Matiuda chose the word “Chisomo” (“Mercy” in Nyanja).
She is a catholic and told me that she believes that god is merciful and forgiving.
I started painting this wall on Sunday when many people were at church. For a large part of the day, I could hear an excellent choir and a band playing in a church just a few meters away!
I love painting while listening to music, it definitely gave a vibe to the mural.
Nkole chose the word « Ichitemwiko » meaning « Love » in Bemba.
Nkole lives here with his wife Susan and their children. His house is one of about 8 small houses built around a small square and making up one plot of land. The plot is home to one family and when girls get married they go to live at their husbands’ plot.
Nkole is 51 and one of the oldest living on this piece of land. He appreciates living around his lovely children and grandchildren.
Steven chose the word « Nyimbili » meaning « the place you call home » in Chitumbuka.
Steven’s family is from the Tumbuka tribe of Eastern Zambua but Steven was born and raised here in Bauleni, a low income neighbourhood of Lusaka.
He told me that what he loves the most about the place he calls home is the togetherness and solidarity; and what he dislikes is the arguing or fighting that occurs when people are drunk.
Precious chose the word “Nkisu” (Blessing in Nyanja).
She is 39 years old, and raises 6 children while looking after a vegetable stall where she sells tomatoes and Chinese cabbage.
I asked her why she chose the word “nkisu” and she said that she felt blessed that we had come to paint her wall.
Macy chose the word “Legacy”.
She inherited the house from her mother and now lives here with her 4 children. She follows in her mother’s footsteps, doing her best to bring up her kids in a tough environment.
This mural is my first in Zambia and my 250th of Share The Word Project.
Starting a new episode of Share The Word Project in Lusaka, Zambia!
13 years ago I started this on-going project where I go to slums and refugee camps for one month each time and paint words that people give me. Since the beginning I have painted 249 different murals in more than 22 countries.
With my friend and helper Dudu, we will be painting here in the slum of Bauleni for the month of July. Stay tuned!
Seb Toussaint 