Sylvia ChebetMartha Woldu was born "in the middle of nowhere", as she puts it, and grew up in post-war Eritrea, in a house where art was everything.
Her artist parents were active participants in Eritrea's 30-year freedom movement against Ethiopia, exposing their precocious child to a creative energy that can only come from struggle.
Her father, Woldu Afwerki, would later teach at the Eritrean School of Fine Arts and go on to become what his proud daughter acknowledges as "the greatest painter in Eritrean art history".
Her late mother, Tirhas Iyasu, became one of Eritrea's pioneering female artists, excelling in painting, illustration and design.
The Woldus' family home in Sahil was an artistic hub. The country's leading artists were regular visitors, and young Martha absorbed their conversations and techniques from as far back as she can remember.
"My parents told me that I picked up a pencil and began drawing when I was barely three," she recalls.
Decades later, the three-year-old toddler would find herself standing on stage in faraway Beijing, overwhelmed by the joy of hearing her name announced as the winner of the prestigious 2025 Pride of Africa Asia Pacific Award.
"I almost cried, thinking how far I had come," Martha tells TRT Afrika. "From Sahil to here, on the most competitive stage in one of the biggest cities in the world (Beijing), and I am a winner! I just wanted to cry tears of happiness."
Early breakthrough
Martha's journey of creative expression formally began at the Asmara School of Fine Arts, which helped lay a strong technical foundation for her to build on.
In 2004, a group of Chinese art scholars discovered her work at her mother's exhibition. Impressed by what they saw, they offered her a scholarship to study traditional and contemporary Chinese art.
She accepted the opportunity and moved to China, from where she graduated in 2008 before her career took an unexpected detour into aviation.
Martha worked as a flight attendant for some time until motherhood and her artistic calling eventually drew her back.
"After welcoming my baby, I returned to my passion, reigniting my creative journey and opening the Sip & Dip Studio," she tells TRT Afrika.
Creative community
The studio's name reflects what Martha wanted it to be.
"We named our studio after the beautiful traditional coffee ceremonies and the comforting glasses of wine shared during our gatherings. Each session is meant to be a mindful experience, blending art with the warmth of community," she explains.
Martha brings in fellow artists to lead workshops covering painting, sculpture, lipstick creation, soap and candle making, and jewellery. African drummers create a backdrop of percussion sounds that bridge her Eritrean heritage and training in Chinese art.
"A standout feature of our workshop studio is the lotus leaf painting, which allows attendees to use traditional techniques for contemporary art forms. Each session blends creativity with cultural depth, offering a holistic and inspiring artistic journey for everyone," she tells TRT Afrika.
Beyond the studio, Martha organises annual cultural events celebrating her native country. "This event serves as a platform to showcase the beauty and richness of Eritrean culture while also highlighting the potential of our art in the global market. I am excited to share my creations and connect with others who appreciate the value of cultural diversity and artistic expression," she says.
Vindication of purpose
The Pride of Africa Asia Pacific Award recognises outstanding achievements by Africans and their partners across the region, celebrating contributions to cultural exchange, innovation and collaboration. The competition draws participants from Africa, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe.
For Martha, winning meant more than a personal achievement. "I was proud for my father and the rest of the family, my Eritrean community in China, and those around the world," she says. "The celebration was truly remarkable. It was such an honour going on stage with my Eritrean friends, holding my country's flag."
Her formula for success is as straightforward as they come. "Hard work and knowing where I came from were intrinsic to what I achieved. Being recognised for excellence in a foreign country requires overcoming numerous challenges and navigating a new landscape," she tells TRT Afrika.
"The art I create is not just a reflection of my heritage; it mirrors my passion. And competing in a market as dynamic and competitive as China is no easy task."
Martha believes there are facets to her creativity still waiting to be tapped. "This recognition inspires me to expand my creative horizons. I plan to organise more exhibitions that blend my artworks with those from various parts of the continent, especially western Africa, foster cultural exchange and showcase the diversity of African art."
To future generations of artists who find inspiration in her work, Martha has just one piece of advice. "Keep going! Everything around you is useful."
