Bowasi Manzvenga (Boas), also known as the “Machine GunPreacher,” is a kind-hearted family man from Zimbabwe. He's been part of his current team since February 2013, after connecting with Ralph Ziman during a trip to South Africa. With two decades of experience, Bowasi is known for his skills in shaping wire and his down-to-earth nature. Bowasi is one of two people on the team who learned to drive a Casspir, which required classroom hours to learn the manual and training at the Gerotek testing grounds in the most challenging terrain. Now based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Bowasi brings a lot of heart, talent, skill, and dedication to everything he does.

Kennedy Mwashusha is the spokesperson for the bead and wire artisan group, never at a loss for words. Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, Kennedy moved to South Africa in 2004 to pursue a career as a professional soccer player. After retiring, he found his passion in the creative art of beadwork. Kennedy earned his Bachelor of Social Work through the University of South Africa. As part of his studies, he dedicatedhundreds of hours working with at-risk communities andadolescents in South Africa’s underserved townships. Kennedy continues to grow his brand, blending his creative skills with a passion for social impact. In 2015, Kennedy launched his own business, Midas Touch Artworx, where he has undertaken large-scale commissions for global brands like Nike, Mercedes-Benz, and Pepsi.

Lenon Tinarwo is a man of few words, but his work speaks volumes. Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, the former taxi driver has always been driven by a hands-on approach to life. Along with fellow artisans Panghanai Phiri and Telmore Masangudza, Lenon co-founded Live Wire, a shop in Newtown, Johannesburg, where he showcases his unique creations.

Growing up, Lenon learned upholstery skills at his father’s shop in Harare. This skill came in handy when he affixed beaded panels to the Casspir, a job that highlighted his craftsmanship and attention to detail. It’s this blend of artistry and technical know-how that sets Lenon apart.

Nic Hofmeyr documents the people, studios, and creative processes behind the Afrika47 Collective. A collaborator of Ralph Ziman for more than 40 years, he has played an instrumental role in documenting the Weapons of Mass Production trilogy and the artisans who bring the projects to life.

Panghanai Phiri, a reserved and talented beadwork artist, co-founded the Live Wire shop in Newtown, Johannesburg, with fellow artisans Lenon Tinarwo and Telmore Masangudza.Alongside contributing to Ralph Ziman’s projects, Panghaina manages large-scale commissions for major South African and international corporations, bringing his artistry to a broad audience.

Telmore Masangudza was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, and moved to Johannesburg in 2005, where he began his career as a freelance artist, making and selling bead and wire sculptures to tourists and collectors. Along with fellow artisans Panganai Phiri and Lenon Tinarwo, he co-founded Live Wire, a store in downtown Johannesburg specializing in African craft, wirework, and beadwork pieces. Telmore joined Ralph Ziman’s team full-time in 2013 and quickly became an integral part of the creative process.

In 2018, he was commissioned to design the prestigious Legacy Award Trophy for Business and Arts South Africa. 

Ralph Ziman is a South African interdisciplinary artist whose work bridges film, photography, and installation to examine themes of power, resistance, and social justice. With studios in Johannesburg and Los Angeles, he brings a global perspective shaped by his roots in apartheid-era South Africa and a prolific career directing films and music videos for internationally acclaimed artists.

Cindy Schwarzstein leads programming, development, and strategic partnerships, connecting projects with artists, institutions, community partners, and collaborators to support exhibitions and public programming.

Nick Bonamy leads creative production in Los Angeles and coordinates with members of the Afrika47 Collective in South Africa. An art director and fabricator with 20 years of experience, he helps translate project concepts into physical works through design, fabrication, and production.

Paul Duran-Lemos leads film and video production for the Afrika47 Collective, documenting projects from development through completion. His work captures the artists, artisans, collaborators, and processes behind the scenes through documentary filmmaking and project films.

Francesca Quintano supports the design and fabrication of Ralph Ziman's projects, developing templates, constructing and refining components, and collaborating with the creative team through fabrication and finishing.

Dorian Gonzalez supports the fabrication, assembly, maintenance, transportation, and installation of Ralph Ziman's large-scale artworks. He also assists with art handling, custom repairs, and day-to-day studio production.