Shake Makelele

Age

45.

Your talent?

A painter in using various medias, oil, acrylic and water colours. I paint on paper and on canvas.

Where you're from?

I'm from Taita, a place found at the Taita hills - in Taita Taveta county. It borders the Tsavo National park

How did you get interested in art?

I got interested in art so as to express my views, my creativity and share it with the various people of the world. Also to share my experiences about the social and cultural issues affecting people.

What are you up to now?

As of now I'm preparing for an exhibition to be held at London's OXO gallery in October 2011.

What was your best exhibition and why?

I have exhibited many times, both locally and abroad. Each exhibition provides a unique experience. In Edinburgh we even went up to The Isle Of Skye in Portree. It was amazing. The people in that region are so cultural and they have their own language. I also exhibited in Trieste in Italy. Again, it was a really enjoyable experience, as we met many people with whom we could share experiences - the African and the Italian perspective.

Is there any place in Kenya that inspires you in terms of your art?

The place that inspires me most is Maasai-land, especially the savannah. The Maasai because of their culture, decoration and how they dress. Also northern Kenya, the Turkana etc. I have a great deal of respect for the Maasai tribe, as they have maintained their culture though time, and while they have been influenced by the modern world, they still fight to keep it.

If you could pick your dream wildlife destination in Kenya - where would it be and what would you get up to there?

The place I would like to be is the Maasai Mara. Seeing the animals migrating and crossing the Mara River, and wondering how they know when to start the migration.

What do you love about the Kenyan people?

The Kenyan people are very welcoming.

Who out of your artistic influences would make the best game-viewing partner?

My best game-viewing partners would have to be my children. They will enjoy each and every moment and ask me many questions, although I might not be able to provide answers to them all!

Your best piece of artwork and why?

I love all of the art I have created, but I think it's up to you to choose the one you like the most.

How does it feel to be in Kenya now?

It feels good, as there are a lot of changes taking place in Kenya, especially after the new constitution was put in place. All the people are excited every time a new bill is signed by the president and it becomes a law. Also the building of roads and the various projects being carried out by the government so as to make it a business hub for Africa.

Can you give adventurers the inside track on travel in your home destination - what should they bring with them to Kenya?

They should just come and share their experience with the people they meet here and wherever they go. Any cultural sharing and comparison is a good thing - that way we will be able to make the world a better place for us all. Even though we come from different countries, we live on the same planet and this makes us equal, though maybe due to our financial status we my seem different.

What would be the first words you'd utter to a tourist if you hooked up with them on the street, and where's the first place you'd take them to in downtown Nairobi?

The first word, Jambo! The best place to visit is downtown Nairobi on River Road. This is where one can get things cheap. Also one of the oldest buildings is to be found here and it's a very historic area. If you want to get to know the people of Kenya it's always best to see how there are going on with their daily lives. It's the busiest part of Nairobi for 24hrs, and there is certainly a lot of life in these parts. In fact visiting Kenya is the experience of a lifetime...

"Must have" phrases for adventurers in Kenya?

"Asante" (Thank you)
"Hakuna matata" (No problem)

You can contact Shake Makelele at:
» www.shakemakelele.co.ke
» Join Shake on Facebook