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Meet Bankslave, Kenya’s King Of Graffiti Art | Bankslave

Meet Bankslave, Kenya’s King Of Graffiti Art


Meet Bankslave, Kenya’s King Of Graffiti ArtIMAGES: L-R FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM BANKSLAVE

In an interview with CNN for the African Voices segment, we meet Bankslave, one of the artists to pilot graffiti art in Kenya.

Bankslave Kenyan grafitti artist

IMAGE: FACEBOOK/ BANKSLAVE

Like many artists, Bankslave always knew he had talent when at the age of nine and ten he would scribble on walls and get a proper beating from his mother.

Bankslave Kenyan grafitti artist

IMAGE: FACEBOOK/ BANKSLAVE

He grew up in Kibera slums and when in high school, he picked up the art, inspired by the graffiti on Kenyan matatus.

punisher ngong 2

IMAGE: MATWANA MATATU CULTURE

His work is a showcase of Nairobi characters. Bankslave says:

I want to give the walls a mouth

Bankslave Kenyan grafitti artist

IMAGE: FACEBOOK/ BANKSLAVE

He spots walls and spaces that are legal especially along highways so as to get traction and spread messages to the world through art.

Bankslave Kenyan grafitti artist

IMAGE: FACEBOOK/ BANKSLAVE

He has done many remarkable pieces, from tributes to famous people – both dead and alive, to simple art such as ‘happy birthday’ and even done art through collaborations in Australia, Europe, West and South Africa.

Bankslave Kenyan grafitti artist

IMAGE: FACEBOOK/ BANKSLAVE

One such piece is this Lupita one which he did in 2014 and it’s truly outstanding.

Bankslave Kenyan grafitti artist

IMAGE: FACEBOOK/ BANKSLAVE

For Bankslave, it’s all about turning a blank canvas or wall into a work of art while spreading messages of peace and paying tribute to heroes across the world.

Bankslave Kenyan grafitti artist

IMAGE: FACEBOOK/ BANKSLAVE

Watch his full interview on CNN.


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