Masonwabe Ntloko – Manbox Man Crush Monday

Masonwabe Ntloko is a 21 year-old designer who’s currently based in Johannesburg. He started out at the Nelson Mandela University where he did introductory studies in art and design. During his studies he went from graphic design to textile design. Masonwabe has worked with well know brand and publications like Hype Magazine, Eagle Entertainment, Maxhosa by Laduma, Caste Lite just to mention a few. He was recently named one of 37 most innovative creatives in SA by House and Leisure Magazine and as one of the  Emerging creatives in 2018 by Design Indaba.

How do you introduce yourself?

I’m Masonwabe Ntloko a 21 year old Art Director from a small town in the Eastern Cape called Dutywa.

What is “The 21st Century Black Man” as you call yourself?

In 2016 I made a self-portrait that explored how lost we are as young black men and the name of the work was “The Lost Identity of the 21^stCentury Black Man” and the art work blew up and became bigger than me so because people didn’t know me, they started calling me the 21^stCentury Black Man and I took it and ran with it.

How was your first solo exhibition in 2017?

It was a great experience I learnt what I needed to learn from and will forever be one of my proudest moments.

What inspired you to become a Designer? 

To be honest I’ve always been a creative person even when I was young. I used to cut out cereal boxes onto action figures and I was always drawing and luckily for me I had a mother who understood who I was and what I love so she let me be myself.

What’s one of your most proud work?

Last year I did an illustration of the late Nelson Mandela which changed the way I look at design because before putting that out I was struggling to find my voice and to identify who my work speaks to.

What wakes up every morning besides your alarm?

The love for what I do

What’s your winning formula?

a) Work smart not hard. b) Don’t compete with people be the best you, you can be. c) Look at what everyone else is looking at but differently.

What’s next for you?

Unfortunately, I cannot disclose right now but keep your ears on the ground something big is coming.

What’s your routine to stay looking fresh?

Talking to my Creator every day and eating healthy.

What’s your number ONE grooming product?

Right now, I am excited to use the New Nivea Men Face Wash deep clean.

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Is there such thing as a perfect guy?

I personally do believe in perfection and will always learn (from) and find beauty in imperfections.

If we had to put you in BOX – what would you remain as besides an Art Director?

I’d mix my passion for art with business. It’s quite a rare skill to find a person who can move effortlessly to both roles.

Grand, grand, what do you think is Manbox?

A community of men that are into grooming

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Salute

Anele@Manbox