Because both Ishmaels parents died when he was young, he did not have many opportunities. He started sculpting because his older brother Solomon was sculptor. At the age of 16 he worked for Ignatius Zuwakiyi and Tanyanyiwa Nyandoro, both young and promising artists. With mentors Sylvester Mubayi en Richard Mupumha, Ishmael developed his skills in a very short time. Now Ishmael is counted among the most promising artists of Zimbabwe.

Expositions:
Work is exhibited in museums and private collections all over the world.

Special mentions:
- One of the 3 finalists at the 3D visual arts category in the 2008 National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) awarded by Zimbabwe's National Arts Council.
- Certificate of Excellence, Kristin Diehl Sculpture Prize, German Embassy, Harare, Zimbabwe (2006).
- 2006 - "Creativity and Originality "Group exhibition, Chitungwiza Arts Centre, Zimbabwe.

He is working at Chitungwiza Arts Centre.