Kenya’s newest art-form is gaining momentum in the most unlikely of places. We know the Railway Museum as the home to some of the country’s oldest railway lines, but in this space where the past lives, a trio of graffiti artists are artistically coloring the trains into the present. They call themselves Bomb Squad Crew (BSQ), comprising of Kaymist4, Thufu-B, and Msale, and they each have a story behind their craft.
Kaymist4 is Kenneth Otieno. His passion for art goes back to his childhood. In an otherwise bleak environment, Kaymist found hope through expressing himself artistically. His art developed his creative self, as well as his strive for forward-thinking. In this way, his graffiti portraits of Africans incorporate futuristic technology.
Thufu-B is Bebeto Ochieng, and to some, Lines Man. His names are indeed artistic, but what stands out about him is his unique use of lines to create stunning designs. His wasn’t love of art at first sketch, but as he grew and explored his ability to trace, sketch and produce fine work, he found his destiny.
Then, there’s Msale. At home, he is Brian Musasia and his, unlike his peers, is a little different. Msale’s mother urged him towards art and encouraged him as he studied fine art and weathered the challenges of the creative world. His focus was on calligraphy and graffiti, and he invented the new style – Grafikali.
While the stories of the boys start at different points, winding and taking different directions, their paths collided in the nurturing hands of Patrick Mukabi. Working under him at his studio, the Dust Depo, allowed them to grow and develop their styles. In an almost humorous way, the three were so close and yet, like paint still on the brush, they hadn’t come together to form the great team they are today. However, destiny was taking course.
A graffiti workshop was to be held at the Kenya National Theatre and Patrick urged his mentees to attend. Not that the three needed much convincing. Some of Kenya’s respected first-generation graffiti artists would be present. Excited to be among creators like themselves, each of the young men grabbed an aerosol can and began to create. A bond formed between them. Realizing that together they could give their city and country art it had never seen before, they came together and created the group now known as BSQ.
As a crew, BSQ has catalyzed the graffiti art scene. Walking in the path of the artists who came before them, they now create the same space for other graffiti artists, showing them you can get paid for the work you do as an unconventional artist and entering into spaces where such art might have been frowned upon. “The Kenyan market is beginning to open up,” said Bebeto, mentioning commissions BSQ has done for high-level companies.
BSQ crew is currently holding an exhibition at their work station at the Railways Museum. The massive turnout of people, as well as the positive feedback received, has been an indicator of hope for street art in Kenya.
BSQ’s message is “Art is the weapon”. They see art as a power for good. It allows people to change because of the powerful messages held within. By using art to change the minds of the society, it is a weapon in the hands of people determined to lay aside falsehood and mediocrity, planting the vision of a different Kenya in the minds of the people who consume their art, one graffiti mural at a time.
