Thomas January

Thomas January has belonged to the Malaba studio which suplied George Lilanga with Lilanga sculptures. He came to Dar es Salaam from Kibiti in 1996 to work with Agustino Malaba in Nyumba ya Sanaa (the Cultural House). Born in 1978 on 30th June he started to carve at home with his Makonde father January Francis (he was born in Mozambique). When there was big demand for the Lilanga art he left the Nyumba and followed his relative Malaba (Malaba is married with Thomas sister) to Mbagala where they started the Malaba studio. He carved the Lilanga sculptures since 2001. Most of his work flowed through Malaba´s hands but later he separated and sold his Lilanga sculpures directly to George Lilanga.  He is not only skilled sculptor but also a creative one. He lives Mbagala and cares for his child Agnes who is 6 years old.