For Kenyan graffiti artist Phunk Bantu, every wall is a canvas for connection. Once a fine artist, he was inspired by Nairobi’s colorful matatu buses, leading him to transition to street art to reach a wider audience. Through his Street Gallery project, Bantu transforms neglected walls across East Africa into vibrant public galleries that spark pride and conversation. For Bantu, success means involving residents in the creative process, which inspires pride and ownership of the work. His murals, rich with African patterns and meaning, challenge perceptions of graffiti as vandalism, instead celebrating it as storytelling in motion. From navigating cultural sensitivities to learning hard lessons about intellectual property, Bantu’s journey is one of resilience and purpose. Although some may disagree with his community-based approach, a pivotal mural at a children’s home—which led to a UN commission—has validated his work.
Okay Africa
