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In the Studio: Lungelo Gumede: The uncanny art of wax sculpting

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Lungelo Gumede: The uncanny art of wax sculpting

22/06/2021 GMT

BBC World Service - In the Studio, Lungelo Gumede: The uncanny art of wax sculpting

The South African artist creating wax statues of African heroes and global figures

The South African artist who is on a mission to create the country’s first wax museum

As you enter Lungelo Gumede’s studio, in the heart of South Africa's coastal city of Durban, you are greeted by the smell of paint, clay and other materials.

Across the room, what you see is surprising. At first glance, you are looking at Nelson Mandela, the recently departed King of the Zulu Nation, Goodwill Zwelithini and Queen Elizabeth II. As you get closer, of course, you discover they are wax figures elegantly dressed in real clothes.

That's what Lungelo specialises in - life size statues of prominent global figures in politics, sports and entertainment, with a special focus on African heroes. His art is celebrated across South Africa and, at only 36, he’s on a mission to create the country’s first ever wax museum. 

Mpho Lakaje spends a week with Lungelo to discover what it takes to make a new wax figure.

Presented by Mpho Lakaje
Produced by Betsy Shepherd and Mpho Lakaje for the BBC World Service

**Image:  Courtesy of Lungelo Gumede**

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