Stephen Nyanhongo was born on the fourth of July 1971 in Nyanga District of Zimbabwe. He is a talented stone sculptor who creates beautiful and unique pieces. And enjoys all forms of art.

Stephen's career in art began in the late 1970s. His father taught him how to craft basic household items from wood and iron, such axes, adzes, wooden plates, mortars and pestles, and oxen yokes using traditional tools. During that time, his uncle Claude Nyanhongo (a first generation sculptor) got him interested in stone carving. Stephen observed him, learned a few basic techniques and became less interested in wood and metal.

The passion to produce his own stone works grew day by day in Stephen’s heart. He improvised tools from metal that he came across, and began to make small ashtrays, fish, birds, bowls, and human heads. Stephen displayed and sold his first pieces at the Nyanga Arts Centre in 1991 and used most of this revenue to further his education.

The serpentine stone and landforms that surround him is the main source of his inspiration. For Stephen sculpting is a process of communication. The stone tells him what to do and how to do it, and he wholeheartedly does exactly what the stone says.

His works speak of human and spiritual guidance and protection, cultural and moral values, love and the mighty works of God.

Stephen completed his tertiary studies at Harare Polytechnic in 1994 and holds an Advanced Diploma in Telecommunication and Electronics Engineering (Micro-Electronics). And he worked as a Computer Hardware Specialist in various organizations.

In 1998 Stephen joined Chitungwiza Arts Centre community on part time basis. He interacted with many artists, buyers and collectors from across the globe. In 2006 Stephen became a full time stone sculptor but stopped in 2008 due to health challenges.

Stephen resumed sculpting in 2016 and re-joined the Nyanga Arts Centre in 2019. He currently works from his rural home in the Nyangani Moutain Range, where the beautifully coloured Nyanga Stone is found. Stephen works on most types of stones, including Fruit Serpentine, Opal, Springstone, Cobalt, Leopard Rock, Lepidolite and Nyanga Serpentine.

Stephen takes a collaborative approach to all aspects of his life. He is committed to continually growing as an artist, refining his skills and producing sculptures that are appealing to art lovers around the world.