Queen Nandi – The Lioness of Zulu
Powerful women have always inspired and fascinated me, and this year my artistic journey has led me to focus strongly on Africa. By chance, I came across the story of Queen Nandi Bhebhe, the mother of the great Zulu King Shaka.
Queen Nandi – The Mother of the Zulu Nation
Powerful women have always fascinated and inspired me. With this year’s focus on Africa, I came across the extraordinary story of Queen Nandi Bhebhe (c. 1760–1827) — a woman whose strength, resilience, and unconditional love shaped the course of history.
Nandi, known as “The Mother of the Zulu Nation”, was the mother of Shaka Zulu, one of Africa’s most legendary military leaders. But long before Shaka became a king, Nandi was already a queen in spirit. As an unmarried mother in a patriarchal society, she was rejected, humiliated, and forced into exile. Yet she never surrendered. With unbreakable determination, she protected her son, ensured his survival, and gave him the discipline and pride that later built one of the most powerful kingdoms in southern Africa. Her courage was not fought with weapons, but with endurance, dignity, and a mother’s unwavering will.
This painting captures that spirit
Nandi sits regally on a rock at sunset, the African savannah glowing behind her in shades of gold, orange, and desert red. She wears traditional garments in vibrant patterns, layered with ornaments, beads, and fabrics, crowned with a textile headdress and adorned with a glowing ruby at her neck, symbolizing her inner fire and royal strength.
By her side rests a lion — calm, majestic, and wise. It represents courage, guardianship, and the ancient power of Africa. With her left hand, she gently touches its mane, a symbol of harmony between human strength and nature’s power. Her right hand, clenched into a fist upon her knee, radiates determination — a sign of resilience, readiness to fight, and the ability to face life’s challenges head-on. Together, the queen and the lion look into the distance, embodying vision, strength, and hope.
I spent two months bringing this story to life in oil on canvas, working brushstroke by brushstroke to honor Nandi’s enduring spirit. For me, this artwork is more than a painting — it is a tribute to all women who fought silently but powerfully, shaping history while often remaining in the shadows.
“Queen Nandi” invites the viewer not only to witness her story but also to reflect on the timeless influence of women, mothers, and leaders whose strength continues to inspire generations.
Title: Queen Nandi – The Lioness of Zulu
Size: 160 × 195 cm
Medium: Oil on canvas
Year: 2025
Price: on request(incl. custom frame, certificate of authenticity, transport & installation within Switzerland)
For Collectors:
Queen Nandi is available as a unique original artwork, created over two months with oil on canvas. Each detail is painted with reverence to her story and legacy.
It includes:
– A signed Certificate of Authenticity
– A handwritten artist’s note with my reflections on Queen Nandi
– Professional framing (your choice)
– Transport and installation within Switzerland
Exhibition Announcement
I am delighted to announce that my painting “Queen Nandi – The Lioness of Zulu” will be presented this week at the ARTBOX.PROJECT ZÜRICH 7.0, part of the SWISSARTEXPO.
Location: SWISSARTEXPO, Zürich, Switzerland
Dates: 20 – 24 August 2025
Opening Hours:
– Wednesday, 20 August | 18:00 – 22:00
– Thursday, 21 August | 09:00 – 21:00
– Friday, 22 August | 09:00 – 21:00
– Saturday, 23 August | 09:00 – 18:00
(Art Party with ticket only: 18:30 – 23:00)
– Sunday, 24 August | 09:00 – 19:00
This is a wonderful opportunity to see Queen Nandi in person, experience its presence and symbolism, and connect with other art lovers.
The painting will be available for direct purchase at the exhibition – including a certificate of authenticity, professional framing of your choice, and secure delivery and installation within Switzerland.
I warmly invite you to visit, be inspired, and celebrate art together in the heart of Zürich.