SAM, THE WONDERSOME CARTOONIST

By Pacharo Felix Munthali
Sam Manda: a pin-sized Youngman who seems as one of those young men who nothing unique to do in their life. But when he takes his instruments and brews a stunning artistic product it's when you realize that the young man is not just quiet, but quiet with quite skills that are rare.
He describes himself as a naturalist, but likely to jump into a pool of abstract art experts.
Born in 1985, Sam is a gifted cartoonist and illustrator with a rare talent in painting, who is slowly but surely climbing up in the artistic world.
Hailing from Malumbazika village, T/A Kapelula in Kasungu district, he is a third year Bachelor of Arts student who only realized his dream that he can use his talents to earn money recently.
"In 2005 Claim Mabuku wanted illustrators as such I decided to submit my samples for NAC-sponsored Tiwerenge Series," says a giggling Sam, adding that he was picked and drew cartoons for the book, Tithane ndi Edzi.
At his age, he has also helped in drawing illustrations for a form 3 Mathematics book at St. Andrews High School.
Last year he came out second in poster design competition that was organized campus with the financial assistance from National Aids Commission (NAC).
He is also the young man behind the illustrations that are appearing in the recent edition of Wasi Magazine. In fact he relishes working with a critic Chimombo.
"It's wonderful to work with Dr Steve Chimombo. Dr. Chimombo being a man with enormous critic eye makes me to prepare my work thoroughly. He has helped me a lot in nurturing my skills to another level," says Sam, adding that he is currently engaged in offering some social services to Umodzi Orphanage where he is equipping kids with various artistic skills.
As he continues soldiering on in the artistic world with determination to propel to the highest possible levels, Sam has many plans, but all are tied on his rare talent.
"I want one day to be the country's prominent artist, the way Brian Hara was. I want to start my own Artistic Company so that I should be helping uplifting the welfare of upcoming artists," reveals it all Sam, who is a staunch fan of Haswell Kunyenje.