Code Sangala’s lyrics of his “Ndirande” song bear witness about what kind of ghetto ‘Ndix’, as others fondly call it, is.

Ndirande is a home of 23 year old Chisomo Lifa. He will tell you that Ndirande is the home of fine art, simply because he has the magic hands that will transfer your face onto the paper using just a pencil.

“I started drawing in 2015 after sitting for the Malawi School Certificate of Education. It is an inborn talent but was refined by other people such as Andrew Misi who shaped me to be a professional,” said Lifa.

Lifa is a good example of the youngsters who do not wait for alms to live. It is the pencil and his imagination that feed him and dependents.

“I earn a living through art. I assist my relatives through this. I move around town with the portraits I produce. That is how I find my customers,” he said.

“Art helps me to understand complex things. I also train students at my home in Ndirande. I once volunteered as an art trainer in many schools such as Kalibu Academy. Some people who recognize my work expose and invite me to participate in big workshops concerning fine art,” he added.

In his five year career as a fine artist, Lifa has noted that there are many young people with the talent but they lack support from their parents and authorities.

“There are no art lessons in many government schools; as such, many people do not understand it. If it were introduced in schools, that could be more helpful. When parents realize their children have potential, they should encourage them to proceed with their talent,’ he said.

Lifa’s dream is “to open up a hub where I can be able to train more students and produce portraits. I lack materials and a good place to train my students. If I happen to find these resources, I would be glad.”

Lifa’s dream can be a gateway to many young Malawians blessed with talent in art but lack a breakthrough. Supporting Lifa would be another way of promoting the youth in the country. Chisomo Lifa is on 0997533134.