Harare’s Highway Harmony: Meet Tusso, the 16-Year-Old Artistic Prodigy Behind the Trabablas Interchange Mural

By Lencia Dambaza

Amidst the roaring traffic and concrete jungle of Harare’s bustling Trabablas Interchange, a vibrant splash of artistry has captured the attention of commuters and city dwellers alike. The eye-catching mural, now a trending talking point, is the remarkable creation of Tusso, a soft-spoken yet undeniably brilliant 16-year-old artist with a story as compelling as his work.

For Tusso, this wasn’t just about beautifying a public space; it was a deeply personal mission. “I really want to find sponsors so that I can continue with my education,” he confides, his eyes gleaming with a quiet determination. The mural, which took him a dedicated month to complete, stands as a testament to his talent and unwavering focus.

Tusso’s meticulous approach to the project speaks volumes about his innate engineering mind. Before even laying down a single brushstroke, he visited the Trabablas Interchange with his notebook, diligently observing and sketching every detail of the structure. This thorough preparation reflects a natural inclination towards planning and precision, traits that hint at his deeper aspirations.

The materials for his masterpiece weren’t sourced from an art supply store. Instead, Tusso ventured to the vibrant, bustling hub of Mbare, where he carefully selected and gathered discarded wires. These unassuming materials, repurposed with ingenuity, form intricate details within the mural, adding a unique textural element and a touch of resourceful Zimbabwean artistry.

Beyond the immediate acclaim for his artwork, Tusso harbors a powerful wish: for His Excellency, the President, to witness his creation. This isn’t about fame; it’s about opportunity. Tusso dreams of becoming an engineer, a passion evident in the structural awareness of his mural and his fascination with how things work. His educational journey, however, was cut short after grade seven, a hurdle he desperately hopes to overcome with the support of a sponsor.

“He has always been passionate about engineering,” shares Tusso’s mother, her voice filled with pride. As a single mother, she has witnessed firsthand her son’s natural gift. From a young age, Tusso has been creating remarkable things with his hands, his mind constantly buzzing with ideas. “He is naturally gifted,” she affirms, recounting the various intricate creations he has fashioned over the years.

In a poignant reflection of his singular focus, Tusso admits he has few friends. His world revolves around his art and his fascination with the mechanics of things. “I am always playing with wires,” he says simply, a hint of both contentment and longing in his tone.

His mother’s greatest wish is for her talented son to be able to pursue his education. As a single parent, securing the necessary funds has been a constant challenge. She hopes that the visibility brought by the Trabablas Interchange mural will connect Tusso with a sponsor who recognizes his immense potential and can help him return to school and eventually pursue his engineering dreams.

Tusso’s story is more than just a heartwarming tale of artistic talent. It is a powerful reminder of the untapped potential that exists within Zimbabwe’s youth, potential that often lies just a spark – or a sponsor – away from igniting. His Trabablas Interchange mural stands not only as a vibrant addition to Harare’s landscape but also as a beacon of hope for a bright young artist with dreams that soar as high as the aeroplanes he one day hopes to engineer. The city watches with anticipation, hoping that Tusso’s artistic brilliance will pave the way for him to realize his aspirations and build a future as remarkable as his trending masterpiece.