Sakez Gabuza

My name is Sakhumzi Gabuza, but in the creative world, I go by Sakez. I’m a multidisciplinary artist based in Cape Town, South Africa, deeply rooted in my Xhosa heritage. I don’t just see myself as an artist, I see myself as art embodied. Every piece I create reflects my lived experiences, cultural reverence, emotional depth, and evolving identity.

My journey began with sketching Dragon Ball Z characters as a child. What started as play grew into purpose, leading me to formally study Multimedia and Design at City Varsity: School of Creative Arts and Media. But beyond formal education, much of my practice has been shaped through self-experimentation and a willingness to push boundaries, artistically, conceptually, and spiritually.

My work bridges a range of influences and techniques. I blend stippling/pointillism, bold ink, and oil paint into a style that’s unmistakably my own. I move within the terrain of surrealist expressionism, often infused with dark fantasy and tattoo-inspired linework. Each visual narrative is layered with symbolism, exploring identity, ancestry, transformation, and renewal. I want my pieces to provoke emotion, introspection, and a sense of shared mythology between myself and the viewer.

I’ve always approached culture not as something to observe from a distance, but as a teacher. I engage with traditions from around the world respectfully and sincerely, weaving their lessons into my visual language. My work speaks to a universal human story, while remaining deeply personal.

Outside of the studio, I’m actively engaged in the music and tech industries, which I see as parallel creative spaces. I don’t separate these worlds, they are part of the same ecosystem that drives cultural innovation and human connection. I currently work as a Marketing Coordinator at Seeff Properties, one of South Africa’s most established real estate brands. There, I bring my creative vision to life through design, storytelling, and culturally grounded marketing.

To me, art is more than something we create, it is something we live. My goal is to create living narratives, not just visual artifacts. I want people to find themselves in my work, to feel seen, to reflect, to heal, and to reimagine their own stories.

As a featured artist on Afriartspace.com, I’m honored to contribute to a collective dialogue on African creativity, identity, and transformation. My journey is one of curiosity, courage, and connection, and through every line and layer, I invite others to walk alongside me.