There are murals which contain art with a message and are part of a project by a group of Kibera based artists that call themselves Made in Kibera (MIK).
For this particular installation, MIK worked in conjunction with Spanish artists.
Phexible, one of the members of MIK, says that the group is engaged in different forms of art like spoken word, poetry, music(rap/singing), comedy, dancing acrobatics and crafts (bead works). He describes the group as a musical project that seeks to promote talent and efforts of young artists from the slum. He says that the group’s aim is to empower artists from all over Kibera.
They also have links to various platforms like talent shows and mentorship programs through which an artist can be connected with other stakeholders in the industry.
The (rising) rap artist, Virusi and celebrated female comedian, Mammitto are among artists who have benefited from this project and are now making it in the tough entertainment industry. And as they count their blessings, Phlexible says that like any other endeavour, they still face challenges with finance being the most difficult.
“Lack of enough funds to stage performances for artists and for sound systems to showcase talents is seriously affecting us,’’ he said.
They are now appealing to other partnerships interested to advance opportunities for artists from slums.