Kamati, Wizard of the Crow

Lindokuhle Tshabalala’s Myth Reimagines series weaves together spiritual rebirth, mythic belief and historical storytelling. Three large - painted narratives summon figures who stand between belief and legend, prophecy and doubt.

Kamati, Wizard of the Crow draws from Ngugi wa Thiongo’o’s Wizard of the Crow, Kamati here appears with arms raised offering blessings. He is adorned with a buffalo skull topped by microphones (voices speaking truth), encircled by a snake (transforming, danger, renewal). Seven crowns fly overhead. An ishoba and spear flank him. Kamati in the novel is an everyman turned mythic healer, trickster figure, agitator against corrupt power.