Art Galore Africa Magazine July 2017 issue

Issue 001

July 2017

ART GALORE AFRICA

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENTÂ MAGAZINE

THE BRAINS BEHIND

ULTIMATE VARSITY AWARDS HIP HOP ARTIST OF THE YEAR(UVA)

Arnold Lanya aka Baricade THE MAGIC OF GRAPHITE .

FOUNDER OF KURGARTS'' GALLERY IN ELDORET .

Taking painting as a profession

MUSIC CHARTS JULY 2017

Edgar Keng'ara

www.artgalore.co.ke

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EDITORIAL

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THE FUSION OF HIP-HOP AND POETRY .

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RECYCLING IS ONE OF HER OBJECTIVES

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IT’S MIDNIGHT WITH A THIRD EYE!

EDITORIAL AFRICA'S ART CULTURE

Africa is rich in art, with her many art galleries across her countries and our music going international the evidence is clear, not to mention the beautiful scenery of mother nature preserved for centuries.

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The purpose of Art Galore Africa magazine is to celebrate African artists and showcase their artwork in a global platform and in turn help grow their talent. I believe through this exposure we can help develop the art culture in Africa and by nurturing these young talents we can help solve the problem of unemployment through transforming their passion and talents into business. By doing so, we aim to contribute to the economic development of Africa.

Welcome to Art Galore Africa first edition!

Enjoy!

Editor-In-Chief

DRAWING

The magic of graphite.

By artgaloreafrica

He is a self-driven and ambitious man who believes in hard work and uses his talents in making the lives of others better.

Meet Edgar Keng’ara!

By artgaloreafrica

He is a self-driven and ambitious man who believes in hard work and uses his talents in making the lives of others better. Meet Edgar Keng’ara!

How can you describe art?

Well, according to me, art is just an imagination created in one’s mind. I see it as an expression of one’s feelings and appreciation towards something. And it results, I’d say happiness, it soothes our hearts.

What type of art do you do?

I mostly do portraits using graphite, though am planning to start painting soon.

How did you start drawing?

Back in high school, I did a portrait of Mary mother of Jesus and to my amusement my classmates really loved it. That’s how I discovered my talent in drawing.

Artwork by Edgar Keng'ara NOMADIC

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DRAWING

What inspires your work and which artist(s) do you look up to?

Ever since I came to learn about my talent, I have developed a passion in drawing. My practice in drawing makes me grow better by day. So each time I see my portraits, they do inspire me to do more drawings and produce even better pictures. And for me to do so, I look up to Dino Tomic who’s my #1 favorite artist. I also get inspired by his work.

Any favorites you got from your portraits?

Well I can’t say that I have a favorite. I love all my drawings.

Word of advice to the youth?

It’s simple, don’t just sit on your talent and expect it to grow. Do something about it, only you got the power to grow it. And remember, talent can take you places.

Artwork by Edgar Keng'ara NOMADIC

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Painting

Artwork by Arap Kurgat

Meet Arap Kurgat, founder of KurgArts' Gallery and Interior in Eldoret town and learn how you can turn your talent into business.

 Arap Kurgat is a self-taught artist, born, raised and based in Eldoret. His love for art goes way back in his high school period. His favorite subject was geography because it had a lot to do with drawing.

Once he cleared high school he aim was to get into art but this didn’t come easy, it

By artgaloreafrica

took him some time as he had to go through some trials and errors before he could get in the game.

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Painting

Artwork by Arap Kurgat

Breakthrough Arap Kurgat was selected as part of the delegation to represent Uasin Gishu County Creative Sector at the national level and help create policies that would govern the creative sector which were actually signed into law by the President. “From there is when I launched KurgArts' Gallery and Interior in Eldoret town,” he says.

Professionally, his journey as an artist started in 2012. “I started off with painting but it was tough staying on the lane,” says the Kenyan artist. He had to break off for a while but later on he managed to fully get into painting as his full time job. His driving force towards art is passion. “I find peace in it, I don't struggle doing it. Art defines who I am, it’s more than just business to me but a lifestyle as well,” he says.

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Painting

Artwork by Arap Kurgat Inspiration “I get my inspiration from the real world, what I see and emotions too. Apart from the customized orders, those factors would determine the art I would make,” says the Eldoret artist. Also as an abstract artist he looks up to Jonas Gerald and a few other Kenyan artists.

Parting shot “Art just like any other job is a job. It is productive and I would ask everyone out there to go pursue what they love.

To the artists, explore your talents, talent pays and I would humbly ask parents to nature their children's talents,” by the abstract artist.

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Spokenword Kiprop Arap has been passionate about music since childhood, but his journey in taking music as a profession started after high school when he joined the 126 music band. “That’s where my foundation lies,” he says. But his stay with 126 did not last as the group later disbanded, thereafter, he started on his solo journey to make a name of himself. “I got to meet more artists and in the process I grew interest in poetry and spoken word. That’s how King was made,” he explains. You can say he’s a jack of many trades, but he got them all in check.

Inspiration “Life is what inspires me,” says the Kenyan rapper.

This comes up from the things he’s been through, the life challenges experienced by his family and friends and generally what he sees going on around him. “I like being real, talking about real issues, real situations in life,” he adds.

The crowd also keeps him in high spirits during his performance. “Seeing the crowd being moved by thoughts that you’ve put in writing and performed for them, I call it the power of words. How they

The fusion of hip-hop and poetry.

anticipate your next sentence really thrills me. It’s like you’re controlling everyone’s mind and

Meet Kiprop Arap Kosgei artistically known as King, he’s a young Kenyan artist doing hip-hop and spoken word..

emotions, they get lost in your world,” says King.

Achievement Being an upcoming artist, Arap Kiprop has had the privilege to perform at the Nairobi KNT and Kakamega talent search. He aims to perform with various hip-hop artists and spoken word artists both

By artgaloreafrica

nationally and internationally Including; Iyk Kitu Sewer the poet, Tear Drops, King Kaka, Vigeti, Mc Mutant and Juliani.

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DRAWING

WHEN ART IS BAE Dennis Ochieng aka Art Dehnow Mgenge started drawing back in primary school, He used to draw chats in class and diagrams for his classmates, remember the crazy science diagrams?? Yeah! He was the right guy for that. Who knew few years down the line he’ll be doing portraits of Kenya’s top celebrities! The growth is vivid, “Back then I used to do art for fun but today, I do art to make a living,” he adds.

“Most of the portraits I have done are of top celebrities in Kenya. They are a good market to have one because they are well known and therefore they help in marketing yourself, am also a big fun of Kenyan music. A good number of them love art too, they even too happy if you can deliver, “says the 21 year old Kenyan artist.

He has done portraits of top musicians and comedians in Kenya, talk of Gabu (Punit), Avril, Sleepy David, YY and many more! He goes by the name Art Dehnow Mgenge, a talented Kenyan portrait artist.

By artgaloreafrica

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DRAWING

TAKE FIVE Dennis Ochieng, age 21, is a portrait artist based in Nairobi Kayole Estate.

He does portraits for Kenya’s top celebrities.

He started drawing back in his primary school.

Pricing is a major challenge in art.

In future, he says he will open an art class to nature talents as there is so much talent out there being wasted since they lack mentoring and exposure.

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WHEN ART IS BAE The grit Time is a crucial commodity for every human and for Dennis Ochieng, it’s what I would term as ‘gold’ as art requires quality time. The time taken on the portraits is dependent on the number of images to be produced and the size of the portraits.

“For an A3 size I take about 8 hours, I draw on ivory board using 5b, 6b and 8b pencils.

For colors I use pelican colored pencils. In pricing; A3 goes for Ksh3000, A2 size Ksh6000 all inclusive of framing, mounting and free delivery within CBD,” he explains.

It’s not as smooth as it may seem for Dennis, just like for other artists out there, there are hurdles in his line of work.

The fact that the art culture in Kenya is still growing is one major factor, “Pricing is another challenge as some clients don’t want to measure up to the quality of the work,” he adds. In his journey as an artist, reaching the level he’s at today, Dennis credits his parents and his fellow artists, the likes of Nelly Mchoraji and Carolly Arts for his success.

SPOKENWORD

THE MASTERMIND BEHIND ULTIMATE VARSITY AWARDS By artgaloreafrica

Who is Willie Oeba?

I'm an urban spoken word poet, emcee and event organizer.

Does art pay?

Art pays, so does patience. Combining talent, consistency and branding definitely brings in the money.

You're a big brand around here, do you have a team that ensures you're on top of things?

Yes I do! You can't make it alone. My mum's prayers keep me going, I also have close friends who keep me in check.

Tell me about the Ultimate Varsity Awards.

UVA is an annual all art inclusive award ceremony that seeks to celebrate and award individuals in various sectors of the entertainment scene within Moi University.

What inspires you?

My past is my greatest inspiration. I work hard to secure a future better than my past. Â Â 12

SPOKENWORD

MAIN CHALLENGE: “WRITER'S BLOCK (THE STATE OF HAVING NOTHING CONSTRUCTIVE TO WRITE WHEN YOU WANT TO). FAKE PROMOTERS ARE ALSO A BIG CHALLENGE!”

The Urban Spokenword poet

How do you manage your time?

I wake up at 4am, do a little research, read a bit and listen to music to kick start my day on a high. Weekdays are for studies and classes while weekends are when my art spirit comes alive.

Advice to upcoming artists?

Practice beats talent. Consistency is key. You know, high heeled shoes will take you up but won't keep you there. Humility will.

Parting shot Be too good to be the best.

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Artwork by Dennis Ochieng

Interior Design

What is art to you?

Art is life, it’s glory, it’s freedom, it’s an escape place, a silent music, it's the stars at night. Art is everything to me.

What form of art do you do and how did you start?

Well am interested in painting and interiors. It’s funny how I started, when I was young probably 10 years old I had a few friends and most of the time I was alone so I found myself painting during those times, that’s how I started.

Why Interior design?

I love doing deco. At home you'll find me always trying to put things in place, it makes me happy.

Instead of throwing things away I would create something beautiful out of it, as they say, old is gold.

And for the love of nature we have to try and practice recycling, this also gives me a chance to put my creative mind in action (chuckles).

So where do you cling more, is it on the painting or interior deco?

Well it’s pretty hard to choose one though am planning to do interior deco professionally.

Recycling is one of her objectives

What inspires your paintings?

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Mostly it's out of pain, art gives me joy. Whenever I

Meet Obara Abisagi, age 22 with a

get emotional all I see is my brush

zest for interior décor and ready to put in some glitter and spark to the Interior Design Market in Kenya.

Which interior designer do you look up to?

Well, I have quite a number, but I’d say Windsor Smith and my cousin who is now doing her masters in interior decor.

Any last words as we wind up, perhaps to the

By artgaloreafrica

young talents out there?

You have one heart, make it happy, follow your passion sometimes it’s the only thing that will save you.

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Photography

IT’S MIDNIGHT WITH A THIRD EYE! HE SAYS HE WAS BORN AT MIDNIGHT, SO HE'S MIDNIGHT!! A 23 YEAR OLD PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT WITH DREAMS TALLER THAN HIS 5'7 PHYSIQUE. LET'S FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS TALENTED KENYAN PHOTOGRAPHER AND A FILM PRODUCER. By artgaloreafrica

Your role models and mentors?

Well, my role model is Simiyu Barasa, he's the director of Kizingo, a film that won several awards in this year's River wood Awards. My mentor is Samora Kibagendi (we are not related), he's my father in film.

I attribute most of my success to him.

What are achievements so far?

There are several, I have my own film company, Midnight film Tales, which I started 2 years ago, we also have several films under our belt.

Am the film director of Eldoret Film Association, I've been an actor in several films such as 'Broken' and 'My Valentine'. To add on, I was voted actor of the year in the Gusii Allstars United Awards and I was nominated in the Ultimate Varsity Awards (UVA) 2017 in the best film producer category.

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Take it over Midnight!

My official names are, Jairus Kibagendi, sometimes these names sound so foreign, effects of being used to my stage name.

What are you all about?

Am a film maker, I write scripts, produce and direct. Am also an actor, photographer and contemporary dancer.

That's an impressive list of achievement!! What are the challenges in your line of work?

We as film makers have a myriad of challenges to overcome, the main one being lack of finances since investors aren't ready to stake their money in film. Lack of enough platforms to showcase our works and skewed distribution channels.

So does this handsome guy has someone special in his life?

Unfortunately not, I guess am waiting for the right time (laughs). . .

Photography

He's up for grab ladies!!! And what are your aspirations?

Have you heard of the critically acclaimed movie KatiKati? I want to make bigger movies than that. I want Hollywood to come looking for me. In a few years I’d like to have a Kalasha, Riverwood and even an Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Award in my awards cabinet.

One ambitious man! I like!

What keeps you focused?

My hunger for success, I want to be a great achiever in films, Kenya films.

Jairus Kibagendi Photo credits:Midnight Film Tales

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How do you unwind?

I read books, I'm currently reading 'The midnight series' by Lana Adrian, am midnight remember (chuckles). I love taking walks, there's something about nature that's gotten me hooked. I swim often too.

He surely does have sense of humor too!! Well, this is one guy to watch out for in the Film production industry, he's just getting started! Any projects you're working on?

I have several, but I won't disclose them just here, but you'll be sure to get them on my social media accounts.

MUSIC

UVA Hip-hop artist of the year

BY ARTGALOREAFRICA Meet the hip-hop artist of the year in the Ultimate Varsity Award (UVA) 17 at Moi University. He drops 'em bars like they hot, he's unstoppable, he's the OG, let's catch a glimpse of his world.

Let’s get to know you!

Am Barricade, official names, Arnold Lanya, a 22 years old hip-hop artist who is also a third year student at Moi University pursuing Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics?

Why music??

I express myself best through hip-hop, it is also well appreciated locally and internationally.

Who's your favorite rapper?

Eminem. He inspires me a great deal. His achievements make me work harder every day. I really look up to him.

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What's your dream stage?

I would like to perform at the sold out concert at Dome in Cape Town. I want to do it better than how Casper Nyovest did some time back.

Any artists in mind that you'd like to work with?

STL and Khaligraph Jones. I'd really love to work with them. Internationally, my dream collaboration would be with Migos and of course Eminem.

Are you dating?

Yes I am! There's this amazing lady who rocks my world.

What challenges do you face?

My main challenge currently is juggling between books, music and some side hustle, finance also is a big challenge.

Are your parents supportive?

They are! Am a lucky chap!

What are your ambitions?

I want to be a millionaire by the time am 25, I also want to make it to the big leagues. I want to be a phenomenon in this industry.

Where can we get your music?

On sound cloud at soundcloud.com/user140450782

Artwork by Arap Kurgat

Music Charts This is the month to boss up, take a chill pill and focus on the things you can get done.One way of taking your mind off things is through music.

Songs are a form of art that are able to reach the core of the heart (and mind) and can turn your life around.

Yield: One 12-inch Pizza

By Antony Mbugua

Prep Time: 2 hr 15 min

African Music Chart Total Time: 2 hr 30 min 1. Davido –If 2. Sarkodie ft Runtown – Painkiller 3. AKA – World is yours 4. Wizkid –Daddy yo 5. Diamond ft Ne-Yo- marry you 6. Lumino- rockonolo rmx 7. Stonebwoy –enku lenku 8. Vanessa Mdee –Njuu 9. Mi Casa ft Yemi Alade- get through this 10. Runtown –mad over you Source: MTV Base African Charts July 2017 Kenyan Music Chart 1. Nyashinski- Malaika 2. Kansoul –Bablas 3. Nyashinski –Aminia 4. Fena – Doing her thing though 5. Octopizzo- TBT 6. Willy Paul ft Alaine- I do 7. Khaligraph Jones ft Rayvanny –Chali wa ghetto 8. Mercy Masika –Shule yako 9. King Kaka ft Pascal Tokodi –Forget 10. Nameless – inspire 20

International Music Chart 1. DJ Khaled, Rihanna, Bryson Tiller –Wild thoughts 2. French Montana ft Swae LeeUnforgettable 3. DJ Khaled, Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the rapper- I’m the one 4. Rita Ora –Your song 5. Jason Derulo- Swalla 6. Camilla Cabello- crying in the club 7. Calvin Harris, Pharell Williams, Katy Perry, Big Sean- Feels 8. Jennifer Hudson- Did you see 9. Disciples- on my mind 10. Drake- signs Source: MTV Urban Top 40