Moshe Ramukhuba, founder of Modified by Moshe, was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. As the youngest of six children, raised by a single mother in a modest home, his story is one of quiet strength, creative exploration, and a deep commitment to self-expression.

Moshe’s mother played a central role in shaping his character and values. A devoted Christian woman and respected leader within her church, she believed deeply in the power of faith, prayer, and purpose. She worked for many years as a domestic worker, providing for her children with dignity and perseverance until her retirement in 2015.

She named him Moshe – the Hebrew name for Moses – because she believed he would one day lead others and create new paths, just as the biblical figure did. Her belief in him laid the foundation for his sense of purpose and resilience.

Creativity showed up early in Moshe’s life. His love for art and self-expression was nurtured through his close friendship with Ben De Wet. Their bond brought out Moshe’s natural curiosity and playfulness, introducing him to new perspectives and possibilities. Through Ben, he became part of a family that would help shape his creative path in unexpected and lasting ways.

Ben’s father, the late Barend De Wet, was a well-known artist and body modification enthusiast.
His fearless approach to art and expression opened Moshe’s eyes to a world beyond the conventional. Barend became a mentor and a father figure, encouraging Moshe to explore his identity and passions through artistic experimentation.

Ben’s mother, Karen Isabella Rolfes, was equally impactful. An advocate for the fine arts and a deeply kind, nurturing presence, Karen took a genuine interest in Moshe’s growth. She
encouraged him to approach his work – and life – with love, intention, and thoughtfulness.
Her influence helped him connect w it h the more emotional and reflective side of creativity, something that still comes through in his work today.

In his final year of high school, Moshe came across the practice of scarification – the intentional cutting of the skin for aesthetic and cultural expression.
Intrigued by its meaning and ritualistic nature, he decided to try it on himself. That first attempt was raw and imperfect, but it sparked something real. It was a moment of self-discover y that led him to explore body modification not just as an art
form, but as a way to connect with people and help them reclaim parts of themselves.

In 2013, Moshe crossed paths with Conrad Francis Feldman, a respected figure in the body modification community. Their connection led to mentorship, and eventually, in 2017, Moshe became an apprentice at Conrad’s studio, Beyond Body Modification.
During his time there, he developed his technical skills, learned the discipline of the craft, and began to understand the deep emotional impact this work can have.

Outside the studio, Moshe is a proud father of two boys – his pride and joy. Being a father has grounded him even further and
given his work a deeper sense of purpose. For Moshe, building a legacy means more than success; it’s about creating something lasting for his children and helping others do the same in their own lives.

“This isn’t just work – it’s an extension of who I am. Every piercing, every piece of art tells a story. I’m honoured to help others tell theirs.” – Moshe Ramukhuba