Dozens of arts and design students converged at the University of Nairobi for the first Ibuka event of its magnitude, in what could have very well passed for an art and design awards ceremony.
Students flashed their talent through fine art, drawing, graphic design, fashion design, crafts, illustration and photography.
Ibuka, which is a Swahili word for emerge, is an annual event organized by UoN Art students held at the Arts, Drawing and Design Building. The idea of Ibuka is to have the youth emerge from their comfort zones and discover their talents.
“Ibuka tries to bring together the community of talents and end the stereotypes about Kenya and Africa,” says Simeon Kamunde, the chairman of the organizing committee.
The theme was heavily Kenyan, all emphasizing the need to appreciate and unify the Kenyan spirit in a creative way.
There were eye–catching African pieces of art everywhere at the venue. The set up was well done; stage lights, a live band, a big-screen, laptops, high powered speakers and a remarkable stage. All seats had been taken well before the official starting time.
Of course art of work extended to the attendants with some dawning mo-hawks and even more creative attires.
The event was not exclusive to UoN students alone, with other friends and lovers of art invited.
‘’We want to show our talents to outsiders,” says Patrick, a first year student.
Interestingly, the event was entirely organized by first years, under Monique Abok.
“My work is simply to come up with the lay-out, the deco, and ensure everything is running,” said Monique.
To show the level of organization, they even managed to attract sponsorship from Crown Berger and Brand Kenya, both of which were represented by their officials.
Among the speakers were celebrated photo journalist Boniface Mwangi; the CNN Multichoice journalist of the year in photography, 2010, and the school Director Dr. H. Onyango.
At the end of the ceremony, the best in each category were awarded with cash prizes of Kshs. 4,000 each by Crown Berger, the official sponsors.