Vendor Artists in The Big Issue #336 have played a particularly prominent role as the Protea painting on the cover is by Batsi Jorofani, whose work can be seen with 5 other artists in this edition.
The Art Theme for Edition #335, set by Vendor Art Programme Facilitator, Elaine Millin, was exploring wishes and prayers for the new year – inspired by the colours of prayer flags representing the elements, sky, air, fire, water, earth.
Quote “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” Desmond Tutu
The Artist: we are focusing on is Solomon Masoso
Solomon Masoso
Solomon Masoso grew up in Zimbabwe where was a professional soccer player, playing for a local soccer club. He moved to South Africa in 2009 and joined the Big Issue in 2012. Before he joined the Big Issue he was not interested in art. His interest in art developed after attending the art classes at The Big Issue. He has since discovered a passion for painting. Other than art, Solomon is a DJ and an international artist.
He says that music is his calling. He was called to spread the gospel through music. He says that he has a number of certificates from studying the bible. Other than studying the Bible, Solomon is interested in studying. He studied a business management course where he was a top achiever in his class. Solomon has done a training at St John’s ambulance. As well as doing art at Big Issue he has joined the sewing class as his wish is to develop and learn new skills.
His painting is titled: “Guiding Star”
Solomon Masoso – Guiding Star
Other Vendor Artists in The Big Issue #336:
- Nopinki Feni – Joy in the garden
- Johannes Van Aswegan – Stop the war
- Thabisa Xwethu – Mother Christmas
- Noncwaka Mbeki – Rainbow and Sun
- Eric Gongotha – Rainbow of Joy
- Solomon Masoso – Guiding Star
- Batsi Jorofani – On the way home
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- Nopinki Feni – Joy in the garden
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- Johannes Van Aswegan – Stop the war
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- Thabisa Xwethu – Mother Christmas
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- Nocwak Mbeki – Rainbow and sun
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- Batsi Jorofani_- On the way home
Get your copy of The Big Issue #336 and see the works of all the Vendor Artists above!
WHAT: The Big Issue #336 – Vendor Artists
WHEN & WHERE:Â March 2025
Available from your favourite vendor across the city. Anyone outside the city of Cape Town can buy the magazine nationally at selected Spar and Pick n Pay stores.  Anyone outside of Cape Town can also buy the magazine here.
Don’t forget: you can buy The Big Issue with your smartphone! Visit for a step-by-step guide.
INFO: E bigissue@mikatekomedia.co.za | Visit | Editorial: Editor Ingrid Jones, 021-461-6690 | Advertising/Marketing: Derek Carelse at derekcarelse@mweb.co.za | See also Cape Town Green Map | See The Big Issue – New Director Ingrid Jones on the Arts Round UpÂ
The WHAT, WHY & WHERE of the
arts scene in around Cape Town
see the 2023 art craft + museums map
and listen in to theÂ
Arts Round Up Fridays @17:30
on Fine Music Radio FMR 101.3fm
The FMR App makes it even easier to tune into the Arts Round Up on Fridays! i-Phone HERE | Android HERE
Another reason Cape Town is placed 3rd in Time Out’s World’s Best Cities for Culture!
