Born in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa, Esther Mahlangu was taught the traditional art of Ndebele mural painting by her mother and grandmother as a child. She gained significant international attention in the late 1980s when her work was featured in the 1989 exhibition Magiciens de la Terre in Paris, which served as a major breakthrough for her career on the global stage.

Mahlangu is celebrated for her signature style characterized by vibrant, symmetrical patterns and bold black outlines. While rooted in the cultural heritage of the Ndebele people, she has expanded the medium beyond traditional mud-walled homes, applying her distinct aesthetic to canvas, metal, ceramics, and even automotive surfaces.

Her work continues to be a subject of institutional interest, bridging the gap between traditional craft and contemporary fine art. She remains a prominent figure in South African art, frequently collaborating with international brands and museums to showcase the enduring relevance of Ndebele design traditions.