We were lucky to catch up with Tanyaku(Kudzai Tawanda Nyasha) Ngundu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tanyaku(Kudzai Tawanda Nyasha) thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
What a great question! For me, the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on are two that are very close to my heart: “Reapers” and “Kalabash”.
“The grim Reapers Reaper” is a comic book series created with my brothers Rodney and Kudzai. Rodney wrote the story, Kudzai illustrated it, and I contributed to the inks and lettering. This project is special because we worked together tirelessly, pouring
our hearts into every page. Seeing our collaboration pay off, with over 5,000 copies sold across Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the UK, was incredible. You can still read “Reapers” on Webtoons and Metabang/Manga plus creators
The second project, “Kalabash”, is Afro Tokyo’s brainchild, created in partnership with Kay Media and the British Council. Our goal was to bring artists and writers together to tell authentic African stories using Japanese manga styles. In 2022, we successfully produced Zimbabwe’s first manga anthology series, “Kalabash”, featuring five unique stories that showcase African heroes and struggles. With titles like “Rebel Woman”, “Mutupo”, “Nu Afrika”, and “Heaven”, we’ve sold over 500 copies so far. I’m excited for “Kalabash 2” to be released soon!
Both projects are meaningful to me because they represent Afro Tokyo’s mission: promoting Afro-Japanese fusion, empowering local artists, and sharing African stories with the world. Working with my brothers on “Reapers” showed me the power of collaboration and family. “Kalabash” proved that our vision for Afro-Japanese fusion could become a reality, showcasing African talent and creativity.
These projects remind me why I started Afro Tokyo – to provide a platform for African artists to shine and share their stories with the world. Seeing our work resonate with audiences and inspire others is the greatest reward.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Elisha Nash Tanyaku Ngundu, a self-taught award-winning writer, public speaker, and founder of Afro Tokyo. My journey began with a passion for storytelling and a desire to showcase African culture through various art forms.
I got into the industry through self-directed learning, attending workshops, and collaborating with like-minded individuals. My experiences in public speaking, writing, and art led me and my brothers to establish Afro Tokyo in 2016. Our mission is to promote Afro-Japanese fusion, blending African stories with refined Japanese style, to create a unique and captivating narrative.
At Afro Tokyo, we provide a range of products and services, including:
– Comic books and manga
– Graphic novels
– Illustrations and artwork
– Writing and editing services
– Public speaking and workshops
We solve problems for our clients by:
– Offering unique and authentic African perspectives
– Providing high-quality, engaging content
– Fostering cultural understanding and exchange between Africa and Japan
What sets me apart is my dedication to Afro-Japanese fusion, my passion for storytelling, and my commitment to empowering local artists and writers. I’m proud of:
– Founding Afro Tokyo and creating a platform for African artists
– Winning awards for public speaking and writing
– Collaborating with renowned organizations and companies
I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know:
– Afro Tokyo is a movement that celebrates Afro-Japanese fusion and African creativity
– We’re dedicated to producing high-quality, engaging content
– We’re passionate about empowering local artists and writers
– We’re committed to fostering cultural understanding and exchange between Africa and Japan
Join me on this exciting journey, and let’s explore the vast possibilities of Afro-Japanese fusion together!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, there is a clear mission driving my creative journey:
Mission:To empower African creators, promote Afro-Japanese fusion, and bridge cultural gaps through innovative storytelling, art, and community building.
Goals:
1. Provide a platform for African artists*: Showcase African talent, creativity, and perspectives, and offer opportunities for growth and collaboration.
2. *Foster Afro-Japanese fusion
Blend African and Japanese styles, themes, and ideas to create unique and captivating narratives, art, and experiences.
3. Promote cultural understanding and exchange*: Encourage dialogue, collaboration, and mutual appreciation between African and Japanese cultures, and beyond.
4. *Inspire innovation and creativity
Push boundaries, challenge conventions, and explore new forms of expression, storytelling, and art.
5. Build a vibrant community
Connect creators, fans, and like-minded individuals, and create a supportive ecosystem for artistic growth and collaboration.
Why: I believe that creative expression has the power to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and bring people together. By empowering African creators and promoting Afro-Japanese fusion, I aim to contribute to a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant global cultural landscape.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Seeing the impact of my work on others: Knowing that my stories, art, and ideas can inspire, uplift, and resonate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Empowering African creators
Providing a platform and opportunities for African artists to showcase their talent and perspectives, and helping to amplify their voices.
Connecting culturesBridging gaps and fostering understanding between African and Japanese cultures, and beyond, through Afro-Japanese fusion and collaboration.
_Creative freedom_: Having the ability to express myself authentically and explore new ideas, themes, and styles without constraints.
Community building Building a supportive ecosystem of like-minded individuals, creators, and fans who share my passion for Afro-Japanese fusion and creative expression.
These aspects bring me joy, fulfillment, and motivation to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities as an artist and creative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.AfroTokyo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrotokyo.zw?igsh=MW1qeGhndWM1ZnYzMQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfroTokyo?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afrotokyo/
- Twitter: https://x.com/AfroTokyoZW?t=aph16IUWml3KGLkFeLakiQ&s=09
- Other: https://medibang.com/mpc/authors/94091/?actionType=follow
https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/bawt/list?title_no=6471
Image Credits
Art by Tanyaku