Washington Msonza

Born in 1966, Washington was the eldest among his eight siblings. He commenced his early education in Makumbe, Domboshava district, and later completed his studies at Chitungwiza Secondary School.

 

While residing in Chitungwiza, he spent his leisure time observing his brother-in-law, Albert Mamvura, who had founded his own workshop after being trained by his cousin, the renowned sculptor Nicholas Mukomberanwa.

Washington began his journey as Albert's apprentice in 1988, gradually starting to sculpt his own pieces in the evenings. He also learned from other prominent sculptors such as Locadia Ndandarika, Biggie Kapeta, and Gedion Nyanhongo. Initially, he sculpted small figures of women in fancy attire, which he sold to tourists. However, he eventually began crafting larger and more imaginative sculptures that were sold in local galleries.

​

In 1991, Washington showcased his work in the Zimbabwe National Gallery's annual Heritage Exhibition, after which he sold his pieces to private collectors and galleries in countries like South Africa, Germany, the Netherlands, and the USA.

​

Washington's accomplishments include being one of only two Zimbabwean sculptors invited to participate in the International Changchun Sculpture Symposium in China in 2000. During the symposium, he created his largest sculpture to date, the Angel Protecting Lover, a three-meter-tall masterpiece made from white marble. This earned him an honorary Changchun International Sculpture Diploma, the adoration of the Chinese people, and the admiration of the fifty other international sculptors participating.

​

Washington aspires to partake in more sculpture exhibitions and workshops in Europe and the USA, with the hope that people from every continent will witness him turn a rock into a stunning and enduring sculpture.