In a major milestone for Eswatini’s expanding creative sector, 3D character animator Mfanelo Masuku has been tapped to train and facilitate at the acclaimed KOLIKO Animation Training Programme in Ghana.
Masuku, who founded the local studio Purple Butterfly Nest, built his career through self-taught determination, progressing from basic animations in Microsoft PowerPoint to mastering industry-standard platforms like Maya, Cinema 4D, and Blender.
Originally scheduled for September, Masuku’s departure has been rescheduled to October 2026. This adjustment allows him to first lead the local Youth Animation Empowerment workshop in Manzini on September 27.
His international deployment will run through July 2027 under a strategic partnership between AnimaxFYB Studios and France’s renowned Gobelins Paris, backed by Creation Africa Ghana, the French Embassy in Ghana, and the European Union.
During the ten-month residency, Masuku will collaborate with top African animators and Gobelins-affiliated trainers. The program covers a broad range of discipline areas, including foundational 2D hand-drawn cels, stop-motion puppetry, and complex 3D computer-generated imagery.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Masuku noted that stepping onto the international stage proves that artists from smaller markets can build global careers starting from scratch.
Worth noting is that Masuku is fresh from the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and MIFA 2026 with a heart full of gratitude, inspiration, and renewed purpose.
“I am deeply honored to have been the first beneficiary from Eswatini to receive support through FAPA (Fund for African Authors and Producers), supported by the @Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC),” he said, reflecting on his journey.
He further mentioned that the opportunity also marked a historic milestone in his journey as he became the first Swazi animator to participate in Annecy and MIFA, the world’s leading animation festival and market.
“Annecy was more than just a festival. It was an opportunity to connect with talented creators, producers, distributors, and industry professionals from around the world, opening doors for future collaborations while proudly representing the Kingdom of Eswatini on a global stage,” he said.
In addition, he appreciated Kiasi Productions and the team behind this initiative: Samuel Tebandeke, Lucie Garnier, Joy Alunga, Halima Essa, Esosa A., Jemimah Atim, Yannick Deubou Sikoue, Nahom BehagerIij, Dany MoubouadaMapaga, and Gwamaka Mwabuka.
He thanked them for their dedication to strengthening African animation and creating opportunities for African storytellers to access international platforms.
“I hope this achievement serves as a reminder that our stories belong on the world stage, and that with the right support and determination, more Swazi creatives can follow this path,” he said.
