During the creation of Bisu Ndoto, Cherimus collaborated with the artistic collective Maasai Mbili (M2), founded in 2001 by Otieno Gomba and Otieno Kota in the Kibera neighborhood, and with
the collective Nyota Arts Group.
Their beautiful project “Superheros of Kibera,” with which children are directly involved in imagining themselves as superheroes to transform their neighborhood, has in fact entered the dream of one of the children that took part in the video clip Bisu Ndoto. Stephan, a.k.a. Mr Impossible, was welcomed into the ranks of the legendary superheroes of Kibera. The video shows us the magic moment of their putting on their costumes, of their transformation into superheroes: sparkling clothes, determined gaze, superpowers ready to explode to fight injustice and to defend the weakest. There are those who, like Squid1, save people during the fires that afflict Kibera; there are also those who, like Wonder Woman, read the truth in the minds of everyone, bringing honesty and peace back to society. The project was created to center the children of the neighborhood, to give space and legitimacy to their voices and power to their imaginations. It represented the precious possibility to be what they want to be, what they dream of, to think big. “We want to show to this kids [sic] that you can be the Batman in your community, you can transform your community,” explains the artist Steve Nyenze of Nyota Arts Group, another collective involved in the project, in an interview. Through drawing, painting, and the many art practices transmitted during the workshops led by the artists of the collective Maasai Mbili and Nyota Arts Group, the children were able to build themselves up as superheroes, not just through a costume, but through trying to make a difference in their lives and those of others.
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Watch the video realized by Aljazeera
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What is Maasai Mbili?
Maasai Mbili (M2) (3) was founded in 2001 by Otieno Gomba and Otieno Kota. The pair began by selling novel hand-painted signs along Kibera drive, before acquiring a permanent site in 2003.(4) This became the M2 Art-centre; serving as a studio cum gallery and a juncture for many creatives and artists in the area. The M2 Art-centre was a pioneering visual art space in Kibera; initiating opportunities for participation, collaboration, teaching and socialisation – as well as providing a space to work. Today there are approximately 20 members. (5) Painting is at the heart of M2’s artistic practice – some artists continue sign-writing. However M2 also venture into community outreach projects, conceptual work, fashion, film, mixed media, music, photography and sculpture. The work they create, along with the artists, traverse local, national and global art worlds.(6)
Unsurprisingly, as was the need for such a space, the M2 art-centre attracted many artists – most of whom come from this informal settlement. Consequently, M2 has a continuous and authentic relation with the neighbourhood and its people – remaining the most significant artists’ collective in Kibera (7). Though spend a day at this centre and you will notice another element – its positioning in community life. With doors always open, countless members of the public drop by M2 daily – some discuss problems and seek advice, others socialise, and for some a moments respite is treasured. All however experience the art of M2, in some form or other, and it is evident that this art-centre is a valued cultural space in the community.
However the art-centre is only one story, or perhaps better phrased one location, of this collective. A short walk from their art space you come across their “second studio” – a local bar selling the illicit home-brewed spirit Changaa. It is here where some artists come for “art supplies” (Changaa) which helps to “kufungua Kichwa” (open the head). While there may be a link between artistic inspiration, heightened creativity, and the use of alcohol, this “second studio” is also a rousing social space – stories are told, opinions shared, quarrels settled (though sometimes made) and concepts conceived. It is easy to see how this space becomes a fitting extension to the M2 art-centre. Though there is an additional space which is central to this story – perhaps a ‘third studio’ – where community life is played. This space is Kibera. There is a certain juxtaposition of beauty and ugliness found here. Nevertheless, however one may characterise Kibera, the home of M2, it is certainly never dull or sterile.
From africanah.org
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SUPERHEROS OF KIBERA
‘Superheroes of Kibera’ is a multidisciplinary art project that works with young people to create their own locally relevant superheroes. The overall aim of the project is to use art as a medium to identify and address issues of public concern, which will heighten awareness or deepen knowledge of social issues, and in doing so create new modes of perception, to tell us who we are, and could be. The project takes place in Kibera, one of Kenya’s largest informal settlements and is coordinated by, and involves artists from, Maasai Mbili and Nyota Arts. This project comes at a time when society is seemingly moving into a culture of pervasive self-interest and self-indulgent passivity, where people regularly tend to be spectators rather than participants, and typically embrace the status quo or easy options rather than attempt to bring about change. Though this is not the characteristic of a superhero. Superheroes are often described as those who pursue justice, defend the defenceless, or help those who cannot help themselves. They show courage, determination, persistence, teamwork, and creativity. They don’t accept defeat. They won’t ever give up. They believe in themselves, and in their cause, and they go all-out to achieve their goals. They don’t do what they do because it’s popular. They do it because it’s right. The image of a superhero, and their moralistic character, regularly present us with something to aspire to in our own lives. But who are the superheroes for young people in Nairobi, and if young people were given an opportunity to create a superhero, then what would it be like? Additionally, what are the challenges, issues, or problems that young people and their communities face which these superheroes will help solve and fight? This project will answer these questions by engaging with young people from Kibera in a series of creative art workshops where they will create superheroes relating to their specific contexts and lives. Their superheroes will be expressed and created through drawings, paintings, costumes, photography and film. Through understanding who, or what, a superhero is; the project will also draw on the heroic acts of those who live and work around us every day. These activities will provide an opportunity for role play, creative expression and experimentation in which young people will not only learn and develop their artistic abilities but also explore notions of right and wrong, civic responsibilities, and – through the concept of a superhero – the kind of person they, and their peers or fellow citizens, can become. As a result this project will shed new light on humankind’s present condition and offer a new sense of direction and resolve as we live our own lives. With the image of the ‘superheroes of Kibera’ in our mind we may find it broadens our mental horizons and supports our moral determination, while also entertaining us.
From the Superheros of Kibera Facebook page