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Why Kelly Rowland fell in love with Nelson Makamo
Considered one of the top visual artists in the world, Nelson Makamo has a fan in the US singer.
Nelson Makamo and Kelly Rowland. Picture: Instagram @kellyrowland
US singer Kelly Rowland was blown away by South African artist Nelson Makamo’s recent exhibition in Los Angeles.
Two weeks ago, Makamo celebrated opening his first solo exhibition in the United States, titled BLUE, which took him four years to bring to fruition.
An independent, all-women group of dynamic and progressive black professionals helped behind the scenes to make the exhibition happen.
RELATED: Renowned artist Nelson Makamo debuts first solo exhibition in the US
In his previous exhibitions, many of Makamo’s works were centred around the theme of hope and now he is angling for a similar reaction to BLUE.
Rowland had an opportunity to view the highly acclaimed artist’s work and the chance to meet him as well.
“There are no words to describe what we saw. Every single piece is so incredibly unique, rooted, and spiritual! Thank you for your gift! Love you always!” she wrote on Instagram.
Makamo is recognised as one of the top visual artists in the world for his striking close-up portraits of black children and at times, the pure joy he manages to depict. BLUE has received plenty of attention in the US, with many famous faces popping in to view the exhibition.
South Africans Sho Madjozi and Nomzamo Mbatha attended the opening day of the exhibition, along with actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish.
Meanwhile, Makamo’s time abroad has given him the opportunity to rub shoulders with rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z.
Jay-Z is one of the producers of the Netflix movie The Harder they Fall and during the film’s premiere which was attended by stars such as Idris Elba and Regina King, Makamo took a snap with the rap legend.
BLUE is open to the public until 20 November.
