Artist Profile
Mathapelo Ngaka
Born 1975, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Let’s hear from Mathapelo:
Ukhuliswe kanjani?
Any stories of your upbringing? What was your upbringing like?
I grew up with five siblings. My father was working in Johannesburg and my mother played an important role in our life. She raised us with love, taught me how to look after the house and how to respect the people around me.
My mother taught me how to do beading when we started Monkeybiz.
What inspires you?
I get inspired by people who know exactly what they want in life. When I have the freedom to decide for myself, whether it is a good or bad decision, this is what it means to be independent.
What do you love about beading?
I love beading because when you are doing it, it is like meditation, the passion that goes into the beading. Even if you are not educated you can do amazing bead work. Beading can build you up from scratch to become something in life.
What are your passions?
I am passionate about arts and culture and I love to connect with different people. I am humble and I always want to be in a peaceful environment. I have a big heart, I enjoy being around children and the youth to teach them cultural dancing, beading, spiritual dances and the list goes on.
