About Phemelo Dibodu
Phemelo Dibodu, a University of Johannesburg graduate with a diploma in Public Relations, is an interdisciplinary artist, comic book creator, urban poet, published author, and entrepreneur. After his studies in 2014, he worked in sales and marketing across various industries until 2018 when he founded Rainbow Nation Comics, Africa’s first dedicated publisher of original African comic books. Alongside his brother, he created the flagship character Young Nelson, inspired by Nelson Mandela’s life.
Phemelo has exhibited at ComicCon Africa in 2019, 2021, and 2022, with his comics selling out in record time. He has also spoken at Cannex 2021, representing South Africa in discussions on the future of animation in Africa. Collaborating with his brother and others, he contributed to the SuperMash children’s comic book for the Nickelodeon Mandela Day Let Us Read Campaign, promoting literacy among South African youth.
Phemelo conducts creative workshops and motivational talks, urging young South Africans to apply Mandela’s principles to modern challenges. His vision for Rainbow Nation Comics is to compete globally, producing authentic African fantasy and superhero content with socially conscious messages, inspiring pride, and confidence in African identity.
About Omphile Dibodu
Omphile Dibodu, a BCom Honours in Marketing Management graduate from the University of Johannesburg, is the Co-Founder of Rainbow Nation Comics and Co-Creator of the Young Nelson comic book series. He is also a versatile artist spanning performance, visual, and digital mediums.
After completing his studies in 2018, Omphile gained diverse marketing experience with established, startup, and rebranded brands. Teaming up with his older brother, Phemelo, a published author and songwriter, Omphile brought Rainbow Nation Comics to life with the Young Nelson superhero series.
Additionally, he collaborated with young creative Prince Mashawana on the SuperMash children’s comic book, addressing bullying for the Nickelodeon Mandela Day Let Us Read Campaign, promoting youth literacy in South Africa.
About Afro Geek
Established by Tapelo Zama and Neo Mothoagae, Afro Geek is a vibrant community dedicated to celebrating diversity and empowerment in the entertainment industry. We provide a welcoming platform for underrepresented individuals, particularly within the black community, to shine and share their creative talents. We are on a mission to reshape the geek culture landscape. Afro Geek empowers individuals, fosters inclusivity, and champions creativity in all its forms.
About Bill Masuku
Bill Masuku Featured in Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 in 2022, Bill Masuku is an award-winning Zimbabwean comic book artist and writer of such works as Razor Man, Captain South Africa, and Tokoloshe Hunters. Beyond working as an editor for Kenyan comic studio Kugali, Masuku also worked as a storyboard artist for Disney x Kugali’s animated series, Iwaju.
About Trevor Ngwenya
Trevor Ngwenya, known to many of his fans as Kubo Art, grew up in Hammanskraal, Gauteng. As a youngster, Trevor found himself enjoying the pulp fantasy of the 80’s which prompted him to pursue his own Afrocentric take on the genre. His unique quasi-retro African fantasy aesthetic is instantly recognizable, and his artworks have become renowned across the globe. His most well-known character, Shakar, is a fictional character inspired by Shaka Zulu that exists in a fantastical world based on various pre-colonial African civilizations.
