your heart. This is your chance to connect with your ancestry, creativity, and the spirit of Africa in the most authentic way possible.

Spaces are limited don’t miss out.

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Visit http://www.africandancerhythms.com/ghana-tour to reserve your spot and be part of the Ghana Sankofa Tour 2026.

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