Nothing quite prepares you for the quiet, magnetic force of stepping into Wayi Wayi Art Studio & Gallery in Livingstone, just off the Airport road. Wayi Wayi is not just another art gallery or destination on Livingstone’s to do list; it is a living and breathing hub of Zambian creativity where legacy, family and social consciousness bleed seamlessly onto various mediums.
At the heart of the studio and gallery are Agness and Lawrence Yombe, accomplished visual artist and arts administrators who were gracious enough to give me a guided tour around premises, much to my delight. Stepping into their world and hearing them tell their story made me realise that for the Yombes, art is far more than aesthetic expression, it is an ongoing dialogue about our values, our history, community and the human soul.
The synergy between Agness and Lawrence was quite palpable. Even though both of them are pioneers in their own right, seeing their unique individual styles around the gallery makes you realise that they create a safe environment for each other, and indeed for others, to explore multidimensional narratives about so many themes with the freedom only love can provide. I was even proud to learn that their daughter, Yande Yombwe, has also embraced the family’s artistic roots and has exhibited her own work, making the Yombwe family a remarkable example of how talent, culture and a safe safe to explore creativity can be passed from one generation to another.
Artistic Intent & Style
What sets the Yombes apart for me is their courageous commitment to using art as a vehicle for socio-contemporary commentary. They do not shy away from complex, taboo, or politically sensitive subjects; instead, they lean into them to spark essential conversations.
From my observation, Mr Yombe grounds his work in deeply symbolic forms and elements of philosophy. His pieces often play with balance, solids and voids, drawing from cultural metaphors while some of his sculptures and compositions reflect the structural and spiritual integrity needed in life and relationships.
Ma’am Agness on the other hand, seems to thrive in fluid, experimental and evocative pieces grounded in indigenous knowledge systems. Through mixed media, textiles and woodcuts, her work is quite daring and deeply communicative of her traditional wisdom and beliefs. Using her signature recurring colour palettes of red, white and black, She has mapped out complex human experiences into visual emblems.
Here are some of her notable collections that I had the privilege of experiencing within the gallery’s walls:
The Mbusa Traditions
In her exploration of iMbusa, a traditional Bemba marriage teaching and initiation emblem, Mrs Yombwe transforms ancient wisdom into a visual lessons. Through tactile installations and symbolic forms, she unpacks the foundations of marriage, the reality of the struggles that often hit any lifelong relationship, reframing age-old marital advice into a call for empathy, devotion and mutual respect.
The Parliament
The Parliament art exhibition and book launch drew inspiration from Mbusa symbols and emerged from Agness’s reflections after losing a loved one during the COVID‑19 era. Showcased at Lechwe Gallery in March 2023, the art collection sought to demystify the long‑held belief that this hooting bird is an omen of bad luck. Through the its unique abilities such as turning its head 270 degrees, Agness used the owl as a metaphor for self‑reflection, amongst other key themes.
Art Meets Social Dialogue
The Elephant in the Room series was prominently featured in her solo exhibition Ni Mzilo at the Livingstone National Gallery, as well as in the ‘Building an art bridge between Zambia and Italy’ international cultural exchange event at the National Museum in Lusaka. From environmental degradation like the deforestation of native Mongongo trees around Livingstone to political controversy in land developments like Forest 27, Agness used the exhibition to boldly address conservation, governance, and civic responsibility, proving that true art must sometimes confront uncomfortable truths and be willing to ruffle a few feathers while doing so.
Nurturing the Future
Over the years, Wayi Wayi has grown into one of Zambia’s most respected artistic spaces, here, the creativity of young artists is nurtured and cultural / art knowledge is passed from one generation to the next. I was clear to me that for the Yombwe family, creativity means little if it cannot be shared, they have literally built a dedicated space on the property for this purpose and it has become the very pulse of Wayi Wayi.
Through their weekend youth art classes and mentorship initiatives; Agness, Lawrence, and Yande have worked tirelessly to transform their studio into an incubator for Livingstone’s next generation of creators. Local children and young adults gather in the studio each weekend to experiment with pottery, painting and textile design. These sessions also sensitise them on key social issues that affect their wellbeing, ensuring that Wayi Wayi’s impact extends far beyond artistic skill, it shapes character, confidence, and community.
My short time at Wayi Wayi offered deep insight into the creative process of these artists of note, and it taught me so much about owning my voice and my medium of expression. I left with a renewed faith in the role of art and artists in society because the Yombwe family exemplified how spaces of creation are sacred as they preserve our heritage, challenge our biases, heal our wounds and shape our future.
So, dear reader, when you find yourself in Zambia’s adventure capital, take a moment to cross the threshold at Wayi Wayi and support the studio and gallery. They have different art pieces on display which are on sale, their curios shop also has trinkets and art made by the kids, they have dedicated space for artists looking for short term residency and a studio for those who would like to create.
Wayi Wayi is a place where art lives, breathes and continues to transform all who encounter it.
Adventures with BoBoBongz 
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