The new Kenyan comics anthology launched at the Alliance Francaise, Nairobi on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
There has been a huge growth in comics in Nairobi as more people have gotten into the business in the last few years. The breadth of the scene was shown when the Nyrobi Comic Fest showcased some of the best work coming out of the country earlier in the year.
On the back of that festival, a new project to bring together some of the best comics working today was spearheaded by Reveal Comics’ Msanii Kimani Wa Wanjiru in partnership with Alliance Francaise Nairobi. It started with a callout for work judged by Paul Kelemba Maddo, Daniel Muli, Bella Kilonzo, as well as Joëlle Sword Mandengue the creative director of the publication.
Those who made the cut were workshopped and the best of them had their contributions featured in the Kenyan Comics Anthology. Those who made it to the anthology were Bella Kilonzo, Celeste Wamiru, Charles Chege, Chela Yego, Cherwon Chelagat, Clement Kumalija, Cynthia Jerono, Daniel Muli, Dennis Gitonga, Felistas Thairu, Gichia Mwathi, Gift Kyansimire Oroni, James “Kham” Kamawira, Lydia Mugure Mwangi, Marcelline Akinyi, Mmbasu Mbwabi, Paul Kelemba Maddo, Paula Karanja, Sali Busuru, Sonny Glennson, and Victor Ndula. These comic artists represent the more established and some of the newer names with both men and women avoiding an accusation in Kenya where the craft is seen as a boys’ club.
The new publication launched at the Alliance Francaise on October 30 with speeches by Alliance Francaise officials as well as the coordinator Msanii Kimani Wa Wanjiru, Paul Kelemba Maddo, Daniel Muli, Bella Kilonzo, as well as Joëlle Sword Mandengue. There were also presentations made by Marcelline Akinyi and Gift Kyansimire Oroni.
Here are some images from the event courtesy of Steenie Njoroge.
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