Visual artist Azola Kingston: ‘Putting something so personal out into the world is scary’

“I’ve been painting since I was four, and it’s something my parents always knew I loved. Every birthday, every Christmas, there would be canvases or paints, something I could use to draw.”

In her quiet, serene home studio in Bryanston, surrounded by bright canvases that reflect the richness of Black experiences, young up-and-coming artist Azola Kingston shares the story of her journey, one rooted in faith, passion and unwavering support.

Kingston’s professional art career began only 18 months ago. Although the paintbrush has been part of her life since childhood, she initially studied the business of fashion in the UK, a field adjacent to creativity and as she explains, “a bit more acceptable” to her parents.

Her parents had always envisioned a more traditional career path for her. But despite their initial hesitation, they have embraced her artistic pivot wholeheartedly.

“They’re incredibly proud of me. They even say, ‘We shouldn’t have stopped you from living your best life’. And they’ve been so supportive that now my younger brother, who is five years younger than me, wants to be a jewellery designer after school.”

Stepping into the art world as a self-taught artist came with moments of doubt, but Kingston has committed herself fully to each opportunity that arises. Her approach is simple: just do it. That mindset has brought recognition she never imagined.

“I’m still pinching myself. It’s surreal, especially because it’s not something I studied. Calling myself an artist still feels new. Putting something so personal out into the world is scary, but I’m enjoying the ride.”

Her latest opportunity, collaborating with the Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra on their Voices of Home tour, aligns deeply with the themes that shape her work.

“I think it aligns. I’m connecting to my culture, my beliefs, my bigger self, my home, whether that’s South Africa, my backness, or my womanhood. The Voices of Home tour feels completely in line with what I create. It’s about giving voice to home.”

With paintbrushes tucked into the strands of her locs and fresh canvases slowly taking shape around her, Kingston explains the heart behind her artistic mission.

“As a self-taught artist, I often felt there was a disproportionate focus on the hardships of black life. So, in my work, I wanted to give voice to our excellence, our pride, our style, the swagger we carry effortlessly. That deserves to be celebrated and I wanted to do it in a bright, in-your-face way.”

As the tour approaches, Kingston is energized. She’s excited to be the visual voice of the music that will fill stages in three major South African cities.