Thomas Kubayi - the Wood Whisperer

The Wood Whisperer of Limpopo

By Love Limpopo

Thomas Mafemani Kubayi listens intently - not to words, but to wood. Each grain, each knot, each weight tells him a story, whispering its secrets through texture and tone. For him, carving is not just an act of creation, but a process of revelation.

"It comes from your heart—you can’t explain it," he says. "When I create a sculpture, I am writing a song, not in music, but with my hands."

For Thomas, each piece of wood has a unique voice. Teak, he explains, resonates with deep echoes, much like a drum, while the dense, slow-growing Leadwood produces a tighter, more controlled sound. It’s this ability to listen - to truly understand his materials - that sets him apart.

A Legacy in Wood and Wisdom

More than just an artist, Thomas is a mentor, a father figure to the next generation of sculptors. His passion for passing on knowledge led him to establish the Vutsila School for the Arts, where he nurtures young creatives, teaching them not only the technical skills of sculpture but the philosophy of the craft.

His own journey began early. Born in 1972, he was inspired by his father, a skilled carver who created functional pieces with quiet precision. By the age of 11, Thomas had already picked up the tools of the trade, shaping small wooden figures that captured the essence of life around him. It wasn’t long before he realised that his hands held something special - a gift that needed to be shared.

His breakthrough came in 1989 when he started selling his work after being mentored by legendary Limpopo artists Jackson Hlungwani and John Baloyi. These encounters deepened his understanding of wood as a medium for storytelling, spiritual connection, and cultural preservation.

The Sound of the Trees

For Thomas, carving is more than sculpting; it is a dialogue between artist and material. He speaks of wood as though it were alive, describing its weight, its scent, and - most fascinatingly - its sound.

"Different types of wood sing differently," he once told the Safari Sourceress, with the quiet wisdom of a man who has spent a lifetime listening. His fascination with the way density affects sound is palpable, revealing a craftsman who doesn’t just shape wood - he understands it on a profound level.

He coaxes each timber’s voice to the surface, cutting away the excess until the story emerges. It’s an intuitive process, one that can’t be rushed or forced. "You have to let the wood tell you what it wants to be," he says.

An Experience Unlike Any Other

For those seeking a deeper connection to the spirit of Limpopo’s art, visiting Thomas’s home studio is a journey worth taking. Here, amidst the scent of freshly carved wood, one can witness the delicate dance of hand and chisel, the rhythm of creation unfolding in real time.

The Ribola Art Route, where Thomas and some of his students are based, is a treasure trove of creativity—a place where tradition and innovation merge, and where art is not just something to be admired but something to be experienced.

Visitors often leave not just with a piece of sculpture, but with a story, an understanding, and a renewed appreciation for the artistry hidden in nature itself.